SECRETS

LAMENTATIONS 1:20 (CEV)
Won't you look and see
how upset I am, our Lord?
My stomach is in knots,
and my heart is broken
because I betrayed you.

JOHN 4:29 (CEV)
Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! Could he be the Messiah?

THE ESSENCE
He knows. 

DAILY FODDER
What secrets are you trying to keep from God? How is that working out?

PRAYER 
Compassionate Father, I am thankful for your unwavering kindness that knows the depths of my soul. I repent of moments when I strayed from your path like a lost lamb in the wilderness. Help me boldly to proclaim your truth. May my life be a testament to your forgiveness and grace, embracing the depths of your love. 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.

SHIELDS UP

PSALM 119:114 (ABP)
You shelter and shield me. I unequivocally trust that you'll do what you’ve said you'll do.

JOHN 6:40 (MSG)
This is what my Father wants: that anyone who sees the Son and trusts who he is and what he does and then aligns with him will enter real life, eternal life. My part is to put them on their feet alive and whole at the completion of time.

THE ESSENCE
Stake your life on Jesus—who he is, what he's done, and what he says he will do.

DAILY FODDER
How have you already experienced God's sheltering in your life? 

PRAYER 
Almighty God, I am grateful for the shield you wrap around your people as they trust you. There are so many fakes out there trying to grab my allegiance. I confess that I give into the bright lights and grandiose promises of the charlatans, not because I like them but because I'm easily swayed by the lights and grandstanding. Shield me from all who are vying for my faith. I want my life to be in total alignment with 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.

EVERY DETAIL

PROVERBS 16:9 (MSG)
We plan the way we want to live,
but only God makes us able to live it.

COLOSSIANS 3:17 (MSG)
Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

THE ESSENCE
Strive to get every detail of your life plan integrated with God's way. 

DAILY FODDER
Practically speaking, how do we go about aligning every detail of our lives with Christ?  

PRAYER 
Faithful God, I am grateful for the assurance that my steps are guided by your purpose. When I start to self-guide, replant my feet and grant me discerment to align my actions to your will. May my words and actions reflect gratitude grounded in your purpose. May my journey be a testament to the transformational power of your grace. 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.

SELF-AWARE

PSALM 138:6 (CEB)
Even though the LORD is high,
he can still see the lowly,
but God keeps his distance from the arrogant.

LUKE 12:19-20 (MSG)
Then Jesus told them this story: “The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. He talked to himself: ‘What can I do? My barn isn’t big enough for this harvest.’ Then he said, ‘Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, and I’ll say to myself, Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!’

“Just then God showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it?’"

THE ESSENCE
The arrogant and presumptuous cut themselves off from success.   

DAILY FODDER
Are the arrogant aware of their arrogance? How can they address their presumptuousness if they lack self awareness? How do you keep yourself self-aware and humble?  

PRAYER 
Gracious God, I'm grateful that you are aware of me and my circumstances. I admit that I'm prone to drama and inflating of self to get attention. Help me to recognize your attention and care—attention and care that flows out of your grace instead of my performance. I realize the importance of your Spirit channeling the words of Jesus into my life to keep me on track. 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.