PRAISE

PSALM 108:1 (CEB)
My heart is unwavering, God.
I will sing and make music—
   yes, with my whole being!

ACTS 3:8 (ABP)
The man who had been unable to walk went into the Temple with Peter and John. He was so worked up over his healing that he couldn't stop pacing back and forth. Then his walking errupted into dancing and his mouth with words of praise for God.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
As you experience what God is doing, allow your heart to overflow into words of praise.  

DAILY FODDER
How do you praise God?

PRAYER
Glorious God, as I reflect on my life I become aware of some of the amazing things you've done. I admit, though, that I hold back my praise because I don't want to make a scene. Help me to get over that fear so that praise freely flows from my lips. I'm going to make a big deal of honoring you for all I've seen you do. 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.

IMPACTFUL WORDS

PROVERBS 3:11 (MSG)
But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;
don’t sulk under his loving correction.

MARK 1:22 (MSG)
He spent the day there teaching. They were surprised at his teaching—so forthright, so confident—not quibbling and quoting like the religion scholars.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The authoritative instruction of Jesus will change your life if you accept it for what it is. 

DAILY FODDER
What has Jesus said that has had the most impact on your life? 

PRAYER
Jesus, I have faith in your authority. Help me receive correction from you graciously. When reproof comes to me, I am often distressed. Set me free from being so locked in my ways that I refuse to change. Great Teacher, thank you for instructing me in how to be open to change in my 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.

LIFE-GIVING

Epiphany

PSALM 23:2-3 (CEB)
He lets me rest in grassy meadows;
   he leads me to restful waters;
       he keeps me alive.

1 PETER 2:25 (CEB)
Though you were like straying sheep, you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your lives.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Trust Jesus for your life.

DAILY FODDER
Practically speaking, how does having a top-rated "guardian of your life" affect the way you live your life?

PRAYER
Great shepherd, thank you for giving me life and for protecting it. I admit that I allow the fearful things in life to lead me astray. Today, on Epiphany we celebrate how you led magi to the baby Jesus. Lead me, too, along your established pathway. Stay close so that when I start to stray you can pull me back to safety. I'm resting in the fact that you are my great shepherd. 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.

STAY THE COURSE WITH JESUS

The 12th Day of Christmas

NAHUM 1:7 (MSG)
GOD is good,
   a hiding place in tough times.
He recognizes and welcomes
   anyone looking for help,
No matter how desperate the trouble.

HEBREWS 10:35 (NLT)
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Stay the course with Jesus no matter how desperate things appear.

DAILY FODDER
Why do you think the author of Hebrews, in the midst of his argument for the superiority of Christ Jesus, feels compelled to admonish his readers to stick with Jesus?

PRAYER
Your strong hold on me, Lord, gives me confidence to face life's troubles. Still, it is easy for me to let troubles overcome me, pin me down, and paralyze me. Beseiged by troubles, I come to you, my stronghold, for refuge. Give me courage to rise up, throw off fear, and take action to help and to love others. 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.