FORTUNATELY, GOD SEES

HAGGAI 1:14 (GNT)
The LORD inspired everyone to work on the Temple... of the LORD Almighty, their God...

REVELATION 2:2 (MSG)
I see what you’ve done, your hard, hard work, your refusal to quit.

THE ESSENCE
God sees the work you're doing on his behalf.

DAILY FODDER
I once had an employer who never saw how hard I was working for him. He only saw my deficiencies. I quit that job. Fortunately, God is all-seeing and he notices and affirms what we're doing on his behalf (even when others don't). Since his opinion is the only one that ultimately counts, don't give up and quit.

PRAYER 
Thank you, God, for noticing even when others don't. Forgive me for seeking affirmation from sources apart from you. Recharge my sense of calling so I can move forward without wavering to do what you’ve comissioned me to do. I'm not going to quit. 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.

WE'LL SEE

PSALM 44:26 (MSG)
Get up and come to our rescue.
If you love us so much, Help us!

1 PETER 5:10-11 (MSG)
The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.

THE ESSENCE
Even though we face some great challenges, by the end, we'll see how much God actually loves us.

DAILY FODDER
It's so tempting to interpret difficult times as a sign that God isn't interested in us. To the contrary, though, he uses those difficulties to establish us in the good spot where we can see how much he cares.

PRAYER 
Loving God, thank you for looking out for us. I confess that I get frustrated and wonder where you are in the midst of the chaos I'm enduring. Help me! Show me what's up with all of this. I'm going to act in faith and trust that you'll eventually blow the storm clouds away and that the place where I'm standing will be one of beauty—a place where I can see the breadth of your great love. 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.

RESCUE

PSALM 119:94 (NCV)
I am yours. Save me.
I want to obey your orders.

ACTS 12:7 (CEB)
Suddenly an angel from the Lord appeared and a light shone in the prison cell. After nudging Peter on his side to awaken him, the angel raised him up and said, “Quick! Get up!” The chains fell from his wrists.

THE ESSENCE
We can confidently expect God to rescue us.

DAILY FODDER
God's rescue always comes but rarely in the way we expect it. His freedom goes deeper than the chaims we're dealing with at any given moment.

PRAYER 
God of freedom, your goodness is revealed in your grace. Loosen the chains that bind me. Help me let go of the shackles of hate and prejudice. Help me to remember that I am marked with the cross of Christ. As one who belongs to you, let me live in the freedom of 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.

STRANGERS

The 16th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 146:9 (MSG)
GOD loves good people, protects strangers,
takes the side of orphans and widows...

HEBREWS 13:12 (NRSVUE)
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.

THE ESSENCE
God advocates for strangers (aliens, foreigners). We need to be on the same page with him. 

DAILY FODDER
Why are foreigners so often the subjects of abuse, even today? How does the individual believer side with such people?  

PRAYER 
Gracious God, thank you for siding with marginalized people such as the poor and the immigrant. I confess that I'm not as sensitive to the needs of these people as I'm called to be. It's so easy to think that some agency is dealing with their issues. Show me how to intervene on their behalf — even when it’s an unpopular thing to do. Christ died and rose for all of us. 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.

COURAGE

ZECHARIAH 8:13 (ABP)
Do not be afraid! Act courageuosly!

JOHN 16:33 (ABP)
Jesus encouraged them so they'd be at peace, "In this God-forsaking world you're harrased. But I want you to act courageously because I have already prevailed over it!"

THE ESSENCE
When we align our lives with what Christ has done and is doing, we can act courageously in the face of spiritual pushback.

DAILY FODDER
Over 700 times in the Bible people are told to be courageous or to "fear not" (or equivalent). Why do you think this is such a major emphasis in scripture?  

PRAYER 
God, the light of your love vanishes shadows and puts darkness to flight. Forgive me for the times I let my fears overwhelm me. Give me a stout heart. Remind me that there is no enemy you have not already defeated. Strengthen me and set me free to let my hands do your work in this world. 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 HELPS THOSE WHO RELY ON HIM

PSALM 3:2-3 (CEB)
So many are talking about me:
“Even God won’t help him.”
But you, Lord, are my shield!
You are my glory!
You are the one who restores me.

LUKE 17:15 (MSG)
One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God.

THE ESSENCE
Glorify God, who helps those who rely on him.  

DAILY FODDER
There is a saying, "God helps those who help themselves." This, of course, is not consistent with the biblical message that we're really in no shape to help ourselves. But the good news is that God helps those who rely on him. Christ Jesus is the ultimate expression of his help and restoration.

PRAYER 
You God, are a mighty fortress, a safe place, and a reliable protector. Forgive us for trying to help ourselves apart from the direction of your Spirit. Teach me how to rely more fully on you.  I'm going to continue my gratitude and praise. 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.

PRAISE GOD

AMOS 4:13 (NRSVUE)
For the one who forms the mountains, creates the wind,
reveals his thoughts to mortals,
makes the morning darkness,
and treads on the heights of the earth—
the LORD, the God of hosts, is his name!

REVELATION 19:6 (CEV)
Then I heard what seemed to be a large crowd that sounded like a roaring flood and loud thunder all mixed together. They were saying,
"Praise the Lord!
Our Lord God All-Powerful
now rules as king."

THE ESSENCE
Praise be to God-the-most-powerful, who rules. 

DAILY FODDER
Modern kings are relatively powerless and royal families are often the brunt of jokes. In ancient times, though, kings were on the top of the pecking order. In our passages today God is recognized as the most powerful royal being of all. How does this revelation shape the way that you relate to him?

PRAYER 
God of hosts, you are worthy of all praise and honor. I want to join the wind, water, and thunder in praising you. Thank you for revealing your thoughts to us mortals. I pray that they would shape my thoughts and actions so that my praise is more than perfunctory.  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.

FORGIVENESS

PSALM 79:9 (MSG)
Your reputation is on the line.
Pull us out of this mess, forgive us our sins—
do what you’re famous for doing!

LUKE 24:47 (MSG)
...a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations...

THE ESSENCE
Forgiveness of sins is an essential dimension of Jesus' Good News.

DAILY FODDER
When we recognize and accept the forgiveness that God gives us, that changes how we live. If there is no change, it means we haven't yet groked our sinfulness nor desire to let go of it. 

PRAYER 
Gracious God, you have a reputation for forgiving all who turn to you with the entirety of their lives. I need that forgiveness because there are still aspects of my life that fail to align with your plan. Transform my life so that it may become a witness of your mercy and grace to the world. 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.

HOLY LIVING

EZEKIEL 36:29 (CEV)
I will protect you from anything that makes you unclean.

1 THESSALONIANS 4:7 (MSG)
God hasn’t invited us into a disorderly, grungy life but into something holy and beautiful—as beautiful on the inside as the outside.

THE ESSENCE
God calls us and equips us for holy living.  

DAILY FODDER
Holiness is about living an out-of-the-ordinary life that is dedicated to the service of God. It's about taking his expectations and priorities into account before we decide to follow our own ambitions.

PRAYER 
God, in your holiness you have no peers but you invite lesser beings to relate to you as friends and partners. To do this well we've got to adjust how we naturally do things. I confess that I don't like changes that mess with my routine and identity. Help me to find my new identity in your holiness.  It's a gift already given. That's  who you are. 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 RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST

PSALM 111:3 (CEB)
God’s deeds are majestic and glorious.
God’s righteousness stands forever.

PHILIPPIANS 3:9 (CEB)
In Christ I have a righteousness that is not my own and that does not come from the Law but rather from the faithfulness of Christ. It is the righteousness of God that is based on faith.

THE ESSENCE
Everything that we have and are hinges on the faithfulness and righteousness of Christ Jesus, not on our ability to perform.

DAILY FODDER
Why is "righteousness" important for us? And what difference does it make where it comes from?

PRAYER 
God, I'm grateful for the advanced standing that you have given to me, even before I enrolled in your program. I confess that it's hard to let go of the idea that my own performance is what counts in life. Reveal to me through scripture how it is that through our connection with Christ, his righteousness becomes ours. We get credit for all he has faithfully done. How can this wonderful thing be? I stand in awe of your generosity. 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.

RUTH

The 15th Sunday after Pentecost

RUTH 1:16 (NRSVUE)
But Ruth said,
"Do not press me to leave you,
to turn back from following you!
Where you go, I will go;
where you lodge, I will lodge;
your people shall be my people
and your God my God."

MATTHEW 1:5-6, 16 (NLT)
Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth).
Obed was the father of Jesse.
Jesse was the father of King David...
Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.
Mary gave birth to Jesus, who is called the Messiah.

THE ESSENCE
Ruth, the traumatized foreigner, stands as a genealogical witness to God's faithfulness as he prepared to send Jesus the Messiah.

DAILY FODDER
The account of Ruth the Moabite is often seen as a great love story. More significantly, though, it shows how a brave and faithful foreigner ended up in the story of Jesus. She's not the type of person historians would normally accentuate, but God has her in the story for a purpose. And that purpose is?

PRAYER 
Mighty God, you faithfully led history to bring us a Messiah to renew creation and our lives. If you included a widowed foreigner in the story of Jesus, how is it that we have become so narrow in our thinking about how you get things done? We've replaced faithful humility with worldly power as our preferred method. Lead me to follow in the pattern of Ruth, who allowed the trauma in her life to redirect her into her role in the Jesus story. I want to be like Ruth. 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.

LED BY THE SPIRIT

PSALM 143:10 (ABP)
Teach me, my God, to carry out your agenda in your way. 

Let your good Spirit lead me along a good road.

ROMANS 8:14 (NRSVUE)
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

THE ESSENCE
As God's children, we are led by God's Spirit. 

DAILY FODDER
Our relationship with God is dynamic and as his children we are led by his Spirit. This is helpful to the degree we are willing and able to pay attention to the leading of the Spirit.

PRAYER 
Guiding God, how gracious you are in showing me your will, and how stubborn I can be in refusing to do it! I am sorry for the ways I resist your leading. Come, Spirit of God, and renew my soul. Remind me that I am your child. Help me to walk in the footsteps of your Son. 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.

FRUITFUL LIVING

2 KINGS 19:30 (NLT)
And you who are left in Judah,
who have escaped the ravages of the siege,
will put roots down in your own soil
and will grow up and flourish.

JOHN 15:4 (NLT)
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

THE ESSENCE
Our purose is to grow through our connection with Christ Jesus and to live fruitful lives.

DAILY FODDER
Not all fruit is good. How do you know if you're living fruitfully? Galatians 5:22-23 (MSG): But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

PRAYER 
Thank you, God, for grafting us onto yourself. Forgive us for trying to make our own way through life. There is just no fruit in that. Help me to stay so close to you that your sap is flowing through me. As crazy as it sounds, I'm expecting a bumper group of divine fruit to develop on my branches. 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.

RECEIVE THE BEST; GIVE THE BEST

ISAIAH 55:2 (MSG)
Why do you spend your money on junk food,
your hard-earned cash on cotton candy?
Listen to me, listen well: Eat only the best,
fill yourself with only the finest.

MARK 12:44 (CEB)
But she from her hopeless poverty has given everything she had, even what she needed to live on.

THE ESSENCE
Receive the best; give the best you can.

DAILY FODDER
How do you know if you're consuming spiritual junk food? One way to measure the quality of the spiritual food you are receiving is by measuring the level of sacrifice you're making when you're giving. 

PRAYER 
Generous God, you have already given the ultimate gift by sacrifing your Son to tackle and defeat death. I've failed to recognize the extent of your giving. Help me to grasp the extravagance of your generousity so I can follow suit in my situation, thus drawing attention to your bigheartedness. 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.

COMPELLING

JEREMIAH 20:9 (MSG)
But if I say, “Forget it!
No more GOD-Messages from me!”
The words are fire in my belly,
a burning in my bones.
I’m worn out trying to hold it in.

COLOSSIANS 4:3-4 (MSG)
Don’t forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I’m locked up in this jail. Pray that every time I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.

THE ESSENCE
When God has his hand on us his message is so compelling that it drives our lives.

DAILY FODDER
What does the prophet mean when he describes his calling as "fire in my belly" and "burning in my bones"? Is this compulsion comfortable or satisfying in nature? How so?

PRAYER 
I'm grateful, Lord, that your hand is on me—even though sometimes that feels all consuming and uncomfortable. Forgive me for backing down so I can find a place less intense. You know how I'm wired, so I will trust your call on my life. Help me to see the opportunities to reveal the mystery of Christ to those around 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.

FOR GOD'S GLORY

PSALM 19:1 (CEB)
Heaven is declaring God’s glory!

1 CORINTHIANS 6:20 (GNT)
Use your bodies for God's glory.

THE ESSENCE
The bottom line is that everything we do and are should be joining heaven to declare God’s glory.

DAILY FODDER
Declaring God’s glory isn't just a matter of formal worship, although that is clearly a part of it. Over 99% of declaring glory is acting, thinking, and speaking in such a way that God is properly honored throughout the rest of the week. It is a high privelege to be serving him.

PRAYER 
Great God, I want to join the heavenly chorus that declares your glory. Forgive me for thinking that glorifying you is only about singing praise songs. Teach me to honor you through what I do with every aspect of my life. I want the entirety of my soul to honor you. That's my pupose, to glorify 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.

SPOKESMEN AND WOMEN

DEUTERONOMY 18:18 (CEB)
I’ll raise up a prophet for them from among their fellow Israelites—one just like you. I’ll put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.

MARK 6:2-3 (CEB)
Many who heard him were surprised... Isn’t this the carpenter?

THE ESSENCE
We should pay attention to Jesus because he speaks God's words.

DAILY FODDER
Jesus is the surprising prophet who speaks God's words. But he is more than a prophet. He is the living embodiment of God's words. 

PRAYER 
Jesus, I'm grateful that you came as God's redeeming message. I'm sorry that I'm  not such a good listener. Continue to improve my listening skills so I can more fully take in your message. As your word takes root in me, I'm eager to become one of your assistant messengers—embodying your lifegiving words to those around 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.

GOD SAVES

The 14th Sunday after Pentocost

HABAKKUK 3:18 (ABP)
Even if the world around me falls apart, I'll continue to find joy and gladness in GOD, because he saves me from the forces of chaos.

LUKE 15:20 (MSG)
When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him.

THE ESSENCE
God is passionate about saving us in the midst of our troubles.

DAILY FODDER
For some reason, God doesn't always spare us from the forces of chaos and trouble, but he chooses to save us out of those circumstances. Take heart. You know what to expect when difficulty comes at you.

PRAYER 
Glorious God, thank you for sending your Son into the world to release us from the grasp of sin. You are our Savior! Forgive me for allowing discouragment to take over when trouble comes, as though l don't already have an eternal champion on my side. Wrap me in your embrace and help me to realize the security of your kiss. I know that even if the chaos is of my own doing, you are still here for me as a welcoming Savior. 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.

STAND YOUR GROUND

PSALM 56:11 (CEB)
I trust in God; I won’t be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?

ACTS 9:31 (MSG)
Things calmed down after that and the church had smooth sailing for a while. All over the country—Judea, Samaria, Galilee—the church grew.

THE ESSENCE
We don't have to stress out when people pushback against the Gospel because God’s protection can override any opposition.

DAILY FODDER
If God is so in charge of the situation why do so many people end up dying because of their faith in Christ Jesus? 

PRAYER 
I'm grateful, God, for your protection and for times of peace. Forgive us for acting as though death and opposition somehow have the final word. Help me to face pushback confident that everything is under your ultimate control and that even if I die (like Christ) it won't be in vain. I'm going to excercise my faith in you with confidence. 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.

SAFETY ZONE

PROVERBS 3:25-26 (GNT)
   You will not have to worry about sudden disasters... The LORD will keep you safe.

MATTHEW 14:26-27 (GNT)
   When they saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. “It's a ghost!” they said, and screamed with fear.
   Jesus spoke to them at once. “Courage!” he said. “It is I. Don't be afraid!”

THE ESSENCE
Jesus is our safety zone.

DAILY FODDER
Practically speaking, how do you turn your worries over to Jesus, disarming fear? 

PRAYER 
From wars that wreak destruction to storms that overwhelm, we are reminded how frail life can be and how quickly tragedy can appear. Delivering Savior, help me not to seek perfect worldly security as a defense against the unpredictable but to act in the confidence that comes from knowing you have conquered death for my sake. 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.

FULLFILLED

EZEKIEL 12:25 (GNT)
I, the Lord, will speak to them, and what I say will be done. There will be no more delay.

GALATIANS 3:8 (MSG)
It was all laid out beforehand in Scripture that God would set things right with non-Jews by faith. Scripture anticipated this in the promise to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed in you.”

THE ESSENCE
In his time God fulfills his promises to include people from everywhere in his family.

DAILY FODDER
I need to accept that God's timing is often at odds with mine.

PRAYER 
I'm grateful, God, that you are a person of his word. I'm definitely a beneficiary of your promise to include people from all nations in your family. Forgive us for our ongoing tribalism. You're looking out for the whole world and we're looking for reasons to exclude anyone who ain't us. Nurture a global godly perspective among us. I'm trusting that in your time your promises will reach a higher level of fulfillment. 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.

POWERFUL EMBRACE

NEHEMIAH 9:32 (NLT)
And now, our God, the great and mighty and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of unfailing love, do not let all the hardships we have suffered seem insignificant to you.

ROMANS 8:38-39 (MSG)
I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

THE ESSENCE
The loving embrace of Jesus is so tight that nothing can yank us apart. 

DAILY FODDER
What are the potential contempoary threats to our relationship with Jesus? How does the message of Romans 8 fuel your resistance to these threats?

PRAYER 
Loving Savior, I celebrate your power and loving faithfulness. However, I confess that even though I am aware of your bond, I get anxious about the way things are going in the world. Help me to focus on your loving embrace rather than the evil attacks. I'm going to allow thoughts of you to overshadow the darkness. 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.

EVER-EXPANDING RELATIONAL NETWORK

1 SAMUEL 12:22 (MSG)
GOD took delight in making you into his very own people.

ACTS 11:18 (MSG)
Hearing it all laid out like that, they quieted down. And then, as it sank in, they started praising God. “It’s really happened! God has broken through to the other nations, opened them up to Life!”

THE ESSENCE
God delights in ever-expanding his network of life-giving relationships.

DAILY FODDER
What are the implications for existing believers of God's passion to expand his relational network?

PRAYER 
Generous God, I'm amazed at how inclusive you are. When I think about it, I'm not exactly the top-draft choice for your team. But you made a place for me. Forgive me for being slow to make room for others on the team. Teach me how to invite and include even the least likely in your lifetime network. Maybe I need to adjust my expectations regarding who you're willing to accommodate. 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 DELIEVERS

PSALM 57:3 (MSG)
He sends orders from heaven and saves me,
he humiliates those who kick me around.
God delivers generous love,
he makes good on his word.

GALATIANS 5:22-23 (NLT)
The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

THE ESSENCE
God delivers.

DAILY FODDER
God delivers, but we have to be receiving.

PRAYER 
Gracious Lord, your Spirit infuses me with actions and attitudes that allow me to manifest your will and desires. When I react to life's many challenges without consulting you, then I produce rotting fruit and often struggle and am overwhelmed. But when you work in me, I can truly become an instrument of your love. 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.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

The 12th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 109:30 (ABP)
I am vociferously thanking GOD.
This is public praise in the great assembly.

LUKE 13:13 (ABP)
After Jesus laid his hands on her, the bent over arthritic woman straightened right up and began praising God.

THE ESSENCE
Thanksgiving and praise are our default responses to the activity of God. 

DAILY FODDER
What are the three most significant items for which you are praising and thanking God today? 

PRAYER 
Almighty God, you are worthy of all praise and thanksgiving. I confess that my gratitude is muted because I've got so much going on. It's not that I'm ungrateful but it all gets lost in the busyness and perpetual multitasking. Help me to focus my attention on what you're doing so that my life overflows with praise for 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.

LIFEGIVING GOD

HOSEA 14:5 (MSG)
I will make a fresh start with Israel.
He’ll burst into bloom like a crocus in the spring.

MATTHEW 6:31-32 (NLT)
So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

THE ESSENCE
God is lifegiving so don’t worry. 

DAILY FODDER
Once we realize that God already knows what we need, what should be our response? 

PRAYER 
Thank you, Loving God, for taking care of all I truly need. Forgive me for worrying about how I'm going to make ends meet. So much of my energy goes into worry. Free me from my anxiety as you bolster my ability to trust you. I'm going to allow your generosity to dominate my thinking. 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.

TRUTH = FUEL

PSALM 119:43 (MSG)
Don’t ever deprive me of truth, not ever—
your commandments are what I depend on.

ROMANS 1:25 (NLT)
They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.

THE ESSENCE
God's version of the truth is the fuel that keeps us going. To reject the truth for something else is a sure way to get stranded.

DAILY FODDER
The world is full of differening versions of truth. How can we be certain of what is God's version? 

PRAYER 
Gracious God, I'm grateful that you share your truth with us. Forgive us for treating your word as one of many options to pick from a smorgasbord. Fine tune my crap detectors and don't ever deprive me of truth. I need your truth to keep me alive and pressing forward in a world that is so off track. 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 HELP YOU’LL EVER NEED

GENESIS 49:25 (NLT)
May the God of your father help you;
may the Almighty bless you...

ROMANS 1:16 (ABP)
This great news about Christ is so infused with God's power that it saves everyone who trusts him.

THE ESSENCE
The Gospel is so packed that it contains all the help you'll ever need.

DAILY FODDER
As we unpack the Gospel of Jesus, God's saving power is released into our lives. We not only gain forgiveness and a new standing with God, but we develop the wisdom to live in a way that is consistent with God's agenda. That’s  the blessing.

PRAYER 
Dear God of power and might, thank you for guarenteeing my future. If I were left in charge of my life, I would make a mess of it. Intervene today with your presence and your promises so that I can move forward confidently. As I am blessed, so may I bless friend and foe in Jesus' 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.

NEWNESS

EZEKIEL 36:26 (CEB)
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.

MATTHEW 5:44-45 (CEB)
But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you so that you will be acting as children of your Father who is in heaven.

THE ESSENCE
God's ways ooze with out-of-the-box newness.

DAILY FODDER
Is it possible to love Jesus and, at the same time, reject his new radical approach to living? Explain.

PRAYER 
Thank you, God, for the new hearts that come with your arrival in our lives. Forgive us for trying to hold on to the old ways of doing things while trying to embrace the new. It doesn't work. We need to be totally renewed so that we can live the new life of Christ. I don't want anything less than a new heart, and a new spirit, and the radical life that comes with all that newness. 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.

BLESSED FAMILIES

2 SAMUEL 7:18 (CEV)
LORD All-Powerful, my family and I don't deserve what you have already done for us...

ACTS 16:15 (ABP)
After Lydia and her family were baptized, she continued to beg us, “If you think my faith in the Lord is genuine, accept my hospitality and come stay in my home.”

THE ESSENCE
God deals with both families and individuals.

DAILY FODDER
How does God's propensity to deal with families change how you relate to him as an individual?

PRAYER 
Lord, my family and I don't deserve what you've already done for us. Because we've so individualized the gospel, we lack awareness of your blessing to families and groups. Open our eyes to what it means to be a blessed group. Show us how to extend hospitality so we can include others in your blessings. 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.

MAINTAIN THE DIVINE COURSE

Creation Day

JOSHUA 23:8 (ABP)
Hold on tightly to GOD, just as you've done up until now.

HEBREWS 10:25 (MSG)
Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

THE ESSENCE
Maintain the divine course.

DAILY FODDER
Difficult times can either tempt us to panic and relax our grip on God's hand or to squeeze it even more tightly. 

PRAYER 
Steadfast Lord, thanks for holding fast to me. Often, I turn my attention away from you and forget about my fellow believers. Keep me aware of the gift of worship and my need for fellowship. I want to be faithful to you and encouraging to others until that day when we are all joined in eternal praise of 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.

DIVINE ACCESS

The 12th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 2:12 (ABP)
All who turn to GOD for protection give him five stars.

EPHESIANS 3:12 (ABP)
Because of our faith-driven solidarity with Christ we boldly show up in the presence of God whenever we want.

THE ESSENCE
Through Christ we have unprecedented access to God.

DAILY FODDER
We have access to God and can turn to him for whatever. How are you using this privelege? 

PRAYER 
Thank you, God, for your open door policy as established by Christ Jesus. Forgive my failure to take advantage of this privilege. Keep me mindul of the access and audience we have with you. This is a life-changing gift. 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 HEALS

ISAIAH 38:16 (GNT)
Lord, I will live for you, for you alone;
Heal me and let me live.

ACTS 28:8 (GNT)
Publius' father was in bed, sick with fever and dysentery. Paul went into his room, prayed, placed his hands on him, and healed him.

THE ESSENCE
God heals.

DAILY FODDER
Have you ever seen someone healed after praying for them? Who should you be praying for today?

PRAYER 
Great healer, thank you for your restorative power to cure. I am humbled that you chose me as your minister, through whom others can be healed by my prayers. Like Paul, I pray earnestly for those who are sick. Bring to my mind those who need prayers of physical, mental, or spiritual healing. I lift them up 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.

LORD OVER CREATION

ISAIAH 37:16 (CEB)
Lord of heavenly forces... You alone are God over all the earth’s kingdoms. You made both heaven and earth.

JOHN 1:3 (MSG)
Everything was created through him;
nothing—not one thing!—
came into being without him.

THE ESSENCE
Jesus is God over all creation and all that happens within it. 

DAILY FODDER
What are the personal implications of Jesus' dominion over the created order?  

PRAYER 
Lord Jesus Christ, you were involved in every aspect of creation. Nothing came into being apart from you. I confess that I sometimes believe the hype that the world is spinning out of control. Help me to trust you, even though there are a lot of terrible things happening in the world you created.  I'm going to allow the beauty of creation to recharge my faith in 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.

THE GREATEST HONOR

ISAIAH 62:3 (MSG)
You’ll be a stunning crown in the palm of GOD’s hand,

LUKE 14:10 (ABP)
Jesus advised, "When you're invited to banquet, instead of taking the most prominent seat avaiable, seat yourself in the least important place. When your host sees you there, he'll say, 'What are you doing way back here? I want you up with me at the head table.' As you're ushered to your new seat, every guest in the hall will notice what's happening and you'll be even more respected than if you had presumptously seated yourself up front to begin with."

THE ESSENCE
The greatest honor and respect come when we pursue humblness. 

DAILY FODDER
What does the pursuit of humbleness look like in your situation? 

PRAYER 
Lord, I'm thankful you realize my true worth. Forgive me for thinking that I have to elevate myself in order to be signififcant. Show me how to humbly wait for the honor that you'll reveal. It's all because of what Christ has done. 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.

LOVE AND FAVOR

PROVERBS 3:12 (ABP)
GOD corrects those he loves, as parents correct a favored child.

LUKE 15:31 (GNT)
"My son," the father answered, "you are always here with me, and everything I have is yours..."

THE ESSENCE
Receive God's correction as a sign of his love and favor.

DAILY FODDER
How does God "correct" people? How do you know that he is correcting you?

PRAYER 
Thank you, gracious God, for your correction in my life. You make me feel uncomfortable when I'm not doing the right thing. Forgive me for doing everything I can to muffle the discomfort. Help me to respond with a good and receptive attitude. I'm going to receive your discipline as a sign of your love and favor. 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.

PROTECTOR AND PROVIDER

PSALM 121:5-6 (ABP)
GOD is your guard. He protects you during the heat of the day and the darkness of the night.

PHILEMON 1:3 (ABP) 
May God our Father and Jesus, the annointed king and master, flood your life with grace and peace.

THE ESSENCE
Day and night God is on duty as your protector and provider.

DAILY FODDER
How does the knowledge of God's protection and provision change your life—even today?

PRAYER 
Thank you, Lord, for your color-filled canopy of grace that shields me day and night. This amazing awning of protection keeps me safe in your love. Forgive me for not recognizing it every day. Lead me to others today so I can welcome them into this miraculous shelter of unconditional love. It's the best place to live. 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.

EXPERIENCING BLESSING

DEUTERONOMY 28:2-3 (ABP)
If you do what GOD has told you to do, you will experience his blessings. Your towns and fields will thrive because of his favor.

JAMES 4:3 (NLT)
And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.

THE ESSENCE
God's blessings are best experienced when we're obeying God's instructions.

DAILY FODDER
What should we be requesting from God? How do we position ourselves to receive it?

PRAYER 
God, I'm grateful for the many many blessings you direct my way. I confess that I'm  not always in the best position to receive what you're giving. I miss out because I'm distracted by my selfish desire for more money and security. I want all my problems to vaporize. Grant me an obedient and wise heart so I'm ready to handle your blessings—for your glory and the good of my neighbor. Under your direction I'm going to reposition myself to best receive your favor. 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.

SHEPHERD

The 11th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 79:13 (GNT)
Then we, your people, the sheep of your flock,
will thank you forever
and praise you for all time to come.

JOHN 10:14 (CEB)
I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep and they know me...

THE ESSENCE
We have a shepherd-sheep relationship with God.  

DAILY FODDER
What can we learn from the shepherd-sheep relationship. How is it a picture of how God relates to us? 

PRAYER 
Thank you, Good Shepherd, for choosing me to be one of your sheep. I am delighted to be in your flock where you know me better than I know myself. I am sorry that I sometimes stray, looking for greener pastures. When I get stuck or lose my way, thank you for always wecoming me back into your fold. 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.

24/7 FORGIVENESS

ISAIAH 43:24-25 (ABP)
The only thing you've been generous with is the load of sins you've committed. Your wrongdoing is wearing me out. Yet, I'm not weary of forgiving. It's who I am—the God who forgives. I'm not going to hold your many sins against you.

JOHN 5:17 (ABP)
Jesus replied to the confrontational authorities,“My Father continues to work on the Sabbath, so I too am busy doing his work.”

THE ESSENCE
Jesus keeps on 24/7 with his work of forgiving us.

DAILY FODDER
In what sense is Jesus a workaholic? What drives his unrelenting efforts? 

PRAYER 
Merciful God, I am grateful for the forgiveness established by Jesus through his death and resurrection. And he's still at it—pleading our case in your courtroom. I'm way too ho hum about all this. Help me to walk through the day aware of what Jesus does on our behalf. I'm going to share this good news and invite all who will accept it to receive this forgivness. Your mercy has no boundaries. 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.

WHAT PLEASES CHRIST

2 CHRONICLES 19:7 (ABP)
Honor GOD by acting with integrity and justice. For he will not tolerate corruption, preferential treatment, or payola.

EPHESIANS 5:10 (MSG)
Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.

THE ESSENCE
Act according to the way of Christ.

DAILY FODDER
Which is more of a challenge for you, figuring out what pleases Christ or doing what pleases Christ? Why so?

PRAYER 
Gracious God, I'm thankful for the responsibilities you have entrusted to me. I confess that sometimes I use what you've given to me to advance myself—my status, my comfort. Forgive my malfeasanse and renew my energy to function according to and for the glory of Christ. I'm going to be a doer rather than just a hearer of your word. 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.

BUMPER CROPS

GENESIS 3:19 (GNT)
You will have to work hard and sweat to make the soil produce anything, until you go back to the soil from which you were formed. You were made from soil, and you will become soil again.

GALATIANS 6:7-8 (MSG)
What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.

THE ESSENCE
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit we can reap bumper crops of eternal significance. 

DAILY FODDER
What does God want you to plant today? 

PRAYER 
Thank you, Holy Spirit, for your ongoing presence and guidance in my life. Forgive me for planting things that are contrary to that guidance and of little or no eternal signifance. I want everything I grow in my life to be in perfect accord with your direction. Help me in my gardening. I want to be one of your eternal success stories. 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.

LONGTERM INVESTING

PSALM 62:9 (GNT)
Human beings are all like a puff of breath;
great and small alike are worthless.
Put them on the scales, and they weigh nothing;
they are lighter than a mere breath.

MATTHEW 6:20-21 (MSG)
Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.

THE ESSENCE
Our hearts follow what we treasure so it behoves us to treasure eternal currency.

DAILY FODDER
What is eternal currency? How does someone get it? 

PRAYER 
Glorious God, you are the richest being; for all of creation belongs to you—forever. No one can take it from you and its under your eternal care. Forgive us for overvaluing treasure which only has value in a temporal economy. Show me how to become rich in eternal treasure. Since I expect to spend the rest of eternity with you I want to be prepared for the heavenly lifestyle. 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.

ETERNAL

ISAIAH 51:6 (CEB)

The heavens will disappear like smoke,

the earth will wear out like clothing,

and its inhabitants will die like gnats.

But my salvation will endure forever,

and my righteousness will be unbroken.

1 CORINTHIANS 13:10 (ABP)
The day defined by perfection will get here. And when that happens every imperfect thing will be obsolete.

THE ESSENCE
The only things that endure forever are related to the eternal God — for example, his salvation and all who are saved, his righteousness and all attitudes and actions that flow from it. 

DAILY FODDER
If the only things that endure forever are related to the eternal God, how should we respond? What difference does it make here and now? How saved are you? 

PRAYER 
Eternal God, thank you for saving me to be with you forever. Forgive me for focusing so much on all that is temporal that I lose sight of the eternal. Show me how to live according to your eternal directives even during the temporal. I want to live in sync with the perfection that came to use through Christ Jesus. 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.

THINK BIGGER

ISAIAH 12:4 (MSG)
Give thanks to God.
Call out his name.
Ask him anything!
Shout to the nations, tell them what he’s done,
spread the news of his great reputation!

MATTHEW 28:19-20 (NLT)
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

THE ESSENCE
God wants to change the whole world. Think bigger. 

DAILY FODDER
Why is your vision so limited? What is God doing to broaden it?  

PRAYER 
Creator God, I’m grateful that you love the whole world. Forgive me for entering into the tribalism, where everything is about the advancement of my people. Help me to see the world as you see it. I want to have open arms embracing even the people who are distant and unlike me. What a vision! 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 WAY TO DEATH WITH CHRIST

The 10th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 90:10 (NLT)
Seventy years are given to us!
Some even live to eighty.
But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble;
soon they disappear, and we fly away.

PHILIPPIANS 3:10 (MSG)
I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself.

THE ESSENCE
We purpose to go all the way with Christ, even to death. 

DAILY FODDER
Do you ever think of what the end of your life might look like? Perhaps you are saving money during your working years so you'll have enough to live on when you can no longer work. What does it look like to be old, past your prime health, and living for Christ? 

PRAYER 
God of the ages, the beginning and the end, even in my old age I praise you. In some ways this is uncharted territory for me, but I realize that it's all going according to your plan. Forgive me for allowing the issues that come with age to discourage me. Keep me focused on serving Christ today, whatever that looks like. I'm traveling with you to the end. That’s all that matters. 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.

DOING RIGHT

GENESIS 4:7 (NLT)
You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.

MATTHEW 27:3-4 (CEB)
When Judas, who betrayed Jesus, saw that Jesus was condemned to die, he felt deep regret. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, and said, “I did wrong because I betrayed an innocent man.”

THE ESSENCE
Following Jesus involves doing the right thing. 

DAILY FODDER
Life is complicated. How can we know what the right thing is? 

PRAYER 
God, you always do the right thing. Thank you for sending Jesus into the world to embody rightness. My intentions are to follow him but I get distracted and by the time I realize the extent of my waywardness the damage is done. Forgive me and transform my heart so that I am fully tuned in to the righteousness of Christ Jesus. 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.

BLESSING GOD

PSALM 63:4 (ABP)
Every breath I take, until there are no more, will be a blessing directed to you. And when I lift my hands to pray, it will be about honoring you.

ACTS 3:9 (ABP)
Everyone saw the healed beggar walking around and praising God.

THE ESSENCE
Everything we do is about responding to God with blessing.

DAILY FODDER
When we're dealing with God, we don't compartmentalize things. Every interaction in life, every breath we take, every thing we experience, is a channel for honoring him. It's all sacred. 

PRAYER 
Gracious God, I'm grateful to be included in your mission to renew the world. Even though I fumble about, I want to keep the focus on you. Turn everything I've got in life into a way to bless you. I want to move around as freely as the healed beggar, praising you with each step and word. 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.