GOD'S POWER

1 KINGS 19:5, 8 (ABP)
Elijah stretched out to take a nap under a broom tree and as he slept an angel roused him, telling him to get up and eat. He did as instructed -- ate and drank. And it was the nourishment of that meal that gave him the strength to walk for forty more days -- until he got to Mount Sinai, God's mountain.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:7 (NLT/1996)
This precious treasure -- this light and power that now shine within us -- is held in perishable containers, that is, our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God gives us the strength to do what God asks of us.

PRAYER
Almighty God, thank you for exercising your power on behalf of humanity. I am especially grateful for how you used your power to defeat death, raising us all to new life with Christ Jesus. Forgive me for the moments when I start acting as though I'm generating the energy to tackle the challenges of life. Keep me mindful of how dependent I am on you and your presence in my life. I'm going to celebrate YOUR light and power. Amen.

THE MOMENT

ECCLESIASTES 7:14 (CEV)
When times are good,
     you should be cheerful;
when times are bad,
     think what it means.
God makes them both
     to keep us from knowing
          what will happen next.

ROMANS 8:28 (CEV)
We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose...

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Embrace each moment, considering how God is involved in shaping it toward his glorious goals.

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for each moment. I confess that I struggle to be thankful when things aren't going well. Bless me with the insight I need to recognize your hand at work. Clear the fog from my eyes and the wax from my ears. I want to live each moment aware of your guiding presence. Amen.

FREE

PSALM 146:7 (MSG)
GOD frees prisoners

JOHN 8:36 (MSG)
So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God frees us from our prisons.

PRAYER
God, I'm grateful for the freedom that you have secured through Christ's victory over death. Forgive me for allowing the defeated forces of death to impinge on that freedom. Give me the strength to live as a totally free person. I'm free to serve you. Amen. 

OBEDIENCE

The 20th Sunday after Pentecost

1 SAMUEL 15:22 9 (ABP)
God is uninterested in your mastery of religious practices. He'd rather that you do what he asks you to do.

ROMANS 16:19 (CEB)
The news of your obedience has reached everybody, so I’m happy for you.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We celebrate obedience to Christ.

PRAYER
Thank you, Gracious God, for the forgiveness that is ours when we fail to follow you. I confess that I can take that forgiveness for granted and become lax about following your instructions for my life. Forgive me. And help me to love you and my neighbor whole-heartedly. That's what you want of me -- obedient outwardly focused love. And with your help, that's what I'm going to do. Amen.