AS PROMISED

GENESIS 15:1 (CEV)
Later the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision, “Abram, don't be afraid! I will protect you and reward you greatly.”

HEBREWS 6:15 (CEV)
Then after Abraham had been very patient, he was given what God had promised.

SUMMARY SENTENCE

We can count on God to keep his promises.

DAILY FODDER
We feel free to do things outside our comfort zone as we realize we have a great patron and reliable backer. 

PRAYER
Faithful God, I'm grateful that you keep your promises and are reliable. Forgive my reluctance to move beyond my comfort zone when you call me to do something unusual. Help me to recognize your faithfulness in those moments so that I can boldly move forward full of confidence. I want to become the kind of person you can rely on. In the name of Jesus, I pray, 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.

JUSTICE COMES

PSALM 94:15 (NLT)
Judgment will again be founded on justice,
and those with virtuous hearts will pursue it.

LUKE 18:7-8 (CEB)
Won’t God provide justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he be slow to help them? I tell you, he will give them justice quickly. But when the Human One comes, will he find faithfulness on earth?

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Live in anticipation of justice.

DAILY FODDER
How does the promise of justice affect your outlook on life? Your behavior?

PRAYER
Just God, I'm grateful that you are sending Jesus back to finish his kingdom mission of complete justice. Forgive me for allowing the injustices of the world to stress me out. Restore my confidence in your plan and teach me how to live faithfully during this era of tension. I'm going to allow your promised future to define how I handle the present situation. 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.

ROCK AND FORTRESS

PSALM 71:3 (NLT)
Be my rock of safety
   where I can always hide.
Give the order to save me,
   for you are my rock and my fortress.

MATTHEW 26:39 (MSG)
Going a little ahead, he fell on his face, praying, “My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this. But please, not what I want. You, what do you want?”

SUMMARY SENTENCE

Our eternal safety becomes most evident when we do what God calls us to do.

DAILY FODDER
Do "bad things" ever happen to people who trust in God as a refuge?

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you for showing me your humanity and your need to cry out to our heavenly Father. When I am overwhelmed, frightened, or uncertain, remind me that you are with me. You are my rock and my fortress. I will submit to your will. I trust you to provide the strength and guidance I need. 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.

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.