ENCOUNTERS

PSALM 119:154 (MSG)
Take my side and get me out of this;
give me back my life, just as you promised.

MATTHEW 9:22 (TCEB)
Jesus turned around and looked at the woman. He told her, “Don’t be afraid, my daughter. You’re healed, and it’s because of your faith.” She walked away healed.

THE ESSENCE
Encounters with the Lord are transforming. 

DAILY FODDER
Encounters with the Lord are transforming, therefore, ____________________________.

PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, my advocate to the Father. You love me unconditionally and are always praying to God on my behalf. You want what is best for me. Forgive me when I think I know what is best for my life. Help me surrender my stubborn will to you. You will give me peace beyond all understanding. Thank 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.

WELL RESOURCED

JEREMIAH 31:14 (ABP)
My people will have so much that they can throw a big party!

PHILIPPIANS 4:19 (ABP)
God will open his glorious treasure room to you so that through Christ Jesus all your needs will be met.

THE ESSENCE
God is committed to meeting all our needs, and he has the resources to do so. 

DAILY FODDER
When we start to worry about having enough, it's helpful to use the imagery of Philippians 4:19 to calm down. Picture God's treasure room. Christ is your guide into the room. What's in there? Why does he want to share it with you? 

PRAYER
Generous God, once again I'm reminded that there is no end to your resources. Thank you for being our patron. I confess that I get uneasy when I can't see how you're going to make the transfer from your vault into my life. Help me to trust that Christ Jesus is already in the process of making it happen in his way and according to his wise timing. I've seen what he can do, and I'm going to continue to trust him for everything. 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.

DEFENDER

PSALM 19:14 (GNT)
God says, "I will save those who love me
and will protect those who acknowledge me as LORD..."

JOHN 17:15 (CEB)
I’m not asking that you take them out of this world but that you keep them safe from the evil one.

THE ESSENCE
God protects those who love him from the evil one.

DAILY FODDER
Who or what is the "evil one" mentioned in John 17? How does God protect his people from this being?

PRAYER
Merciful God, thank you for looking out for us, even when we fail to look out for ourselves. Save me from the trials and temptations that the evil one is sending my way. I'm grateful for the way Jesus overcame the darts that were thrown at him, and now he's using his power to do the same for us. I really am blessed by your protective shield. It enables me to stay engaged with the world. 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.

ASK

PSALM 57:2 (TCEB)
I’m calling out to God Most High
Who is behind every good thing in my life.

JOHN 16:24 (MSG)
This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I’ve revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!

THE ESSENCE
When we’re living on assignment with Jesus, we can without hesitation ask for whatever it takes to carry out the mission. 

DAILY FODDER
Have you ever had a stingy employer — someone who expected great performance but who was reluctant to provide the resources to do the job? It's frustrating. But all our dealings with God are the complete opposite. He often encourages us by providing not just what we ask for, but more than enough. He is a God of abundance and Jesus is the one who signs off on our requisitions. 

PRAYER
Generous Jesus, thank you for setting us up for success in your kingdom. Forgive us for failing to ask for what we need or, when we do ask, asking for things irrelevant to your kingdom. Teach me how to ask in your name — according to your agenda and your operating procedures. I'm ready to see your kingdom flourish in and around me. 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.