RESURRECTION

PSALM 16:10 (CEV)
You won't leave me in the grave...

JOHN 11:25-26 (CEB)
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though they die. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
In God's scheme of things death is not the final word.

DAILY FODDER
Practically speaking, how does the resurrection of Jesus affect your life today?

PRAYER
Resurrected Savior, I am relieved that death is not the final word. I do regret that so much of how I live now is shaped by the perspective of limited future. Open my eyes and heart to the reality of resurrection living. I want to become a credible witness to eternal life so that everyone in my web of relationships will give serious consideration to the new life that comes through Christ. 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.

ONE GOD, MANY WAYS

Reformation Sunday

DEUTERONOMY 6:4 (CEV)
Listen, Israel! The Lord our God is the only true God!

1 CORINTHIANS 12:6 (NLT)
God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The one God works in many different ways.

DAILY FODDER
Why does diversity of Christian expression make us so uncomfortable?

PRAYER
Almighty God, on the Reformation Sunday we are reminded that you are constantly reforming your church. We need it. We've grown narrow-minded and are unwilling to adjust to different approaches. We'd be more comfortable if everyone worshipped in the way we do, had the same priorities, and all expressed their faith using our language. Break through our shortsightedness and give us a heart for your diverse work and your many kinds of people. I joyfully acknowledge that you are the one God but that you work in a plethora of ways. 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.

THE SHEPHERD

PSALM 23:1 (CEB)
The LORD is my shepherd.
I lack nothing.

JOHN 10:11 (MSG)
I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus is my reliable shepherd.

DAILY FODDER
Why are sheep a good metaphor for people?

PRAYER
Because of you, Shepherd Jesus, I lack nothing. Forgive me for the times I mindlessly wander away searching for greener grass when I already have all I need. Keep an eye on me and I'll be alright. 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.

HOLD TIGHT

PROVERBS 4:13 (MSG)
Hold tight to good advice; don’t relax your grip.
Guard it well—your life is at stake!

2 TIMOTHY 3:14-15 (CEB)
But you must continue with the things you have learned and found convincing. You know who taught you. Since childhood you have known the holy scriptures that help you to be wise in a way that leads to salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Hold tight to the things of Christ found in scripture and taught by the important people in your life.

DAILY FODDER
What might cause someone to let go of what they've been taught about Christ and his way of life?

PRAYER
God, your instructions are consistent and trustworthy. I thank you for everyone in my life who has instructed me in your ways —my parents, my Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, family, friends, and... There are so many that I can't count them all. Forgive me for allowing the messages that come from the corrupt world to influence me. Help me to hold tight to your instructions as I make daily decisions about how I'll handle the world around me. I want to be wise in the ways of 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 will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen