GARDENING

JEREMIAH 31:28 (CEV)
In the past, I took care to uproot them, to tear them down, and to destroy them. But when that day comes, I will take care to plant them and help them grow.

TITUS 2:11-22 (CEB)
The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It educates us so that we can live sensible, ethical, and godly lives right now by rejecting ungodly lives and the desires of this world.

THE ESSENCE
God tends us like a garden, removing the weeds, and nurturing healthy growth. 

DAILY FODDER
How does Jesus, the personal manifestation of God's grace, move us beyond ungodly living and "the desires of the world"? Other than unbridaled sex, what are the "desires of the world"? 

PRAYER 
God the gardener, thank you for tending to my life—weeding, pruning, and watering. Forgive me for resisting necessary change, change that fosters growth. Help me to better cooperate with your gardening. I want to grow in 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.

MYSTERY REVEALED

DANIEL 2:22 (CEB)
God is the one who uncovers what lies deeply hidden;
he knows what hides in darkness;
light lives with him!

JOHN 17:25 (MSG)
Righteous Father, the world has never known you,
but I have known you, and these disciples know
that you sent me on this mission.

THE ESSENCE
God remains a total mystery until we encounter Christ Jesus, who has come to shed divine light on us.

DAILY FODDER
What do we mean when we say that Christ reveals the mytery of God? What kind of mysteries are we talking about?

PRAYER 
Eternal God, your wisdom reveals mysteries in darkness. Forgive my moments of doubt when fear overshadows faith like clouds obscurring the stars. Help me to abide in your truth like a sturdy tree rooted by living waters. Let my life testify to your glory, shining light in the shadows. 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.

GOD USES WEAK PEOPLE

PSALM 136:23 (MSG)
God remembered us when we were down,
His love never quits.

EPHESIANS 6:19-20 (MSG)
Pray that I’ll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all, the Message that I, jailbird preacher that I am, am responsible for getting out.

THE ESSENCE
Even when we're beat-up and worn down, God still uses us to further his mission.

DAILY FODDER
So often we assume that we need to be hitting on all cylinders before God can use us. In reality, he usually uses us in our weakness to get his work done. So much for my strategic plan!

PRAYER 
Merciful God, you don't just get us through the problem times but you use our weaknesses to further your agenda through those times. Forgive me for acting as though I need to feel better or have more control of the situation before I can represent you. Give me courage, wisdom, and words to function as your ambassador in the situation I'm currently in. In my weakness you shine through. 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.

RECONCILED

The 4th Sunday after Pentecost

ISAIAH 55:7 (MSG)
Let the wicked abandon their way of life
and the evil their way of thinking.
Let them come back to God, who is merciful...

2 CORINTHIANS 5:20 (CEB)
Be reconciled to God!

THE ESSENCE
God is more than willing to have you in his life, if you'll return home with him.

DAILY FODDER
Define reconciliation. What does it take?

PRAYER 
Merciful God, I’m  grateful that you want me in your life. I can't really understand why because the only thing I bring to the relational table is failure. Help me to sit down anyway—daily, forever. Engulf me with an awareness of your grace so that I can function as a reconciled follower of Jesus. 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.