FRESH STARTS

1 KINGS 18:37 (MSG)
Answer me, God; O answer me and reveal to this people that you are God, the true God, and that you are giving these people another chance at repentance.”

LUKE 22:32 (MSG)
Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Pray for repentence.

DAILY FODDER
God seems eager for his people to experience fresh starts. Are you more eager to see people judged for their sins or to see them turn to God and get a fresh start?

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for inviting us to turn from sin to you and your ways. I confess that there are people I'd rather see burning in hell than experiencing fresh starts. Help me to turn from this self-focused narrow mindedness to your perspective. I'm praying for changes of heart and action. 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! 

JUST DO IT

JEREMIAH 7:23 (ABP)
Do as God says and you'll enjoy the benefts of his divine patronage. 

JOHN 8:31 (ABP)
Jesus: If you continue to do what I say to do, then you'll be one of my true followers.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Obedience is the thing that matters in our relationship with God.

DAILY FODDER
What keeps you from actually doing the things Jesus wants you to do?

PRAYER
God, I'm grateful that you want me as one of your followers. I know that you don't need me but you include me anyway. I, on the other hand, need you but often fail to include you as I make decisions and live my life. Continue to remind me of my call to live as one of your disciples. I'm going to prioritize doing what you ask me to do. 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 ACTIVITY REPORTS

JOSHUA 21:45 (MSG)
Not one word failed from all the good words God spoke to the house of Israel. Everything came out right.

LUKE 13:17 (NLT/alt)
...all the people rejoiced at the wonderful things Jesus did.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Get your daily lift by reviewing God's activity reports.

DAILY FODDER
What have you recently seen God do?

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, that your word is good when you give it and reliable whenever I need it. I confess to having been more fickle than faithful in believing in your goodness and intentions toward me. Deliver me from my own "stinking thinking" that I might see and share with others how truly wonderful and faithful you are! 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! 

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!