Servants

I answered, “We are servants of the God who rules from heaven, and he will make our work succeed. So we will start rebuilding... ~ Nehemiah 2:20 (CEV)

We are God’s servants... ~ 1 Corinthians 3:9a

KEY IDEA:

The reason for any true success we experience is that we are God's servants and he makes it happen for us.

PRAYER:

Lord, I'm grateful that you have given me a mission. I sometimes try to carry it out in my own way and with my own strength. But I know that if I am going to be truly successful -- in a way that matters -- that I will need your power. I am glad to be one of your servants. Amen.

Revelation

Moses said, “Please. Let me see your Glory.” ~ Exodus 33:18 (MSG)

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father; that will be enough for us.”
Jesus replied, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been with you all this time? ~ John 14:8-9a (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

We're so blind that we keep looking for what God has already revealed.

PRAYER:

Lord, it's not a bad thing to want to see more of you, is it? I do want to know you. Help me to accept that it is on your terms and that I'm not the person in charge. Thank you for revealing yourself to us. I'm going to patiently watch, listen, and pay attention. Amen.

Advocates for the mistreated

Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable. ~ Proverbs 31:8 (CEB)

Remember prisoners as if you were in prison with them, and people who are mistreated as if you were in their place. ~ Hebrews 13:3 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

God is calling us to speak up for the people who are mistreated.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, that you care about the vulnerable people. I'm sorry that I don't really notice those people so much. I'm busy with all the things going on in my life. Please show me how to really see and care for those who are mistreated. I want to care as you care. Amen.

Homecoming

The Third Sunday in Advent

I’ll bring home the homeless. In the very countries where they were hated they will be venerated. ~ Zephaniah 3:9b (MSG)

When Jesus arrived and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. ~ Mark 6:34 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

God has compassion on the homeless wanderers.

PRAYER:

Gracious Lord, I, like so many, am prone to wander. I've been among the spiritually homeless -- which is actually harder than being literally homeless. Yet you care about us. I can't understand why. No one else really cares. But you do. I'm so grateful. I'm going to live near you because you take good care of us. Amen.