JESUS' NEW LAW

NUMBERS 23:12 (CEV)
Balaam answered, “I can say only what the LORD tells me.”

JOHN 13:34 (TCEB)
I’m going to leave you with a new law to live by: Love one another. You’ve seen how I love you. Love each other like that.

THE ESSENCE
When Jesus lays down the law, it's time to live accordingly. 

DAILY FODDER
I wonder if we should read John 13:34 as somewhat tongue-in-cheek. Jesus said he was giving a new law or commandment. But it wasn't new to anyone who had spent any time around him. Perhaps it was new compared to how most people operated or new compared to the law of Moses. But it wasn't new in Jesus' world. He put it into practice before he said anything about it. Embrace his approach.

PRAYER
King Jesus, you have the right to issue new laws. I'm grateful that when you do so, your new laws aren't from a distant throne but from a room of friends. You've already shown us what you expect. Help me to love like you. I'm not always so good at that. But I know you are in the process of transforming me into your image. I'm eager to be a part of your love team. 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.

RAISED UP

JONAH 2:6 (GW)
But you brought up my life from the Pit...

ACTS 9:34 (NLT)
Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up, and roll up your sleeping mat!” And he was healed instantly.

THE ESSENCE
We're saved from despair as we recognize that God raises people from the pits. 

DAILY FODDER
Even when we are not healed or spared physical death, we're still released from the grip of despair as we recognize that because of Christ Jesus, death is no longer the final word. 

PRAYER
Life-giving Lord, you heal me. You redeem me. You love me. Thank you. I don't want to wait a single moment before getting up to do your will. Guide my words and my actions today. Help me to walk with the freedom and purpose that only you provide. My life is yours. 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.

DO EXACTLY

DEUTERONOMY 5:32 (TCEB)
That’s from the LORD. So be careful. Do exactly what he says. Don’t try to see what you can get away with. Live as law-abiding people.

JOHN 12:26 (TCEB)
Anyone who wants to work for me needs to go where I’m going. Wherever I am, that’s where my workers will be.

THE ESSENCE
Stick close to the boss and do exactly what he says.

DAILY FODDER
If you’re  trying to figure out how to succeed in life, the end of John 12:26 (not included above) is worth noting. "My Father will honor anyone who does this." All of this careful attention to what God the boss wants, does, and where he goes is duly noted and rewarded. 

PRAYER
Glorious God, you are worthy of our undivided attention and obedience. Forgive me for trying to juggle the world’s expectations alongside yours. Keep me focused on the things that matter to you. I want to serve you without missing a beat. 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.

FAITH

The 6th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 22:10 (GNT)
I have relied on you since the day I was born,
and you have always been my God.

2 TIMOTHY 1:5 (GNT)
I remember the sincere faith you have, the kind of faith that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice also had. I am sure that you have it also.

THE ESSENCE
Faith is a lifelong (even generational) endeavor.

DAILY FODDER
Somehow, faith has been reduced to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We treat the moment someone makes a decision for Christ as the high point of their faith. The scriptures consistently want us to view faith as a lifelong endeavor that ages like a good wine.

PRAYER
Faithful God, you were nurturing faith in me even before I was born. Thank you for the generations of faithful people who have trailblazed the way. Forgive my shortsighted views that stymie the development of my faith by treating it as a once-in-a-lifetime or a sometimes experience. Help me to grow into a faith-filled person whose trust in you leaves a mark for the generations that follow. I don't need to be famous or important, but I want to be a faithful link in the relational chain that spans the ages. 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.