DEEP ROOTS

ISAIAH 38:19 (CEV)
Each generation tells the next about your faithfulness.

COLOSSIANS 2:6-7 (CEV)
You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him. Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Sink your generational roots into Christ. 

DAILY FODDER
What does it look like to have a deep commitment to Christ that transcends generations? 

PRAYER
Christ Jesus, you are the source of stability in my life. People and generations come and go but you remain faithful and steady. I confess that in contrast to your deep commitment to us, I encourage shallowness in my life by taking a sprinkler approach to watering my faith. I need regular deep-root soaking. Help me to sink roots so that I can withstand the storms. I want roots that go so deep that they even impact the lives of my great-grandchildren. 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.

GOD AT WORK

Trinity Sunday

PSALM 145:17 (MSG)
Everything God does is right—
the trademark on all his works is love.

PHILIPPIANS 1:6 (CEB)
I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God won't ghost us but he'll lovingly stick with us through everything. 

DAILY FODDER
Have you ever tried to have some construction or remodeling work done, only to find that the workers regularly fail to show up to work? It turns into a frustrating experience. God isn’t like that.

PRAYER
I praise you, Father, for your completed work. I leave so many tasks undone. I am especially sorry that I lose focus and lack energy for the work of proclaiming your love. Make me an avenue of your mercy and grace so that today I may honor Christ and share his love in all I say and do. 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.

THE KINGDOM DRIVEN BY HUMILITY AND MEEKNESS

ZECHARIAH 9:9 (ABP)
Look, your king is coming to you. He is the qualified champion of justice -- but humble and meek enough to ride on a donkey.

MATTHEW 5:5 (ABP)
God blesses the meek. Such people will be on top of the world -- in so many ways.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
In Jesus' upside down kingdom, everything is driven by humility and meekness rather than power.

DAILY FODDER
Meekness and humility are distinct but related concepts. Meekness is about how we treat others, while humility is about how we view ourselves. The world runs on money and power. Does Jesus really think that the humble can conquer the world through acts of meekness? Is this realistic?

PRAYER
Christ Jesus, you are the paragon of both meekness and humility. You have turned the world upside down by championing an economy built around these two concepts. I admit that I still struggle to embrace them as all-defining -- especially when power and control appear to be the essentials for getting things done in the world today. Set me on a donkey so that I can begin to see the influence that comes through sacrifice and reframe my world so that I can become a part of your new world order. Through my partnership with you I am going to strive for complete meekness and humility in my life. 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.

JOINING THE PEACE BRIGADE

HAGGAI 2:9 (ABP)
I, the Commander and Chief of Heaven's Armies, will give peace and prosperity to this place.

COLOSSIANS 3:15 (CEV)
Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Let the peace that comes from Christ define who you are and how you relate to people.

DAILY FODDER
If Christ is so much about peace, how is it that there is so much discord among his followers? Why did the apostle Paul feel compelled to say what he did to the Colossian believers?

PRAYER
Christ Jesus, Prince of Peace, we celebrate you and your peaceful agenda. We lament that we've failed so dismally in advancing peace and harmony. Half the time we're not even nice to each other. How can this be? We need to be more fully converted to you, Jesus. Set us back on track. Help us to set aside our own agendas and to live in peace even when we don't see eye to eye on some matters. I'm going let your peace start with me, starting today. 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.