CHOSEN

HOSEA 2:19-20 (MSG)
I’ll marry you true and proper, in love and tenderness.
Yes, I’ll marry you and neither leave you nor let you go.
You’ll know me, GOD, for who I really am.

JOHN 15:16 (NLT)
You didn’t choose me. I chose you.

THE ESSENCE
God the faithful chooses us.

DAILY FODDER
Have you ever been chosen for something you considered significant? Have you ever been chosen for something you considered insignificant or even undesirable? How do you feel knowing that you are among the chosen of God? How, if at all, does that change things for you?

PRAYER
Gracious and faithful God, I'm a bit overwhelmed when I consider that you include me in your chosen group. Forgive my confusion. I'm still stuck thinking that I can prove myself and earn your acceptance. Help me to realize in my heart and mind that you've accepted me preveniently — before I was even aware of the choice. It's good to be one of your chosen people. 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.

IN JESUS

The 18th Sunday after Pentecost

1 SAMUEL 12:22 (MSG)
GOD, simply because of who he is, is not going to walk off and leave his people. God took delight in making you into his very own people.

JOHN 17:26 (MSG)
I have made your very being known to them—
Who you are and what you do—
And continue to make it known,
So that your love for me
Might be in them
Exactly as I am in them.

THE ESSENCE
God reveals himself most fully in Jesus.

DAILY FODDER
If God reveals himself most fully in Jesus, living in solidarity with Jesus is the way to best relate to God.

PRAYER
Thank you, Father, for your Son. In Jesus, you have shown me that your love has no bounds. May your love so fill me that it pushes out anger and hate. Forgive me for the moments I cast away, the opportunities to serve and love that I squander. Use my words and actions today to make Christ known. 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 KINGDOM

ZECHARIAH 9:10 (CEB)
His rule will stretch from sea to sea,
and from the river to the ends of the earth.

MATTHEW 24:14 (MSG)
All during this time, the good news—the Message of the kingdom—will be preached all over the world, a witness staked out in every country.

THE ESSENCE
The kingdom of God is the good news for the whole world.

DAILY FODDER
The good news/gospel of Jesus isn't just for individuals. It's about Jesus' realm and agenda shaping the nations of the world.

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for a kingdom with room enough for all people—even for me! I am sorry for the times I contribute to the divisions of this world. I am sorry, too, for the times I fail to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Fill my words with praise and proclamation. Send me to speak your word. 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.

TRUE HAPPINESS

PSALM 144:15 (CEB)
The people whose God is the LORD are truly happy!

ROMANS 10:12 (TCEB)
There’s one Lord. He’s the Lord of everyone. He’s generous in his kindness to everyone who asks him for help.

THE ESSENCE
True happiness belongs to all those whose identity is wrapped up with the Lord.

DAILY FODDER
Why is God so welcoming of those who turn to him regardless of their backgrounds and experiences?  How does that divine characteristic shape our identity?

PRAYER
Glorious God, thank you for welcoming me, even before I realized that I needed you. A steady flow of joy and contentment flows into my life because you are here with me. Help me to more fully appreciate all you do for me. I want your grace and kindness delivered through Christ Jesus to define me. 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.