LONGING 24/7

The 5th Sunday after Pentecost

ISAIAH 26:9 (MSG)
Through the night my soul longs for you.
Deep from within me my spirit reaches out to you.

MARK 1:35 (NLT)
Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.

THE ESSENCE
Fellowship with God is a 24/7 activity. 

DAILY FODDER
Does the desire for or presence of God ever impinge on your sleep? 

PRAYER 
Creator and Sustainer, I am thankful for the dawn's embrace, a reminder of your mercies renewed each morning. Forgive my moments of distraction when worldly cares eclipse communion with you like fog veiling the sunrise. Guide me to seek your presence diligently like a traveler tracing the path of the rising sun. May my soul awaken to your light. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT

ISAIAH 49:8 (MSG)
GOD also says:
"When the time’s ripe, I answer you.
When victory’s due, I help you."

2 CORINTHIANS 6:2 (MSG)
God reminds us,
"I heard your call in the nick of time;
The day you needed me, I was there to help."

THE ESSENCE
When the time is right, God's salvation kicks into gear.  

DAILY FODDER
The thing that annoys people about God is that his timetable is different from ours. Although, I’m  pretty sure that no two people could agree on the perfect timetable. So perhaps it is wisests to accept God's. 

PRAYER 
Sovereign God, I'm glad that you're in charge. None of us have the wisdom to get things working together in the right direction. I admit there are times when I get frustrated and try to assert my personal agenda. Show me how to let go of that and to trust you. I'm going to need your wisdom—the wisdom emboddied in Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

ON TRACK

PSALM 119:52 (MSG)
I watch for your ancient landmark words,
and know I’m on the right track.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:1 (MSG)
For instance, we know that when these bodies of ours are taken down like tents and folded away, they will be replaced by resurrection bodies in heaven—God-made, not handmade—and we’ll never have to relocate our “tents” again.

THE ESSENCE
God's ancient instructions reassure us that we're on track to our eternal destination. 

DAILY FODDER
How on track is your life? What needs changing? 

PRAYER 
Gracious God, I'm grateful to be included on your transformation expedition. Forgive me for getting distracted and lost. Set me back on track. I'm counting on what you have revealed in scripture to keep me moving in the heavenly direction. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

DO WHAT I TELL YOU

LEVITICUS 22:31 (MSG)
Do what I tell you; live what I tell you. I am GOD.

JOHN 14:23 (NLT)
Jesus replied, "All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them."

THE ESSENCE
Those who truly love God, allow his message to shape their lives. 

DAILY FODDER
What is the difference between a Jesus-admirer and a Jesus-follower? Which are you? 

PRAYER 
Dear Savior, I’m  thankful for your instruction. You didn't just save us, then abandon us to figure things out on our own. I confess, though, that I often try to live on my own. I'm still not used to being told what to do. Help me to embrace obedience, starting with the small things. I'm counting on the Holy Spirit to enable responsiveness in me. I don't just want to admire you but I want to actually follow you. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.