STRANGERS

The 16th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 146:9 (MSG)
GOD loves good people, protects strangers,
takes the side of orphans and widows...

HEBREWS 13:12 (NRSVUE)
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.

THE ESSENCE
God advocates for strangers (aliens, foreigners). We need to be on the same page with him. 

DAILY FODDER
Why are foreigners so often the subjects of abuse, even today? How does the individual believer side with such people?  

PRAYER 
Gracious God, thank you for siding with marginalized people such as the poor and the immigrant. I confess that I'm not as sensitive to the needs of these people as I'm called to be. It's so easy to think that some agency is dealing with their issues. Show me how to intervene on their behalf — even when it’s an unpopular thing to do. Christ died and rose for all of 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.

COURAGE

ZECHARIAH 8:13 (ABP)
Do not be afraid! Act courageuosly!

JOHN 16:33 (ABP)
Jesus encouraged them so they'd be at peace, "In this God-forsaking world you're harrased. But I want you to act courageously because I have already prevailed over it!"

THE ESSENCE
When we align our lives with what Christ has done and is doing, we can act courageously in the face of spiritual pushback.

DAILY FODDER
Over 700 times in the Bible people are told to be courageous or to "fear not" (or equivalent). Why do you think this is such a major emphasis in scripture?  

PRAYER 
God, the light of your love vanishes shadows and puts darkness to flight. Forgive me for the times I let my fears overwhelm me. Give me a stout heart. Remind me that there is no enemy you have not already defeated. Strengthen me and set me free to let my hands do your work in this world. 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.

GOD HELPS THOSE WHO RELY ON HIM

PSALM 3:2-3 (CEB)
So many are talking about me:
“Even God won’t help him.”
But you, Lord, are my shield!
You are my glory!
You are the one who restores me.

LUKE 17:15 (MSG)
One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God.

THE ESSENCE
Glorify God, who helps those who rely on him.  

DAILY FODDER
There is a saying, "God helps those who help themselves." This, of course, is not consistent with the biblical message that we're really in no shape to help ourselves. But the good news is that God helps those who rely on him. Christ Jesus is the ultimate expression of his help and restoration.

PRAYER 
You God, are a mighty fortress, a safe place, and a reliable protector. Forgive us for trying to help ourselves apart from the direction of your Spirit. Teach me how to rely more fully on you.  I'm going to continue my gratitude and praise. 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.

PRAISE GOD

AMOS 4:13 (NRSVUE)
For the one who forms the mountains, creates the wind,
reveals his thoughts to mortals,
makes the morning darkness,
and treads on the heights of the earth—
the LORD, the God of hosts, is his name!

REVELATION 19:6 (CEV)
Then I heard what seemed to be a large crowd that sounded like a roaring flood and loud thunder all mixed together. They were saying,
"Praise the Lord!
Our Lord God All-Powerful
now rules as king."

THE ESSENCE
Praise be to God-the-most-powerful, who rules. 

DAILY FODDER
Modern kings are relatively powerless and royal families are often the brunt of jokes. In ancient times, though, kings were on the top of the pecking order. In our passages today God is recognized as the most powerful royal being of all. How does this revelation shape the way that you relate to him?

PRAYER 
God of hosts, you are worthy of all praise and honor. I want to join the wind, water, and thunder in praising you. Thank you for revealing your thoughts to us mortals. I pray that they would shape my thoughts and actions so that my praise is more than perfunctory.  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.