SUPREME RULER

ZECHARIAH 9:10 (CEB)
His rule will stretch from sea to sea,
and from the river to the ends of the earth.

MATTHEW 4:8-10 (MSG)
The Devil took him to the peak of a huge mountain. He gestured expansively, pointing out all the earth’s kingdoms, how glorious they all were. Then he said, “They’re yours—lock, stock, and barrel. Just go down on your knees and worship me, and they’re yours.”

Jesus’ refusal was curt: “Beat it, Satan!”

THE ESSENCE
Jesus is the supreme ruler over all there is. Beware of those who see power as theirs to give. 

DAILY FODDER
Why did the Devil offer Jesus what was already his? 

PRAYER
Jesus, you are already the supreme leader. Forgive us for looking elsewhere for authority to do your work. Empower us to resist the tempations that draw us into autonomy and away from allegiance to you alone. Enable me to boldly and quickly refute the temptor. I'm going to live under your authority and do things your way. 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.

TROUBLEMAKERS

The 19th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 83:1-2 (CEB)
God, don’t be silent!
Don’t be quiet or sit still, God,
because—look!—your enemies are growling;
those who hate you are acting arrogantly.

LUKE 22:49 (NLT)
When the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they exclaimed, “Lord, should we fight? We brought the swords!”

THE ESSENCE
Trust God to deal with the troublemakers in his own way and in his own time.  

DAILY FODDER
Who are the troublemakers in your life? How do you deal with them? How might God be challenging you to deal with them differently? 

PRAYER
Eternal God, I regret my unwillingness to honor your way. When someone angers me, I want to retaliate. Thank you for showing me your will. In the midst of hostility, you bring healing. You die for your enemies. Today, strengthen me to trust you. Show me how to pray for and to bless those who hate. 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.

FORGIVEN

DANIEL 9:9 (CEV)
Lord God, you are merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against you...

EPHESIANS 1:7 (GNT)
For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God...

THE ESSENCE
Through the sacrifice of Christ we are set free and forgiven.  

DAILY FODDER
Why would God want to forgive rebellious people—who at best ignore him, but mostly are operatives attempting to undermine his agenda? Is that a lapse of judgment on the part of God?

PRAYER
Lord God, you are merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against you. I acknowledge that I'm among the rebellious—although my rebellion is usually pretty subtle. Help me to recognize my ongoing need to live into your forgiveness so I can experience your freedom. I want my life to be about celebrating your grace. 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.

TENACITY

GENESIS 32:26 (CEB)
Jacob said, “I won’t let you go until you bless me.”

MATTHEW 19:13 (GNT)
Some people brought children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and to pray for them...

THE ESSENCE
When seeking God's blessing tenacity pays off. 

DAILY FODDER
Tenacity is persistence and determination, gripping onto something or someone firmly. How was Jacob tenacious when he was wrestling with God in Genesis 26? How were the parents who brought children to Jesus in Matthew 19 acting with tenacity?

PRAYER
Gracious God, like Jacob, I have foibles, yet you love me. As I wrestle with you, these become your blessings to the world around me. You use them to bring hope to imperfect people. Your prayers bless my new identity. I am your beloved child. Help me share your way of blessing with those I may struggle with today. 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.