GOD'S PATIENCE

ISAIAH 30:18 (MSG)
But GOD’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you.
He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you.

ACTS 15:11 (NLT)
We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

God is patiently waiting around until the time when we'll be receptive to his grace.

DAILY FODDER
How does it make you feel to know that God is waiting for you? Grateful? Anxious? Fearful? 

PRAYER
God, I for one find it comforting to know that you're patiently waiting for me. You must care a lot. Thank you. Forgive me for my slowness to totally embrace your kindness. Help me to release those things on my personal agenda that get in the way of receptivity. Even so, I'm celebrating your undeserved grace and am looking forward to the time when I'm mature enough to more fully appreciate it. 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.

NO CONDEMNATION

The Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

ISAIAH 50:8 (NLT)
He who gives me justice is near.

JOHN 8:10-11 (CEV)
Jesus stood up and asked her, “Where is everyone? Isn't there anyone left to accuse you?”
“No sir,” the woman answered.
Then Jesus told her, “I am not going to accuse you either. You may go now, but don't sin anymore.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

There is no condemnation in Jesus.

DAILY FODDER
What does it feel like, knowing that even your staunchest supporters are on high alert looking for your faults? How is Jesus different?

PRAYER
Gracious Jesus, I can spend time with you in confidence. I know that you not only understand me but that you don't condemn me. Forgive me for nurturing a critical spirit where I'm constantly trying to assign motives to the actions of others. Help me to embrace even the worst of sinners with an uncritical spirit. I want to be like you, approaching justice with mercy. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)Gracious
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.

TRUSTED ADVISER

PSALM 32:8 (CEB)
I’ll advise you and keep my eye on you.

MATTHEW 4:19 (NLT)
Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me..."

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Follow Jesus, your trusted adviser.

DAILY FODDER
In some ways following Jesus is about joining his Kingdom of God but it is also about having a trustworthy Savior who is looking out for each and every step of your life.

PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, for being my trusted adviser. I admit that I don't always follow your advice. Help check my ego so that I can become more consistent in following. I know that you are looking out for my best interests, which are intimately attached to your kingdom agenda. 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.

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.