LISTENING RESPECT

HABAKKUK 2:20 (MSG)
But oh! God is in his holy Temple!
Quiet everyone—a holy silence. Listen!

MARK 11:17 (CEB)
Jesus taught them, “Hasn’t it been written, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you’ve turned it into a hideout for crooks.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Genuine worship is characterized by listening respect. 

DAILY FODDER
Is there any holy silence in your worship? What is revealed in silence that we can't receive otherwise?

PRAYER
Holy God, you are worthy of all glory, honor, and silent awe. Forgive us for turning worship into a high energy spectacle, ignoring the need to spend time together in silent respect, too. Absolve us of our sins and renew our worship through your Word and sacraments. I want to worship you with fervor and respectful silence. I'm trusting you to lead us into that balance. 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.

THE KINGDOM IS NEAR

ISAIAH 31:5 (NLT)
The LORD of Heaven’s Armies will hover over Jerusalem
and protect it like a bird protecting its nest.
He will defend and save the city;
he will pass over it and rescue it.

MATTHEW 10:6-8 (MSG)
Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge:

"Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The Kingdom of God isn't a distant pipe dream but Jesus has brought it into proximity, enabling us to trust him to participate in the miraculous.

DAILY FODDER
According to Matthew 10:6-8 what are Jesus' followers commisioned to do?

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for bringing your kingdom to our neighborhood. Forgive us for reducing your mission to a bunch of propositions to be acknowledged. Show me how to live out your kigdom agenda today among my immediate sphere of influence. Even though some of it seems extreme, I trust that you've got my back. I love you. 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.

WORSHIP

PSALM 68:26 (ABP)
Worship God in the great assembly!

ACTS 2:46-47 (CEB)
Every day, they met together in the temple and ate in their homes. They shared food with gladness and simplicity. They praised God and demonstrated God’s goodness to everyone.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Even in our worship we are demonstrating God's goodness to the world. 

DAILY FODDER
God isn't the only one paying attention to how we worship. Does your worship communicate God's goodness to the world or are you communicating something else?

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for placing me in a vital worshipping community. Forgive me for all the times I attempt to reduce worship to a personalized experience centered on my needs and sensibilites. Might my worship clearly demonstrate your goodness to the world. I want to fit in with the great assembly gathered around your throne for worship. 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.

WEIGHED DOWN?

PSALM 34:6 (CEB)
This suffering person cried out:
the Lord listened and saved him from every trouble.

MATTHEW 11:28 (MSG)
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When you are weighed down look to the Lord to get your life back.  

DAILY FODDER
What is weighing you down these days? How are you going to shift that weight over to the Lord Jesus? 

PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, for caring enough to offer to carry my load. Forgive my self-inflicted stoicism. I'm way too eager to prove myself by taking on more than you created me to carry. Help me to release what isn't mine to lug around. I'm going to rest in your faithful care. 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