LISTEN FOR SUBSTANCE

PSALM 44:1 (NLT)
O God, we have heard it with our own ears—
our ancestors have told us
of all you did in their day,
in days long ago...

2 TIMOTHY 4:3 (MSG)
You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy.

THE ESSENCE
Listen for godly substance. 

DAILY FODDER
In what ways have you been attracted to spiritual junk food?

PRAYER 
O God, we have heard it with our own ears—the good news that Jesus is the supreme leader and that he's out to change the world—to overwhelm the fickleness of the world with the grace from heaven. Forgive us for turning our attention toward all those who scramble the good news, making it sound as though it's all about advancing ourselves. Grant me wisdom and discerment so I can quickly tune out the worthless input and maintain focus on what you continue to say. I'm going on a diet that eliminates spiritual junk food. 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.

CRYING OUT TO GOD

PSALM 39:12 (CEB)
Hear my prayer, LORD!
Listen closely to my cry for help!

LUKE 7:37-38, 50 (CEB)
Meanwhile, a woman from the city, a sinner, discovered that Jesus was dining in the Pharisee’s house. She brought perfumed oil in a vase made of alabaster. Standing behind him at his feet and crying, she began to wet his feet with her tears. She wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and poured the oil on them... Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

THE ESSENCE
God hears our cries. 

DAILY FODDER
There are many ways that you can cry out to the Lord. 

PRAYER 
Thank you, faithful Lord, for hearing us when we call out to you. I admit that I struggle when your response isn't immediate. Help me to persist and to continue to seek your aid. Show me whatever uncoventional form that cry might take. I'm going to calmly move forward knowing that you are responding to my faith. 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.

GRACE

PSALM 18:19 (CEV)
When I was fenced in,
you freed and rescued me
because you love me.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:10 (CEV)
God treated me with undeserved grace! He made me what I am, and his grace wasn't wasted.

THE ESSENCE
We live and breathe is a place called grace.

DAILY FODDER
Justice is when you get what you deserve. Mercy is when you don't get what you deserve. Grace is when you get something undeserved.  

PRAYER 
Gracious God, I'm grateful that you've brought me to this place in life where I am experiencing far more than I deserve. Even the fact that I can talk to you is a matter of grace. Teach me to lean into that grace for everything in this life and the life to come. I'm trusting in what Jesus has done through his life, sacrifice, and resurrection to change me for the good. 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.

FORMATION FOR MINISTRY

PSALM 119:67 (MSG)
Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place,
but now I’m in step with your Word.

JOHN 21:16 (NLT)
Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

THE ESSENCE
Jesus gently corrects us so that we can participate in his mission.

DAILY FODDER
Experience the discipline you're undergoing as an act of love that develops character necessary to fulfill your calling.

PRAYER 
Thank you, Jesus, for entrusting me with the care of vulnurable people. I confess that sometimes I pushback against the discipline I'm going through. Help me appreciate the value of both my calling and training. I know that I love you, and because you ask, I want to feed your sheep. 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.