Preparation for worship on October 30

Love is . . . Not Irritable

Paul concludes 1 Corinthians 13:5 with a declaration that love is not irritable. Not being irritable is next to impossible. Irritation, however, is the seed from which bitterness and rage grow into a plant the crowds love.

​

Friday, October 29

Devotional: Christian Fandom

 

Psalm 71:5-6

O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you!

 

Suffering Servant, you clearly showed the world that celebrity and fame are not accurate measures of success. Your constant purpose was to redeem the lost, reclaim your children, and build your kingdom of love, and no price was too high. Help me to not place my conscience nor loyalty in the hands of humanity but to be equipped and sent into the world by you and your love alone. Amen.

 

Music: Plans

 

Thursday, October 28

Devotional: What We Learned from the JetBlue Guy

 

James 3:13

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

 

Righteous God, you command the universe and hold all living things in your hand. When humanity misunderstood your character, you entered the world to display an accurate picture of a God who accepts, understands, consoles, and forgives. God, it feels so good to be RIGHT. Help me to discern the pride that clouds my mind and understand the TRUE RIGHTNESS of humility and grace. Amen.

 

Music: Greatest of These

 

Wednesday, October 27

Devotional: A Radical Love Manifesto

 

Zephaniah 3:17

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

 

Holy Innovator, you enjoy arriving unexpectedly and catching people off-guard—a lion’s den, a fiery furnace, a burning bush, and an animal’s feeding trough to name just a few. You are the provider of miracles and the redeemer of souls, and in every instance, you delight in bringing joy. Lead me as I spread love in unexpected but essential ways today. Amen.

 

Music: Good God Almighty

 

Tuesday, October 26

Devotional: The Joy of Overlooking an Offense

 

Proverbs 19:11

Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

 

God Who Sees, you know all things; there is nothing hidden from your sight. With full knowledge of every sin and failure, your response is to lovingly redeem and forgive. Open my eyes to understand the daily grace I am given so that I respond in kind to those who may disappoint me today. Amen.

 

Music: I Am Loved

 

Monday, October 25

Devotional: Love is Not Love Unless It Becomes Flesh

 

1 John 3:18

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

 

Friend of Sinners, as you walked this earth, you spoke the loudest in your acts of love and mercy. Even the most desperate outcast knew your words of acceptance and grace would be experienced in your actions. Oh, Lord, words are so much easier than deeds and require a much more cowardly commitment! Please mold my heart with a conviction of the true love you seek for my world. Amen.

 

Music: Power of Your Name

 

Sunday, October 24

Devotional: Taking Offense is Not Part of the Christian Calling

 

Psalm 37:8

Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm.

 

Patient Sovereign, words are spoken every day that could cause you understandable outrage. Actions are taken that could bring you to righteous anger. Yet you respond with kindness, understanding, forgiveness, and grace. Fill my heart with your Spirit so that, when I am offended, I respond in your love.  Amen.

 

Music: Fix My Eyes

​