BIG-HEARTED GOD

Trinity Sunday

PSALM 10:14 (CEV)
But you see the trouble
and the distress,
and you will do something.
The poor can count on you,
and so can orphans.

LUKE 13:12-13 (CEV)
When Jesus saw the woman, he called her over and said, “You are now well.” He placed his hands on her, and at once she stood up straight and praised God.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We can count on God seeing our troubles and appropriately responding.

DAILY FODDER
What are the troubles that you are hoping God will notice?

PRAYER
All-seeing and all-compassionate God, I'm grateful that nothing slips by you and that your heart is big enough to care. Forgive me for acting as though I have to solve all the problems that come my way. Help me to embrace you as the big-hearted problem solver. I'm going look your way because I know that you're looking my way. 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 will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

ACKNOWLEDGING WEAKNESS

PSALM 41:1 (CEB)
But me? I said, “LORD, have mercy on me!
Heal me because I have sinned against you.”

1 CORINTHIANS 15:9-10 (CEB)
I’m the least important of the apostles. I don’t deserve to be called an apostle, because I harassed God’s church. I am what I am by God’s grace, and God’s grace hasn’t been for nothing.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Once we acknowledge our sinfulness, we can start to appropriate God's grace.

DAILY FODDER
Why is it that God's grace becomes effective in our lives after we acknowledge our sinfulness and weakness?

PRAYER
Merciful God, thank you for your grace as it has been poured into my life through Christ Jesus. Forgive me for the times I think I'm better than I am and that I can make a good life on my own. Keep me self-aware. I'm going to stay tuned in to your grace. 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 will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

SERVING CHRIST ALONE

JOSHUA 24:16 (MSG)
The people answered, “We’d never forsake GOD! Never! We’d never leave GOD to worship other gods.

JOHN 6:68 (MSG)
Peter replied, "Master, to whom would we go? You have the words of real life, eternal life."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Don't let anything or anyone distract you from serving God alone.   

DAILY FODDER
What kinds of things are likely to distract you from serving God? 

PRAYER
Lord God, you alone are worthy of my allegiance and attention. But we live in a world defined by distractions — distractions that occasionally draw my attention away from you and your mission. I know it's not enough to simply say "I'm not going to let MY focus drift." I need your help. Pour out your Spirit on my broken and unfocused life so that I can continue to serve you — you alone. 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 will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

LIGHT

ISAIAH 9:2 (MSG)
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light.
For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—
light! sunbursts of light!

MATTHEW 2:10-11 (CEB)
When the Magi saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The light of Christ breaks the darkness. 

DAILY FODDER
What expressions of darkness in your world need some light?

PRAYER
Light of life, thank you for shining in our darkness and drawing us close. Forgive me for casting shadows on others by my words and actions. Kindle within me the fire of your love so your light will shine through me and lead others to give you praise. Walking in your ight, I will joyfully serve 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 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 will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.