BUILDING ON BEDROCK

ISAIAH 26:4 (NCV)
So, trust the LORD always,
because he is our Rock forever.

LUKE 6:47-48 (CEB)
Jesus said, "I’ll show what it’s like when someone comes to me, hears my words, and puts them into practice. It’s like a person building a house by digging deep and laying the foundation on bedrock."

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Build your life on Christ, the bedrock, by applying his teaching to your life.  

DAILY FODDER
How firm is your foundation?

PRAYER
I praise and thank you, Lord Jesus. You are my everlasting rock. You support me with your unconditional love and mighty power. Help me dig deep into the scriptures to build a solid foundation of knowing, trusting, and acting on your words. With you I need not be shaken by the storms of life. 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.

ADAPTING FOR THE FUTURE

The First Sunday in Advent

PSALM 119:5 (NLT)
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your decrees!

MATTHEW 3:2 (CEB)
“Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!”

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Get your lives in order because God's kingdom is coming right at us on a collision course.

DAILY FODDER
Is the coming of God's kingdom, of which Jesus constantly spoke, good or bad news for you?

PRAYER
Almighty, yet merciful God, thank you for reminding us of what's coming. I so easily forget and get caught up trying to live my life according to the standards and values of the existing regime. As you close in keep me alert to the changes I need to make so that my life aligns with what is coming. I'm depending on your grace to usher me into the future. 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.

LOVE GOD, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS

DEUTERONOMY 6:5 (ABP)
Your assignment is to love GOD (the one who called you to himself) with your entire heart — not only that but with the entirety of who you are — and do it with every ounce of energy you have! 

ROMANS 13:10 (CEV)
No one who loves others will harm them. So love is all that the Law demands.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

You can't go wrong if you love God and your neighbors — and you are totally wrong if you don't.

DAILY FODDER
It doesn't get any simpler or challenging than that.

PRAYER
Loving God, you've called us to imitate you. Even though this assignment seems pretty clear I confess that I look for ways to complicate things. I make excuses to avoid loving some people. Reshape my heart so that it pounds with yours. I know there are some really unlovable and undeserving people out there, but I'm going to accept that as a challenge to up my game. And maybe someday I'll become so loving that people will notice you're the source. 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.

JOY THROUGH OBEDIENCE

PSALM 119:14 (CEV)
   Obeying your instructions
      brings as much happiness
      as being rich.

JOHN 15:10-11 (MSG)
   If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love.
   “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature.

 

SUMMARY SENTENCE

We stay connected to Christ and experience his joy by doing what he asks.

DAILY FODDER
The psalmist says, "Obeying your instructions brings as much happiness as being rich." How can this be? Have you found it true in your life?

PRAYER
True Vine, day after day you bless me with the gift of eternal life by inviting me to abide in your love that my joy may be made complete. I confess it is so difficult for me to submit to your pruning. Cleanse me, purify me, and put my priorities in right order. Bring joy in this process. 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.