NOT ALONE

PSALM 118:5 (ABP)
When my life was under seige and I had no wiggle room, I desperately called on GOD. He responded by clearing the way and giving me room to breathe. Worries gone.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:7 (MSG)
Your hard times are also our hard times. When we see that you’re just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we know you’re going to make it, no doubt about it.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Even during hard times — perhaps, especially during hard times — we take comfort in the fact that we are not alone.

DAILY FODDER
God makes a way while our siblings in Christ stand in solidarity.

PRAYER
Faithful Lord, when I feel lost or alone help me remember that I am never lost to you. You hold me close. Open my eyes to see in your promises that you are with me in my sufferings. I know when I call on you, your words will console me and give me your peace. 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 would protect us from all forms of evil.
Amen!

VANTAGE POINT

PSALM 73:28 (ABP)
I'm living in the greatest place of all — God's presence.
Oh, to be truly safe and at home with the chief GOD.
God, from this stupendous spot I’m able to tell world all that you do!

ACTS 3:8 (CEB)
Jumping up, he began to walk around. He entered the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When you're living in the presence of God you get to see some amazing things.

DAILY FODDER
From your vantage point what is the most impressive thing you've seen God do? Don't confuse impressive with dramatic. Perhaps you've seen God quietly do something amazing.

PRAYER
Almighty God, thank you for giving me a front row seat to your activity. It is a privelege to see and partner with you. Forgive me for getting so caught up in my own stuff that I don't notice — even from the great vantage point you've given me. Help me to tune in and notice the great things you're doing — whether they be dramtic or quiet. I'm going to be a faithful witness of your work in the world around me. 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 would protect us from all forms of evil.
Amen!

FRESH START

PSALM 25:7 (NLT)
Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
for you are merciful, O Lord.

JOHN 3:7 (MSG)
So don’t be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be ‘born from above’—out of this world, so to speak.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Because of his love God is eager to offer fresh starts.

DAILY FODDER
What is standing in the way of you advancing with your God-given fresh start?

PRAYER
Generous God, I'm grateful for the fresh start that you have given to me through Jesus. Forgive me for trying to dig up the old supersided ways. Continue to draw me to yourself so that I can truly live-into what you've given to me. I'm going to let your love and mercy shape how I live my new life. 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 RESPONSIVENESS

The 9th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 119:26 (MSG)
When I told my story, you responded;
train me well in your deep wisdom.

1 JOHN 5:15 (MSG)
And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We are certain that God responds to us — and that he has a wise and positive disposition.

DAILY FODDER
But what if we don't get what we ask of God? What does that mean?

PRAYER
God, thank you for listening. I admit that I get anxious when your responses aren't exactly what I was hoping for. But as always, my prayer is for what is consistent with your agenda. Help me to accept what I've requested. I'm glad to know that your responsiveness is guided by your wisdom rather than my short-sightedness. 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!