DEALING WITH IDIOTS

Trinity Sunday

ZECHARIAH 7:9 (CEV)
So once again, I, the LORD All-Powerful, tell you, "See that justice is done and be kind and merciful to one another!"

2 TIMOTHY 2:24-25 (MSG)
God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth...

THE ESSENCE
Those representing God take an alternative approach to dealing with troublesome people—an approach characterized by firm gentleness, patience, kindness, and mercy.

DAILY FODDER
Note how these alternative characteristics line up with the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-26. This helps us understand that it is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives that makes this happen. 

PRAYER 
God, I thank you for being so patient with me. I acknowledge that I'm not so gentle with the idiots I have to deal with. Might your indwelling Spirit give me the ability to gently and patiently listen to all so that your kindness, mercy, and restorative justice might flow through what I say—or don't say. I want to do truth in 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.

WHAT GOD WANTS

GENESIS 3:6 (MSG)
When the Woman saw that the tree looked like good eating and realized what she would get out of it—she’d know everything!—she took and ate the fruit and then gave some to her husband, and he ate.

1 JOHN 2:17 (MSG)
The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.

THE ESSENCE
When we pursue our own agendas we are simply rearranging the deck furniture on a sinking ship. 

DAILY FODDER
Summarize your personal agenda for life in a single sentence. Will it stand the test of eternity?

PRAYER 
Merciful God, thank you for caring about us despite our personal agendas that are so contrary to yours. Through the grace conveyed in the mission of Jesus reset my life so that I am in total alignment with you. I want to do what you want. 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.

TRUST GOD FOR "THE IMPOSSIBE"

GENESIS 18:14 (MSG)
Is anything too hard for God?

MARK 16:14 (CEB)
Finally he appeared to the eleven while they were eating. Jesus criticized their unbelief and stubbornness because they didn’t believe those who saw him after he was raised up.

THE ESSENCE
Trust God's word, even when it appears impossible.

DAILY FODDER
What would Jesus have said to you on the day after the resurrection? What is he telling you to do today that flies the face of modern reality?  

PRAYER 
Mighty God, I celerate your power. You have the final word over death and everything else. I confess that I am stubbornly entrenched in the world's existing system. Align my life with your fuller understanding of resurrection-based reality. It may seem crazy but I'm trusting 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.

SHINE

DEUTERONOMY 13:4 (CEB)
You must follow the Lord your God alone! Revere him! Follow his commandments! Obey his voice! Worship him! Cling to him—no other!

PHILIPPIANS 2:15-16 (CEB)
Among these people you shine like stars in the world because you hold on to the word of life.

THE ESSENCE
Focus on serving the Lord and you will shine when everything around us feels dark.

DAILY FODDER
Practically speaking, what does it mean to serve the Lord alone? 

PRAYER 
Creator and Sustainer, all creation revolves around you and your agenda. Forgive us for pursuing our own agendas and approaches to life. We honor those who sing "I did it my way." Transform my life so that it becomes all about you and your way. I want to shine like the stars because I've done it 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.