WORDS

ECCLESIASTES 5:2 (MSG)
Don’t shoot off your mouth, or speak before you think.
Don’t be too quick to tell God what you think he wants to hear.
God’s in charge, not you—the less you speak, the better.

MATTHEW 7:1 (MSG)
Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When it comes to relating to others, whether divine or human, there is value in keeping your mouth shut.

DAILY FODDER
Why do we end up putting our feet into our mouths so often? How are you training yourself to say less?

PRAYER
Great God, it's clear that you will have the final word. But that doesn't stop me from shooting my mouth off and saying things which don't really add value to those around me. It's an ego thing. So, I would ask that you'd give me wisdom to speak up at the right times but only at those times. And train me in how to manage my words. I'm going to develop Spirit-charged speaking habits which reflect the 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 would protect us from all forms of evil.
Amen!

LOVE

HOSEA 6:4 (ABP)

Your "love" is as short-lived as morning dew.  

1 CORINTHIANS 13:1 (ABP)

If I could wax eloquent in all languages — including Angelese, 

     but lacked love,

I'd be nothing more than an annoying thumping bass 

     or fingernails scrapping across a chalkboard.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God-like love is the essential ingredient of all healthy relationships.

DAILY FODDER
Why is love such a hard thing?

PRAYER
Loving Lord, your love is never withheld or diluted by circumstances. You even loved us so much that you sent your one and only Son into the world to sacrifice his life as he took on the forces of non-love. How is it then that I, your disciple by confession, with all the best intentions, fall so short in the love department? I certainly don't love my neighbor with the same energy that I put into loving myself. Redevelop my life so that your love freely flows through all my thoughts, words, and actions. I'm want to become consistent in my love, for the sake of Christ Jesus. 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 would protect us from all forms of evil.
Amen!

NOT ALONE

PSALM 118:5 (ABP)
When my life was under seige and I had no wiggle room, I desperately called on GOD. He responded by clearing the way and giving me room to breathe. Worries gone.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:7 (MSG)
Your hard times are also our hard times. When we see that you’re just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we know you’re going to make it, no doubt about it.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Even during hard times — perhaps, especially during hard times — we take comfort in the fact that we are not alone.

DAILY FODDER
God makes a way while our siblings in Christ stand in solidarity.

PRAYER
Faithful Lord, when I feel lost or alone help me remember that I am never lost to you. You hold me close. Open my eyes to see in your promises that you are with me in my sufferings. I know when I call on you, your words will console me and give me your peace. 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 would protect us from all forms of evil.
Amen!

VANTAGE POINT

PSALM 73:28 (ABP)
I'm living in the greatest place of all — God's presence.
Oh, to be truly safe and at home with the chief GOD.
God, from this stupendous spot I’m able to tell world all that you do!

ACTS 3:8 (CEB)
Jumping up, he began to walk around. He entered the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When you're living in the presence of God you get to see some amazing things.

DAILY FODDER
From your vantage point what is the most impressive thing you've seen God do? Don't confuse impressive with dramatic. Perhaps you've seen God quietly do something amazing.

PRAYER
Almighty God, thank you for giving me a front row seat to your activity. It is a privelege to see and partner with you. Forgive me for getting so caught up in my own stuff that I don't notice — even from the great vantage point you've given me. Help me to tune in and notice the great things you're doing — whether they be dramtic or quiet. I'm going to be a faithful witness of your work in the world 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 would protect us from all forms of evil.
Amen!