COMPASSIONATE

DEUTERONOMY 10:18-19 (CEB)
The Lord enacts justice for orphans and widows, and he loves immigrants, giving them food and clothing. That means you must also love immigrants because you were immigrants in Egypt.

MATTHEW 25:34, 36 (CEB)
Then the king will say to those on his right, "Come, you who will receive good things from my Father. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began... I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear."

THE ESSENCE
Any system under the influence of Jesus will prioritize the basic care of marginalized people.

DAILY FODDER
Are there any conditions mentioned about who qualifies for care?

PRAYER
Compassionate God, thank you for looking out for us when we're weak and vulnerable. Forgive us for exalting power over compassion. Realign our priorities so that we’re eagerly caring for orphans, widows, immigrants, the hungry, the under-clothed — all who are without. I know that these are your priorities and of your work among us. I know that you reward compassion above all other forms of success. 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.

SHIELD

DEUTERONOMY 32:10 (NLT)
He surrounded them and watched over them;
he guarded them as he would guard his own eyes.

ROMANS 8:38-39 (MSG)
I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

THE ESSENCE
Jesus wraps us in his protective hug. 

DAILY FODDER
From what do you need Jesus to shield you?

PRAYER
Lord, you shield me with your righteous hand, keeping me from the powers that could separate me from you. Thank you for watching over me with such focus. I am sorry I live in dread and worry instead of being convinced that all things are in your hands. Help my unbelief! 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.

PUTTING DOWN THE LAST ENEMY

EASTER – RESURRECTION SUNDAY

PSALM 23:5 (CEB)
You set a table for me
right in front of my enemies.
You bathe my head in oil;
my cup is so full it spills over!

1 CORINTHIANS 15:26 (REB)
The last enemy to be deposed is death.

THE ESSENCE
Death, the last enemy, is eradicated on Easter.

DAILY FODDER
Is there anything about death that scares you?  At what point does the fear of death lose its grip?

PRAYER
Resurrected Savior, I celebrate your victory. Save me from any lingering concerns about death. I'm not ready to transition, yet, but I know that because of you death has lost its stinger. If I have to face death today I'll step forward with resurrection confidence. 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.

PLENTY OF ROOM

PSALM 84:1 (NRSVUE)
How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD of hosts!

JOHN 14:2 (MSG)
There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you?

THE ESSENCE
God has a great home, to which he is preparing to welcome us.

DAILY FODDER
Jesus is the host, ushering us into God's home. He wants to live with us. ¡Mi casa es tu casa!

PRAYER
Jesus, you're an exceptional host — sacrificing your life to welcome us into life in your Father’s estate. Forgive us for setting our sights too low — looking for earth-bound mansions and castles. Encourage us with the big picture and the promise of a home with you. On this dark Saturday I'm enjoying this lift. 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.