ABUSED

ISAIAH 53:3 (CEV)
No one wanted to look at him.
We despised him and said,
“He is a nobody!”

JOHN 19:5 (MSG)
Pilate announced, “Here he is: the Man.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus was the disrespected savior.

DAILY FODDER
What difference does it make that Jesus was treated so poorly?

PRAYER
Precious Savior, we are thankful that you put up with such abuse to save us from death and sin. We tend to turn away from the ugliness of this aspect of our salvation and focus exclusively on how happy you make us feel. Help us to see the whole process so that we, too, would stand firm when we're disrespected on your behalf. 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.

FAITHFUL EXAMPLES

JEREMIAH 6:16 (CEV)
The LORD said:
   My people, when you stood
      at the crossroads,
   I told you, “Follow the road
      your ancestors took,
   and you will find peace.”

HEBREWS 6:11-12 (CEV)
We wish each of you would always be eager to show how strong and lasting your hope really is. Then you would never be lazy. You would be following the example of those who had faith and were patient until God kept his promise to them.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Tune into the example of those who have preceded us along the route of faithfulness.

DAILY FODDER
Not all the roads our ancestors took were faithful. How do you know when to follow their example and when to blaze a new pathway?

PRAYER
Faithful God, thank you for the stories of those who have attempted to follow you in the past. Forgive me for thinking that my moment is so unique that I don't have to pay attention to their witness. Lead me deeper into the biblical story so I can see where our pathes cross. I'm going to let ancient godly wisdom steer me along the modern path. 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.

QUIT PRETENDING

JEREMIAH 6:13-14 (MSG)
Everyone’s after the dishonest dollar,
  little people and big people alike.
Prophets and priests and everyone in between
  twist words and doctor truth.
My people are broken—shattered!—
   and they put on Band-Aids,
Saying, ‘It’s not so bad. You’ll be just fine.’
But things are not ‘just fine’!

ROMANS 12:9 (NTL)
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Quit pretending and embrace genuine love. 

DAILY FODDER
How do you know if your love is genuine?

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, all glory and honor belong to you, for your truth never wavers and your word never lies. In your mercy reveal to me any deceitful ways or evil manners I might harbor in my heart. Redeem my life and let it be a true reflection of your steadfast love that can show and announce true peace. 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.

FAIRNESS

LEVITICUS 19:15 (MSG)
Don’t pervert justice. Don’t show favoritism to either the poor or the great. Judge on the basis of what is right.

JAMES 2:1 (MSG)
My dear friends, don’t let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Favoritism has no place in God's realm.

DAILY FODDER
Is it possible to be partial without realizing it? 

PRAYER
Just God, you see everything as it is and are completely fair. Forgive us for giving up on fairness because it gets so complicated in our crazy world. Help us to lean into your wisdom so we can treat everyone without partiality. I'm confident that if I stay close to you I'll know what to do when things get complicated. 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.