LONG-TERM FAITHFULNESS

PSALM 103:17-18 (CEB)
But the Lord’s faithful love is from forever ago to forever from now
   for those who honor him.
And God’s righteousness reaches to the grandchildren
   of those who keep his covenant
   and remember to keep his commands.

REVELATION 3:10 (CEB)
Because you kept my command to endure, I will keep you safe through the time of testing that is about to come over the whole world, to test those who live on earth.

THE ESSENCE
God values long-term faithfulness. 

DAILY FODDER
How has the long-term faithfulness of others affected your life? 

PRAYER 
Lord, there is no beginning or end to your love. Forgive me for seeking out love from other sources that can't ever do what you do. I look for affirmation from peers, lovers, and even Facebook. Help me to set myself firmly in your camp—to make you my routine, my sole identity. I'm not going to waver regardless of what comes my way. In Jesus' name, 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 WAITING

ISAIAH 8:17 (MSG)
Meanwhile, I patiently trust the Lord, even though he is no longer pleased with Israel.

ROMANS 9:4 (CEV)
They are Israelites: the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship and the promises all belong to them.

THE ESSENCE
God continues to patiently wait for his people to get their act together and to start trusting him. 

DAILY FODDER
Why does God invest so heavily in people who don't consistently trust him?

PRAYER 
Patient Lord, thank you for the times you wait for me to come with my troubles, sorrows, and joys. You wait with open arms of compassion. You welcome me in and hold me close. I am adopted into your family. I am yours. You give good gifts, and with gratitude, I give you all the glory. Thank 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.

BROKEN PEOPLE WELCOME

PSALM 51:17 (NLT)
   The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.
You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

LUKE 18:13-14 (MSG)
   Meanwhile the tax man, slumped in the shadows, his face in his hands, not daring to look up, said, ‘God, give mercy. Forgive me, a sinner.’”
   Jesus commented, “This tax man, not the other, went home made right with God.”

THE ESSENCE
God welcomes all who respond to him out of their brokeness. 

DAILY FODDER
Jesus isn't looking to develop a relationship with those who have their acts together. 

PRAYER 
Merciful God, you welcome the broken with open arms. Of course, you'd welcome all others, but all others seem uninterested in the kind of healing you offer. Forgive me for working so hard to demonstrate that I have my act together. You can see right through it all and you're patiently waiting for me to acknowledge the reality. I need your forgiveness. I'm going to live the rest of my life in the light of your mercy. 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.

COUNT ON GOD'S CARE

PSALM 139:9-10 (ABP)
If I took off flying at dawn, stopping to rest when I got to the darkness on the other side of the world—even there your firm hand would be guiding, protecting, and caring for me without wavering.

ACTS 27:23-25 (MSG)
"Last night God’s angel stood at my side, an angel of this God I serve, saying to me, ‘Don’t give up, Paul. You’re going to stand before Caesar yet—and everyone sailing with you is also going to make it.’ So, dear friends, take heart. I believe God will do exactly what he told me...."

THE ESSENCE
You can count on God to care for you wherever you are and in whatever the circumstances. 

DAILY FODDER
Where is the most surprising place that you have recognized God's presence? 

PRAYER 
Loving God, like a protective parent, you embrace me tightly and show me the way. You want what is best for me and you keep me safe. Thank you, Father. I want to follow wherever you lead. I desire to worship you and serve you with all that I am. I belong to 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.