GLORIOUS

The 13th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 8:5 (ABP)
When you created human beings, you made them just a notch lower than divine, bestowing them with crowns of honor and glory.

2 PETER 1:3 (NCV)
Jesus has the power of God, by which he has given us everything we need to live and to serve God. We have these things because we know him. Jesus called us by his glory and goodness.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Through Jesus, we've been uniquely positioned and empowered to live for and serve God.

DAILY FODDER
What do you consider to be the greatest honor of your life?

PRAYER
God of glory, you've generously shared your glory with us. Of course, we haven't done a very good job of living up to who we are. Help me to truly recognize who I am through Christ Jesus, who came from the Father full of glory and truth. My desire is to become who I am. 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.

HONORED

2 SAMUEL 7:21 (ABP)
You've done all of these great things because of your promise and in keeping with your agenda. On top of that, you've looped me in.

GALATIANS 3:29 (CEB)
Now if you belong to Christ, then indeed you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to the promise.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
It's a great gift that God would include us in his activity. 

DAILY FODDER
Have you ever been unexpectedly chosen for something special? How did that make you feel?

PRAYER
Loving God, what an incredible honor to be included in your eternal plan and family. Forgive me for taking it all too casually. Help me to step up to the responsibility of divine partnership. Because I trust Christ, I'm part of the family. 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.

EXTEND THE HONOR

EXODUS 20:12 (ABP)
Show respect to both your father and your mother.

ROMANS 15:7 (NCV)
Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other, which will bring glory to God.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Extend the honor that has been given to you.

DAILY FODDER
Why do you think the commandment in Exodus 20:12 included mothers, in a patriarchal society where women were of low value?

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I'm grateful for my parents—the life they gave me, the way they shaped me as a person, the grace they modeled. Forgive me for being impatient with them and their weaknesses. Help me to honor them and all people. Ultimately we are recipients of your grace. I want to be gracious toward all. 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.

FRIENDS

LEVITICUS 26:13 (NCV)
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, where you were slaves. I broke the heavy weights that were on your shoulders and let you walk proudly again.

JOHN 15:15 (NLT)
I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We've been freed so live as friends of God.

DAILY FODDER
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer

O what peace we often forfeit
O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Joseph M. Scriven (1855)

PRAYER
Befriending God, thank you for making our relationship possible. Forgive me for living as though I'm still a slave to the old ways. Help me to recognize my freedom and what it means to live with you as a friend. I'm a friend of Jesus. 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.