TRUE WORDS

2 SAMUEL 7:28 (ABP)
Our GOD, you speak truth and your words can be trusted.

JOHN 8:31-32 (MSG)
Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. “If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.”

THE ESSENCE
When we stick with Christ, the truth of his words transforms us and sets us free. 

DAILY FODDER
How does trustworthiness establish freedom? That is, what kind of freedom is associated with Christ? How is this different from what people often think of as freedom? 

PRAYER
Trustworthy God, I'm grateful for your Word—the living Word who is Christ Jesus, and the written word we have in scripture. It's all-true and all-freeing. I admit, though, that I get so caught up in the frenzy of life that I allow your words to gather dust on the bookshelf. No wonder I get sucked in by all the fake truth that fills the Internet and the airwaves. Despite what is promised, none of this is powerful enough to deliver true freedom. Guide me deeper into your words and closer to your Word. I want to experience the freedom that is ours through Christ Jesus. 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.

LIVING THE GOD BREATHED LIFE

GENESIS 2:7 (CEB)
The Lord God formed the human from the topsoil of the fertile land and blew life’s breath into his nostrils. The human came to life.

GALATIANS 2:20 (MSG)
I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

THE ESSENCE
My purpose is to live out the life that Christ has put in me.

DAILY FODDER
If there is some sense in which Christ actually lives in you, how does that change the way you live today?  

PRAYER
Risen Savior, I'm grateful that through the resurrection you have renewed the life you originally planted in us. Forgive me for living as though life is about self-fulfillment. Help me to separate out my personal ambitions and to stay in touch with your resurrected life as you establish yourself in me. I want to be fertile soil for lush and fruitful growth. 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.

POWER

MICAH 2:1 (ABP)
Doom to those who, because they have the kind of power to pull it off on a grand scale, lie awake at night scheming evil.

MATTHEW 20:25-26 (NLT)
But Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant..."

THE ESSENCE
Jesus' servant approach to power and authority is completely counter-cultural. 

DAILY FODDER
Jesus' approach to power is plain and clear, but so many of those who claim to follow him choose a standard cultural approach wrapped in religious terminology. How does that happen? 

PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, for showing us through your life and sacrifice that there is another way to lead. Forgive us embracing the world's approach to power and control, wrapping it in servant language. We can't even see that we're doing it. I have a small amount of power. Help me to adopt your approach to using it. I see that as my calling and goal. 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.

REMAIN STANDING

PSALM 18:30 (ABP)
God is a protective shield for all who will stand behind him.

ROMANS 4:18 (NLT)
Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations.

THE ESSENCE
We start to realize our place in the world when we stand behind God. 

DAILY FODDER
How confident did Abraham feel when God told him that he'd be the father of many nations? Do you think his confidence grew over time? Why or why not? What stimulates hope and confidence in you? 

PRAYER
God of resilent hope, thank you for opening a world of promise like you did for Abraham and Sarah. When your brilliant possibilities are hidden from me, draw me deeper into your covenantal love. Shield me from my own doubts and internal resistance. Help me to trust your protection so I can do something brave in your name. 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.