NO OTHER OPTIONS

PSALM 143:8 (MSG)
Teach me how to live to please you,
because you’re my God.

JOHN 6:68-69 (MSG)
Peter replied, “Master, to whom would we go? You have the words of real life, eternal life. We’ve already committed ourselves, confident that you are the Holy One of God.”

THE ESSENCE
Jesus is our only hope.

DAILY FODDER
You remember the desperate line in Star Wars, "Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope." Think of the passion of that moment as Peter turns to Jesus, "to whom should we go?" When you're already fully invested, as the disciples were, there are no other options. It's in those "no other options" moments when God starts to shine the brightest.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, you've already shown us the eternal life, and we're grateful. Forgive us for allowing circumstances to overwhelm us so that we're unable to experience your peace. I turn to you again as my only hope. I'm trusting you! And maybe, in that, this is actually a better moment than I thought it could be. 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.

KING JESUS

PSALM 103:19 (NLT)
The LORD has made the heavens his throne;
from there he rules over everything.

MATTHEW 25:31-32 (NLT)
But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence...

THE ESSENCE
Eventually, the whole world will recognize King Jesus. 

DAILY FODDER
What difference does it make in your life today, knowing that Jesus will eventually be recognized as sovereign over every realm of creation?  

PRAYER
Jesus, you showed us your throne "on earth as it is in heaven." It is a chair of charity, a seat of sympathy. Continue to carpenter my life to fit your kingdom reign. Let my legs walk for others less fortunate, my back support those who are falling. Let my lap accept the least and the lost, for your glory. 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 GROWTH

The 11th Sunday after Pentecost

ISAIAH 42:9 (MSG)
Take note: The earlier predictions of judgment have been fulfilled.
I’m announcing the new salvation work.
Before it bursts on the scene,
I’m telling you all about it.”

MATTHEW 13:37-38 (TCEB)
Jesus said, "The farmer planting the good seed is the Son of Humans. The field is the world. The good seed are citizens of the kingdom. The weeds are folks who are full of the devil..."

THE ESSENCE
Through Jesus, God has planted a new crop. 

DAILY FODDER
If Jesus has planted a new crop, the implied question is, are you a part of the emerging new crop or the weed patch that will need to be eliminated? Are you living as a citizen of God's emerging kingdom or the kingdom weeds?

PRAYER
God, I'm grateful that you are committed to replanting creation. I confess that I've gotten so used to being surrounded by weeds that I don't think much of it. But I want to be a part of your new crop. Plant your life-giving Spirit in me to support the new growth needed to be a part of your new thing. I'm delighted at what you are doing through Farmer Jesus. 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 ON TRUSTING GOD

PSALM 25:5 (GNT)
Teach me to live according to your truth,
for you are my God, who saves me.
I always trust in you.

MATTHEW 7:7 (NLT)
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

THE ESSENCE
When we continually trust in God, things work out. 

DAILY FODDER
What are you trusting God to work out today?  

PRAYER
I like to worry, God, but you asked me to wonder. I like to sit, God, but you search out mysteries for me to ponder. I like certainties, God, but you knock on my slumber. Tear down my fortress of faith, God. Push me out the front door so I can once again be a pilgrim — eager, expectant, and open. 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.