DEATH

PSALM 141:8 (GNT)
I keep trusting in you, my Sovereign Lord.
I seek your protection;
   don't let me die!

1 CORINTHIANS 15:55, 57 (GNT)
“Where, Death, is your victory?
Where, Death, is your power to hurt?”
But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

THE ESSENCE
Because of our connection to Jesus, death is no longer the final word in our lives.  

DAILY FODDER
On a scale of 1-10, how much anxiety does the idea of your death produce? How does Jesus' resurrection affect your place on that scale? 

PRAYER
Lord, you overcame sin, death, and the evil one. I am often fixated on death, afraid because death feels so final. Help me to fix my eyes on you and your promises. You are my living hope. You have promised me victory over the grave. In you I have life everlasting. 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.

GOD'S LOVES...

ZECHARIAH 2:8 (GNT)
Anyone who strikes you strikes what is most precious to me.

1 CORINTHIANS 1:28 (GNT)
He chose what the world looks down on and despises and thinks is nothing, in order to destroy what the world thinks is important.

THE ESSENCE
God loves and chooses to partner with the weak and marginalized.

DAILY FODDER
What are the implications of God's choices for how we prioritize our energy?

PRAYER
Lord, how is it that you love me so much? I feel unworthy of your love because of my sin, and yet, you forgive and renew me and make my lowly life beautiful in Christ. By your grace, I am the apple of your eye. Teach me to love others as you love me. 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.

THE BUILDER

ISAIAH 44:24 (MSG)
GOD, your Redeemer,
who shaped your life in your mother’s womb, says:
“I am GOD. I made all that is.
With no help from you I spread out the skies
and laid out the earth.”

HEBREWS 3:4 (TCEB)
There’s a builder for every house built. But God made the builders. He made everything else too.

THE ESSENCE
The Lord is the architect, engineer, and construction manager behind all building projects. 

DAILY FODDER
Why does the Bible want its readers to acknowledge that God is behind all that exists? What does it matter to you? 

PRAYER
Mighty God, you are the master presence behind all creation and re-creation — including the remaking of my life through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Forgive the cavalier attitudes that place us at the center of everything. Shift our focus and our confidence to you and your infallible experience. Even when things feel a bit crazy, I'm going to continue trusting that you know exactly what you're doing. 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.

CHEERFUL GIVING

GENESIS 28:22 (NRSVue)
Of all that you give me I will surely give one-tenth to you.

2 CORINTHIANS 9:7 (NRSVue)
God loves a cheerful giver.

THE ESSENCE
God loves it when our generosity flows from a happy place. 

DAILY FODDER
The reason we give "cheerfully" is that we recognize we're giving from the abundance God has given us. That awareness changes everything.

PRAYER
What a generous God you are! Thank you for all the blessings you have showered upon me. Every good thing comes from you. Grant me wisdom to use all I have in ways that bring glory to you. May I give open handily out of your amazing abundance. Thank you for allowing me to bless others today. 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.