July 2022

Ken’s Summer Blockbuster series has explored movies that contemplated many interesting aspects of our life and faith journey. Our final film is “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” in which television's Mr. Rogers' empathy, kindness and decency soon chip away at a reporter’s anger and jaded outlook on life, forcing him to reconcile with his own painful past.

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*All texts this month will be from The Voice Translation.

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Preparation for worship on July 30

God on the Big Screen: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood​

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Sunday, July 24

Devotional: Do Not Trust Your Anger

James 1:19-20

Listen, open your ears, harness your desire to speak, and don’t get worked up into a rage so easily, my brothers and sisters. Human anger is a futile exercise that will never produce God’s kind of justice in this world.

Elohay Selichot, God of Forgiveness: Since before time, you have been misunderstood, maligned, attacked, and disparaged, yet your response has always been patience, understanding, forgiveness, and compassion. Your framework of love offers a glimpse of your grace. Soften my heart with your kindness today. Amen.

Music: You Are the Lord (We Cry Holy)

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Monday, July 25

Devotional: The Prayer that Turns Anger into Hope

Psalm 130:5-6

So I wait for the Eternal—my soul awaits rescue—and I put my hope in His transforming word. My soul waits for the Lord to break into the world more than night watchmen expect the break of day, even more than night watchmen expect the break of day.

Jehovah Uzzi, Lord My Strength: You do not separate yourself from pain and fear, and your Spirit works in their midst. You hear the cries of those who have been broken, and you are faithful in your compassion. I offer you my disappointment, shame, and anger, trusting you to provide the strength and healing I need. Amen.

Music: Come Ye Sinners

Tuesday, July 26

Devotional: Anger is Not a Sin

Romans 8:31-35

So what should we say about all of this? If God is on our side, then tell me: whom should we fear? If He did not spare His own Son, but handed Him over on our account, then don’t you think that He will graciously give us all things with Him? Can anyone be so bold as to level a charge against God’s chosen? Especially since God’s “not guilty” verdict is already declared. Who has the authority to condemn? Jesus the Anointed who died, but more importantly, conquered death when He was raised to sit at the right hand of God where He pleads on our behalf. So who can separate us? What can come between us and the love of God’s Anointed? Can troubles, hardships, persecution, hunger, poverty, danger, or even death? The answer is, absolutely nothing.

Yahweh Channun, God Merciful and Gracious: You formed all things with intention and purpose. You take delight in the creation of each person and embrace them as “very good.” You understand the passions and frailties of humanity, yet your grace and acceptance never waver. Thank you for loving me in my weakness. Amen.

Music: This is How I Thank the Lord

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Wednesday, July 27

Devotional: Coming to Terms

Ephesians 4:30-32

It’s time to stop bringing grief to God’s Holy Spirit; you have been sealed with the Spirit, marked as His own for the day of rescue. Banish bitterness, rage and anger, shouting and slander, and any and all malicious thoughts—these are poison. Instead, be kind and compassionate. Graciously forgive one another just as God has forgiven you through the Anointed, our Liberating King.

Shub Nephesh, Renewer of Life: You are the Builder and Restorer of relationships. You command those who follow you to prioritize love above all else – even when it requires sacrifice. When someone causes me hurt or pain, may I look beyond myself, seek to understand, and respond with grace. Amen.

Music: Bleed the Same

Thursday, July 28

Devotional: Jonah’s Anger

1 Corinthians 4:7

Is there any reason to consider yourselves better than others? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If you received it as a gift, why do you boast like it is something you achieved on your own?

Jehovah Jireh, God My Provider: You are the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and no good thing exists apart from you. There is no scarcity to your grace and mercy, and it is available to all. May your Spirit of generosity flow freely through me today. Amen.

Music: Simple Kingdom

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Friday, July 29

Devotional: Saved from Rage

Psalm 46:10-11

Be still, be calm, see, and understand I am the True God. I am honored among all the nations. I am honored over all the earth. You know the Eternal, the Commander of heavenly armies, surrounds us and protects us; the True God of Jacob is our shelter, close to His heart.

Sar Shalom, Prince of Peace: What is meant for evil, you turn to good. What is destined for war, you liberate for peace. Your strength is found in love, not hate. Your power is provided in mercy, not weapons. Your Kingdom is designed and realized in grace alone. I place my trust in you. Amen.

Music: Canticle

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