INCLUSIVE

ISAIAH 55:5 (NET)
Look, you will summon nations you did not previously know;
nations that did not previously know you will run to you,
because of the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel,
for he bestows honor on you.

EPHESIANS 3:14-15 (CEV)
I kneel in prayer to the Father. All beings in heaven and on earth receive their life from him.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God's family is more inclusive than we realize.

DAILY FODDER
How does God's approach to inclusion change the way that we approach people who don't naturally fit into our community?

PRAYER
God, it feels like the factions of the world are out to rip each other to shreds. I'm grateful for the stability that you provide in the midst of the craziness. Forgive me for my slips into tribalism, overlooking your lordship over all creation. Help me to embrace your approach and to act in love. I'm going to look for ways to include people who are different. 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! 

OBEDIENCE

ZEPHANIAH 3:7 (ABP)
Certainly, my people will honor me by listening to my instructions.

LUKE 19:45-46 (CEB)
When Jesus entered the temple, he threw out those who were selling things there. He said to them, “It’s written, My house will be a house of prayer..."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Forget trying to appear godly and focus on listening to God's instructions.

DAILY FODDER
Is there something God is asking you to do that you've been ignoring?

PRAYER
Lord God, thank you for making your home among mortals. I am sorry for the ways that I seek to turn your grace to my profit. Drive out the greed in my heart. Cleanse my spirit and make me a worthy dwelling place for the divine. Help me to love your discipline as I seek to be your disciple. 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! 

CONFIDENCE

PROVERBS 14:26 (ABP)
Those who hold GOD in the highest esteem live confidently in the world around them.

ROMANS 8:35 (MSG)
Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing...

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Those who live lives truly connected to Christ live confidently, in spite of what's happening around them.

DAILY FODDER
How does our relationship with Christ affect levels of personal and collective confidence?

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for the strong connection you have formed in my life. Even though I don't do all I should to keep the connection active you keep things going. Continue to recharge my personal confidence so that I'm willing to step out in faith and trust you for even more. I'm going to move forward in Christ with conviction. 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! 

SAFE PLACE

PSALM 62:8 (ABP)
Hey, Everybody, put your unrelenting trust in God. Pour out your hearts to him. For God is your safe place.

LUKE 6:12 (CEB)
During that time, Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night long.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Pour your hearts out to God because it is the safe thing to do.

DAILY FODDER
Not everyone can spend a night on a mountain praying. What do you do to position yourself for earnest prayer?

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I'm amazed that you listen to ordinary people like me. I can't imagine that I could spend a whole night praying on a mountain. But you know what I can and should do better than I do. You're the one who wired me. And you wired me to trust you with every challenge that comes my way. Forgive my stoicism and self-confidence. Convert it all to God-confidence. You are my safe place. 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!