REIMAGINING POWER

PROVERBS 16:32 (MSG)

Moderation is better than muscle,

self-control better than political power.

MATTHEW 5:9 (MSG)
Jesus: "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."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus' followers have a unique way of thinking about and utilizing power.

DAILY FODDER
How is the way that I utilize power different from the way the world typically functions?

PRAYER
God of peace, thank you for your words that bring me patience and calm me down. Forgive my judgmental attitudes and desires for revenge. Slow my anger, Lord, and fill me with your compassion. May your peace surround and control my words. May I act today to bless someone in need. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

LISTEN AND DO

JEREMIAH 35:13-14 (ABP)
This is what Israel's GOD, the commander over all of Heaven’s Armies, says, "...I've spoken to you again and again, and yet you refuse to obey me."

LUKE 11:28 (ABP)
Jesus replied, “The happiest and most blessed people are those who listen to what God is saying and then act accordingly.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God says, "Listen and do."

PRAYER
Loving God, thank you for continuing to speak to us through both ancient and contemporary messengers. Yet, we tune you out so that we can listen to the voices in our own heads. We want to be in charge of our own destinies. Help me to tune out all voices but yours. I want to be a doer of your word. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

CHILL

PSALM 65:7 (ABP)
As you calm the wild stormy seas, calm the wild and stormy people.

LUKE 1:73-75 (ABP)
Zechariah said, "Israel's God promised our founding father Abraham that he would rescue us from our enemies so that we can fearlessly serve him... for as long as we live."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is the shock absorber for his people.

PRAYER
Sovereign God, these are wild and crazy times. I admit to entertaining the fear and panic that our common enemies are trying to generate. Just as you calm the stormy waves I'm looking for your calm to rescue me from the crazies. Help me to trust you so much that I don't host their ungodly chaos in my heart and mind. I'm going to chill knowing that you're ultimately in charge and that everything is going to be all right. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

THE LOST

EZEKIEL 34:16 (NLT)
I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak. But I will destroy those who are fat and powerful. I will feed them, yes—feed them justice!

LUKE 15:6 (CEB)
When he arrives home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Celebrate with me because I’ve found my lost sheep.’

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus' joyous mission is to seek out the lost and return them to where they belong.

PRAYER
Good Shepherd, I'm grateful that you found me. Forgive my wandering ways and resettle me into a healthy, safe, and lush pasture. I'm going to actively receive your care. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.