THE GATE

PSALM 33:22 (TCEB)
Keep the love and kindness coming, LORD.
As we put our trust in you.

JOHN 10:9 (NLT)
Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.

THE ESSENCE
Trust the Lord to provide your forever safe place.

DAILY FODDER
What constitutes "good pasture" in Jesus' mind? What does "good pasture" look like for you? How do those two pastures line up?

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming into our world to create a gateway into your safe pastures. Forgive me for failing to take full advantage of your care and protection. Save me from trying to go it on my own. Sheep can be so stubborn. I'm trusting in you, for you are the best option. 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.

KEEP CALM AND...

EXODUS 14:14 (ABP)
GOD is going to fight the battle for you. Your orders are to stand down and do nothing.

MARK 13:11 (TCEB)
When you do get arrested, don’t worry about the testimony you’ll need to give. No need to practice your speech. Whatever words come to mind when you have to stand up and speak, go ahead and speak those words. They won’t be coming from you. They’ll be coming from the Holy Spirit.

THE ESSENCE
Calmly tune into what the Lord is saying and let him handle the battles.  

DAILY FODDER
Is Jesus saying we should never prepare for things? What seems to be his intention behind the words recorded in Mark 13? 

PRAYER
Lord, when you stood trial before the Sanhedrin, you were calm and still, even though they falsely accused you and condemned you. When I'm accused wrongly, I grow agitated and defensive. Jesus, keep me in your calm and trust. For I know you will fight for me and vindicate me. Let me rest in you alone. 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.

NEW COVENANT

JEREMIAH 31:31 (CEB)
The time is coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah.

ACTS 2:39 (MSG)
The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites.

THE ESSENCE
The Lord expands his promises as he renews them. 

DAILY FODDER
How have you benefited from the promises in God's new covenant? What exactly is this "new covenant"?

PRAYER
Lord, you promise forgiveness of sins and everlasting life to people of all nations who are called to you. You give us righteousness based on grace through faith, not on personal merit. I admit that I try to earn your love, instead of receiving love as a gift. Thank you for your overflowing mercy. 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.

PEOPLE IN DISTRESS

The 16th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 9:9 (MSG)
God’s a safe-house for the battered,
a sanctuary during bad times.

JAMES 1:27 (MSG)
Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.

THE ESSENCE
God expects us to follow his lead in actively caring for people in distress. 

DAILY FODDER
Who are the disressed in your realm of influence? Or have you somehow become insulated from people in distress? How can we break free from our insulation?  

PRAYER
Lord, you are the safe shelter for all who suffer unjust treatment. You comfort and protect the orphaned, the widowed, the abused, and the persecuted. I shudder to think how I have oppressed others, knowingly or unknowingly. Grant me a repentant spirit and willing heart to love and care for those who are oppressed and downtrodden. 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.