YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM

The 10th Sunday after Pentecost

DEUTERONOMY 18:14 (NLT)
The nations you are about to displace consult sorcerers and fortune-tellers, but the LORD your God forbids you to do such things.

GALATIANS 4:9 (CEB)
But now, after knowing God (or rather, being known by God), how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless world system? Do you want to be slaves to it again?

THE ESSENCE
Don't allow the weak and worthless world system to become your operating system.

DAILY FODDER
The weak and worthless world system looks different in different contexts. What is common is that it projects itself as a true, more effective alternative to God's way of doing things. Just as you have to be cautious about downloading programs or apps on your computer, so you need to run a "virus check" on operating "upgrades" in life that are too convenient or too good to be true.

PRAYER
My imagination knows no bounds, Lord. Whether thanking my lucky stars or listening to the Internet, I am easily distracted. Social media, like the soothsayers of old, makes me anxious. Artificial intelligence, like ancient diviners, makes me lazy. Help me to use the brain you gave me to think. Let me use the heart you created in me to love. 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.

CRAVINGS

DEUTERONOMY 5:21 (TCEB)
Don’t crave what belongs to someone else. Not your neighbor’s house, wife, worker, cow, donkey, or anything else.

GALATIANS 5:16-17 (NLT)
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.

THE ESSENCE
Let the Holy Spirit define your cravings, and then you won't have to worry about the cravings of the old sinful nature.

DAILY FODDER
Basically, if we focus on allowing the Holy Spirit to thrive in our lives, we won't be so consumed with sin management. As he thrives in us, he replaces the cravings for unhealthy things with cravings for healthy, godly things. That's how he operates.

PRAYER
Holy Spirit, I know that you're operating in my life. That's how I found Christ. Forgive me for getting stuck at the beginning and failing to mature. Show me how to nurture your presence and to become consumed with that which consumes you. I want to follow your lead so that I'm not so worried about beating back my sinful desires. I'm looking toward your active grace, alive in my life. 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.

TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS

JEREMIAH 9:7 (CEB)
Therefore, the LORD of heavenly forces proclaims:
I’m going to refine and test them,
for what else can I do with my people?

LUKE 22:40 (CEB)
When he arrived, he said to them, “Pray that you won’t give in to temptation.”

THE ESSENCE
God cares so much for us that he allows us to endure testing so we can mature.

DAILY FODDER
What kinds of trials and temptations are you facing these days?  If you can't think of one, you're missing something. Think harder.  

PRAYER
Holy Father, through challenges and trials you purify and test me. When troubles come, often I whine. Instead of complaints, fill me with your peace that passes all understanding. Protect me from evil and the evil one. Help me to recognize your purpose and prodding in all situations. Grant supernatural wisdom for what I need to say and do. 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.

LOYAL AND FAITHFUL

DANIEL 11:32 (MSG)
Those who stay courageously loyal to their God will take a strong stand.

REVELATION 3:7, 10 (MSG)
The Holy, the True—David’s key in his hand, opening doors no one can lock, locking doors no one can open—speaks: ...Because you kept my Word in passionate patience, I’ll keep you safe in the time of testing that will be here soon...

THE ESSENCE
God will protect his loyal people during times of testing.

DAILY FODDER
The point is that God doesn't just expect loyalty from his people. He empowers it, and he blesses it. 

PRAYER
Faithful God, throughout history you have guarded all your people. I can't imagine that you'd change now. Forgive me for avoiding difficult situations, worried that I'm going to have to tough it out on my own. Show me what it means to be loyal and faithful to Christ in my context. I'm confident that you are worthy of my trust. 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.