PARTY LIFE

ZECHARIAH 3:4 (ABP)
Look! I've erased all your guilt and I'm going to dress you in festive attire.

LUKE 15:22, 24 (NRSV)
The father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him... for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Imagine God dressing you in the finest party clothes, not because you deserve it but because he is gracious.

DAILY FODDER
We often think of Christian living as getting the do's and don't's right—avoiding all the sins. But notice how often in the Bible, life with God is portrayed as a party life.

PRAYER
Generous God, you sent Jesus into the world to start a party. Forgive me for failing to join in as I am obsessed with determining whether I'm worthy. Help me focus on your generosity rather than my shortcomings or accomplishments. I'm going to put on the party clothes you've laid out for 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 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.

STEADY

PSALM 94:18 (CEB)
Whenever I feel my foot slipping,
your faithful love steadies me, LORD.

2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 (MSG)
He told me,
     My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
     My strength comes into its own in your weakness.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God's grace is suffiicient to get us through anything.

DAILY FODDER
If weaknesses are channels for God's grace into our lives, why do we fret so much over them? 

PRAYER
Gracious God, I'm amazed that you continue to have room for a weakling like me in your life. I slip up a lot but you steady me. Forgive me for fretting over my weaknesses and making everything about my shortcomings. Help me to refocus on your love and grace. I'm going to move forward one step at a time, knowing how you are there for 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 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.

CHOOSE

JEREMIAH 15:19 (CEB)
Therefore, the LORD proclaims:
If you return to me, I will take you back
and let you stand before me.

MATTHEW 10:32 (MSG)
Stand up for me against world opinion and I’ll stand up for you before my Father in heaven.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Make up your mind and choose to serve the Lord.

DAILY FODDER
Put on your big boy pants and choose who you are going to stand with.

PRAYER
God, you are steady and reliable. I am all but those things. I'm continually having to choose to return to you because I'm so easily swayed by what's popular in the world around me. Teach me faithfulness and empower me through your indwelling Holy Spirit to live faithfully. I'm tired of roller coaster living. 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.

PRAYER THROUGH THE GOOD AND BAD

LAMENTATIONS 3:41 (NCV)
Let us lift up our hands and pray from our hearts to God in heaven...

JAMES 5:13 (MSG)
Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Pray through the tough times and the good times.

DAILY FODDER
How do you pray when you're too frustrated to pray? What can you do now to prepare yourself to pray more consistently during the challenging times?

PRAYER
Loving God, you're all ears — ready to engage with us when we're hurting — eager to hear our songs when we're happy. Forgive me for trying to keep it all to myself. I know I can't handle it all but I need constant reminders to turn to you. Teach me to develop a prayer pattern that will stay constant through difficult times. I will turn to you in both the happy and sad times we all face — yes, even devoted followers of Christ Jesus, in whose name I pray. 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.