SEEK JESUS

AMOS 5:4 (CEB)
The LORD proclaims to the house of Israel:
Seek me and live.

JOHN 6:68 (CEB)
Simon Peter answered, "Lord, where would we go? You have the words of eternal life..."

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Seek Jesus, the source of life.

DAILY FODDER
How would Peter respond to the statement, "Well, Jesus is good, but he is one of many good choices."? 

PRAYER
Jesus, loving friend, there is nowhere to go but to you. I have tried other paths. They are deadends. You are the true way, my life's direction. Thank you for inviting me to look for you and be found in the light of your promises. Lord, let me reflect your light today onto the path of another forgiven seeker. 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.

LESS IS MORE

PROVERBS 10:19 (MSG)
The more talk, the less truth;
the wise measure their words.

MATTHEW 5:37 (MSG)
You don’t make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
More words don't equal more truth.

DAILY FODDER
One of my mentors, John Notehelfer, suggested the acronym T – H – I – N - K, as a way to decide what needs to be said and what should be left unsaid. "Is it true? Is it helpful? Does it inspire? Is it necessary? Am I kind about it?"

PRAYER
Lord God, your words are always true and appropriate for the moment. Mine on the other hand, are too full of me. Give me the wisdom to THINK and keep my mouth shut. I want to become a person of few, but helpful life-giving words. 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.

OUTSIDERS

MALACHI 1:11 (MSG)
“I am honored all over the world. And there are people who know how to worship me all over the world, who honor me by bringing their best to me. They’re saying it everywhere: ‘God is greater, this God-of-the-Angel-Armies.’

MATTHEW 8:11 (MSG)
This man is the vanguard of many outsiders who will soon be coming from all directions—streaming in from the east, pouring in from the west, sitting down at God’s kingdom banquet alongside Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Jesus is leading outsiders into full participation in God’s kingdom. 

DAILY FODDER
God's inclusion plan is so thorough that the outsiders aren't just allowed in the door but they have privileged places at the table.

PRAYER
God-of-the-angel-armies, you use your great power for hospitality rather than exclusion. Forgive our failure to function with such radical welcome. We're suspicious of immigrants and refugees and hesitant to spend money on anyone outside our own tribe—on anyone who might not benefit us. Change our hearts and broaden our approach so that it is second nature to treat outsiders as insiders. I want to become a greeter in your kingdom. 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.

SIN

Ash Wednesday

ISAIAH 59:2 (MSG)
There’s nothing wrong with God; the wrong is in you.
Your wrongheaded lives caused the split between you and God.
Your sins got between you so that he doesn’t hear.

ROMANS 6:23 (CEV)
Sin pays off with death. But God's gift is eternal life given by Jesus Christ our Lord.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Sin is destructive but God is life-giving.

DAILY FODDER
How does one receive God's gift? 

PRAYER
Please hear my cry, Lod Jesus. When given the choice to work for sin's wages or receive your free gift, I too often choose the wages. I like accountability and payment. What's free seems risky. But life in you is eternal. Today I choose your gift of life. Thank you for forgiving me and showing me your face.  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.