Trust Jesus

I will be with you to protect you and keep you safe. ~ Jeremiah 15:20b (GNT)

"Don't get all anxious," said Jesus, "just as you trust God, trust me." ~ John 14:1 (ABP)

KEY IDEA:

God is protective so trust him to keep you safe.

PRAYER:

Mighty God, I know that you are totally trustworthy and all-powerful. But I still worry about things. I think it's because I like to think that I'm stronger and more powerful than I am. Help me to admit my weakness, to give up the anxiety, and to trust that you are going to look out for me. You have not let me down. Amen.

Broken people

The 16th Sunday after Pentecost

O God, you welcome broken people -- those who know sorrow at the deepest level. ~ Psalm 51:17b (ABP)

Jesus says: “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting the sin-sick, not the spiritually-fit.” ~ Mark 2:17b (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus is there for those who are truly hurting and broken -- even if their sorrow is a result of their own wrong-doing.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for welcoming broken people. I'm inclined to try and cover-up my brokenness -- to pretend that I'm spiritually healthy and okay. That's not helpful and it won't lead to healing. For you are there for those who need healing. Help me to admit my need so that you can do your doctoring work in my broken life. I'm going to become a whole and healthy person because of your hospitality. Amen.

Chosen to trust

You can bank on this; I, the most powerful God, am in the business of protecting the people who are important to me -- including Israel. Everyone best take note of this. ~ Ezekiel 34:30 (ABP)

Jesus says: You did not choose me. I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit, the kind of fruit that will last. ~ John 15:16a (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God takes care of his people so they can produce fruit.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, for calling me to join you. I know that you have high expectations and that you think I'll be able to have an impact for you and your cause. I'm less confident than you and so I tend to take my mission less seriously than I should. Build my faith and confidence so that I can truly live up to my calling. I'm going to trust you and your understanding of what I can do for you. Amen.

Love

Thus, I am commanding you to give generously to those who are poor -- to your neighbors in need. ~ Deuteronomy 15:11b (ABP)

...you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it. ~ 1 John 3:18b (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Real love is what happens when people take care of those in need.

PRAYER:

Lord, because of your great love you left your heavnly throne above to step into our world. In doing so you addressed the greatest needs we had. You cared for the outcasts and broke the back of death. You freed us from the power and consequences of sin. Thank you. I wish that I cared enough to do that kind of thing. I know that I should follow your example and look out for those who have needs but I have trouble making it happen. Please strengthen your connection with me so that your blood flows through me and I become like you as I am empowered through the new life of Christ. My goal is to show love by caring for others -- using the love you provide. Amen.