WEAKNESS AND STRENGTH

1 SAMUEL 2:4 (MSG)
The weapons of the strong are smashed to pieces,
while the weak are infused with fresh strength.

2 CORINTHIANS 12:10 (MSG)
Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God fills weak people with strength.

DAILY FODDER
What does Paul mean when he says, "the weaker I get, the stronger I become"?

PRAYER
Mighty God, I'm grateful for the way you flip my weaknesses into strengths. I don't fully understand how that works, except when I'm weak I have to rely on you to keep me going. Forgive me for the times I fail to see the opportunities in the negative situations and turn to wallowing in my weaknesses. Prop me up and allow me to see how you're doing so in order that I might be encouraged. I'm going to rely on your strength. In Jesus' name I pray, 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.

QUIET!

ISAIAH 30:15 (CEV)
I will make you strong
if you quietly trust me.

1 CORINTHIANS 4:20 (NLT)
For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We can live by God's power if we settle down and trust him.

DAILY FODDER
How is busyness and big talk the opposite of trusting God?

PRAYER
Listening Father, loud, untrue, and unkind words and actions are used to project an image of powerful leadership in this world. Thank you for trumping these misconceptions with your servant leadership, where strength and power come from quietness and trust in service. Following your humble servant example, show me opportunities to be a helper to those I encounter. 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.

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.