Peace-making

Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. ~ Proverbs 16:32 (NLT)

So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up. ~ Romans 14:19 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Everyone is better off when we prioritize peaceful relationships and lifting others up.

PRAYER:

Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace! And even though you are all-powerful you are patiently working out your salvation of peace in the world -- and in my life. Thank you for not squishing me under your powerful thumb. I deserve squishing. I strive for power and I have little patience for those who annoy me. Help me to prioritize peace and the well-being of all people -- including my enemies. I'm going to follow Jesus in his peace-making mission -- starting now. Amen!

Weak

When I was helpless, you saved me... ~ Psalm 116:6b (CEV)

But he replied, “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Christ's power comes to us when we are weak and helpless.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for paying attention to me when I am so needy. I feel like I bother you too much. But apparently, I'm looking at the situation wrong. You aren't looking for the strong and confident. You are looking for weak people who are willing to trust you to make things happen. Help me to turn from trying to look strong and successful. I need you to assist me in acknowledging that I am weak and in need of Christ -- continually. I want to be in a position of "braging" about how Christ meets me in my weakness. It's all about him! Amen.

Divine gentleness

If you oppress poor people, you insult the God who made them; but kindness shown to the poor is an act of worship. ~ Proverbs 14:31 (GNT)

Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon. ~ Philippians 4:5 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

One of the best ways to worship God is to act with gentleness and kindness toward those who are less fortunate.

PRAYER:

Lord, it is so easy to assume that those who are poor are that way because of their mistakes. That affects the way that I relate to them. I'm not as kind or gentle and caring as I should be. Afterall, in my mind, they have somehow earned the trouble they're in. Of course, that attitude does not reflect the kindness that you have extended to me. Help me to tap into your divine gentleness so that I might become an extremely kind and gentle person. I'm going to honor Jesus in this way. His kindness flows through my body. Amen.

The Spirit

PENTECOST SUNDAY

Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. ~ Isaiah 59:1-2a (NLT)

Jesus says: ...I will send the Spirit to you. The Spirit will come and show the people of this world the truth about sin and God’s justice and the judgment. ~ John 16:7b-8 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God will make things right.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for sending your Holy Spirit to infiltrate your church. We desperately need him. I am way too comfortable with the way things are. I get caught up in the business as usual attitude. Help me to break free and recognize what the Spirit is saying. I want to be a part of Jesus' justice movement. Amen.