RETURN

The Second Sunday after Pentecost

ISAIAH 31:6 (NLT)
Though you are such wicked rebels, my people, come and return to the Lord.

1 TIMOTHY 1:15 (CEB)
This saying is reliable and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”...

SUMMARY SENTENCE
If Christ welcomes even the most detestable sinner who turns to him, how much more so those of us caught up in routine sins.

DAILY FODDER
Why are people reluctant to turn from their sinful ways and to Christ? How about you? Practically speaking, what can or can't be done about this problem?

PRAYER
Thank you, dear Savior, for embracing all who return to you. I've spent a good deal of my life avoiding you — except when it is convenient or there is some immediate short-term benefit to acting Christian. Please show me what in my life needs to be relaseed so that our relationship can fully solidify. And gently lead me through the ongoing process of turning to you. I want to be with you. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

BLESSED ARE THE POOPED

JEREMIAH 31:25 (CEB)
I will strengthen the weary and renew those who are weak.

MATTHEW 5:3 (MSG)
You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We're most likely to encounter the generosity of God when we're at our wits end. 

DAILY FODDER
Why do you think God's blessings seem to show up more when we're worn out and don't know what to do? 

PRAYER
Amighty God, thank you for showing your love to us even when we're incapable of returning the affection, because of our weariness and brokeness. Forgive me for thinking that I've got to suck it up and give you something in order to deserve your attention. Help me to humbly receive what you've got lined up for me. I'm going to accept your blessings without argument or excuse — just a big thank you. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

GOD IS SELF-RESTRAINED

DEUTERONOMY 23:5 (ABP)
When Balaam tried to curse you, GOD twisted the curse into a blessing. That’s how much GOD loves you!

2 PETER 3:15 (MSG)
Interpret our Master’s patient restraint for what it is: salvation.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Our patient God is a lot more retrained than people. 

DAILY FODDER
How does the way people treat you or the way you want to treat people shape the way you understand God? 

PRAYER
God, others freely curse all who upset them. But you, in your love, are the opposite. You seem to take pride in self-restraint. I'm too much like everyone else — eager to put people in their place, even if it's painful for them. Give me a heart of compassion, empathy, and patience. I want my approach to difficult people to be the same as your approach. I'm seeing lots of opportunities. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

WHOEVER YOU ARE

RUTH 2:12 (ABP)
Boaz said to Ruth, "I pray that GOD, the deity of Israel — the one to whom you as a refugee have turned for protection — will reward you in a big way for what you've done."

EPHESIANS 2:17 (ABP)
When Christ came preaching his good news of peace and reconiliation, he did so both to you who were outsiders, because you weren't Jewish, and to those of you who were insiders, because you were Jewish.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The incidentals of who you are are relatively unimportant to God, who is welcoming of all who turn to him. 

DAILY FODDER
How do identity issues keep people from completely turning to God? How do we get past those things without disrespecting their place in people's lives?

PRAYER
Welcoming God, thank you for sending your Son into the world to invite us to spend the rest of our lives with you. I admit that it is hard to let go of my way of doing things in order to join you at your table. Help me to embrace a greater identity in you and among your people. I'm looking forward to hanging out together. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.