Praise the Lord

Our Lord and Ruler, your name is wonderful everywhere on earth! ~ Psalm 8:1 (CEV)

Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ... ~ Philippians 2:9-10 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Everyone, everywhere, should honor the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus Christ, you are worthy of all honor and praise -- even though our worship is feeble and wimpy. Impress on me again the magnitude of your glory. I know that eventually, all will recognize you but I want to get a headstart in front of the crowd to bring you the praise you deserve. Amen.

Generosity

Moses had told the people what the Lord wanted them to do, and many of them decided to bring their gifts. ~ Exodus 35:29 (CEV)

Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. ~ Luke 6:38 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

A little generosity stimulates even more generosity in others.

PRAYER:

Lord, you have given us so much -- a Savior who created new lives for us -- more than enough to eat -- places to live -- family and friends... I wish that I was as generous as you. But I don't really think about where all I have comes from. I take things for granted. Please stir within me a generous spirit so that I am looking for ways to give -- and destinations for the gifts. Amen.

God's message

The 13th Sunday after Pentecost

They read from the Book of the Teachings of God and explained what it meant so the people understood what was being read. ~ Nehemiah 8:8 (NCV)

For two years Paul stayed in a rented house and welcomed everyone who came to see him. He bravely preached about God’s kingdom and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ, and no one tried to stop him. ~ Acts 28:30-31 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Teaching God's message to people is so important that it is worth risking one's life to do it.

PRAYER:

Gracious God, thank you for your word. Once I understand it, my own life starts to make more sense. And thank you for those who are called to teach your message. Forgive me for being slow to listen and slow to take up this calling. Please lead me to new opportunities to bravely preach about God's kingdom and the Lord Jesus Christ. I'm going to trust you for that. Amen.

Mercy and forgiveness

Your sins keep my blessings at a distance. ~ Jeremiah 5:25 (MSG)

“Meanwhile the tax man, slumped in the shadows, his face in his hands, not daring to look up, said, ‘God, give mercy. Forgive me, a sinner.’” ~ Luke 18:13 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Ironically, our sin often keeps us from realizing that God wants to bless us with forgiveness.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for your mercy. However, I am often so self-confident that I am unaware of my need for your mercy and forgiveness. I realize that I need to become more like the humbled taxman, aware of his own brokenness and his inability to make things right. I'm going to trust you to straighten out the mess that I've created for myself. I know that I can't do it. But Jesus has already acted on my behalf. Amen.