Eyes Up
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, August 11
Psalm 56
Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much for me to consider myself a victim. Much of life often seems unfair, unrelenting in strife and struggle. There never seems to be a shortage of hardship. Sometimes our victim mentality is real and warranted. Sometimes it is a false narrative that we surrender to. In my own life, I have found the psalms to be so comforting and relatable. Adversaries have never actually pursued me (v. 2a). But betrayal I know. My words have been twisted (v. 5). Tears have fallen and I have been afraid. What a gift to be told that ours is the God who sees, hears, knows, and is victorious. I have learned over the years, instead of asking, “Why me?” when hardship arises to ask, “Where will God remind me of his presence?” (v. 8), “Where will I get to see God victorious?” or, “How might I see that God is for me?” (v. 9).
Lift my eyes, Lord, away from my situation and circumstance. Remind me of your unchanging character and care. You are victorious always. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: ACCESS TO EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN
Remember When
Monday, August 12
Psalm 34:1-8
My husband and I are foodies who love to travel. Often our best memories are a combination of where we have been and what we have eaten. Remembering a cold lemon ice on the hottest day instantly transports us back to a beach town. Recalling the best roadside burger on a long car trip takes us back to reminiscing. Upon a friend’s return from a trip, we unapologetically ask, “What did you eat? What did you see?”
Reminisce for a moment. Can you recall a time when God sustained you? When God provided? When God answered your plea? Are we as quick to recall God’s good works as we are a really good meal or beautiful sight? Our experiences and adventures with God create in us an appetite to seek him again. Similarly, our sharing of his provision, our recounting of his help in trouble, and his comforting presence in our lives encourage others to seek, recognize, and recall for themselves.
Lord, ready me to recall your goodness and give you praise. May those around me hear of you and seek you. Amen.
The New Normal
Tuesday, August 13
Ephesians 4:1-10
Remember the last time you moved or started a new job? How long did it take before you felt like the new became normal? It isn’t instantaneous—it’s gradual. A new norm and a new identity is what Paul reminds his recipients in this passage. They have been called to new faith in Jesus Christ, a new community. The Holy Spirit in gracious gift invited them to believe, and now they are to take up, take on, and take in that new identity. Paul encourages the early church to be a community marked by certain traits, characteristics, and practices that reveal they have received the gift of grace, Jesus Christ. Paul encourages them, as if to say, “This is your new normal. Settle in, make real effort, work hard to address, protect, promote, and pursue, living out these characteristics in unity with one another.”
Humility, gentleness, patience, unity, and love. This new identity is the believer’s norm.
Father God, thank you for life and new identity in you. May humility, gentleness, patience, and love be the rhythm of my days. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: SAFETY IN SCHOOLS AND ON CAMPUSES
Do Building
Wednesday, August 14
Ephesians 4:11-16
When our boys were little, they loved to “do building.” A book or a show would spark their imagination, which often led to a request for old wood scraps. Then some nails. Eventually, a hammer. But when all was said and done, what they had nailed together was precarious at best, unable to hold any weight and in no way, shape, or form useful!
Our passage invites us to remember that we have tools at our disposal—skills gifted and callings given.
Instead of random, independent, childlike woodworking, God’s people are called to build up the body to maturity. The tools and skills, the time, talents, leading, and the coming alongside, all edify and fortify to nourish and strengthen. When hardship comes, the people of God stand firm—built up not in themselves, but in Christ.
Thank you, God, for the gifting to all your church. Help us each hone our gifting for building up your body for your glory. Make us useful, for your name’s sake. Amen.
Different Families, Different Rules
Thursday, August 15
Ephesians 4:17-24
“Different families, different rules” was a phrase we often said to our boys when they were small. What the world does, what others do, what we see all around us—so often we assume we are entitled to the same. We see, we want, we crave, and we seek, but when the object is obtained, we lack satisfaction, so we pursue again. A slippery slope. Eventually chasing another “families’ rules” becomes all-consuming.
Paul reminds the church, “That, however, is not the way of life you learned…you heard about Christ….taught in him” (vv. 20-21, NIV). As the family of Jesus Christ, we put on different behaviors. We pursue different things. From our lips different words should flow. Our pursuits are to reveal different priorities and purposes. We put on the new self, seeking to be satisfied in God. So, we live by different rules.
Lord, reveal to me where I seek and settle for the world to satisfy instead of you. Grow me in my desires and stretch me in my pursuits. Satisfy me in you. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: TEACHERS AND THEIR CLASSES
Appearing Grown or Actually Mature
Friday, August 16
Ephesians 4:25–5:2
I appear to be a grown-up. I maintain a house. I raise kids. I serve in areas of leadership. I make a car payment. I budget. Vacations and “free time” are limited. Work persists. Sounds grown-up to me.
But am I mature? I think I am—until I read Paul’s description of maturity. Then, the answer is, “Well, dang. I am far from mature.” Thanks to Paul, my childlike behaviors, natural tendencies, and shoddy, self-righteous attempts are put on display. I can appear grown-up for a minute, a day, or even years. But am I mature? Is my nature changing over time? Paul is inviting us to grow into maturity. None of the listed items will happen by sheer will or determination. Rather, they are slowly growing in our lives, maturing as we allow the Spirit to work in and through us. I don’t want to settle for appearing grown. I want to be mature.
God in your mercy, reveal where I have settled to be seen as grown but actually need maturing by your Spirit. Amen.
Maturing in Trust
Saturday, August 17
Proverbs 3:5-8
Five years ago we got a puppy. Adorable? Yes. Obedient or compliant? Nope. Each morning, she would look at me, then at our unfenced yard. Each morning, she considered her options: stay close or seek independence.
Most days, independence won out and she’d run. Frolicking free was a good time, but trouble followed. It wasn’t long before I heard God whispering that maybe there was a lesson for me in this daily exercise. Are you going to trust and stay or insist on your own way?
Our pup turns five this year. Wayward wandering has significantly lessened, thanks in part to time and maturity—but mostly due to relationship. She learned to trust me. I offer safety and nourishment. She trusts me to be a place of good. The lesson God had for me was clear. Trust in him, submit to him. This brings life.
Bind my wandering heart, God. Patiently recall me and remind me that in you alone I find true life. In you I can place my trust. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: SCHOOL COUNSELORS AND MENTAL HEALTH STAFF
