STAYING IN STEP

1 KINGS 19:18 (CEV)
But 7,000 Israelites have refused to worship Baal, and they will live.

JUDE 20-21 (CEV)
Dear friends, keep building on the foundation of your most holy faith, as the Holy Spirit helps you to pray. And keep in step with God's love, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to show how kind he is by giving you eternal life.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Don't give into the anti-God influences and you will experience the life he gives.

DAILY FODDER
Who are the anti-God influencers who are attempting to influence you in their direction?

PRAYER
Holy God, thank you for the gift of life that comes to me through our Lord Jesus Christ. I confess, though, that I'm too often out of step with you and your life. Holy Spirit, help me to resist the anti-God influencers that court me. They want my thoughts and attitudes. But I'm determined to let you be my sole influence. 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.

DOING

PSALM 92:5 (ABP)
GOD, you are both a great doer and a deep thinker.

REVELATION 15:3 (CEV)
Lord God All-Powerful,
you have done great
and marvelous things.
You are the ruler
of all nations,
and you do what is
right and fair.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

God is the great doer, worthy of our praise and imitation.

DAILY FODDER
As God empowers you do what he does. It's that simple. Love, create, care, reconcile...

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for your amazing ways. Forgive me for counting my days based on limitation, and hesitation. Grant me your deeper wisdom, inspired by your deeds. May what I do reflect you. Transform my narrow view to see you in every nation. Make care for all, my call, in Jesus' name. 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.

REVEL

The First Sunday in Lent

PSALM 68:3 (ABP)
Let the God-loving right-living people rejoice!
Let them be glad hanging out in the presence of God.
Let them bubble over with joy.

MATTHEW 25:21 (CEV)
“Wonderful!” his master replied. “You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!”

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Revel in the the approval of God.

DAILY FODDER
How does your desire for God's approval shape the way you strive for the approval of others?

PRAYER
God, I'm so glad that you want me in your life. I'm not always in touch with that joy and my expressions are akward.  You know that about me and yet you still offer me a place at your table. Help me to grow in awareness of the privelege and in the kind of life that reflects the honor you bestow. I want the joy to bubble over and encourage others to join us at the party. 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.

PATIENCE

EZEKIEL 36:8-9 (CEV)
Trees will grow on you mountains of Israel and produce fruit for my people, because they will soon come home. I will take care of you by plowing your soil and planting crops on your fertile slopes.

JAMES 5:7 (MSG)
Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master’s Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Patience is always evident when we do things according to God's plan and timing.

DAILY FODDER
TRICK QUESTION: What is the fastest route to becoming more patient?

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for being the source of harvest and healing. You are patient and understanding. I confess I am an impatient patient. Grant me the perspective of the farmer. After sowing and resting in your provision, turn me over into your hands. Mold me and create me to be a vessel 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.