Be Strong in The Lord

Passage: 1 Samuel 30:1-10 Guide for Group Discussion or Personal Reflection Sermon Summary This Lenten season is unlike any other we’ve experienced. As a community and as individuals, we’ve suffered demonstrative losses because of Covid, leaving many of us feeling anxious, burdened, or paralyzed. It is precisely at times like these, however, that we can…

Good Grief—Lent again? Resources for your journey to Easter

Next Wednesday, Christians across the world will begin to observe Lent. Many churches offer the sign of ashes to remind congregants of their vulnerability and common destination. On this day last year, we held a service based on the Psalms of Lament. As the service leader, I can remember explaining why we needed to lament….

Answering God: “The Lord Gives Us Courage”

Passage: Psalm 108 Guide for Group Discussion or Personal Reflection Sermon Summary Psalm 108 is a psalm of courage, in which David “answers God” with courageous hope, and praise, and expectation, even before his victory was certain. In between his fearless opening expression in verse 1 to his confident closing statement in verse 13, David…

Answering God: “The Lord Hears our Lament”

Passage: Psalm 13 Guide for Group Discussion or Personal Reflection Sermon Summary There are over forty psalms of lament, and these very human psalms teach us how to “answer God” when we face the inevitable pain that life brings. When facing pain and despair, some bottle their pain in and some lash out, but in…

Writing A Psalm of Lament

Feelings of Loss As life has been turned upside-down over the last two weeks while schools and businesses close and governments declare stay-at-home orders, I’ve found myself unexpectedly crying at random moments throughout the week. Surely some of this is due to exhaustion, uncertainty, and stress. But sometimes it’s been in recognition of the losses…

A Space for Lament

Making Space for Lament This week in churches across the world, millions of foreheads will be marked with ashes. This signifies the dust of our common origin and end. It also marks the beginning of Lent; a season in the church calendar devoted to lament. Why lament and ritual? Many may wonder if all of…

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