The 17th Sunday after Pentecost
The Lord has shown the nations that he has the power to save
and to bring justice. ~ Psalm 98:2 (CEV)
On arrival, they got the church together and reported on their trip, telling in detail how God had used them to throw the door of faith wide open so people of all nations could come streaming in. ~ Acts 14:27 (MSG)
SUMMARY SENTENCE
God has an aggressive open-door policy -- welcoming all to faith regardless of who they are, where they're from, or what they've done.
PRAYER
Thank you for being so welcoming, O God. I feel affirmed because of what Christ has done to save the world and to include me in his salvation. Forgive my narrow focus. I'm too naturally inclined to gravitate toward people who are like me and who do things in the ways I'm used to doing them. Give me global eyes so that the entire world can join me in celebrating your welcome. Amen.
The Moravian Daily Texts* – Bible passages for my students and anyone else who might want to listen in on my conversations with God. ~ Brad Boydston
Sunday, September 27, 2020
Saturday, September 26, 2020
Faithful God
I am with you and will rescue you, declares the LORD. ~ Jeremiah 30:11 (CEB)
When I was first put on trial, no one helped me. In fact, everyone deserted me. I hope it won’t be held against them. But the Lord stood beside me. ~ 2 Timothy 4:16-17 (CEV)
SUMMARY SENTENCE
Regardless of what happens, rest assured that you're not alone because the Lord is standing with you.
PRAYER
Thank you, God, for being so loyal and faithful. You're the only one I rely on. I can't even trust myself. I tend to flake out when things go sideways. As you stand with me, prop me up so that I can stay faithful to you and those who are in need. Because of Christ, I'm going to trust you to get me through both the good and the bad times. Amen.
When I was first put on trial, no one helped me. In fact, everyone deserted me. I hope it won’t be held against them. But the Lord stood beside me. ~ 2 Timothy 4:16-17 (CEV)
SUMMARY SENTENCE
Regardless of what happens, rest assured that you're not alone because the Lord is standing with you.
PRAYER
Thank you, God, for being so loyal and faithful. You're the only one I rely on. I can't even trust myself. I tend to flake out when things go sideways. As you stand with me, prop me up so that I can stay faithful to you and those who are in need. Because of Christ, I'm going to trust you to get me through both the good and the bad times. Amen.
Friday, September 25, 2020
Instructions
The people who love your Instruction enjoy peace—and lots of it. There’s no stumbling for them! ~ Psalm 119:165 (CEB)
Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. ~ Colossians 3:16 (MSG)
SUMMARY SENTENCE
Give Christ and his instructions free run of your life.
PRAYER
Gracious God, thank you for the direction you have provided for my life. I confess that I don't always apply what you're teaching me. I want more control of things -- even if that doesn't make sense. That's my weakness. So I am inviting you to run free in my life -- as much as I can do at this point. And I'm counting on you to continue to expand your influence as I grow more dependent on you. I'm going to allow your instruction -- your wisdom -- to grow in my life. Peace! Amen!
Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. ~ Colossians 3:16 (MSG)
SUMMARY SENTENCE
Give Christ and his instructions free run of your life.
PRAYER
Gracious God, thank you for the direction you have provided for my life. I confess that I don't always apply what you're teaching me. I want more control of things -- even if that doesn't make sense. That's my weakness. So I am inviting you to run free in my life -- as much as I can do at this point. And I'm counting on you to continue to expand your influence as I grow more dependent on you. I'm going to allow your instruction -- your wisdom -- to grow in my life. Peace! Amen!
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Goodness
Everyone is greedy and dishonest,
whether poor or rich.
Even the prophets and priests
cannot be trusted.
All they ever offer
to my deeply wounded people
are empty hopes for peace.
~ Jeremiah 6:13-14 (CEV)
You can tell what a tree is like by the fruit it produces. You cannot pick figs or grapes from thornbushes. Good people do good things because of the good in their hearts. ~ Luke 6:44-45 (CEV)
SUMMARY SENTENCE
Ignore the glib fast-talkers and pay attention to those whose lives actually produce goodness.
PRAYER
God of truth, your word reveals my falsehood. Thank you for continuing to plant and prune, drawing forth fruit from my once-dead branches. Teach me not only to say peace, but to work to establish it throughout your creation. May I treasure the gift of the gospel above all else. May it guide my heart toward the good. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)
whether poor or rich.
Even the prophets and priests
cannot be trusted.
All they ever offer
to my deeply wounded people
are empty hopes for peace.
~ Jeremiah 6:13-14 (CEV)
You can tell what a tree is like by the fruit it produces. You cannot pick figs or grapes from thornbushes. Good people do good things because of the good in their hearts. ~ Luke 6:44-45 (CEV)
SUMMARY SENTENCE
Ignore the glib fast-talkers and pay attention to those whose lives actually produce goodness.
PRAYER
God of truth, your word reveals my falsehood. Thank you for continuing to plant and prune, drawing forth fruit from my once-dead branches. Teach me not only to say peace, but to work to establish it throughout your creation. May I treasure the gift of the gospel above all else. May it guide my heart toward the good. Amen. (Daily Texts, Mount Carmel Ministries edition)
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