COMPELLING

JEREMIAH 20:9 (MSG)
But if I say, “Forget it!
No more GOD-Messages from me!”
The words are fire in my belly,
a burning in my bones.
I’m worn out trying to hold it in.

COLOSSIANS 4:3-4 (MSG)
Don’t forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I’m locked up in this jail. Pray that every time I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.

THE ESSENCE
When God has his hand on us his message is so compelling that it drives our lives.

DAILY FODDER
What does the prophet mean when he describes his calling as "fire in my belly" and "burning in my bones"? Is this compulsion comfortable or satisfying in nature? How so?

PRAYER 
I'm grateful, Lord, that your hand is on me—even though sometimes that feels all consuming and uncomfortable. Forgive me for backing down so I can find a place less intense. You know how I'm wired, so I will trust your call on my life. Help me to see the opportunities to reveal the mystery of Christ to those around 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.

FOR GOD'S GLORY

PSALM 19:1 (CEB)
Heaven is declaring God’s glory!

1 CORINTHIANS 6:20 (GNT)
Use your bodies for God's glory.

THE ESSENCE
The bottom line is that everything we do and are should be joining heaven to declare God’s glory.

DAILY FODDER
Declaring God’s glory isn't just a matter of formal worship, although that is clearly a part of it. Over 99% of declaring glory is acting, thinking, and speaking in such a way that God is properly honored throughout the rest of the week. It is a high privelege to be serving him.

PRAYER 
Great God, I want to join the heavenly chorus that declares your glory. Forgive me for thinking that glorifying you is only about singing praise songs. Teach me to honor you through what I do with every aspect of my life. I want the entirety of my soul to honor you. That's my pupose, to glorify 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.

SPOKESMEN AND WOMEN

DEUTERONOMY 18:18 (CEB)
I’ll raise up a prophet for them from among their fellow Israelites—one just like you. I’ll put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.

MARK 6:2-3 (CEB)
Many who heard him were surprised... Isn’t this the carpenter?

THE ESSENCE
We should pay attention to Jesus because he speaks God's words.

DAILY FODDER
Jesus is the surprising prophet who speaks God's words. But he is more than a prophet. He is the living embodiment of God's words. 

PRAYER 
Jesus, I'm grateful that you came as God's redeeming message. I'm sorry that I'm  not such a good listener. Continue to improve my listening skills so I can more fully take in your message. As your word takes root in me, I'm eager to become one of your assistant messengers—embodying your lifegiving words to those around 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.

GOD SAVES

The 14th Sunday after Pentocost

HABAKKUK 3:18 (ABP)
Even if the world around me falls apart, I'll continue to find joy and gladness in GOD, because he saves me from the forces of chaos.

LUKE 15:20 (MSG)
When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him.

THE ESSENCE
God is passionate about saving us in the midst of our troubles.

DAILY FODDER
For some reason, God doesn't always spare us from the forces of chaos and trouble, but he chooses to save us out of those circumstances. Take heart. You know what to expect when difficulty comes at you.

PRAYER 
Glorious God, thank you for sending your Son into the world to release us from the grasp of sin. You are our Savior! Forgive me for allowing discouragment to take over when trouble comes, as though l don't already have an eternal champion on my side. Wrap me in your embrace and help me to realize the security of your kiss. I know that even if the chaos is of my own doing, you are still here for me as a welcoming Savior. 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.