Prophets

Reformation Sunday

Amos said, "I am a shepherd, and I take care of fig trees. But the Lord told me to leave my herds and preach to the people of Israel." ~ Amos 7:14-15 (CEV)

Those who prophesy speak to people, building them up, and giving them encouragement and comfort. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:3 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord calls prophets to speak for him.

PRAYER:

Lord, I really appreciate the messengers that you have sent to share your word with people. I resist being one of those people. That is a lot of responsibility -- more than I want to carry. But it's not about me. Rather it is about being responsive to your call. Help me, and all men and women who follow you, to respond to the call to share your word within our own contexts. I want to be an encouragement and comfort with a word about Jesus. Amen.

To all nations

Report this with a loud shout, proclaim it; broadcast it out to the end of the earth. Say, “The Lord has redeemed his servant Jacob!” ~ Isaiah 48:20 (CEB)

This gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world as a testimony to all the nations. Then the end will come. ~ Matthew 24:14 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

The good news of Jesus' kingdom needs to be delivered to every place on the planet.

PRAYER:

Lord, you have given us the good news of a new kingdom filled with justice and right living. Thank you for enlisting us to share that news far and wide. Forgive us for not taking that assignment seriously. Give me a vision for the unreached people and places of the planet. Whether you call me to go directly or support those who go I'm going to be a part of your broadcast to the end of the earth. Amen.

Children of light

Let’s walk by the Lord’s light. ~ Isaiah 2:5 (CEB)

All of you are children of light and children of the day. We don’t belong to night or darkness. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:5 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Since we are children of light we need to resist the dark things of life.

PRAYER:

Jesus, you are the light of the world. And through you we have become children of light. Yet we still spend too much time in the dark. At least I know that I do. Help me to grow in my love of your light. As that light becomes more a part of my life I know that the dark things will be forced out. Amen.

Caring for others

This is what the Lord says:

“Be just and fair to all. Do what is right and good, for I am coming soon to rescue you and to display my righteousness among you. ~ Isaiah 56:1 (NLT)

Care about them as much as you care about yourselves... ~ Philippians 2:4 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord expects us to care about others as much as we care about ourselves.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, for caring about me. As far as I can tell I am not worthy of your affection. I care mostly about myself. And even when I'm caring for others I'm thinking about what I can get out of the relationship. That's not healthy or right. Help me to be honest and genuine. Give me a heart for others. Apart from your intervention, I am a lost cause. I can't change on my own. But I know that you are the source of all that is just and right. I'm going to trust you. Amen.