ENTIRELY ON GOD

EZEKIEL 16:62 (NCB)
Thus I will reestablish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the LORD...

ROMANS 9:16 (CEB)
So then, it doesn’t depend on a person’s desire or effort. It depends entirely on God, who shows mercy.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
It's all up to God. 

DAILY FODDER
It's hard to live in such a way that I'm not the center of the universe. How do we break free from such a perspective? 

PRAYER
Creator and Sustainer of all that is, thank you for holding it all together. Forgive me for slipping into the mindset where everything of importance has to do with me. Help me to reimagine the world so that everything is about you. I want to truly grok your position, love, and mercy. 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 will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

WORD READY

ISAIAH 51:12 (MSG)
“I, I’m the One comforting you.
What are you afraid of—or who?
Some man or woman who’ll soon be dead?
Some poor wretch destined for dust?

1 PETER 3:15 (CEV)
Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life.
Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Don't be afraid to stand up for Christ, the Lord of your life. 

DAILY FODDER
What causes you to hesitate when an opportunity to talk about Christ presents itself? 

PRAYER
Kind God, thank you for entrusting us with your story. Forgive me for the times I fail to share the basis of the hope that you've given to me and all who trust you. Give me courage and boldness to speak up. I'm not going to worry about how things come out but I'm going to say at least something. Afterall, my hope is in you. 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 will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

LISTEN TO HIM

ISAIAH 43:3 (CEV)
I am the Lord, your God,
   the Holy One of Israel,
   the God who saves you.

LUKE 9:35-36 (CEV)
From the cloud a voice spoke, “This is my chosen Son. Listen to what he says!”
After the voice had spoken, Peter, John, and James saw only Jesus.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus is God's chosen savior, who alone is worthy of our attention.  

DAILY FODDER
How has God spoken to you about Jesus?

PRAYER
Gracious God, your carefully executed plan came to an apex with the arrival of our Savior Jesus. We confess, though, that in spite of our admiration and public allegiance to him, we are not good listeners. We let our own personal agendas muffle his voice and at time drown him out altogther. Give us new ears to hear Jesus. I want to allow his life and message to change everything about me—as scarey as that is. 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 will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

EMBRACING NEW LIFE

EZEKIEL 18:23 (ABP)
GOD asks, "Do you think I take pleasure in the death of the wicked? Of course not! I want them to turn their backs on sinful living in order to take up good living. Then they'll really be living!"

ROMANS 6:23 (MSG)
Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Abandon sin so that you can experience real life, as delivered by Jesus. 

DAILY FODDER
Our lives aren't big enough to host both wild sinful parties and Jesus' life-giving party. Something has to go.

PRAYER
Generous Jesus, thank you for delivering new life through the cross and resurrection. Forgive me for my ongoing attachment to the things of the old sin-defined life. Help me to let go of all that is contrary to you and your ways. I want to start living a life defined by eternity. 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 will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.