ADMIT IT

2 SAMUEL 24:10 (MSG)
And David prayed to God, “I have sinned badly in what I have just done. But now God forgive my guilt—I’ve been really stupid.”

1 JOHN 1:9 (MSG)
On the other hand, if we admit our sins—simply come clean about them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.

THE ESSENCE
When we own up to our failures — our sins — God repairs our relationship.

DAILY FODDER
What stands in the way of admitting our sin to God? 

PRAYER
Gracious Lord, some days the realization of the depths of my guilt overwhelms. As I speak my confession, I am cleansed. Gratitude fills my soul from your redeeming words of love. Like David, I continue to pray for any shame or guilt to be removed from my soul. Today is a new beginning! 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.

THE FUTURE

PSALM 31:15 (CEB)
My future is in your hands.

EPHESIANS 5:15 (CEB)
So be careful to live your life wisely, not foolishly.

THE ESSENCE
Live as though your future is really up to God.  

DAILY FODDER
I feel free, knowing that ultimately my future is not my responsibility.  

PRAYER
I'm grateful, God, that you pass along some of your wisdom to us. Forgive me for ignoring it and for trying to make a future on my own. Help me to tune into the wisdom you share as I make choices about the future. I'm going to trust you for my future, indeed, for the future of everyone. 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.

PEACE TO YOU

The 2nd Sunday in Eastertide

PSALM 116:7 (CEB)
I tell myself, You can be at peace again,
because the LORD has been good to you.

JOHN 20:26 (MSG)
Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.”

THE ESSENCE
There are no doors that can lock out Jesus' peace.  

DAILY FODDER
If nothing can lock out Jesus’ peace, how is it that we continue to struggle with fear and anxiety?

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I'm grateful that you walk through locked doors to offer peace. Forgive us for being so preoccupied with situations that we fail to notice you standing in our midst. Help us to recognize your presence so we can receive your much needed peace. My goal is to help others see how you are present with us during desperate times. 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.

MERCY

PSALM 38:4 (MSG)
I’m swamped by my bad behavior,
collapsed under an avalanche of guilt.

LUKE 23:42-43 (MSG)
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom.”
He said, “Don’t worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise.”

THE ESSENCE
God's mercy is available to all who will accept it. 

DAILY FODDER
Why does God have such a generous policy for extending mercy? Isn’t that counter-produtive for getting people to behave?

PRAYER
I can't fathom the depths of your mercy, God. I still struggle to let go of things that are inconsistent with you and your kingdom. The only thing I can do is lean on your incomprehensible mercy, in the same way the thief on the cross did. It's all about your sacrifice on the cross and nothing about my spiritual accomplishments. Help me to experience the freedom that flows out of your mercy. 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.