GOD ALL-WISE

ISAIAH 11:2 (CEV)
The Spirit of the Lord
    will be with him
    to give him understanding,
    wisdom, and insight.
He will be powerful,
    and he will know
    and honor the Lord.

LUKE 20:26 (NTE)
They couldn’t catch Jesus in anything he said in front of the people. They were amazed at his answer, and had nothing more to say.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Relax! Jesus has the wisdom to defeat those who oppose him and his way.

PRAYER
God, you are all-powerful and all-wise. That doesn't stop me from worrying over the problems in my life and in the world. Redirect my gaze so that I can see and trust in your ability to wisely respond to the trouble that is all around us. I'm going to trust you no matter what. Amen.

THE POWERFUL

The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

ISAIAH 25:5 (MSG)
Lord, you shut the mouths of the big-mouthed bullies.

LUKE 1:51-52 (CEV)
The Lord has used
his powerful arm
to scatter those
who are proud.
He drags strong rulers
from their thrones
and puts humble people
in places of power.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God honors the humble while dismissing the arrogant.

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for sending Jesus into the world to serve us as a humble Savior. Forgive me for embracing the world's view that might is right. Help me to realign my life with you and your approach to leadership. I'm going to find a way to serve among the less-powerful. Amen.

GIVING

1 CHRONICLES 29:5 (NLT)
Now then, who will follow my example and give offerings to the LORD today?

2 CORINTHIANS 9:7 (CEB)
Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Giving is a pleasure that you should not deny yourself.

PRAYER
Great Provider, I am grateful for all that you have given to me -- much more than I can calculate. Yet, I'm still a bit tight-fisted -- worried that in the future I'm going to need every penny I have. Free me from my anxieties and reshape my heart so that it overflows with grateful giving. Help me to see today at least one new area where I can give without worry. I'm going to bless because I have been blessed with enough to give. Amen.

WALK AND SHINE

GENESIS 17:1 (CEB)
The LORD said, "I am El Shaddai. Walk with me and be trustworthy."

MATTHEW 5:16 (CEV)
Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Shine! -- so that others turn and honor God with their lives.

PRAYER
Almighty God -- El Shaddai -- you are definitely worthy of all honor and glory. You've called us to impact the world by walking with you. I acknowledge that I don't always walk close by you. I'm prone to wander. I realize that my wandering affects my ability to shine for you. Draw me close to yourself so that your grace and light can flow without interruption through my life -- drawing the world toward you. Amen.