RESCUE

DANIEL 3:28 (NLT)
Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him.

ACTS 12:11 (NCV)
Then Peter realized what had happened. He thought, “Now I know that the Lord really sent his angel to me. He rescued me from Herod..."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God takes care of those who serve him.

PRAYER
Protector of my soul, you purposefully search for and rescue me. In times of waiting for deliverance, I can place too much trust in myself and in others, instead of trusting and having assurance in your ways. Allow me to surrender the impulse to save myself. Instead, help me confidently seek your protection alone. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

STAND FIRM

EXODUS 14:13 (ABP)
Dismiss your fears. Stand your ground and watch GOD save the day.

HEBREWS 10:23 (ABP)
Keep a tight grip on the hope that we all confess. Remember, Christ the promise-maker can be trusted.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Stand firm and trust Christ to finish the job.

PRAYER
Christ Jesus, you are totally faithful and completely trustworthy. I don't understand how it is that I start to panic in the face of trouble. I let my mind run wild and dwell on the worst possible outcomes. Help me to relax and to see enough of your hand at work so that I stand firm. I am trusting that because of you, things really will turn out best. Amen.

LOVE

The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

DEUTERONOMY 6:5 (ABP)
Give the entirety of who you are to your GOD. Love him with all your heart, your entire being, and every ounce of your energy. Don't hold back anything.

1 JOHN 4:19 (ABP)
God's love for us came first, enabling us to love.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Let God's love -- and love for him -- become the driving force in your life.

PRAYER
Jesus Christ, God's only Son,
     Word become flesh, Anointed One.
Your perfect love removes my fear,
     and boldly I draw near.

Perfect your love in me.
Perfect your love in me.
Your perfect love removes my fear,
     and boldly I draw near.

by Cheryl A.B. Boydston. ©2003

GOD GIVES

DEUTERONOMY 8:18 (ABP)
Remember your God! He’s the one who gives you the strength to thrive...

JOHN 3:27 (NLT)
No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God empowers us to thrive.

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for the power you give to live generously. All that I have is from you and belongs to you. Teach me to use my time, talents, and treasurers wisely, giving life to others so they too may know of your goodness. Forgive me for my sometimes stingy attitude. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)