PRESENT

The 9th Sunday after Pentecost

NUMBERS 6:24 (NLT)
May the LORD bless you and protect you.

MATTHEW 28:20 (NLT)
Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

THE ESSENCE
Jesus promises to be present in the lives of his followers.  

DAILY FODDER
How does the presence of the Lord in your life change the way you operate? 

PRAYER 
Gracious God, I am grateful for your loving presence in my life, and the lives of all who welcome you in. Forgive me for forgetting that you're here and allowing fear to settle in. Bless me with an awareness of your presence and encourage me to act accordingly. I am certain that you are watching over and guiding 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.

TURNING

JOSHUA 24:23 (CEV)
Joshua said, “But you still have some idols, like those the other nations worship. Get rid of your idols! You must decide once and for all that you really want to obey the LORD God of Israel.”

ACTS 20:20-21 (NLT)
I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.

THE ESSENCE
It's always about turning away from the things that are contrary to God and his ways, and toward God and a life of faith in Christ Jesus.

DAILY FODDER
What do modern idols look like? Are they harder or easier to turn from than their ancient predecessors? 

PRAYER 
Loving Father, thank you for sending your living word into our world and into my heart. I know I am often tempted to rely on my own words and insights. They are like mental idols of wood or stone. Lead me deeper into faith and peace that is Jesus. May my words testify to your light and life. 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.

WELL REGULATED WORDS

PSALM 39:1 (CEV)
I told myself, “I'll be careful
not to sin by what I say,
and I'll muzzle my mouth
when evil people are near.”

JAMES 3:10 (MSG)
Curses and blessings out of the same mouth! My friends, this can’t go on...

THE ESSENCE
Followers of Jesus understand how to regulate their words.

DAILY FODDER
Why would the psalmist think it's important to "muzzle" his mouth in the presence of evil people? Wouldn't they be the people you should blast away with your words? 

PRAYER 
I'm grateful, God, that you sent Christ Jesus into the world as the living Word. Forgive my reckless words spoken apart from him and his agenda. Grant me wisdom so that my words are all well chosen and consistent with your ways. I want EVERYTHING I say to point with integrity to the living Word who calls us all into being. 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.

OUR PRIORITY

HAGGAI 1:9 (CEV)
You expected much, but received only a little. And when you brought it home, I made that little disappear. Why have I done this? It's because you hurry off to build your own houses, while my temple is still in ruins.

LUKE 11:42 (NLT)
What sorrow awaits you, Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.

THE ESSENCE
God's agenda should be our #1 priority.

DAILY FODDER
What exactly is God's agenda for today? What is not God's agenda for today? 

PRAYER 
Holy God, I confess that I imitate the desires of others. and get caught up in endless vanities. Help me to see the world from your perspective and to live in it with your wisdom and love. May my neighbors in life be thankful they knew me as they offer you praise and glory. 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.