SHARING

PSALM 19:7 (ABP)
The instructions of GOD are perfect, totally renewing our lives.

LUKE 3:10-11 (ABP)
The people in the crowd kept asking John the Baptizer, “What should we do?”
He replied, “If you have two coats, give one to someone who has none. Likewise, if you've got food, start sharing with those who don't.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Sharing is an essential part of God's instruction.

PRAYER
Generous God, you have given us more than we need. We know this but it's still hard to let go of things. We let the "what ifs" take over or allow our wealth to insulate us from noticing the needs of others. It's not an intentional disregard. It just happens -- but we allow it, even when we're confronted with the reality. Give us eyes to see the needs of others and hearts to generously respond. Because God has shared with me I'm going to make sharing central to my life. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name; your Kingdom come; your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

BOLD BELIEVERS

JEREMIAH 31:7 (CEB)
Raise your voices with praise and call out:
    "The LORD has saved his people..."

ACTS 4:29 (CEV)
Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Seek boldness so that you can declare what God is doing.

PRAYER
Lord God, what a privilege it is to be entrusted with your message. I confess that at times I treat your word as an unwelcome intrusion into my space. Help me to apply it to my own life while I boldly share it with all who will listen -- and at times, even those who will not listen. I'm going to boldly respond to what you're doing and saying. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name; your Kingdom come; your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

WISDOM

PROVERBS 7:2 (ABP)
If you want to live follow the wise instructions of your father. Be as careful with them as you are with your eyesight.

JAMES 3:13 (CEB)
Are any of you wise and understanding? Show that your actions are good with a humble lifestyle that comes from wisdom.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Make greater wisdom a life goal.

PRAYER
Lord, I live in an orchard of options. The low-hanging fruit tempts my life with easy treats. Train my hands to select the fruit of wisdom. With gentleness and joy, make of me a roadside stand with the best you have to offer. Help me to feed the hungry with Holy Spirit hospitality. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name; your Kingdom come; your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

THE CHILDREN

PSALM 8:2 (CEV)
With praises from children
and from tiny infants,
you have built a fortress.

MATTHEW 21:15-16 (MSG)
When the religious leaders saw the outrageous things he was doing, and heard all the children running and shouting through the Temple, “Hosanna to David’s Son!” they were up in arms and took him to task. “Do you hear what these children are saying?”

Jesus said, “Yes, I hear them. And haven’t you read in God’s Word, ‘From the mouths of children and babies I’ll furnish a place of praise’?”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus uses the weak, vulnerable, and needy to build his ministry.

PRAYER
God, clearly you love children. But it boggles my mind to think that you're building your kingdom through people such as them -- the weak, the vulnerable, the needy. I'm so used to looking for power and strength as the foundation of any successful endeavor. I need you to school me and adjust my way of thinking. I'm going to look at children and their likes in a whole new way. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name; your Kingdom come; your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.