STRENGTHENING

The Twelfth Day of Christmas

PSALM 28:8 (CEV)
You give strength to your people, Lord...

2 THESSALONIANS 2:16-17 (GNT)
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good.

THE ESSENCE
Turn to God for the strength needed to do the right thing. 

DAILY FODDER
What is something you know God wants you to do, but you feel too weak to do it? How do we tap into the strength that he generously offers? 

PRAYER
Almighty God, I'm thankful that you've carried me this far in life. You've given me strength to overcome some incredible obstacles. I don't  know why it is that I still feel overwhelmed by the challeges that continue to come my way. Help me to look directly to you for the strength I need to live out the new life of Christ today. I'm going to focus on that for today and not worry over the possible problems headed my way. 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.

WAITING

The Eleventh Day of Christmas

PSALM 40:1 (MSG)
I waited and waited and waited for God.

    At last he looked; finally he listened.

JOHN 5:7-8 (NLT)
   “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”

   Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”.

THE ESSENCE
Eventually, we realize that God hears us. 

DAILY FODDER
Why do we have to wait so long to get a response from God? What's the point in that?

PRAYER
I'm grateful, God, that you do listen to us. I admit, though, that I'm impatient and that I don't like waiting for an answer. And it’s even more frustrating when your response isn't exactly what I thought I wanted. Help me to embrace the waiting so that I can experience the type of healing that only you know I need. I'm going to treat all the waiting experiences as opportunities to expand 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.

LIVING ACCORDING TO TRUTH

The Tenth Day of Christmas

JEREMIAH 5:3 (MSG)
But you, God, you have an eye for truth, don’t you?

3 JOHN 5 (MSG)
Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible.

THE ESSENCE
Faithfulness is living according to the truth. 

DAILY FODDER
Why do you think John uses hospitality extended to strangers to illustrate the notion of faithfully living according to the truth? 

PRAYER
My Lord, you are the way, the truth, and the life. You see through my times of hypocrisy, pretense, and going through the motions. Help me to be open and honest with you always. I want to live the truth, not just believe it. Let me see opportunities to serve faithfully my brothers and sisters 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.

THOSE WHOM GOD BLESSES

The Ninth Day of Christmas

PSALM 115:13 (GNT)
God will bless everyone who honors him,
the great and the small alike.

1 PETER 3:9 (NLT)
Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

THE ESSENCE
God blesses those who honor him through their radical Christ-like actions.  

DAILY FODDER
Practically speaking, what does it look like to bless those who abuse you? How do we do that so it doesn't appear that we are condoning their actions? 

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, you are so good to me. Thank you for countless blessings day after day. I seek to have your mind and attitude, yet I succumb to my sinful nature. Please turn my pride into humility. Instead of reacting in anger, lead me to pray for and to bless others. Shine your love and light through me. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

THE TRANSFORMATIVE LOVE OF CHRIST

The Eighth Day of Christmas

ISAIAH 25:8 (ABP)
God will transform the humiliation his people around the world have suffered, turning it into honor.

1 JOHN 4:9 (MSG)
This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him.

THE ESSENCE
Through the love fleshed out in Christ Jesus, God reveals the love that forever transforms our lives.  

DAILY FODDER
Consider making the TRANSFORMATIVE LOVE OF CHRIST your theme for 2026. Use the next twelve months to study and ponder what this key idea means.

PRAYER
Glorious God, I'm grateful for the transforming presence and sacrifice of Christ Jesus. All my guilt and shame have been dismissed and I'm free to live a new life associated with him. Forgive me for wasting my energy on lesser pursuits. Help me to understand and embrace the new life he gives. My goal this year is to live into the transformative love of Christ. 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.

PEACEMAKING

The Seventh Day of Christmas

PSALM 147:14 (MSG)
God keeps the peace at your borders,
he puts the best bread on your tables.

MATTHEW 5:9 (MSG)
You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

THE ESSENCE
God and his true children prioritize peacemaking. 

DAILY FODDER
How do you make peace in a situation (or a world) where people with power thrive because they are unfair to others? What does peacemaking look like in those situations? 

PRAYER
Great and all-wise Heavenly Father, I thank you for allowing me to live through another year. I confess that 2025 was hard because I allowed the injustices of the world to unsettle me. I pray that as we enter a new year you would show me which issues you want me to address and how to do it while maintaining the peace of Christ in my life. I want to be a more fruitful peacemaker in this coming year. 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.

FRIENDS OF GOD

The Sixth Day of Christmas

EXODUS 33:17 (ABP)
GOD said to Moses, “Consider it done. I know you well and am pleased with you.”

2 TIMOTHY 2:19 (ABP)
God’s solid foundation remains, the cornerstone bearing a plaque which reads, "The Lord knows his people..."

THE ESSENCE
The Lord knows you as a good friend. 

DAILY FODDER
How does knowing that God reconizes you as a friend affect your relationship with him? How is that different from thinking of God as some kind of impersonal force or even a cosmic goods supplier? The way you think of God affects the way you relate to him.

PRAYER
Dear God, I'm grateful that I'm among your friends. You know me and are keenly aware of my sin and shortcomings, yet, because of my relationship with Christ, you're pleased with me. That is a mindboggling joy. Help me to live into who I am in your mind. I want to act like your good friend. 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.

POWER AND PRESENCE

The Fifth Day of Christmas

PSALM 22:19 (ABP)
O GOD, don't be a stranger. Hurry up! I need your help.

LUKE 5:17 (CEB)
The power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal.

THE ESSENCE
The healing power of God moves through Jesus.  

DAILY FODDER
The healing power of God moves through Jesus (and us as we are connected to him [John 14:12-14; 15:7-8]). Stay close to him.

PRAYER
Gracious God, I'm grateful that I can turn to you during times of special need. You aren't ever far away, even though because I'm caught up in my own world, you sometimes feel distant. Nurture our relationship so that leaning into your presence is second nature—whether I'm the one in need of help or you want to help someone else through me. I want to be operating in the power and presence of the Lord. 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.

COPACETIC

The Fourth Day of Christmas

PSALM 133:1, 3 (ABP)
Things are wonderful and copacetic when God's people live together in harmony! That's when God's promised blessing, unending life, flows.

LUKE 2:14 (CEB)
“Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.”

THE ESSENCE
Jesus came to deliver the kind of peace that, once it gets going, never ends. 

DAILY FODDER
I used a slightly outdated American English slang word in my paraphrase of Psalm 133:1. "Copacetic" means that things are in such a perfect state that no one can complain. In a sense, Jesus came to deliver a copacetic state to the world. When we align ourselves with him and allow his Spirit to flow through us, that's the beginning of eternal life—the "peace" announced by the angel at Jesus' birth.

PRAYER
Glory to you, the Prince of Peace. I become unsettled by all the turbulence in the world. Fill my heart with your peace. Help me, and believers everywhere, to live in unity and peace. How good and pleasant it is to be members of your forever family. Together we can promote peace as we share the gospel message.  Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

THE MESSAGE

The Third Day of Christmas 

PSALM 71:16 (NCB)
I will speak of your mighty deeds, O Lord God,
and declare your righteousness, yours alone.

1 CORINTHIANS 1:23-24 (MSG)
While Jews clamor for miraculous demonstrations and Greeks go in for philosophical wisdom, we go right on proclaiming Christ, the Crucified. Jews treat this like an anti-miracle—and Greeks pass it off as absurd. But to us who are personally called by God himself—both Jews and Greeks—Christ is God’s ultimate miracle and wisdom all wrapped up in one.

THE ESSENCE
Whatever the situation, our core message is the same—the crucified Christ.  

DAILY FODDER
We're all wired differently. Practically speaking, how do you speak about the Lord?  

PRAYER
You, God, are the epitome of righteousness. And I'm grateful that through Christ alone you share your righteousness with us. Forgive us for getting sidetracked with our elaborate thinking or by chasing after miracles. Help me to fully recognize how it is that life revolves around Christ Jesus—what he's said and what he's done. I'm going to declare your goodness, known exclusively through Chrst. 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.

ENLIGHTENED AND RADIANT

The Second Day of Christmas
(St Stephen's Day)

PSALM 19:8 (MSG)
The signposts of God are clear
and point out the right road.

ACTS 6:15 (CEB)
Everyone seated in the council stared at Stephen, and they saw that his face was radiant, just like an angel’s.

THE ESSENCE
On the first Christmas, the Light of the world became one of us human beings. To follow him and his instructions leads to enlightened eternal living. 

DAILY FODDER
It is revealing that the church commemorates St Stephen, the first follower of Jesus martyred, on the day after Christmas. While Jesus' presence and instruction is truly enlightening, many resist enlightenment and even feel threatened by it. How do we handle pushback?

PRAYER
Lord God, your word revives me, imparts wisdom, gives joy, and enlightens my heart. Thank you for your commandments that provide guidelines for my journey of faith. Forgive my lack of diligence and focus. Open the eyes of my heart to the beauty and wonder of life in Christ. May others see the light of Christ in me. 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.

A SAVIOR IS BORN

Christmas Day

LAMENTATIONS 5:21 (ABP)
Repair our relationship, GOD! Allow us back into your life — back to the glory days when we were together.

LUKE 2:11 (NLT)
The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

THE ESSENCE
The arrival of Jesus into the world opens the door for a restored relationship with God.

DAILY FODDER
He left His Father's throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace;
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam's helpless race;
'Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me.
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!
 — Charles Wesley (1728), And Can It Be

PRAYER
Thank you, Christ Jesus, for leaving your heavenly throne to come be born as one of us. You are the Savior of the world! Empower me to share this good news and invite people to receive your salvation today and every day. 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 BIRTH OF RIGTHEOUSNESS, JUSTICE, LOVE, AND FAITHFULNESS

Christmas Eve

PSALM 89:14 (GNT)
Your kingdom is founded on righteousness and justice;
love and faithfulness are shown in all you do.

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
Through the birth of Jesus, God came into his world to reveal his righteousness and justice; love and faithfulness.

DAILY FODDER
How are you planning to keep the focus on the arrival of Jesus during your Christmas celebration?

PRAYER
Glorious God, I join the world in celebrating the arrival of your Son as one of us. Through his words and deeds he revealed your righteousness and justice; love and faithfulness. Forgive us for mindlessly celebrating the holiday without even thinking of these qualities. Ring a bell in my head and wake me up to what you're doing through the Word who became flesh and blood. Because of his neighborly presence I can have a part in his world-shattering kingdom. 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.

DON'T HESITATE

HAGGAI 2:4 (ABP)
Step up! Don’t hesitate to throw yourself into the work because I, GOD-All-Powerful, am with you.

2 CORINTHIANS 9:6 (CEB)
What I mean is this: the one who sows a small number of seeds will also reap a small crop, and the one who sows a generous amount of seeds will also reap a generous crop.

THE ESSENCE
When it comes to doing the work of God's Kingdom, don't hesitate to throw yourself into it, even though you don't see how all the details are going to work out.

DAILY FODDER
There is an idiom in English, "He who hesitates is lost." The point is, if you fail to act definitively the opportunity will disappear. Likewise, when God tells us to do something, if we hesitate or delay (for whatever reason—good or bad), the opportunity to participate in what God is doing in that moment will be gone and we’ll  miss out.

PRAYER
God of abundance, thank you for countless blessings. I know you are always with me. Yet I am often hesitant about getting involved in service and ministry opportunities. Give me courage to sow my small seeds of faith. I trust you to multiply those seeds into a bountiful harvest. May all I do give glory and honor 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.

HEART-ROOTED INTEGRITY

HABAKKUK 2:6 (CEV)
You're doomed!
You stored up stolen goods
and cheated others
of what belonged to them.

LUKE 16:10 (CEV)
Anyone who can be trusted in little matters can also be trusted in important matters. But anyone who is dishonest in little matters will be dishonest in important matters.

THE ESSENCE
Honesty, even in small less-significant matters, is an indicator of genuine heart-rooted integrity.  

DAILY FODDER
Integrity is who you are when you think no one is looking. 

PRAYER
Faithful God, you have been honest with us from the beginning and you expect honesty to be a part of who we are, made in your image, redeemed by the bood of Jesus. While we're grateful for your trustworthiness, we acknowledge that we often fail the integrity tests that come our way. Forgive us and create genuine heart-rooted integrity within us. I want to be completely trustworthy in all matters great and small. In Jesus' name I pray, 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.

REVERENTLY RESPONSIVE

The 4th Sunday of Advent

ISAIAH 66:2 (MSG)
"...I made all this! I own all this!"
   God’s Decree.
"But there is something I’m looking for:
   a person simple and plain,
   reverently responsive to what I say..."

TITUS 3:3-5 (MSG)
It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, easy marks for sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously.

THE ESSENCE
Reverent responsiveness is an indicator of salvation taking root. 

DAILY FODDER
Would you describe yourself as "reverently responsive"? Why or why not? 

PRAYER
We are grateful, Savior, not just that you saved us from the grip of sin and death, but for the new life you have poured into us. I confess that I'm still playing with parts of the old life, even though they are but a memory. Continue to pry me loose from all such things and wash me clean. I want to be reverently responsive to your transformative work. 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.

KINDNESS

GENESIS 50:21 (ABP)
So, Joseph spoke kindly to his worried bothers, putting them at ease.

EPHESIANS 4:32 (MSG)
Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.

THE ESSENCE
Demonstrate genuine faith through kindness and gentleness.  

DAILY FODDER
We live in a world where the kind and gentle people are ignored or even mocked. Be that tenderhearted person anyway. It happened to our Savior Jesus and we're following in his footsteps.

PRAYER
Thank you, Father God, that you bring good from evil. It is easy to hold on to anger and resentment. Help me forgive others as you have forgiven me. Move me to be kind, tenderhearted, and reassuring to all. I trust you to use even bad things to bring about your 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.

STRENGTH BUILDING

1 SAMUEL 2:2 (MSG)
Nothing and no one is holy like God,
no rock mountain like our God.

EPHESIANS 6:10 (GNT)
Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power.

THE ESSENCE
It's presumptuous to assume power apart from a connection with the Lord and his power.

DAILY FODDER
What does it look like, practically speaking, to "build up your strength in union with the Lord"?

PRAYER
I am grateful, God, that no one can match your holiness—your strength. No adversary can thwart you or those in solidarity with you. Forgive my weak moments when I attempt to muster strength to meet the challenges of life on my own. I'm too much of an independent operator. Strengthen my connection with you and the outflow of your power in my life so that I can honor 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.

MATURING LIVES

JEREMIAH 7:3 (ABP)
"Clean up you act," says GOD, "So we can live together in harmony."

2 PETER 1:5-7 (MSG)
So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others.

THE ESSENCE
Genuine faith always matures into rich goodness and practical love for people. 

DAILY FODDER
If faith in Christ is enough (Galatians 2:16), how is it that faith somehow needs to be completed with all these other qualites? 

PRAYER
How thankful I am, dear Lord, that your divine power gives me all I need for life and godliness. Forgive my unwillingness to reform my ways. I need your Spirit to develop your goodness in me. Work in me to support my faith with goodness, knowledge, godliness, and love. Make me a willing and effective disciple. 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.

OVERCOMING EVIL WITH GOOD

ISAIAH 5:20 (GNT)
You are doomed! You call evil good and call good evil. You turn darkness into light and light into darkness.

ROMANS 12:21 (NLT)
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

THE ESSENCE
Evil calls its actions good. However, we conquer this kind of corruption by doing real good.

DAILY FODDER
Can you think of any contemporary examples of evil masquerading as good? Do you ever find yourself justifying something as wrong by saying that it ends up creating more good or that it is the lesser of two evils? How do we get past this kind of nonsense?

PRAYER
You are holy, God, and I am not. Too often, I succumb to old, sinful ways. Forgive me for ignoring or excusing my attitudes and behaviors. Thank you for forgiving me. Help me to make clear moral choices between good and evil. I want to live in your light, overcoming evil with 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.