Scripture

Luke 18

Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway

Observation

What did Jesus teach about those who think they are better than others? What did He mean when he talked about receiving the kingdom of God like a little child?

Application

Do I look down on others and assume that I am better and more spiritual than they? Do I accept God’s Word with childlike faith, or do I face it with skepticism?

Prayer

Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
Dear Father in Heaven, Help me not to be arrogant or to trust in my own righteousness. May I never look down on others, supposing that I am more valuable to You or somehow more important than they are. Give me the heart of the tax collector, who humbled himself before you and confessed his sin. Remind me that I can trust You to do justice, and help me not to doubt You or to seek vengeance on my own. Grant that I would ever accept and believe Your Word with unquestioning, unwavering, childlike faith. In Christ’s name I pray,  Amen.

Pray to BLESS!
One good way to pray for people is to use the acronym BLESS to pray for God’s blessing on every area of their lives:

• B – BODY (physical health)
• L – Labor (their job or school)
• E – Emotions (emotional health as well as guarding against letting emotions rule)
• S – Social (relationships with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, church, etc)
• S – Spiritual (remaining true to God and growing in Him)

Spend some time praying for the following people and ministries:

• Scott & Kristi Guinn
• Mike & Jamie Haberkorn (Hannah, Sean)
• Patrick Hall
• David & MaryBeth Hollander (Cole, Marcus)
• Bob & Peggy Hoover

Ministry:

• Chrysalis Women’s Transitional Housing

CLF:

• Pray that we would be a church that is dedicated to the breaking of bread, both in the sense of being devoted to observing the Lord’s Supper, and in meeting together for meals to fellowship, to deepen bonds, to heal offenses, and to end disputes.

Community: Pray for Star and Eagle

• That city leaders would submit to God
• That people can find and keep gainful employment
• For sound financial management by city officials
• Salvation for unbelievers
• For the mayor, city council members, and public works officials

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. – Luke 2:11