GOD'S PROTECTION

PSALM 91:1-2 (CEB)
Living in the Most High’s shelter,
   camping in the Almighty’s shade,
I say to the LORD, 

   “You are my refuge, my stronghold!
   You are my God—the one I trust!”

ACTS 26:22 (NLT)
But God has protected me right up to this present time so I can testify to everyone, from the least to the greatest.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We can count on God to protect us.

DAILY FODDER
From what does God protect us? Are there things from which he doesn't protect people?

PRAYER
Almighty God, you are my refuge, my stronghold! It feels good to say that, although I easily slip into the mode of thinking where I feel responsible for my own protection. And that quickly degenerates into worry. Help me to look to you completely for protection. And give me the wisdom to implement your security. Even if things go sideways I know you'll take care of me forever. So, I'm not going to worry. 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 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.

TRUST THE LORD TO CARE FOR YOU

PSALM 115:11 (CEB)
You who honor the LORD, trust in the LORD!

MATTHEW 6:26 (CEB)
Look at the birds in the sky. They don’t sow seed or harvest grain or gather crops into barns. Yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Trust the Lord to take care of you. 

DAILY FODDER
If we're trusting God to take care of us, why do we have to work?

PRAYER
Attentive God, if you care for the birds how much more do you care about us—those whom you've called to partner with you in caring for the birds. Thank you for the breadth of your care. Forgive me for worrying about the situation in the world. Help me to be appropriately concerned but without worry. Show me what it means to trust you in 2024. I'm going to let you take care of me. 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 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.

THE POOR

PSALM 41:1 (CEB)
Those who pay close attention to the poor are truly happy!
The LORD rescues them during troubling times.

HEBREWS 13:16 (NLT)
And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
If you want to experience God's blessings remember the poor.

DAILY FODDER
What does the psalmist mean when he says, "Pay close attention to the poor..."? What does that look like for individuals? What does that look like for a nation? 

PRAYER
Merciful God, you must be delighted because you pay close attention to the poor. Your grace is amazing! I admit that I'm indifferent to the needs of the poor a good deal of the time, yet I expect you to look out for me. I'm sort of starting to recognize the irony of that. Help me to reorient my life so that these people who are so important to you become important to me. I want to let Jesus' agenda become my own. 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 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.

HONORING GOD WITH THOROUGHNESS

JOEL 2:13 (CEV)
Don't rip your clothes
   to show your sorrow.
Instead, turn back to me
   with broken hearts.

1 CORINTHIANS 6:20 (ABP)
God paid a lot for you. So give God a solid return on his investment by using your body to honor him.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Do a thorough turn to God. 

DAILY FODDER
Why is it so challenging to turn to God on more than a shallow suface level? Read the rest of 1 Corinthians 6 to learn how God has responded on our behalf to this challenge. 

PRAYER
Generous God, you must love us a lot to pay for us with the life of your Son. Forgive our half-ass responses to your kindness. Through your ever-present Spirit draw me deeper into the Christ-shaped life. I want everything about me—my thoughts, words, and actions—to honor you. You are most worthy. 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 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.