COUNT ON GOD'S CARE

PSALM 139:9-10 (ABP)
If I took off flying at dawn, stopping to rest when I got to the darkness on the other side of the world—even there your firm hand would be guiding, protecting, and caring for me without wavering.

ACTS 27:23-25 (MSG)
"Last night God’s angel stood at my side, an angel of this God I serve, saying to me, ‘Don’t give up, Paul. You’re going to stand before Caesar yet—and everyone sailing with you is also going to make it.’ So, dear friends, take heart. I believe God will do exactly what he told me...."

THE ESSENCE
You can count on God to care for you wherever you are and in whatever the circumstances. 

DAILY FODDER
Where is the most surprising place that you have recognized God's presence? 

PRAYER 
Loving God, like a protective parent, you embrace me tightly and show me the way. You want what is best for me and you keep me safe. Thank you, Father. I want to follow wherever you lead. I desire to worship you and serve you with all that I am. I belong to 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.

SURPRISE!

PSALM 119:162 (MSG)
I’m ecstatic over what you say,
like one who strikes it rich.

MATTHEW 13:44 (MSG)
God’s kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidentally found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic—what a find!—and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and buy that field.

THE ESSENCE 
The God-defined-life is so surprisingly life-changing that it’s worth giving up everything to aquire. 

DAILY FODDER
What is it about God's wise message that makes it such a big surprise?  

PRAYER 
Wise and mighty God, your direction is life changing in the best way. I regret that I'm so stuck in my ways that I don't really hear what you're saying, even though I'm a regular Bible reader. Guide my feet so that I trip over your treasure and realize the value of what you put right in front of me. I'm determined to get rid of everything in the way of becoming an obsessed consumer of your Spirit-infused biblical wisdom. 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.

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.