Comforting

The Master, God, has given me a well-taught tongue, So I know how to encourage tired people. He wakes me up in the morning, Wakes me up, opens my ears to listen as one ready to take orders. ~ Isaiah 50:4 (MSG)

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

The comfort we receive from God should be passed along to others.

PRAYER:

Lord, I am so grateful for meeting me in my times of trouble. The world around me is crazy but you give me comfort and hope. Sometimes, though, I get caught up in the despair and ignore the hope and comfort -- getting all riled up instead. I end up saying harsh and hurtful things rather than offering hope and comfort. Help me to control my anger and to spend my energy comforting rather than always confronting. I'm going to trust you to work out the details so that I feel free to comfort the hurting. In Jesus' name I prayer, Amen.

The God who delievers

Pentecost Sunday

I’m still your God, the God who saved you out of Egypt. I’m the only real God you’ve ever known. I’m the one and only God who delivers. ~ Hosea 13:4 (MSG)

This is how we know we’re living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He’s given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we’ve seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. ~ 1 John 4:13-14 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

God still delivers us.

PRAYER:

Generous God, you have been leading your people from day one. And you have been saving us -- delivering us from evil -- the whole time. Jesus is my Savior so I know that I'm saved, but I'm also stubborn. And I resist being led. Save me from myself. You are the only God I've ever known and through your Holy Spirit I am going to live my life connected to you. Amen.

Listen

The Master, God, has given me a well-taught tongue, So I know how to encourage tired people. He wakes me up in the morning, Wakes me up, opens my ears to listen as one ready to take orders. ~ Isaiah 50:4 (MSG)

One woman, Lydia, was from Thyatira and a dealer in expensive textiles, known to be a God-fearing woman. As she listened with intensity to what was being said, the Master gave her a trusting heart—and she believed! ~ Acts 16:14 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Those eager to listen to God are changed.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you again for talking to us and calling us to become a part of your mission to change the world. I confess that I am not always quick to listen. So I am asking you to give me a more trusting heart. I'm going to listen and believe. Amen.

Seek

In times of trouble I pray to the Lord; all night long I lift my hands in prayer, but I cannot find comfort. ~ Psalm 77:2 (GNT)

May the Lord lead your hearts to express God’s love and Christ’s endurance. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (CEB) 

KEY IDEA:

Seek the Lord and he will lead you.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for your direction. It shows how much you love us. I need to be more consistent in turning to you. I need to be expressing your love without giving up when the hard times come. I'm going to trust you to develop those qualities within me. Amen.