OUR SAFE PLACE

The 25th Sunday after Pentecost

EZEKIEL 34:28 (NLT)
They will live in safety, and no one will frighten them.

MATTHEW 16:18 (GNT)
...not even death will ever be able to overcome it.

THE ESSENCE
God's presence is our forever safe place. 

DAILY FODDER
There is some kind of unconventional power at work when we're in God's presence. Yes, nasty stuff still happens around us — and we definitely feel it — but it's like we're in a divine bubble protecting us from significant harm. 

PRAYER
Lord, you are my stronghold. Protect me from the lies of the evil one that keep me in fear. Guard my heart with your word. In your name, Jesus, I cast out the doubts and thoughts that plague me. I will stand firm on your promises today and pass them on to those friends that need assurance. 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.

PROMISES

1 KINGS 8:57 (CEB)
May the LORD our God be with us, just as he was with our ancestors. May he never leave us or abandon us.

ACTS 13:32-33 (GNT)
And we are here to bring the Good News to you: what God promised our ancestors he would do, he has now done for us, who are their descendants, by raising Jesus to life.

THE ESSENCE
The promises of God are fulfilled in Jesus and his resurrection. 

DAILY FODDER
God keeps his word and Jesus is the proof. So it makes the most sense to embrace him and to align our lives with his agenda.  

PRAYER
Awesome God, even though I'm not Jewish, I'm grateful that all the promises you made to the Hebrew people came to fruition in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It's amazing that the good news applies to all people, regardless of their ethnicity or religious backgrounds. I'm slow to share this good news. Help me to see and seize the opportunites to declare that because of Jesus, death has lost its sting and we have new lives as forgiven people. I want to partner with you and all the saints in sharing this great news. 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.

THE TEMPLE

1 KINGS 8:29 (GNT)
Watch over this Temple day and night, this place where you have chosen to be worshiped.

LUKE 2:49 (CEB)
Jesus replied, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?”

THE ESSENCE
Jesus is the new temple, where God chooses to be honored.  

DAILY FODDER
Buildings devoted to worship aren't bad or inappropriate. But Jesus is the portable presence of God. Even a worship building needs him to be present through his people. His presence overshadows and empowers all structural worship expressions.  

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for setting up portable temples that revolve around your presence in Jesus. Forgive me for reducing worship to a place or building, as benefical as they are. Help me to find my place in Christ the cornerstone so I can worship everywhere. 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.

PREPARING FOR GOD'S PRESENCE

ECCLESIASTES 5:1 (NLT)
As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut.

MATTHEW 5:24 (CEB)
First make things right with your brother or sister and then come back and offer your gift.

THE ESSENCE
Prepare yourself to be in God's presence by making things right with others and by shifting into a listening mode.

DAILY FODDER
Worship in the ancient world was structured differently from what we're used to. But there were still people who used those moments to demonstrate their piety through long elaborate public prayers and by talking about how good they were. Meanwhile, in spite of the pious shows, there were neglected broken relationships. If we want to be around God, whether on Sunday or any of the other six days, we need to allow ourselves to become Christ-like.

PRAYER
Gracious God, thank you for welcoming us into your presence—24/7. I admit that there are things in my life which make being around you uncomfortible. It's all my fault for wanting to impress others, while neglecting the relationships I've damaged. Teach me how to listen rather than talk about myself or show off what I know. Show me the doors that are open for reconciliation with others. I want our time togther to become natural and free of things which make me uncomfortable in your presence. 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.