HAND IN HAND

PSALM 116:9 (MSG)
I’m striding in the presence of God,
alive in the land of the living!

ROMANS 6:11 (GNT)
In the same way you are to think of yourselves as dead, so far as sin is concerned, but living in fellowship with God through Christ Jesus.

THE ESSENCE
Walking hand in hand with God, through our union with Jesus, is what it’s  all about. 

DAILY FODDER
Peactically speaking, how does one know if they're living faithfully?  

PRAYER
Generous God, I'm alive because of what Christ has done for us. Even though I want to turn away from everything that is anti-Christ, it is an on going struggle. Take my hand and walk with me so that together sin will be purged from my life. I know that I’m better when I’m together with 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.

HEAVENLY REPRESENTATION

JOB 16:19 (GNT)
There is someone in heaven
to stand up for me and take my side.

HEBREWS 4:14 (GNT)
Let us, then, hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we have a great High Priest who has gone into the very presence of God—Jesus, the Son of God.

THE ESSENCE
The risen and ascended Christ Jesus continues to represent us and our needs in the courts of Heaven. So, we can expect full justice.

DAILY FODDER
The work of the fully human (and fully God) Christ Jesus did not end when he left Earth and ascended to the heavenly headquarters.  

PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, for representing us in Heaven. Forgive us for growing frustrated with the ongoing injustices we experience, acting offended as if we've been abandoned. Reassure me of your ongoing work on our behalf. I trust that you have secured our salvation and will continue to redeem the world in preparation for the day when Heaven and Earth merge, and your justice is complete. 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.

THE FUTURE

The 21st Sunday after Pentecost 

ZECHARIAH 2:11 (GNT)

At that time many nations will come to the Lord and become his people. He will live among you...

REVELATION 21:3 (GNT)
I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne: "Now God's home is with people! He will live with them, and they shall be his people."

THE ESSENCE
The future is about living with God as his people.  

DAILY FODDER
How does this future hope shape how we live now and the rules of engagement with the current godless regime? 

PRAYER
Ever-present God, I am thankful you are a God for all people. You are not distant or limited by national identity. You dwell with ME! Forgive me when I feel lost or alone rather than drawing closer to you. Assist me to seek your unwavering presence in my life and to find opportunities to join others in Christian community. 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.

GROWTH

All Saints Day

PSALM 119:6 (GNT)

If I pay attention to all your commands,

then I will not be put to shame.

LUKE 8:15 (MSG)
But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest.

THE ESSENCE
Whole heartedly attend to the matter of growth if you want a good harvest. 

DAILY FODDER
What, within your control, is hindering your spiritual development? What is something you can do today to minimize that hinderance? 

PRAYER
Gracious God, I'm grateful today for all the saints—the followers of Jesus—who have, persisted in faithful obedience, even when experiencing pushback for their faith. Forgive me for taking my faith development so casually. Please persist in tending to my soul, sending rain and sun to nuture the growth. I know that I can't grow myself, but I can obediently welcome your cultivation. No matter what happens, that's what I'm going to do. 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.