GLOBAL

PSALM 8:1 (NLT)
O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!

ACTS 1:8 (GNT)
But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

THE ESSENCE
Expand your vision; this Jesus movement is a global endeavor. 

DAILY FODDER
How do we keep the Jesus movement both local and global at the same time? How do you participate in the global aspects of the mission?

PRAYER 
Majestic God, you are a force for global change. Forgive me for living an insular, cocooned existence in which your global mission is at best a secondary concern. Stir me to international action, and show me what to do next. I want to be a part of the fresh outpouring of your Holy Spirit, taking the Jesus-message to the ends of the earth. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

FAILING FRUIT

JEREMIAH 2:21 (ABP)
I planted you as an exceptional variety, a noble vine. How is it that you've become wild, producing flavorless, putrid fruit?

ROMANS 11:2 (NLT)
No, God has not rejected his own people, whom he chose from the very beginning.

THE ESSENCE
Even though God's chosen people fail him, he still loves them.

DAILY FODDER
Why would God pour so much of himself into people who fail him?

PRAYER 
Long-suffering God, I don't understand how you put up with us. You've included us in your chosen people, and we continually let you down — I continually let you down — chasing after things unimportant to your kingdom — sometimes even contrary to it.  Reveal your presence and love, drawing us toward yourself and who you've called us to be. I know that it is all real because of what Christ, our resurrected Savior, has done to keep us in relationship with you. I want to bear good fruit for him. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

BLESSED

GENESIS 12:1, 3 (MSG)
GOD told Abram, "All the families on earth will be blessed through you."

GALATIANS 3:9 (CEB)
Therefore, those who believe are blessed together with Abraham who believed.

THE ESSENCE
Through the family line of Abraham the world was blessed with Christ. Through faith in Christ we all share in Abraham's blessing. 

DAILY FODDER
What exactly is the blessing that God promised to Abraham? How did Abraham access that blessing? How to modern people access it? 

PRAYER 
O, God of blessings and promises, you've kept your word to Abraham and blessed us with a great Savior, Jesus the Christ. When I lose focus help me to see what it is that I'm a part of. I'm greatful for your faithfulness and want to be stirred to faithful living so that I can pass the blessing along to the next generation. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

HURTING PEOPLE

PSALM 10:17 (CEV)
   You listen to the longings
of those who suffer.
   You offer them hope,
and you pay attention
to their cries for help.

LUKE 19:5-6 (ICB)
   When Jesus came to that place, he looked up and saw Zacchaeus in the tree. He said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down! I must stay at your house today.”
   Zacchaeus came down quickly. He was pleased to have Jesus in his house.

THE ESSENCE
Jesus pays attention to hurting people.

DAILY FODDER
Why did Jesus pick Zacchaeus of all people? Was it because he was short? Was it because he was a tax collector? Was it his eagerness to see Jesus?

PRAYER 
Merciful God, I'm grateful that you pay attention to the hurting people in this world, the struggling and marginalized. Forgive me for seeking your attention while I ignore the very people you gravitate toward. As I experience the renewal and hope that come from your touch in my life, show me how to better attend to those around me who are hurting. I want to do as you do because of what you do in my life. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.