IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH

JEREMIAH 32:42 (MSG)
Yes, this is God’s Message: "I will certainly bring this huge catastrophe on this people, but I will also usher in a wonderful life of prosperity. I promise."

2 CORINTHIANS 1:7 (CEB)
Our hope for you is certain, because we know that as you are partners in suffering, so also you are partners in comfort.

THE ESSENCE
God has a hand in both the challenging times and the prosperous times. So, we can thrive through either when we partner with him.

DAILY FODDER
Why might God bring catastrophe before prosperity? Does he want us to suffer?

PRAYER
Merciful God, thank you for including me as a very junior partner in your group. Forgive me for doubting your love and commiment when I face challenging times. During those challenging moments reassure me of your active presence. I'm going to plow forward with the living hope that is ours through our partnership with Christ Jesus. 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.

RECRUITED

GENESIS 12:4 (ABP)
So Abram did what GOD told him to do and left Haran.

ROMANS 9:24 (ABP)
We are those people whom God called—not just from the Jews but also from those who are not Jewish.

THE ESSENCE
God calls people from many backgrounds to join his company. 

DAILY FODDER
When did you first realize that God was recruiting you to join his company? What did you have to leave behind to follow his call? 

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for recruiting me. I confess that your call is sometimes a struggle as there are many other voices trying to lure me their direction. Give me the confidence needed to turn away the head hunters. By your grace I'm going work in your company forever. 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.

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.