TRUE HAPPINESS

PSALM 144:15 (CEB)
The people whose God is the LORD are truly happy!

ROMANS 10:12 (TCEB)
There’s one Lord. He’s the Lord of everyone. He’s generous in his kindness to everyone who asks him for help.

THE ESSENCE
True happiness belongs to all those whose identity is wrapped up with the Lord.

DAILY FODDER
Why is God so welcoming of those who turn to him regardless of their backgrounds and experiences?  How does that divine characteristic shape our identity?

PRAYER
Glorious God, thank you for welcoming me, even before I realized that I needed you. A steady flow of joy and contentment flows into my life because you are here with me. Help me to more fully appreciate all you do for me. I want your grace and kindness delivered through Christ Jesus to define 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.

ALL THE NATIONS

EZEKIEL 36:36 (MSG)
The nations around you that are still in existence will realize that I, God, rebuild ruins and replant empty waste places. I, GOD, said so, and I’ll do it.

REVELATION 7:9-10 (MSG)
I looked again. I saw a huge crowd, too huge to count. Everyone was there—all nations and tribes, all races and languages. And they were standing, dressed in white robes and waving palm branches, standing before the Throne and the Lamb and heartily singing:
    Salvation to our God on his Throne!
    Salvation to the Lamb!

THE ESSENCE
At some point, all the surviving people groups, the "nations", will find themselves in the presence of God, acknowledging his salvation.

DAILY FODDER
If reality is trending this direction, how should we respond now? Practically speaking?

PRAYER
Lamb of God, thank you for bringing the world together around your salvation. The nations all seem to be acting pretty crazy right now. Forgive me for doubting the future. Fill me with a renewed vision for what is to come. I want to allow it to shape the way that I do life now. 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.

THANKING GOD FOR HIS KINDNESS

PSALM 103:2 (CEV)
With all my heart
I praise the LORD!
I will never forget
how kind he has been.

EPHESIANS 5:20 (GNT)
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father.

THE ESSENCE
Always give thanks to God for all his kindness. 

DAILY FODDER
It's easy to give God a generic thank you everyday for all he has done. It's richer to stop, think, and ponder his kindness. How is God's kindness evident in the simple things around me? How do the complex, even difficult circumstances put me in touch with his grace and kindness? Is there something about his kindness that I'm seeing for the first time today? Are there patterns involving people, places, and circumstances that continue to raise my awareness of God's kindness?

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for your kindness, so evident in the life and sacrifice of your Son Jesus. Forgive me for rushing through my prayers, spending little time and energy to note the many ways your kindness shows up each day. Help me to tune in and notice. I want my thank yous to be informed. 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.

RADICAL GENEROSITY

1 CHRONICLES 29:9 (TCEB)
The people gave generously and willingly, out of devotion to God. The unity and generosity left everyone feeling happy about what they had just seen.

ACTS 4:37 (GNT)
Barnabas sold a field he owned, brought the money, and turned it over to the apostles.

THE ESSENCE
Genuine faith is characterized by radical generosity.

DAILY FODDER
Why do you think genuine faith is always characterized by big expressions of generosity? Is it so with you?  

PRAYER
Abundant God, you have filled creation with all that is needed for a flourishing life, yet I try to hang on to as much as I can for myself. Forgive me, Lord, and loosen my grasp upon my possessions. Teach me to live for the sake of those around me and to seek the good of 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.

ANSWERED PRAYER

1 SAMUEL 1:27 (MSG)
I prayed for this child, and God gave me what I asked for.

LUKE 1:58 (GNT)
Her neighbors and relatives heard how wonderfully good the Lord had been to her, and they all rejoiced with her.

THE ESSENCE
God is generous.  

DAILY FODDER
What was a time when you felt that God heard your prayer and gave you what you asked for? 

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for hearing me. Within this vast creation, you still make time for me. Not only do you hear your children speak, but you answer with grace. Teach me to pray for those things that you wish for my life. As you listen to me, help me to listen to you and to do what you desire. 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

The 17th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 40:16 (ABP)
Let everyone who loves that you saved them, never tire of declaring, "GOD is great!"

2 TIMOTHY 4:18 (NTFE)
The Lord will snatch me clear from every wicked deed and will save me for his heavenly kingdom. Glory to him for the ages of ages, Amen!

THE ESSENCE
God saves. We praise.  

DAILY FODDER
God saves us from so much — including from the grip of sin and death. Why does he do it? Does he need our measily expressions of gratitude? Does he need our feeble praise? Nope. But it does us good to express praise and gratitude — even if we’re not so good at it. God is driven by his unexplainable love for people. Even in seeking our praise and gratitude, he is lifting us up into the fulllness of our humanity.

PRAYER
God, you are great! Thank you for sending Jesus into the world to save us from the grip of sin and death. I've experienced this salvation myself. Even though I'm still feebly human I'd like to participate in your glorious and eternal praise choir. That would be the highlight of my life. I’m going to start rehearsing now. 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.

THROTTLED ANGER

ISAIAH 57:16 (CEB)
I won’t always accuse,
nor will I be enraged forever.

1 JOHN 2:1 (CEB)
But if you do sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one.

THE ESSENCE
God throttles his own anger as his love breaks through on our behalf.

DAILY FODDER
How does it change your life knowing that whatever anger God might have, it's not permanent? 

PRAYER
God of creation, your holy law maintains the good order of all you have made. Turn aside from your anger, even though I deserve nothing better. Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, who advocates on my behalf. May I always be an advocate for those without voices. 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.

IMPROVED LISTENING

JEREMIAH 23:35 (ABP)
Don't presumptously declare what's on my mind. Instead, ask others what I'm saying to them or if I've said anything at all.

MATTHEW 26:75 (MSG)
Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” He went out and cried and cried and cried.

THE ESSENCE
Listen and remember what the Lord is saying, even if it's not what you want to hear. 

DAILY FODDER
How do you know if you're tuning out something important that you don't want to hear? How do you correct your selective listening? 

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for being communicative. I confess, though, that I shut down when you say something I don't want to hear. Bring faithful listening partners into my life to keep me honest — people in-tune with your word. I want to take listening to the next level. 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.

RELEASED!

PSALM 142:7 (CEB)
Get me out of this prison
so I can give thanks to your name.
Then the righteous will gather all around me
because of your good deeds to me.

ACTS 12:5 (CEB)
While Peter was held in prison, the church offered earnest prayer to God for him.

THE ESSENCE
Look to God for release. 

DAILY FODDER
What is the desperate siuation you're facing today? How does the Bible offer hope for such moments? 

PRAYER
Merciful God, I'm grateful that you have the wisdom and power to intervene on my behalf when it makes sense in your loving scheme. Even when you don't act in the way I want, I am confident that you want the best for me and your church, and act accordingly. Help me to turn with earnestness to you whenever I encounter a desperate situation. I know that Jesus is the great liberator. He's already established that. 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 GATE

PSALM 33:22 (TCEB)
Keep the love and kindness coming, LORD.
As we put our trust in you.

JOHN 10:9 (NLT)
Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.

THE ESSENCE
Trust the Lord to provide your forever safe place.

DAILY FODDER
What constitutes "good pasture" in Jesus' mind? What does "good pasture" look like for you? How do those two pastures line up?

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming into our world to create a gateway into your safe pastures. Forgive me for failing to take full advantage of your care and protection. Save me from trying to go it on my own. Sheep can be so stubborn. I'm trusting in you, for you are the best option. 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.

KEEP CALM AND...

EXODUS 14:14 (ABP)
GOD is going to fight the battle for you. Your orders are to stand down and do nothing.

MARK 13:11 (TCEB)
When you do get arrested, don’t worry about the testimony you’ll need to give. No need to practice your speech. Whatever words come to mind when you have to stand up and speak, go ahead and speak those words. They won’t be coming from you. They’ll be coming from the Holy Spirit.

THE ESSENCE
Calmly tune into what the Lord is saying and let him handle the battles.  

DAILY FODDER
Is Jesus saying we should never prepare for things? What seems to be his intention behind the words recorded in Mark 13? 

PRAYER
Lord, when you stood trial before the Sanhedrin, you were calm and still, even though they falsely accused you and condemned you. When I'm accused wrongly, I grow agitated and defensive. Jesus, keep me in your calm and trust. For I know you will fight for me and vindicate me. Let me rest in you 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.

NEW COVENANT

JEREMIAH 31:31 (CEB)
The time is coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah.

ACTS 2:39 (MSG)
The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites.

THE ESSENCE
The Lord expands his promises as he renews them. 

DAILY FODDER
How have you benefited from the promises in God's new covenant? What exactly is this "new covenant"?

PRAYER
Lord, you promise forgiveness of sins and everlasting life to people of all nations who are called to you. You give us righteousness based on grace through faith, not on personal merit. I admit that I try to earn your love, instead of receiving love as a gift. Thank you for your overflowing mercy. 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.

PEOPLE IN DISTRESS

The 16th Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 9:9 (MSG)
God’s a safe-house for the battered,
a sanctuary during bad times.

JAMES 1:27 (MSG)
Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.

THE ESSENCE
God expects us to follow his lead in actively caring for people in distress. 

DAILY FODDER
Who are the disressed in your realm of influence? Or have you somehow become insulated from people in distress? How can we break free from our insulation?  

PRAYER
Lord, you are the safe shelter for all who suffer unjust treatment. You comfort and protect the orphaned, the widowed, the abused, and the persecuted. I shudder to think how I have oppressed others, knowingly or unknowingly. Grant me a repentant spirit and willing heart to love and care for those who are oppressed and downtrodden. 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.

CONTINUE TO...

DEUTERONOMY 4:9 (NLT)
But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.

JOHN 20:18 (CEB)
Mary Magdalene left and announced to the disciples, “I’ve seen the Lord.” Then she told them what he said to her.

THE ESSENCE
Continue to remember what the Lord has said and done so you can continue to witness.

DAILY FODDER
Why is there such an emphasis on continuing to remember? Is an encounter with the Lord so forgettable? What’s the point of this message?

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for including us in your inner circle. You've revealed so much about yourself. Forgive us for allowing the fears and distractions of life to sidetrack our witnessing. My memory is so short. Bring to mind what needs to be shared in every situation. I'm trusting in the prompting of the Holy Spirit to enable me to continue to complete my mission. 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 SPIRIT OF JOY

1 CHRONICLES 13:8 (TCEB)
David and the people with him danced for joy, and with a lot of energy. Some sang. Some played instruments, such as lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals. It was a joyful noise.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16 (TCEB)
Live in a spirit of joy.

THE ESSENCE
The spirit of joy characterizes life with Jesus. 

DAILY FODDER
Living with a "spirit of joy" doesn't mean that every moment is happy. Rather, even though sad times come, the underlying spirit of joy that flows through our lives because of the presence of the Holy Spirit, ultimately transforms those moments into a celebration of what God is doing. 

PRAYER
Lord, you are my delight and joy — even when the moment is sad. Help me to deal with my saddness in such a way that your joy shines through even in the hardest moments. 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.

PASSIONATELY PATIENT

PROVERBS 16:32 (MSG)
Moderation is better than muscle,
self-control better than political power.

REVELATION 14:12 (MSG)
Meanwhile, the saints stand passionately patient, keeping God’s commands, staying faithful to Jesus.

THE ESSENCE
Jesus' faithful are passionately patient in their obedience, as opposed to pushy and millitant. 

DAILY FODDER
Many Christians believe that if the faith is to survive and thrive in this crazy world, we need to be more aggressive and powerful. This seems totally contrary to Jesus' passionately patient approach. 

PRAYER
God, you hve been patient beyond comprehension. Even when Jesus was suffering on the cross, he refrained from calling down fire from Heaven. Forgive my infatuation with power and quick solutions for every problem. Help me to not only stand faithfully with you, but to do so with confident patience. I want to be faithful to you and your agenda, even in the way that I respond to the evil 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.

THE GREAT EXCHANGE

NEHEMIAH 13:2 (CEB)
Yet our God turned the curse into a blessing.

GALATIANS 3:13 (CEB)
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us—because it is written, Everyone who is hung on a tree is cursed.

THE ESSENCE
God is in the business of turning what we experience as curses into blessings. 

DAILY FODDER
In Galatians 3, the "curse of the Law" is our inability to live up to God's expectations. But Jesus met and exceeded all divine expectations, even voluntarily becoming "cursed" himself by dying on the cross so that we could experience freedom from the curse of death. That's the great exchange!  

PRAYER
Merciful God, as I read the whole Bible story, I'm amazed at how often you turn negative situations around for the benefit of your undeserving people. Sometimes, though, I feel like a curse is hanging over me, something I need to break. Help me to see how you have already broken all curses through Christ's victorious encounter with death. I want to experience the freedom that you intend for all of us. I want to help others experience it, too. 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 GRACE

PSALM 32:10 (MSG)
God-defiers are always in trouble;
God-affirmers find themselves loved
   every time they turn around.

REVELATION 22:21 (NLT)
May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people.

THE ESSENCE
The love and grace of the Lord Jesus carry us through thick and thin.

DAILY FODDER
Why is it that God-affirmers find themselves loved but deniers have a different experience? Is it that God loves the deniers, the troublemakers, less? 

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for your unlimited love and grace. I regret that sometimes I fail to experience what you offer because I'm for whatever reason not open to your presence. Might your transforming love and grace so fill my life that everything contrary to your love and grace is squeezed out. I want to overflow with your love and grace. 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.

UPLIFTING

PSALM 30:1 (CEB)
I exalt you, Lord, because you pulled me up...

MARK 5:41-42 (CEB)
Taking her hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Young woman, get up.” Suddenly the young woman got up and began to walk around.

THE ESSENCE
Through Jesus, we experience the uplifting hand of God. 

DAILY FODDER
Sometimes when Jesus heals someone he touches them or takes them by the hand. In other situations he heals from a distance. What significance, if any, is there to Jesus using a touch to lift people up? How has Jesus lifted you?  

PRAYER
Lord, you lift me from the muck and mire of my sinful life to set my feet on the solid ground of your love and grace. Thank you for speaking to my heart with the gospel and taking me by the hand. Today, may I lend a healing hand to others in the name 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.

BOLDNESS

Creation in Christ Sunday

ISAIAH 51:7 (GNT)
Listen to me, you that know what is right,
who have my teaching fixed in your hearts.
Do not be afraid when people taunt and insult you...

2 TIMOTHY 1:7 (GNT)
For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.

THE ESSENCE
God's Spirit emboldens us with love and self-control.

DAILY FODDER
Why are love and self-control so essential when you're facing pushback? 

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, you love to tell of the Father's love. You were never ashamed of your Father, nor were you distressed when people criticized or insulted you. I confess that sometimes I am afraid to speak up and tell others about your love and grace. Forgive me. Grant me courage to love even when rebuked by others. 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.