COMMUNITY

PSALM 97:10 (TCEB)
If you love the LORD, hate evil.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:14 (TCEB)
Dear family, when people get out of line, call them on it. Comfort the discouraged. Lend a hand to the weak. Show your patience to everyone.

THE ESSENCE
If you love the Lord, align your life with him in practical matters, including the way you care for those facing difficulties.

DAILY FODDER
How is it that we're to "hate evil" and at the same time be "patient" with everyone? 

PRAYER
Caring God, you've called us to imitate you and live in honest, faithful community. I regret that I allow the difficulties of those around me to become invisible. Guide me out of my shell so that I can patiently encourage the discouraged and help the weak. I realize that this is how you treat me. Now I want to pay it forward. 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.

AMAZING

PSALM 117:2 (CEB)
Because God’s faithful love toward us is strong,
the Lord’s faithfulness lasts forever!
Praise the LORD!

ACTS 2:5, 7, 11 (NLT)
At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem... They were completely amazed... “We all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!”

THE ESSENCE
The activity of God generates amazement in the lives of devoted people. 

DAILY FODDER
Or is it that the amazing activity of God generates devotion? It’s kind of like the question, "Which comes first, the chicken or the egg?"

PRAYER
God of my astonished heart, thank you for overcoming my language barrier. You speak your steadfast love to me in ways I can receive it. I am amazed that you choose to remain faithful to a scattered and unfaithful people. Please strengthen my ability to reach out and reach in to find the words that unite humanity in you. 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 SPIRIT'S SURPRISE

Pentecost Sunday

PSALM 24:7 (TCEB)
Open up, city gates.
Open wide, old doors.
Here comes the king in all his glory.
Let him in.

ACTS 2:2, 4 (TCEB)
Suddenly, they heard a loud noise above them in the sky. It sounded like a violent blast of wind.... The Holy Spirit filled every person there. And the people started to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability.

THE ESSENCE
The coming of the Holy Spirit changes everything, when we open the doors for him. 

DAILY FODDER
What surprising abilities has the Spirit given to you?   

PRAYER
Holy Spirit, we welcome your mind-blowing presence. Although, I admit it is difficult to shift in the direction you're moving because I enjoy established patterns. Help me become more responsive to your presence among us. I want to become a part of what you're  doing, even when it's something I could not have imagined. 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.

GREAT LOVE

JOB 37:5 (ABP)
God does incredible things that are beyond human comprehension.

MATTHEW 5:45 (TCEB)
For he shows his love to everyone. He brings the sun up in the morning and makes it shine on the bad and the good. And he sends the rain to shower the innocent and the guilty.

THE ESSENCE
The depths of God's love and care are incomprehensible and inexplicable. 

DAILY FODDER
Even though God's actions are incomprehensible he reveals enough that anyone can turn to him. 

PRAYER
God, I don't understand your ways. But while I have only a point of view, you have the full view. Thank you for the grace that covers everyone, even people I struggle to love. When injustice oppresses me and others, remind me that I already have all I need. Grant me the joy of celebrating your love for all. 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.