HONOR

PSALM 34:1 (CEB)
I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be in my mouth.

EPHESIANS 1:5-6 (CEB)
God destined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ because of his love. This was according to his goodwill and plan and to honor his glorious grace that he has given to us freely through the Son whom he loves.

THE ESSENCE
Life is all about honoring God.

DAILY FODDER
In many, if not most, cultures the most important things you do are to give and receive honor. The biblical authors are writing from such a context. So, honoring/praising God is of the utmost importance.  

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as your adopted child it is the greatest honor to praise you. The love of Christ demonstrates that you are worthy. Forgive me for the times when I fail to acknowledge you, focusing my energy on ways I can receive recognition. Grant me the parental gift of self-forgetfulness, received when I welcome Christ each moment and allow him to dominate my life. That is most honorable. 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.

RESURRECTION

PSALM 9:19 (NLT)
Arise, O Lord!
Do not let mere mortals defy you!

MARK 9:31 (GNT)
Jesus was teaching his disciples: “The Son of Man will be handed over to those who will kill him. Three days later, however, he will rise to life.”

THE ESSENCE
Resurrection is the final defining word. 

DAILY FODDER
Death couldn't keep Jesus down. And when we're partnered with him, it won't keep us down either.  

PRAYER
Your resurrection power, Lord, is hidden from all who don’t know you. Keep my faith strong. I don't want any fear of others or even of death to hold me back from witnessing to your risen presence. Give me courage to follow you wherever you lead me. My life is hidden 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.

ANGELS

GENESIS 24:7 (MSG)
...God will send his angel ahead of you...

LUKE 22:42-43 (NLT)
Jesus prayed, "Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him.

THE ESSENCE
God cares so much that he has a whole division of angels assigned to the personal care of his people.

DAILY FODDER
Have you experienced angelic intervention in your life or moments that are best explained as angelic involvement? 

PRAYER
God, thank you for sending "messengers" into my life at just the moments I need them. Forgive me for doubting your care. It's easy to get confused when I'm under stress. I know that I’m not one of your heavenly angels but if possible, I'd like to be one of your messengers — maybe even working in partnership with an angel. I want other people to experience your care and comfort. 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.

SAVIOR

ISAIAH 43:11 (ABP)
I, GOD, am the only one who can save you.

JOHN 10:30(ABP)
Jesus: The Father and I are one.

THE ESSENCE
Because God and Christ Jesus are one and the same, we look to Jesus as our Savior.  

DAILY FODDER
Why is it so easy to accept the idea that the world needs a Savior, but so challenging for individuals to embrace Jesus when he is presented as the one and only Savior? 

PRAYER
Savior God, thank you for sending Jesus into the world to rescue us from the grip and consequences of sin and rebellion. I admit that even though this is a great gift, the rebelliousness in me continues to make me think I can make it on my own. Unpack your salvation into my life so that I can live out my baptism and share the good news with others. 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.