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.

TRUSTING IN GOD'S GOOD TIMING

PSALM 27:14 (ABP)
Wait for GOD.
Trust him, without angst or fear.
Yes, wait. Trust his good timing.

JOHN 11:21-22 (NLT)
Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.”

THE ESSENCE
Trust in God's good timing. 

DAILY FODDER
What, big or small, in your life is so challenging that you find it difficult to wait for God to work things out? Naming that challenge is a good first step toward trusting him to deal with it.

PRAYER
God of all hope, in moments of uncertainty and grief, help me trust in your perfect timing and power. Strengthen my heart to wait for you with courage, knowing that you are in control. Even when I do not understand, remind me that you work all things for good. May my faith in you remain unwavering. 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

YOUR CONCERNS

DEUTERONOMY 30:9 (MSG)
GOD, your God, will outdo himself in making things go well for you...

1 THESSALONIANS 4:6 (MSG)
Don’t run roughshod over the concerns of your brothers and sisters. Their concerns are God’s concerns, and he will take care of them.

THE ESSENCE
God is concerned over the things that concern his people. 

DAILY FODDER
What is the thing that most concerns you today? How do you think God might address that concern?  

PRAYER
God, I'm grateful that I don't have to carry my concerns alone. You’re aware and engaged even before I know that something is off. Help me to release the concerns into your hands so that I'm not generating unnecessary stress in my life. You really are the source of peace, justice, and healing. 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