NO "IFS"

JOB 12:14 (CEB)
If he tears down, it can’t be rebuilt;
if he ties a person up, he can’t be set free.

MARK 9:23-24 (MSG)
Jesus said, “If? There are no ‘ifs’ among believers. Anything can happen.”
No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, “Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God's decisions are the final word; so turn to and trust him. 

DAILY FODDER
In Mark 9 a man turned to Jesus for help but was unsure of his ability to actually do anything. Jesus set him straight and erased his doubts, as no one else can do.

PRAYER
Thank you, healing God, for opening the secret doors of my unbelief. You know my faith is shaky unless your power fills me. You have chosen me to hear your voice. You do all things for me. As your faith frees me, I live with courage. My weakness becomes an opportunity for your grace. 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 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.

RAINBOWS

GENESIS 9:13 (NLT)
I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.

2 PETER 3:7 (MSG)
But God has commanded the present heavens and earth to remain...

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is holding back inevitable judgment because of his faithfulness.  

DAILY FODDER
Do you really believe that judgment is inevitable? If so, how does that change the way you approach life?

PRAYER
Faithful God, each time I see a rainbow I'm reminded that you are mercifully holding things together. I confess, though, that between rainbow sightings I can get caught up in the angst of the times. Keep reminding me of your faithfulness. I need to see some visible reminders. Yet, even when the rainbow isn't visible I know that it's there, as are 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 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.

COMFORT

ISAIAH 61:2 (CEV)
The LORD has sent me to comfort those who mourn...

2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4 (CEB)
May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed! He is the compassionate Father and God of all comfort. He’s the one who comforts us in all our trouble so that we can comfort other people who are in every kind of trouble. We offer the same comfort that we ourselves received from God.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God comforts us so that we can comfort others.

DAILY FODDER
When you are having difficulties, how does God comfort you? How is Christ himself the source of comfort?

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for sending your Comforter to ease us through the difficult times. I'm not always one to pay it forward when I see others in distress. It's so painful to see people hurting that I busy myself with other important matters. Fill me again with your comfort so the Holy Spirit can use me to comfort others. I want to be a part of the great divine cycle of comfort. 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.

WORD!

PSALM 119:24 (MSG)
Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight;
I listen to them as to good neighbors!

MATTHEW 5:17 (NLT)
Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus is the living Word from God, worthy of our full attention. 

DAILY FODDER
In what sense does the God's Word delight you?

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I am thankful for your boundaries, your laws and your decrees. I am grateful that both law and promise are fulfilled in you. When I fix my eyes on your commandments, I fail. Then you surprise me with grace and compassion. Help me look beyond my failures to you alone. You are my counselor, guide, Savior, and friend. 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 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.