Eagle's wings

The Lord says: I brought you here to me, just as a mighty eagle carries its young. ~ Exodus 19:4b (CEV)

With God’s power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen. ~ Ephesians 3:20-21a (NCV)

KEY IDEA:

God is working powerfully among us.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, for carrying me when I was so helpless. I am ashamed that I still get stressed out by all the trouble around me. Help me to look to Christ Jesus who has carried all people to safety. I don't want to resist your firm grasp anymore. I'm going to relax and go along for the ride. Amen.

Big harvest

Now, who is ready to give himself to the service of the Lord today? ~ 1 Chronicles 29:5b (NCV)

Remember this: The person who plants a little will have a small harvest, but the person who plants a lot will have a big harvest. ~ 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NCV)

KEY IDEA:

Greater returns come to those who make greater investments in serving the Lord.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for producing big harvests. I confess, though, that my investment in what you are doing is small -- yet I'm still looking for a big return. Help me to get with your program. I'd like to see a big harvest with lots of people living with Jesus and according to the ways of his kingdom. That is a big goal in my life. Amen.

Departures

The 25th Sunday after Pentecost

I am the Lord your God, the one who brought you out of Egypt where you were slaves. ~ Exodus 20:2a (CEV)

Walking out of the jail, Paul and Silas went straight to Lydia’s house, saw their friends again, encouraged them in the faith, and only then went on their way. ~ Acts 16:40 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

Sometimes the Lord leads his people out of danger.

PRAYER:

Almighty God, sometimes you lead us out of dangerous situations. That should give us confidence in your power and plan when you leave us to struggle in dangerous places. You must have some important reason for allowing us to ride the storms out. I get discouraged when I fail to see your plan while a danger goes on and on. Strengthen my faith so that at some point my faith can encourage the faith of others. Amen.

All people

Thank the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever. ~ Psalm 106:1b (NCV)

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. ~ Titus 2:11 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

God's love is so grand that it includes all people.

PRAYER:

Loving God, you pour out your grace on all people. But not all receive it. Sometimes even I resist your generosity. I still have moments when I want people to think of me as a powerful hero -- totally self-sufficient. Swamp me with your love so that I can get back to revealing YOUR good news for all people, everywhere. Amen.