Stray sheep

I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak. But I will destroy those who are fat and powerful. I will feed them, yes—feed them justice! ~ Ezekiel 34:16 (NLT)

Jesus said: If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? ~ Matthew 18:12 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

God seeks us out when we have strayed away.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for being the good shepherd who seeks out wandering sheep. Often I don't even realize that I've wandered an unsafe distance from the flock; yet you lovingly come after me to lead me home. Help me to more fully appreciate your love and care - - how good I have it when I am near to you. I want to stick close to you. Amen.

Hospitality

Any immigrant who lives with you must be treated as if they were one of your citizens. ~ Leviticus 19:34

John wrote: Dear friend, you have always been faithful in helping other followers of the Lord, even the ones you didn’t know before. They have told the church about your love. They say you were good enough to welcome them and to send them on their mission in a way that God’s servants deserve. ~ 3 John 5-6 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God is into extreme hospitality.

PRAYER:

God, you have been extremely welcoming of us even though we are unworthy of your attention. You hospitality is totally undeserved. I, on the other hand, have tried to create a system where only those who have proven their worth can receive my approval. Please recalibrate my life so that grace defines what I do and how I think. I am going to welcome strangers into my life -- even those who will not be able to pay me back. Amen.

Overcoming

I am the one who cut a path through the mighty ocean. ~ Isaiah 43:16 (CEV)

Be brave when you face your enemies. Your courage will show them that they are going to be destroyed, and it will show you that you will be saved. God will make all of this happen... ~ Philippians 1:28 (CEV) 

KEY IDEA:

God overcomes the major obstacles.

PRAYER:

Leading God, you have brought your people through far worse than I am facing today. Why, then am I afraid? Train my eyes to not see the rising floodwaters around me, but to see the world through the gracious waters of baptism. Give me courage to love those who seem to be my enemies, turning us into friends. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)

God's gift of a clean slate

I will rescue a few people from Israel and Judah. I will forgive them so completely that their sin and guilt will disappear, never to be found. ~ Jeremiah 50:20 (CEV)

And in addition to everything else, we are happy because God sent our Lord Jesus Christ to make peace with us. ~ Romans 5:11 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Through Christ God gives us a clean slate -- a fresh start -- a restored relationship with him.

PRAYER:

Generous God, thank you for your forgiveness. I appreciate the fresh start that you have given to us. This is important news. Help me to share it. It makes me especially happy when I'm able to introduce God's peace to other people. Amen.