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.

NOTICE GOD AND HIS GREATNESS

DEUTERONOMY 4:24 (MSG)
GOD, your God, is not to be trifled with—he’s a consuming fire, a jealous God.

HEBREWS 12:28 (MSG)
Do you see what we’ve got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander.

THE ESSENCE
God is the most major player, ignored to our peril. 

DAILY FODDER
Of what might God be jealous? Anything in your life?  

PRAYER
Almighty God, you are without peer in your power and glory. Forgive us for the casualness with which we make our way through life—only occasionally noticing you. Ramp up my awareness, gratitude, and worship. I'm such a whimp that I can't even do that on my own. But I know that it's possible in the Spirt-empowered culture of your unshakable kingdom, of which I am a grateful citizen. 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.

OVERCOMING DEATH

PSALM 71:20-21 (ABP)
When I'm tottering on the edge of the grave, you'll restore my life.
You'll make me greater and more comfortable than ever.

LUKE 7:14-15 (CEB)
Jesus said,“Young man, I say to you, get up.” 

The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.

THE ESSENCE
Jesus' sovereignty extends even to the realm of death. 

DAILY FODDER
Jesus not only temporarily restored dead people back to life but he permanently overcame death himself, paving the way for the permanent bodily restoration of all people.  

PRAYER
Sovereign Lord, I'm grateful that you even control death and that when the time is right we'll all join in your resurrection. Forgive me for living as though death is the final word. Start now restoring eternal life in me so that the fear and culture of death are totally disarmed — even before my resurrection moment. This is life greater than ever. 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.

KINDNESS

JONAH 4:4 (ABP)
GOD replied to Jonah, "What qualifies you to be so angry over my mercy?"

LUKE 6:36 (MSG)
Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.

THE ESSENCE
Don't bypass an opportunity to show kindness. 

DAILY FODDER
What God-acceptible criteria is there for disqualifying someone from receiving your kindness and mercy? 

PRAYER
Gracious Lord, there is an incomprehensible wideness to your mercy. I, on the other hand, struggle to muster enough empathy to live out basic kindness. Open my eyes to the depths of your kindness and through the prompting of your Spirit nudge me into that lane. I want to be kind, as you are kind. I can only do that in partnership with you. 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.