SEEKING

HOSEA 3:5 (NRSV/UV)
Afterward the Israelites shall return and seek the LORD their God and David their king; they shall come in awe to the Lord and to his goodness in the latter days.

MATTHEW 7:8 (CEB)
For everyone who asks, receives. Whoever seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door is opened.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God blesses those who seek him.

DAILY FODDER
If you had to describe what seeking the Lord looks like in non-religious language what would you say?

PRAYER
Generous God, we're blessed because you respond to all who seek you and your wisdom. Forgive me for seeking success through other channels. Grant me the patience to wait for your response to my searching. I know that you are good. 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.

FRUITFUL LIVING

The 25th Sunday after Pentecost

ISAIAH 61:10 (NLT)
I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God!
For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
and draped me in a robe of righteousness.

EPHESIANS 5:9 (CEB)
Light produces fruit that consists of every sort of goodness, justice, and truth.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The light emanating from Christ produces righteous fruit.

DAILY FODDER
When I first read Ephesians 5:9, I thought Paul was intentionally mixing his metaphors for impact. After all, fruit comes from plants! But as I noddled on this it dawned on me that plants need light to produce fruit. Might it be that Paul's not mixing things up to make his point?

PRAYER
Glorious God, thank you for setting us up to live fruitful lives. Forgive me for the times I gravitate toward darkness. Dress me for outdoor living. I want your sunshine to produce abundant and healthy fruit from my 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.

BLESS GOD

PSALM 103:22 (MSG)

Bless GOD, all creatures, wherever you are—

everything and everyone made by GOD.

And you, O my soul, bless GOD!

EPHESIANS 1:5-6 (MSG)
Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We are by design created to bless God, and when we do so we experience his glorious Christ-revealed grace. 

DAILY FODDER
Is it possible to experience God's grace apart from a place in the family of Christ?

PRAYER
Gracious God, thank you for securing a place in your family through the advocacy of Christ Jesus. I regret that I need to be reminded to praise you. Rewire my being so that your blessings freely flow from my mouth and your grace defines my life. With all that I am I bless you, Lord God. 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.

FAKE GODS

JOSHUA 24:14 (CEB)
So now, revere the LORD. Serve him honestly and faithfully. Put aside the gods that your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt and serve the Lord.

GALATIANS 4:8-9 (CEV)
Before you knew God, you were slaves of gods that are not real. But now you know God, or better still, God knows you. How can you turn back and become the slaves of those weak and pitiful powers?

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Avoid getting tricked into serving the fake gods that are so ubiquitous.

DAILY FODDER
What are the fake gods that lure people today? If they are fakes how are they so powerful?

PRAYER
Liberator God, thank you for freeing me from the fake gods that aren't about my best interests. They are fakes and frauds! Although, I admit that my old attachments to these frauds resurfaces at times. Teach me how to be consistently loyal in my attachment to you. I'm going to serve Christ Jesus 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.