THE RACE

ISAIAH 40:30-31 (TCEB)
Even the young will fail,
Collapsed, with nothing left inside.
But if you trust in God
You get a second wind.
You catch a breeze, a lift, and sail on
Like an eagle in the sky.
You run your race with energy.
You walk and you never get tired.

HEBREWS 12:1-2 (TCEB)
   Take a hard look at this crowd. They’re watching us. We’ve got a race to run. Let’s strip down and get going. Take off everything that slows you. Peel away every sin that distracts you. This is a marathon, so get ready for the long run.
   Focus on Jesus. He wrote the book on faith. He’s the one who will refine our faith to perfection. He willingly suffered on the cross. He didn’t care about the shame of it. He knew he was racing toward joy. He’s sitting now beside God’s throne, in the seat of greatest honor.

THE ESSENCE
The stamina we have for running life's race so well comes from keeping our focus on Jesus, who has already finished the race in unbeatable time. 

DAILY FODDER
How do you keep your focus on Jesus, minute by minute, when there is so much demanding your attention? How do you do it? 

PRAYER
Lord who provides, I need you to renew my strength. When the race is long and I rely on my own strength, I fall. With Jesus as my goal, help me persevere, knowing when and how to serve. Guide me to rest in hopeful expectation, trusting that Jesus will make all things right. 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 CARE

DEUTERONOMY 8:7 (TCEB)
The LORD your God is escorting you to a wonderful land. You’ll see streams of water flowing down the hills and into the valleys. You’ll see fountains there, gushing up out of the underground springs.

2 CORINTHIANS 9:8 (TCEB)
God is kind and absolutely able to give you everything you need—all the time and in every situation. He can help you take care of yourself and others who are depending on you.

THE ESSENCE
God provides all we need to care for ourselves and others.  

DAILY FODDER
How does it benefit God, if at all, to provide so much? 

PRAYER
Gracious God, it's a part of your nature to care so well. I'm blessed to be under your care. I regret that at times I elevate my wants to the need level. Help me to trust that you know exactly what I need and when. I'm eager to share your blessings with others. I'm not worried about depleting your blessings warehouse. 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.

ARMOR UP IN COURAGE

JOSHUA 1:9 (TCEB)
Here are your orders. Be strong. Armor up in courage.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:9-10 (TCEB)
I kid you not, I felt like someone had sentenced me to death. That’s when I decided to let go. I stopped trusting in myself. I started trusting in the God who can raise the dead. He saved us from the brink of death. He’ll keep on rescuing us. We’re counting on him to save us once again.

THE ESSENCE
Our collective past history with God strongly suggests that we have good reason to act courageously when facing opposition. 

DAILY FODDER
This is the kind of courage rooted in trust of God rather than some kind of personal inner strength or self-confidence. 

PRAYER
My source of strength, you have commanded me to be strong and courageous, yet too often I rely on my own strength instead of yours. In times of despair, you have been my rescuer, delivering me repeatedly. When I do not have the answers, help me move forward with faith, relying on you as my true source of strength. 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.

DRINK!

ISAIAH 55:1 (ABP)
Hey, everyone who's thirsty should come. Here's drinking water!

JOHN 6:35 (ABP)
Jesus said, "Whoever puts their trust in me will never get thirsty."

THE ESSENCE
When we accompany Jesus through life we never have to worry about getting thirsty.  

DAILY FODDER
Why is physical thirst used so often in the Bible as a powerful metaphor for spiritual neediness? 

PRAYER
Gracious God, I'm thankful that I don't need to worry about either physical or spiritual thirst. You take good care of me. But I confess that I don't drink enough of the water you so freely supply. I can't be bothered to pause throughout the day to drink. And frankly, I often just forget — until I get dangerously thirsty. Remind me to take frequent small sips so I can stay hydrated. I'm trusting that you will meet all my needs because that's the kind of God 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.

SOMETIMES GOD SENDS ANGELS

GENESIS 32:1 (GNT)
As Jacob went on his way, some angels met him.

ACTS 27:23-24 (GNT)
For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship came to me and said, ‘Don't be afraid, Paul! You must stand before the Emperor. And God in his goodness to you has spared the lives of all those who are sailing with you.’

THE ESSENCE
Sometimes God sends angels.

DAILY FODDER
Just thinking out loud — could it be that God sometimes sends angels to do his bidding because he knows that we'd be overwhelmed by his direct glorious presence?

PRAYER
Great and glorious God, thank you for intervening in my situation, even if it sometimes involves angels. Forgive me for limiting my perspective to what I in my narrow view can see. I want to trust you when I'm facing "situations." I'm not going to limit my thinking to the conventional. 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.

NO WASTED EFFORT

ISAIAH 49:4 (MSG)
But I said, “I’ve worked for nothing.
I’ve nothing to show for a life of hard work.
Nevertheless, I’ll let God have the last word.
I’ll let him pronounce his verdict.”

LUKE 5:5 (ABP)
Simon replied, “Master, we’ve been busting our butts all night and haven't caught a single fish. But because you say so, I’ll toss the nets again.”

THE ESSENCE
When we’re working in harmony with the Lord, nothing we do is a waste of effort.

DAILY FODDER
If God has called you to do something, even if you’re not seeing any fruit, don't give up until he releases you from the assignment. 

PRAYER
Jesus, like the disciples who you told to cast their nets again after a fruitless night, I come to you, knowing you have power and authority over my life. When my efforts feel in vain and hope fades, help me persevere with unwavering faith. Increase my confidence in your word and steadfastness to follow all your ways. 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.

TROUBLE

The 2nd Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 138:7 (TCEB)
When I come face to face with trouble, you give me the strength I need.

JOHN 16:33 (TCEB)
In this world, there’s trouble. But take courage in this one fact. I have conquered the world.

THE ESSENCE
Because Jesus has asserted his authority over the world system, we don't have to worry that the troubles of the world will defeat us. 

DAILY FODDER
Notice that "troubles" are a given, even for the most committed disciples. But because Jesus has conquered sin and death we don’t need to worry about these things conquering us and sucking the new life of Christ out of us.

PRAYER
Mighty God, nothing and no one can stand up to you. Through Christ, you've already won the decisive battle. Forgive us for allowing the out of control behvior of the defeated forces of the world to rattle us. Grant me an eternal perspective and Spirit-infused courage to stand courageously. I'm confident that because of Jesus none of the troubles I face has the power to take me down. 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.

AS PROMISED

2 SAMUEL 7:25 (MSG)
So now, great GOD, this word that you have spoken to me and my family, guarantee it permanently! Do exactly what you’ve promised!

ACTS 13:23 (CEV)
God promised that someone from David's family would come to save the people of Israel, and this one is Jesus.

THE ESSENCE
Jesus is evidence that we can rely on God to keep his promises.

DAILY FODDER
Yes! God always keeps his promises — but sometimes he does so in unexpected ways. Sometimes, it's because God underpromises so when something greater than expected shows up it can be baffling. At other times we create our own set of expectations aroud the promises and when things don't line up with our expectations we are confused. 

PRAYER
Lord God, thank you for keeping your promise to bring forth through David a Savior —  Jesus, our Lord. Even in my disobedience and unfaithfulness, you remain unwavering in your commitment to me. I trust in your eternal promises, knowing that you keep them forever. Strengthen my faith in your unchanging 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.

TRUSTING IN GOD'S GOOD TIMING

PSALM 27:14 (ABP)
Wait for GOD.
Trust him, without angst or fear.
Yes, wait. Trust his good timing.

JOHN 11:21-22 (NLT)
Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.”

THE ESSENCE
Trust in God's good timing. 

DAILY FODDER
What, big or small, in your life is so challenging that you find it difficult to wait for God to work things out? Naming that challenge is a good first step toward trusting him to deal with it.

PRAYER
God of all hope, in moments of uncertainty and grief, help me trust in your perfect timing and power. Strengthen my heart to wait for you with courage, knowing that you are in control. Even when I do not understand, remind me that you work all things for good. May my faith in you remain unwavering. 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

YOUR CONCERNS

DEUTERONOMY 30:9 (MSG)
GOD, your God, will outdo himself in making things go well for you...

1 THESSALONIANS 4:6 (MSG)
Don’t run roughshod over the concerns of your brothers and sisters. Their concerns are God’s concerns, and he will take care of them.

THE ESSENCE
God is concerned over the things that concern his people. 

DAILY FODDER
What is the thing that most concerns you today? How do you think God might address that concern?  

PRAYER
God, I'm grateful that I don't have to carry my concerns alone. You’re aware and engaged even before I know that something is off. Help me to release the concerns into your hands so that I'm not generating unnecessary stress in my life. You really are the source of peace, justice, and healing. 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

LIFTING

PSALM 146:8 (ABP)
GOD gives sight to those who are blind.
He gives a hand to those who are weighed down by life.
And he loves those who are doing the right thing.

LUKE 7:22 (TCEB)
Jesus told John’s disciples, "Go and tell John exactly what you’ve seen and heard. The blind can see. The crippled can walk. Lepers are cleansed of the disease. The deaf can hear. The dead come back to life. The poor have finally heard the good news they’ve been waiting for."

THE ESSENCE
God's agenda involves lifting those who have been pushed down; and the righteous are those people who partner with him to carry out his mission. 

DAILY FODDER
When you walk into a room, do you look for ways to lift those in that room, or do you look for ways to get everyone to do what's important to you? Are you aware of what you're doing?

PRAYER
God, you've called us to righteousness and have shown us that this involves caring for those have been pushed down by diseases, oppressive situations, or nasty people. Forgive me for looking for your approval as I assert my own agenda. I want to be working in harmony with you and I need your direction. I'm eager to celebrate as you lift your precious people. 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

BELIEVING

RUTH 2:12 (TCEB)
Boaz said to Ruth, "I hope the LORD, Israel’s God, will show you some of the same kindness that you’ve shown to Naomi. I hope you find in God the protection and security you want."

HEBREWS 11:6 (MSG)
It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.

THE ESSENCE
God responds to those who show they believe in him by trusting him while making the practical decisions of life.

DAILY FODDER
Ruth threw her lot in with her mother-in-law Naomi, escorting her home to Israel. God rewarded her kindness with a new husband, Boaz, and a spot in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). There must have been lots of other great women who Matthew could have included but he chose Ruth, a non-Jewish relative of Jesus. What makes her so special?  

PRAYER
Kind God, thank you for responding to our steps of faith. I confess that I get discouraged and think about giving up when the tide turns against me. Show me how to be like Ruth, who took an incredible step of faith during a moment of incredible grief. She prepared the way for Jesus and received the care that truly reflects your kindness. 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 WORD

PSALM 56:10 (CEB)
God: whose word I praise.
The LORD: whose word I praise.

JOHN 1:14 (MSG)
The Word became flesh and blood,
   and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
   the one-of-a-kind glory,
   like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
   true from start to finish.

THE ESSENCE
God made his living word accessible so we can experience it.  

DAILY FODDER
What does God expect of us now that he has moved into the human neighborhood? How does his presence change things? 

PRAYER
Almighty God, you set-up your tabernacle tent in the midst of our human encampment and uncorked your glory for all to see. We admit, though, that we too often close our eyes to your generous presence. There is no good reason for that — just an unwillingness to accept anyone who might distract from our own self-constructed glory. Open our eyes so that we can start to see the benefis of your glorious presence. I believe you're doing it all for our own benefit. 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

SUCH A MYSTERY

Trinity Sunday

PSALM 139:17 (ABP)
God, I love the way you think, even though I don't pretend to understand what's going on in your mind.

ROMANS 11:33 (MSG)
Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It’s way over our heads. We’ll never figure it out.

THE ESSENCE
God is such a mystery that we'll never figure him out. It is to your benefit to embrace the mystery.

DAILY FODDER
On this Trinity Sunday, we're reminded that the mystery of God is most evident in the eternal relationship between the three co-existing co-equal "persons" who make up the being of God. We can spin our wheels trying to figure it out, or we can enjoy his invitation to participate in that relationship in our limited capacity.

PRAYER
My God, I praise you for the enormity of your presence. The more you give, the more there is for everyone. I regret that I try to second-guess you, imposing on your children my own mistaken notions of your will. Free me from my smallness. Free me to worship in the huge tent that you pitch for us all.  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

EXTREME FORGIVENESS

2 CHRONICLES 30:18-19 (TCEB)
May the good LORD forgive them all. They aren’t in line with our laws about ritual cleansing, but they have come here looking for the LORD and God of their ancestors.

LUKE 15:20 (TCEB)
So the young man left that pig farm and went back to his father. The young man was still a good distance from home, yet close enough for his father to see him coming. In that moment, his father melted into compassion. He raced to his son and collapsed onto his shoulders and neck, kissing him as he held him tight.

THE ESSENCE
Those who return to God receive the extreme forgiveness that he is known for. 

DAILY FODDER
What keeps people from turning to God? How might you reassure someone that God accepts and forgives them?

PRAYER
Merciful Father, your forgiveness knows no bounds. We confess that we project our own attitudes on you and assume that there must be a hidden catch. Free us from our reluctance so that we can turn to you each and every day. I don't understand how you can be so generous to such sinful people, but I'm going to enjoy the party anyway. 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

BEYOND CONTROL

JEREMIAH 10:23 (TCEB)
LORD, I know this much:
We have no control over our own lives.
We have no idea where we’re headed.

LUKE 12:19-20 (MSG)
Then the rich man said, ‘Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, and I’ll say to myself, Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!’

“Just then God showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it?’

THE ESSENCE
By nature, we're all fairly clueless, lacking self- and situational-awareness.

DAILY FODDER
What have you acquired that lacks eternal value? How can you separate yourself from it? Or should you even try? 

PRAYER
Eternal God, I am thankful that every day your blessings overflow. Many of them I don't even see; I get too busy creating my own false security plan — not simply with goods I think I need but also with fear, resentment, and selfishness. I ask for your help to rest my future in the only hands I can trust. 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

RESURRECTION LIVING

JOB 19:25 (MSG)
Still, I know that God lives—the One who gives me back my life—
and eventually, he’ll take his stand on earth.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:20 (TCEB)
Listen up. The Messiah was raised from the dead. He was the first of a huge crowd of souls that will rise.

THE ESSENCE
Through Jesus, the resurrection life has started.

DAILY FODDER
Jesus' resurrection doesn’t just mean that he is stronger than death; it means that because of our relationship with him, we'll follow him into resurrection. Thus, it just makes sense to start living according to the resurrection way of life even now. IOW, Jesus' resurrection changes both your short-term and long-term futures.

PRAYER
Risen Savior, your resurrection changes everything about the future. Forgive me for allowing the forces of despair to affect my outlook. Kindle in me a full-blown resurrection lifestyle starting now. I'm going to live as though sin and death are defeated enemies with no remaining power over my life. It's all because of what you've already done for 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.

SUPREME BEING

EXODUS 15:11 (CEB)
Who is like you among the gods, Lord?
Who is like you, foremost in holiness,
worthy of highest praise, doing awesome deeds?

1 CORINTHIANS 8:5-6 (TCEB)
Even if there are so-called gods in heaven and on earth, and people certainly do worship a lot of different gods and masters, for us,
   There is just one God,
      the Father.
   He created everything that exists.
   We exist for him.
   There is just one Lord,
      Jesus Christ.
     Through him everything was created.
   We exist because of him.

THE ESSENCE
God is without peer.  

DAILY FODDER
Practically speaking, what difference does it make if we’re dealing with but one supreme being? 

PRAYER
Gracious God, you are willing to reach down, making me your child. I exist only for you, yet I worship false Idols of my own making. Please take away my appetite for things I think I can't live without. Grant me the clarity to distinguish the gift from the Giver. Help me desire the comfort of your presence alone. 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.

COMMUNITY

PSALM 97:10 (TCEB)
If you love the LORD, hate evil.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:14 (TCEB)
Dear family, when people get out of line, call them on it. Comfort the discouraged. Lend a hand to the weak. Show your patience to everyone.

THE ESSENCE
If you love the Lord, align your life with him in practical matters, including the way you care for those facing difficulties.

DAILY FODDER
How is it that we're to "hate evil" and at the same time be "patient" with everyone? 

PRAYER
Caring God, you've called us to imitate you and live in honest, faithful community. I regret that I allow the difficulties of those around me to become invisible. Guide me out of my shell so that I can patiently encourage the discouraged and help the weak. I realize that this is how you treat me. Now I want to pay it forward. 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.

AMAZING

PSALM 117:2 (CEB)
Because God’s faithful love toward us is strong,
the Lord’s faithfulness lasts forever!
Praise the LORD!

ACTS 2:5, 7, 11 (NLT)
At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem... They were completely amazed... “We all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!”

THE ESSENCE
The activity of God generates amazement in the lives of devoted people. 

DAILY FODDER
Or is it that the amazing activity of God generates devotion? It’s kind of like the question, "Which comes first, the chicken or the egg?"

PRAYER
God of my astonished heart, thank you for overcoming my language barrier. You speak your steadfast love to me in ways I can receive it. I am amazed that you choose to remain faithful to a scattered and unfaithful people. Please strengthen my ability to reach out and reach in to find the words that unite humanity in 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.