STAYING POWER

JEREMIAH 2:2 (MSG)
GOD’s Message came to me. It went like this:
“...I remember your youthful loyalty,
our love as newlyweds.
You stayed with me through the wilderness years,
stuck with me through all the hard places..."

HEBREWS 3:14 (GNT)
For we are all partners with Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at the beginning.

THE ESSENCE
Staying the course we have with Christ is the measure of genuine faith. 

DAILY FODDER
I find the prophet's message in Jeremiah 2 to be interesting. God says, "I remember your youthful loyalty... You stayed with me through the wilderness years, stuck with me through all the hard places..." But the impression I get from reading Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers,  Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Kings, and Samuel is that the Israelites were anything but loyal. The only loyalty during those early years was from God himself. I'm happy that he chooses to remember as he does. It makes me hopeful. 

PRAYER
Jesus, thank you for inviting me to follow you. On this journey, you continually reveal your abundant love and grace. You open my eyes to the needs of others and encourage me to respond with mercy and compassion. When I fall short, I ask for your forgiveness.  Teach me to partner with others in serving my neighbors. 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.

IN OUR WEAKEST MOMENTS

The 4th Sunday after Pentecost

JONAH 2:2 (ABP)
Jonah said, "In the depths of my despair I called on GOD and amazingly he anwered me."

2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 (TCEB)
Each time the Lord answered, “My kindness is all you need. My power gets more done in weakness.” Since the Messiah’s power is working through me, I’m happy to brag about my weaknesses.

THE ESSENCE
God's grace and kindness becomes most evident in our weakest moments. 

DAILY FODDER
When Jonah was desperate for a rescue it was because he had intentionally defied God and ended up in the belly of a huge fish. With nothing else to do, he called on God. I'm sure Jonah was surprised that God answered him. He probably thought his fishy prison was the problem, but in fact it was God's rescue squad sent to save him even before Jonah called for help. 

PRAYER
Gracious Lord, thank you for hearing our cries for help, even before we can express them. I admit that I'm slow to seek your help because I feel the need to fix everything on my own. Help me to grasp the unique power available only as we admit our weaknesses. You sent Jesus into the world to save us — even before we were born. You're working on our behalf even before we realize our weakness and need. Amazing! 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.

LIPS THAT PRAISE GOD

PSALM 71:23 (TCEB)
These lips are happy lips
As I sing my songs to you.
Every part of me rejoices
As I sing of when you saved me.

LUKE 1:63-64 (TCEB)
   Zechariah asked for a writing tablet. He wrote, “His name is John.” The people thought that was pretty amazing.
   Suddenly, Zechariah was able to talk. And the first thing he did was to praise God.

THE ESSENCE
When we've had a genuine saving encounter with God, it surfaces as praise from our lips. 

DAILY FODDER
What are your speech goals? That is, what would you be the most happy hearing from your own mouth? How do your goals align with what God is doing? 

PRAYER
Jesus, my light and joy, you have gifted me with a voice to praise and proclaim your name. Forgive my silence when I fail to speak of your justice and righteousness. Bless those you have called to share your life-giving word in pulpits, hospitals, neighborhoods, and beside graves. May my lips also boldly proclaim your praise. 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.

FREEDOM

PSALM 31:8 (ABP)
You put me in a safe spot where I can catch my breath and turn off the hyper-vigilance.

GALATIANS 5:1 (MSG)
Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.

THE ESSENCE
Christ has positioned us to live lives free from oppression.

DAILY FODDER
The oppression in Psalm 31 involves unfaithful political forces. The oppression in Galatians 5 involves influencers who are trying to impose their understanding of God's expectations on others. How does Christ free us from these kinds of oppression? How do we claim that freedom?

PRAYER
Liberating Lord Jesus, thank you for the freedom that is mine because of the sacrifice you made on our behalf. Even though I can drift back toward slavery to sin and personal ambition, I claim your freedom for myself. Position me in a spot where I can stand firm under your watchful care. I feel like I can finally breathe. 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.