GOD'S GENEROSITY

PSALM 86:16 (CEV)
I serve you, Lord,
     and I am the child
     of one of your servants.
Look on me with kindness.
Make me strong and save me.

PHILIPPIANS 4:19 (MSG)
You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Assume the generosity of God as you move forward with life.

PRAYER
You, O God, are merciful and gracious. Relying on you gives us great hope. In spite of this confession, however, we are not content with what we have. It is never enough. We want more. Give us today the spiritual maturity to live well, whatever our means. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)

LEADERSHIP

ISAIAH 65:1 (CEB)
I was ready to respond to those who didn’t ask.

ROMANS 3:28 (MSG)
Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Focus on staying in step with God and he'll guide your way.

PRAYER
Gracious Father, thank you for your leadership. I confess that at times I get so caught up in the crisis of the moment that I forget about following your leadership and I try to blaze my own trail. Refocus my attention on your mace so that I can keep in step with your band. I'm going to look to you and let you lead. Amen.

GREATER GRACE

The 23rd Sunday after Pentecost

GENESIS 39:9 (CEV)
I won’t sin against God by doing such a terrible thing as this.

2 TIMOTHY 2:1 (CEB)
So, my child, draw your strength from the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Draw your strength from the grace that comes to you in Christ Jesus to overcome the challenges that come your way.

PRAYER
God, the temptations are overwhelming but our grace is greater than whatever is being thrown at us. Forgive me for acting like it's all too much and that despair is the only answer. Renew my strength as you draw me closer to yourself through Christ. By your grace, I'm going to come out on top. Amen.

KEEP THE FAITH

JONAH 2:7 (MSG)
When my life was slipping away,
I remembered GOD,
And my prayer got through to you,
made it all the way to your Holy Temple.

HEBREWS 6:12 (MSG)
Be like those who stay the course with committed faith and then get everything promised to them.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Keep the faith and when you need it most God will give you his ear.

PRAYER
Lord, my God, just as you rescued Jonah from the pits of despair, in my darkest times you have rescued me. But it is here in the darkness that you taught me how to pray. Thank you for bringing my life back from the pit so that today I might be there for others in their darkness. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)