REDEEMER

DEUTERONOMY 9:26 (MSG)
I prayed to GOD for you, “My Master, GOD, don’t destroy your people, your inheritance whom, in your immense generosity, you redeemed, using your enormous strength to get them out of Egypt.

ROMANS 8:32 (MSG)
If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us?

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God has a tremendous track record of generously redeeming rebellious losers.

DAILY FODDER
How is it that our post-redemption responsiveness to God seems so short-lived? Are you currently receptive to everything God is wanting to do for you and through you?

PRAYER
Redeemer God, you stuck your neck out to rescue us from ourselves. We don't fully appreciate all that you've done throughout history — and especially through Christ. Soften my heart so that my faith continues to develop. I'm going to trust you to make changes in me and through me. It's great to partner with Christ the Redeemer. 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! 

PROFESSOR JESUS

ISAIAH 48:17 (CEV)

People of Israel,

I am the holy Lord God,

the one who rescues you.

For your own good,

I teach you, and I lead you

along the right path.

LUKE 10:39 (NLT)
Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Enroll in Jesus' class for the education of a lifetime.

DAILY FODDER
What class would you like professor Jesus to make available to you? Which of his classes do you think he'd want you to take this semester?

PRAYER
Professor Jesus, I'm enthralled that you'd come into my life and offer me a tuition-free education. I confess that after the first few classes I got distracted and a bit lazy. Fortunately you're a master teacher, experienced in working with people like me. Help me to stay focused so that I can absorb what you want to teach me. With your help I'm going to keep at it. Thank you for your understanding and patence. 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! 

REFRESHMENT

2 SAMUEL 23:3-4 (MSG)
“Whoever governs fairly and well,
     who rules in the Fear-of-God,
Is like first light at daybreak
     without a cloud in the sky,
Like green grass carpeting earth,
     glistening under fresh rain.”

MATTHEW 11:29 (ABP)
Join up to work with me and I'll show you what to do. And don't stress out; for I have a gentle and humble heart. Ironically, when you're "working" with me you'll find the rest you desperately need.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When we're working in sync with Christ our lives and outlook are refreshed.

DAILY FODDER
What kind of refreshing would you like to see Christ do in your life right now?

PRAYER
God and Creator of all nations, lead me to share my burdens with Jesus. Help me to rest in his suffering love. I confess my hostile feelings toward many government leaders, both foreign and at home. Forgive me. Replace my contempt with the humble heart of my Lord especially as I bear witness to injustice. 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! 

BLESSINGS UNLIMITED

The 13th Sunday after Pentecost

DEUTERONOMY 2:7 (CEB)
God has blessed you in all that you have done.

JOHN 1:16 (ABP)
Jesus Christ blesses us with gifts from his vast warehouse of grace. Non-stop — the blessings keep coming.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The blessings from Christ are unlimited.

DAILY FODDER
If you didn't believe in Christ, where would you say that all your blessings come from? Would you even acknowledge that you are blessed?

PRAYER
Beneficent God, the blessings that come to us through Christ are unending. Yet, I only manage to acknowledge a few of them. It's almost as though the forest is so dense that I can't see all the trees. Increase my awareness of your generosity so that I can be appropriately grateful. I'm going to live as truly blessed person. 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!