AGING WELL

PSALM 71:9 (CEV)
Don't throw me aside
   when I am old;
don't desert me
   when my strength is gone.

JOHN 21:18 (MSG)
I’m telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you’ll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don’t want to go.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The challenges and opportunities to trust the Lord don't stop as we age. 

DAILY FODDER
What is the most challenging aspect of getting old?

PRAYER
Restoring God, you have been with me down the road of life. I know I can trust you in all things. But as I grow older, my fortitude isn't what it was in my youth. I worry about things over which I have no control. Reassure me that no matter what I go through in years to come, you will be with me. 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.

WALKING STRAIGHT

PSALM 86:11 (MSG)
Train me, GOD, to walk straight;
then I’ll follow your true path.

JOHN 8:32 (MSG)
Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

God's version of truth is freeing and life giving.

DAILY FODDER
Why do we so often resist the freedom that God offers?

PRAYER
Almighty God, thank you for the freedom established and offered by Christ Jesus. I confess that I've been slow to fully accept his offer. Yes, I accept it—but inside I'm a slow learner and I can easily veer off the path. Train me to walk straight. I know I can only experience your freedom as I'm moving along your pathway. And I know that you'll  keep me on the road no matter what obstacles and distractions are ahead. 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.

WITNESSES

ISAIAH 43:10 (CEB)
You are my witnesses, says the LORD...

ACTS 1:8 (CEB)
Rather, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We are called to be witnesses of God's faithful activity.

DAILY FODDER
How do witnesses function in a courtroom? Of what, exactly, are we called to be witnesses?

PRAYER
Faithful God, you've positioned us to see and report on your activity in the world. I confess that my credibility as a witness is sometimes compromised by my words and actions, or at times, lack thereof. Empower me to serve as a reliable witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I want to be among the convinced and convincing witnesses. 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.

CHRIST IS OUR LEADER

ISAIAH 43:21 (NLT)
I have made Israel for myself,
and they will someday honor me before the whole world.

HEBREWS 3:6 (CEV)
But Christ is the Son in charge of God's people. And we are those people, if we keep on being brave and don't lose hope.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Christ is our leader and we bravely continue to follow his directions.

DAILY FODDER
Practically speaking, how do you follow Christ?

PRAYER
Protector Savior, we are called to declare your praise everwhere we go. You faithfully watch over our comings and goings. Forgive me when I forget these truths and hopefulessly lose my way. Thank you for faithfully restoring me to you time and time again. Give me boldness to witness to your ways for someone who needs hope today. 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.