Scripture:   Luke 11:2-4

Scripture Reading:   “When you pray, say, ‘Father, reveal who you are. Set the world right. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.’”

Thought:   Jesus isn’t interested in us praying formulaic, fancy King James prayers. Rather, He wants us to pray simply and from our hearts about the important “stuff” of life. When we do, we not only make our needs known to God but our lives available to Him as well. We converse about things that matter and so deepen our relationship with Him. If we are patient and persistent in such simple and sincere prayer, Jesus makes an amazing promise. “Ask and you’ll get; Seek and you’ll find; Knock and the door will open.”

Reflection 1:   Do you pray simply, sincerely, persistently, and patiently?

Reflection 2:   What door are you knocking on right now?

Prayer:   “Father, reveal who you are. . . .”

Contributor:   Andrew McQuitty

Scripture:   John 4:28-29

Scripture Reading:   “Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?’”

Thought:   As Christians, one of our greatest privileges and responsibilities is to extend Jesus’ invitation to everyone around us: “If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water’” (John 7.37). The beautiful thing is, God doesn’t ask us to do this by preaching at people, but simply by sharing our own story of faith.

Reflection 1:   What is your story of God’s faithfulness?

Reflection 2:   Will you ask God to let you share that story with someone soon?

Prayer:   “Lord Jesus, thank you for being my Messiah.”

Contributor:   Andrew McQuitty

Scripture:   2 Corinthians 7:1

Scripture Reading:   “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

Thought:   Our ultimate purpose in life is to know and experience our Creator’s power and love both in time and eternity. But we can only do that as we become like His Son, Jesus. That’s because as important as our “doing” is to God, so is our “being.” God cares not just about what we do, but also about who we are becoming. We trust Jesus for our salvation, we become like Him by conforming our hearts and ways to His, and we serve Him by building His kingdom.

Reflection 1:   What contaminants do you need purified out of your life?

Reflection 2:   “Holy” just means set-apart for God. Will you ask Him to make you holy?

Prayer:   “Dear Lord, please help me to become more like Jesus.”

Contributor:   Andrew McQuitty

Scripture:   1 Peter 2:9

Scripture Reading:   “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

Thought:   When Texans wear “Keep Austin Weird” T-shirts, it’s a compliment to our state capitol. Austin’s weirdness is actually cool because it demarcates that city as a unique and special place. Peter means the very same thing about Christians when he calls us a “peculiar” people! That word in the original literally means “one’s own property.” So Christians are God’s own special people and as such we bring glory to God by sharing the unique light and love and hope He has poured into our lives.

Reflection 1:   How does your “peculiarity” as a child of God show up?

Reflection 2:   A priest connects people to God. Are you open to being a “royal priest” today?

Prayer:   “Thank you Lord for choosing me!”

Contributor:   Andrew McQuitty