DEFENDER

PSALM 19:14 (GNT)
God says, "I will save those who love me
and will protect those who acknowledge me as LORD..."

JOHN 17:15 (CEB)
I’m not asking that you take them out of this world but that you keep them safe from the evil one.

THE ESSENCE
God protects those who love him from the evil one.

DAILY FODDER
Who or what is the "evil one" mentioned in John 17? How does God protect his people from this being?

PRAYER
Merciful God, thank you for looking out for us, even when we fail to look out for ourselves. Save me from the trials and temptations that the evil one is sending my way. I'm grateful for the way Jesus overcame the darts that were thrown at him, and now he's using his power to do the same for us. I really am blessed by your protective shield. It enables me to stay engaged with the world. 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.

ASK

PSALM 57:2 (TCEB)
I’m calling out to God Most High
Who is behind every good thing in my life.

JOHN 16:24 (MSG)
This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I’ve revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!

THE ESSENCE
When we’re living on assignment with Jesus, we can without hesitation ask for whatever it takes to carry out the mission. 

DAILY FODDER
Have you ever had a stingy employer — someone who expected great performance but who was reluctant to provide the resources to do the job? It's frustrating. But all our dealings with God are the complete opposite. He often encourages us by providing not just what we ask for, but more than enough. He is a God of abundance and Jesus is the one who signs off on our requisitions. 

PRAYER
Generous Jesus, thank you for setting us up for success in your kingdom. Forgive us for failing to ask for what we need or, when we do ask, asking for things irrelevant to your kingdom. Teach me how to ask in your name — according to your agenda and your operating procedures. I'm ready to see your kingdom flourish in and around 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.

LIFE-LONG LEARNING

ISAIAH 48:6 (TCEB)
You’ve heard what I said.
You saw what I did.
Isn’t it time to admit it, now?
I’ll tell you what time it is.
Time for me to tell you something you didn’t know.
These are secrets I’ve guarded for a long time.

ACTS 17:32 (NLT)
When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.”

THE ESSENCE
For those who are starting to tune into God, there is always more to learn.

DAILY FODDER
Life-long learning is humble posturing. Only those who recognize how little they know are receptive to hearing something new from God.    

PRAYER
Great God, thank you for revealing yourself throughout history, and for the Bible, as it contains a living record of what you've revealed. Forgive us for living as though we've mastered your message. Help us to become humble learners. There is so much more about you that you're eager to share as soon as I'm ready to know you more deeply. 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.

QUENCHING THIRST

The 13th Sunday after Pentecost

ISAIAH 48:21 (GNT)
When the LORD led his people through a hot, dry desert,
they did not suffer from thirst.
He made water come from a rock for them;
he split the rock open, and water flowed out.

MARK 9:41 (MSG)
...anyone by just giving you a cup of water in my name is on our side. Count on it that God will notice.

THE ESSENCE
Those who do the simplest acts of kindness, such as giving drinks of water on behalf of the Lord, in doing so are on Jesus' side.  

DAILY FODDER
If you’re trying to figure out who is genuinely aligned with Jesus, look to see if they have a "water ministry." 

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for giving water. We confess that we've made faith more about doctrinal alignment than digging wells for needy people. Yes, doctrine is important but you emphasize quenching thirst. Direct me to individuals who need water or ministries that specialize in delivering water. I want to be a part of what you're doing for all who have spiritual or physical thirst. 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.