Scripture

Luke 17

Click here to read today’s passage on Bible Gateway

Observation

What did Jesus teach about forgiveness? About faith? About His return?

Application

Do I forgive others, or do I hold onto grudges and bitterness? Do I exercise the faith I have, or do I live in fear and doubt? Am I on my guard and ready for Christ’s return, or do I worry more about worldly “security”?

Prayer

Pray today’s Scripture back to God:
Dear God my Father, Help me not to cause offenses. If a brother sins, show me how to rebuke him in a godly way, and if he repents, soften my heart to forgive him, just as You forgave me when I repented and came to Christ. Even if he sins against me seven times in a day, and comes back to me and repents seven times, strengthen me to forgive him. I ask of You the same thing the apostles asked: Lord, increase my faith! Help me to exercise the faith that I have now and trust You to grow it, and keep me ever mindful that when I have done what You have called me to do, it is because of You, not because of me. Remind me to be thankful for all the blessings You bestow. And keep me from chasing after false teachers who proclaim that Your kingdom has already come, for You have said that we will know when it does. So help me to be on guard, alert and watchful. Keep me focused on Your kingdom and the things that are eternal, and not on earthly wealth and security. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. 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:

• David & MaryBeth Hollander (Cole, Marcus, Jack)
• Bob & Peggy Hoover
• Pat & Hannah Kelley
• Darrell & Fralina Leatham

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 business professionals providing goods and services

• God to be glorified by excellent work
• Ministry to occur in the workplace
• Godly employers and employees
• Salvation for unbelievers
• Sound financial strategies
• Strong, God-honoring relationships

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted. – Luke 14:11 (HCSB)