LOVE, MERCY, AND HOPE

The First Sunday after Christmas

ISAIAH 54:7 (CEB)
For a brief moment I abandoned you,
but with great mercy I will bring you back.

2 THESSALONIANS 2:16-17 (CEV)
God our Father loves us. He treats us with undeserved grace and has given us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope. We pray that our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father will encourage you and help you always to do and say the right thing.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When we're ready God pulls out all the stops to envelope us in his love and mercy so that we can live righteously.
 
DAILY FODDER
Why does God let us stray for a while?

PRAYER
Merciful God, even when I feel alone because I've drifted from you, it is comforting to know that you are circling back around to pour out your mercy again. Forgive me for thinking that I've been totally abandoned when it is actually me who has left you. Fill me with hope as we get reacquainted and I learn to trust you. I'm looking forward to a new year defined by the love, mercy, and hope that is mine in Christ Jesus. 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 would protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

FAITHFULNESS

GENESIS 39:9 (ABP)
Joseph said to his master's wife, who tried to seduce him, "Forget it! It would be horribly evil to betray him. And it would be sinning against God."

1 THESSALONIANS 4:7 (CEB)
God didn’t call us to be immoral but to be dedicated to him.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Faithfulness in our relationships matters.
 
DAILY FODDER
What is tempting you to be unfaithful? What drives you to be faithful?

PRAYER
Holy Master, thank you for your calling, which has the power to make me holy. I am sorry I can be seduced from my identity as your servant. Hold me firm in the faith. Strengthen me with the purity of your love. Bind me to you for your own sake. Reveal your holy purposes for my life. 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 would protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

RETURN

DEUTERONOMY 30:2-3 (NLT)
If at that time you and your children return to the Lord your God, and if you obey with all your heart and all your soul all the commands I have given you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes. He will have mercy on you...

MARK 1:15 (CEB)
Now is the time! Here comes God’s kingdom! Change your hearts and lives, and trust this good news!

SUMMARY SENTENCE
It's time to return to the Lord and his ways. 
 
DAILY FODDER
If returning to the Lord opens the door to receive his kindness, think of how much more blessed we are if we never leave his side.

PRAYER
Merciful God, I celebrate your open and welcoming arms. Even when we stray you are there for us. Save me from the illusion of self-sufficiency and help me to return to your side, where I can experience your blessing. I know where I need to be. 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 would protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

EVERYTHING

PSALM 104:14 (CEB)
You make grass grow for cattle;
you make plants for human farming
in order to get food from the ground...

EPHESIANS 5:20 (MSG)
Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ...

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Since God is the ultimate source of everything that we need there are unlimited reasons to offer him thanks and praise.
 
DAILY FODDER
Quick! Name ten things right now that God provides for you. Thank him.

PRAYER
Creator of all things, I thank you for the innumerable ways you sustain me and gift me with life abundant. You have redeemed me in Christ Jesus. His name assures me that I am yoked to you forever. Let my prayers of thanks blossom and flourish in me so that I may reveal your lovingkindness. 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 would protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.