The poor

When you are living in the land the Lord your God is giving you, there might be some poor people living among you. You must not be selfish. You must not refuse to give help to them. ~ Deuteronomy 15:7 (ERV)

If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear. ~ 1 John 3:17 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

God thinks that it is important that we be helping those in need. It is a high priority.

PRAYER:

Lord, 

THANKS: thank you for caring about me. I'm one of those needy people. 

REGRETS: I'm confused about myself, though. How is it that I'm so slow to show the kind of love that I have experienced? 

INTERCESSION: Please give me a heart for the poor -- those who are broken and in need. 

PURPOSE: I want to show the love of Jesus. 

Amen.

Peace and Justice

I will appoint peace and justice as your rulers and leaders. ~ Isaiah 6-:17 (CEV)

But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice. ~ James 3:17-18 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Peace and justice are important components of the Lord's agenda.

PRAYER:

Prince of Peace! Thank you for the justice and peace established through the cross of Christ Jesus. I am so glad to receive the benefits of what you have done. And I want to be a part of what you are continuing to do. I admit, though, that peace and justice are not high priorities in my life. I'm happy to just be "saved." Please expand my vision so that it lines up with your vision for the world and individual people. I want to get behind what you are doing. Amen.

God wins

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. ~ Proverbs 19:21 (NLT)

This is why it’s necessary for us to pay more attention to what we have heard, or else we may drift away from it. ~ Hebrews 2:1 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

God's purpose prevails so it is important to stick close to him.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for planning a great future. I get too distracted by what is happening now. So I need your help to stay close to you. When you see me start to drift please pull me back in close to you. I want to be with you when you cross the finish line as the winner. Amen.

Roots and fruits

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. ~ Isaiah 1:17a (NLT)

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father... then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. ~ Ephesians 3:14, 17 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

God expects us to learn how to treat the disadvantaged well. As Christ is welcomed into our lives he will develop us so we can do that.

PRAYER:

Lord, I am thankful for your ongoing investment in my life. I know what you want me to become and do. I know that you care about the poor and hurting. I confess that I don't care so much for broken people. They make me uncomfortable. So I ask that you would come make yourself at home in my life in order that as my roots sink into your love the fruit of my life would be extreme love and care for the broken. Amen.