TRAINING

DEUTERONOMY 8:5 (MSG)
You learned deep in your heart that GOD disciplines you in the same ways a father disciplines his child.

2 TIMOTHY 3:16 (MSG)
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way.

THE ESSENCE
Recognize with gratitude the way that God's discipline has shaped and is shaping you into who he wants you to be.

DAILY FODDER
Who is your spiritual trainer?

PRAYER
Loving God, thank you for training me to follow you. Most days, I believe, but I need your Word when I backslide. Remind me of your commandments and connect me to a community of people that will correct me in my spiritual life. What joy it is that I can climb into your lap and trust your love. 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.

FOREVER

PSALM 102:27 (NLT)
But you are always the same;
you will live forever.

JUDE 25 (NLT)
All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.

THE ESSENCE
Glory to God has to be infinite, because he is infinite.  

DAILY FODDER
Jude offers glory to Jesus before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! But didn't Jesus have a beginning when he was born in Bethlehem? Or is there more to him?

PRAYER
Eternal God, I'm joining in with the saints of all places and all times, declaring your glory. Forgive me for limiting my praise to the days when I feel like it. Scripture helps me to recognize that you — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, eternally coexisting — are forever worthy of honor, because you are forever. 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.

COMING AND GOING

GENESIS 24:56 (MSG)
He said, “Oh, don’t make me wait! God has worked everything out so well—send me off to my master.”

JOHN 16:7 (ABP)
I assure you that it is actually to your advantage if I leave. The Companion, that is the Holy Spirit, will take my place when I return to the Father. Once I go, I'll send him to you.

THE ESSENCE
God has been working things out through the comings and goings of people. How much more so with the departure of Jesus and the coming of the Spirit to reside in the church.

DAILY FODDER
Why does Jesus think that his church will be better off without his physical presence? Is the Spirit better than Jesus?

PRAYER
Jesus, we’re grateful that you never leave or turn your back on us. Help us to grasp onto the gift of the Holy Spirit, who continues your divine presence among us. Lead us, guide us, and empower us to live out our calling to follow you. Thank you for sending the Spirit. 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.

CARING FOR STRAYS

The 3rd Sunday in Eastertide

EZEKIEL 34:16 (NLT)
I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak. But I will destroy those who are fat and powerful. I will feed them, yes—feed them justice!

1 PETER 2:25 (CEB)
Though you were like straying sheep, you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your lives.

THE ESSENCE
God looks out and cares for strays. 

DAILY FODDER
Why would God be interested in strays? Doesn't giving them attention only encourage future straying? 

PRAYER
Shepherd God, your grace is energizing. Forgive us for assuming that some people are too far gone. When we get discouraged by the straying of those dear to us, remind us that Jesus is the persistent shepherd seeking the lost and injured. I'm going to stay positive because I trust in your care. I've experienced it myself. 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.