Reflection and Renewal: Not Being Fully Present Makes Us Miss Grace (based on Psalm 103:12)

God, when you look at us, your view of us isn’t defined by the things that we’ve all done wrong. Instead, you see us in the original goodness that you created the entire universe with.

If we're honest, we have to admit that we're not nearly as good as you are at seeing the world in that way. We tend to hold onto lingering unforgiveness and grudges towards people we've seen do wrong.

We often define people solely based upon their moments of imperfection. This can keep us from seeing them as people who you've called us to help to bring the best out of.

Other times, we form finals opinion of others before we’ve even met them - based on their appearance,  their status, their ethnicity, or a whole host of other preconceived notions. We’re so used to quickly  devaluing people in this way that we often do it without even meaning to or without even realizing that we’re doing it!

Forgive us. Help us to better at being aware enough to be fully present in our lives. Help us to remember the truth that your all-encompassing grace can be found in each and every moment.

Amen.

Benediction: Being Fully Present To Actively Listen and Be Aware (based on Revelation 21:5)

As we go out from here into our parts of God's world, may we practice being fully present in our lives so that we can actively listen for, and be paying attention to, all that needs healing, renewal, and restoration; both within us and around us in God's world.

Call To Worship: As We Gather, Help Us To Be Fully Present (based on Psalm 46:10)

God, as we gather this morning, some of us may be distracted. Help us to feel some calm. Some of us are carrying worry. Help us to feel some peace.

Some of us have lives that are cluttered. Help us to find some room to breath. Some of us have minds that are racing. Help us to feel some stillness. Some of us are clinging tightly to things due to fear. Help us to feel some calm.

Help us to be fully present as we come seeking connection with you and each other.

The Bible's Resistance To Power - John Wilson-Hartgrove

Community: Culturing Peace In A Culture Of Violence - Jack Jezreel

When Patriotism Becomes Idolatry - Stephen Mattson

Too often, what U.S. Christians think of as "patriotism" God defines as "idolatry."

Separating God and country is difficult for many US Christians to comprehend because too often we incorporate nationalism and patriotism into much of our religious expression, and even our faith. 

It’s not uncommon for churches to celebrate the Fourth of July, adorn their sanctuaries with US flags, and incorporate manifest destiny and nationalism into songs of worship. But for the very first followers of Jesus, these types of ideals and symbols would be alarming and even considered blasphemous.

Unfortunately, Christians have been historically gullible to nationalistic “Christianity,” and often treat our faith as a civic religion where we can establish a voting bloc and create enough influence to legislate laws, gain wealth, and consolidate power rather than sacrificially serve and love others.

A faith hindered by patriotism is highly selective and irrationally loyal according to partisan opinions. But perhaps the most heart-wrenching part of “nationalistic” Christianity is that it narrowly restricts our faith to those within a very small tribe.

When Nationalistic Christianity thinks anyone or anything “attacks” or “disrespects” the US or our “American Ideals,” sadly, it often reverts to patriotism mode.

The full article is available here