Cleansed for a Purpose
TRINITY SUNDAY, FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SUNDAY, May 26
Isaiah 6:1-8
The Akan people of Ghana have a saying that if you have not been to another farm, you think you are the only farmer. In other words, we cannot be our own standard. From his encounter with the living God, Isaiah, for the first time in his life, saw himself for who he really was—an unworthy sinner. The standard of holiness, righteousness, and justice is not ourselves, our friends, or even pastors, but God. It is when we recognize ourselves for who we truly are that God in his grace and mercy is able to cleanse us and use us for his purposes. Here is the good news: As followers of Jesus, we have been cleansed by his blood to radiate his glory, holiness, joy, peace, hope, grace, kindness, and justice. May people see something radically different about us and give him glory.
Holy and gracious God, we thank you for the gift of life. We acknowledge that we have not always been faithful in our calling. Help us to lean more fully into being your ambassadors in a broken world in need of a savior. AMEN.
PRAYER FOCUS: STUDENTS BEING CONFIRMED
Standard Bearers
MONDAY, May 27
John 3:1-15
“Born again.” When is the last time you heard that phrase? Once popular, it is now a phrase that has fallen out of use in our culture. So much has changed, but the veracity and the import of Jesus’s words are as relevant today as when Nicodemus first heard them. Verse 14 reminds those born again to lift him up by our actions for all to see so that others might have a chance to be born again.
Wherever you find yourself today, may you be cognizant of this enormous privilege and responsibility to lift Jesus up so that the lost too might find their way home.
Gracious and merciful God, thank you for the gift of life in Christ. Help us by your Spirit to lift you up so that others might see you and be drawn to you. Amen.
What Would You Do for Love?
TUESDAY, May 28
John 3:16-17
Love acts. It is more than a feeing—true love leads to action. When I was a little boy, I loved going to the movies, so I saved all my money for that purpose. Love often demands sacrifice and motivates us. The Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:14 that the love of God compels us.
In our text today, John reminds us that God loves the world (people, the planet, and everything in it) so much that he gave his Son for it. How are we, individually and corporately, demonstrating our love for this world that God loves so much? How is that love motivating us in our daily activities?
Lord, give us a renewed appreciation of how much you love us so that we in turn will be moved to love the world as you do. AMEN.
PRAYER FOCUS: STUDENTS WHO ARE GRADUATING
Trust and Obey
WEDNESDAY, May 29
John 4:46-54
We are reminded in Hebrews 11:6 that it is impossible to please God without faith. In today’s passage, we learn that obedience and trust are key expressions of faith. The model of healing known to the people required the physical presence of the healer. Jesus does something unusual here—he demonstrates that his presence is not necessary for healing to occur! By faith expressed through obedience and trust, we, too, can receive answers to our prayers!
Whatever your concerns today, may you take a moment as an act of faith and commit them to him. He invites us to cast our cares upon him, for he cares.
Almighty God, our Father, your people bless your name and acknowledge that with you absolutely nothing is impossible. Hear our cry today and honor our faith. Amen.
A Different Kind of Love
THURSDAY, May 30
Romans 5:6-11
We are hardwired, it seems, to fight, flee, or freeze in the face of danger. This translates into self-protection. The idea of caring about, much less loving, our enemies, those who seek to do us harm or are indifferent to our welfare, is counterintuitive. Yet that is precisely what God did and continues to do for us. While we were still his enemies, he reached out to us, forgave us, and embraced us.
Jesus reminds us to do the same: Love everyone, even those who wish us ill. To whom outside your circle could you extend God’s love today?
Lord, may you fill our hearts with an overwhelming sense of your love for us today. Give us the opportunity and courage to do the same for others. AMEN.
PRAYER FOCUS: COMPASSION IN HOW WE TREAT OTHERS
Children of the Living God
FRIDAY, May 31
Romans 8:12-17
“The devil is a liar,” is a phrase you often hear in the African American church. The devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy. One area he often attacks is our sense of identity. In times of great identity confusion, we are reminded by our passage today that we are children of God because his Spirit lives within us. All we have to do is listen and follow the lead of his Spirit and act like our Father through the Spirit. As you reflect upon this Scripture, ask the Lord to fill you afresh and make you more sensitive to his Spirit.
Gracious Father, we thank you for giving us your Spirit. We confess that we often grieve you by our actions and inactions. Forgive us of our sins and pour your Spirit afresh upon us. Help us to live by your Spirit as we seek to share your great love in this broken world. Amen!
All In
SATURDAY, June 1
Philippians 3:4b-14
I grew up in a culture where we bargained for everything. I can tell you that no bargainer worthy of their salt will spend more for something than it is worth. What you might not realize is that we are all bargainers. The choices we make are value-laden. How will I spend my evening—reading or watching TV? How will I spend my resources? The Apostle Paul was so convinced of the unmatched value of knowing Christ, very much like the merchant in the parable of the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-46), that giving up everything in his previous life felt like a bargain. Unlike Lot’s wife (Genesis 19:16), he never looked back.
The missionary Jim Elliot once wrote, “He is no fool to give up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” As we wrap up this week, let’s end with this question: In light of the precious gift of salvation that we have received from God, what are you willing to give up for the kingdom?
Lord, be glorified through our sacrifice. AMEN.
PRAYER FOCUS: PEOPLE WHO ARE SEEKING
