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.

RESPONDING TO THE DARKNESS

Good Friday

PSALM 117:1 (CEB)
Praise the LORD, all you nations!
Worship him, all you peoples!

REVELATION 5:12 (MSG)
The slain Lamb is worthy!
Take the power, the wealth, the wisdom, the strength!
Take the honor, the glory, the blessing!

THE ESSENCE
The slain Lamb is worthy of all our praise, honor, gratitude, and total allegiance. 

DAILY FODDER
There is a kind of darkness that hovers over Good Friday. It's sobering. But it doesn’t drag us down because we know that Sunday is coming. So, our best response to the moment is praise, honor, gratitude, and total allegiance. 

PRAYER
Jesus, as you are lifted up on the cross, I receive an emblem of courage. I desire to give of myself and bring others to witness your act of love. Forgive me for waiting in the wings and not joining in the chorus of praising your worthiness, power, and strength. I can do all things through you. Praise and thanks! 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.