Jesus and non-violence

Abner shouted to Joab, “Must the sword kill forever? Surely you must know this will only end in sadness! ~ 2 Samuel 2:26a (NCV)

“Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword.” ~ Matthew 26:52 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus calls his followers to be non-violent because the only thing that violence leads to is more violence -- and death.

PRAYER:

Lord Prince of Peace, thank you for leading us into a different way of solving problems. However, I admit that even though I don't believe in violent actions sometimes my words are violent. I say things that are as piercing as a sword. Save me from my own impulsiveness and rage. I want to follow Jesus and be all about peace in my thoughts, words, and deeds. Amen.

Call God

I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and he answered me. ~ Jonah 2:2a (NLT)

Jesus said: …"I won’t send away anyone who comes to me." ~ John 6:37b (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Expect the Lord to answer your calls for help.

PRAYER:

Lord,

THANKS: I am thankful that you listen to us and that I can count on you. You even respond to unworthy people -- people who have in the past failed to turn to you for help.

REGRETS: That's me -- sometimes. I try to fix my own problems in my own way. Or I ignore them and pretend that they will go away.

INTERCESSION: Put signs on my path to remind me that you are there and are eager to hear from me.

PURPOSE: I'm going to take full advantage of the way that you welcome people to turn to you.

Amen.

Happiness

Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, happy are the people he has chosen for his own! ~ Psalm 33:12 (GNB)

We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us. ~ Colossians 1:11-12 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

God has wonderful things for us. So it is no surprise that he fills us with joy.

PRAYER:

Lord, there is a kind of happiness in the lives of those who are close to you -- even when things are not going well for them. Thank you for filling us with joy. I don't always act happy -- even though there is joy running below the surface in my life. Show me how to bring my happiness to the surface at appropriate times. Grant me the strength to endure the trouble and stay happy through it. I'm choosing to be happy because God has chosen us to serve him and that is a cause for happiness that overshadows any of the difficulties. Amen.

Mystery and power

The Lord does whatever pleases him throughout all heaven and earth, and on the seas and in their depths. ~ Psalm 135:6 (NLT)

The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” ~ Matthew 8:27 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord is in charge.

PRAYER:

Lord, even after all this time you are still a mystery to me. You obviously have great power but you don't always seem to be using it. Sometimes all those winds and waves turn boats over into the sea. Forgive me for second guessing your actions and pretending to know better than you. Help me to understand that this isn't really about me or what I think should happen. I am going to move forward enjoying the mystery of your mercy and grace. Amen.