Daily Devotion, August 31, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 17:15-21.

From the scripture today, you see that Abraham, 100, and Sarah, 90, were an old and childless couple. God called on them and changed their names to Abraham and Sarah. He came into their lives to make covenant promises, to acknowledge them as people living in harmony with God. This covenant to make them the father and mother of the nations was unbelievable. The promise that they could have a son was absurd, ridiculous, and laughable. But through the scriptures we read where God uses unlikely people for unlikely results. God promised to be their God, to bless them, and to make them a blessing on the earth.

Abraham and Sarah both laughed at the prospects of giving birth. Their laughter went from “crazy, insane idea” laughter to laughter of “celebration” when their son was born. They named him Isaac which means laughter. God can do the unexpected and sometimes does things that have no logic or possibilities.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, help us stay in tune with you and be faithful to go where you lead us. Help us believe that you can make the impossible become a reality if it benefits your Kingdom. Amen.

Daily Devotion, August 30, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read John 4:4-9, 27-30.

This is one of many examples of Jesus doing things that went against the culture of his time. For him to be talking to a woman, and a Samaritan at that, was surprising to everyone around him. In the gospel of John, Jesus’ ministry leaves the confines of tradition and turns to the people whom his Jewish contemporaries reckoned as outsiders and enemies: the Samaritans. When Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman, he is speaking to an unnamed female of an enemy people. The disciples were truly astonished! (as the NRSV translates it).

This was one of those moments when the disciples realized time spent with Jesus meant that they learned something new every day! Their eyes were to be continually opened to Jesus’ ways, and that he came to be the Messiah for all people.

John’s gospel was written many years afterwards and these verses support John’s words and purpose in writing. John 1:12-13 says, “Yet, to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God---children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”

God sent Jesus not just for one group of people but for all the people of the world. As Dr. Gail R. O’Day says, “Jesus treats the Samaritan woman—and later Samaritan villagers—as a full human being, a worthy recipient of the grace of God, not as the despised enemy from whom to fear contamination.”

If the good news of Jesus Christ had never gone beyond one group of people, we might not know that Good News today! Worldly wisdom too often tries to limit God’s grace, but God’s grace through Jesus Christ is offered to all people!

O’ Day continues, “John 4:4-42 summons the church to stop shaping its life according to societal definitions of who is acceptable and to show the same openness to those who are different just as Jesus did when he traveled in Samaria.”

Personal Worship Option:

Where do you find yourself in this story? As the astonished disciples following Jesus to people beyond your comfort zone? As the Samaritan woman being accepted and offered living water from Jesus? Or as the townspeople who hear her story and run to meet Jesus? May our eyes always be open to let Jesus astonish us with his ways of grace!

Daily Devotion, August 29, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Samuel 17:32-37.

This is part of the story of David and Goliath. We've probably all heard it, but it struck me today because I think that we are all familiar with the idea of the overwhelming, scary obstacle. Goliath had been taunting the Israelite armies for over a month. Coming out, challenging *anyone* in their camp to come fight with him in single combat to resolve the differences between their nations. He was huge and scary, and they could tell just by looking at him that if anyone tried, he would eat them for lunch (figuratively). And then here comes David, sent by his dad to bring food to his brothers. And he sees Goliath and can't believe that he is standing against the army of God. He sees him with a different perspective... as a lion or a bear among his sheep. And he has handled that kind of threat before. He knows that God will help him, and so he goes, he slings his stone, and then he cuts off his head with his own sword.

And isn't this the story of our lives as well? We are like the Israelite armies so often, facing something that terrifies us. It's a giant. It's something we can't possibly dream of facing. We know that we will lose, and so we run away, or delay, or avoid. We sit camped with our armies for months, waiting.

Sometimes we're even like Goliath. We intimidate and press and try to get other people to back down, knowing they can't touch us in a real battle. But when we have the spirit with us... when we are on the same page with God, then we know first, which side of the battle we should be on, and we also know that with God's help we can remove the opposition.

Sometimes the opposition is ourselves, in Goliath mode, and all we have to do is get that brutish part of ourselves to repent and back down, realizing that we are on the wrong side of the battle. Not easy, but less bloody. Sometimes we are in scared army mode, and we have to stop running away and realize that we can face our fears... that God will help us. And sometimes, when we are really blessed, we get to play David, and help other people overcome their big scary problems.

Personal Worship Option:

Today, let's face and take down the giant scariness in our lives. Let's get rid of the impossible-seeming things that stand in the way of our progression... even when it is ourselves. And let's also help others remember that nothing is too big for the Lord.

Daily Devotion, August 28, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Isaiah 55:6-9.

We read in Genesis that we were created in the image of God. A natural extension of this would be to assume that we can learn about God and the nature of God by studying humanity. The twentieth century theologian Karl Barth insisted this is not the case, saying that “God is not man writ large.” If we stop and think about how we often view God, we do think of God as being like us but larger, all-powerful, majestic, and awesome. Barth saw God as what he called a “wholly other,” very different from human beings.

Our passage for today underscores Barth’s theological point. Isaiah writes beautifully to tell us that God’s thoughts and ways are as different from ours as the heavens are higher than the earth. We know God because God reveals God’s self and nature to us, primarily in Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, we see God’s nature growing more and more clearly expressed. God’s ultimate act of self-revelation was in sending Christ into the world as a human but retaining the nature of God. Be prepared to read and reflect this week on how God’s ways are so very different from those of the world.

Personal Worship Option:

As you pray today, ask God to help you know Him more personally and intimately. Acknowledge that we are God’s created beings, and there will always be a mystery about God that we will not understand. But we love God and desire to know Him as best as we can.

Daily Devotion, August 27, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-9.

All down through human history, people have claimed that God (or “the gods”) was on their side. If their crops did well or if they won the battle, it was proof that they were being favored by heavenly forces. They were also sure that being wealthy was a sign that God was on their side.

However, there are several places in the writings of the prophets of the Old Testament that God was on the side of the poor. God favored the least, the last and the lost. God was constantly upset with his people if they did not treat the lowest among them with justice.

For his first sermon after Jesus started his ministry, he read from this passage, letting everyone know what he saw his mission to be. It would include a focus on those most in need of hearing good news; those who most needed to know that God was not only aware of them, but that God loved them. And he certainly lived that mission throughout his ministry, constantly meeting needs of those around him. In order for us to represent him, we will need to maintain a similar focus.

Personal Worship Option:

Consider setting a goal for yourself of doing something at least once each week that meets a need of someone who is poor. It is another way to worship (to show your devotion to) God.

Daily Devotion, August 26, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read 1 John 3:16-18.

Verse 16 is a great summary of what we have both received from our Lord and how that is to define us in our relationship with others. First of all, there is the definition of love, as shown to us by Jesus. Then there is the response we offer to that love, showing a willingness to sacrifice for the good of those around us, especially followers of Christ.

Then this writer offers a specific example of what that sacrificial love looks like in everyday life. Being willing to share the things we have of this world with those in need lets them experience God’s love in a real and tangible way and it shows that we really are the children of this life-giving (and love-giving) God.

If we only offer verbal assurances to those in need that God loves them, without helping to meet their physical needs, those words can quickly become hollow for them. It is great to be part of a church that does so much to share the love of Christ “in action”!

Personal Worship Option:

Tomorrow is the deadline we have set for collecting individual oatmeal packs for giving to the Snack Pack Ministry in our area. If you have not yet contributed, consider buying a box (or several) today and bringing them with you to worship tomorrow morning.

Daily Devotion, August 25, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Proverbs 22:22-23.

These verses are reminders that God is watching how we, as a people, treat the poor and needy around us. These verses are also a reflection of what Jesus said in Luke 6:31 “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” (NLT) 

For people who work and live under unjust authoritarian leaders this is a message of hope. God will intervene either directly or through other individuals and the unjust leader will suffer consequences in God’s time.

If you are in a position of authority at church, work, or home remember what happens to unjust leaders. Leadership through kindness and grace is more effective and longer lasting than leadership by force.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on how you lead others. Are there things you need to change? Things you need to celebrate? If you see someone who looks discouraged, offer words of encouragement.

Daily Devotion, August 24, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Leviticus 19:9-10.

The biblical principle behind this command given to an agricultural people 3,500 years ago is timeless. The Lord made clear that when His people harvested their own crops, they were to leave the edges or the corners for the poor and the wanderers. His people should ensure that a margin of their harvest was available to those who needed food due to poverty or homelessness. One implication is clear: the Israelite family should be able to live on the main portion of the harvest, without having to cling to the edges of it.

God’s desire is that we thrive beneath our means, if possible, on less than we need financially, physically, emotionally, and time. When we can function on just a portion of our resources, we are joyfully able to contribute to the well-being of others. In all societies, poor people will exist; God wants His people to be part of the provision for them. In the same way, people deficient in hope and those wandering in emotional deserts exist with us always. God’s will is that His people are living in such a way that we can help them. Our loving God wants us to be givers and joyfully share.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, help each one of us to give to those who are struggling and less fortunate than we are, realizing that all we have is yours. We should share all that we have, including the love that you show us. Thank you for your son who saved us. Amen.

Daily Devotion, August 23, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 6:17-26.

Our devotionals this week are focusing on God siding with the poor and those who have been treated unfairly. Many years ago, when I first heard someone say that, I didn’t agree with them. But the more I study the scriptures and learn about Jesus, I have begun to understand and agree God sides with the poor and those who have been treated unfairly. As Christ’s followers, we are called to do the same.

This is Luke’s version of the scriptures which we call “The Beatitudes” in Matthew’s gospel. Dr. R. Alan Culpepper, in The New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary, writes, “Luke’s beatitudes differ from Matthew’s in that Luke’s speak in the second person rather than the third person, they speak to real socioeconomic conditions rather than to spiritual conditions or attitudes, and they declare God’s commitment to the poor and the oppressed.” For example, Luke’s version begins with “Blessed are you who are poor (not in spirit, just ‘poor’).”

In our Hamilton County an estimated 44,949 of 358,746 people live in poverty. An estimated 44,212 individuals under age 65 live without health insurance.  If this is our situation, we can hear Jesus’ words of promise and hope. “You who are poor, yours is the kingdom of God…. you who are hungry you will be satisfied,....who you are weeping, you will laugh.” 

The fourth blessing to the disciples then and now is that rejection is the way the prophets were treated, and great will be their reward in heaven.

The four woes are the inverse of the blessings. Subtracting the numbers above estimates that 313,797 individuals live above the poverty threshold. If this is our situation, these scriptures are a call to re-examine our lives, priorities and time to seek God’s guidance for how we can share what we have with others who might have less.

Personal Worship Option:

In Ronald J. Sider's book, “Rich Christians In An Age of Hunger:”, he writes that Jesus identifies with the poor as he quotes, Matthew 25:40, “In as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it unto me.” How do you regularly put Jesus’ love in action “to one of the least of these”?

Daily Devotion, August 22, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Amos 5:11-15, 21-24.

The church is more than a gathering of worshipers. The church must reach beyond itself into all of God's creation. It is called to be the voice of the poor and powerless--the witness to justice and righteousness in a world ruled by power and wealth. Throughout history God has raised up prophets to proclaim a message otherwise silenced by apathy and greed.

The prophet Amos called the people of God in his day to account for their disregard and abuse of the powerless and poor, and his words echo off the walls of the church today. God reminds us that if the church does not pursue justice, then our worship, praise, and offerings are detestable to him. We are to "hate evil, love good," and "maintain justice in the courts" (Amos 5:15).

God is concerned that his people live out their relationship with him in ways that bring righteousness and redemption to the world. Being the church is about the life-changing impact that Christians have seven days a week, 365 days a year, year in and year out. The church must promote God's kingdom and his righteousness.

Jesus taught his followers to pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done ..." (Matthew 6:10). It is the will of God that "justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream." Being the voice of the voiceless is God's call to his church.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, forgive us for our uncaring attitudes about unrighteousness in the world around us. Give us the willingness and courage to bring justice into your world. In Jesus, Amen.

Daily Devotion, August 21, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 4:14-19.

Notice that Jesus intentionally unrolled the scroll of Isaiah until he found this particular passage. After reading it, he sat down to teach and announced that “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Jesus was declaring his mission and that he had come as Isaiah had prophesied…the Messiah or Christ who would champion those on the margins of society.

I sat teaching twenty pastors one afternoon in South Sudan in a small mud brick building with a grass roof, called a tukul. It was the rainy season, and it was pouring rain. Water swirled around the tukul, as we studied this passage from Luke. “Jesus came for all people,” I said. One of the pastors politely responded, “No, Jesus actually came for us.” He went on to explain that Jesus came for the poor and the least of these. I asked whether Jesus had not come for me as well. Another pastor responded, “No, you are from America, a rich nation. We are poor people living in a poor country. He came for us.”

Heads nodded, and I suddenly felt excluded. “Then will you share him with me?” I asked. They laughed and applauded, assuring me that Christ loves me too even if he did not come for me.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on verses 18 and 19. These seem to be Christ’s mission statement. As a follower of Christ, how do you live out this mission in your own life? Keep these verses in your heart as you look for opportunities to serve the poor and others marginalized by our society.

Daily Devotion, August 20, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

Today in our worship services together, we will share in Communion. One of the things I love about our Wesleyan theology in The United Methodist Church is that we have an “open table,” meaning we welcome everyone to come and receive this meal. I often say, “This is not my table, this is not Christ’s Church table, this is not a United Methodist table, this is the Lord’s table.” And throughout his ministry, Jesus made it clear that God welcomes all into the kingdom.

So, it is a table of grace. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Movement, talked and wrote of this meal as being a “means of grace,” a way of receiving and knowing the grace of God.

I love receiving this meal as often as I can. I get to be reminded that Christ’s invitation goes out to all. I am reminded of my need to confess and repent of my sins and that God forgives me of them, no matter what they are. I am reminded to live my life in such a way as to say “Thank you” to God for this marvelous gift!

I hope you will join us this morning in worship. If at all possible, be with us in person. Let’s share this meal and celebrate our Lord together! And if you cannot be with us in person, join us online. Receive the gift of grace, then go and share it daily with everyone you can.

Personal Worship Option:

Offer your own prayer of thanksgiving to God for the amazing gift of grace.

Daily Devotion, August 19, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 103:1-10.

Several years ago, I was at a gathering of pastors and one of them began our session by quoting the first part of this Psalm. These verses have been some of my favorite ever since that moment. These lines particularly leap off the page at me: “The Lord is compassionate and gracious…. he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” And I can’t help but respond “Thank you, O God!”

There is also in the Scriptures an emphasis on justice and how God does hold us accountable for our sins. But these verses remind us that is not the core of our relationship with God. Of course, we see that most fully in the fact that God sent Jesus into a sinful world to save that world; to offer a way by which every person could be restored to a right relationship with God.  

God “does not treat us as our sins deserve…” That’s a good definition of grace.

Personal Worship Option:

And here is my favorite verse from John Newton’s classic hymn “Amazing Grace.” May it inspire you and give you hope this day.

Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come;

‘tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

Daily Devotion, August 18, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read 2 Timothy 1:9-10.

Once we have given our lives to Jesus, we can be confident that we will receive God’s grace for eternity. Jesus promised a new life that could not be forfeited or terminated. Ups and downs may mark our days, but they will never ban us from his kingdom. Jesus bottom-lines our lives with grace.

God goes even further by staking his claim on us. He “set his seal of ownership on us. And put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit.” (2 Corinthians 1:22) Through His Spirit God stamps us. This tells Satan to “back off - hands off - This child is mine!” says God! As we embrace God’s grace in our life, it will guide us to be more like Christ and to live the way he taught us.

Personal Worship Option:

Find a new way to express your joy and confidence in Christ, such as learning a new worship song, or offering friendship to someone new in your neighborhood or church, finding a new avenue of service.

Daily Devotion, August 17, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 5:1-11.

The scripture for today should make us celebrate the grace and love of God. God gives us evidence of the truth of his love for each one of us, even though we do not deserve it. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross shows God’s love for us for all times even when we are sinful. God’s timing is always right; he steps in just at the right times that we need it.

God intervenes when we are powerless. When it seems hopeless, God is there. When all human avenues for salvation are fruitless, God provides the way of salvation for all who believe in his Son.

Hope is a vital part of life. Hope drives and motivates us. It gives us the power to endure in hard times and enjoy in good times. Without hope we die. It says, “We boast in the hope of the glory of God.” This hope is rooted in both who God is and what God has done for us. God showed his love for us despite us. While we were still sinners, God sent Jesus to be our salvation.

Sometimes do you feel undeserving of God’s love? Do you feel you are beyond hope? Our hope is not in us. Real hope rests in God’s promises and in his amazing love for sinners like you and me.

Personal Worship Option:

Thank you, God, that in your great mercy you have given us a new birth into a living hope. Help us to wait patiently and confidently in you. Amen.

Daily Devotion, August 16, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read 2 Timothy 1:3-7.

Our devotionals this week are focusing on the grace we receive from God throughout our lives.

We first hear of Timothy in Acts 16, when the Apostle Paul went to Lystra. Acts 16:1 tells us that he was the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer and that his father was Greek.

Here in 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul writes, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”

The Apostle Paul’s story of God’s grace in his own life is woven throughout his writings. In this letter to Timothy, Paul is reminding him of God’s grace that came to Timothy during his early years. This grace given through his mother and grandmother is one example of “prevenient grace”. 

John Wesley defined grace as God’s “bounty, or favour: God’s free undeserved favour…” According to Wesley’s writings, “’prevenient grace’ is the grace which goes before ‘justifying and saving grace.’”

Remembering this grace is to encourage Timothy to “rekindle the gift of God that is within you”, as the NRSV translates it.

God’s work of grace in Timothy’s life would continue to lead him to share the good news of Christ as he traveled with Paul and Silas to plant churches and help churches to grow in several places including: Berea, Athens, Corinth, Thessalonica, Philippi, Ephesus and Macedonia.

The story of God’s work of grace in our lives may be different from Timothy’s story. But looking back over our lives, we can remember ways in which the Holy Spirit was working to invite and to draw us into the knowledge, understanding and experience of God’s grace and love through Christ. When we remember this work of grace, we too, are encouraged to rekindle God’s gift within us!

Personal Worship Option:

Can you recall your first understanding of God’s work of grace in your life? “Grace-giving God, help us share our gifts as The Message writes in vs. 7, ‘God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.’ Amen.”

Daily Devotion, August 15, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Genesis 3:21-24.

Without God, our best thinking, on our best day, leads to dead-end living. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Someone had to die for our sins. So, foreshadowing Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, God sacrificed an animal and replaced Adam and Eve’s leaves with skins (Genesis 3:21). Animal sacrifice continued until Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross by substituting His life for our sins (Isaiah 53:4-7). God forgives our sins and gives us life when we declare Jesus our Lord.

God’s still asking, “Where are you?” We have a choice. We can continue hiding and trying to fix our own sin problem. Or we can step into the light, and let Jesus fix it for us. He’s the only one with the power to do it.

Personal Worship Option:

• How would you answer God asking, “Where are you?”
• What is one sin you need to confess that you are trying to “manage” yourself?
• Has there been a moment when you stopped hiding, confessed your sin to Jesus, and asked Him into your life? If not, you can do it today.

Daily Devotion, August 14, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Ephesians 2:1-8.

Paul helps us remember in the early verses of this passage that we are no different than the rest of humankind. We have sinned, satisfying our evil desires. But God showed God’s great love for us by sending Jesus Christ into the world. God’s love for us is never deserved. It cannot be earned or merited. It is given to us, and that grace or love through Jesus Christ saves us.

What is our role in salvation? Our role is to accept this gift of God’s grace through our faith in Christ. Years ago, I was in a Bible study on this subject led by Reverend Paul Smith, our first Minister of Evangelism. Paul picked up his Bible and walked over to me, saying, “I want this to be a gift for you. I have planned it and prepared it, and it is ready to be a gift. But it is not a gift until what happens?” He shoved the Bible toward me emphatically, and I reached out and took it. “Now it is a gift,” Paul said. That gesture emphasized powerfully for me our role in our salvation…simply having the faith to reach out and accept the gift of salvation offered to us through the death and resurrection of Christ.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray with me: Almighty and Everlasting God, thank you for loving me so fully and without me deserving it. I accept your love as grace. Strengthen my faith so that I may indeed live my life alive in Christ. May others even see Christ in me. Amen.

Daily Devotion, August 13, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 3:13-17.

Today in our worship services we are going to be offering the opportunity for everyone to reaffirm your baptismal vows. It is similar to a married couple renewing their vows. It is an opportunity to say to Jesus “I still want to be your follower. I still want to learn to live your way and invite all to follow you. I still believe in you and want to serve your mission in the world.” We will be remembering our baptism (I will explain what that means if you were baptized as a baby).

Our Scripture focus is this passage that tells us about when Jesus was baptized. The focus is on Jesus being affirmed by his Heavenly Father. That’s what God does for all of us in our baptism. It is a grace-filled sign of God’s affirmation and acceptance of us. It is as if God is placing his mark on us, saying “You are mine. I gave you life and I love you.”  

It is said that every morning, when Martin Luther was washing his face, he would remember his baptism. He encouraged his parishioners to remember their baptism every time they touched water. That would be a great practice for all of us. Remember your baptism today and give thanks to God!

Personal Worship Option:

Join us in worship together this morning as we celebrate this wonderful sacrament that assures us of God’s love, acceptance and forgiveness! We hope to see you at either 9:30 or 11:15.

Daily Devotion, August 12, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read John 4:1-15.

I believe God’s mission has never changed since the time when us humans broke our relationship with God. This Holy Spirit who gave us life has been seeking to restore that relationship in every human. God has tried different methods to reach us. And Jesus gave us different images to describe it.  

This scene in our passage for today is another of those images. Jesus describes what God offers as “living water” which will satisfy the deepest thirsts within us. It is emblematic of the covenant God has been offering since Abram. God initiates this covenant relationship and each of us have the option of entering into that covenant. Here, Jesus offers this “living water” and gives the woman the opportunity to receive it and live her life differently.  

Grace is God’s free gift of love, acceptance and forgiveness that invites us to receive it and be changed forever. As we live into that covenant, we continue to grow in this grace and learn what it means to be his people. How often do you drink this “living water”? Are you continuing to grow in receiving and sharing this grace?

Personal Worship Option:

As a glass of water refreshes and replenishes you when you are thirsty, what spiritual practice best replenishes and refreshes your soul? How often do you “drink” that practice? Do you need to renew or deepen that practice today?

Daily Devotion, August 11, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read John 21:15-17.

Jesus offers Peter a time of renewal and recommitment to his Lord. But what do you think those first few moments were like? One of the most difficult journeys is to face the person who you failed.

Now it is you and God. You and God both know what you did and neither one of you is proud of it. What do you do? You might consider doing what Peter did. Stand in God’s presence. Stand in his sight. Stand still and wait. Sometimes that’s all you can do. Too repentant to speak, but too hopeful to leave - we just stand. Stand amazed because he extends grace and forgiveness and invites you to try again. Having received God’s forgiveness, live forgiven! Live like you are loved by God!!

Personal Worship Option:

Name the biggest blunders of your life. Have you faced them, admitted them, wondered about them? Because Jesus restores and heals, you can be forgiven.