THE SOURCE OF WISDOM

PROVERBS 15:33 (ABP)
You receive wisdom by showing respect for GOD.

1 CORINTHIANS 1:21 (NLT)
Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The only kind of wisdom that matters is what comes from the Lord.

DAILY FODDER
What is your goal for wisdom in life? How do you expect to attain such wisdom?

PRAYER
Since you, O God, are all wise, it is no surprise that wisdom is found in you. I'm grateful that you share it, even though I am not always so good at receiving it. I look in lots of wrong places for that which is already mine through a relationship with Christ Jesus. Keep my relationship with him fresh so that I can acquire the wisdom needed to live eternally in your presence. You are my only hope for all that matters. 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.

JESUS OBSESSION

PSALM 63:6 (NCV)
God, I remember you while I’m lying in bed;
I think about you through the night.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:10 (CEB)
Jesus died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with him.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus is all-consuming, 24/7, alive or asleep.

DAILY FODDER
Why would someone want to become obsessed with Jesus when there are so many interesting people and ideas in the world?

PRAYER
Jesus, I'm obsessed with you. My life revolves around you and I think often of you throughout the day and night. Yet, there are gaps when I lose contact. So, I'm asking you to strebgten the mental and spiritual connection between us so that I'm living in full communion with you 24/7. I know that such a union will transcend death itself. 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.

GOING ALONG WITH JESUS

ISAIAH 52:12 (MSG)
GOD is leading you out of here, and the God of Israel is also your rear guard.

MARK 2:14 (MSG)
Strolling along, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, at his work collecting taxes. Jesus said, “Come along with me.” He came.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is leading us through Jesus; we're invited to go along with him.

DAILY FODDER
What does it feel like to have someone important to you ask you to go along with him somewhere? 

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for inviting us to be your companions. It's an honor. Forgive me for wandering off on my own. Help me to stay close to you and your incredible mission to reset creation to a healthy state. I'm going to savor every minute of our partnership. 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.

GOD OVER ALL

The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

PSALM 135:6 (ABP)
GOD does whatever he wants, wherever, from the highest point above us to the lowest point below—and including everything in between.

ROMANS 12:11 (CEB)
Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord!

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The opportunities to serve the Lord are vast, so go all out for him.

DAILY FODDER
If God is so powerful and sovereign over everything, why does he want me in his service?

PRAYER
Mighty God, the universe is so big and I am so small. Yet I confess I make my life to be more about me than anything else. Help me to look away from my small self to see the miracles all around me, and lead me to rejoice in the power of your purpose and plan. 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.