| p3. June 17-24 Liberation: June 17. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). �The spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places� could certainly describe the agendas of most groups that purport to be promoting good when indeed they only bolster bigotry due to their fear of those who are different from them. Deliver our world from wolves in sheep�s clothing, who prey on rather than pray for the oppressed. June 18. Saul clothed David with his armor� Then David said to Saul, �I cannot walk with these; for I am not used to them (1 Samuel 17:38-39). Generations are different as society changes. The armor of an earlier generation may restrict the movement of a younger generation. Liberation movements are led by succeeding generations. Old armor that at one time was state of the art becomes outdated, and it inhibits movements. Give us grace to listen and follow as well as guide and lead. June 19. Therefore take up the whole armor of God� Fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:13-17). Spiritual armor built for peacemaking rather than war making is our best defense in the ongoing struggle. In the spiritual struggle, O God, grant us peace. June 20. I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let� those who mourn be as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no possessions, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away (1 Corinthians 7:29-31). Color really doesn�t matter, nor does gender, age, height, or sexual orientation. All people are equal in God�s eyes. Jesus says to love your neighbor, and your neighbor is whoever you can think of. Keep that commonwealth coming, God! Make us ready to accept your love for ALL PEOPLE. June 21. A PRAYER: Today, living God, be my sanctuary. Help me embrace the gift of life. Allow my journey to be filled with hope and expectancy. Teach me to live with my heart open to the opportunities you provide. Cast off the attitudes that hinder my effectiveness. Renew hope, Awaken my soul to the miracle of today. Amen. June 22. A PRAYER: Healing Father, revive my soul. Focus my thoughts on your goodness, your kindness, your steadfast love. Fill me with awe. Inspire me to live with purpose. Pour your perfect peace into my mind. Firmly fix my heart on you. Let me rest in your presence. Amen. June 23. A PRAYER: Lord of new beginnings, your creation explodes with hope and praise. Infuse me with passion and inspiration. Fill me with reverence for that which is holy. Keep me loyal in my words and actions toward others. Quicken my heart to your truths. Plant me in the path of those without hope so that your goodness will be displayed. Amen. June 24. A PRAYER: Bountiful God, increase the labor of my life. Fill me with awareness of the needs of those around me. Let my ears be alert to the cries of the poor, the infirmed, and the brokenhearted. Let my hands be an offering of ministry to you. Produce in me strength to endure and overcome. Your name I will exalt. Amen. |
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