Ask

Maybe God will work for us. There’s no rule that says God can only deliver by using a big army. No one can stop God from saving when he sets his mind to it. ~ 1 Samuel 14:6 (MSG)

That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. ~ Mark 11:24 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

God is way more powerful and generous than we realize so we should be quick to ask him to help us.

PRAYER:

Powerful and Generous God, thank you for being so kind to me. And I'm sure I don't even realize the half of what you have done for me. So, why am I so slow to turn to you when I have needs? I think it's because I want to make things happen on my own -- so that I can pat myself on the back. Free me up to turn more quickly to you with each little thing that comes along. That's how I'm going to grow to trust you more. Amen.

Commander and Chief

Lord of heavenly forces... You alone are God over all the earth’s kingdoms. You made both heaven and earth. ~ Isaiah 37:16 (CEB)

Then I saw heaven open, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True; it is with justice that he judges and fights his battles. ~ Revelation 19:11 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord God is the only one qualified to be commander and chief over the world and judge over all creation.

PRAYER:

Lord of havenly forces, you alone are God over all the earth's kingdoms. The rulers we have are full of themselves and lack any true sense of justice. But you are driven by what is just and true. I'm so grateful to be able to look to you for leadership. Yet, I still get caught up and frustrated with all the corrupt leaders we have to put up with. I can really lose myself in anger. So please calm me down and help me to focus on trusting in your just judgment. I don't want to worry anymore. I want to live a hopeful life trusting in you the commander and chief over all the world. Amen.

Money

Stir in me an eagerness for your direction that will replace the desire for more money, properties, and stuff. ~ Psalm 119:36 (ABP)

The love of money causes all kinds of trouble. Some people want money so much that they have given up their faith and caused themselves a lot of pain.

Timothy, you belong to God, so keep away from all these evil things. Try your best to please God and to be like him. Be faithful, loving, dependable, and gentle. ~ 1 Timothy 6:10-11 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Love God and his ways rather than wealth.

PRAYER:

Generous God, you are the source of all that is good in life. You have even given me some money to manage on your behalf. Sometimes, though, I get lost in the idea of what money can do for me. I fantasize about being rich. But somehow I never get around to fantasizing about being more faithful to you. God, keep me real and in touch with your priorities for my life. I'm not going to worry about getting rich and I'll pour all that energy into becoming a faithful, loving, dependable, and gentle follower of Jesus. Amen.

Mysterious God

THE 10th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

People of Israel, your God is a mystery, though he alone can save. ~ Isaiah 45:15 (CEV)

No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is truly God and is closest to the Father, has shown us what God is like. ~ John 1:18 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

The paradox is that when Jesus, the one who most clearly shows us what God is like, reveals his salvation, we see that God is even more of a mystery to us.

PRAYER:

God, after all the study and contemplation I feel like I should better understand you. But the better I know you the less I understand you. Help me to embrace the mystery of who you are and how you operate. I'm going to live by faith. Thank you for your mysterious love and grace. Amen.