Come to Jesus

Come, everyone who is thirsty— here is water! ~ Isaiah 55:1a (GNT)

Jesus and his apostles went down from the mountain and came to some flat, level ground. Many other disciples were there to meet him. Large crowds of people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the coastal cities of Tyre and Sidon were there too. These people had come to listen to Jesus and to be healed of their diseases. All who were troubled by evil spirits were also healed. ~ Luke 6:17-18 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

People in need are invited to come to Jesus.

PRAYER:

Lord, this is really good news! You invite the most needy people to come to you. Unfortunately, even though I have been needy, I am slow to pass along that invitation to others. Give me courage and a genuine smile to speak up. I'm going to pass along your invitation to all who will receive it. Amen.

The Source

Ezra said: You alone are the Lord, Creator of the heavens and all the stars, Creator of the earth and those who live on it, Creator of the ocean and all its creatures. You are the source of life, praised by the stars that fill the heavens. ~ Nehemiah 9:6 (CEV)

For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. ~ Romans 11:36 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord is the source of all life and is worthy of all honor.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are worthy of all glory and gratitude. Nothing comes near matching what you do. Forgive me when I get distracted by all the static caused by the sin in the world and fail to honor you. I'm going to be quick to praise you. Amen.

Nothing hidden

You put our sins right in front of you, set our hidden faults in the light from your face. ~ Psalm 90:8 (CEB)

Whatever is hidden away will be brought out into the open, and whatever is covered up will be found and brought to light. ~ Luke 8:17 (GNT)

KEY IDEA:

Don't count on being able to keep your secrets hidden forever. God will shine his light on everything.

PRAYER:

Lord, there is great shame in my life. I've been able to keep some of it hidden for awhile but I know that you will make all things known in your role as the great judge. The light shining from your face will shine into every hidden corner. Help me to leave all of those unkind thoughts and actions behind. Have mercy on me. I want to live as someone whose life is shaped by your grace. Thank you for your kindness. I'm going to start anew in the power provided by the Holy Spirit. Amen.

You're invited

The Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

You will call out to nations you have never known. And they have never known you, but they will come running because I am the Lord, the holy God of Israel, and I have honored you. ~ Isaiah 55:5 (CEV)

People will come from everywhere -- from the east, the west, the north, and the south. They will all be seated to feast together at the table which is God’s kingdom. ~ Luke 13:29 (ABP)

KEY IDEA:

No matter where you're from or who your people are, you're invited to join the celebration -- which is the Kingdom of God.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for the invite. I plan on being there. But I need help in getting ready. I'm so slow to change -- so slow to embrace your kingdom values. I need more transformation. I'm trusting that you're going to be changing me -- even today as I go about your business. Amen.