ARE YOU RICH?

The 24th Sunday after Penrecost

PSALM 62:10 (NLT)
And if your wealth increases,
don’t make it the center of your life.

1 TIMOTHY 6:18 (CEV)
Remind the rich to be generous and share what they have.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Those who have a lot are called to spread the wealth.

DAILY FODDER
Why is it that we usually think of ourselves as being less than rich while holding and controlling more wealth than most other people in the world?

PRAYER
Generous God, you are extravagently generous. We admit that your approach to giving hasn't fully caught on with us. Our default is to look for ways to hold on to as much as we can while appearing respectfully generous. Help me to shift into the next gear of generosity so that giving is my first impulse. I want to live generously—following in the footsteps of Jesus, our Savior. 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 THE JUDGE

1 SAMUEL 26:23 (MSG)
It’s God’s business to decide what to do with each of us in regard to what’s right and who’s loyal.

1 CORINTHIANS 4:5 (MSG)
So don’t get ahead of the Master and jump to conclusions with your judgments before all the evidence is in. When he comes, he will bring out in the open and place in evidence all kinds of things we never even dreamed of—inner motives and purposes and prayers. Only then will any one of us get to hear the “Well done!” of God.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Let God, who has depth of insight and breadth of perspective, be the judge.

DAILY FODDER
What are the subtle ways in which we usurp God's position as judge?

PRAYER
Merciful God, only you know and understand enough to act as judge. I confess that hasn't stopped me from issuing damning opinons about everything from the food to the politicians. Show me how to shut down my internal judgment machine so that I'm regularly cutting others a lot of slack. I'm going to let you be the judge while I major in creating an environment that highlights your grace. 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.

LONGSUFFERING GOD

All Saints Day

HOSEA 14:1 (MSG)
I will heal their waywardness.
I will love them lavishly.

MATTHEW 6:13 (ABP)
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Despite our shortcomings God continues to love and protect us.

DAILY FODDER
How has God protected you from evil?

PRAYER
Gracious Protector, I'm grateful that you stick with us even when we fail to stick with you. Forgive us our wrongdoing, and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us. Allow the good news of your longsuffering to truly sink in and transform my life. I'm confident of your love and protection. 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.

FOCUSED FAITH

Reformation Day

PSALM 20:7 (ABP)
Some nations rely on their instruments of war to accomplish their goals. But not us! We rely on GOD.

ACTS 4:12 (CEV)
Only Jesus has the power to save! His name is the only one in all the world that can save anyone.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Only Jesus has the power of salvation so we rely only on him.

DAILY FODDER
If Jesus is the only Savior, why are we inclined to stockpile weapons?

PRAYER
Savior, thank you for using your power on our behalf. Forgive us for attempting to storeup power of our own. It's so easy to get sucked into that game. Help me to trust more completely in your stockpile of unconventional weapons. Only you have the power to save so I'm trusting in you alone. 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.