GOD'S DIRECTIONS

PSALM 19:8 (MSG)
The signposts of God are clear
   and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right,
   showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain
   and easy on the eyes.

Luke 11:28 (NLT)
Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Paying attention to God's travel guide pays off.

DAILY FODDER
The Message version of the Bible translates God's law and commands as "signposts" and "lifemaps." Can you think of any other metaphors that might capture the essence of the Hebrew notion of Torah—law, guide, instruction...? 

PRAYER
Blessed God, thank you for revealing yourself in so many astounding ways, especially for your Word-become-flesh in Jesus, our Lord. Help me to stay faithful to his word of love just as he faithfully gave himself for me and for everyone I meet. Place your word in my mouth to spread your abundant blessing everywhere. 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.

UP AND WALKING

PSALM 56:13 (MSG)
You pulled me from the brink of death,
my feet from the cliff-edge of doom.
Now I stroll at leisure with God
in the sunlit fields of life.

MARK 5:41-42 (MSG)
He clasped the girl’s hand and said, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, get up.” At that, she was up and walking around!

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Because God has saved us from the grip of death we are free to stroll with him.

DAILY FODDER
After I had a stroke in 2019, the doctor looking at the MRI image of my brain said, "Did you know that you have scar tissue from an earlier stroke, possibly years ago?" I was grateful that my 2019 stroke left little lasting damage but until that point, I wasn't thankful for the way God had protected me from an earlier silent stroke. It got me wondering, just how many times has my life been spared?

PRAYER
Merciful God, you've saved us all from the brink of death numerous times. We confess that we are unaware of all the when, what, and where you've done this. But we can remember the times when we were too close to death for comfort and it stirs us to consider that you're probably doing even more than we can take in. So we thank you and we want you to know that we enjoy strolling at leisure with you in the sunlit fields of life. 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.

SALVATION

The 14th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 118:21 (MSG)
Thank you for responding to me;
you’ve truly become my salvation!

1 TIMOTHY 2:3-4 (MSG)
This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we’ve learned...

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God wants to see everyone saved. 

DAILY FODDER
What is the greatest obstacle we experience to receiving salvation from a sin-driven life? 

PRAYER
Loving Savior God, thank you for sending Jesus into the world to break the grip that sin holds on us. We're free but we still grasp at sin. Walk me free from all encumbrances so that I can experience in my life what you have established for us all. I know that I can't make it on my own but I'm trusting you to activate this salvation in my every day. 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.

PARTY LIFE

ZECHARIAH 3:4 (ABP)
Look! I've erased all your guilt and I'm going to dress you in festive attire.

LUKE 15:22, 24 (NRSV)
The father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him... for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Imagine God dressing you in the finest party clothes, not because you deserve it but because he is gracious.

DAILY FODDER
We often think of Christian living as getting the do's and don't's right—avoiding all the sins. But notice how often in the Bible, life with God is portrayed as a party life.

PRAYER
Generous God, you sent Jesus into the world to start a party. Forgive me for failing to join in as I am obsessed with determining whether I'm worthy. Help me focus on your generosity rather than my shortcomings or accomplishments. I'm going to put on the party clothes you've laid out for me. 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.