GOD IS SELF-RESTRAINED

DEUTERONOMY 23:5 (ABP)
When Balaam tried to curse you, GOD twisted the curse into a blessing. That’s how much GOD loves you!

2 PETER 3:15 (MSG)
Interpret our Master’s patient restraint for what it is: salvation.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Our patient God is a lot more retrained than people. 

DAILY FODDER
How does the way people treat you or the way you want to treat people shape the way you understand God? 

PRAYER
God, others freely curse all who upset them. But you, in your love, are the opposite. You seem to take pride in self-restraint. I'm too much like everyone else — eager to put people in their place, even if it's painful for them. Give me a heart of compassion, empathy, and patience. I want my approach to difficult people to be the same as your approach. I'm seeing lots of opportunities. 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.

WHOEVER YOU ARE

RUTH 2:12 (ABP)
Boaz said to Ruth, "I pray that GOD, the deity of Israel — the one to whom you as a refugee have turned for protection — will reward you in a big way for what you've done."

EPHESIANS 2:17 (ABP)
When Christ came preaching his good news of peace and reconiliation, he did so both to you who were outsiders, because you weren't Jewish, and to those of you who were insiders, because you were Jewish.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The incidentals of who you are are relatively unimportant to God, who is welcoming of all who turn to him. 

DAILY FODDER
How do identity issues keep people from completely turning to God? How do we get past those things without disrespecting their place in people's lives?

PRAYER
Welcoming God, thank you for sending your Son into the world to invite us to spend the rest of our lives with you. I admit that it is hard to let go of my way of doing things in order to join you at your table. Help me to embrace a greater identity in you and among your people. I'm looking forward to hanging out together. 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.

ON COURSE

DEUTERONOMY 5:33 (CEB)
You must walk the precise path that the LORD your God indicates for you so that you will live...

ROMANS 15:4 (MSG)
Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it’s written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Stay on course with the guidance of the Bible.

DAILY FODDER
How do you find the Bible guiding your life? How can you better tune into what the scriptures are saying?

PRAYER
Merciful God, I appreciate the gift of the Bible, through which you share the stories and wisdom that keep us on track. Forgive me for doing my own thing so much of the time. Even when I read or hear the Bible read I don't really listen for what you might be saying to me. In my mind it's always for some other sinner. Help me to truly tune into what you're saying. I really want to stay on your path with no deviation whatsoever. 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.

CREATION CARE

GENESIS 2:19-20 (MSG)
GOD formed from the dirt of the ground all the animals of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the Man to see what he would name them. Whatever the Man called each living creature, that was its name.

LUKE 12:6 (CEV)
Five sparrows are sold for only a few cents, but God doesn't forget a single one of them.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Join with God as he continues to care for even the least significant of his creatures. 

DAILY FODDER
How do you partner with God in caring for his creation?  

PRAYER
Thank you, Creator, for inviting us to partner with you as you care for your wonderful creation. We confess that we are so self-centered that we don't pay much attention to the rest of creation. This is so out of sync with your intentions. Help us to notice and care about the animals and birds so that we can begin to grasp how much you notice and care about us. I'm going to attend to the least and greatest of your creatures. 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.