POSITION AND OPPOSITION

2 CHRONICLES 20:6 (MSG)
O God, God of our ancestors, are you not God in heaven above and ruler of all kingdoms below? You hold all power and might in your fist—no one stands a chance against you!

LUKE 4:29-30 (NLT)
Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way.

THE ESSENCE
Ultimately, no one can maintain opposition to God.

DAILY FODDER
Why would anyone WANT to position himself against God? 

PRAYER 
Mighty God, no one can withstand you. I've been to the edge of the cliff, about to fall, and you have brought me back. In my weakness, you give me power. When I don' see a way, you make one. Alone, I am nothing. Strengthen me in adversity. Make me bold—all of you, none of me. 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.

GOD'S FOREVER PROTECTION

PSALM 125:2 (MSG)
Mountains encircle Jerusalem,
and God encircles his people—
always has and always will.

JOHN 17:15 (MSG)
I’m not asking that you take them out of the world
But that you guard them from the Evil One.

THE ESSENCE
God wraps his protectve arms around his people. 

DAILY FODDER
Why does God let people struggle free from his protective hug? Why do people want to break free? 

PRAYER 
Mighty Savior, you have been there for us from day one. At the cross you even broke the gripe Satan had on the world, as you burrowed into death and then broke free. How is it that I so easily forget what you've done and what your Spirit is doing to protect us. I confess that at times I push away and try to slay the dragons on my own and in my own way. Maybe I'm looking for an adrenaline rush. But I know that I need to stay close and in your arms. Keep me mindful of your merciful wrap. I can get through anything with you as my protector. 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.

USELESS GOD TALK

PSALM 50:16-17 (MSG)
Next, God calls up the wicked:
   "What are you up to, quoting my laws,
   talking like we are good friends?
   You never answer the door when I call;
   you treat my words like garbage..."

MATTHEW 7:21 (NCV)
Not all those who say ‘You are our Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven. The only people who will enter the kingdom of heaven are those who do what my Father in heaven wants.

THE ESSENCE
All our God talk is basically useless if it’s not backed up with action. 

DAILY FODDER
Agree or disgree? The most agregious evil in the world is done by people who talk about how God is on their side. 

PRAYER 
Glorious God, I'm grateful that you are communicative. Forgive us for talking like we are best friends with you while ignoring your pleas for the refugees, displaced, and hungry. We support government policies that ignore your prorities for justice and care for the poor. Help me to match my words and actions so that your kingdom can thrive even now. As you renew me I trust that many lives will be transformed through Christ, too. 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.

FULL SERVICE PROVIDER

PSALM 89:26 (CEV)
You are my Father
and my God,
as well as the mighty rock
where I am safe.

MATTHEW 6:11 (ABP)
Give us enough food for today.

THE ESSENCE
Trust God to be your full service provider. 

DAILY FODDER
We trust God for food, shelter, and relationship. Is there anything we have to do on our own?

PRAYER 
My God, you are my Father. You are my rock, my salvation, my daily bread. I praise you! So often, I turn to something else to satisfy my needs. Forgive me. Let me cling to you, for you are all-sufficient for my every need. Show me someone who needs you so I can offer you to them. 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.