THE GREAT EXCHANGE

NEHEMIAH 13:2 (CEB)
Yet our God turned the curse into a blessing.

GALATIANS 3:13 (CEB)
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us—because it is written, Everyone who is hung on a tree is cursed.

THE ESSENCE
God is in the business of turning what we experience as curses into blessings. 

DAILY FODDER
In Galatians 3, the "curse of the Law" is our inability to live up to God's expectations. But Jesus met and exceeded all divine expectations, even voluntarily becoming "cursed" himself by dying on the cross so that we could experience freedom from the curse of death. That's the great exchange!  

PRAYER
Merciful God, as I read the whole Bible story, I'm amazed at how often you turn negative situations around for the benefit of your undeserving people. Sometimes, though, I feel like a curse is hanging over me, something I need to break. Help me to see how you have already broken all curses through Christ's victorious encounter with death. I want to experience the freedom that you intend for all of us. I want to help others experience it, too. 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 GRACE

PSALM 32:10 (MSG)
God-defiers are always in trouble;
God-affirmers find themselves loved
   every time they turn around.

REVELATION 22:21 (NLT)
May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people.

THE ESSENCE
The love and grace of the Lord Jesus carry us through thick and thin.

DAILY FODDER
Why is it that God-affirmers find themselves loved but deniers have a different experience? Is it that God loves the deniers, the troublemakers, less? 

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for your unlimited love and grace. I regret that sometimes I fail to experience what you offer because I'm for whatever reason not open to your presence. Might your transforming love and grace so fill my life that everything contrary to your love and grace is squeezed out. I want to overflow with your love and grace. 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.

UPLIFTING

PSALM 30:1 (CEB)
I exalt you, Lord, because you pulled me up...

MARK 5:41-42 (CEB)
Taking her hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Young woman, get up.” Suddenly the young woman got up and began to walk around.

THE ESSENCE
Through Jesus, we experience the uplifting hand of God. 

DAILY FODDER
Sometimes when Jesus heals someone he touches them or takes them by the hand. In other situations he heals from a distance. What significance, if any, is there to Jesus using a touch to lift people up? How has Jesus lifted you?  

PRAYER
Lord, you lift me from the muck and mire of my sinful life to set my feet on the solid ground of your love and grace. Thank you for speaking to my heart with the gospel and taking me by the hand. Today, may I lend a healing hand to others in the name of your love. 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.

BOLDNESS

Creation in Christ Sunday

ISAIAH 51:7 (GNT)
Listen to me, you that know what is right,
who have my teaching fixed in your hearts.
Do not be afraid when people taunt and insult you...

2 TIMOTHY 1:7 (GNT)
For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.

THE ESSENCE
God's Spirit emboldens us with love and self-control.

DAILY FODDER
Why are love and self-control so essential when you're facing pushback? 

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, you love to tell of the Father's love. You were never ashamed of your Father, nor were you distressed when people criticized or insulted you. I confess that sometimes I am afraid to speak up and tell others about your love and grace. Forgive me. Grant me courage to love even when rebuked by others. 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.