THE LAWS OF GOD'S KINGDOM

PSALM 50:1 (ABP)
From the point west where the sun rises to the point east where it sets, God -- the GOD -- summons everyone to his courtroom.

LUKE 17:20-21 (MSG)
Jesus, grilled by the Pharisees on when the kingdom of God would come, answered, “The kingdom of God doesn’t come by counting the days on the calendar. Nor when someone says, ‘Look here!’ or, ‘There it is!’ And why? Because God’s kingdom is already among you.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is present with all his authority.

DAILY FODDER
To what extent do the laws of God's kingdom define how you are living now?

PRAYER
Almighty God, when you speak all creation has to eventually listen. But some of us are still living in a state of mutiny. I see it in myself. Even though I trust that I'll be riding on the coattails of Jesus through all the procedures on judgment day, I'm still nervous about what will be revealed. Help me to get my act together and to align my life with the laws of your Kingdom. I know that the time is short. 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 there.

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 would protect us from all forms of evil.
Amen!

NUDGING

JOSHUA 22:29 (MSG)
Rebelling against or turning our backs on God is the last thing on our minds right now...

HEBREWS 10:24-25 (MSG)
Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Look for ways to nudge one another on to greater faithfulness.

DAILY FODDER
Practically speaking what does greater faithfulness look like? What are you doing to spur others on to this kind of love and faithfulness?

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for your love and faithfulness. Even when we flaked out and did our own thing you sent Jesus into the world to save us. I admit, though, that I'm still somewhat flaky and I'm a slow responder to your generosity. I need others to nudge me forward and they need me to do the same. Help me show up in their lives so that I can do my part. I'm going to look for someone today who needs a gentle nudge and I'm going to be open to their input into 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 there.

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 would protect us from all forms of evil.
Amen!

SPIRIT INDUCED CONFIDENCE

EZEKIEL 39:29 (MSG)
After I’ve poured my Spirit on Israel, filled them with my life, I’ll no longer turn away. I’ll look them full in the face. Decree of GOD, the Master.

ROMANS 8:16 (MSG)
God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The affirming and affectionate kiss of the Holy Spirit gives us confidence regarding our identity as children of God.

DAILY FODDER
What in your life has made you doubt your relationship with God? How has he intervened to restore your confidence?

PRAYER
You've invaded me, Lord, and I am so thankful. Without you, I would be so lost, but you kindly grasp onto me. I want to pray more and listen to what you say. You have placed yourself right where I can hear you, your Spirit given in baptism. You're not letting go, and I am most blessed. 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 there.

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 would protect us from all forms of evil.
Amen!

GLADNESS

PSALM 34:2 (CEV)

With all my heart,

I will praise the Lord.

Let all who are helpless,

listen and be glad.

PHILIPPIANS 4:4-5 (CEV)
Always be glad because of the Lord! I will say it again: Be glad. Always be gentle with others. The Lord will soon be here.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Let God-formed optimism and gladness characterize your life. 

DAILY FODDER
Is gladness more the result of seeing God at work or a matter of trusting that God is at work?

PRAYER
God, I have much to be thankful for. Yet, I tend to dwell on the negative things and I end up mean and angry. Save me from negativity and fill me with your gladness. I'm going to let that gladness shape the way I interact with the world around me. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.