SIMPLE AND CONTENT LIVES

PROVERBS 15:16 (ABP)
It's better to have few possesions while revering GOD,
than to have the headaches that come with being filthy rich.

HEBREWS 13:5 (CEB)
Your way of life should be free from the love of money, and you should be content with what you have.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Quit with the endless pursuit of more and enjoy a simple life walking in step with God.

DAILY FODDER
How do you know if you are content with what you have?

PRAYER
Lord, you've given us way more than we need, but we're still driven to posses more. We've lost focus. Help me to find fulfillment and joy in walking with you. I'm going to allow the economy of your kingdom to shape my life as I look for ways to use what I have to bless others and to live a simple content 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 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-TALK

ZECHARIAH 8:23 (ABP)
And the people will say, "Let us partner with you along the way. We’ve heard how God is with you."

ROMANS 10:14 (MSG)
And how can they hear if nobody tells them?

SUMMARY SENTENCE
One of our assignments as followers of Jesus is to talk about what God is doing.

DAILY FODDER
How do you tell others about Christ and what he is doing? It can be as simple as including a Jesus reference in a story you're telling.

PRAYER
Amazing God, you've enlisted us to be a part of your communication department. Thank you for the trust. However, I confess that I'm a bit shy when it comes to God-talk. I worry that I'll misspeak and people will be turned off to you. That's the last thing I want to do. So please give me wisdom about what and when to speak, as well as confidence to clearly say something. I'm going to trust you to make the words come out right. 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! 

LOYALTY

PSALM 94:14 (MSG)
God will never walk away from his people,
never desert his precious people.

PHILIPPIANS 3:20 (CEB)
Our citizenship is in heaven. We look forward to a savior that comes from there—the Lord Jesus Christ.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God's loyalty to his people generates our loyalty to him; so, we take our marching orders from heaven.

DAILY FODDER
If we are citizens of heaven that means we are foreign operatives here on earth.

PRAYER
Heavenly King, you are faithful to your people — definitely worthy of our allegiance. Forgive us for allowing the culutre of our assignments to shape our values. Show me how to live more faithfully as a member of the Heavenly diplomatic corps. Because of your loyalty I'm going to prioritize loyalty to you and the ways of your kingdom. 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! 

CREATOR

PSALM 95:4 (ABP)
GOD owns the entire planet, from the deepest place below the earth to the highest mountain peak. It's all under his authority.

REVELATION 14:7 (CEB)
Worship the one who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Pour yourself into serving the Creator, under whose authority all things exist.

DAILY FODDER
What difference does it make that the God we serve is also the creator of all?

PRAYER
From the bottom of the sea to the heights of the hills, creation sings your praise. I add my voice to those who sing your glory in heaven and on earth. Forgive me for forgetting your majesty. In your mercy, put a spirit of worship within me. Help me care for your creation, the world in which you delight. 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!