COME TOGETHER

NUMBERS 11:23 (ABP)
GOD said to Moses, "So, you think I'm too weak to help you out?"

MATTHEW 18:19 (ABP)
Look! If even a couple of you are on the same page and are asking God for something, my Father in heaven will act on your behalf.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God wants you to know that he is capable and that he is there for you.

DAILY FODDER
If two idiots ask God to do something stupid is he obligated, based on what Jesus says, to do it?

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for being here for us — even when we are disconnected and our numbers are small. It is so easy to slip into thinking that we've got to whip up a big crowd to get your attention. So we pour more of our energy into the crowd than in actually seeking you. Pull us together and help us to trust that you're ready to act. I know that good things — your godly things — happen when even a few motley believers gather and look to 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.

WEALTH

HAGGAI 2:8 (ABP)
"All the riches — the silver and the gold — belong to me," declares the Commander and Chief of Heaven’s Armies.

ACTS 4:32 (CEB)
The community of believers was one in heart and mind. None of them would say, “This is mine!” about any of their possessions, but held everything in common.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Don't grasp too tightly that which isn't really yours.

DAILY FODDER
Does the idea of believers holding everything in common create anxiety or excitment for you? Practically speaking what should this look like in our modern context?

PRAYER
Generous God, everything belongs to you and you have invited us to participate in the management of your vast portfollio. Forgive us for thinking and living as though life is about personal accumulation. Help me to figure out how to hold all that I possess loosely. Give me wisdom so that I can share responsibly. And fill me with your passion for caring for those in need. I'm eager to spread the wealth. 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.

FIRE

Pentecost Sunday

ZECHARIAH 2:5 (CEB alt)
I will be a wall of fire around Jerusalem, says the LORD.

ACTS 2:1, 3-4 (CEV)
On the day of Pentecost all the Lord's followers were together in one place... Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there. The Holy Spirit took control of everyone, and they began speaking whatever languages the Spirit let them speak.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Just as fire seems to have a mind of its own as it goes to and fro, the Holy Spirit moves in unpredictable ways as he ignites his people.

DAILY FODDER
Is the fire of the Holy Spirit burning fervently in you right now? If not, what can or can't be done about that?

PRAYER
Father God, your Spirit is a fire within me and a wall of protection around me. I am grateful that your Spirit gives me peace, teaches, comforts, guides, and strengthens me. When my inner fire grows dim, reignite passion and zeal in me. Let the warmth of your Spirit in me draw others to you. 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.

SOLIDARITY WITH THE UPRIGHT GOD

DEUTERONOMY 32:4 (ABP)
GOD is totally reliable, without an ounce of deceit, 100% upright and just.

1 JOHN 3:24 (CEV)
The Spirit he has given us is proof that we are one with him.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God's Spirit in our midst is proof that we are in true solidarity with him and his justice agenda for us and the world.

DAILY FODDER
When we act God-like it is proof that we are in solidarity with him. What does it mean when we have no energy for right-living and pursuing God's version of justice?

PRAYER
Faithful and true God, you don't ever disappoint me. I, on the other hand, am full of disappointment. Release your Spirit to move freely in my life, erasing all the disappointment. I obviously can't live a Christ-life on my own. But I'm aiming to stand in solidarity with you on everything. 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.