FAITHFULNESS

The 6th Sunday of Easter

DANIEL 3:17-18 (MSG)
“Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn’t, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn’t serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.”

REVELATION 3:7-8 (CEB)
These are the words of the one who is holy and true, who has the key of David. Whatever he opens, no one will shut; and whatever he shuts, no one opens. I know your works. Look! I have set in front of you an open door that no one can shut. You have so little power, and yet you have kept my word and haven’t denied my name.

THE ESSENCE
God honors faithfulness in the face of adversity. 

DAILY FODDER
What specifically, is currently challenging your allegiance and faithfulness to the Lord? 

PRAYER
True God, I confess to being attracted by false gods: anger, fear, revenge, all the world’s shiny temptations. Thank you for keeping your doors firmly open, calling me by name. Save me when I play with fire. Grant me resistance to all who would harm your children. Sharpen my will for justice. Your power, my weakness. What a combination! 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.

GOD’S COMFORTING

ZECHARIAH 8:13 (TCEB)
Nations treated you like you’re jinxed and cursed. But soon they’ll know you’re blessed beyond good luck. So don’t be afraid.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:4 (TCEB)
When troubles come, God is already there to comfort us. He does it to show us how to comfort others in trouble. That way, we can comfort others the same way God comforted us.

THE ESSENCE
God comforts us so that we understand how to comfort others when they experience trouble.

DAILY FODDER
How have you experienced God's comforting in your life. How has that enabled you to comfort others? 

PRAYER
Gracious God, I wouldn't be here if it were not for your kindness. Forgive me for failing to pass the blessing of your kindness on to others. Help me to get outside myself so that I'm aware of needs and eager to comfort those who need comforting. I want to be a God-kind person. In Jesus' name, 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 DRAWS NEAR

1 KINGS 8:57-58 (MSG)
May God, our very own God, continue to be with us just as he was with our ancestors—may he never give up and walk out on us. May he keep us centered and devoted to him, following the life path he has cleared, watching the signposts, walking at the pace and rhythms he laid down for our ancestors.

MATTHEW 28:18 (CEB)
Jesus came near and spoke to them, "I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth."

THE ESSENCE
God draws near to us through Jesus, keeping us centered and devoted to him.

DAILY FODDER
Logistically, what is the difference between being a follower and being a fan of Jesus? Hint: It has to do with distance. 

PRAYER
Gracious God, you are always drawing near to people. This is how we know that Jesus came from you — he was continually entering into our space, overcoming the distance we have created through neglect and autonomy. I pray that through your presence I might become totally centered on Jesus, devoted to him, and able to walk with him at his pace. Because you are here with me I believe I can become a mature, convinced, and convincing follower of Jesus. 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.

MORNING PRAYER

PSALM 5:3 (TCEB)
Every morning
You’ll hear my voice, LORD.
Every morning
I’ll bring my requests, in prayer.
And wait to see what you’ll do.

MARK 1:35 (TCEB)
Early the next morning, before sunrise, Jesus left the house. He took a walk to a place where he could be alone and spend some time in prayer.

THE ESSENCE
Starting the day with prayer sets the tone for the day.

DAILY FODDER
There is no rule that says you must start each day with time alone in prayer. But there is wisdom and good precedent for doing so. If you are "not a morning person" create a simpler pattern where you can be quiet with God. No need to say anything. But if you want to attempt to formulate some prayer ideas perhaps using the TRIP pattern will be helpful. 

   T — thanksgiving

   R — regrets

   I — intercession

   P — purpose

Create a sentence around each theme idea. It's  a start. 

PRAYER
God, I'm grateful that even before my morning brain fog has cleared, you are available to me. I regret that I forget and just launch ahead. Help me to develop some prayer habits that work for me. I purpose to become more consistent in spending quiet time to listen and speak 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.