THE WORLD'S BEST FATHER

PSALM 103:13 (ABP)
Like a good father, GOD oozes with compassion for those who revere him.

MATTHEW 7:11 (NLT)
So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Live as though you expect your heavenly Father to treat you right.

DAILY FODDER
How is it that we've come to think of God as some kind of cosmic cop looking for ways to bust us, rather than as the ultimate loving father looking out for us?

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, it is an honor to call you "Father." And you are definitely worthy of all honor. I confess that in my attempts to live an autonomous life I've at times seen your loving attention as over-bearing. But this isn't accurate. Help me to see everything in life through the lense of your love. I'm going to revere and honor you as the world's best Father. 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 would protect us from all forms of evil. Amen! 

SHARING GLORY

PSALM 22:22 (ABP)
When your people assemble to worship you, O GOD, I'll be right smack in the middle of the festivities belting out your praises.

JOHN 17:22 (MSG)
The same glory you gave me, I gave them,
So they’ll be as unified and together as we are—
I in them and you in me.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
In the united fellowship of the divine there is a lot of honor being shared.

DAILY FODDER
What is an indicator of genuine fellowship?

PRAYER
Glorious God, thank you for sharing your glory with your people. Forgive me when I fail to pass all that honor and glory onto others. It's so easy to put my needs and desires above those of the collective of your people. Show me at least one way that I can set aside what I want in order to honor them and you. Because of what Jesus is doing I'm going to be a regular member of the praise choir. 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 would protect us from all forms of evil. Amen! 

STAY BRAVE

EXODUS 19:4 (CEB)
You saw what I did to the Egyptians, and how I lifted you up on eagles’ wings and brought you to me.

HEBREWS 10:35 (CEV)
Keep on being brave! It will bring you great rewards.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Stay brave because with God it works out for the best.

DAILY FODDER
What is the difference between being irresponsible and being brave?

PRAYER
Savior God, you rescued your people from slavery not because they were brave but because you are faithful. I know that you want me to be brave when adversity visits but I struggle with that. I am going to trust in your faithfulness. For seeing your faithfulness makes me braver. 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 would protect us from all forms of evil. Amen! 

PROTECTOR GOD

PSALM 118:8 (MSG)
Far better to take refuge in God
   than trust in people;
Far better to take refuge in God
   than trust in celebrities.

2 TIMOTHY 4:16-17 (MSG)
At my preliminary hearing no one stood by me. They all ran like scared rabbits. But it doesn’t matter—the Master stood by me...

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Stop worrying when the odds are stacked against you and continue trusting in God the real protector.

DAILY FODDER
Why is it easier to fear than to trust God?

PRAYER
Mighty Protector God, you are always there for us — even when we fail to trust you. There are a lot of things that worry me these days. It is so easy for me to go down the rabbit hole of worry and anxiety. Guide me away from such holes so that I can stand steady under your protection regardless of the opposition. 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 would protect us from all forms of evil. Amen!