Value-Courage
Gracious God, the moment I give my heart to someone or something apart from you, I'm breaking the first command, and all the others soon topple too. Keep me looking to you alone, loving, fearing, and honoring you with all my heart. Amen.
Lord Jesus, Shepherd and Warrior, carry me as your lamb.
Break me where I am proud like a king.
Teach me to shepherd those entrusted to me — gently, patiently, faithfully.
Teach me to fight as your warrior — resisting idols, confronting injustice, laying down comfort for your kingdom.
Let my small strength foreshadow your great justice,
until the day
... See moreKing Jesus, thank you that your church is not confined to the people we think should populate our pews and fill our Bible studies. You call scandalous saints and surprising sinners marked not by sterling moral credentials but by a brazen faith in the gospel. Give me the eyes to see those unlikely people who recognize your kingdom when... See more
Liturgy of Eustace…
“The very first tear he made was so deep that I thought it had gone right into my heart. And when he began pulling the skin off, it hurt worse than anything I’ve ever felt. The only thing that made me able to bear it was just the pleasure of feeling the stuff peel off. You know—if you’ve ever picked the scab of a sore place. It
... See moreLiturgy of Eustace
But we need all we can find. Almost without exception, they are disagreeable. Don’t destroy them. They lay golden eggs.
You call yourselves the people of God,
but you trade his peace for power,
his justice for privilege,
his mercy for applause.
You march with his name on your banners,
yet your hands are heavy with division,
your lips are quick with scorn,
your hearts are closed to the stranger,
the widow, the child at the margin.
You cry “Lord, protect us,”
while denying his
... See moreThat hotel wasn’t inevitable. No success is. Paying the price doesn’t guarantee success. Determination is necessary but not sufficient. You can sacrifice everything and still fail. The world is littered... See more