NO SWORDS

2 SAMUEL 2:26 (MSG)
Abner called out to Joab, "Are we going to keep killing each other till doomsday? Don’t you know that nothing but bitterness will come from this?"

MATTHEW 26:52 (MSG)
Jesus said, "Put your sword back where it belongs. All who use swords are destroyed by swords."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus calls his followers to op-out of the cycle of violence that does nothing to advance his Kingdom.

DAILY FODDER
Words can be as violent as swords. And if we want to eliminate the violent actions we can start by eliminating cutting words.

PRAYER
Prince of Peace, thank you for invading the world to establish a regime defined by shalom. Forgive my failure to fully embrace your peace agenda. Transform my heart and mind so that non-violent peace becomes my default response to evil. Grant me, too, practical assistance in implementing shalom. I'm putting away all my swords so I can tune in to how you're working this out. I want to become a weapon of your peace. 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.

NO SECOND-CLASS

The 19th Sunday after Pentecost

LEVITICUS 19:34 (CEB)
Any immigrant who lives with you must be treated as if they were one of your citizens. You must love them as yourself...

COLOSSIANS 3:11 (CEB)
In this image there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all things and in all people.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
In God's prescribed method of living, there is no pecking order and all are welcomed. 

DAILY FODDER
Why is God so concerned about the plight of immigrants?

PRAYER
You've created a world, God, with tremendous diversity. Forgive me for the subtle ways I treat people who are different from me as second-class. Light a fire within me to serve the displaced of the world — the immigrants who are the brunt of so much political rhetoric. Show me how to stand up for them. I recognize that everyone receives a warm welcome when you're around — even sinners like 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.

CONTEMPLATION

PSALM 19:14 (ABP)
Let the words that flow from my mouth
and the thoughts I allow to occupy my mind
   please you, GOD,
for you are my rock and my defender.

LUKE 2:19 (CEB)
Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Deep contemplation of what God says and does is worth the energy to do it.  

DAILY FODDER
How important is contemplation in your life? How do you arrange for space to engage in regular contemplation of God's actions and words? 

PRAYER
Gracious God, thank you for defending me. Forgive me for my failure to give it all a second thought. Teach me to meditate and noodle on your words, activity, presence, and being. I know that's a lot to ask for my short attention span but I'm trusting the Spirit to do what can be done. 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.

GIFT OF CREATION

ISAIAH 65:18 (NLT)
Be glad; rejoice forever in my creation!

1 TIMOTHY 4:4-5 (MSG)
Everything God created is good, and to be received with thanks. Nothing is to be sneered at and thrown out. God’s Word and our prayers make every item in creation holy.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Receive everything created as a holy gift.

DAILY FODDER
What are the physical, social, and spiritual consequences of devaluing an aspect of creation? 

PRAYER
Creator God, thank you for the gifts of creation. Every single thing you've created is holy through its association with you. Forgive our casual indifference to the aspects of creation that don't immediately affect our lives. I'm so short-sighted. Help me to embrace all of creation. I'm excited about what you have given to us and the way that you are renewing all creation through Christ 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 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.