SOVEREIGN OVER LIFE AND DEATH

1 SAMUEL 2:6 (CEB)
The LORD!
He brings death, gives life,
takes down to the grave, and raises up!

ROMANS 14:8 (CEB)
If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to God.

THE ESSENCE
Since God is sovereign over both life and death (and everything between) it behoaves us to act accordingly, regardless of where we are in life. 

DAILY FODDER
If you knew that your days left on earth were few, would that change how you live? 

PRAYER 
God over of all, thank you for caring for me, even when I fail to care for myself. Show me how to live daily according to your divine oversight.  I know things will happen which I can't forsee but I'm still trusting that you're in charge of the moment and the big picture. 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.

THE BIBLE

DEUTERONOMY 4:10 (NLT)
He told me, ‘Summon the people before me, and I will personally instruct them. Then they will learn to fear me as long as they live, and they will teach their children to fear me also.’

2 TIMOTHY 3:14-15 (MSG)
Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers—why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother’s milk! There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

THE ESSENCE
Early and long-term exposure to the scrptures pays off in faith.

DAILY FODDER
Who taught you the Bible at an early age? How are you introducing the children in your life to the written word of God? 

PRAYER 
Gracious God, I am grateful for the Bible and how it conveys your message. Forgive me for taking it for granted. Give me a vision and the gifts necessary to share your word with those who have not yet had the exposure I've received. I want to stand in the line of faithfulness beside all my Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, mentors, and pastors who have taught me. 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.

GLOBAL PHENOMENON

ZECHARIAH 6:15 (MSG)
People will come from faraway places to pitch in and rebuild the Temple of GOD.

REVELATION 15:4 (MSG)
Because you and you only are holy,
all nations will come and worship you,
because they see your judgments are right.

THE ESSENCE
People from all over the world are drawn to Jesus and his profound approach to mercy and justice. 

DAILY FODDER
What are you doing now to acknowledge that Jesus and his approach is a global phenomenon? 

PRAYER 
Lord of all nations, I praise your holy name. You also reign in the hearts of those who seem so far off to me, and I confess that I reduce you to fit prejudices I hold against my neighbors. Reveal your merciful judgments. Let me come to worship before you, along with the others that you love. 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.

TRUST GOD

PROVERBS 3:5-6 (MSG)
Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for GOD’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track.

JOHN 21:18 (NLT)
Jesus said to Simon Peter, "I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go."

THE ESSENCE
Wise up and trust God; you don't have as much control over your life as you like to think. 

DAILY FODDER
What has already happened in your life that suggests you don't have as much control as you'd like and that you just have to trust the Lord to lead you? 

PRAYER 
Holy Spirit, thank you that I am not traveling solo on this lifelong path of twists and turns. I am sorry when I rely on my own dead reckoning. You are always there, clearing my road and turning my heart. Help me to stretch out my hands before you in humble surrender. Become my way and my trust today.  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.