LOVE — IT'S THE COMMANDMENT

DEUTERONOMY 5:32 (CEB)
So you must carefully do exactly what the Lord your God commands you. Don’t deviate even a bit!

MATTHEW 5:37-39 (CEV)
Jesus answered:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, “Love others as much as you love yourself.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Loving God and others isn't just a romantic ideal or an aspiration for some day in the future.

DAILY FODDER
Which is more of a challenge for you — loving God with everything you are or loving others with the same energy you put into looking out for yourself?  Should you prioritize one over the other?

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for caring enough to give us instructions for living in harmony with you. I admit that I tend to speed read and gloss over a lot of the detail — especially when the details in the Bible stretch me. Keep encouraging me to grow in my love for you and my neighbors. My aim is to become an obedient and loving follower of Christ Jesus — through whom this is all possible. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

ENJOY LIFE!

ECCLESIASTES 8:15 (NLT)
So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.

PHILIPPIANS 4:4 (MSG)
Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Do what you can to enjoy God and the life he has given to you.

DAILY FODDER
Why do some people think of God as a killjoy? How do we counter such thinking?

PRAYER
Thank you, generous God, for all the reasons I have to celebrate life. I confess, though, that there is some negativity in me. I tend to dwell on the problems and that sucks the joy out of me. Show me how to have healthy fun without feeling guilt over that freedom. There are so many negative people and situations but I'm not going to rent them space in my brain. I'm going to revel in you and the great life you've given to me. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

INTERACT

Ascension Sunday

PSALM 51:12 (CEV)
Make me as happy as you did
when you saved me;
make me want to obey!

JAMES 5:13 (MSG)
If you're going through a rough patch -- pray! If things are going great -- praise God in some way! 

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Whatever is happening turn to God and use the situation as an opportunity to interact with him.

DAILY FODDER
When do you most interact with God -- during difficult times or good times? Why do you think that is?

PRAYER
Glorious God, thank you for both the high points and the low points in my life. Keep me engaged in meaningful conversation with you during both. I tend to get caught up in the moment and myself when things happen. But I want to reprogram my responses so that I naturally slide into praise and prayer. You are here for me. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

YOUR PLACE AT THE TABLE

ISAIAH 65:1 (NLT)
The Lord says,
"I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help.
I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me."

MATTHEW 19:30 (ABP)
Many of the most prominent people will end up with no status or influence. However, those currently lacking influence will become the most important.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When the Lord's upside–down kingdom comes in its fulness, a lot of the big shots, those who have neglected looking to God, will find themselves at the back off the line.

DAILY FODDER
How prominent do you think you'll be in God's kingdom? Why do you think that?

PRAYER
God, I'm looking forward to living in your coming kingdom — your new creation. I am especially enthralled with the prediction that humility be valued more than power. I confess that I've spent way too much energy trying to advance in the world's pecking order. Show me how to change the way I operate now so that I'm prepared to participate in what's to come. It's not too late. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.