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ISAIAH 49:26 (CEV)
Then everyone will know
that the LORD is our Savior;
the powerful God of Israel
has rescued his people.

MATTHEW 28:18-20 (MSG)
Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We've been commissioned to go and train everyone, everywhere, in the ways of our Savior.

DAILY FODDER
Think of one person who needs to grow in their relationship with Christ as Savior. Pray for them and ask God to open the door for a conversation about Jesus. If nothing happens keep praying until opportunity and words come together.

PRAYER
Thank you, Savior God, for trusting us with the task of spreading your good news around the world. I confess, though, that I have a hard time seeing across the table. Expand my vision and energize me for this great mission, even while I'm engaging the person across the table. I want to be a part of helping everyone, everywhere experience the new life that has come into the world defeating the forces of death. 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!

DARK DAYS

PSALM 23:4 (ABP)
Even on the darkest of days, when I'm staring down death, I remain unrattled knowing that you're at my side. Your big shepherd's stick keeps me feeling safe.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:8-9 (CEB)
We are experiencing all kinds of trouble, but we aren’t crushed. We are confused, but we aren’t depressed. We are harassed, but we aren’t abandoned. We are knocked down, but we aren’t knocked out.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Even on the darkest of days God's presence keeps us going.

DAILY FODDER
How or when has God carried you through a difficult time? 

PRAYER
Dearest Savior, you've  accompanied me through the darkest moments I've experienced. I don't know why it is, then, that I get anxious about what the future might bring. Keep your loyal faithfulness fresh and active in my mind. I'm going to trust you for the future. 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!

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!