GOD-LIFE

The 15th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 90:1-2 (CEV)

Our Lord, in all generations

you have been our home.

You have always been God—

long before the birth

of the mountains,

even before you created

the earth and the world.

MARK 11:22 (MSG)
Jesus was matter-of-fact: "Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Embrace the God-life, for God is the source of life.

DAILY FODDER
How did you come to an awareness of God?

PRAYER
Everlasting God, you have been and are the source of life. You won't abandon us, even though we drift off and abandon you. Steady me during my most unstable moments. Keep me tuned into your ongoing life-giving activity. I need the refreshment that comes through Christ Jesus. Through him, I am embracing the God-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.

GOD'S CHILDREN

MALACHI 3:17 (CEV)
Then the LORD All-Powerful said:
   You people are precious to me, and when I come to bring justice,
   I will protect you, just as parents protect an obedient child.

MATTHEW 5:9 (ABP)
The good life belongs to those who make peace because they’ll be recognized as God’s children.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Life as a child of God is full of significant adventures.

DAILY FODDER
If peacemaking is a characteristic of God's children, what does that say about God?

PRAYER
Forgive me, God, when I project my own hurt and rage onto you, and I treat my neighbors as your enemies. Help me to see others with the eyes of Christ, to speak to them with his love, and to act with his kindness in all my relationships. Make me an instrument of your peace. 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.

BIG-PICTURE

PSALM 33:11 (CEB)
But the LORD’s plan stands forever;
what he intends to do lasts from one generation to the next.

EPHESIANS 1:11-12 (MSG)
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is a big-picture, long-range planner.

DAILY FODDER
Why is it important to look at life and history from God's big-picture perspective? How does it affect the way we function here and now?

PRAYER
Eternal God, you've got a plan grander than we can perceive. Forgive us for thinking that we know exactly what is happening at any given moment. We are presumptuous impatient beings. Help us to set aside our perspectives so that we can experience your wisdom. We'll never be able to understand it all but even a little bit of your perspective brings purpose and calm to our lives. 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.

THE PROVIDER

JOB 38:41 (MSG)
And who sets out food for the ravens
when their young cry to God,
fluttering about because they have no food?

1 CORINTHIANS 3:7 (MSG)
It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Remember who the real provider is.

DAILY FODDER
Why is it important to continually recognize that God stands behind all of our provisions?

PRAYER
Mighty God, your power is displayed everywhere. Yet I foolishly regard myself as abandoned and alone, or worse—as someone learned and in control. Since you alone are God, guide me to my place of service and inspire me to do what I can for the blessing of your people. 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.