EVERYTHING

PSALM 104:4 (GNT)
You use the winds as your messengers
and flashes of lightning as your servants.

MATTHEW 28:2 (GNT)
Suddenly there was a violent earthquake; an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled the stone away, and sat on it.

THE ESSENCE
Everything is under God's command. 

DAILY FODDER
We tend to panic when all the conventional change agents — government, education, family, etc. — line up against godly causes. As frustrating as such moments are, don't lose the divine perspective and plunge yourself into a funk.

PRAYER
Creator Lord, in the beginning when you spoke earth, wind, and fire came to be. You have everything under your command. You have created me to be your minister declaring your great power and promises. Speak into my life your plan and purpose and help me share those words today. 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.

SHARING

ISAIAH 58:7 (GNT)
Share your food with the hungry.

MATTHEW 25:35 (CEB)
I was hungry and you gave me food to eat.

THE ESSENCE
One essential way of interacting with the presence of God is to share with those in need. 

DAILY FODDER
God's grace is channeled to us in various ways, including scrpriture reading, holy communion, and Christian fellowship. These are "means of grace." One means of grace, prominent in the teaching of Jesus, is the care we extend to those in need. When we give, we encounter the grace of God more intensely. That is, we receive as we give.  

PRAYER
Generous God, if it were not for your care and generosity, I wouldn't be here. Thank you. I regret, though, that I haven't yet fully embraced your generous spirit. I see caring for others as a burden to carry, rather than a natural part of living in your presence. Open my eyes to opportunites and my heart to the needs my neighbors, both here and abroad. I want giving to be the natural default mode, so much so that it's no big deal to share. 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 SUPER SHEPHERD

MICAH 5:4 (MSG)
He will stand tall in his shepherd-rule by God’s strength,
centered in the majesty of God-Revealed.

JOHN 10:28 (GNT)
No one can snatch them away from me.

THE ESSENCE
Don't panic; you're under the protection of Jesus the super shepherd.

DAILY FODDER
What is the one threat to your stable life that causes you the most anxiety? Name it and ask Jesus to relieve you of the anxiety. 

PRAYER
God of the universe, all strength and power belong to you. You protect and provide. Forgive me for thinking I can do things on my own or believing my ideas and plans are best. Today I will joyfully relinquish myself into your hands, trusting in your strength alone. Help me stand firm in 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.

IRREVERSIBLE JOY

ZECHARIAH 1:17 (MSG)
GOD will comfort Zion again...

JOHN 16:22 (TCEB)
For the moment, you’re feeling sad. But I’ll see you again. When that happens, your heart is going to do backflips for joy. No one will ever take that joy from you.

THE ESSENCE
Encounters with the resurrected Jesus lead us into irreversible joy.

DAILY FODDER
What is it about Jesus that stirs your heart and fills you with joy? 

PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, for your comforting presence and words. I admit that when I take my eyes off you, the world can be a pretty discouraging place. Continue to reveal yourself to me so that I can live out the irreversible joy that flows from you. 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.