March 19, 2012

Opening Hymn:
I will Rejoice (Red 27)

Scripture Reading:
Jeremiah 31:31-34

Message:
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Jeremiah 31:34). Doesn’t it just give you chills to read it? For anyone with low self-esteem, these verses can provide comfort. For anyone who thinks they are worthless or unforgivable… these verses offer a different point of view.

Each covenant that the Lord has presented to His creation has been a wonderful blessing. It seems as though it just gets better and better. In this covenant we are called “My people” by God. What a beautiful blessing to be offered such a relationship. Our challenge then, as I have said before, is to accept it and to acknowledge it. It is sometimes difficult to accept forgiveness and love… sometimes it is even harder to love ourselves than it is to show love to others.

Nevertheless, through faith in God who loves us, we can trust that we are creatures worthy of love. We then can likewise show love to ourselves and those around us. We can show forgiveness to ourselves and others. We have been welcomed in to the greatest community of them all. Through this covenant we are called children of God.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, we are grateful that You have called us Your children. Thanks for the blessings and the love that You have shown us. Let us share that love with each other as we live out each day. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
May Your Kingdom Come (Red 34)

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God