SHARING

ISAIAH 58:7 (GNT)
Share your food with the hungry.

MATTHEW 25:35 (CEB)
I was hungry and you gave me food to eat.

THE ESSENCE
One essential way of interacting with the presence of God is to share with those in need. 

DAILY FODDER
God's grace is channeled to us in various ways, including scrpriture reading, holy communion, and Christian fellowship. These are "means of grace." One means of grace, prominent in the teaching of Jesus, is the care we extend to those in need. When we give, we encounter the grace of God more intensely. That is, we receive as we give.  

PRAYER
Generous God, if it were not for your care and generosity, I wouldn't be here. Thank you. I regret, though, that I haven't yet fully embraced your generous spirit. I see caring for others as a burden to carry, rather than a natural part of living in your presence. Open my eyes to opportunites and my heart to the needs my neighbors, both here and abroad. I want giving to be the natural default mode, so much so that it's no big deal to share. 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.

THE SUPER SHEPHERD

MICAH 5:4 (MSG)
He will stand tall in his shepherd-rule by God’s strength,
centered in the majesty of God-Revealed.

JOHN 10:28 (GNT)
No one can snatch them away from me.

THE ESSENCE
Don't panic; you're under the protection of Jesus the super shepherd.

DAILY FODDER
What is the one threat to your stable life that causes you the most anxiety? Name it and ask Jesus to relieve you of the anxiety. 

PRAYER
God of the universe, all strength and power belong to you. You protect and provide. Forgive me for thinking I can do things on my own or believing my ideas and plans are best. Today I will joyfully relinquish myself into your hands, trusting in your strength alone. Help me stand firm in you. 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.

IRREVERSIBLE JOY

ZECHARIAH 1:17 (MSG)
GOD will comfort Zion again...

JOHN 16:22 (TCEB)
For the moment, you’re feeling sad. But I’ll see you again. When that happens, your heart is going to do backflips for joy. No one will ever take that joy from you.

THE ESSENCE
Encounters with the resurrected Jesus lead us into irreversible joy.

DAILY FODDER
What is it about Jesus that stirs your heart and fills you with joy? 

PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, for your comforting presence and words. I admit that when I take my eyes off you, the world can be a pretty discouraging place. Continue to reveal yourself to me so that I can live out the irreversible joy that flows from you. 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 IS...

ISAIAH 40:28 (MSG)
Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening?
God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.
He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.

ROMANS 11:36 (MSG)
Everything comes from him;
Everything happens through him;
Everything ends up in him.
Always glory! Always praise!
Yes. Yes. Yes.

THE ESSENCE
God is stable and reliable.

DAILY FODDER
It's been said, "change is the only constant." But scripture makes clear that God is the only constant. He doesn't change. He is reliable. You can always depend on him. He's always in every circumstance worthy of praise.

PRAYER
Creator of the world, I cannot begin to comprehend or measure your goodness and greatness. When I grow weary of life and my circumstances, you bring life and persistence. You hold me together and give me purpose in my waiting, watching, and wandering. I trust you, Lord, and thank you for who you are. 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.