FORGIVENESS

NUMBERS 14:20 (ABP)
Then GOD said to Moses: As you requested, I am forgiving them.

MARK 11:25 (ABP)
When you stand up to say your prayers, start by forgiving the people who have wronged you. In that way you'll be able to experience your heavenly Father's forgiveness for what you’ve done wrong.

THE ESSENCE
To forgive and receive forgiveness is divine.

DAILY FODDER
How does failing to forgive others hinder our ability to receive forgiveness? What's going on there? 

PRAYER 
Merciful Father, I couldn't go on apart from your forgiveness. So, I'm thankful today that through the atoning work of Jesus all my sins are forgiven. I confess that I don't fully live into that forgiveness and that I have resentment over what others have done to me. Help me release that resentment so that I can complete the circle of forgiveness you initiated. It's  all about who you are and what you've done rather than what others do to me. 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.

TRUTHFULNESS

PSALM 91:4 (ABP)
God's truthfulness is your protective shield.

JOHN 3:21 (MSG)
But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so her work can be seen for the God-work it is.

THE ESSENCE
God's truthfulness is most clearly see in Jesus. And when we live in union with him our lives align with God's truthfulness.  

DAILY FODDER
Truthfulness is a metaphor for alignment. If something is true it is in alignment with reality. 

PRAYER 
Thank you, God, for being true to your word. I confess that my life isn't 100% about advancing your truth. I get distracted by my own self-serving agenda. Holy Spirit, realign my life so that I'm true with Christ Jesus. In that way I know that I'll be aligned with truth as defined by you. And that is the safest place to be. 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 LIVES

PSALM 18:46 (ABP)
GOD lives! Homage to you, my rock!

LUKE 24:46 (ABP)
Jesus said to them, “As it is written in Isaiah 53, the annointed king will suffer. But, don't let that drag you down because his suffering will climax in his resurrection from the dead on the third day."

THE ESSENCE
My faith in Jesus is based on his victory over death. 

DAILY FODDER
What keeps you from experiencing total confidence in Christ? 

PRAYER 
Living God, I honor you as no other. Forgive me for allowing the hoplessness of the world to undermine my faith. Keep me mindful of the ultimate power behind Jesus' resurrection. I'm going to move forward emboldened by the living hope that streams from the resurrection. 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.

WATCH OUT

JOEL 2:32 (CEB)
Everyone who calls on the LORD’s name will be saved...

LUKE 21:8 (MSG)
He said, "Watch out for the doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities claiming, ‘I’m the One,’ or, ‘The end is near.’ Don’t fall for any of that."

THE ESSENCE
Be careful because there are lots of fast talkers who care nothing about your soul. Turn directly to the Lord.  

DAILY FODDER
Think of a contempoary example of a modern "doomsday deceiver." How do they operate? What are they saying? Why do so many people listen to them? 

PRAYER 
Merciful Father, thank you for your consistent voice. I confess that I'm too easily drawn in by the loud dramatic voices who are only interested in their own self-serving agendas. Teach me to filter the fake from the true-sounding messages. I'm going to stay focused on you and your salvation, as it comes to use through Christ Jesus, the true way. 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.