WORD

PSALM 33:6, 9 (NLT)
The LORD merely spoke,
   and the heavens were created.
He breathed the word,
   and all the stars were born.
For when he spoke, the world began!
It appeared at his command.

MARK 7:34-35 (NLT)
Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said, “Ephphatha,” which means, “Be opened!” Instantly, the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly!

THE ESSENCE
A word from God has the power to change anything.

DAILY FODDER
Notice in the Mark 7 story that Jesus heals the man by speaking a word, and then the man can speak. Jesus' healing word is empowering on many levels.

PRAYER
All it takes is a word from you, God. You spoke the world into existence. You still speak healing words. Your words are authoritative. Yet, you allow us to ignore them, and I confess that I'm not always a good listener. Open my ears literally and figuratively. I really do want to hear what you have to say and to experience your word. I want to be able to share your words with everyone I can. 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.

RESCUED

DEUTERONOMY 9:26 (GNT)
And I prayed, "Sovereign LORD, don't destroy your own people, the people you rescued and brought out of Egypt by your great strength and power."

MATTHEW 1:21 (CEB)
She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

THE ESSENCE
God makes a habit of rescuing people. 

DAILY FODDER
List all the ways God has some how rescued you? What does this list tell you about God? About yourself?  

PRAYER
Amazing Savior, thank you for rescuing me from myself — from my sins and the consequences of my sin. I want to live as one who has been snatched from death. Guide me into the freedom that comes from being rescued. 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.

EXAMINE YOUR LIFE

PROVERBS 1:7 (ABP)
The foundation of wisdom is reverence for GOD.

2 CORINTHIANS 13:5 (TCEB)
Take a long, hard look at yourself. Examine the state of your faith. Is Jesus the Messiah living inside you? If not, give yourself an F in faith.

THE ESSENCE
Examine your life for indicators of genuine faith and wisdom. 

DAILY FODDER
If examination shows that you're lacking, shift your focus onto who God is and what he has done. Or, if you’re on your game, start the whole examination process by looking first at the amazing character of God, and his Son, Jesus the Messiah-king.

PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank you for making my heart your home. Create in me a clean heart. Examine it. Guide me toward deeper faith. Teach me your ways, so I may grow in knowledge and wisdom. Help me to understand and experience your faithfulness and love. Open my eyes to your work in my life. You are good. 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 CHILDREN

JEREMIAH 3:14 (CEB)
Return, rebellious children,
declares the Lord,
for I’m your husband.
I’ll gather you —
one from a city and two from a tribe —
and bring you back to Zion.

EPHESIANS 5:1-2 (GNT)
Since you are God's dear children, you must try to be like him. Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave his life for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God.

THE ESSENCE
We can live as either rebellious and distant children of God or as close children, who act just like him.

DAILY FODDER
Our status as children of God seems unaffected by our response to him. His love does not depend on us. But our ability to thrive as his children is definitely affected by our eagerness to embrace his loving agenda and lifestyle.  

PRAYER
Our Father in Heaven, thank you for welcoming me into your family. Forgive me for distancing myself from you so that I can do my own thing. But, frankly, a distant relationship never seems to work so well. Help me to stay close to you. Gently remind me when I step away that I want to be close. I want to live a Christ-like life — loving and sacrifical.  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.

PARTNERS IN GOOD

AMOS 5:15 (NLT)
Hate evil and love what is good;
turn your courts into true halls of justice.
Perhaps even yet the LORD God of Heaven’s Armies
will have mercy on the remnant of his people.

2 CORINTHIANS 6:14 (MSG)
Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with dark?

THE ESSENCE
Restrict your partnerships to those who are on the same godly page. 

DAILY FODDER
If your primary purpose is to partner with God to carry out his good, what happens if you add a partnership with different priorities or values? Why does it make practical sense to restrict your partnerships to those who accept God's agenda? What kinds of partnerships might this affect? Are there any exceptions? 

PRAYER
Lord of justice, thank you for sending the Spirit to advocate on behalf of those who are oppressed. I have not done enough to speak out for those without a voice or to seek justice for the poor. Forgive me! Equip me with the light of your love to dispel the darkness surrounding myself and my neighbors. 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.

GET MOVING

The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

2 SAMUEL 22:37 (TCEB)
You’ve given me freedom to go where I want,
And there’s nothing to get in my way.

ACTS 3:6 (ABP)
Peter replied to the disabled begger, “I haven't a penny, but I've got something else to give. By the authority of Jesus the Messiah from Nazareth, stand up and start walking!”

THE ESSENCE
When Jesus sends us on our way, there is nothing powerful enough to block us. 

DAILY FODDER
If going where Jesus wants you to go is where you want to go, there is no stopping you.  

PRAYER
All-Powerful God, thank you for disrupting the unhealthy status quo and putting us on our feet to carry your loving message to the next point. Forgive me for being slow to rise. Give me exceptional confidence in my restored legs and the authoritative name of Jesus. I'm going to get moving. 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.

DISPLACING EVIL

PSALM 141:4 (ABP)
Keep my heart and mind from being sucked into evil.

EPHESIANS 5:8 (TCEB)
You used to live in spiritual darkness. Not anymore. You live in the light that the Lord shines on you. Own it. Embrace it. Then shine as children of light.

THE ESSENCE
Let the light of Christ so thoroughly saturate your life that you can’t do anything but shine. 

DAILY FODDER
The only way to avoid evil is to allow Christ full immersive access to your life. When he and his light are living in us, via the Holy Spirit, evil can’t get a foothold. It is displaced everytime it attempts to set up camp in or near us.  

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for your active presence in my life. I confess that I don't always make the right choices and that I occasionally entertain the dark thoughts that somehow show up in my head. Continue to evict those temptations. I'm trusting that the Holy Spirit will displace all such thoughts before they can take root. I'm giving him permission to turn up the light of Christ in 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.

BETHLEHEM

MICAH 5:2 (MSG)
But you, Bethlehem, David’s country,
the runt of the litter—
From you will come the leader
who will shepherd-rule Israel.
He’ll be no upstart, no pretender.
His family tree is ancient and distinguished.

MATTHEW 2:1-2 (TCEB)
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in the province of Judea, when Herod the Great was king of the Jews. Later, a group of wise men known as magi showed up in Jerusalem. They came from a distant land somewhere in the east. They started asking around, “Where’s the boy who’s going to become king of the Jews? We saw the sign of his birth: a rising star. We came to honor him.”

THE ESSENCE
   Bethlehem illustrates God's propensity for putting small, faithful, and insignificant actors center stage at critical moments.    

DAILY FODDER
   In Hebrew Bethlehem means "House of Bread." Before King David was born and raised there, Bethlehem was the setting for the story of Ruth and Boaz. It was a small but happening place, the significance of which was most evident in retrospect. Although, the prophet Micah saw it as the future birthplace of a king who would change the whole world. 

   You don't have to be big or flashy to have an impact in God's economy.

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for choosing a small insignificant place to play a pivotal role in the renewal of the world. Forgive me for thinking that my small life is unimportant to your kingdom. Encourage me with the story of Bethlehem. Bless the people who live there now with your peace, as it has experienced so much undeserved viloence recently. Continue to pour out your grace from that small place, and from all the small but faithful people who find their true identity in Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem. 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.

YOU WILL BE REWARDED

2 Chronicles 15:7 (GNT)
But you must be strong and not be discouraged. The work that you do will be rewarded.

Matthew 25:21 (TCEB)
The boss said, ‘Wow! Good job. That’s what I call devotion. I’m going to put you in charge of a lot more work. This is a win for me and a win for you. Let’s celebrate.’

THE ESSENCE
Your efforts rooted in faithfulness will pay off. 

DAILY FODDER
If our efforts rooted in faithfulness will eventually pay off, we don't sweat it if there is no immediate recognition. We can stick with it, confident that God rewards faithfulness. 

PRAYER
Generous God, thank you for bringing me on as a junior partner in your transformation endeavor. I admit that I'm not worthy of the honor and I continually mess up. You must see something in me that no one else can see. Help me to trust your vision and to stay faithful to my calling. Even though no one seems to notice me now, I am confident that my close association with you will payoff big time at some point in the future. 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.

PROVE IT!

ISAIAH 64:9 (MSG)
Don’t be too angry with us, O God.
Don’t keep a permanent account of wrongdoing.
Keep in mind, please, we are your people—all of us.

MATTHEW 3:8 (TCEB)
If you’ve repented of your sins, act like it. Prove it by the way you live.

THE ESSENCE
If you say you've turned to God, you have to prove it by living according to God's way of doing things.

DAILY FODDER
It's ironic that so many of us are obsessed with proving God exists or that the Bible is his authoritative word for the world, but we aren't nearly as consumed with proving through the way we live that we actually believe in him. Shallow Christianity is simple and simplistic.

PRAYER
Lord of love and mercy, I have fallen short of what you expect from me, what I expect from myself, and what others need from me. I repent. Turn me around toward you and those around me. Help me to live faithfully and fruitfully among your people. May my actions align with what I have learned from 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.

BREAKING THE DEATH-BARRIER

PSALM 68:20 (TCEB)
God is the one who saves us.
He knows how to keep us alive.

1 CORINTHIANS 6:14 (NLT)
God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead.

THE ESSENCE
The finality of death is no longer a worry because we know that God is in the business of raising the dead; and he has proven he has the power to do so. 

DAILY FODDER
So, if death is no longer to be feared, what is left to worry over? 

PRAYER
Almighty God, I praise you as the great life-giver and the awesome life-saver. Forgive us for the times we lose sight of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf when he voluntarily died so he could break the death-barrier. So much of the craziness of our world catches us off-guard and we start to worry about how things are going to turn out. Keep your life-giving feats on the forefront of my mind so that I'm continually encouraged by everlasting life. I'm going to live today with such vigor that those around me are drawn to Jesus and his resurrection-powered 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.

STAYING POWER

JEREMIAH 2:2 (MSG)
GOD’s Message came to me. It went like this:
“...I remember your youthful loyalty,
our love as newlyweds.
You stayed with me through the wilderness years,
stuck with me through all the hard places..."

HEBREWS 3:14 (GNT)
For we are all partners with Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at the beginning.

THE ESSENCE
Staying the course we have with Christ is the measure of genuine faith. 

DAILY FODDER
I find the prophet's message in Jeremiah 2 to be interesting. God says, "I remember your youthful loyalty... You stayed with me through the wilderness years, stuck with me through all the hard places..." But the impression I get from reading Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers,  Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Kings, and Samuel is that the Israelites were anything but loyal. The only loyalty during those early years was from God himself. I'm happy that he chooses to remember as he does. It makes me hopeful. 

PRAYER
Jesus, thank you for inviting me to follow you. On this journey, you continually reveal your abundant love and grace. You open my eyes to the needs of others and encourage me to respond with mercy and compassion. When I fall short, I ask for your forgiveness.  Teach me to partner with others in serving my neighbors. 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.

IN OUR WEAKEST MOMENTS

The 4th Sunday after Pentecost

JONAH 2:2 (ABP)
Jonah said, "In the depths of my despair I called on GOD and amazingly he anwered me."

2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 (TCEB)
Each time the Lord answered, “My kindness is all you need. My power gets more done in weakness.” Since the Messiah’s power is working through me, I’m happy to brag about my weaknesses.

THE ESSENCE
God's grace and kindness becomes most evident in our weakest moments. 

DAILY FODDER
When Jonah was desperate for a rescue it was because he had intentionally defied God and ended up in the belly of a huge fish. With nothing else to do, he called on God. I'm sure Jonah was surprised that God answered him. He probably thought his fishy prison was the problem, but in fact it was God's rescue squad sent to save him even before Jonah called for help. 

PRAYER
Gracious Lord, thank you for hearing our cries for help, even before we can express them. I admit that I'm slow to seek your help because I feel the need to fix everything on my own. Help me to grasp the unique power available only as we admit our weaknesses. You sent Jesus into the world to save us — even before we were born. You're working on our behalf even before we realize our weakness and need. Amazing! 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.

LIPS THAT PRAISE GOD

PSALM 71:23 (TCEB)
These lips are happy lips
As I sing my songs to you.
Every part of me rejoices
As I sing of when you saved me.

LUKE 1:63-64 (TCEB)
   Zechariah asked for a writing tablet. He wrote, “His name is John.” The people thought that was pretty amazing.
   Suddenly, Zechariah was able to talk. And the first thing he did was to praise God.

THE ESSENCE
When we've had a genuine saving encounter with God, it surfaces as praise from our lips. 

DAILY FODDER
What are your speech goals? That is, what would you be the most happy hearing from your own mouth? How do your goals align with what God is doing? 

PRAYER
Jesus, my light and joy, you have gifted me with a voice to praise and proclaim your name. Forgive my silence when I fail to speak of your justice and righteousness. Bless those you have called to share your life-giving word in pulpits, hospitals, neighborhoods, and beside graves. May my lips also boldly proclaim your praise. 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.

FREEDOM

PSALM 31:8 (ABP)
You put me in a safe spot where I can catch my breath and turn off the hyper-vigilance.

GALATIANS 5:1 (MSG)
Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.

THE ESSENCE
Christ has positioned us to live lives free from oppression.

DAILY FODDER
The oppression in Psalm 31 involves unfaithful political forces. The oppression in Galatians 5 involves influencers who are trying to impose their understanding of God's expectations on others. How does Christ free us from these kinds of oppression? How do we claim that freedom?

PRAYER
Liberating Lord Jesus, thank you for the freedom that is mine because of the sacrifice you made on our behalf. Even though I can drift back toward slavery to sin and personal ambition, I claim your freedom for myself. Position me in a spot where I can stand firm under your watchful care. I feel like I can finally breathe. 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.

UNBELIEVING HEARTS

EXODUS 9:34 (NRSVUE)
But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned once more and hardened his heart, he and his officials.

HEBREWS 3:12 (GNT)
My friends, be careful that none of you have a heart so evil and unbelieving that you will turn away from the living God.

THE ESSENCE
Unbelieving hearts lead to all kinds of problems. 

DAILY FODDER
What exactly is an unbelieving heart? How does someone avoid this kind of heart?

PRAYER
Guardian of my soul, I am grateful for your love that fills my heart. I regret how easily my heart can turn to stone when I feel threatened or afraid. Help those who are controlled by their fears, and call to account those who use fear to manipulate and control. Help me to choose faith over fear. 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.

SAVIOR

ISAIAH 60:16 (ABP)
You’ll know exactly who GOD is — your Savior, your Redeemer, your Champion.

1 TIMOTHY 4:10 (CEB)
Our hope is set on the living God, who is the savior of all people, especially those who believe.

THE ESSENCE
God is the one who saves us.

DAILY FODDER
From what, other than sin, are you counting on God to save you? 

PRAYER
Great God, thank you for your saving presence in the world — especially in my life. You've redeemed me from a sin-centered existence and shifted my allegiance to Jesus, who sacrificed his life and rose again on our behalf. I need your assistance to learn how to live into the salvation you've established. I’m trusting that your salvation will penetrate into every aspect of my life and that all will come to recognize you as Savior, Redeemer, and Champion. 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'S CIRCLE OF PROTECTION

PROVERBS 14:26 (ABP)
Self-confidence emerges from reverence for GOD, generating security for your family.

1 JOHN 5:18 (MSG)
We know that none of the GOD-born makes a practice of sin—fatal sin. The GOD-born are also the GOD-protected. The Evil One can’t lay a hand on them.

THE ESSENCE
God's people live in the circle of his special protection. 

DAILY FODDER
If God is protecting us, we don’t want to compromise his protective shield by playing footloose with sin.

PRAYER
Jesus, thank you for holding me in your loving embrace. Sin lurks at the door and the evil one knocks with temptation, but in your presence, evil is silenced by your love and grace. Strengthen me to resist sin and renew my heart to live as a beloved child of God. Today, I open myself to your liberating 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.

LIGHT

ISAIAH 60:2 (MSG)
Put your face in the sunlight.
GOD’s bright glory has risen for you.
The whole earth is wrapped in darkness,
all people sunk in deep darkness,
But GOD rises on you,
his sunrise glory breaks over you.

JOHN 8:12 (MSG)
Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.”

THE ESSENCE
When God turns on his glorious light, as he does through Jesus, we have plenty of light to live by.  

DAILY FODDER
It's interesting that even though God gives us plenty of light to live by, we have a tendency to fixate on dark corners, where there are unanswered questions or cowering manifestations of evil. 

PRAYER
Light of life, I'm grateful for the way that you have used your light to chase the darkness from my life. Forgive my curiosity of dark things. They are so foreign and novel. Free me to focus on the light you have given me and to ignore the remnants of darkness. I am confident that all darkness will be totally and permanently vanguished, according to your schedule. 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 ❤️

The 3rd Sunday after Pentecost

JEREMIAH 24:7 (TCEB)
I’ll give them a heart that’s open to me. And with all their heart, they’ll devote themselves to me. I’ll be their God, and they will be my people.

LUKE 24:32 (CEB)
They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts on fire when he spoke to us along the road and when he explained the scriptures for us?”

THE ESSENCE
When it comes to relating to God, the heart is the heart of the matter. 

DAILY FODDER
God isn't just looking for people who obey him, but for people who have a heart for obeying him. These are the people who are truly connected to him and that connection is what matters. 

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for giving me a heart for you. I recognize that I can't muster up this kind of heart-felt devotion on my own. And there are days when my faith is half-hearted. But I'm asking and trusting that you'll fan the flame for you. I want to be wholeheartedly and deeply devoted to 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.