Belonging to God

The Seventh Sunday of Easter

Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. ~ Psalm 100:3 (NLT)

You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you. ~ John 15:16 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

We belong to God, and he has given us a task.

PRAYER:

Lord, I'm glad to be a part of your family. But everything out there is telling me that I am my own person. Sometimes I begin to believe that too much. Guide my life so that I am producing your kind of fruit. I'm going to be myself except I will find my identity in you. Amen.

Wisdom

The Lord has done many wonderful things! Everyone who is pleased with God’s marvelous deeds will keep them in mind. ~ Psalm 111:2 (CEV)

I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. ~ Ephesians 1:17 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

One of the great things God does is to grant us wisdom and understanding.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for being so generous with wisdom and understanding. I confess, though, that I have so little of it. And I seriously doubt that it is your fault. I want to know you -- really really know you in a way that transforms me into a wise person. Amen.

Renewed mission

Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me. ~ Psalm 71:18 (NLT)

So we aren’t depressed. But even if our bodies are breaking down on the outside, the person that we are on the inside is being renewed every day. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:16 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Even as we age we can expect God to renew us at the core of who we are.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for including me in your mission to renew the world. I confess that I get discouraged. My health is not as good as it was. While I get older and my body deteriorates, encourage me as you renew me. I want to be able to tell everyone who comes after me just how great and powerful you are. Amen!

The Advocate

Ascension Day

For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. ~ Psalm 16:10 (NLT)

Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. ~ Hebrews 7:25 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus continues to serve us because he continues to live.

PRAYER:

Jesus the Christ, thank you for continuing to help us. Because you are alive you continue to advocate on our behalf. You can do what no one else can do. Forgive me for living as though you had failed to rise from the dead - for living as though hope is dead. Fill me with faith for the future. I am going to look to you as the advocate I need to thrive through life. Amen.