RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE

DEUTERONOMY 16:20 (MSG)
The right! The right! Pursue only what’s right! It’s the only way you can really live...

MATTHEW 5:6 (NLT)
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God blesses those who prioritize living out Jesus' version of justice and righteousness.  

DAILY FODDER
How is Jesus' understanding of righteousness and justice different from what is common? 

PRAYER
Righteous God, thank you for blessing me, especially when I feel so empty. Forgive my feeble efforts to bring justice to such an unjust world. Bless me that I may be a blessing. Fill and flow through me that I may be an instrument of your peace, justice, and life. In your blessed name I pray, 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.

PASTORS

MICAH 7:14 (ABP)
Guide and protect your people.

EPHESIANS 4:11-12 (CEV)
Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers, so his people would learn to serve and his body would grow strong.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God, the ultimate pastor, has called some people to protect his church while guiding it into health and service. 

DAILY FODDER
How is pastoral service unique among all the forms of leadership? 

PRAYER
Good Shepherd Jesus, thank you for the pastors you have put into my life over the years. I confess that I've allowed some of them to annoy me. But I pray for them all and that you would call even more men and women to serve as pastors. Show them how to wisely sacrifice their lives to guide and protect us. We need to learn faithfulness under their care. 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.

GOD'S HELP

DEUTERONOMY 32:36 (CEB)
But the LORD will acquit his people,
will have compassion on those who serve him...

Luke 18:7 (CEB)
Won’t God provide justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he be slow to help them?

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God helps his people. 

DAILY FODDER
Where do you most need God's help?

PRAYER
Merciful Lord, we don't deserve your compassion or help, but it is a part of your nature to reach out to underserving people. Forgive me for thinking that I bear the brunt of the injustices that are coming my way. Fortify my faith so I can be an unanxious disciple in the face of these circumstances and serve you with confidence. 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.

JESUS THE FOREMAN

PSALM 127:1 (ABP)
Unless GOD is the builder, all the work we put into the house is a waste.

LUKE 5:5-6 (CEV)
“Master,” Simon answered, “we have worked hard all night long and have not caught a thing. But if you tell me to, I will let the nets down.” They did this and caught so many fish that their nets began ripping apart.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Things happen when we're under the direction of Jesus; all other efforts are pointless.

DAILY FODDER
How do you know if you're following the voice of Jesus or some other voice in your head? 

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, that in you I find a home base. Forgive my fishing all night to build my own success. Turn my attention from consumption and collection to your provision. Help me to see the abundance, contentment, and direction you offer. Call me from my fishing and my empty nets to getting caught up with you. 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.