WAKE UP

GENESIS 28:16-17 (CEB)
When Jacob woke from his sleep, he thought to himself, The LORD is definitely in this place, but I didn’t know it. He was terrified and thought, This sacred place is awesome. It’s none other than God’s house and the entrance to heaven.

EPHESIANS 5:14 (MSG)
Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.
     Wake up from your sleep,
     Climb out of your coffins;
     Christ will show you the light!

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Wake up to the presence of Christ and his light.

DAILY FODDER
What are some visible signs of Christ's active presence in the world around you?  

PRAYER
Awesome God, you are present in ways and places that have escaped our awareness. I confess that I'm so caught up in my own world that I miss seeing yours. Awaken me to the light of your presence so that I can move forward aware of reality.  I want to become so heavenly-minded that I'm finally of some earthly good. 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.

NO MORE TEARS

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

ISAIAH 65:19 (MSG)
I’ll take delight in my people:
No more sounds of weeping in the city,
   no cries of anguish...

REVELATION 7:17 (CEV)
The Lamb in the center
   of the throne
   will be their shepherd.
He will lead them to streams
   of life-giving water,
   and God will wipe all tears
   from their eyes.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Our sorrows are not a permanent fixture in the God-controlled universe.

DAILY FODDER
Some say that the only constant in life is pain in its various expressions. But the good news is that God is busy rewriting the future, removing all pain and sorrow from the script. Be encouraged!

PRAYER
Gracious God, I'm grateful for a future without sorrow. Forgive me for pushing to get there before I can actually learn the lessons that come through the school of pain. But I do pray that you would encourage me through the difficulties. While I allow them to rub off my rough edges I'm going to savor the hope of a future without tears. 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.

CHRONIC PAIN

JEREMIAH 15:18 (MSG)
But why, why this chronic pain,
   this ever worsening wound and no healing in sight?
You’re nothing, God, but a mirage,
   a lovely oasis in the distance—and then nothing!

EPHESIANS 3:12-13 (CEV)
Christ now gives us courage and confidence, so we can come to God by faith. This is why you should not be discouraged when I suffer for you.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Our relationship with Christ allows us to move forward despite our various and chronic pains.

DAILY FODDER
What kinds of suffering do you have? How does the suffering that Christ endured enable us to transcend what we endure?  

PRAYER
Merciful God, thank you that I may cry out to you in times of pain and suffering. I can bring you tough questions with the boldness of a child who trusts her parent's love. Keep me going forward in faith and help me remember in prayer others who are wounded and need the healing that only comes from you.  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.

LOYALTY

2 KINGS 13:23 (MSG)
But God was gracious and showed mercy to them. He stuck with them out of respect for his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He never gave up on them, never even considered discarding them, even to this day.

ROMANS 11:29 (CEV)
God doesn't take back the gifts he has given or disown the people he has chosen.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Even if we are unfaithful God faithfully sticks with his people.

DAILY FODDER
If God doesn't take back the gifts he has given or disown his chosen but wayward people, what does he do in response to unfaithfulness?  

PRAYER
Merciful God, I am grateful for your loyalty, even when we are disloyal. I confess that I forget or downplay your calling so that I can pursue my own goals. But you don't stop pursuing me, pulling me back to the safety of your merciful presence. Transform my life and outlook so that I can respond with faithfulness to your faithfulness. I want to live a life shaped by your loving loyalty. 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.