MIRACLES

DANIEL 4:2 (CEB)
I’m delighted to share the signs and miracles that the Most High God has worked in my life.

MARK 9:40 (MSG)
If he’s not an enemy, he’s an ally.

THE ESSENCE
All who heal in Jesus' name are allies, even if they aren't in our tribe. 

DAILY FODDER
Not all those who heal in Jesus' name are legitimate. But that doesn't mean that the healing is illegitimate, according to Mark 9. Don't waste your energy trying to sort it all out. Focus instead on sharing the miracles God has done in and through you.

PRAYER
Great God, you are full of miracles. Forgive me for acting as though I'm wise enough to determine what counts as a genuine miracle. I'm obsessed with controlling legitimacy. Help me to trust you to sort these things out and to celebrate good outcomes wherever they pop up. I know where you’re at work but I'm not so willing to say where you’re not at work. 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.

LIGHT FARTHER THAN I CAN SEE

Christ the King Sunday

ISAIAH 49:6 (CEB)
Hence, I will also appoint you as light to the nations
so that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.

ACTS 16:9-10 (MSG)
That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans.

THE ESSENCE
God's agenda has always included preaching the good news of Jesus to the ends of the earth. 

DAILY FODDER
What exactly is your role in taking the good news to the entire world? If you had a dream like Paul had would you be predisposed to blow it off as delusional or jump on it? Why was Paul inclined to jump on it?  

PRAYER
God, you are beyond our boundaries. Sometimes I forget that you shine farther than I can see. Thank you for reminding me that you care for all your children around the world, including me. Keep me open to serving you in ways that I have not planned. Show me where to shine your light 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.

FORGIVEN TO FORGIVE

JEREMIAH 3:12-13 (MSG)
My anger doesn’t seethe nonstop.
Just admit your guilt.
Admit your God-defiance.

MATTHEW 6:12 (ABP)
Forgive us our wrongdoing,
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.

THE ESSENCE
Forgiveness is a way of life for those living under the influence of Jesus.

DAILY FODDER
Why isn't forgiveness the first thing we think of when we've been wronged? Is that a good or bad thing?  

PRAYER
Merciful God, I’m  grateful that you are full of forgiveness for all who turn to you. I admit that even though Jesus tells us to forgive those who have wronged us, that it's impossible to do. It would take an act of God to forgive what's been done to me. But, if I hear you right, you're ready to provide that act of God. I'm stepping out of your way so you can push this on through. 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.

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.