THE VOICE

JOB 33:13-14 (GNT)
Why do you accuse God
of never answering our complaints?
Although God speaks again and again,
no one pays attention to what he says.

REVELATION 2:7 (CEB)
If you can hear, listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

THE ESSENCE
God is speaking to those who are listening.

DAILY FODDER
How do you normally hear God speak? 

PRAYER
Almighty God, there is no greater voice in all of creation. Yet, we have trouble hearing you. If we could only get closer to you, we might understand, but how do we get closer when we can't hear you? Break into our little personal realms. Bridge the sound gap that we can't bridge, not just because we are lesser beings, but because we are sinful beings. Gently nudge us into union with Christ Jesus, so that we can live in full communication with you. I want to hear what you're saying. 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.

IDOLS

The 22nd Sunday after Pentecost

DEUTERONOMY 4:23 (NRSVUE)
So be careful, lest you forget the covenant that the Lord your God made with you and make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything that the Lord your God has forbidden you.

ROMANS 1:20 (CEB)
Ever since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—God’s eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, because they are understood through the things God has made.

THE ESSENCE
Idols are unhelpful distractions from how God reveals himself.  

DAILY FODDER
What do idols look like in the 21st century? 

PRAYER
Heavenly Creator, I am grateful and awed to be part of your earthly and eternal creation. I am sorry when the idols of this world distract me. Help me to rest in your purpose. As I worship you today, may my words of praise and prayer be part of my ongoing celebration of you and of your covenant. 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.

THE LIGHT

ISAIAH 42:16 (ABP)
I'll guide my people who lack sight along untraveled roads. I'll lead them on unfamiliar pathways.

JOHN 8:12 (MSG)
Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.”

THE ESSENCE
No one who follows Jesus stumbles around in the darkness. 

DAILY FODDER
If Jesus provides plenty of light for us to live in, why do we gravitate toward the dark edges? 

PRAYER
Light of the WORLD, thank you for focusing your light LOCALLY so I can see. Nevertheless, I admit a fascination with darkness and even as I'm serving you I tend to push myself beyond your beam. Slow me down so I can receive the full benefit of your light, while enjoying your secure presence. I'm going to walk with you in the light you provide. 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.

FIXATION

PSALM 40:16 (NLT)
But may all who search for you
be filled with joy and gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation
repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”

LUKE 19:38 (CEB)
“Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens.”

THE ESSENCE
All who love the salvation that comes to us from heaven are going to fixate on declaring the Lord’s greatness. 

DAILY FODDER
When we fixate on something or someone we can't stop thinking about the object of attention. The action becomes a part of who we are. Sometimes this can become unhealthy but at least one fixation is lifegiving.

PRAYER
Great God, you are worthy of our non-stop attention. Forgive us for allowing other loud voices and glittery personalities to distract us. Help me to feel comfortable fixating on you and your glorious ways. Great are you, Lord! 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.