Work

The 20th Sunday after Pentecost

So get to work, and may the Lord be with you. ~ 1 Chronicles 22:16 (CEB)

“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” ~ Luke 5:5 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

The work we do is only fruitful if the Lord himself is behind it.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for work. I admit that sometimes I make a god out of work. I value it too much -- expect too much of it -- and think that I'm in control of it. But I can see that apart from you work is worthless and that with you it is really valuable. Help me to keep things in perspective. It's all about your blessing. Amen.

Hope, faith, and peace

So now, Lord, what should I be waiting for? My hope is set on you. ~ Psalm 39:7 (CEB)

Jesus said to the woman, “You are now well because of your faith. May God give you peace!” ~ Luke 8:48 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus is the source of our hope, faith, and peace.

PRAYER:

Lord, even though life is a struggle you give us a chance to thrive. You offer us the opportunity to act in faith and to be filled with hope and peace. Thank you for your many gifts. Help me to deny the forces of discouragement and to daily receive these gifts that flow from your very being. Amen.

Our calling as human beings

When God created the human race, he made it godlike, with a nature akin to God. He created both male and female and blessed them, the whole human race. ~ Genesis 5:2 (MSG)

Be the best at showing honor to each other. ~ Romans 12:10 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

God made us so that we excel by honoring others above ourselves.

PRAYER:

Creator Lord, thank you for the unique calling that you have given to us as your people. I'm not so good at being the kind of human you have called me to be. I'm self-centered and will do most anything if I think it will make people respect me. But really, they don't so much respect me as they are afraid of me. Help me to realize the difference as I interact with people. Help me to honor others before myself. I want to live up to the humanity to which you have called me -- us. Amen.

Roots

How great are your actions, Lord! How deep are your thoughts! ~ Psalm 92:5 (GNT)

Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful. ~ Colossians 2:7 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

Sink your roots deeply into Christ.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are so deep. And I'm so content in my shallowness. Help me to plant my personal roots deeply into you and your ways. I'm eager to move beyond shallowness. I pray in the deep name of Christ Jesus. Amen.