PAY ATTENTION

Listen closely, and take to heart every word I say to you. ~ Ezekiel 3:10 (CEB)

This is why it’s necessary for us to pay more attention to what we have heard, or else we may drift away from it. ~ Hebrews 2:1 (CEB)

SUMMARY SENTENCE
To stay on course in life it is essential that we pay attention to what God is saying.

PRAYER
Again, God, I'm grateful for your direction. I do recognize that I often let your words go in one ear and out the other. My retention level is low. But by your grace, I do want to grow more attentive. Hold my hand -- give me extra prompts -- whatever it takes to keep my attention focused on you and your word is what I want. I'm going to listen. Amen.

YOUR FUTURE

The 18th Sunday after Pentecost

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
     don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
     he’s the one who will keep you on track.
~ Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG)

So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. ~ 1 Peter 1:3 (MSG)

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Actively look to God to open up your future.

PRAYER
Trustworthy God, thank you for your guidance and your concern for the future. I worry too much about what is going to happen. And my worry keeps me from paying attention to your voice. Clear my mind of all the worry and anxiety. Because of what Jesus has done and is doing I'm eager for the future. Amen.

LIGHT

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned. ~ Isaiah 9:2 (CEB)

You are the people that God has chosen -- a nation dedicated to serving him alone, a kingdom of priests representing him, his treasured people. You've been placed in this spot so that you can show God's goodness to others. He's called you away from all that is dark and into all that is light -- his amazing light. ~ 1 Peter 2:9 (ABP)

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God has called us to live in and reveal his light.

PRAYER
Lord, your light truly shines in my darkness, giving me direction, peace, and security. Our world feels like an avalanche of uncertainty and difficulty. I call upon you to help me replace negative thoughts with your sure and certain promises. Bring me into that broader, spiritual place where communion with you both lifts my spirit and touches other lives. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)

HEALING

I know what you are like! But I will heal you, lead you, and give you comfort... ~ Isaiah 57:8 (CEV)

When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” ~ Mark 2:17 (NLT)

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Through Jesus God is offering whole healing to all who acknowledge their need.

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for the healing that comes to us through the life of Christ Jesus. I confess that the more I tune into his life the more I realize how much I obsess on the weakness of others -- regularly missing my own. Please take me as I am and restore health in me so that I can help others find their healer. Amen.