CHALLENGING MOMENTS

PSALM 34:19 (CEV)
People who do what is right may have many problems,
but the LORD will solve them all.

MARK 13:11 (CEB)
When they haul you in and hand you over, don’t worry ahead of time about what to answer or say. Instead, say whatever is given to you at that moment, for you aren’t doing the speaking but the Holy Spirit is.

THE ESSENCE
Trust that God will get you through each challenging moment.

DAILY FODDER
What challenges are stressing you out today? What does entrusting those challenges to the Lord look like in practical terms? 

PRAYER 
Savior God, thank you for your reliable rescue. I admit, though, that sometimes I still stress out over what I'm facing. Sometimes I'm even afraid. Calm my nerves and save me from my fears. I want to trust that you will again be my Savior. 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.

LIFE GIVER

Pentecost

NEHEMIAH 9:6 (NIV)
You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

ACTS 4:31 (CEV)
After they had prayed, the meeting place shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and bravely spoke God's message.

THE ESSENCE
When God moves he shakes things up. 

DAILY FODDER
Why is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost such a pivotal moment for the church? How does it affect the way you live out your faith?

PRAYER 
Generous God, you gave us life at the point of creation. Then at Pentecost you breathed into us a fresh breath of life. You are worthy of all honor, allegiance, and trust. Yet, we fall short because we fail to attend to the presence of your Spirit in our lives. Transform me into a spiritually sensitive follower of Jesus so that I can boldly share your message with all who are within earshot. 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.

POSITION AND OPPOSITION

2 CHRONICLES 20:6 (MSG)
O God, God of our ancestors, are you not God in heaven above and ruler of all kingdoms below? You hold all power and might in your fist—no one stands a chance against you!

LUKE 4:29-30 (NLT)
Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way.

THE ESSENCE
Ultimately, no one can maintain opposition to God.

DAILY FODDER
Why would anyone WANT to position himself against God? 

PRAYER 
Mighty God, no one can withstand you. I've been to the edge of the cliff, about to fall, and you have brought me back. In my weakness, you give me power. When I don' see a way, you make one. Alone, I am nothing. Strengthen me in adversity. Make me bold—all of you, none of me. 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.

GOD'S FOREVER PROTECTION

PSALM 125:2 (MSG)
Mountains encircle Jerusalem,
and God encircles his people—
always has and always will.

JOHN 17:15 (MSG)
I’m not asking that you take them out of the world
But that you guard them from the Evil One.

THE ESSENCE
God wraps his protectve arms around his people. 

DAILY FODDER
Why does God let people struggle free from his protective hug? Why do people want to break free? 

PRAYER 
Mighty Savior, you have been there for us from day one. At the cross you even broke the gripe Satan had on the world, as you burrowed into death and then broke free. How is it that I so easily forget what you've done and what your Spirit is doing to protect us. I confess that at times I push away and try to slay the dragons on my own and in my own way. Maybe I'm looking for an adrenaline rush. But I know that I need to stay close and in your arms. Keep me mindful of your merciful wrap. I can get through anything with you as my protector. 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.