GOD DELIVERS

PSALM 146:7 (ABP)
GOD delivers justice to the oppressed
and food to the hungry.

2 CORINTHIANS 9:10 (CEV)
God gives seed to farmers and provides everyone with food. He will increase what you have, so you can give even more to those in need.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God delivers.  

DAILY FODDER
If God is the one who delivers what we need, what is our role in the process? 

PRAYER
Generous God, thank you for all you've done and are doing for us. I regret how I get frustrated when the deliveries I've ordered from you aren't exactly what shows up. Help me to recognize how what I'm receiving is better than what I'm requesting. I trust you so much that I'm going to freely give to 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.

THANKFULNESS

PSALM 145:10 (CEB)
All that you have made gives thanks to you, LORD;
all your faithful ones bless you!

COLOSSIANS 3:16 (CEB)
Sing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
To be all that we were made to be, we need to allow gratitude to ooze from our lives—especially as we relate to God.

DAILY FODDER
What blocks the free flow of gratitude in your life? How do you address that blockage? While I strive to be thankful all the time I find it helpful to designate one day a week to be especially thankful. So, for me Thursday is always Thanksgiving Thursday. (I have similar designations on others days. For example, Fridays are for praying for my Family.)

PRAYER
Thank you, generous God, for the way that you have created the world and shaped my life. Forgive me for dashing along without so much as a thankful thought. Fill me with songs of gratitude. I'm  going to let thansgiving freely flow everyday. 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 UNIVERSAL JUSTICE

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

PSALM 105:7 (ABP)
GOD, our God, exercises his judicial authority throughout the whole earth.

MATTHEW 5:10 (ABP)
Blessings on you who are harassed because you've embraced God’s regime and are doing the right thing. The kingdom of heaven is yours!

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Embrace God's ways and receive God's blessing.

DAILY FODDER
How is God's approach to doing right different from what is commonly understood as right?

PRAYER
God, from your headquarters in Heaven, you oversee an alternative kingdom that shakes the world system to the core. Forgive me for living according to the ways of the world system. Show me how to do right in a system that is misaligned. I'm trusting your indwelling Holy Spirit to use your Word to transform me and how I do things so I'm completely aligned with the Kingdom of Heaven. My neighbors may not be happy with that transformation but I'm looking for your blessing, not theirs. 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.

LISTENING RESPECT

HABAKKUK 2:20 (MSG)
But oh! God is in his holy Temple!
Quiet everyone—a holy silence. Listen!

MARK 11:17 (CEB)
Jesus taught them, “Hasn’t it been written, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you’ve turned it into a hideout for crooks.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Genuine worship is characterized by listening respect. 

DAILY FODDER
Is there any holy silence in your worship? What is revealed in silence that we can't receive otherwise?

PRAYER
Holy God, you are worthy of all glory, honor, and silent awe. Forgive us for turning worship into a high energy spectacle, ignoring the need to spend time together in silent respect, too. Absolve us of our sins and renew our worship through your Word and sacraments. I want to worship you with fervor and respectful silence. I'm trusting you to lead us into that balance. 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.