GOD'S UNSTOPPABLE PLAN

The 3rd Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 33:10 (NLT)
The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations
and thwarts all their schemes.

ACTS 5:38-39 (CEB)
Here’s my recommendation in this case: Distance yourselves from these men. Let them go! If their plan or activity is of human origin, it will end in ruin. If it originates with God, you won’t be able to stop them. Instead, you would actually find yourselves fighting God!” The council was convinced by his reasoning.

THE ESSENCE
You can't thwart the plans of God so choose to function within them. 

DAILY FODDER
Why would anyone intentionally choose to funcion outside God's plan?

PRAYER 
God, I'm glad that you have an unthwartable plan. Frankly, though I'm annoyed that the plans of the ungodly remain unthwarted for so long. So many innocent people are hurt as these powermungers run loose in the world. Forgive my lack of patience, while you fill me with the kind of wisdom needed to effectively stand up for those in harm's way. I want to make sure that I'm in no way in your way. Please come and establish your reign here on earth so that everything that happens here will align with what is happening in heaven. 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.

JESUS' UPHEAVEL

ISAIAH 11:4 (ABP/NLT)
The coming king will give justice to the poor
and make fair decisions for the exploited.

MATTHEW 11:4-5 (CEB)
Jesus responded, "Go, report to John what you hear and see.
Those who were blind are able to see.
Those who were crippled are walking.
People with skin diseases are cleansed.
Those who were deaf now hear.
Those who were dead are raised up.
The poor have good news proclaimed to them...."

THE ESSENCE
When we accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord we are signing on to be a part of his radical social upheavel. 

DAILY FODDER
How radical is the Jesus you follow?   

PRAYER 
Merciful Savior, I rejoice at the good news you bring. I confess I am often unable to see or hear or walk in your ways. You are my healing and my help. You set me free so I can work on justice for others who are oppressed. Help me to bear witness to your good news today. 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.

SOVEREIGN OVER LIFE AND DEATH

1 SAMUEL 2:6 (CEB)
The LORD!
He brings death, gives life,
takes down to the grave, and raises up!

ROMANS 14:8 (CEB)
If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to God.

THE ESSENCE
Since God is sovereign over both life and death (and everything between) it behoaves us to act accordingly, regardless of where we are in life. 

DAILY FODDER
If you knew that your days left on earth were few, would that change how you live? 

PRAYER 
God over of all, thank you for caring for me, even when I fail to care for myself. Show me how to live daily according to your divine oversight.  I know things will happen which I can't forsee but I'm still trusting that you're in charge of the moment and the big picture. 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 BIBLE

DEUTERONOMY 4:10 (NLT)
He told me, ‘Summon the people before me, and I will personally instruct them. Then they will learn to fear me as long as they live, and they will teach their children to fear me also.’

2 TIMOTHY 3:14-15 (MSG)
Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers—why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother’s milk! There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

THE ESSENCE
Early and long-term exposure to the scrptures pays off in faith.

DAILY FODDER
Who taught you the Bible at an early age? How are you introducing the children in your life to the written word of God? 

PRAYER 
Gracious God, I am grateful for the Bible and how it conveys your message. Forgive me for taking it for granted. Give me a vision and the gifts necessary to share your word with those who have not yet had the exposure I've received. I want to stand in the line of faithfulness beside all my Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, mentors, and pastors who have taught me. 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.