SOMETIMES GOD SENDS ANGELS

GENESIS 32:1 (GNT)
As Jacob went on his way, some angels met him.

ACTS 27:23-24 (GNT)
For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship came to me and said, ‘Don't be afraid, Paul! You must stand before the Emperor. And God in his goodness to you has spared the lives of all those who are sailing with you.’

THE ESSENCE
Sometimes God sends angels.

DAILY FODDER
Just thinking out loud — could it be that God sometimes sends angels to do his bidding because he knows that we'd be overwhelmed by his direct glorious presence?

PRAYER
Great and glorious God, thank you for intervening in my situation, even if it sometimes involves angels. Forgive me for limiting my perspective to what I in my narrow view can see. I want to trust you when I'm facing "situations." I'm not going to limit my thinking to the conventional. 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.

NO WASTED EFFORT

ISAIAH 49:4 (MSG)
But I said, “I’ve worked for nothing.
I’ve nothing to show for a life of hard work.
Nevertheless, I’ll let God have the last word.
I’ll let him pronounce his verdict.”

LUKE 5:5 (ABP)
Simon replied, “Master, we’ve been busting our butts all night and haven't caught a single fish. But because you say so, I’ll toss the nets again.”

THE ESSENCE
When we’re working in harmony with the Lord, nothing we do is a waste of effort.

DAILY FODDER
If God has called you to do something, even if you’re not seeing any fruit, don't give up until he releases you from the assignment. 

PRAYER
Jesus, like the disciples who you told to cast their nets again after a fruitless night, I come to you, knowing you have power and authority over my life. When my efforts feel in vain and hope fades, help me persevere with unwavering faith. Increase my confidence in your word and steadfastness to follow all your ways. 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.

TROUBLE

The 2nd Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 138:7 (TCEB)
When I come face to face with trouble, you give me the strength I need.

JOHN 16:33 (TCEB)
In this world, there’s trouble. But take courage in this one fact. I have conquered the world.

THE ESSENCE
Because Jesus has asserted his authority over the world system, we don't have to worry that the troubles of the world will defeat us. 

DAILY FODDER
Notice that "troubles" are a given, even for the most committed disciples. But because Jesus has conquered sin and death we don’t need to worry about these things conquering us and sucking the new life of Christ out of us.

PRAYER
Mighty God, nothing and no one can stand up to you. Through Christ, you've already won the decisive battle. Forgive us for allowing the out of control behvior of the defeated forces of the world to rattle us. Grant me an eternal perspective and Spirit-infused courage to stand courageously. I'm confident that because of Jesus none of the troubles I face has the power to take me down. 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.

AS PROMISED

2 SAMUEL 7:25 (MSG)
So now, great GOD, this word that you have spoken to me and my family, guarantee it permanently! Do exactly what you’ve promised!

ACTS 13:23 (CEV)
God promised that someone from David's family would come to save the people of Israel, and this one is Jesus.

THE ESSENCE
Jesus is evidence that we can rely on God to keep his promises.

DAILY FODDER
Yes! God always keeps his promises — but sometimes he does so in unexpected ways. Sometimes, it's because God underpromises so when something greater than expected shows up it can be baffling. At other times we create our own set of expectations aroud the promises and when things don't line up with our expectations we are confused. 

PRAYER
Lord God, thank you for keeping your promise to bring forth through David a Savior —  Jesus, our Lord. Even in my disobedience and unfaithfulness, you remain unwavering in your commitment to me. I trust in your eternal promises, knowing that you keep them forever. Strengthen my faith in your unchanging word. 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.