MAKING THINGS RIGHT

ISAIAH 42:1 (MSG)
I’ve bathed him with my Spirit, my life.
He’ll set everything right among the nations.

MARK 10:42-43 (CEV)
Jesus called the disciples together and said:
    You know that those foreigners who call themselves kings
    like to order their people around. And their great leaders
    have full power over the people they rule. But don't act
    like them. If you want to be great, you must be the servant
    of all the others.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God's way of setting things right isn't through command and control but through humility and servanthood.

PRAYER
All-powerful-God, you rule! And I'm looking forward to when your rule comes in its fullness. I confess that I'm impatient and want you to make everything right yesterday. Sometimes I try to force justice into place. Give me the patience to wait and the wisdom to know how to advocate for fairness without being forceful. I want to serve in the way that Jesus my Savior served. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

CANCELING DARKNESS

PSALM 103:6 (NET)
The LORD does what is fair,
and executes justice for all the oppressed.

JOHN 12:46 (NLT)
I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is onsite and is in the process of canceling the darkness that currently characterizes our world.

PRAYER
God of justice, you desire grace and abundance for all people. I am sorry for the ways that I contribute to the oppression of others. Open my eyes and draw me into the light of your love. Place me on the side of the poor and the marginalized, loving them as Christ loves them, as Christ loves me. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

FOLLOWING

The 15th Sunday after Pentecost

NUMBERS 9:18 (MSG)
The People of Israel marched at GOD’s command and they camped at his command.

COLOSSIANS 3:17 (MSG)
Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Let every single step of your day be in step with the direction that comes from God. That is success!

PRAYER
Shepherd God, thank you for leading us. I confess, though, that I still try to plot out my own course without even stopping to consider what you'd like me to do. Help me to tune into your direction. I'm pausing everything and asking right now -- what do you want from me today? I'm going to follow your lead. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

CORE VALUES

PSALM 89:14 (CEB)
Your throne is built on righteousness and justice; loyal love and faithfulness stand in front of you.

COLOSSIANS 3:12 (NLT)
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The core values of God's kingdom are totally unique because they are rooted in the character of God himself.

PRAYER
King God, I'm frustrated when I see the political realities of the world in which I live. But I'm inspired when I see how unique your kingdom is. Sometimes it all feels so out of reach for me. It would take a miracle to transform me into such a holy person that my life is characterized by righteousness, justice, unwavering love, faithfulness, mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. That's such a tall order and the only way that I can live as a chosen person is if you make it happen. So, that is what I'm asking of you. Realign my life with your kingdom values. I'm looking forward to the true change that comes as Christ lives through me. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.