WEIGHED DOWN?

PSALM 34:6 (CEB)
This suffering person cried out:
the Lord listened and saved him from every trouble.

MATTHEW 11:28 (MSG)
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When you are weighed down look to the Lord to get your life back.  

DAILY FODDER
What is weighing you down these days? How are you going to shift that weight over to the Lord Jesus? 

PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, for caring enough to offer to carry my load. Forgive my self-inflicted stoicism. I'm way too eager to prove myself by taking on more than you created me to carry. Help me to release what isn't mine to lug around. I'm going to rest in your faithful care. 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

TOTAL HOLINESS

GENESIS 6:9 (CEB)
Noah was a moral and exemplary man; he walked with God.

1 PETER 1:15 (CEB)
You must be holy in every aspect of your lives, just as the one who called you is holy.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Aim for an exemplary life characterized in all respects by godliness. 

DAILY FODDER
It's easy to become satisfied with partial godliness as we reason that we're doing our best. But God isn't really looking for our best. 

PRAYER
Holy God, thank you for showing me through Noah's example of how to be righteous. I strive to walk in close fellowsip with you, God, but often slip into old, sinful habits. Help me keep my heart open to your holy and righteous guidance. You chose me as your child, and I want my life to please you. 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.

RESPONSIVENESS

1 SAMUEL 3:18 (MSG)
Eli said (to Samuel), “He is God. Let him do whatever he thinks best.”

JOHN 21:12 (MSG)
Jesus said, “Breakfast is ready.” Not one of the disciples dared ask, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Master.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When we're dealing with God responsiveness is more important than having all our questions answered.

DAILY FODDER
How has God called to you? How have you responded?

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for calling ordinary people to partner with you. I confess that I sometimes let my questions get in the way of responding. Give me the wisdom to know when to ask questions and when to jump up and go. I want to embrace Eli's approach to such mysteries — to assume you know what you're doing and to make myself available for any way you want me to serve (or eat) with 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.

PROTECTOR GOD

The Third Sunday of Lent

PSALM 59:16 (GNT)
I will sing about your strength;
every morning I will sing aloud of your constant love.
You have been a refuge for me,
a shelter in my time of trouble.

ACTS 26:22-23 (MSG)
God has stood by me, just as he promised, and I’m standing here saying what I’ve been saying to anyone, whether king or child, who will listen. And everything I’m saying is completely in line with what the prophets and Moses said would happen: One, the Messiah must die; two, raised from the dead, he would be the first rays of God’s daylight shining on people far and near, people both godless and God-fearing.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When we partner with God we know that he's protecting us.

DAILY FODDER
How has God protected you? Make a mental list.

PRAYER
Protector God, thank you for your everlasting love. I can always count on you for help. You are a place of safety during times of distress. Forgive me for not always acknowledging your strength and love. I will praise you daily for all you do. Empower me to testify of your grace and mercy to all who will listen. 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.