WELL REGULATED WORDS

PSALM 39:1 (CEV)
I told myself, “I'll be careful
not to sin by what I say,
and I'll muzzle my mouth
when evil people are near.”

JAMES 3:10 (MSG)
Curses and blessings out of the same mouth! My friends, this can’t go on...

THE ESSENCE
Followers of Jesus understand how to regulate their words.

DAILY FODDER
Why would the psalmist think it's important to "muzzle" his mouth in the presence of evil people? Wouldn't they be the people you should blast away with your words? 

PRAYER 
I'm grateful, God, that you sent Christ Jesus into the world as the living Word. Forgive my reckless words spoken apart from him and his agenda. Grant me wisdom so that my words are all well chosen and consistent with your ways. I want EVERYTHING I say to point with integrity to the living Word who calls us all into being. 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.

OUR PRIORITY

HAGGAI 1:9 (CEV)
You expected much, but received only a little. And when you brought it home, I made that little disappear. Why have I done this? It's because you hurry off to build your own houses, while my temple is still in ruins.

LUKE 11:42 (NLT)
What sorrow awaits you, Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.

THE ESSENCE
God's agenda should be our #1 priority.

DAILY FODDER
What exactly is God's agenda for today? What is not God's agenda for today? 

PRAYER 
Holy God, I confess that I imitate the desires of others. and get caught up in endless vanities. Help me to see the world from your perspective and to live in it with your wisdom and love. May my neighbors in life be thankful they knew me as they offer you praise and glory. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

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.

HOLISTIC

EXODUS 15:1 (NCV)
I will sing to the Lord,
because he is worthy of great honor.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:15 (NTFE)
I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the mind as well. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the mind as well.

THE ESSENCE
Relating to God is a holistic experience. 

DAILY FODDER
Holistic means complete. That is, we relate to God through our minds, emotions, words, bodily actions, and desires. It's a complete package. Often people focus on praying or praising with only one aspect of their self, and are suspicious of people who emphasize something else. In reality we are called to honor God with our complete selves. 

PRAYER 
Wise and loving God, how I long for the day when I will be in my right mind—both praising you with my whole heart and speaking the truth in love. I am not there yet. I hope through your gracious power to complete the work you have begun in my heart even when I am confused and grateful. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

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.

RECEIVE AND DELIVER GOD'S WORD

EXODUS 7:1-2 (NLT)
You will say everything that I command you...

2 TIMOTHY 4:2 (CEB)
Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction.

THE ESSENCE
Receive and deliver God's word. 

DAILY FODDER
What if you're not a preacher or a prophet, how does God expect you to deliver his word? What does that look like? 

PRAYER 
Truth-telling God, thank you for all the prophets and preachers you've called to deliver your word throughout the generations. Forgive us for our unreadiness to receive what you have to say. Nurture receptivity in my life so that I can hear and do. Maybe you'll even call me to deliver your word in some way. 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.