BLESSINGS

ISAIAH 9:3 (CEV)
Because of you, its people
   are glad and celebrate
like workers at harvest time...

HEBREWS 6:7 (CEB)
The ground receives a blessing from God when it drinks up the rain that regularly comes and falls on it and yields a useful crop for those people for whom it is being farmed.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
If God blesses the ground, how much more so are his people blessed!
 
DAILY FODDER
How has God blessed you today?

PRAYER
Generous God, I join with all who celebrate your blessings. They come daily without interruption. But I get so caught up in my routines that I fail to notice what you're doing. Enhance my ability to recognize the blessings that come my way. I want to lead by example the celebration of your gifts. I start by thanking you for Jesus. 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 TO THE RESCUE

The First Sunday after Epiphany

EXODUS 14:13 (CEB)
Don’t be afraid. Stand your ground, and watch the LORD rescue you today.

ACTS 26:29 (MSG)
Paul, still in chains, said, “That’s what I’m praying for, whether now or later, and not only you but everyone listening today, to become like me—except, of course, for this prison jewelry!”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Sometimes God's people end up in chains—no cause for panic because he is a rescuer.
 
DAILY FODDER
How has God rescued you in the past?

PRAYER
Steadfast Deliverer, thank you for rescuing me time and time again. Paul had his chains. I confess I have mine. They are fear, resentment, and unrest, to name a few. I need your deliverance today. Whether rescue comes slowly or quickly, help me like Paul, to stand firm in faith. I will try to not be afraid. Please come. 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.

REDIRECTION

Epiphany

PSALM 25:12 (CEB)
Where are the ones who honor the LORD?
God will teach them which path to take.

MATTHEW 2:12 (NLT)
When it was time to leave, the magi returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God continues to redirect his followers.
 
DAILY FODDER
Like the GPS in my phone, constantly recalibrating which route to take based on current conditions, God's leading is dynamic. The magi, who received their initial directions to find Jesus through a star, were tuned in enough for some follow-up redirection that came through a dream. 

PRAYER
Loving God, I appreciate the fact that you've given us some extensive directions for life through your Word—living and written. I admit, though, that I get stuck in the well worn ruts along the path you've provided, and that I have trouble making some needed changes. Continue to lead me through your Holy Spirit and grant me a flexible heart. I want to be responsive to your ongoing redirection in my 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.

FELLOWSHIP OF BELIEVERS

ZECHARIAH 8:21 (CEV)
We're going to ask the LORD All-Powerful to treat us with kindness. Come and join us.

ACTS 16:15 (MSG)
After Lydia was baptized, along with everyone in her household, she said in a surge of hospitality, “If you’re confident that I’m in this with you and believe in the Master truly, come home with me and be my guests.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Our calling is to seek the Lord in the company of others.
 
DAILY FODDER
Practically speaking, how is seeking the Lord in the company of others different from making that pursuit as an individual? Hint: Notice that as soon as Lydia believed, she was immediately drawn into hospitality.

PRAYER
Welcoming God, you've invited us to join the fellowship of those who are turning to you. Forgive me for overemphasizing the individual pursuit of holiness. Help me to figure out how I fit in the company of believers, especially when so many of them are so different from me. I'm going to invite others into my home and my 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.