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Walking by the Sea
If I were Jesus’ therapist, there is one moment in particular that I’d love to process Read More
Herb Mather | Read Psalm 32:1-11
The youth traveled overnight to begin a weeklong trek in the Appalachian Mountains. Their first day on a trail was short, but the afternoon temperatures were warm for that two-mile slog up the mountainside. The burden of wearing forty-pound backpacks made their muscles complain. The youth groaned.
The psalmist uses...
Merciful God, we confess that we have messed up in the past. Forgive us. Guide us. Thank you for lifting the weight from us and inviting us to sing in joy. Amen.
Lent is a time for focusing on our need for God and remembering God’s abundant resources for filling that need. When the Israelites finally pass into Canaan, they observe the Passover as a reminder of God’s deliverance of them from Egypt. The psalmist, traditionally David, rejoices in the fact that God does not count his sins against him. Paul declares that through Christ, God has made everything new. God no longer holds our sins against us, and we in turn appeal to others to accept this free gift. Jesus eats with sinners and tells the story of the prodigal son to demonstrate that no matter how far we stray, God will always welcome us home with open arms. God never stops pursuing us, even if we feel unloved or unworthy.
• Read Joshua 5:9-12. What stories do you tell about your faith? What do these stories help you remember?
• Read Psalm 32. When have you hidden from God? When has God been your hiding place?
• Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. How does your life display for others that life in Christ eliminates worldly identity labels?
• Read Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32. Do you identify with the prodigal son, the elder son, or the father in the parable? Are you ready to rejoin God’s household on God’s terms? Are you ready to welcome everyone home?
Respond by posting a prayer.
