MUD

JOB 10:12 (GNT)
You have given me life and constant love,
and your care has kept me alive.

JOHN 9:11 (GNT)
He answered, “The man called Jesus made some mud, rubbed it on my eyes, and told me to go to Siloam and wash my face. So I went, and as soon as I washed, I could see.”

THE ESSENCE
God gives and restores life.

DAILY FODDER
What is the significance of the mud that Jesus used to heal the man's eyes? Where else in the Bible does dirt play a role in God's life-giving story?  

PRAYER
Life-giving God, good things seem to happen when you play in the dirt. Forgive us for forgetting where we came from and the love which brought us so far. Remind me each time I see dirt and mud that you've used it to shape and patch us. It's all about your beyond-explanation care. 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.

GOD THE PROMISE KEEPER

 PSALM 105:8 (ABP)
God is still true to his covenant promises — and will continue to be so for thousands of generations — forever.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:20 (MSG)
Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God’s Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. 

THE ESSENCE
In Christ Jesus, all the promises of God burst into full bloom. 

DAILY FODDER
What does Paul mean, "God's Yes and our Yes together"? How does this put into perspective the aspects of God's ancient promises we don’t fully understand?

PRAYER
Glorious God, you are true to your word. With the arrival of Jesus we begin to realize that you under-promised so you could surprise us with even greater and grander grace. Forgive me for sweating over things I can't understand. Keep these things from blocking my view of Jesus, and his glorious victory over all that is anti-God. I'm going to add my "Amen" to him and what he does. That's the best anyone can do. 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.

OUR FATHER

PSALM 103:13 (GNT)
As a father is kind to his children,
so the LORD is kind to those who honor him.

GALATIANS 4:6 (MSG)
You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, “Papa! Father!”

THE ESSENCE
God's gifts to us remind us that we are his children.

DAILY FODDER
Finish this sentence with a specific example, "I can tell that God loves me because of his kind _______________."  

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son into the world to lead us into your family. I admit that I often don't feel worthy of your attention. Help me notice all the big and little ways that you've included me. I'm counting on the presence of your Holy Spirit in my life to open my eyes and to give me words to connect with you, "Papa! Father!" 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.

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.

PEACE

ZEPHANIAH 3:14-15 (TCEB)
Sing it loud, City of Zion
Sing for joy, Israel.
Put your heart into it
And sing out, Jerusalem.
The LORD pardoned you.

EPHESIANS 2:17 (TCEB)
Jesus came and preached peace to you. Some of you were far from God. Others were near God. Jesus preached the same message of peace to everyone.

THE ESSENCE
God's message and messenger embody peace for all who will accept it. 

DAILY FODDER
Why is peace such a fundamental aspect of the gospel? What does this tell us about the character of God? 

PRAYER
God, I'm grateful that your gospel message is about peace. We certainly need it. I confess that my natural approach is to only stick up for like-minded tribe members. Help me to move beyond such a narrow mindset. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring love. Where there is offence, let me bring pardon. Where there is discord, let me bring union.  Let peace begin with me. I'm eager to share your message of peace through my life and my words. Amen. (Hat tip to The Prayer of St Francis)

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.

UNEXPECTED

PSALM 65:8 (GNT)
The whole world stands in awe
   of the great things that you have done.
Your deeds bring shouts of joy
   from one end of the earth to the other.

ACTS 16:34 (TCEB)
When the jailer brought them into his house, he also gave them some food. He was bursting with joy after putting his faith in God and knowing that his entire family had done the same.

THE ESSENCE
Fresh faith breaks out in unexpected places.

DAILY FODDER
Who are these people who have come to joy through faith? People from the ends of the earth. A Roman jailer and his family. These people all seem to be in the "least likely" category. Who are the least likely that you've written off? 

PRAYER
God, I can become too comfortable in the middle, where I manage to make my faith safe. Show me again the radical deliverance you offer. Your margins run to eternity. Even those I have written off are a part of the vocabulary of salvation. Teach me to spell again with your grace. 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.

SUFFERING

JUDGES 6:13 (GNT)
Gideon said to him, "If I may ask, sir, why has all this happened to us if the LORD is with us?"

1 PETER 1:6-7 (GNT)
Be glad about this, even though it may now be necessary for you to be sad for a while because of the many kinds of trials you suffer. Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine. Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested by fire; and so your faith, which is much more precious than gold, must also be tested, so that it may endure.

THE ESSENCE
The positive side of suffering is that it improves the quality of our faith. 

DAILY FODDER
If suffering has benefits, why should or shouldn't we seek it out? 

PRAYER
Merciful God, thank you for being present with us in our suffering and for turning the difficult moments into growth experiences. Forgive me for embracing a "Why me?" attitude when difficulties arise. Encourage me with a grander outlook. I'm hopeful because I've seen how Christ has turned his suffering into salvation for the whole world. 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.

AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN...

EXODUS 19:4 (TCEB)
You saw with your own eyes what I did to the Egyptians. And you watched me lift you out of Egypt, like an eagle carrying you away.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:10 (TCEB)
He saved us from the brink of death. He’ll keep on rescuing us. We’re counting on him to save us once again.

THE ESSENCE
We're counting on God to rescue us once again — and again, and again, and again...

DAILY FODDER
Christ Jesus is God's personalized rescue plan. His Holy Spirit, who has more energy than the Energizer bunny, seems to enjoy looking after us. How have you experienced God's rescue in your life?

PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, for your redundant salvation. Again and again, I find myself in Egypt-land. Whether by walking or worrying, I get stuck in fear. And here you come to swoop me up and out of my bondage. Grab me by your talons and pierce me again with your crucified faith. 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.

KNOWING GOD

PSALM 100:3 (ABP)
The one we know as "GOD" is indubitably the one and only Creator-Sustainer God!

ACTS 11:18 (TCEB)
When they finally spoke again, it was to praise God for what Peter reported. They said, “My goodness. God is inviting even the non-Jews to reject their sinful way of living. He’s giving them eternal life too.”

THE ESSENCE
God makes himself known and invites all people to know him.

DAILY FODDER
It's wild to think that we can know God — the one who made everything and holds it all together. He invites you, no matter who you are or what you've done, to know him — to be his friend. What an invitation!

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for your all-encompassing love. It is easy to join the self-appointed righteous that close the doors of grace to others. Help me to welcome those who enter your kingdom, even if they enter backwards. Remind me that I am the least in your courts. Help me be your ambassador of hospitality and hope. 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.

YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM

The 10th Sunday after Pentecost

DEUTERONOMY 18:14 (NLT)
The nations you are about to displace consult sorcerers and fortune-tellers, but the LORD your God forbids you to do such things.

GALATIANS 4:9 (CEB)
But now, after knowing God (or rather, being known by God), how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless world system? Do you want to be slaves to it again?

THE ESSENCE
Don't allow the weak and worthless world system to become your operating system.

DAILY FODDER
The weak and worthless world system looks different in different contexts. What is common is that it projects itself as a true, more effective alternative to God's way of doing things. Just as you have to be cautious about downloading programs or apps on your computer, so you need to run a "virus check" on operating "upgrades" in life that are too convenient or too good to be true.

PRAYER
My imagination knows no bounds, Lord. Whether thanking my lucky stars or listening to the Internet, I am easily distracted. Social media, like the soothsayers of old, makes me anxious. Artificial intelligence, like ancient diviners, makes me lazy. Help me to use the brain you gave me to think. Let me use the heart you created in me to love. 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.

CRAVINGS

DEUTERONOMY 5:21 (TCEB)
Don’t crave what belongs to someone else. Not your neighbor’s house, wife, worker, cow, donkey, or anything else.

GALATIANS 5:16-17 (NLT)
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.

THE ESSENCE
Let the Holy Spirit define your cravings, and then you won't have to worry about the cravings of the old sinful nature.

DAILY FODDER
Basically, if we focus on allowing the Holy Spirit to thrive in our lives, we won't be so consumed with sin management. As he thrives in us, he replaces the cravings for unhealthy things with cravings for healthy, godly things. That's how he operates.

PRAYER
Holy Spirit, I know that you're operating in my life. That's how I found Christ. Forgive me for getting stuck at the beginning and failing to mature. Show me how to nurture your presence and to become consumed with that which consumes you. I want to follow your lead so that I'm not so worried about beating back my sinful desires. I'm looking toward your active grace, alive in my life. 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.

TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS

JEREMIAH 9:7 (CEB)
Therefore, the LORD of heavenly forces proclaims:
I’m going to refine and test them,
for what else can I do with my people?

LUKE 22:40 (CEB)
When he arrived, he said to them, “Pray that you won’t give in to temptation.”

THE ESSENCE
God cares so much for us that he allows us to endure testing so we can mature.

DAILY FODDER
What kinds of trials and temptations are you facing these days?  If you can't think of one, you're missing something. Think harder.  

PRAYER
Holy Father, through challenges and trials you purify and test me. When troubles come, often I whine. Instead of complaints, fill me with your peace that passes all understanding. Protect me from evil and the evil one. Help me to recognize your purpose and prodding in all situations. Grant supernatural wisdom for what I need to say and do. 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.

LOYAL AND FAITHFUL

DANIEL 11:32 (MSG)
Those who stay courageously loyal to their God will take a strong stand.

REVELATION 3:7, 10 (MSG)
The Holy, the True—David’s key in his hand, opening doors no one can lock, locking doors no one can open—speaks: ...Because you kept my Word in passionate patience, I’ll keep you safe in the time of testing that will be here soon...

THE ESSENCE
God will protect his loyal people during times of testing.

DAILY FODDER
The point is that God doesn't just expect loyalty from his people. He empowers it, and he blesses it. 

PRAYER
Faithful God, throughout history you have guarded all your people. I can't imagine that you'd change now. Forgive me for avoiding difficult situations, worried that I'm going to have to tough it out on my own. Show me what it means to be loyal and faithful to Christ in my context. I'm confident that you are worthy of my trust. 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.

FACING ADVERSITY

PSALM 42:3 (MSG)
I’m on a diet of tears—
   tears for breakfast, tears for supper.
All day long
   people knock at my door,
Pestering,
“Where is this God of yours?”

PHILIPPIANS 1:13-14 (NLT)
For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.

THE ESSENCE
Adversity can actually embolden believers to share the gospel with greater confidence.  

DAILY FODDER
Consider the church in China. In the 20th-century, when it's existence was largely illegal and foreign missionaries were locked out, the church grew rapidly. Between 1949 and 2000 the Chinese church grew from 1 million believers to 100 million. 

PRAYER
Sovereign God, even adversity can't stop you and the unfolding of your plan for the world. Forgive me for despairing when we face troubles. Help me to see the opportunity in the moment. I'm going to trust that your Holy Spirit will give me the words and confidence needed to share your good news. 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.

ONGOING PRAISE FROM THE HEART

PSALM 44:8 (NLT)
O God, we give glory to you all day long
and constantly praise your name.

EPHESIANS 5:19 (NLT/1996)
Then you'll sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts.

THE ESSENCE
When the Lord resides in us, we're constantly generating praise in our hearts.

DAILY FODDER
"Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs..." It looks like there is room for many different styles of music when we're in a genuine praise mode.

PRAYER
O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name. Forgive me for limiting my praise to Sunday mornings with the band. Expand my repertoire so that I have something to offer you all day, every day. Let it flow from the heart! 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.

THE RIGHTEOUS

PSALM 34:15 (ABP)
GOD keeps an eye out for those who are righteous. His ears are tuned into their cries.

MATTHEW 27:19 (CEB)
While he was serving as judge, Pilate's wife sent this message to him, “Leave that righteous man alone. I’ve suffered much today in a dream because of him.”

THE ESSENCE
Under God's watchful eye, Jesus the only completely righteous person, was unjustly executed, ultimately resulting in our ability to share in his righteousness.

DAILY FODDER
2 Corinthians 5:21 (GNT) puts the dynamic behind our two passages today in perspective. "Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of God." When we’re talking about the righteous (the category of people who are in right standing with God because of right living) Jesus is the key player. It's his perfectly righteous life that is shared with those who could never attain righteousness on their own.

PRAYER
Glorious Savior, thank you for sharing your righteousness with us. We confess that we've attempted (and occasionally still try) to attain righteousness on our own. Keep me mindful of the source of my right standing with you and help me lean into that alone, as I move out and allow your righteousness to flow through me. I know that you’re keeping watch over us. 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.

COOPERATION

The 9th Sunday after Pentecost

GENESIS 45:24 (TCEB)
So Joseph sent his brothers off. As they headed out, he yelled over to them, “Hey, don’t be arguing with each other on your way home!”

MATTHEW 5:9 (MSG)
You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

THE ESSENCE
In God's economy, we're rewarded for fostering cooperation rather than competition.

DAILY FODDER
How do we make the transition from being a competition-based society to being a cooperative society? I suggest that it begins with a few counter-cultural individuals committed to Jesus and living out his peacemaking ideals. Since such people will be going against the social stream, they'll need a great deal of wisdom and patience. Fortunately, when we invite Jesus into our lives, he brings his Holy Spirit to empower us for this seemingly impossible assignment.

PRAYER
Jesus, you truly are the Prince of Peace. And while I think that prioritizing peaceful cooperation is ideal, I worry that it can't always be realistic. Help me to set aside such worries and to focus on the mission, regardless of how impossible it seems. Empower me with your Spirit so I can gently respond with supernatural wisdom to the forces that feed on unhealthy competition. I am committed to being a part of your peacemaking mission. 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.