THE MYSTERY OF GOD'S PERFECT PLAN

PSALM 18:30 (NLT)
God’s way is perfect.

MARK 4:26-28 (CEV)
Again Jesus said:
God's kingdom is like what happens when a farmer scatters seed in a field. The farmer sleeps at night and is up and around during the day. Yet the seeds keep sprouting and growing, and he doesn't understand how. It is the ground that makes the seeds sprout and grow into plants that produce grain.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God's perfect plan continues to unfold whether we understand it or not.

DAILY FODDER
What to you is the biggest mystery about God's way of doing things? Does that mystery hinder or help your faith? 

PRAYER
God, you are great and beyond all understanding. I admit that sometimes I try to squeeze you and your ways into my human and broken framework. Relieve me of the desire to eliminate the mystery. Help me to step forward along your pathway in faith. I'm not sure about all the details but I'm trusting you for the present and the future. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)o
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.

ANGELS

DANIEL 3:28 (CEV)
Praise their God for sending an angel to rescue his servants! They trusted their God...

MARK 1:13 (ABP)
Jesus stayed out in the wilderness for 40 days while Satan tested him. In addition to dealing with Satan during that time, there were wild animals out there. But angels took care of him.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God looks out for those who are living by faith—even as their faith is tested. 

DAILY FODDER
What does it do for you to realize that you've got a significant backer?

PRAYER
Mighty God, thank you for looking out for me. As I reflect on my life I wonder how many of your angels are actively keeping me alive everyday. Forgive me for living as though it all depends on me. Make room in my worldview for angels and their commitment to your agenda. I'm praising you for sending angels to rescue your servants. I want to be as useful as them. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)o
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.

TRUTHFUL AND MEANINGFUL

The Fourth Sunday of Easter

PROVERBS 11:13 (ABP)
Blabbermouths live to talk about everyone's juicy details,
but trustworthy people keep their mouthes shut.

EPHESIANS 4:15 (CEV)
Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head...

SUMMARY SENTENCE
When we truly love people we avoid talking about them and when we do need to say something it's always truthful and meaningful. 

DAILY FODDER
Speaking only meaningful and truthful words about people often requires lots of practice. Start small by intentionally avoiding comments about others—period. We don't really need to talk about what they're wearing or who they're hanging out with—as innocent or accurate as those things might be. You're in training, on the way to communicating only that which is meaningful and truthful.

PRAYER
God, the world lives on gossip. It is the very air we breathe. Forgive me for imbibing in my social media instead of meditating on your word. Help me put down my phone and go to your throne for updates that really matter. Your words of eternal life are stronger than the world's smothering strife. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)o
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.

TRUST

JEREMIAH 39:18 (NRSV)
I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have trusted in me, says the LORD.

LUKE 23:43 (CEB)
Jesus replied, “I assure you that today you will be with me in paradise.”

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Life is the reward for faith, even during the most desperate times.

DAILY FODDER
What does trusting in Jesus mean in today's world? When do the rewards come for our faith? 

PRAYER
Faithful God, you are worthy of our trust. You are tried and proven. Forgive me for panicking when the wind appears to be blowing in an unsettling way. Restore my confidence in your reliability. I will keep my faith in Jesus, no matter what happens and I know that you'll take good care of me. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)o
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.