DON'T BE AFRAID

The Ninth Day of Christmas

PROVERBS 29:25 (CEB)
People are trapped by their fear of others;
those who trust the LORD are secure.

LUKE 12:32 (CEV)
My little group of disciples, don't be afraid! Your Father wants to give you the kingdom.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Don't be afraid; Jesus has your back.

DAILY FODDER
What about the coming year makes you afraid? 

PRAYER
Powerful God, thank you for promising to watch my back. Still, I struggle with fear. I see how the world is going and feel betrayed by people I call brothers and sisters in Christ. The things I considered to be secure no longer feel so safe. That's probably good. I know that I need to put my trust exclusively in you. Assist me in doing that. I will count on you to look out for me, even if everyone else turns against 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. 

SPEAK UP

The Eighth Day of Christmas

JEREMIAH 1:7 (NLT)
The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you."

ROMANS 1:16 (NLT)
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Regardless of your place in life, boldly step up to share the good news that God has entrusted to you. 

DAILY FODDER
What prevents you from sharing the gospel?

PRAYER
Boss, thank you for partnering with us to share the good news of Jesus. I admit that I'm a bit shy about this kind of thing. But maybe that's why you've assigned me the responsibility—to build my confidence. So, I'm not going to feel bad about my lame attempts at being a witness. I'm looking to your Holy Spirit to nurture boldness and confidence in me so that by the end of 2025 I'll feel more at ease in sharing the gospel with those 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.

GOODBYE 2024

The Seventh Day of Christmas

PSALM 48:14 (NRSV)
This is God,
   our God forever and ever.
He will be our guide forever.

JOHN 14:6 (CEB)
Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus is the way forward.

DAILY FODDER
As you anticipate the new year, what makes you anxious about the future? 

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for getting me through 2024. I confess that I'm nervous about 2025—the political situation, the ongoing wars, the effects of climate change... Settle my mind and help me to once again find daily peace in Christ Jesus, our guide into 2025 and forever beyond. You've carried me through the tough times of the past and I am trusting you for the entire future. 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.

WISDOM AND STRENGTH

The Sixth Day of Christmas

PSALM 147:5 (MSG)
Our Lord is great, with limitless strength;
   we’ll never comprehend what he knows and does.

LUKE 2:40 (CEB)
The child grew up and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus was blessed with the wisdom and strength of God.

DAILY FODDER
If Jesus' mission involved giving up his life, why did he need divine strength? 

PRAYER
Almighty God, you sent your Son into the world—blessing him with wisdom and strength. Forgive us for seeking alternative sources of wisdom and power. Lead me to live wisely depend on your approach to power.  I recognize that my way of living will be counter cultural. 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.