CONSISTENT

The 5th Sunday in Eastertide

JUDGES 6:17 (CEB)
Then Gideon said to him, "If I’ve gained your approval, please show me a sign that it’s really you speaking with me."

JOHN 3:2 (NCV)
One night Nicodemus came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we know you are a teacher sent from God, because no one can do the miracles you do unless God is with him.”

THE ESSENCE
The things Jesus did backed up the claims he made. He's believable.

DAILY FODDER
Nicodemus is an impresive figure because he noticed what Jesus was doing, figured out what it meant, went to Jesus for clarity, and ultimately aligned himself with Jesus — even when that meant going against his own group.

PRAYER
Jesus, I honor you for the consistency between your words and your actions. No one is as together as you. Forgive us for lining up behind the masters of hubris in our world. Show us how to change our minds and put ourselves 100% behind you. Apart from your mercy and the ongoing action of the Holy Spirit, that's not possible. Even that is a miracle that draws me closer to 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.

LIVING WITH JESUS

PSALM 119:133 (ABP)
Direct my steps through your words, so I don’t trip over the evil and sin that dot the pathway.

1 JOHN 2:6 (ABP)
Anyone who claims to be on God's side should make it clear by living the way Jesus lived.

THE ESSENCE
Godly living is life in harmony with Jesus' life. 

DAILY FODDER
So much of what is passed off as Christian is at best a homgenized version of Jesus'  teaching. Mostly Christianity wouldn’t be recognized by him because we aren't really living in solidarity with him.   

PRAYER
Jesus, you invite me to live in you. You live perfectly according to the law, but I cannot. I can only claim your promises. When I stray from your path, thank you for not letting sin overwhelm me. You steady me with your love and forgiveness. Today let me follow you wholeheartedly and invite someone along. 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.

AWESOME AND HOLY

ZEPHANIAH 3:7 (NET)
‘Certainly you will respect me!
Now you will accept correction!’

REVELATION 15:4 (GNT)
Who will not stand in awe of you, Lord?
Who will refuse to declare your greatness?
You alone are holy.

THE ESSENCE
Respect and awe for God involves embracing his holiness. 

DAILY FODDER
Many sing praise songs declaring the awesomeness of God, but few allow his holiness to shape their lives. How do you deal with this inconsistency in your life? 

PRAYER
Awesome God, I love declaring your greatness. But I admit that I'm don't get as excited about how you’re  trying to redirect and reshape my life according to your image. Help me to let go of the things that are offensive to your holy self. I want to honor you with both my words and life. 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.

PATIENCE WITH GOD

PSALM 90:4 (MSG)
Patience! You’ve got all the time in the world—whether
a thousand years or a day, it’s all the same to you.

2 PETER 3:8-9 (TCEB)
Don’t miss this, dear friends: With the Lord, one day is like a thousand years; and a thousand years are like a day. Our leader isn’t late, as some claim. He didn’t break his promise. Instead, he’s being patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone annihilated. He wants everyone to reject sin instead of rejecting him.

THE ESSENCE
Be patient with God, because the reality is that he is exercising patience with us. 

DAILY FODDER
Practically speaking, what does patience with God mean? What does impatience with God look like? Why are we so insistent that he right the all wrongs now, even at times acting to try and force his hand?   

PRAYER
Loving God, your time and ways are incomprehensible. Thank you for your promises. I'm sorry I am impatient for you to answer my prayers. You watch over me; you want me to walk with you. Today I will say yes to your forgiveness and will receive all you have for me. I live with expectant hope. 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.