The nobodies

Bethlehem Ephrath, you are one of the smallest towns in the nation of Judah. But the Lord will choose one of your people to rule the nation— someone whose family goes back to ancient times. ~ Micah 5:2 (CEV)

Isn’t it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these “nobodies” to expose the hollow pretensions of the “somebodies”? ~ 1 Corinthians 1:28 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

God uses the least important nobodies to carry out his plans.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for noticing me. I'm sort of a nobody in this world. I confess that I try too hard to be a somebody -- even though I can see that you are predisposed to work through the nobodies. Please help me to accept who I am and to find my confidence and significance in you. I can't wait to see what adventures you have in store for my life. Amen.

God is getting close

The one who is about to give me justice is getting very close. Who, then, could dare to bring more charges against me? My accusers have suddenly become invisible. So let's take our stand together. Won't you join me? ~ Isaiah 50:8 (ABP)

When Jesus came to that spot, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down at once. I must stay in your home today.” ~ Luke 19:5 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

Through Jesus, God is moving in even closer to us.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for calling my name and inviting yourself to stay with me. I know that I should be inviting you myself but I'm ill-prepared to extend such an invitation. Yet I welcome the closeness that you initiate. Help me to be hospitable to your divine presence -- to know the words to say -- the food to serve -- and the guests to invite. It may be a little awkward at first but I think that this is going to be good. Amen.

Purpose

Still, God, you are our Father. We’re the clay and you’re our potter: All of us are what you made us. ~ Isaiah 64:8 (MSG)

Instead, we are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. ~ Ephesians 2:10 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

God created us so we could share in his good work.

PRAYER:

Thank you, God, for including us. I feel honored even though I too quickly give in to the desire to make everything about my purposes. I even try to recruit you to work for me! Forgive me for being so pathetic and stir within me the sense of divine purpose that will move me forward according to your will. Amen.

God's glory

The 8th Sunday after Pentecost

The Commander of Heaven’s Army is peerless and awesome, peerless and awesome, peerless and awesome. His glory is so extensive that it blankets the entire earth. ~ Isaiah 6:3 (ABP)

Praise be to God! He is the most powerful ruler and he's taken control of his realm. The universal empire belongs to him so let us celebrate his enthronement and gush with the glory he deserves. ~ Revelation 19:6-7 (ABP)

KEY IDEA:

Honor God by pouring on the glory. There is no way that you can over do it for him.

PRAYER:

Almigthy God, you are worthy of all recognition -- all glory and honor. Forgive me for failing to properly acknowledge you. Help me to catch the glory wave that pulsates throughout the entire creation so that I can join in the movement to honor you with my life and my words. Amen.