THE SPIRIT

1 SAMUEL 10:6 (CEB)
Then the Lord’s spirit will come over you, and you will be caught up in a prophetic frenzy right along with them; it will be like you’ve become a completely different person.

ROMANS 8:16 (CEB)
The same Spirit agrees with our spirit, that we are God’s children.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

The Holy Spirit works within us to change us so that we are living in harmony with him.  

DAILY FODDER
How would you describe your experience with the Holy Spirit?

PRAYER
I'm grateful, Spirit of God, that you are active in my life. I'm not exactly the easiest person to work with but I am looking to you for the changes that need to be made. I'm anticipating that through your tutelage I will continue to grow into my role as a child of yours. 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.

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.