STANDING BY ME

2 SAMUEL 22:2 (MSG)
God is bedrock under my feet,
the castle in which I live,
my rescuing knight.

2 TIMOTHY 4:17 (MSG)
But it doesn’t matter—the Master stood by me and helped me spread the Message loud and clear to those who had never heard it. I was snatched from the jaws of the lion!

THE ESSENCE
God stands by his people. 

DAILY FODDER
What are the threats in your life that make you aware of your need for a savior? How do you feel knowing that God is standing watch in your life?

PRAYER 
Savior, I'm grateful that you are standing by me. Forgive me for growing anxious over the current challenges because I've forgotten how you have saved me from the jaws of lions in the past. Help me remember and keep me aware of your presence. You are my rescuing knight. 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.

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.