GOD LIVING AMONG US

ISAIAH 12:6 (MSG)
Raise the roof! Sing your hearts out, O Zion!
The Greatest lives among you: The Holy of Israel.

JOHN 1:14 (MSG)
The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes...

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The great thing about salvation is that God executed his plan through his presence among us.

DAILY FODDER
What difference does it make that God chose to live among us rather than sending a decree from a distant throne? 

PRAYER
Merciful God I'm grateful that you choose to carry out your agenda by being close. You're  not a distant landlord but a loving Savior. Forgive me for my lack of hospitality. I have no excuse for ignoring you. Help me to receive you and in turn welcome others. Because you are present I can be, too. Amen.

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.

WHOLE SOUL BLESSING

PSALM 103:1 (MSG)
O my soul, bless GOD.
From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name!

1 PETER 1:3 (CEB)
May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed! On account of his vast mercy, he has given us new birth. You have been born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Bless our generous God, for he is most worthy of everything we've got.

DAILY FODDER
How do you bless God? 

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for the eternal living hope that we've received through the resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead. You are worthy of all recognition and honor—indeed the entirety of our lives. Yet, so much of the time our worship is half-hearted—dependent on whether we like the music or the preacher or the donuts. Help us to shift the focus from our preferences so that we can bless you with every ounce of energy that inhabits our souls. You deserve nothing less. Amen. 

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

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.