SEEKING

JEREMIAH 29:13-14 (MSG)
When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.

MATTHEW 9:20-22 (MSG)
Just then a woman who had hemorrhaged for twelve years slipped in from behind and lightly touched his robe. She was thinking to herself, “If I can just put a finger on his robe, I’ll get well.” Jesus turned—caught her at it. Then he reassured her: “Courage, daughter. You took a risk of faith, and now you’re well.” The woman was well from then on.

THE ESSENCE
Seek God like your life depended on it. It does. 

DAILY FODDER
What does faithfully seeking after God look like in 2025?

PRAYER 
Loving God, thank you for being accesible. Forgive us for looking for you in all the wrong places. I know that I can't earn access or your favor. I know that bettering myself won't make me more acceptable. I confess that I'm doing it all wrong and so I'm humbly turning to you, trusting that you'll make yourself known to me 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.

INTEGRITY

The Fourth Sunday in Eastertide

EXODUS 20:15 (CEB)
Do not steal.

EPHESIANS 4:8 (MSG)
Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can’t work.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Integrity matters. 

DAILY FODDER
Integrity isn't just about not stealing but about using what is entrusted to us to benefit the needy.  

PRAYER 
Thank you, God, for blessing me in so many ways. I admit that giving to those in need is not yet my first impulse. I justify my attitude because I've worked hard for what I have. Help me to recognize my short-sightedness and to open up to the transformative heart change that comes with the good news of Jesus. I recognize that I'm blessed so I can bless others. 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.

GOD'S PRESENCE

JEREMIAH 23:23 (NLT)
Am I a God who is only close at hand?” says the Lord.
"No, I am far away at the same time..."

MARK 15:34 (CEB)
At three, Jesus cried out with a loud shout, “Eloi, eloi, lama sabachthani,” which means, “My God, my God, why have you left me?”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
It doesn't always feel like it, but God is present in both the good and the bad times. 

DAILY FODDER
Why did Jesus feel abandoned on the cross? He quotes the first verse of Psalm 22, a psalm which ultimately swings around to affirm God's presence, sovereignty, and a global revival of people turning to him. 

PRAYER 
Almighty God, you are everwhere. Thank you that wherever I go, near or far, east or west, inside or outside, you are present. You are with me. Close by. Available. I cannot run from you or hide from you. I am loved deeply by you. You are my awesome God, and I am your grateful child. 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.

FAIRNESS

EZEKIEL 33:17 (MSG)
Your people say, “The Master’s way isn’t fair.” But it’s the way they’re living that isn’t fair.

ROMANS 9:14 (NLT)
Are we saying, then, that God was unfair? Of course not!

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When things aren't going our way it is tempting to accuse God of being unfair but we should treat such an impulse as a prompt to check ourselves. 

DAILY FODDER
When a young child complains that a situation is unfair it's usually because the child lacks perspective. When we complain that something is unfair to us as adults it often means we're being childish.  

PRAYER 
Faithful God, you are completely fair and totally just. You define what is right! Forgive me for the times when I get bent out of shape because life is not unfolding according to my plan. Teach me how to deal with disappointment in a healthy way. I want to give up my childish ways and embrace your plan, even when I lack full perspective. 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.