Jesus comes to us

You came close when I called out. You said, ‘It’s going to be all right.’ ~ Lamentations 3:57 (MSG)

Jesus saw that his apprentices, who were out in the boat, were really struggling. The heavy wind kept pushing against them, negating all their efforts to row forward. So very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus went out to them, walking on the choppy water. ~ Mark 6:48 (ABP)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus sees when we're in trouble and comes to us.

PRAYER:

Lord, it really is going to be all right. Keep reminding me because when the storm comes and I'm getting battered around I tend to forget that you walk on water. I'm going to trust you even in the worst storm. Amen.

Compassion

Those who pay close attention to the poor are truly happy! The Lord rescues them during troubling times. ~ Psalm 41:1 (CEB)

Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. ~ Galatians 6:2 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Those who act with compassion are in tune with Christ. Those who do not notice the poor are out of tune with Christ.

PRAYER:

Lord, I am so grateful for the way that you have rescued me -- even though I didn't deserve to be rescued. But you are merciful and compassionate. I'm so busy living my life -- the way I want to live it -- that I really don't do a very good job of noticing those who have been nudged to the margins -- those who have been hurt -- those who are poor. Stir again in me the compassion that comes from Christ. If there are things which are blocking me from noticing those in need help me to eliminate the blockages. I'm going to honor Christ -- and live a truly happy life -- by living out his compassion every day. Amen.

Worship for all

THE 11th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Oh yes, my house of worship will be known as a house of prayer for all people. ~ Isaiah 56:7 (MSG)

Jesus: But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.

It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. ~ John 4:23 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

A life lived in pursuit of God's truth is how we approach him in worship.

PRAYER:

Lord, I get so caught up in the little things -- the unimportant matters that seem so important in the moment. I try to seperate out all the people who don't worship right. Help me to embrace all who are pursuing your truth and are empowered by your Spirit -- regardless of labels or worship style. Thank you for accepting me -- even though many would consider my worship to be sub-standard. I'm going to approach others with the same grace with which you approach me. Amen.

In God's hands

Every living creature is in the hands of God. ~ Job 12:10 (CEV)

For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. ~ Romans 14:7-8 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

We belong to the Lord, so live for him.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are the God over everything. There are no other gods or powers. It's you and you alone who holds life in your hands. Yet, I easily forget that and get caught up in trying to fix all of the problems. I act like I'm in charge and in doing so forget that I belong to you. Help me to move away from that approach to life. I'm going to live for you by trusting you more completely. Amen.