SEMPER PARATUS

The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

HABAKKUK 2:3 (MSG)
This vision-message is a witness
pointing to what’s coming.
It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait!
And it doesn’t lie.
If it seems slow in coming, wait.
It’s on its way. It will come right on time.

1 PETER 4:7-8 (ABP)
Since the culmination of everything is at hand double down on self-control. And keep your head clear so that through prayer you can tune into what God is doing. Make sure that you stoke the flames of love for each other through constant attention.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Stay focused on what is coming. 

DAILY FODDER
I love the motto of the US Coast Guard — Semper Paratus — "always ready!" That is, they want to maintain vigilance so they can rescue people and protect the country. It's not a matter of "if" a crisis occurs but of "when" a crisis occurs. Coasties allow the inevitable to define what they are doing right now. So it should be for followers of Jesus.

PRAYER
God, you've  promised to wrap things up at some point and through Christ to right all the wrongs. I confess that I'm among the short-sighted people who lose focus if I have to wait too long. Keep me self-controled and tuned into what you're doing and saying during the lead up to the grand finale. I'm going to be semper paratus. 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 there.

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 would protect us from all forms of evil.
Amen!

TAKING GOD SERIOUSLY

MICAH 6:8 (MSG)
But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don’t take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously.

PHILIPPIANS 2:5 (CEB)
Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus...

SUMMARY SENTENCE
If we're taking God as seriously as we should, we'll take the exact same approach to life that Christ had when he was among us. 

DAILY FODDER
Do you find God's expectations to be a challege or a breath of fresh air? How come?

PRAYER
God, you've made what we should do plain and simple. You want us love you by treating others right — that is to give Christ free reign in our lives. We know that resistance is futile but we still get off on the rush that comes from doing things our own way. Cure us of such nonesense and keep us close to Christ. I'm going to allow him to rub off on me so that his ways become my ways. 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 there.

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 would protect us from all forms of evil.
Amen!

GOD'S UNCONVENTIONAL WORK

EXODUS 34:10 (MSG alt)
God said to Moses, "Then all the people with whom you’re living will see how tremendous God’s work is, the work I’ll do for you."

MATTHEW 4:23 (NLT)
Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Sometimes God gets our attention through his very unconventional work.

DAILY FODDER
How open are you to the activity of God that is unusual? Do his surprises throw you for a loop or maybe they become an obsession? What should be our response to his signs and wonders?

PRAYER
God, you do incredible things, some of which we struggle to explain. Your Kingdom transcends our small experience of reality. Help me to be open to the unconventional when it points to your Kingdom. I want to keep the focus on Jesus and what he's up to — even when it feels unusual. 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 there.

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 would protect us from all forms of evil.
Amen!

GOD'S FAITHFULNESS

JEREMIAH 14:21 (MSG)
Remember your covenant. Don’t break faith with us!

1 CORINTHIANS 1:9 (CEB)
God is faithful, and you were called by him to partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Since God is so trustworthy and reliable a partnership with him makes great sense!

DAILY FODDER
How have you experienced God's faithfulness in your life? Is it related to health? Work? Calling and purpose? Friendship? Peace? Financial provision?

PRAYER
Father, thank-you for your faithfulness to me. You are who you say you are, and you do what you say you will do. As a perfect heavenly father, I can trust you completely with my life. You love me and always want what is best for me. Thank you for calling me and all people unto you. 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 there.

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 would protect us from all forms of evil.
Amen!