OPPOSITION

EZRA 8:31 (CEV)
Our God watched over us, and as we traveled along, he kept our enemies from ambushing us.

2 TIMOTHY 3:11 (CEB)
I put up with all sorts of abuse, and the Lord rescued me from it all!

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The Lord is our rescuer. 

DAILY FODDER
How often has God rescued you? More times than you realize?  

PRAYER
Almighty God, I'm grateful to be on your side. Forgive me for growing anxious when the opposition looks strong. Remind me of all the ways you have rescued your people in the past. I know I don't need to worry when I'm marching with you. 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 IN COMMAND

The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

NUMBERS 9:18 (MSG)
The People of Israel marched at GOD’s command and they camped at his command.

HEBREWS 11:8 (NTFE)
It was by faith that Abraham, when God called him, obeyed and went out to a place where he was to receive an inheritance. Off he went, not knowing where he was going.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
We obey God's orders, even when we don't understand them. 

DAILY FODDER
Do you remember the Ground Hog Day movie, where the character played by Bill Murray, a cynical television weatherman, gets stuck in a time loop on February 2nd, reliving the day over and over again until he gets his act together? Do you ever feel like you're in a loop, reliving the same stuff over and over again until you get on board with God's plan?

PRAYER
Merciful God, you continue to give us commands, even when we ignore them. Please be patient and give me the time I need to obey. I recognize that the time is now and that I need to get on board with your plan or I'll never get out of this frustrating loop. I want to live a new day with you in command. 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.

ETERNAL LIFE

DANIEL 12:2 (MSG)
Many who have been long dead and buried will wake up, some to eternal life, others to eternal shame.

ROMANS 14:9 (NTFE)
That is why the Messiah died and came back to life, so that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Eternal life isn't pie in the sky but an extension of what Jesus is doing in the here and now.

DAILY FODDER
How does the hope of eternal life affect who you are right now in this moment?

PRAYER
Jesus, Lord of the living and the dead, I neither understand how the dead will rise nor comprehend eternity. But my faith is firm because my hope is anchored in your promise that I will live forever because you died and rose again. Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus! Give me wings to fly, proclaiming hope to people everywhere. 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.

SPEAK UP

PSALM 51:15 (MSG)
Unbutton my lips, dear God;
I’ll let loose with your praise.

ACTS 4:20 (CEV)
We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Our experience with Christ prevents us from being quiet bystanders.

DAILY FODDER
What has Christ done in your life that you want to talk about?

PRAYER
Glorious God, there is so much about who you are and what you've done that needs to be said. Yet, at times I'm shy, worried about the impression I might make on others. Help me overcome this shyness so that the words of praise freely flow from my lips. I'm grateful that you are in my life. 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.