STRENGTH

 The 7th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 29:11 (NLT)
The Lord gives his people strength.

2 TIMOTHY 1:7 (CEB)
God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled. 

THE ESSENCE
The Lord gives us strength to serve, but it is a strength characterized by love and self-control.  

DAILY FODDER
How is the strength or power that God gives his people different from the strength or power that is assumed necessary to accomplish things in the system that currently runs the world. 

PRAYER 
Almighty God, thank you for entusting us with power. We confess that we squander it through neglect or at times by abusing it. Help us to be strong and powerful in the tradition of Jesus. I want to use my strength to live a restrained and loving life that honors the one who empowers me. 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.

ACT RESPONSIBLY

JEREMIAH 21:14 (MSG)
I’ll punish your evil regime.

MATTHEW 25:21 (NLT)
The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!

THE ESSENCE
The time is coming when we'll all face judgment—for better or worse.

DAILY FODDER
What do you think God will say to you on judgment day? Imagine the conversation. 

PRAYER 
Thank you, Jesus, entrusting me with the riches of your grace. Forgive me when I think these blessings come from my deeds. It is an honor to be a vessel filled with your blessings. May I never hoard them or bury them in the ground. Rather, pour me out to serve you and my neighbors with joy. 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.

LISTEN FOR SUBSTANCE

PSALM 44:1 (NLT)
O God, we have heard it with our own ears—
our ancestors have told us
of all you did in their day,
in days long ago...

2 TIMOTHY 4:3 (MSG)
You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy.

THE ESSENCE
Listen for godly substance. 

DAILY FODDER
In what ways have you been attracted to spiritual junk food?

PRAYER 
O God, we have heard it with our own ears—the good news that Jesus is the supreme leader and that he's out to change the world—to overwhelm the fickleness of the world with the grace from heaven. Forgive us for turning our attention toward all those who scramble the good news, making it sound as though it's all about advancing ourselves. Grant me wisdom and discerment so I can quickly tune out the worthless input and maintain focus on what you continue to say. I'm going on a diet that eliminates spiritual junk food. 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.

CRYING OUT TO GOD

PSALM 39:12 (CEB)
Hear my prayer, LORD!
Listen closely to my cry for help!

LUKE 7:37-38, 50 (CEB)
Meanwhile, a woman from the city, a sinner, discovered that Jesus was dining in the Pharisee’s house. She brought perfumed oil in a vase made of alabaster. Standing behind him at his feet and crying, she began to wet his feet with her tears. She wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and poured the oil on them... Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

THE ESSENCE
God hears our cries. 

DAILY FODDER
There are many ways that you can cry out to the Lord. 

PRAYER 
Thank you, faithful Lord, for hearing us when we call out to you. I admit that I struggle when your response isn't immediate. Help me to persist and to continue to seek your aid. Show me whatever uncoventional form that cry might take. I'm going to calmly move forward knowing that you are responding to my faith. 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.