EVERY DETAIL

PROVERBS 16:9 (MSG)
We plan the way we want to live,
but only God makes us able to live it.

COLOSSIANS 3:17 (MSG)
Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

THE ESSENCE
Strive to get every detail of your life plan integrated with God's way. 

DAILY FODDER
Practically speaking, how do we go about aligning every detail of our lives with Christ?  

PRAYER 
Faithful God, I am grateful for the assurance that my steps are guided by your purpose. When I start to self-guide, replant my feet and grant me discerment to align my actions to your will. May my words and actions reflect gratitude grounded in your purpose. May my journey be a testament to the transformational power of your grace. 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.

SELF-AWARE

PSALM 138:6 (CEB)
Even though the LORD is high,
he can still see the lowly,
but God keeps his distance from the arrogant.

LUKE 12:19-20 (MSG)
Then Jesus told them this story: “The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. He talked to himself: ‘What can I do? My barn isn’t big enough for this harvest.’ Then he said, ‘Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, and I’ll say to myself, Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!’

“Just then God showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it?’"

THE ESSENCE
The arrogant and presumptuous cut themselves off from success.   

DAILY FODDER
Are the arrogant aware of their arrogance? How can they address their presumptuousness if they lack self awareness? How do you keep yourself self-aware and humble?  

PRAYER 
Gracious God, I'm grateful that you are aware of me and my circumstances. I admit that I'm prone to drama and inflating of self to get attention. Help me to recognize your attention and care—attention and care that flows out of your grace instead of my performance. I realize the importance of your Spirit channeling the words of Jesus into my life to keep me on track. 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.

CARRY ON WITHOUT WAVERING

PSALM 73:26 (MSG)
When my skin sags and my bones get brittle,
God is rock-firm and faithful.

REVELATION 3:7-8 (MSG)
I see what you’ve done. Now see what I’ve done. I’ve opened a door before you that no one can slam shut. You don’t have much strength, I know that; you used what you had to keep my Word. You didn’t deny me when times were rough.

THE ESSENCE
Even if you feel unseen and powerless, continue to live out faith in Christ, and you'll experience his support. 

DAILY FODDER
Do you feel worn down by all the crazy things happening in the world? What does faithfulness look like in such a moment?  

PRAYER 
Merciful Lord, I am grateful for the strength you offer in my failty. I turn away from moments when doubt clouds my faith. Assist me in relying on you as my unshakable foundation. As you have unlocked doors for the faithful, direct my steps in obedience. In your steadfast presence, I discover genuine security. 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.

STAYING POWER

JOB 3:20-21 (MSG)
Why does God bother giving light to the miserable,
why bother keeping bitter people alive,
Those who want in the worst way to die, and can’t...

JAMES 5:11 (MSG)
What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You’ve heard, of course, of Job’s staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That’s because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.

THE ESSENCE
Those who practice staying power eventually realize God's unending care. 

DAILY FODDER
What challenges your staying power these days?  

PRAYER 
Gracious Lord, I praise you and give thanks for your light in my life. I am sorry for those times when I lose heart and in bitterness cannot see any light. Help me to endure by trusting in you, so that misery might be transformed into mercies. Open my heart to outcomes that only you can bring to pass. 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.