UNDESERVED KINDNESS

PSALM 103:15-17 (MSG)
Men and women don’t live very long;
like wildflowers they spring up and blossom,
But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly,
leaving nothing to show they were here.
God’s love, though, is ever and always,
eternally present to all who fear him...

ROMANS 5:2 (NLT)
Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Even though life around us is fleeting, God lavishes undeserved kindness on us.

PRAYER

God thank you for looking on us favorably. There is nothing we can do to earn your attention. Of course, that doesn't stop us from trying to impress you. But all our antics just make us look silly or pathetic. Help me to more fully understand the depths of the undeserved privilege which has been given to us. Because of your grace alone I'm going to step forward into the future. Amen.

REFRESHING

ISAIAH 12:3 (CEB)
You will draw water with joy from the springs of salvation.

MATTHEW 11:28 (MSG)
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Go with Jesus to recover your life.

PRAYER
God, thank you for making all things new through Christ. My life needs a refresh because I've been trying on my own to generate significance. But every time I think I'm getting somewhere, something happens and I experience a setback. So I am again turning anew to you and am looking forward to resting in you and your provision. Amen.

GOD IS HERE

The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

ISAIAH 55:6 (CEV)
Turn to the Lord!
He can still be found.
Call out to God! He is near.

COLOSSIANS 2:9 (CEB)
All the fullness of deity lives in Christ’s body.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God has come close to us through Christ Jesus.

PRAYER
Thank you, Christ Jesus, for coming to us to reveal God in ways never before seen. You are God in the flesh. Forgive me for acting as though you are distant and uninvolved. It is easy to ignore disengaged deities. Open my eyes to your ongoing engagement in history and the wonder of your presence. I'm going to sit up and pay closer attention to what you're doing. Amen.

POWER

MICAH 2:1 (MSG)
Doom to those who plot evil,
who go to bed dreaming up crimes!
As soon as it’s morning,
they’re off, full of energy, doing what they’ve planned.

MATTHEW 20:25-26 (CEB)
But Jesus called them over and said, "You know that those who rule the Gentiles show off their authority over them and their high-ranking officials order them around. But that’s not the way it will be with you. Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God's desire is that we'd use whatever power we have to serve those with less.

PRAYER
Gracious God, you've given us more power and privilege than we're ready to acknowledge. Perhaps we're afraid that you'd expect us to use it all for the good of our neighbors. Jolt us with a fresh dose of reality so that we can better align our lives with Jesus and his kingdom. Afterall he came to show us how to serve. Amen.