IRREVERSIBLE JOY

ZECHARIAH 1:17 (MSG)
GOD will comfort Zion again...

JOHN 16:22 (TCEB)
For the moment, you’re feeling sad. But I’ll see you again. When that happens, your heart is going to do backflips for joy. No one will ever take that joy from you.

THE ESSENCE
Encounters with the resurrected Jesus lead us into irreversible joy.

DAILY FODDER
What is it about Jesus that stirs your heart and fills you with joy? 

PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, for your comforting presence and words. I admit that when I take my eyes off you, the world can be a pretty discouraging place. Continue to reveal yourself to me so that I can live out the irreversible joy that flows from you. 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.

GOD IS...

ISAIAH 40:28 (MSG)
Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening?
God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.
He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.

ROMANS 11:36 (MSG)
Everything comes from him;
Everything happens through him;
Everything ends up in him.
Always glory! Always praise!
Yes. Yes. Yes.

THE ESSENCE
God is stable and reliable.

DAILY FODDER
It's been said, "change is the only constant." But scripture makes clear that God is the only constant. He doesn't change. He is reliable. You can always depend on him. He's always in every circumstance worthy of praise.

PRAYER
Creator of the world, I cannot begin to comprehend or measure your goodness and greatness. When I grow weary of life and my circumstances, you bring life and persistence. You hold me together and give me purpose in my waiting, watching, and wandering. I trust you, Lord, and thank you for who you are. 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 JUDGE

PSALM 7:8 (GNT)
You are the judge of all people.

ACTS 17:31 (GNT)
For he has fixed a day in which he will judge the whole world with justice by means of a man he has chosen. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising that man from death!

THE ESSENCE
Jesus is the judge who will give justice to the world.

DAILY FODDER
Why is it significant to have a judge who has experienced and overcome death? 

PRAYER
Risen Lord, I'm glad you're the one who will judge the world. I know that you understand justice (and mercy) from every angle. Forgive me for allowing the injustices of the world to discourage me. Keep me ever aware of your justice. I can see what's coming and by the power of your Holy Spirit, I'm arranging my life accordingly. 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.

GLOBAL JESUS

All Saints Day

MICAH 5:4 (MSG)
...for the whole world will hold him in respect—Peacemaker of the world!

ACTS 1:8 (GNT)
When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

THE ESSENCE
The Jesus movement is a global movement. 

DAILY FODDER
How can you participate in the global Jesus movement from where you live right now?  

PRAYER
Merciful God, I'm grateful that you’re not a regional or national diety. Your interests extend beyond any boundaries or borders we create. Yet, we emphasize our tribe in such a way that it sounds like we think you belong to us. Help me to see and live into your grander global way of thinking. I'm going to start locally by getting to know someone from abroad, trusting that the love of Jesus will flow through my life and words. 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.