SHIELD

PSALM 16:1 (ABP)
Protect me, God. I'm counting on you because you are my safe place.

MATTHEW 6:13 (ABP)

Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is our shield.

DAILY FODDER
From what do expect God to protect you?

PRAYER
Savior God, thank you for being on duty — ever watching over us — caring for us — protecting us. Forgive me for trying to make a go of it on my own. Remind me daily that I can and should stand behind your shield. The world is full of threats but I can relax under your protection. 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! 

TRUTH AND JUSTICE

EXODUS 23:1 (CEV)
Don't spread harmful rumors...

EPHESIANS 4:25 (MSG)
What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When we fail to tell the truth we only end up harming ourselves.

DAILY FODDER
How do people get sucked into thinking that participating in lies or half-truths is to their own benefit?

PRAYER
Honest God, you value truth and justice — values to which we give lots of lip service but little energy. Change my heart so that truth is a Christ-driven passion in my life. I'm going to have nothing to do with the conspiracy theories and fake news which have become so prevelent, even among those who claim to follow Christ. Even if no one notices I'm going to stick with the truth. 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! 

KNOW-IT-ALLS

ISAIAH 47:13 (NLT)
All the advice you receive has made you tired.

ROMANS 12:16 (CEB)
Don’t think that you’re so smart.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
There is no shortage of know-it-alls so don't take them or yourself too seriously.

DAILY FODDER
What makes know-it-alls so attractive? How do you keep yourself from becoming one?

PRAYER
All-knowing God, you have graciously given us access to your wisdom. However, since that day in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve chose to do things their own way, we've gravitated toward creating our own versions of wisdom. I'm included in this sin. It's easy to convince myself that I know what's right and what's wrong so that I don't need to consult you. Thank you for your mercy toward your know-it-all world. Give me the skills I need to tune out all the fake wisdom that is clamoring for my attention. I'm going to tune into you alone. 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! 

GOD PROVIDES

PSALM 105:40-42 (CEB)
God filled them full with food from heaven.
God opened the rock and out gushed water—
     flowing like a river through the desert!
Because God remembered his holy promise...

MATTHEW 6:11 (CEB)
Give us the bread we need for today.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God provides what we need.

DAILY FODDER
What do you need that God has not provided? 

PRAYER
Generous God, sometimes your provision comes in a spectacular way. I've grown accustomed to thinking that the more spectacular, the more divine it is. This hinders my ability to notice your constant care and provision through the many small and normal gifts you provide. Help me to notice and in doing so to quit worrying about how I'm going to survive in these trying times. I'm am celebrating your faithfulness. 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!