ANGEL ON GUARD

PSALM 34:7 (ABP)
His angel is guarding and protecting all those whom honor GOD.

ACTS 5:19-20 (GNT)
But that night an angel of the Lord opened the prison gates, led the apostles out, and said to them, “Go and stand in the Temple, and tell the people all about this new life.”

THE ESSENCE
Even though we're usually unaware, God has an angelic detail protecting his people.  

DAILY FODDER
What is one situation in your personal history when you were close to death? Were you aware of God's protective detail watching out for you? How many other times do you think you were protected even when you didn't realize that you were in danger? 

PRAYER
Mighty God, commander of angels, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude when I realize how you've been looking out for me. Forgive my timidity when it comes to risk taking on your behalf. Prompt me through the Holy Spirit to speak up about this wonderful new life in Christ. I'm going to pay more attention to your leading because I know that you have my back. 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.

HONORS

1 SAMUEL 2:30 (ABP)
God declares, "I'll honor those who honor me and despise those who despise me."

JOHN 14:23 (GNT)
Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and my Father and I will come to them and live with them."

THE ESSENCE
The greatest honors belong to those who honor God with their love and their lives. 

DAILY FODDER
How important to you is it to be honored by God? What might be the benefits of such recognition? 

PRAYER
Great God, I'm grateful for your instructions. I admit that my obedience and love of you can at times be half-hearted. Help me to give serious attention to your direction. I want to be with Jesus in all that I am, all that I say, and in all that I do. My affections belong to you and I look forward to the recognition that can only flow from you. 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.

GOD CAN'T BE INTIMIDATED

2 CHRONICLES 14:11 (MSG)
O GOD, you aren’t impressed by numbers or intimidated by a show of force once you decide to help: Help us, O GOD...

LUKE 9:42 (MSG)
Jesus stepped in, ordered the foul spirit gone, healed the boy, and handed him back to his father.

THE ESSENCE
Unlike people, nothing can intimidate God into backing down. 

DAILY FODDER
All the power brokers of the world, whether mortal or spiritual, seem to rely on forms of intimidation to accomplish their goals. How does it make you feel when you realize that they can't intimidate God? How does this affect the way you operate?

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, you are my savior and defender. The world is full of evil, violence, and hateful speech. Too often I feel powerless and disheartened. Heal me of my fears and anxieties. Encourage me to move forward in your power and strength. You give me confidence that I can do all things through you who gives me strength. 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.

ALL HUMANITY

The First Sunday after Epiphany

PSALM 50:1 (ABP)
GOD the mighty, has been summoning all humanity — all day, everyday.

MARK 16:15 (MSG)
Then Jesus said, "Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all."

THE ESSENCE
God summons all humanity with Jesus' good news. 

DAILY FODDER
Though only a few seem to truly embrace the message of Jesus, God continues to offer it to everyone, everywhere. That's why our mission is global. The gospel of Jesus was the first truly global endeavor in history. 

PRAYER
Almighty God, there is such good news to share. Thank you for summoning people throughout the world to hear and receive the gift of salvation. Sometimes I keep my faith to myself. Please provide me the opportunities and inner strength to share your message. From sunrise to sunset, make my life a powerful witness. 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.