JESUS THE TEACHER

ISAIAH 2:3 (ABP)
The day is coming when large numbers of people from many nations will make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem saying, "Let's go on up to the Mountain of the Lord, the house of Jacob's God, so that he'll teach us his way and then we can walk along his pathway."

MATTHEW 5:1-2 (CEV)
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on the side of a mountain and sat down. Jesus' disciples gathered around him, and he taught them...

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Jesus is the teacher that the world longs for.

DAILY FODDER
What has Jesus taught you this week?

PRAYER
Holy Teacher, thank you for always walking beside me, guiding me, and showing me your path. I come to you today ready to be taught. Speak to me. Help me to be led by you with a fresh spring in my step and your love in my heart. This day is for you. 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.

GROW

PSALM 14:2 (NLT)
The LORD looks down from heaven
on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
if anyone seeks God.

2 PETER 3:18 (NLT)
Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

The truly wise seek to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus.

DAILY FODDER
What do you do to nurture your relationship and understanding of Jesus?

PRAYER
God, through Jesus you've made yourself accesible to humans. Forgive me for pursuing things totally unrelated to Jesus and his mission. Help me to pursue him with everything I am. I want to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ Jesus. That's the only wise thing 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.

CELEBRATING THE SAVIOR

JEREMIAH 3:23 (ABP)
Despite all the hollering and propaganda to the contrary, only in GOD—our God—is there salvation for Israel.

LUKE 1:46-47 (CEV)
Mary said:
     With all my heart
     I praise the Lord,
          and I am glad
     because of God my Savior.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Celebrate God as Savior!

DAILY FODDER
Which part of the Jesus story triggers the most celebration in you?

PRAYER
My spirit rejoices in you, my God, and my salvation. I confess, though, that I often seek salvation by accumulating wealth, from the praise of others, and in personal accomplishments. Forgive me for pursuing salvation in the wrong places. Today I let go of my false pursuits and, like Mary, humbly love and serve only you. 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.

BROTHER'S KEEPER

1 SAMUEL 17:18 (MSG)
One day, Jesse told David his son, "Check in on your brothers to see whether they are getting along all right, and let me know how they’re doing..."

LUKE 5:18 (MSG)
Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

The faith that God notices involves being one's brother's keeper.

DAILY FODDER
We tend to emphasize the personal experiential dimensions of genuine faith. Indeed, those dimensions are essential but what is continually emphasized in scripture are the social dimensions. Genuine faith always involves looking out for one's brothers, sisters, neighbors, and even, as Jesus sees things, one's enemies.

PRAYER
Thank you, generous God, for placing so many wonderful people in my life. Some of them are struggling but I confess that I struggle to find the time and energy to carry them to you.  Given my struggles, show me how to be a healing presence in the lives of those around me. I want to bring all to Jesus and I am confident that you can make that kind of thing happen. 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.