GOD KNOWS

PSALM 127:2 (MSG)
It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, 

     and work your worried fingers to the bone.
Don’t you know he enjoys
     giving rest to those he loves?

MATTHEW 6:8 (NLT)
Your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Rest in the knowledge that none of your needs escape God's attention.

PRAYER
Thank you, loving God, for attending to all our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. Nothing escapes your attention. Forgive me for pushing myself and others as though we have to make everything happen. Help me to relax under the watchful eye of your care. I'm going to leave everything in your hands. Amen.

LIVE GENEROUSLY

DEUTERONOMY 16:17 (CEV)
The bigger the harvest the Lord gives you, the bigger your gift should be.

2 CORINTHIANS 8:12 (NTE)
If the eagerness is there, you see, the deed is acceptable, according to what you have, not according to what you don’t have.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Live as generously as possible.

PRAYER
Gracious God, your generosity is beyond comprehension. Yet, I know that my mindset is miserly. I worry that if I become too generous there won't be enough. Give me a new outlook on life -- a mindset shaped by your abundance. As I follow Christ I'm going to live generously. Amen.

THE BEST PLACE

PSALM 11:1 (CEV)
The LORD is my fortress!
Don’t say to me,
     “Escape like a bird    
      to the mountains!”

JOHN 14:27 (NTE)
Jesus: "I’m leaving you peace. I’m giving you my own peace. I don’t give gifts in the way the world does. Don’t let your hearts be troubled; don’t be fearful."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Don't be afraid because you are in the best of places when you are connected to Christ.

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for guarding me. I can count on you and the gifts you have given to me. I know that by your grace I'm going to be able to handle whatever comes m way. Yet, there are moments when I worry. Replace that worry with your peace so that I'm better positioned to speak words of peace into the lives of others. Amen.

THRIVE IN UNSETTLED TIMES AND PLACES

GENESIS 26:3 (CEB)
Stay in this land as an immigrant, and I will be with you and bless you because I will give all of these lands to you and your descendants. I will keep my word, which I gave to your father Abraham.

1 PETER 1:17 (CEB)
You should conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your dwelling in a strange land.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Even though life feels unsettled you can thrive if you lean on God and his ways.

PRAYER
God, thank you for being a promise keeper. I confess that I struggle with doubts when life feels so unsettled. Help me to let go of the anxiety and trust that you don't just keep your word but that you keep your people. I'm going to live for you during these strange times and in this godless place. Amen.