POWERFUL GOD

NUMBERS 14:17 (NLT)
Please, Lord, prove that your power is as great as you have claimed.

LUKE 1:49 (NLT)
For the Mighty One is holy,
and he has done great things for me.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is powerful and we're on the same team.  

DAILY FODDER
Why do we sell God short when it comes to his power? Don't we really believe him? Or are we somehow blind to seeing his power at work around us?

PRAYER
Mighty God, you have power beyond what any superhero wield. And on top of that you're  real! I confess that I'm blind to your work in the world — even in things that directly involve me. Open my eyes so that I can catch at least a glimpse of your power and your work on our behalf. I'm determined to become a modern day witness of the great things you're doing.  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'S EAGERNESS TO FORGIVE

PSALM 25:18 (NLT)
Feel my pain and see my trouble.
Forgive all my sins.

LUKE 15:7 (CEV)
Jesus said, “In the same way there is more happiness in heaven because of one sinner who turns to God than over 99 good people who don't need to.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We can share God's attitude of taking pleasure in celebrating repentant sinners.

DAILY FODDER
Why do we seem more eager to see people punished for their crimes than to celebrate their turn-arounds?

PRAYER
It is strange math you have, Savior. It doesn't seem to compute with the normal way of adding things up. You show me how to love when revenge seems natural, how to embrace others when their actions repel. Thank you for resetting my thoughts, for making me less calculating and more understanding. 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.

RETURN

The Second Sunday after Pentecost

ISAIAH 31:6 (NLT)
Though you are such wicked rebels, my people, come and return to the Lord.

1 TIMOTHY 1:15 (CEB)
This saying is reliable and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”...

SUMMARY SENTENCE
If Christ welcomes even the most detestable sinner who turns to him, how much more so those of us caught up in routine sins.

DAILY FODDER
Why are people reluctant to turn from their sinful ways and to Christ? How about you? Practically speaking, what can or can't be done about this problem?

PRAYER
Thank you, dear Savior, for embracing all who return to you. I've spent a good deal of my life avoiding you — except when it is convenient or there is some immediate short-term benefit to acting Christian. Please show me what in my life needs to be relaseed so that our relationship can fully solidify. And gently lead me through the ongoing process of turning to you. I want to be with 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.

BLESSED ARE THE POOPED

JEREMIAH 31:25 (CEB)
I will strengthen the weary and renew those who are weak.

MATTHEW 5:3 (MSG)
You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We're most likely to encounter the generosity of God when we're at our wits end. 

DAILY FODDER
Why do you think God's blessings seem to show up more when we're worn out and don't know what to do? 

PRAYER
Amighty God, thank you for showing your love to us even when we're incapable of returning the affection, because of our weariness and brokeness. Forgive me for thinking that I've got to suck it up and give you something in order to deserve your attention. Help me to humbly receive what you've got lined up for me. I'm going to accept your blessings without argument or excuse — just a big thank 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.