GOD’S SECRETS REVEALED

DEUTERONOMY 29:29 (NLT)
The LORD our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.

COLOSSIANS 2:2-3 (GNT)
In this way they will know God's secret, which is Christ himself. He is the key that opens all the hidden treasures of God's wisdom and knowledge.

THE ESSENCE
Christ is the key to all of God’s "hidden" plans, knowledge, and wisdom.

DAILY FODDER
If the Bible generates more questions about God than answers for you, focus your attention on knowing Christ Jesus. He embodies God’s secrets. 

PRAYER
God, I appreciate that there are things I'll never be able to comprehend. Forgive me for acting as though I'm smarter than I am. Help me to grow in true knowledge and wisdom through my living connection with Jesus. He’s the one who most clearly reveals your mind. 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.

IMPLEMENTING HIS PLANS

MALACHI 3:1 (GNT)
The LORD Almighty answers, "I will send my messenger to prepare the way for me."

MARK 13:27 (NLT)
Jesus: And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.

THE ESSENCE
God's agents are implementing his plans.  

DAILY FODDER
Why does God work through angels and people when he could implement his plans by simply speaking them? 

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, that no matter where I go you are there before me. Forgive me for doubting your purpose for me. Send me out as one of your messengers to love and to bless those you have chosen. May I live my life with the faith to go out in your name. 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.

FORGIVE

Transfiguration Sunday

GENESIS 50:17 (ABP)
So Joseph's brothers sent him a message after their father died. “Before his death, our father commanded us to tell you, ‘You must forgive your brothers’ sins—all of them. For they treated you with inexcusable contempt when they sold you into slavery.’ Will you honor the dying wish of your father and forgive the sins of these servants of your father’s God?”

EPHESIANS 4:32 (MSG)
Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.

THE ESSENCE
Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.

DAILY FODDER
Someone who has been deeply hurt needs to hear this word from God. Forgive the person who has wronged you. You don't need to embrace them as your best buddy but you need to let go of the crippling animosity that is building up. You can do this by focusing on how God has outrageously forgiven you through the actions of Christ Jesus. The power of forgiveness will begin to grow in you as you own the mercy that has been extended to you.

PRAYER
Merciful God, thank you for forgiving me. I admit, though, that I don't freely forgive those who have done me wrong. Help be to grow in awareness of the enormity of the forgiveness that comes our way through the sacrifice and victory of our Savior Jesus. I'm going to start forgiving the people who haven't treated me right. And I'm going to stick with the process of forgiveness, even if it takes me the rest of my life. 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.

THE GIFT OF PEACE

PSALM 97:10 (CEB)
Those of you who love the LORD, hate evil!
God guards the lives of his faithful ones,
delivering them from the power of the wicked.

ACTS 9:31 (GNT)
And so it was that the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had a time of peace. Through the help of the Holy Spirit it was strengthened and grew in numbers, as it lived in reverence for the Lord.

THE ESSENCE
We should see any peace we have as a gift from God. 

DAILY FODDER
God's way of doing things tends to disrupt societies, often causing turmoil. But he intervenes and we should acknowledge that any peace experienced by faithful followers of Jesus is a gift from God. 

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for making me yours. You guard me. May I bring your comfort and peace to all who need your protection. Today, use my hands as a sign of peace, a welcome embrace, so others may experience your faithfulness. Let my heart become a valentine for all you give me in your name. 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.