Looking for God

The 17th Sunday after Pentecost

Come back, God -- how long do we have to wait? -- and treat your servants with kindness for a change. ~ Psalm 90:13 (MSG)

You are now very sad. But later I will see you, and you will be so happy that no one will be able to change the way you feel. ~ John 16:22 (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

God will not desert you. Let that make you happy.

PRAYER:

God, thank you for staying with us through both the good and bad times. Sometimes it feels like you are distant. But I know that feeling is a trick my mind plays on me when things are not happening exactly as I'd like. Help me to adjust my expectations according to your plans and promises. I want to see you in the midst of each and every situation. That's my goal. That's what will make me happy. Amen.

Messenger and message

From the dazzle of Zion, God blazes into view. Our God makes his entrance, he’s not shy in his coming. Starbursts of fireworks precede him. ~ Psalm 50:2-3 (MSG)

Long ago in many ways and at many times God’s prophets spoke his message to our ancestors. But now at last, God sent his Son to bring his message to us. ~ Hebrews 1:1-2a (CEV)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus is the messenger and message of God.

PRAYER:

God, thank you for sending your Son Jesus into the world to bring your message to us. Except, he is not only the messenger -- he is also the blazing dazzling message itself. It's all about Jesus. However, I'm inclined to make it all about secondary matters. Forgive me for shifting the light from Jesus and his message and onto things that matter less. Help me to stay on story and keep it all about Jesus. I'm looking forward to the fireworks that precede him. Amen.

Justice

Manifest your faithful love in amazing ways because you are the one who saves those who take refuge in you... ~ Psalm 17:7a (CEB)

Won’t God provide justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he be slow to help them? ~ Luke 18:7 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Turn to God to make things right.

PRAYER:

Righteous God, you are passionate about justice. It flows from your love -- your faithfulness... You want to make things right for those who are vulnerable and who call out to you. I confess, though, that I'm one of those people who tries to take justice into his own hands. I want people to think of me as a hero. Help me to point people to you as Savior. For you are the one who sent the Savior into the world. And the more fully we embrace your salvation the more we know of your love, faithfulness, and justice. I'm going to trust you to make things right. Amen.

God on guard

The Lord says: I’m about to send a messenger in front of you to guard you on your way and to bring you to the place that I’ve made ready. ~ Exodus 23:20 (CEB)

God’s looking after me, keeping me safe in the kingdom of heaven. All praise to him, praise forever! Oh, yes! ~ 2 Timothy 4:18 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

God is looking out for you so that you'll reach your chosen destination.

PRAYER:

God, I am so grateful that you are looking out for me. It feels like no one else cares. Of course, no one can care like you. I'm looking forward to life in the fullness of your heaven-defined kingdom. Keep me optimitic and encouraged because sometimes I let the circumstances overwhelm me. I'm going to make it because of you. Amen.