Tests and Temptations

The 19th Sunday after Pentecost

As my life was slipping away, I remembered the Lord. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple. ~ Jonah 2:7 (NLT)

When they got there, he told them, “Pray that you won’t be tested.” ~ Luke 22:40 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Prayer is the best response to tests and temptations.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for saving us from trial and temptations. Help me to refrain from panic and discouragement when such times do come my way. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Action!

The word is right here and now -- as near as the tongue in your mouth, as near as the heart in your chest. Just do it! ~ Deuteronomy 30:14 (MSG)

The crowds asked John (the Baptist), “What should we do?”

John told them, “If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn’t have any. If you have food, share it with someone else.” ~ Luke 3:10-11 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God expects us to do something in response to his message to us.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for your good word to us. I confess, though, that I know more in my head than I do with my hands or my mouth. Help me to figure out what I need to be doing. I'm going to trust you to make that really clear and commit myself to actually getting up from my seat to act. Amen.

More than you need

I celebrate and shout because of my Lord God. His saving power and justice are the very clothes I wear. They are more beautiful than the jewelry worn by a bride or a groom. ~ Isaiah 61:10 (CEV)

God will bless you hungry people. You will have plenty to eat! God will bless you people who are crying. You will laugh! ~ Luke 6:21 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

As God's kingdom becomes a reality in our midst you will have more than you need.

PRAYER:

Generous God, thank you for all that you provide. I tend to focus on what I think I lack. But upon reflection, I don't really lack anything I need. I just need to think about everything differently. You are in the business of blessing the needy. I need your help in remembering that -- especially when a crisis hits. I'm going to celebrate your provision. Amen.

Christ is our hope

I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. ~ Jeremiah 29:11 (CEB)

God did this because he wanted you Gentiles to understand his wonderful and glorious mystery. And the mystery is that Christ lives in you, and he is your hope of sharing in God’s glory.

We announce the message about Christ, and we use all our wisdom to warn and teach everyone, so that all of Christ’s followers will grow and become mature. ~ Colossians 1:27-28 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Christ is our hope for the future, so our goal is to grow and mature in him.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, you are the hope of the future -- not just for the world but also for me. I admit that I am inconsistent -- that sometimes I seek additional assurances that everything will be alright. But all the additional assurances seem to unravel as time goes by. You, however, hold steady. Help me to find my hope only in you. I'm going to seek greater depth in my relationship with you because you are the hope for the future. Amen.