GOD'S STRENGTH

The Third Sunday of Easter

PSALM 18:32 (MSG)
Is not this the God who armed me,
then aimed me in the right direction?

1 CORINTHIANS 1:25 (NLT)
God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God has strength we can't even imagine.

DAILY FODDER
What difference does it make if God is strong or weak? 

PRAYER
God of power and might, you alone are worthy of praise. Thank you for the solid assurance that your strength can guard me against doubts that assail me. I am sorry for the messes I make when I depend on my own power to bring change. Give me courage to share the good news with the strength of your Spirit. 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.

IMPRESSIONS

DANIEL 6:27 (ABP)
God is the one who rescues and saves.

GALATIANS 2:20 (MSG)
Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
If Christ is the one who does all the heavy lifting it is no longer important that I appear strong. 

DAILY FODDER
Who are you trying to impress? 

PRAYER
Awesome God, thank you for sending Jesus into the world to lift the weight of sin from our shoulders. I confess, though, that I still get caught up in the game of trying to prove myself. I know that it's unnecessary and even detrimental, so free me from this habit related to the old pre-Christ life. I want to live a daily life driven by faith in him who loved me so much that he gave himself to save me. 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.

ENTIRELY ON GOD

EZEKIEL 16:62 (NCB)
Thus I will reestablish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the LORD...

ROMANS 9:16 (CEB)
So then, it doesn’t depend on a person’s desire or effort. It depends entirely on God, who shows mercy.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
It's all up to God. 

DAILY FODDER
It's hard to live in such a way that I'm not the center of the universe. How do we break free from such a perspective? 

PRAYER
Creator and Sustainer of all that is, thank you for holding it all together. Forgive me for slipping into the mindset where everything of importance has to do with me. Help me to reimagine the world so that everything is about you. I want to truly grok your position, love, and mercy. 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.

WORD READY

ISAIAH 51:12 (MSG)
“I, I’m the One comforting you.
What are you afraid of—or who?
Some man or woman who’ll soon be dead?
Some poor wretch destined for dust?

1 PETER 3:15 (CEV)
Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life.
Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Don't be afraid to stand up for Christ, the Lord of your life. 

DAILY FODDER
What causes you to hesitate when an opportunity to talk about Christ presents itself? 

PRAYER
Kind God, thank you for entrusting us with your story. Forgive me for the times I fail to share the basis of the hope that you've given to me and all who trust you. Give me courage and boldness to speak up. I'm not going to worry about how things come out but I'm going to say at least something. Afterall, my hope is in 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.