Preparation for Worship on Saturday, February 27

Jesus Doesn't Make Life Easy: Stored Treasure

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Friday, February 26

Devotional/Scripture/Prayer/Music: Follow Me

 

(Please reflect on this devotional from Biola University Center for Christianity, Culture & the Arts’ Lent Project.)

 

Thursday, February 25

Devotional: Measuring Up or Pouring Out

 

Philippians 4:19

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

 

Servant Savior, you lived a life of compassion and generosity. Anyone who comes to you leaves full of what is necessary in life. You see beneath of surface of the pride and shame that consumes me, and you invite me to know the peace of your sufficiency. Give me strength to live in you. Amen.

 

Music: Everything I Could Want

 

Wednesday, February 24

Devotional: The Grace of the Humdrum

 

Romans 15:13

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Consistent and Faithful Sovereign God, by your acts of creation, forgiveness and redemption, you have declared humanity worthy of your love. You hold nothing back, and you offer yourself daily to sustain your children in mind, body, and spirit. As your example has led me, help me to give myself away today. Amen.

 

Music: All the Way My Savior Leads Me

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Tuesday, February 23

Devotional: A Blessing or a Curse?

 

Acts 20:35

You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

 

Abundant Giver, your wealth is in the things that never disappear. Your mercy never fails; your love is beyond measure, and your forgiveness is new every day. Teach me to value what is truly important and to give with a mind of generosity. Amen.

 

Music: Crowns

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Monday, February 22

Devotional: Lord, Revive My First Love

 

Mark 12:30

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

 

Lover of My Soul, you loved your children before time began. You imagined a place of perfection where you walked in a quiet garden with companionship and peace. This is the place where you desire to meet me every day. Give me discernment to know the value of the treasure of relationship you offer me. Amen.

 

Music: Simple Days

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Sunday, February 21

Devotional: Breaking Our Consumer Addiction

 

Hebrews 13:5

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

 

Discerning Provider, you know what is necessary. Your grace is sufficient, and your love is extravagant. You are a giver of undeserved gifts and unmerited mercy. You are my Shepherd, and I have all that I need in you. Amen.

 

Music: Jesus’ Blood

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Preparation for Worship on Saturday, February 20

Jesus Doesn't Make Life Easy: Proper Payback

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Friday, February 19

Devotional: On Sinning No More

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Matthew 5:7-9

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

 

Healer of Hearts, you hold all things together. You work to heal families, bond friends, and bring communities to a place of justice and honor. When I seek to criticize or judge, steer my heart to a place of compassion and grace. Amen.

 

Music: Hold Us Together

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Thursday, February 18

Devotional: Grace is Greater

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Psalm 139:4-5

You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me.  You place your hand of blessing on my head.

 

Lord of Opportunities, you set the world in motion, and it is guided by your compassionate hand. You lay out plans for blessings and create moments for the power of your mercy to be on full display. Help me to not miss the amazing grace I am given or the opportunities I have to share it with others. Amen.

 

Music: In Spite of Me

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Wednesday, February 17

Devotional: Handling Hurt

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Leviticus 19:18

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

 

Gracious Forgiver, Jonah was right – you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The greatest of sinners finds in you an advocate and friend. Help me to remember the undeserved grace I have been given in my response to others. Amen.

 

Music: Blessed Redeemer

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Tuesday, February 16

Devotional: How Do You Forgive or Ever Trust Again?

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Colossians 3:12-13

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

 

Hope for the Wounded, your mercy is life. Your forgiveness brings clarity to the fog of defeat. No sin is greater than the power of your grace. I have been hurt, and I have hurt others. Show me a way out of this painful mess, and lead me to trust your reconciliation and peace. Amen.

 

Music: Stand In Your Love

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Monday, February 15

Devotional: Revenge is Sweet?

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Romans 12:17-18

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

 

Arbitrator of Conflict, you see into the heart of humanity. You know the pain of injustice and the shock of betrayal. You understand the depth of sorrow caused by intention or neglect. Yet your way is forgiveness, redemption, and restoration. Help me to see the anger I harbor and recognize the powerful release of peace received when I turn everything over to you. Amen.

 

Music: Hearts of Servants

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Sunday, February 14

Devotional: The Flip Side of Forgiveness

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2 Corinthians 1:4-5

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.

 

Suffering Savior, you took on yourself the penalty of sin. With intentional mercy you offered forgiveness and redeemed your creation. You thought nothing of the pain, isolation, and injustice because you knew your children would be returned to you. There are those whom I need to forgive, and it is so difficult. Give me strength to understand that setting aside my self-protection will allow you to bring peace into my heart. Amen.

 

Music: Forgiveness Rushes In

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Preparation for Worship on Saturday, February 13

Jesus Doesn't Make Life Easy: Easy Adultery

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Friday, February 12

Devotional: Breaking Bad and the Evil Within Us All

 

Proverbs 28:13

People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

 

Fountain of Grace, your mercy spills in places of unfaithful failures. Your ripples reach past the boundaries of unspeakable dysfunction. You are a well that never runs dry, a spring of refreshment, new days, and unimaginable forgiveness. You know my heart, and you know my greatest fears and weaknesses. Wash me in your love. Amen.

 

Music: The Father’s House

 

 

Thursday, February 11

Devotional: The Fire of Fleshly Effort or the Fire of Jesus

 

Psalm 9:9-10

The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.

 

God, My Refuge, you are a Shelter and a Solid Foundation. You are constant and faithful. You will never mislead or fail in your mercy. You are constant; you are sovereign, and you are always with me. Forgive me for the times I am determined to go my own way. Soften my heart to your wisdom, and give me strength to trust in you. Amen.

 

Music: Be Thou My Vision (Lord You Are)

 

 

Wednesday, February 10

Devotional: Women Are Scary

 

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.

 

Creator of Man and Woman, your intention was for relationships of equality, respect, and love. You made all things perfect in an environment for growth, beauty, and peace. When sin fractured this holy harmony, you presented yourself to redeem what was lost. Guide me in bringing dignity to my world, seeing myself and others as you originally intended. Amen.

 

Music: Can’t Live Without You

 

 

Tuesday, February 9

Devotional: Consistency in the Christian Life

 

Proverbs 4:6-7

Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.

 

Victorious Savior, you have won the greatest victory. In you is life eternal, and through you creation has been redeemed. You offer wisdom through your Spirit, merciful guidance to those who seek it. Thank you for lighting my life’s journey with your love. Guide me to walk with steps dependent on your will. Amen.

 

Music: Heart and Soul

 

 

Monday, February 8

Devotional: The Gospel of Comfort

 

Jeremiah 29:7

And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.

 

Theos Pas Paraklesis, God of All Comfort, you are the only sure anchor. Your will and your way are not always expected, but you are consistent through the journey. I seek constant comfort, but I regularly lose sight of where it should be found. Forgive my stumbling, and redeem me to rest in you alone. Amen.

 

Music: House of God Forever

 

 

Sunday, February 7

Devotional: The Principles of Love

 

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.

 

Creator of Love, you placed eternity into the heart of all things. You offered your law to establish a foundation of compassion, generosity, and honor. There is no greater expression of your holiness than relationships of integrity, equality, and grace. Live your love through me today. Amen.

 

Music: Kyrie Eleison

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Preparation for Worship on Saturday, February 6

Jesus Doesn't Make Life Easy: Acceptable Murder

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Friday, February 5

Devotional: The Power of Our Thoughts and Beliefs

 

Psalm 34:12-14

Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

 

Giver of Grace, you share what is not deserved. You offer forgiveness and mercy, and your love is life-giving. Your every thought is to build up, restore, and redeem, and you are constantly working to bring goodness into the world. Fill my thoughts with the beauty of your kingdom here so that I may live it in the world. Amen.

 

Music: Depending On You

 

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Thursday, February 4

Devotional: Life and Death in the Here and Now

 

1 Peter 4:8

 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 

 

Christ, Center of All Things, you reign supreme. You confront hypocrisy and speak life into the human condition. In all ways, your call is to raise the downtrodden and heal the broken. Fit me with your courage to confront my failures, redeem my relationships, and walk in humble submission to you. Amen.

 

Music: Greatest of These

 

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Wednesday, February 3

Devotional: Use Your Words

 

Proverbs 12:18

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

 

Word of God, you spoke the world into existence. You are the story and the song of salvation. You calm stormy waters and bring dry bones to life. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Amen.

 

Music: You Are the Lord

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Tuesday, February 2

Devotional: Jonah’s Anger

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1 Corinthians 10:23-24

You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.

 

Holy Provider, you send rain on the faithful and the faithless. You bring hope to the lonely and lost. Your grace exceeds any failing of humanity, and your peace covers all who find rest in your embrace. Fill me with your unreasonable love so that my heart opens in compassion to those you place in my path. Amen.

 

Music:  Amen (Simple Gospel)

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Monday, February 1

Devotional: Forgiving Dr. Mengele

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Romans 12:17-18

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

 

El Natha Negamah, God Who Avenges Me, you are the Protector and Defender. You hear every cry and feel every pain. Your Spirit brings comfort to rooms of sickness, and you suffered to defeat death. You have shown me that my path of healing is found in profound mercy. Give me strength for this difficult journey. Amen.

 

Music: Our Father

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Sunday, January 31

Devotional: Is Your Christianity a Sword or a Shield?

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Ephesians 4:31-32

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

 

Almighty Conqueror of Sin, you have broken down every wall that divides. You are the Great I Am and the Eternal Jehovah. You are all-powerful and all-knowing. Help me to remember that you do not need my protection, and I was never given the job of gatekeeper for your grace. Open my heart to the inclusive abundance of your love. Amen.

 

Music: Cages

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