LOOKING FOR GOD'S GOODNESS

DEUTERONOMY 8:7 (NLT)
For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land of flowing streams and pools of water, with fountains and springs that gush out in the valleys and hills.

ACTS 14:17 (NLT)
"...but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Evidence of God's goodness is easy to find.

DAILY FODDER
If the evidence of God's goodness is so common why do so many people struggle to see where it leads?

PRAYER
Good God, thank you for being so good to us. We get distracted from seeing your goodness by difficulties that take over our minds, preventing us from noting how much goodness stands behind even a blade of grass. Keep us aware so that we can more fully share in who you are and what you're offering. I'm going to look for your goodness in your creation, in history, and in my own life. That should keep me busy for a lifetime. 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! 

SHIELD UP

PSALM 16:1 (ABP)
God, I'm counting on you to protect me; for you are my safe place.

MATTHEW 6:13 (ABP)
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is your shield.

DAILY FODDER
From what do you need God to protect you?

PRAYER
Savior God, thank you for being on duty — watching over us — protecting us. I confess that I get caught up in the drama of life and end up trying to be my own protector. My shield is only so big and is thus limited in effectiveness. At the critical moments when I'm not thinking clearly I need you to prompt me to take refuge behind your shield. I know that I can face anything with Christ before, behind, and beside 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! 

HEALING

ISAIAH 30:26 (MSG)
Better yet, on the Day GOD heals his people of the wounds and bruises from the time of punishment, moonlight will flare into sunlight, and sunlight, like a whole week of sunshine at once, will flood the land.

1 PETER 2:24 (MSG)
His wounds became your healing.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Through Christ we discover God's healing.

DAILY FODDER
How has the divine healing that comes through Christ affected your life?

PRAYER
Merciful God, even when we're the source of that which afflicts us you are present and eager to heal. Forgive me for doubting your good intentions and give me a willingness to receive your healing in whatever form it comes. I'm living in anticipation of your complete ultimate healing and whatever temporary healing that comes my way before 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 PRIORITIES

The 18th Sunday after Pentecost

JEREMIAH 9:24 (CEB)
I am the LORD who acts with kindness,
justice, and righteousness in the world,
and I delight in these things,
declares the LORD

JAMES 3:18 (CEB)
Those who make peace sow the seeds of justice by their peaceful acts.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is pleased when we work alongside him to generate kindness, peace, justice, and righteousness.

DAILY FODDER
How have you benefted from God's kindness, peace, justice, and righteousness?

PRAYER
Lord, I have found you to be abidingly attractive and irresistible in your ways with me.  Your unique and beautiful nature abounds with peace and "rightness" in everything you say and do. Change me into that kind of person, a trophy of your grace, that others may find peace with you and one another. 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!