LIPS THAT PRAISE GOD

PSALM 71:23 (TCEB)
These lips are happy lips
As I sing my songs to you.
Every part of me rejoices
As I sing of when you saved me.

LUKE 1:63-64 (TCEB)
   Zechariah asked for a writing tablet. He wrote, “His name is John.” The people thought that was pretty amazing.
   Suddenly, Zechariah was able to talk. And the first thing he did was to praise God.

THE ESSENCE
When we've had a genuine saving encounter with God, it surfaces as praise from our lips. 

DAILY FODDER
What are your speech goals? That is, what would you be the most happy hearing from your own mouth? How do your goals align with what God is doing? 

PRAYER
Jesus, my light and joy, you have gifted me with a voice to praise and proclaim your name. Forgive my silence when I fail to speak of your justice and righteousness. Bless those you have called to share your life-giving word in pulpits, hospitals, neighborhoods, and beside graves. May my lips also boldly proclaim your praise. 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.

FREEDOM

PSALM 31:8 (ABP)
You put me in a safe spot where I can catch my breath and turn off the hyper-vigilance.

GALATIANS 5:1 (MSG)
Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.

THE ESSENCE
Christ has positioned us to live lives free from oppression.

DAILY FODDER
The oppression in Psalm 31 involves unfaithful political forces. The oppression in Galatians 5 involves influencers who are trying to impose their understanding of God's expectations on others. How does Christ free us from these kinds of oppression? How do we claim that freedom?

PRAYER
Liberating Lord Jesus, thank you for the freedom that is mine because of the sacrifice you made on our behalf. Even though I can drift back toward slavery to sin and personal ambition, I claim your freedom for myself. Position me in a spot where I can stand firm under your watchful care. I feel like I can finally breathe. 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.

UNBELIEVING HEARTS

EXODUS 9:34 (NRSVUE)
But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned once more and hardened his heart, he and his officials.

HEBREWS 3:12 (GNT)
My friends, be careful that none of you have a heart so evil and unbelieving that you will turn away from the living God.

THE ESSENCE
Unbelieving hearts lead to all kinds of problems. 

DAILY FODDER
What exactly is an unbelieving heart? How does someone avoid this kind of heart?

PRAYER
Guardian of my soul, I am grateful for your love that fills my heart. I regret how easily my heart can turn to stone when I feel threatened or afraid. Help those who are controlled by their fears, and call to account those who use fear to manipulate and control. Help me to choose faith over fear. 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.

SAVIOR

ISAIAH 60:16 (ABP)
You’ll know exactly who GOD is — your Savior, your Redeemer, your Champion.

1 TIMOTHY 4:10 (CEB)
Our hope is set on the living God, who is the savior of all people, especially those who believe.

THE ESSENCE
God is the one who saves us.

DAILY FODDER
From what, other than sin, are you counting on God to save you? 

PRAYER
Great God, thank you for your saving presence in the world — especially in my life. You've redeemed me from a sin-centered existence and shifted my allegiance to Jesus, who sacrificed his life and rose again on our behalf. I need your assistance to learn how to live into the salvation you've established. I’m trusting that your salvation will penetrate into every aspect of my life and that all will come to recognize you as Savior, Redeemer, and Champion. 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.