SING OF GOD'S SAVING POWER

PSALM 21:13 (NCV)
Be supreme, LORD, in your power.
We sing and praise your greatness.

LUKE 19:37 (CEB)
As Jesus approached the road leading down from the Mount of Olives, the whole throng of his disciples began rejoicing. They praised God with a loud voice because of all the mighty things they had seen.

THE ESSENCE
Our lives are figurative (and often literal) songs of praise, singing about the great things God has done. 

DAILY FODDER
What is something new today for which you are praising God? 

PRAYER 
What a joy it is to praise you, Lord Jesus, for all you have done for me! Shouts of joy come from the depths of my soul as I give thanks for salvation. Like the crowd who welcomed you, I easily turn away. Forgive me. Remind me of your forgiveness  and help me to sing of your saving power. 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.

TAKING GOD SERIOUSLY

EXODUS 20:7 (ABP)
Don't casually use or abuse GOD'S name, as if it were of no significance. He will certainly convict offenders in his courtroom.

MATTHEW 6:9 (ABP) 

Our Father in Heaven, we hold your name in the highest regard.

THE ESSENCE
Take God and his name seriously.  

DAILY FODDER
This is more than an admonition to avoid cursing.  

PRAYER 
Great and glorious God, the one who is called "I AM," you deserve total respect through our words and actions. Forgive us for the casual way we talk about you—even turning you into a curse. Show us what it means to hold your name in the highest regard. I want to take you seriously but I'm going to need some training. 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.

STRENGTH

 The 7th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 29:11 (NLT)
The Lord gives his people strength.

2 TIMOTHY 1:7 (CEB)
God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled. 

THE ESSENCE
The Lord gives us strength to serve, but it is a strength characterized by love and self-control.  

DAILY FODDER
How is the strength or power that God gives his people different from the strength or power that is assumed necessary to accomplish things in the system that currently runs the world. 

PRAYER 
Almighty God, thank you for entusting us with power. We confess that we squander it through neglect or at times by abusing it. Help us to be strong and powerful in the tradition of Jesus. I want to use my strength to live a restrained and loving life that honors the one who empowers 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.

ACT RESPONSIBLY

JEREMIAH 21:14 (MSG)
I’ll punish your evil regime.

MATTHEW 25:21 (NLT)
The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!

THE ESSENCE
The time is coming when we'll all face judgment—for better or worse.

DAILY FODDER
What do you think God will say to you on judgment day? Imagine the conversation. 

PRAYER 
Thank you, Jesus, entrusting me with the riches of your grace. Forgive me when I think these blessings come from my deeds. It is an honor to be a vessel filled with your blessings. May I never hoard them or bury them in the ground. Rather, pour me out to serve you and my neighbors with joy. 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.