Preparation for worship on October 29

Dangerous Worship: Dangerous Community

Who should be allowed into the community of worship? What do we risk by holding a large, inclusive picture of God?

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Sunday, October 23

Devotional: The Dangers of Unconditional Love

 

John 1:16

And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

 

God of Unsurpassed Grace, your love is without condition, and your mercy flows without measure. There is no rational reason for the extent of your kindness nor the fullness of your forgiveness. As I live in the light of your goodness toward me, may I share it to others. Amen.

 

Music: Jesus Does

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Monday, October 24

Devotional: An Outstanding Outbreak of Outrageous & Overwhelming Love

 

2 Corinthians 5:17

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

 

Spirit of Change, when you move, cultural norms are upended. When you empower, the broken are called blessed, and shame has no home. When you reveal yourself lives are never the same. Live through me today. Amen.
 

Music: Everything is Changing

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Tuesday, October 25

Devotional: Church is a Dangerous Place

 

1 Peter 4:12-13

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

 

All Powerful Sovereign, you cannot be contained. You are above and beyond all that is imaginable. You call your children to be bold, to break the chains of injustice, and to risk the comfort of the way things are. Empower me to prioritize your Kingdom of grace over the safety of the status quo. Amen.

 

Music: Cages

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Wednesday, October 26

Devotional: Fourth Graders and Pharisees

 

Leviticus 19:33-34

Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

 

Holy Parent, your children are spread over the whole Earth, and you love each one unconditionally. Your heart holds not favorites, and your compassion and mercy flow freely. Use me as an ambassador of your grace so that your true character is revealed in my area of influence. Amen.

 

Music: Whosoever

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Thursday, October 27

Devotional: The Parable of the Prodigal Father

 

Romans 8:38

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

 

Prodigal Father, you love without hesitancy. There is no requirement for your affection, and your greatest desire is to be in relationship with your creatures. You do not measure care for your children based on their mistakes, and your forgiveness is given freely and abundantly. Your mercy is mine without condition or cost, and I am thankful. Amen.

 

Music: Waves

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Friday, October 28

Devotional: They Were Right (and Wrong) About the Slippery Slope

 

Colossians 3:12

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

 

Gentle Savior, you incited anger by being kind. You caused conflict when you broke the rules to include the outcast. You gave your life to show how desperately you love your children. To truly know you is to understand that there is no limit to your grace nor anyone unworthy of receiving it. Thank you. Amen.

 

Music: Live Alive

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