WITNESSES

ISAIAH 43:10 (CEB)
You are my witnesses, says the LORD...

ACTS 1:8 (CEB)
Rather, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We are called to be witnesses of God's faithful activity.

DAILY FODDER
How do witnesses function in a courtroom? Of what, exactly, are we called to be witnesses?

PRAYER
Faithful God, you've positioned us to see and report on your activity in the world. I confess that my credibility as a witness is sometimes compromised by my words and actions, or at times, lack thereof. Empower me to serve as a reliable witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I want to be among the convinced and convincing 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 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.

CHRIST IS OUR LEADER

ISAIAH 43:21 (NLT)
I have made Israel for myself,
and they will someday honor me before the whole world.

HEBREWS 3:6 (CEV)
But Christ is the Son in charge of God's people. And we are those people, if we keep on being brave and don't lose hope.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Christ is our leader and we bravely continue to follow his directions.

DAILY FODDER
Practically speaking, how do you follow Christ?

PRAYER
Protector Savior, we are called to declare your praise everwhere we go. You faithfully watch over our comings and goings. Forgive me when I forget these truths and hopefulessly lose my way. Thank you for faithfully restoring me to you time and time again. Give me boldness to witness to your ways for someone who needs hope today. 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.

ORDINARY PEOPLE

The 22nd Sunday after Pentecost

JEREMIAH 1:9 (CEV)
The Lord reached out his hand, then he touched my mouth and said, "I am giving you the words to say..."

1 CORINTHIANS 2:3-5 (NLT)
I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God touches and speaks through ordinary people. 

DAILY FODDER
Why might God be more interested in speaking through ordinary people than through slick polished preachers?

PRAYER
Merciful God, I'm amazed at the kinds of people you choose. Forgive us for following around the celebrities who put on a good show that can impress the socks off people. Touch me and give me life enriching words that lead people to Jesus. I want to be a part of the company of your ordinary Spirit-touched people. 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.

EVEN OLD PEOPLE

PSALM 71:18 (CEV)
Don't leave me when I am old
   and my hair turns gray.
Let me tell future generations
   about your mighty power.

LUKE 2:36-38 (CEV)
   The prophet Anna was also there in the temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. In her youth she had been married for seven years, but her husband died. And now she was 84 years old. Night and day she served God in the temple by praying and often going without eating.
   At this time Anna came in and praised God. She spoke about the child Jesus to everyone who hoped for Jerusalem to be set free.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Even old people have a vital role as witnesses of God's activity. 

DAILY FODDER
Why might older people struggle to fit into God's plan?

PRAYER
God of the ages, time doesn't affect you. But as I rapidly age I'm feeling the aches, pain, and losses. It's easy to conclude that my life is purposeless. Renew me with the fortitude and wisdom that only comes with age. Even though I don't have the same kind of energy, I'm looking to you for strategic placement. I want to witness to your faithfulness from the perspective of a lifetime of service. I'm going to tell future generations about your mighty power. 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.