Weak and vulnerable

You’ve made my days so short; my lifetime is like nothing in your eyes. Yes, a human life is nothing but a puff of air! ~ Psalm 39:5 (CEB)

Father, I don’t ask you to take my followers out of the world, but keep them safe from the evil one. ~ John 17:15 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

We need to trust God because we are by nature weak and vulnerable.

PRAYER:

Strong God, it is embarrassing to admit it but I am weak and vulnerable. Fortunately, you take our weaknesses and vulnerabilities and use them to build us up -- if we are willing to acknowledge our need. Help me to accept my need for a Savior. I mean, I've said that I need Jesus to save me but to actually admit that moment by moment is a challenge for me. Rescue me from the kind of thinking which refuses to admit weakness. That kind of thinking is from the devil himself. And I renounce the devil, all his works, and all his empty show. Amen.

God responds

Who is it that feeds the ravens when they wander about hungry, when their young cry to me for food? ~ Job 38:41 (GNT)

Everyone who calls, "Help, God!" gets help. ~ Romans 10:12 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

You should expect a response from God when you call out to him for help.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for being so responsive to our needs. I don't call quickly enough to you when I need help. That is because I'm embarrassed that I can't always fix things on my own. I need you to fix me so that I'm more willing to trust you with my problems. I do know that you are eager to use my difficult times to strengthen me and to help me trust you for even greater things. I'm going to call you first. Amen.

Obeying

Listen to this: obeying is better than sacrificing... ~ 1 Samuel 15:22 (CEB)

Jesus said, “...blessed are those who hear the teaching of God and obey it.” ~ Luke 11:28 (NCV)

KEY IDEA:

God blesses those who obey his instructions.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for blessing us so much. I know that you are eager to bless obedient people. I want to be more obedient. In my mind that is my intention. But there are so many distractions and I too easily give in to the other voices which want my attention. Help me to focus on your voice and actually doing what you want me to do -- not just intending to do it. I know that I am totally needing your grace to do what you want and what is the best for me. Amen.

Together we praise

The whole choir blesses God. Like a fountain of praise, Israel blesses God. ~ Psalm 68:26 (MSG)

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Romans 15:5-6 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Our goal as believers is to join together to praise God as a harmonious choir.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are worthy of all praise and honor. It's easy for me to say that. But sometimes it's not so easy to be praising you with all those other people around. I don't like the way that do music. Some of it is too old and boring. Some of it is too loud and annoying. They wave their hands and dance around. To my way of thinking this isn't the right way to honor you! But maybe the most important thing is that we work together to worship you. Maybe that's what brings you the most honor. Help me to adjust my worship goals and expectations. WE'RE going to give praise and glory to God. Amen.