BLESSED

PSALM 67:1 (MSG)
God, mark us with grace
and blessing! Smile!

MARK 10:16 (MSG)
Then, gathering the children up in his arms, Jesus laid his hands of blessing on them.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Since God blesses us let's look for ways to extend that blessing to others.

DAILY FODDER
How do you help people recognize the smile of God?

PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, for lifting me up in your arms, again and again. I know your blessing lasts forever, but I never get tired of being brought closer to you. Help me rest in your words and promises today. I am like a little child climbing into the arms of the One who will receive me with love. 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 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.

WITNESSES

DEUTERONOMY 11:7 (CEB)
Your own eyes witnessed each of these powerful acts the LORD performed.

2 PETER 1:16 (CEB)
We didn’t repeat crafty myths when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Quite the contrary, we witnessed his majesty with our own eyes.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Don't undervalue the witnesses of God's activity.

DAILY FODDER
What have you seen God do that needs to be mentioned?

PRAYER
Majestic God, we've benefited from the witness of those who have gone before us. Thank you for their testimonies confirming your activity. Forgive us for our eagerness to embrace crafty stories which we mistakenly believe will somehow benefit us. Help me to stay focused on the witnessed truth and to pass that perspective on to others who need to hear the great thing you have done through Christ Jesus. I'm going to embrace my place in the community of Christian witnesses. 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 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.

AMBITION

The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

EZEKIEL 18:27 (MSG)
Likewise, if a bad person turns away from his bad life and starts living a good life, a fair life, he will save his life.

MATTHEW 16:26 (CEB)
Why would people gain the whole world but lose their lives? What will people give in exchange for their lives?

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Be ambitious for the life-giving things, as defined by God.

DAILY FODDER
How do people get sucked into pursuing lives that have no eternal value?

PRAYER
Savior God, thank you for sending Jesus into the world to rescue us from the grip of all that is contrary to you and your ways. I confess that I don't always make your priorities my priorities, even though I'm among the saved. I get so busy pursuing things that primarily benefit me that I don't even realize how neglectful I've become. Help me to sort through all of this so that my life is totally aligned with your life. I want my ambitions to be life-giving and eternal. 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 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 PROTECTION

PSALM 91:1-2 (CEB)
Living in the Most High’s shelter,
   camping in the Almighty’s shade,
I say to the LORD, 

   “You are my refuge, my stronghold!
   You are my God—the one I trust!”

ACTS 26:22 (NLT)
But God has protected me right up to this present time so I can testify to everyone, from the least to the greatest.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We can count on God to protect us.

DAILY FODDER
From what does God protect us? Are there things from which he doesn't protect people?

PRAYER
Almighty God, you are my refuge, my stronghold! It feels good to say that, although I easily slip into the mode of thinking where I feel responsible for my own protection. And that quickly degenerates into worry. Help me to look to you completely for protection. And give me the wisdom to implement your security. Even if things go sideways I know you'll take care of me forever. So, I'm not going to worry. 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 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.