CARING

PSALM 74:21 (CEV)

Don't disappoint those in need

or make them turn from you,

but help the poor and homeless

to shout your praises.

MATTHEW 15:25-28 (CEV)
   The woman came closer. Then she knelt down and begged, “Please help me, Lord!”
   Jesus replied, “It isn't right to take food away from children and feed it to dogs.”
   “Lord, this is true,” the woman said, “but even puppies get the crumbs that fall from their owner's table.”
   Jesus answered, “Dear woman, you really do have a lot of faith, and you will be given what you want.” At that moment her daughter was healed.

THE ESSENCE
In Jesus' economy the poor and needy are cared for. 

DAILY FODDER
   In the Matthew passage a Cananite woman with a demon-possesed daughter sought Jesus' help. His disciples tried to talk Jesus into turning her away. At first it appears that he was following their advice but he engages her in a conversation that provided an opportunity for the mother to demonstrate faith. She doesn't disappoint, and neither does Jesus—unless you happened to be a reader who wanted to send all the foreigners away.
   How do you think the needy mother responded to Jesus' declaration? How do you think the disciples responded? How about the religious establishment?

PRAYER 
Lord, forgive my blinding privilege. Open my ears and eyes to recognize the Canaanite calls that surround me everyday. You have blessed me with bounty. Help me to let go of my fear of letting go. Crumble my pride so that I will nourish the hungry. 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.

DOUBT

ZEPHANIAH 3:16-17 (NLT)
Cheer up, Zion! Don’t be afraid!
For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.

JUDE 1:22 (CEB)
Have mercy on those who doubt.

THE ESSENCE
Don't jump all over those who are struggling with doubts. 

DAILY FODDER
Why do you think Jude felt compelled to remind the believers of his day to cut the doubters some slack? What was going on? 

PRAYER 
With trembling limbs, I go into this shaky world. Give me a place where I may stand, O Lord, to find my balance in you. Then I will walk by faith with confidence and trust. In fact, I believe I will begin dancing with your rhythm in my rediscovered Zion foundation. 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.

HEALING

2 KINGS 20:5 (MSG)
   From the God of your ancestor David: I’ve listened to your prayer and I’ve observed your tears. I’m going to heal you.

JOHN 4:49-51 (CEB)   
   The royal official said to him, “Lord, come before my son dies.”
   Jesus replied, “Go home. Your son lives.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and set out for his home.
   While he was on his way, his servants were already coming to meet him. They said, “Your son lives!”

THE ESSENCE
God is seriously interested in healing. 

DAILY FODDER
Why doesn't God just heal people's spirits and leave it at that? 

PRAYER 
Doctor Jesus, everywhere you went, people's bodies and hearts were healed. Forgive our short-sighted thinking that wants to limit healing to the spiritual realm. Embolden us to seek healing in Jesus' name. Help us tune into your Holy Spirit to see when, where, and how you want to heal. Start by healing my faith because I trust that you want to include me as a partner in your work of healing the world. 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.

START WITH PEACE

2 CHRONICLES 20:12 (NRSVUE)
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.

LUKE 10:1, 5 (NRSVUE)
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and said to them... "Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!"

THE ESSENCE
When you're on assignment from Jesus, start with a word of peace. 

DAILY FODDER
   And when are you not on assignment from Jesus?
   In 1955 Janet Jackson wrote the lyrics and her husband, Sy Miller, the music for the iconic song “Let There Be Peace On Earth.”

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me;

Let there be peace on earth the peace that was meant to be.

With God as our presence, family all are we.

Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now.

With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow;

To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

PRAYER 
Thank you, Lord, for appointing me an ambassador of your peace. Forgive me for approaching this assignment with outdated approaches, where I start by asserting myself or taking control of the moment. Help me begin with words and posture of peace. I want to represent you, the Prince of Peace, well. 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.