THE GREATEST HONOR

ISAIAH 62:3 (MSG)
You’ll be a stunning crown in the palm of GOD’s hand,

LUKE 14:10 (ABP)
Jesus advised, "When you're invited to banquet, instead of taking the most prominent seat avaiable, seat yourself in the least important place. When your host sees you there, he'll say, 'What are you doing way back here? I want you up with me at the head table.' As you're ushered to your new seat, every guest in the hall will notice what's happening and you'll be even more respected than if you had presumptously seated yourself up front to begin with."

THE ESSENCE
The greatest honor and respect come when we pursue humblness. 

DAILY FODDER
What does the pursuit of humbleness look like in your situation? 

PRAYER 
Lord, I'm thankful you realize my true worth. Forgive me for thinking that I have to elevate myself in order to be signififcant. Show me how to humbly wait for the honor that you'll reveal. It's all because of what Christ has done. 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.

LOVE AND FAVOR

PROVERBS 3:12 (ABP)
GOD corrects those he loves, as parents correct a favored child.

LUKE 15:31 (GNT)
"My son," the father answered, "you are always here with me, and everything I have is yours..."

THE ESSENCE
Receive God's correction as a sign of his love and favor.

DAILY FODDER
How does God "correct" people? How do you know that he is correcting you?

PRAYER 
Thank you, gracious God, for your correction in my life. You make me feel uncomfortable when I'm not doing the right thing. Forgive me for doing everything I can to muffle the discomfort. Help me to respond with a good and receptive attitude. I'm going to receive your discipline as a sign of your love and favor. 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.

PROTECTOR AND PROVIDER

PSALM 121:5-6 (ABP)
GOD is your guard. He protects you during the heat of the day and the darkness of the night.

PHILEMON 1:3 (ABP) 
May God our Father and Jesus, the annointed king and master, flood your life with grace and peace.

THE ESSENCE
Day and night God is on duty as your protector and provider.

DAILY FODDER
How does the knowledge of God's protection and provision change your life—even today?

PRAYER 
Thank you, Lord, for your color-filled canopy of grace that shields me day and night. This amazing awning of protection keeps me safe in your love. Forgive me for not recognizing it every day. Lead me to others today so I can welcome them into this miraculous shelter of unconditional love. It's the best place to live. 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.

EXPERIENCING BLESSING

DEUTERONOMY 28:2-3 (ABP)
If you do what GOD has told you to do, you will experience his blessings. Your towns and fields will thrive because of his favor.

JAMES 4:3 (NLT)
And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.

THE ESSENCE
God's blessings are best experienced when we're obeying God's instructions.

DAILY FODDER
What should we be requesting from God? How do we position ourselves to receive it?

PRAYER 
God, I'm grateful for the many many blessings you direct my way. I confess that I'm  not always in the best position to receive what you're giving. I miss out because I'm distracted by my selfish desire for more money and security. I want all my problems to vaporize. Grant me an obedient and wise heart so I'm ready to handle your blessings—for your glory and the good of my neighbor. Under your direction I'm going to reposition myself to best receive your favor. 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.