REFORMED

The Third Sunday in Advent

JEREMIAH 7:4-5 (NLT)
But don’t be fooled by those who promise you safety simply because the Lord’s Temple is here. They chant, “The Lord’s Temple is here! The Lord’s Temple is here!” But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts and deeds and start treating each other with justice...

LUKE 1:68, 74-75 (NLT)
Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
   because he has visited and redeemed his people.
We have been rescued from our enemies
   so we can serve God without fear,
      in holiness and righteousness
   for as long as we live.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

We've been rescued by God so we can serve him and his agenda.

DAILY FODDER
How have you experienced God's rescue in your life?

PRAYER
Glorious God, you sent your Son into the world to rescue us from sin and death. I admit that even though I've said words of repentance so I can experience your rescue, I don't allow you to change me as much as I need to be changed. Rekindle passion for holiness and righteousness in my life. I want to be reformed into someone who can actually serve you with complete confidence. 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.

DEATH GRIP

2 SAMUEL 12:9 (CEB)
Why have you despised the Lord’s word by doing what is evil in his eyes?

ROMANS 7:24-25 (NLT)
Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Christ frees us from the influence of sin and death.

DAILY FODDER
What is an area in your life in which you are still under the influence of sin and death?

PRAYER
Merciful God, in the mirror of your word I see the evil I have done. Thank you for rescuing me from the death grip of sin. My salvation comes through the sacrifice of your Son Jesus Christ. Help me live a life worthy of your calling. Embolden me to reach out and lead others to victory in Christ. 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.

DON'T BE AFRAID

EXODUS 3:6 (CEB)
Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God.

MATTHEW 17:7-8 (NLT)
Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Jesus makes God approachable, erasing our fear.

DAILY FODDER
What, if anything is the difference between fearing God and being afraid of him? Why are we told to fear him (e.g. Leviticus 25:17) but not be afraid of him? 

PRAYER
God of comfort, I'm thankful that you approach us and through Christ Jesus welcome us into your presence. Forgive us for the dual offences of taking your invite too casually and that of using fear of our unworthiness to keep you at a distance. Help me understand how to fear and revere you without being afraid. When you touch me, I'm  going to try to not be afraid. 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 DOING

JOB 5:11 (ABP)
God propers the poor and lifts the downtrodden.

1 CORINTHIANS 1:27 (MSG)
Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these “nobodies” to expose the hollow pretensions of the “somebodies”?

SUMMARY SENTENCE

God prospers the unlikely to show who is really in charge.  

DAILY FODDER
Are you a somebody or a nobody, according to Paul's illustration in 1 Corinthians 1?

PRAYER
God of grace and glory, sometimes I don't feel good enough. Thank you for reminding me that you do extraordinary things through ordinary people, You lift up those who mourn, strengthen the weak, and work through those with humble hearts. Fill me with your love and wisdom. Make me a channel of blessings in a hurting world. 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.