CHRONIC PAIN

JEREMIAH 15:18 (MSG)
But why, why this chronic pain,
   this ever worsening wound and no healing in sight?
You’re nothing, God, but a mirage,
   a lovely oasis in the distance—and then nothing!

EPHESIANS 3:12-13 (CEV)
Christ now gives us courage and confidence, so we can come to God by faith. This is why you should not be discouraged when I suffer for you.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Our relationship with Christ allows us to move forward despite our various and chronic pains.

DAILY FODDER
What kinds of suffering do you have? How does the suffering that Christ endured enable us to transcend what we endure?  

PRAYER
Merciful God, thank you that I may cry out to you in times of pain and suffering. I can bring you tough questions with the boldness of a child who trusts her parent's love. Keep me going forward in faith and help me remember in prayer others who are wounded and need the healing that only comes from 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.

LOYALTY

2 KINGS 13:23 (MSG)
But God was gracious and showed mercy to them. He stuck with them out of respect for his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He never gave up on them, never even considered discarding them, even to this day.

ROMANS 11:29 (CEV)
God doesn't take back the gifts he has given or disown the people he has chosen.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Even if we are unfaithful God faithfully sticks with his people.

DAILY FODDER
If God doesn't take back the gifts he has given or disown his chosen but wayward people, what does he do in response to unfaithfulness?  

PRAYER
Merciful God, I am grateful for your loyalty, even when we are disloyal. I confess that I forget or downplay your calling so that I can pursue my own goals. But you don't stop pursuing me, pulling me back to the safety of your merciful presence. Transform my life and outlook so that I can respond with faithfulness to your faithfulness. I want to live a life shaped by your loving loyalty. 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.

PEACE AND STABILITY

ISAIAH 33:5-6 (NRSV)
The LORD filled Zion with justice and righteousness;
     he will be the stability of your times,
     abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge...

ACTS 9:31 (CEB)
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. God strengthened the church, and its life was marked by reverence for the Lord. Encouraged by the Holy Spirit, the church continued to grow in numbers.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When peace and stability show up, look for the hand of God. 

DAILY FODDER
If true lasting peace and stability come from God, what is our role?  

PRAYER
Gracious Lord, you are my strength and comfort. Whatever dangers I face, you provide salvation in abundance. I confess I look for stability from other sources. Fill my times with your wisdom and knowledge. Help me by your Holy Spirit to be an agent of your generous justice for those who are vulnerable in your world. 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.

GOD ON GUARD

PSALM 121:7 (MSG)
GOD guards you from every evil,
he guards your very life.

JOHN 17:15 (MSG)
I’m not asking that you take them out of the world
But that you guard them from the Evil One.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We need not worry about the attacks of the Evil One because God is on guard.

DAILY FODDER
If God is guarding us, does that mean we won't be dealing with adversity? Why or why not?

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for answering Jesus' prayer. I'm grateful that you are our guard. I admit that I can be prone to anxiety, especially when things happen which make me feel that the devil is out to get me. Reassure me of your vigilant presence. I'm not going to run recklessly into traffic but because I recognize that you are our protector I'm not going to cower behind closed doors. 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.