Mature!

My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. ~ Proverbs 3:11 (NLT)

Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. ~ 2 Corinthians 13:11b (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

God wants us to grow up and become mature followers of Jesus.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for looking out for me -- even when I need correction. I know that your discipline isn't punitive but restorative. You want to help us mature in our relationship with you. But I confess that I treat your discipline as though you are vindictive and punishing. I squeel like a 6-year-old girl when you get firm with me. Help me to lighten up so that I can receive the encouragement and direction that you graciously provide. I want to become a mature, convinced, and convincing follower of Christ Jesus. Amen.

Healer

THE 6th SUNDAY IN EASTERTIDE

Lord, please make me healthy and strong again. ~ Isaiah 38:16 (CEB)

One of the lepers, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. ~ Luke 17:15 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord is a healer.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for healing me. I enjoy so much good health -- yet there are parts of me -- and things I do -- that are unhealthy. Please continue to heal my life and give me a new enthusiasm for your doctoring. I'm going to live healthier today than yesterday. Amen.

Seek righteousness

It’s God’s business to decide what to do with each of us in regard to what’s right and who’s loyal. ~ 1 Samuel 26:23 (MSG)

Happy are people who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, because they will be fed until they are full. ~ Matthew 5:6 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

People who long for the things God considers to be right will be fully satisfied.

PRAYER:

Lord God, you are truly righteous. Thank you for sending your right and just Son Christ Jesus to not only show us what righteousness and justice mean to you but also to implement it through his death and resurrection. Save me from advancing my own versions of righteousness that are all about keeping rules and laws. Help me to see that hungering and thirsting for righteousness means hungering and thirsting for Jesus -- immersing ourselves in his life and his mission. That's how I'm going to pursue righteousness and justice. Amen.

Merciful

God is kind and full of mercy; he is patient and keeps his promise; he is always ready to forgive and not punish. ~ Joel 2:13 (GNT)

Be merciful just as your Father is merciful. ~ Luke 6:36 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

When dealing with God and his agenda, "merciful" is the operative word.

PRAYER:

Kind and merciful God, thank you for sending your Son into the world to secure forgiveness and new life for us. I embrace your gift. But I'm inconsistent when it comes to extending mercy to others. It feels so good to be on the side of impersonal justice -- to make sure that people get what they deserve. Help me to more fully appreciate the depths of your mercy and what it means to be merciful. I'm going to become merciful as you are merciful. Amen.