Mighty Rock

Be my mighty rock, the place where I can always run for protection. Save me by your command! You are my mighty rock and my fortress. ~ Psalm 71:3 (CEV)

After Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. Everyone cried and hugged and kissed him. They were especially sad because Paul had told them, “You will never see me again.”

Then they went with him to the ship. ~ Acts 20:36-38 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus is the high rock of safety to which we should turn when life feels overwhelming.

PRAYER:

Lord, there is so much transition in life. And there is so much opposition. Sometimes it all feels very disorienting. I put on a good face to hide my fear. Help me to turn to you for help rather than trying to weather the storms by myself. You want to protect us -- to save us -- so that we can sail forward -- sailing under the wind provided by your Holy Spirit. You are my solid and mighty rock. Amen.

The unseen word

First this: God created the Heavens and Earth—all you see, all you don’t see. ~ Genesis 1:1 (MSG)

By faith, we see the world called into existence by God’s word, what we see created by what we don’t see. ~ Hebrews 11:3 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

God spoke everything into existence so we should put our trust in him above all else.

PRAYER:

Creator God, you are awesome. I confess that at times I live as though I'm the center of the universe and that everything should be according to my word. Please strengthen my connection with Christ Jesus so that I can start to keep the roles straight. I'm going to pay attention to your word -- your voice -- above all others. Amen.

God's mercy

The 5th Sunday after Pentecost

Sing and shout for joy, people of Israel! Rejoice with all your heart, Jerusalem! The Lord has stopped your punishment... ~ Zephaniah 3:14-15 (GNT)

It was Jesus, a descendant of David, whom God made the Savior of the people of Israel, as he had promised. ~ Acts 13:23 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus saves us from judgment because God is merciful. Rejoice!

PRAYER:

Lord, you have found a way to save us from the punishment we deserve. I'm grateful for your mercy. Help me to share that mercy with others who are unaware and are living in fear of God. I'm going to live as a joyful witness of Jesus -- who is the ultimate carrier of God's mercy. Amen.

Celebrate

This is the day the Lord acted; we will rejoice and celebrate in it! ~ Psalm 118:24 (CEB)

But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began. ~ Luke 15:22-24 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

We celebrate God's kindness.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for acting on our behalf and then throwing a party to celebrate. You are generous. I'm a bit stingy -- slow to get excited about your grace. I hold back. Free me to join the party. I don't want to be like the older brother in the prodigal son story. Amen.