LIGHT FROM GOD

PSALM 18:28 (ABP)
You are the one who keeps the light shining for me—
GOD, my God, keeps the darkness at bay.

LUKE 1:78-79 (CEV)
God's love and kindness
   will shine upon us
like the sun that rises
    in the sky.
On us who live
   in the dark shadow
   of death
this light will shine
   to guide us
   into a life of peace.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Even when darkness is in the wings, God's light is close and ready to illuminate the situation.

DAILY FODDER
What kind of darkness pesters you? How does God's love and kindness throw light onto the situation? 

PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, that I now live in Easter light. Forgive me when I turn my back on your promises and focus on my shadow. Take my hand and guide my feet to follow you in every decision today, that you might be glorified. Make me a candle of your compassion, with words burning brightly with hope! Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)o
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.

FAITHFUL

AMOS 7:2-3 (CEV)
I said to the LORD, “Please forgive your nation. It's so weak. How can it survive?”
Then the LORD felt sorry and answered, “I won't let it be destroyed.”

LUKE 22:31-32 (MSG)
Jesus said, "Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out..."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Our merciful God is on our side, cheering us on so we don't give in or give out.

DAILY FODDER
What if anything is stressing your relationship with God? What can you do about that? 

PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, for your ongoing advocacy for us. Forgive me for all the times I give in to temptation. Please keep praying to the Father for me, that I could remain faithful, attentive, and fruitful for you. I'm going to rest in your 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.

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.