PEACE AND PROSPERITY

The 21st Sunday after Pentecost

HAGGAI 2:9 (GNT)
"...I will give my people prosperity and peace." The LORD Almighty has spoken.

MARK 11:17 (ABP)
Jesus then taught the people, “As God says in Isaiah 56:7, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for the people of all nations.’"

THE ESSENCE
The Temple-presence of God is intended to convey his prosperity and peace to people from ALL nations. 

DAILY FODDER
What does God mean by prosperity. How is that related to peace? The Temple was intended to be a center of God's presence. That's why it functions as a channel for God's peace and prosperity.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, your prophets promised great things, but I continually misinterpret what you mean. You say prosperity and I think of great monetary wealth. Forgive my selfish thinking. Thank you, Jesus, for putting to death my old ways and raising me to a new life of intimacy and communion with you. Today inspire me to walk in resurrected life. 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.

HELPING THOSE IN NEED

JEREMIAH 22:3 (TCEB)
Be fair in the way you settle disagreements. Defend people who have been robbed. Don't harm immigrants, orphans, or widows in any way. And don't kill any innocent people here.

GALATIANS 6:2 (TCEB)
Don’t let folks carry their burden alone. Help each other out. If you do this, you’ll be honoring the Messiah’s law.

THE ESSENCE
The way of Jesus is helping those in need in anyway possible. 

DAILY FODDER
Why is God obsessed with helping people in need?  

PRAYER
I'm grateful, God, that you genuinely care for the vulnerable. Forgive me when I slide back into the world's way of giving my attention to the strongest and best-looking people, hoping that some of their "success" rubs off on me. Reprogram my heart so that as I walk with Jesus I start to see and value the folk he's most concerned about. I'm looking forward to partnering with you to care for those in need. 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.

GOOD FRUIT

PSALM 85:9-10 (TCEB)
For those who respect him,
Rescue is almost here.
Our nation is getting its honor back.
Loving kindness and truth will shake hands.
Goodness and peace will politely kiss.

EPHESIANS 5:9 (NLT)
For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

THE ESSENCE
The presence of Christ in our lives produces good fruit.

DAILY FODDER
What kind of fruit does your life produce. How does it reflect the presence of Christ?  

PRAYER
Savior, thank you for releasing me from a life of futile busyness, idle talk, and darkness. On my own, I'm discouraged, but through your eyes I can see the goodness in all you have created. Your love shows me how to move forward in love, righteousness, peace, steadfastness, and faithfulness. Help me to reflect your saving love today. 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.

THE DOOR

LAMENTATIONS 3:25 (TCEB)
The LORD is good to those who trust his timing,
To those who want what he wants.

REVELATION 3:20 (NLT)
Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

THE ESSENCE
Those who welcome Jesus and his agenda will enjoy his company.

DAILY FODDER
Praying to invite Jesus into your life is a good thing. But it's not really what Revelation 3:20 is talking about. Beyond saying a prayer, how exactly does one welcome Jesus into their life? 

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for coming to me. Forgive my slow response to your knocking. Help me to embrace your presence in my life in such a way that your will becomes my will—that your priorities become my priorities—that your agenda becomes my agenda—that your love becomes my love. I'm going to enjoy spending time with you and those you bring alongside 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.