FORGIVENESS

ISAIAH 40:2 (MSG)
Speak softly and tenderly to Jerusalem,
     but also make it very clear
That she has served her sentence,
     that her sin is taken care of—forgiven!
She’s been punished enough and more than enough,
     and now it’s over and done with.

LUKE 24:47 (CEV)
They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to turn to God, in order to be forgiven.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Turn around; start walking toward God and into the forgiveness zone.

DAILY FODDER
What would it take to convince yourself that you really are forgiven?

PRAYER
Merciful God, thank you for establishing the forgiveness zone that we enter as we come into the relational presence of Jesus.  It's a place of peace for my anxious soul. Show me how to communicate this good news to all who are troubled by their sins. 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.

QUIET HOPE

LAMENTATIONS 3:26 (MSG)
It’s a good thing to quietly hope,
quietly hope for help from God.

HEBREWS 12:1-2 (NLT)
And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Persevering through all the obstacles life throws at us, we quietly wait with confidence for the moment when God will show his hand.

DAILY FODDER
What does it mean to "quietly hope"?

PRAYER
Savior of the world, thank you for the goals you've established. Forgive me for getting all worked up and losing hope when the world seems overwhelming. Restore my confidence in you and what you're doing. I'm going to continue running in your race; for your goals are now my goals. 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

PSALM 118:18 (ABP)
GOD definitely punished me; but he didn't let me die.

JOHN 5:5, 8-9 (NLT)
One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years... Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”

Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking!

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Regardless of the cause for our infirmities, God's goal for us is healing.

DAILY FODDER
What kind of healing are you trusting God for?

PRAYER
Great Physician, thank you for your gentle care. Like the man who was ill for so many years, I too have struggles and obstacles to overcome. Help me to conquer them, Lord. I lay them at your feet. I trust in you. Heal me. Fill me with your peace and joy. 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.

SERVE

EXODUS 19:6 (CEV)
You will be my holy nation and serve me as priests.

2 TIMOTHY 4:8 (CEB)
At last the champion’s wreath that is awarded for righteousness is waiting for me. The Lord, who is the righteous judge, is going to give it to me on that day. He’s giving it not only to me but also to all those who have set their heart on waiting for his appearance.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

The lifetime achievement award goes to those who serve the Lord with righteousness.

DAILY FODDER
What do you expect to receive when Christ reappears?

PRAYER
God, I want to thank you for such an honorable calling—to live in your service. Forgive me for the times when I lose track of this vocation. I'm depending on you to manifest your righteousness in my life and I'm looking forward to the award assembly. 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.