GOD THE JUDGE

1 SAMUEL 26:23 (MSG)
It’s God’s business to decide what to do with each of us in regard to what’s right and who’s loyal.

1 CORINTHIANS 4:5 (MSG)
So don’t get ahead of the Master and jump to conclusions with your judgments before all the evidence is in. When he comes, he will bring out in the open and place in evidence all kinds of things we never even dreamed of—inner motives and purposes and prayers. Only then will any one of us get to hear the “Well done!” of God.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Let God, who has depth of insight and breadth of perspective, be the judge.

DAILY FODDER
What are the subtle ways in which we usurp God's position as judge?

PRAYER
Merciful God, only you know and understand enough to act as judge. I confess that hasn't stopped me from issuing damning opinons about everything from the food to the politicians. Show me how to shut down my internal judgment machine so that I'm regularly cutting others a lot of slack. I'm going to let you be the judge while I major in creating an environment that highlights your grace. 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.

LONGSUFFERING GOD

All Saints Day

HOSEA 14:1 (MSG)
I will heal their waywardness.
I will love them lavishly.

MATTHEW 6:13 (ABP)
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Despite our shortcomings God continues to love and protect us.

DAILY FODDER
How has God protected you from evil?

PRAYER
Gracious Protector, I'm grateful that you stick with us even when we fail to stick with you. Forgive us our wrongdoing, and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us. Allow the good news of your longsuffering to truly sink in and transform my life. I'm confident of your love and protection. 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.

FOCUSED FAITH

Reformation Day

PSALM 20:7 (ABP)
Some nations rely on their instruments of war to accomplish their goals. But not us! We rely on GOD.

ACTS 4:12 (CEV)
Only Jesus has the power to save! His name is the only one in all the world that can save anyone.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Only Jesus has the power of salvation so we rely only on him.

DAILY FODDER
If Jesus is the only Savior, why are we inclined to stockpile weapons?

PRAYER
Savior, thank you for using your power on our behalf. Forgive us for attempting to storeup power of our own. It's so easy to get sucked into that game. Help me to trust more completely in your stockpile of unconventional weapons. Only you have the power to save so I'm trusting in you alone. 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.

BLESSED EFFORT

DEUTERONOMY 28:12 (CEB)
The LORD will open up for you his own well-stocked storehouse, the heavens, providing your land with rain at just the right time and blessing all your work.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:58 (MSG)
With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God blesses all we do in partnership with him. 

DAILY FODDER
In a sentence summarize your personal purpose.

PRAYER
Loving Lord, grant me the ability to live in a manner that truly pleases you. Forgive me for taking your blessings for granted and assuming that the little things done for others cannot possibly make a difference. Grant me a spirit of excellence in all I do, that no one may miss out on experiencing your goodness. 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.