GOD CARES

The Third Sunday after Pentecost

JOB 31:4 (NLT)
Doesn’t God see everything I do
and every step I take?

LUKE 12:6 (CEV)
Five sparrows are sold for only a few cents, but God doesn't forget a single one of them.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Even the most insignificant of creatures are under God's watchful care—so we can count on him.

DAILY FODDER
There are no little people in God's economy. How does this shape the way we relate to him? How does this shape the way we relate to the "nobodies" around us? 

PRAYER
God, you are both all-seeing and all-caring. What a powerful combination! Forgive me for wallowing in my self-perceived insignificance. Forgive me for treating others as though they aren't important. I pray for all who feel they are insignificant and unimportant. Help us grow in our awareness of what it means to be created in your image. Shape the way we treat creation, others, and ourselves so that we can live caring lives that acknowledge the lordship of Christ Jesus over all creation. 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.

CHAMPIONING THE WEAK AND VULNERABLE

PSALM 27:10 (CEV)

Even if my father and mother

should desert me,

you will take care of me.

GALATIANS 4:14 (MSG)
And don’t you remember that even though taking in a sick guest was most troublesome for you, you chose to treat me as well as you would have treated an angel of God—as well as you would have treated Jesus himself if he had visited you?

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God and his partners champion the weak and vulnerable.  

DAILY FODDER
How many of the people whom you've let into your life fall into the category of weak and vulnerable?   

PRAYER
Merciful God, thank you for supporting me in all my weaknesses. I confess that I'm not often eager to welcome others who need support into my life. Save me from my excuses for inactivity and give me the empathy that comes through partnering with Christ Jesus. He's my Savior and I'm goung join him in championing the weak and vulnerable. 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.

GOD'S DIRECTION

EXODUS 23:20 (MSG)
Now get yourselves ready. I’m sending my Angel ahead of you to guard you in your travels, to lead you to the place that I’ve prepared.

MATTHEW 2:13 (CEB)
When the magi had departed, an angel from the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up. Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod will soon search for the child in order to kill him.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God directs his people through the landmines that have been set to destroy us.

DAILY FODDER
What are the dangers that you are currently encountering. How has God been guarding you along the way?  

PRAYER
Lord, you are always one step ahead of me. Sometimes the future looks ominous. Forgive me for getting stuck in one place. Send your Holy Spirit to stir my heart and move me forward on the path you have set for me. Bless all those traveling into unknown territory. Provide us each a safe destination. 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.

DON'T BE AFRAID

ISAIAH 43:5 (CEV)
Don't be afraid! I am with you.

ACTS 18:9-10 (CEV)
One night, Paul had a vision, and in it the Lord said, “Don't be afraid to keep on preaching. Don't stop! I am with you, and you won't be harmed.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Fear is an irrational response when we know that Jesus is with us.

DAILY FODDER
What kinds of fears do you have to deal with? Fears that get in the way of following Jesus?

PRAYER
Almighty God, thank you for the reassuring word about your presence. I admit that there are things that make me afraid—things that stir up unnecessary anxiety. Help me to trust you in even the scariest of situations. I know that you are working things out for the best and to your glory. 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.