NO FEAR

The 10th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 118:6 (CEV)
The LORD is on my side,
and I am not afraid
of what others can do to me.

ROMANS 8:35 (CEV)
Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering, and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death?

SUMMARY SENTENCE
With Christ on our side, we needn't fear ANYTHING!

DAILY FODDER
What is your greatest fear? How do you deal with that fear daily?

PRAYER
Jesus, friend, thank you for giving yourself for me. Nothing I do, nothing done to me, can ever separate me from you. By lifting my burden of fear, you restore my life. I am loved for who I am, not what others think of me. Help me know the full embrace of your promise. Let me share your love. 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 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 POOR

PSALM 9:18 (CEV)
The poor and the homeless
won't always be forgotten
and without hope.

LUKE 6:20 (CEV)
Jesus looked at his disciples and said:
God will bless you people
   who are poor.
His kingdom belongs to you!

SUMMARY SENTENCE
In God's economy, the poor will experience blessings. 

DAILY FODDER
How many poor people do you know? What does that say about you? 

PRAYER
Generous God, you turn your attention to the needs of the poor and hurting. Forgive me for only helping a little, and when it is convenient. In your kingdom there are no shortages. I've already experienced that. Help me to share with open hands — the kind of sharing which reflects your reign. In Jesus' name, 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 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.

NO "IFS"

JOB 12:14 (CEB)
If he tears down, it can’t be rebuilt;
if he ties a person up, he can’t be set free.

MARK 9:23-24 (MSG)
Jesus said, “If? There are no ‘ifs’ among believers. Anything can happen.”
No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, “Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God's decisions are the final word; so turn to and trust him. 

DAILY FODDER
In Mark 9 a man turned to Jesus for help but was unsure of his ability to actually do anything. Jesus set him straight and erased his doubts, as no one else can do.

PRAYER
Thank you, healing God, for opening the secret doors of my unbelief. You know my faith is shaky unless your power fills me. You have chosen me to hear your voice. You do all things for me. As your faith frees me, I live with courage. My weakness becomes an opportunity for your grace. 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 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.

RAINBOWS

GENESIS 9:13 (NLT)
I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.

2 PETER 3:7 (MSG)
But God has commanded the present heavens and earth to remain...

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is holding back inevitable judgment because of his faithfulness.  

DAILY FODDER
Do you really believe that judgment is inevitable? If so, how does that change the way you approach life?

PRAYER
Faithful God, each time I see a rainbow I'm reminded that you are mercifully holding things together. I confess, though, that between rainbow sightings I can get caught up in the angst of the times. Keep reminding me of your faithfulness. I need to see some visible reminders. Yet, even when the rainbow isn't visible I know that it's there, as are 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 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.