BIG-PICTURE

PSALM 33:11 (CEB)
But the LORD’s plan stands forever;
what he intends to do lasts from one generation to the next.

EPHESIANS 1:11-12 (MSG)
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is a big-picture, long-range planner.

DAILY FODDER
Why is it important to look at life and history from God's big-picture perspective? How does it affect the way we function here and now?

PRAYER
Eternal God, you've got a plan grander than we can perceive. Forgive us for thinking that we know exactly what is happening at any given moment. We are presumptuous impatient beings. Help us to set aside our perspectives so that we can experience your wisdom. We'll never be able to understand it all but even a little bit of your perspective brings purpose and calm to our lives. 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.

THE PROVIDER

JOB 38:41 (MSG)
And who sets out food for the ravens
when their young cry to God,
fluttering about because they have no food?

1 CORINTHIANS 3:7 (MSG)
It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Remember who the real provider is.

DAILY FODDER
Why is it important to continually recognize that God stands behind all of our provisions?

PRAYER
Mighty God, your power is displayed everywhere. Yet I foolishly regard myself as abandoned and alone, or worse—as someone learned and in control. Since you alone are God, guide me to my place of service and inspire me to do what I can for the blessing of your people. 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.

SEEKING

1 CHRONICLES 22:19 (CEB)
Now then, dedicate yourselves to seeking the LORD your God.

JOHN 1:45 (MSG)
Philip went and found Nathanael and told him, “We’ve found the One Moses wrote of in the Law, the One preached by the prophets. It’s Jesus, Joseph’s son, the one from Nazareth!”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Life is about seeking the Lord.

DAILY FODDER
It's too bad that the editors of the Moravian Daily Texts didn't include John 1:46 where "Nathanael said, 'Nazareth? You’ve got to be kidding.'" Isn't that the way it often goes? We can't be thrown off track when God reveals his answers in ways we didn't expect.

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for being available. For those who seek, you are easy to find because it turns out that you've been chasing us. But we "play hard to get." Help me to integrate God-seeking into my daily life so that I can grow in my relationship with Christ Jesus, the Savior who came to us to save us. As I open my eyes I expect to see you regularly. 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.

GOD'S DIRECTIONS

PSALM 19:8 (MSG)
The signposts of God are clear
   and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right,
   showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain
   and easy on the eyes.

Luke 11:28 (NLT)
Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Paying attention to God's travel guide pays off.

DAILY FODDER
The Message version of the Bible translates God's law and commands as "signposts" and "lifemaps." Can you think of any other metaphors that might capture the essence of the Hebrew notion of Torah—law, guide, instruction...? 

PRAYER
Blessed God, thank you for revealing yourself in so many astounding ways, especially for your Word-become-flesh in Jesus, our Lord. Help me to stay faithful to his word of love just as he faithfully gave himself for me and for everyone I meet. Place your word in my mouth to spread your abundant blessing everywhere. 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.