PROMISES

PSALM 105:8 (ABP)
God remembers his covenant promises forever. Even if it takes a thousand generations he will do as he said.

ROMANS 11:28-29 (MSG)
From your point of view as you hear and embrace the good news of the Message, it looks like the Jews are God’s enemies. But looked at from the long-range perspective of God’s overall purpose, they remain God’s oldest friends. God’s gifts and God’s call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Even when we fail to live up to God's expectations, his promises remain active.

DAILY FODDER
How do you know that God's promises are never rescinded?

PRAYER
Faithful God, you stay true to your word even when we flake out and turn our allegiance other directions. Forgive me for the way that this flakiness presents in my life. Help me to remember what you've said and to live by it. I'm going to live according to your word and your over-arching promises. 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! 

LIVE ON!

ISAIAH 26:19
Your dead will live...

HEBREWS 12:1 (MSG)
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Press on for death isn't the finish line. 

DAILY FODDER
Imagine yourself as among that huge group of Jesus-followers cheering on the coming generations of Christians. What do you think you'll be yelling to them? What do they need to hear?

PRAYER
Loving God, you raised Jesus from the dead and have promised that we'll join him with our own resurrected bodies in the future. Forgive us for living as though the entirety of our existence is wrapped up in the current moment. Give us long lens and motivation to live with the eternal future in mind. I'm preparing now to be among the great cloud of witnesses then. 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'S GUIDANCE

2 CHRONICLES 18:4 (MSG)
“But before you do anything, ask God for guidance.”

2 TIMOTHY 3:14 (CEB)
You must continue with the things you have learned and found convincing.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Above all, stick with the guidance that God has provided.

DAILY FODDER
In your experience, what distracts you from taking God's guidance seriously? How do you deal with those distractions?

PRAYER
I'm grateful, God, for the way that you have led me to this spot in my life. I asked and you delivered the guidance that I needed. I want to acknowledge, though, that I still have a way to go and that I could easily get distracted. Help me to continue to take your guidance seriously. I want everything I do and think to line up with your biblical direction for our lives. 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,

BUILDING UP OTHERS

ZECHARIAH 8:16 (ABP)
This is what you need to do:

• Make sure that what you say is completely true.
• Make sure that every pronouncement you render in your realm of influence, whether it be between friends talking over coffee, or during proceedings in a court of law, sways things to truth, justice, and peace.

ROMANS 14:19 (ABP)
So, let's pour our energy into nurturing harmonious relationships and things that build each other up.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Highlight things that honestly build people up rather than dragging them down.

DAILY FODDER
Why does God want us to prioritize harmony in his church?

PRAYER
God, you are both a straight shooter and a highly relational being.  I OTOH am prone to exageration. I prioritize building myself up over nurturing others. Help me to adopt your priorities. As a follower of Jesus I want my life to mirror yours.  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!