THE SACRIFICE MAKES IT HAPPEN

PSALM 33:5 (ABP)
GOD loves it when people live right and pursue justice.

2 CORINTHIANS 8:9 (MSG)
You are familiar with the generosity of our Master, Jesus Christ. Rich as he was, he gave it all away for us—in one stroke he became poor and we became rich.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God loves us so much that he sacrificed to pursue righteousness and justice on our behalf.

DAILY FODDER
Practically speaking, how does the sacrifice of Christ affect your day-to-day life?

PRAYER
God of all, your love for making things right is incomprehensible. You made Christ poor to make me rich. What an amazing gift! Your great love encourages me when so much of my life is consumed with unrighteousness and betrayal. Send your Holy Spirit to convict my heart of your generous act so I can be rich to others. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

GOD'S AMAZING ACTIVITY LIST

JOEL 2:21 (ABP)
Don't be afraid, dear land. Instead, celebrate and be glad because GOD is doing amazing things!

LUKE 19:37-38 (ABP)
When Jesus and his followers started down the pathway from Olive Mountain, shouting and singing broke out among them as they praised God for all the amazing things they had seen.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
If you want a lift, look for the amazing things that God has done and is doing.

DAILY FODDER
What stands in the way of you recognizing the amazing activity of God? What can you do about the obstacles?

PRAYER
Glorious God, during this Holy Week we are struck again by the way that you are in the process of turning an evil event into an amazing benefit for all humanity. I admit that I get down when I see how bad things are and I lose perspective. Help me to recognize your activity in the world -- to make a mental list, starting with the events of Holy Week, of the great turn-arounds that you're pulling off. I'm going to become an eternal optimist because of Jesus. I'm celebrating! Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

FIX YOUR EYES ON JESUS

PSALM 16:8 (ABP)
GOD is walking in front of me, close enough so I can see him and follow.

HEBREWS 12:2 (NLT)
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Above all else keep your eyes on Jesus.

DAILY FODDER
Agree or disagree? By definition it is impossible to act as a Christian if we're looking anywhere other than to Jesus to define how we function in life.

PRAYER
Savior Jesus, thank you for trailblazing the way through death and into the resurrected life. I want to follow you all the way. But I struggle to keep my eyes on you. Overcome my attention deficit because I can't do it on my own. Take me by the hand and lead me into the life your're creating. I'm going to follow close to Jesus so that I don't lose sight and adopt the values and ways of the evil empire. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

SADNESS TO JOYFULNESS

Palm Sunday

JEREMIAH 31:13 (CEB)
I will turn their mourning into laughter
and their sadness into joy...

MATTHEW 5:4 (CEV)
God blesses those people
     who grieve.
They will find comfort!

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is in the businesss of upcycling our sorrows into joys.

DAILY FODDER
What is it about grief and sorrow that makes it feel so permanent when you're in the midst of it? How do you get a handle on the sadness when it happens?

PRAYER
Blessed Savior, it makes us sad to think about all the pain and humility you endured at the cross. You did it on our behalf. Yet, I'm happy when I consider the outcome of the betrayal, trial, and crucifixion. Help me to experience your joy, even in the midst of the sorrow. Use it to transform my life. I'm going to let the big picture transform Holy Week into something comforting. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.