Preparation for worship on February 19

ARISE to Old Testament Societal Justice​

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Friday, February 18

Devotional: Ornery Jesus & Good Trouble

 

Amos 5:21-24
“I hate all your show and pretense—the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies. I will not accept your burnt offerings and grain offerings. I won’t even notice all your choice peace offerings. Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.

 

Passionate Savior, you never took anything lying down. You spoke directly, healed dramatically, and socialized rebelliously. You didn’t mince words when it came to justice and equality, and you led your followers to live that same bold life. Please speak through me, work through me, and use me in my world. Amen.

 

Music: See a Victory/What a Beautiful Name

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Thursday, February 17

Devotional: Yes, the Bible is a Call to Social Justice

 

Romans 12:4-5
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

 

God of Equality, you created humanity in your image, as a reflection of your holy diversity. You will not be defined by any earthly standards, and it is the intention of your kingdom to erase what separates and tear down what divides. Help me to see your beauty in those around me and live out your covenant of grace. Amen.

 

Music: We All Need Jesus

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Wednesday, February 16

Devotional: The Use of Power

 

Proverbs 3:27-28
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”

 

God Who Provides, you give good gifts. With your gifts, you offer opportunity, discernment, and grace. Your gifts have purpose, and when used at your discretion, they can change the world. Thank you for the gifts you have given me, and grant me wisdom in their use. Amen.

 

Music: Send Me

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Tuesday, February 15

Devotional: A Christian’s Response to Racism and Injustice

 

Hosea 12:6
So now, come back to your God. Act with love and justice, and always depend on him.

 

Merciful Lord, you are extravagant in your love and mercy. You never repay evil with evil; evil is not even in your tool box. Your response is always in mercy, compassion, and grace. I have received your unconditional love and forgiveness. May it form in me a compassion that sees the needs of others and seeks their greatest good. Amen.

 

Music: In Jesus’ Name (God of Possible)

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Monday, February 14

Devotional: Righteous Anger

 

Philippians 2:3-4
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

 

Precious Redeemer, you are not impressed by power or brilliance. You restore value and beauty to what is broken and cast aside. Your heart is broken by marginalization, prejudice and inequality, and you delight in mercy and justice. Fill my heart with a need to make a difference in my world. Amen.

 

Music: Send Me

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Sunday, February 13

Devotional: Making Peace: A Lament for Justice

 

Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

 

God of Radical Justice, you created in beauty and equality. Your plan was for all living things to exist in harmony, sustaining each other with grace and kindness. The peace you offer requires active participation of those who accept and understand the integrity of your Kingdom. Move me to live a life that challenges injustice and supports your Kingdom of inclusion. Amen.

 

Music: The Justice Song

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