POSSESSIONS

The 17th Sunday after Pentecost

HABAKKUK 2:6 (CEV)
You're doomed!
You stored up stolen goods
   and cheated others
   of what belonged to them.

LUKE 12:15 (CEB)
Then Jesus said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourself against all kinds of greed. After all, one’s life isn’t determined by one’s possessions, even when someone is very wealthy.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Your life isn't defined by what you own so don't get greedy.

PRAYER
Lord God, giver of life and all that is good, I thank you for taking care of me -- even during lean times. I confess that when Jesus says we should guard ourselves against greed I'm overly certain that he is thinking of someone other than me. Greed isn't really my issue. Or is it? Help me to impartially examine my life for any signs of greed. Show me how even my honestly-acquired affluence is blinding me to the needs of those less fortunate. I'm going to define my life by something other than what I possess. 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.

CHRIST FREES US FROM SIN

ISAIAH 53:5 (CEV)
By taking our punishment, he made us completely well.

1 PETER 2:24 (ABP)
Christ used his own body to carry our sins onto the cross. With their death, we've been freed to live right.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Through his mission at the cross, Christ freed us from the death grip of sin and we are now positioned to live healthy lives that align with his new resurrected life.

PRAYER
Doctor God, you came up with a solution to our greatest challenge. I confess, though, that I'm inconsistent in taking my medicine. Sometimes I don't even recognize the problems of sin and simply neglect to accept the need for your treatment. Keep me aware so that I can continue to receive the life of Christ into my life. I know that it's all about what you've done to keep me safe and alive. 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.

A THOUSAND YEARS

PSALM 90:4 (MSG)
You’ve got all the time in the world—whether
a thousand years or a day, it’s all the same to you.

LUKE 1:50 (CEB)
He shows mercy to everyone,
from one generation to the next,
who honors him as God.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God's perspective and patience are so vast that he can afford to extend his mercy to all who'd recognize him as their God -- without the constraints of time or borders.

PRAYER
God of creation, you stand watch always, never losing sight of those you love. When I feel lost, remind me of the grace shown to the saints who came before me. Teach me to live for those who will come after me. Give me the faith to remember that all of my days are held in your eternity. 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.

AT YOUR COMMAND

JOSHUA 5:14 (ABP)
   When Joshua encountered the commander of GOD’s heavenly army he dropped to his knees and bowed to the ground in respect. “I'm your servant and at your command,” he said.

LUKE 22:41-43 (CEV)
   Jesus walked on a little way before he knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you will, please don't make me suffer by drinking from this cup. But do what you want, and not what I want.”
   Then an angel from heaven came to help him.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The only way to align ourselves with what God is doing is to set aside our own personal agendas.

PRAYER
Glorious God, I honor you as the commander and chief. In offering my allegiance to you I acknowledge all that you have done for us -- for me. At the same time, I confess that I'm a sinner with an agenda that is not always aligned with yours. Help me to set my plans and aspirations aside so that I can better serve you. 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.