OUR GREAT SHEPHERD

PSALM 100:3 (NLT)
Acknowledge that the LORD is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

JOHN 10:14 (CEB)
I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep and they know me...

THE ESSENCE
We're sheep under the care of Jesus, the greatest shepherd.  

DAILY FODDER
If we have a great shepherd, who knows us better than we know ourselves, and who has a greater understanding of our situation than anyone else, what's the point of following any other voice? 

PRAYER
Good Shepherd, I glory in the knowledge that you know me and I know you. When troubles cross my path, I can feel paralyzed. Teach me to listen for your voice when this happens. My heartbeat slows and I find my peace again, knowing that you can help me fight the enemy. Today I sing your praises. 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.

EVEN IN PARCHED PLACES

ISAIAH 58:11 (CEB)
The LORD will guide you continually
and provide for you, even in parched places.

MATTHEW 6:11 (ABP)
Give us enough food for today.

THE ESSENCE
God consistently provides for his people—even in parched places. 

DAILY FODDER
What kind of parched places have you encountered in life? Was it more challenging to trust God in those moments. Why or why not? How did God provide? 

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for sending enough for today. I admit that I start to panic when I enter into parched spaces and I don't have the energy to drag around Costco sized supplies as backups. Forgive me for thinking that something is wrong because I'm in a desert—physically or spiritually. Open my eyes to your ongoing provision. You are faithful and you don't ever experience supply chain issues. 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.

THE LIFE-GIVING GOD

EXODUS 32:31-32 (TCEB)
These people committed a terrible sin. They made a gold god for themselves. Now it comes down to this. You can forgive them, and that would be wonderful. But if you don’t, count me among them and erase my name from your book of life.

ACTS 17:23 (TCEB)
I walked around your city and I saw many of the objects you worship. You know something else I discovered? I found an altar inscribed with these words: ‘To an unknown God.’ Well, I’d like to introduce you to this God you worship without actually knowing him. Let me tell you about him.

THE ESSENCE
Help people meet the real life-giving God. 

DAILY FODDER
Who do modern fake-gods look like? How can you use the desire to interact with the divine to introduce people to the real life-giving God?

PRAYER
Almighty God, you are so much greater than any of the more convenient fake gods we establish for ourselves. Help us to see where we’re off track, even when our intentions to interact with the divine are good. Help me to see and seize the opportunities to introduce those around me to the real and genuine you, whom we know most directly through Christ Jesus. I want to be like the apostle Paul, out there interacting with the seekers. 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 CALLING

MALACHI 2:7 (GNT)
It is the duty of priests to teach the true knowledge of God. People should go to them to learn my will, because they are the messengers of the LORD Almighty.

2 TIMOTHY 4:2 (TCEB)
Preach God’s message. Do it whether or not people listen. With ultimate patience, confront the people with God’s message. Warn them. Teach them.

THE ESSENCE
Church leaders are called to consistently and faithfully convey God's message.  

DAILY FODDER
Who are the leaders in your life who have lived up to their calling to teach? What have you learned from them? How have they modeled your calling? What if you're not a priest, pastor, or church leader?

PRAYER
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for reminding me that I am to live as a faithful messenger and proclaimer of your word. Help me to be consistent, patient, and faithful among those you have granted to be "my little parish." Move me beyond merely giving a word or a message and into being a living message in life and practice. 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.