THE SHEPHERD

PSALM 23:1 (CEB)
The LORD is my shepherd.
I lack nothing.

JOHN 10:11 (MSG)
I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus is my reliable shepherd.

DAILY FODDER
Why are sheep a good metaphor for people?

PRAYER
Because of you, Shepherd Jesus, I lack nothing. Forgive me for the times I mindlessly wander away searching for greener grass when I already have all I need. Keep an eye on me and I'll be alright. 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.

HOLD TIGHT

PROVERBS 4:13 (MSG)
Hold tight to good advice; don’t relax your grip.
Guard it well—your life is at stake!

2 TIMOTHY 3:14-15 (CEB)
But you must continue with the things you have learned and found convincing. You know who taught you. Since childhood you have known the holy scriptures that help you to be wise in a way that leads to salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Hold tight to the things of Christ found in scripture and taught by the important people in your life.

DAILY FODDER
What might cause someone to let go of what they've been taught about Christ and his way of life?

PRAYER
God, your instructions are consistent and trustworthy. I thank you for everyone in my life who has instructed me in your ways —my parents, my Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, family, friends, and... There are so many that I can't count them all. Forgive me for allowing the messages that come from the corrupt world to influence me. Help me to hold tight to your instructions as I make daily decisions about how I'll handle the world around me. I want to be wise in the ways of Christ Jesus. 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 LIGHT

PSALM 36:9 (CEV)
The life-giving fountain
   belongs to you,
and your light gives light
   to each of us.

JOHN 1:4 (NLT)
His life brought light to everyone.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The light that radiates Christ illumines life in ways previously unknown. 

DAILY FODDER
Imagine living in a home without electric lights. How would your life change with the arrival of electricity and lights?

PRAYER
Generous God, you've brought light into the world. Forgive us for failing to flip on the switch that receives your gift. How is it that we prefer to sit in the dark. Save me from my short-sightedness. I want to receive and shine the light of Christ that dismantles all darkness. 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

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.