JESUS' PATTERN

PSALM 34:5 (CEB)
Those who look to God will shine;
their faces are never ashamed.

JOHN 13:15 (MSG)
Jesus: I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Live according to the pattern established by Jesus and you'll avoid the shame on judgment day. 

DAILY FODDER
Is it actually possible to live according to the pattern established by Jesus? If so, how? 

PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus! You not only saved us but in the way you did that you established a pattern for us to live in sync with you. Forgive me for doubting that following your pattern is realistic. Allowing others to "take advantage of" my generosity seems so impractical. Keep me close to you so that your presence makes the impossible possible. I know that there are lots of so called "Christians" who publicly push back at the idea allowing your way to literally take over. But I'm going to stick by you and your way of taking on life. 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.

FRESH STARTS

2 CHRONICLES 30:9 (MSG)
Your GOD is gracious and kind and won’t snub you—come back and he’ll welcome you with open arms.

LUKE 22:32 (MSG)
Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is in the habit of giving people fresh starts, as should we be.  

DAILY FODDER
Isn't it counterproductive to be giving people fresh starts all the time? Why would God do that?

PRAYER
Gracious and kind God, I'm grateful for the numerous fresh starts you've given me in my life. I'm not nearly so generous with others. Might your indwelling Holy Spirit rewire my approach to others so that I'm more fully aligned with Jesus. Grant me another fresh start so that I can become gracious and kind, too. 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.

ACT FOR JUSTICE

PSALM 103:6 (NLT)
The LORD gives righteousness
and justice to all who are treated unfairly.

JAMES 4:17 (CEB)
It is a sin when someone knows the right thing to do and doesn’t do it.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Failure to side with God in his justice mission is sin.

DAILY FODDER
How does God expect us to side with those who are mistreated when the problem is so pervasive that no one will listen to me anyway? 

PRAYER
Lord, your work to defend and bring justice is what I need. My disobedience collides with your perfect plan. I am sorry I miss the mark by attempting to justify myself. Send your Holy Spirit to deal with my resistant heart. Help me to stand up for the lost and rely on your power to bring redemption to the unrighteous. 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.

SEEING THE POOR

The 5th Sunday in Lent

ISAIAH 58:7 (MSG)
What I’m interested in seeing you do is:
sharing your food with the hungry,
inviting the homeless poor into your homes...

MATTHEW 25:40 (MSG)
Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’

SUMMARY SENTENCE
To know God is to care in practical ways for the poor.

DAILY FODDER
What are you doing on behalf of the poor right now? 

PRAYER
Just and merciful God, I'm grateful for your ongoing care for the marginalized. Forgive me for living such an isolated life that I assume someone else is dealing with the issue of the poor. It's not intentional, but I've created walls to protect myself. Help me to open up, to see, and to respond to the needs of those around me. Grant me wisdom and creativity so I know the best ways to do that. I'm trusting you for the energy and resources to share with those in need. 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.