THE KINGDOM

ZECHARIAH 9:10 (CEB)
His rule will stretch from sea to sea,
and from the river to the ends of the earth.

MATTHEW 24:14 (MSG)
All during this time, the good news—the Message of the kingdom—will be preached all over the world, a witness staked out in every country.

THE ESSENCE
The kingdom of God is the good news for the whole world.

DAILY FODDER
The good news/gospel of Jesus isn't just for individuals. It's about Jesus' realm and agenda shaping the nations of the world.

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for a kingdom with room enough for all people—even for me! I am sorry for the times I contribute to the divisions of this world. I am sorry, too, for the times I fail to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Fill my words with praise and proclamation. Send me to speak your word. 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.

TRUE HAPPINESS

PSALM 144:15 (CEB)
The people whose God is the LORD are truly happy!

ROMANS 10:12 (TCEB)
There’s one Lord. He’s the Lord of everyone. He’s generous in his kindness to everyone who asks him for help.

THE ESSENCE
True happiness belongs to all those whose identity is wrapped up with the Lord.

DAILY FODDER
Why is God so welcoming of those who turn to him regardless of their backgrounds and experiences?  How does that divine characteristic shape our identity?

PRAYER
Glorious God, thank you for welcoming me, even before I realized that I needed you. A steady flow of joy and contentment flows into my life because you are here with me. Help me to more fully appreciate all you do for me. I want your grace and kindness delivered through Christ Jesus to define 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.

ALL THE NATIONS

EZEKIEL 36:36 (MSG)
The nations around you that are still in existence will realize that I, God, rebuild ruins and replant empty waste places. I, GOD, said so, and I’ll do it.

REVELATION 7:9-10 (MSG)
I looked again. I saw a huge crowd, too huge to count. Everyone was there—all nations and tribes, all races and languages. And they were standing, dressed in white robes and waving palm branches, standing before the Throne and the Lamb and heartily singing:
    Salvation to our God on his Throne!
    Salvation to the Lamb!

THE ESSENCE
At some point, all the surviving people groups, the "nations", will find themselves in the presence of God, acknowledging his salvation.

DAILY FODDER
If reality is trending this direction, how should we respond now? Practically speaking?

PRAYER
Lamb of God, thank you for bringing the world together around your salvation. The nations all seem to be acting pretty crazy right now. Forgive me for doubting the future. Fill me with a renewed vision for what is to come. I want to allow it to shape the way that I do life now. 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.

THANKING GOD FOR HIS KINDNESS

PSALM 103:2 (CEV)
With all my heart
I praise the LORD!
I will never forget
how kind he has been.

EPHESIANS 5:20 (GNT)
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father.

THE ESSENCE
Always give thanks to God for all his kindness. 

DAILY FODDER
It's easy to give God a generic thank you everyday for all he has done. It's richer to stop, think, and ponder his kindness. How is God's kindness evident in the simple things around me? How do the complex, even difficult circumstances put me in touch with his grace and kindness? Is there something about his kindness that I'm seeing for the first time today? Are there patterns involving people, places, and circumstances that continue to raise my awareness of God's kindness?

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for your kindness, so evident in the life and sacrifice of your Son Jesus. Forgive me for rushing through my prayers, spending little time and energy to note the many ways your kindness shows up each day. Help me to tune in and notice. I want my thank yous to be informed. 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.