CONTENTMENT

ECCLESIASTES 5:10 (MSG)
The one who loves money is never satisfied with money,
Nor the one who loves wealth with big profits. More smoke.

1 TIMOTHY 6:7-8 (MSG)
Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that’s enough.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Contentment makes more sense than personal ambition.

DAILY FODDER
What are the implications of these two verses in regard to a Christian's participation in capitalism? 

PRAYER
Great provider, thank you for your storehouse that gives me what I need. I don't need to be afraid or fearful, for in your grace I lack nothing. I am sorry I cherish money and what it can produce more than I value life with you. Change me I pray. In your death and resurrection, I belong to 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.

PERSISTENT PRAYER

1 SAMUEL 7:8 (CEB)
The Israelites said to Samuel, “Please don’t stop praying to the Lord our God for us, so God will save us from the Philistines’ power!”

PHILIPPIANS 1:19 (MSG)
And I’m going to keep that celebration going because I know how it’s going to turn out. Through your faithful prayers and the generous response of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, everything he wants to do in and through me will be done.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Persistent prayer pays off.

DAILY FODDER
What have you been praying about for years, trusting that God is going to address the situation? What motivates you to continue?

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for listening to my prayers. I confess that my attention span is short and that if I don't see immediate answers, I quit asking. Help me to keep on praying, even when I do not see anything happen. I know your timing is not my own and that you have your reasons to keep me waiting. I'm sure that they are better than mine. 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.

JESUS' SALVATION

PSALM 13:5 (CEB)
My heart will rejoice in your salvation.

MARK 7:37 (NLT)
They were completely amazed and said again and again, “Everything (Jesus) does is wonderful. He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Everything Jesus does is so marvelous that it all invites a response.

DAILY FODDER
What's the difference between being a Jesus-fan and a Jesus-follower? 

PRAYER
Marvelous Savior, I am amazed that your actions so perfectly line up with your words and attitude. If only I could be so consistent! Help me to move from fandom to following. I want to be a part of what you're  doing to save 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.

HAND IN HAND

GENESIS 17:1 (ABP)
When GOD appeared before Abram he said, "I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Allow me to walk you faithfully through life and you'll truly live."

JOHN 20:27 (CEB)
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand into my side. No more disbelief. Believe!”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Believe for yourself.

DAILY FODDER
Why did Thomas have a hard time believing that Jesus had risen from the dead? How did the encounter with the risen Jesus change his life? What about all the people who don't get to look at Jesus' nail-pierced hands and wounded side, how do they come to believe in him?

PRAYER
Faithful and gracious God, you take our hands, and if we don't pull away, you lead us into the new and improved lives you've called us to. Forgive us for the impulse to pull away and walk on your own. With your nail-pierced hand, take my hand and lead me. I believe that I can get used to this kind of service. 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.