GOD'S DIRECTION

EXODUS 23:20 (MSG)
Now get yourselves ready. I’m sending my Angel ahead of you to guard you in your travels, to lead you to the place that I’ve prepared.

MATTHEW 2:13 (CEB)
When the magi had departed, an angel from the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up. Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod will soon search for the child in order to kill him.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God directs his people through the landmines that have been set to destroy us.

DAILY FODDER
What are the dangers that you are currently encountering. How has God been guarding you along the way?  

PRAYER
Lord, you are always one step ahead of me. Sometimes the future looks ominous. Forgive me for getting stuck in one place. Send your Holy Spirit to stir my heart and move me forward on the path you have set for me. Bless all those traveling into unknown territory. Provide us each a safe destination. 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 will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

DON'T BE AFRAID

ISAIAH 43:5 (CEV)
Don't be afraid! I am with you.

ACTS 18:9-10 (CEV)
One night, Paul had a vision, and in it the Lord said, “Don't be afraid to keep on preaching. Don't stop! I am with you, and you won't be harmed.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Fear is an irrational response when we know that Jesus is with us.

DAILY FODDER
What kinds of fears do you have to deal with? Fears that get in the way of following Jesus?

PRAYER
Almighty God, thank you for the reassuring word about your presence. I admit that there are things that make me afraid—things that stir up unnecessary anxiety. Help me to trust you in even the scariest of situations. I know that you are working things out for the best and to your glory. 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.

REPLACE WORRY WITH PRAYER

JONAH 2:7 (MSG)
When my life was slipping away,
   I remembered GOD,
And my prayer got through to you,
   made it all the way to your Holy Temple.

PHILIPPIANS 4:6 (CEV)
Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The prayer channel is always open.

DAILY FODDER
What problems have you been praying about this week? Good for you!

PRAYER
I appreciate it, God, that you're all ears. I confess, though, that I'm not as communicative as I should be. I prefer to worry over things rather than release them to you. Keep me mindful of your power, care, and attentiveness. I'm going to replace my worry with prayer. 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.

JOURNEY WITH GOD

EXODUS 33:14 (MSG)
God said, “My presence will go with you. I’ll see the journey to the end.”

HEBREWS 4:9-10 (MSG)
The promise of “arrival” and “rest” is still there for God’s people. God himself is at rest. And at the end of the journey we’ll surely rest with God.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When we journey with God the destination is guaranteed.

DAILY FODDER
What do you think resting with God looks like? How do you experience it even now?

PRAYER
Loving God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—you don't abandon us to journey on our own. I confess that at times I try to move forward without you. Forgive me for my hyper-independence. Show me how to walk with you as a partner in your divine triune community. I am savoring your presence and looking forward to living with you all in your eternal rest. 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.