PEACE TO YOU

The 2nd Sunday in Eastertide

PSALM 116:7 (CEB)
I tell myself, You can be at peace again,
because the LORD has been good to you.

JOHN 20:26 (MSG)
Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.”

THE ESSENCE
There are no doors that can lock out Jesus' peace.  

DAILY FODDER
If nothing can lock out Jesus’ peace, how is it that we continue to struggle with fear and anxiety?

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I'm grateful that you walk through locked doors to offer peace. Forgive us for being so preoccupied with situations that we fail to notice you standing in our midst. Help us to recognize your presence so we can receive your much needed peace. My goal is to help others see how you are present with us during desperate times. 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.

MERCY

PSALM 38:4 (MSG)
I’m swamped by my bad behavior,
collapsed under an avalanche of guilt.

LUKE 23:42-43 (MSG)
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom.”
He said, “Don’t worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise.”

THE ESSENCE
God's mercy is available to all who will accept it. 

DAILY FODDER
Why does God have such a generous policy for extending mercy? Isn’t that counter-produtive for getting people to behave?

PRAYER
I can't fathom the depths of your mercy, God. I still struggle to let go of things that are inconsistent with you and your kingdom. The only thing I can do is lean on your incomprehensible mercy, in the same way the thief on the cross did. It's all about your sacrifice on the cross and nothing about my spiritual accomplishments. Help me to experience the freedom that flows out of your mercy. 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.

ON THE GO

GENESIS 28:13, 15 (MSG)
Then God was right before Jacob, saying, "...Yes. I’ll stay with you, I’ll protect you wherever you go, and I’ll bring you back to this very ground."

LUKE 22:35 (GNT)
Then Jesus asked his disciples, “When I sent you out that time without purse, bag, or shoes, did you lack anything?”

THE ESSENCE
God's people are always in some sense on the go. But he's always present, protecting, and providing for them. 

DAILY FODDER
How has God "sent" you to surprising places? How did he provide for you?  

PRAYER
Jesus, you left your heavenly home to sojourn among us. Because of that we have unimaginable lives — lives in partnership with you. I admit that I feel confused and vulnerable during the times you’ve sent me out on mission to uncomfortable people and places. I expect that you'll continue to stretch me in this way. So fill me with quiet confidence in your provision and presence. I know that even more so than with Jacob, your Holy Spirit resides within to lead and protect. I'm glad to be a part of your mission. 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.

SAYING LESS

ECCLESIASTES 5:2 (MSG)
Don’t shoot off your mouth, or speak before you think.
Don’t be too quick to tell God what you think he wants to hear.
God’s in charge, not you—the less you speak, the better.

MATTHEW 6:8 (MSG)
Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need.

THE ESSENCE
Fast talking gets you nowhere with God.

DAILY FODDER
A 19th-century poet, Mary Ann Pietzker, encouraged us to ask three questions before speaking:

Is it true?

Is it kind?

Is it necessary?

These words were intended to guide us in our discourse with other people, but I wonder if we might not use this wisdom to also guide our conversations with God. It could be good for our own spiritual health to say less.

PRAYER
Thank you for your word, which is a firm foundation in shaping my prayers and worship before you. Your Spirit is helping me in my weakness as I pray for your guidance. I'm sorry I speak out of turn without thinking. Watch the door of my lips to measure my words. Keep me grounded in your love and grace. 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.