Become More

Take a deep breath and settle into this day, inviting a spirit of reflection. Life often presents situations that stir anger within us. It is a natural human emotion, and scripture acknowledges this, reminding us that we can be angry without letting it lead us into sin. In our fast-paced world, it is easy to react impulsively, sending words we later regret. The wisdom from long ago encourages us to create a space for thought, to consider our response, and to choose words that build up rather than tear down. This pause allows us to process our initial strong feelings, preventing them from escalating into actions that grieve the Holy Spirit.

Today, if you feel anger arising, pause before speaking or typing. Take a moment to reflect on your feelings and the potential impact of your words. Let us pray: Loving God, grant us the grace to discern our emotions with wisdom and to respond in ways that honor your spirit and our relationships. Amen.

Have you ever sent a message in anger and instantly regretted it? In a world of instant communication, it’s easy to hit 'send' before thinking, but timeless wisdom from Ephesians 4 calls us to a higher standard. Discover how ancient advice about managing anger and seeking forgiveness can transform our digital interactions today, turning everyday messages into powerful 'Keystrokes of Grace' that build up and offer hope.

## The Grace of the Second Thought

Imagine President Abraham Lincoln, after the crucial victory at Gettysburg, feeling a deep surge of anger and frustration toward his generals for what he perceived as a missed opportunity. Instead of sending an immediate, furious dispatch, he sat down and penned a scathing letter to General Meade, pouring out all his disappointment. Yet, he never sent it. He folded the letter, tucked it into a drawer, marked "Never signed, never sent." This was a habit for Lincoln: using the act of writing to process intense emotions, but choosing to withhold words that would cause harm.

Lincoln's practice offers us a powerful lesson for our own lives, echoing the ancient wisdom found in scripture. The Apostle Paul encourages us in Ephesians to "Be angry, but do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger." In our fast-paced world, where we can send messages instantly with little "friction," it is easy to react purely from our first, most emotional thoughts. This moment of pause, this space for a "second thought," is where grace can enter in. God's grace is always at work, inviting us to choose a different path, to speak words that build up rather than tear down. Just as God in Christ has extended forgiveness to us, we are called to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving toward one another. Our words have immense power, and we are challenged to use them to offer connection, listening, and care, reminding others that they are loved and not alone.

**Next Step:**

This week, consider adopting a practice of "Keystrokes of Grace." Today, take a moment to think of someone who significantly shaped your spiritual foundation or character. This is a person who helped you love better, love yourself more, or introduced you to faith and the church. Send them a message of gratitude and appreciation, letting them know the positive impact they've had on your life.

**Prayer:**

Holy One, guide us in our communication, helping us, your beloved, to choose words that reflect your love and bring grace to those who hear. May we always seek the 'second thought' you offer, extending kindness, forgiveness, and understanding. Amen.

Take a moment to breathe deeply, connecting with the spirit of service within you. The power of our faith is not meant to be contained within our walls, but carried out into the world. Our Disaster Response Team beautifully illustrates this, embodying our "city on a hill" by sending tangible expressions of love and faith far beyond our physical space. From flood buckets reaching distant communities to countless other acts of service, we actively extend God's grace to those in urgent need. This messy, challenging work of directly meeting needs demonstrates who we understand ourselves to be: a people called to respond with compassion and practical assistance. These acts of service are mini-cities on a hill, carrying hope and care into places that desperately need to feel the tangible presence of God's love. We are blessed to be a channel for this outward-flowing love, making a real difference in the lives of our neighbors.

Today, identify one small way you can extend kindness or help beyond your immediate circle today. Let us pray: Loving God, empower us to carry your love, peace, and grace out into the world, transforming needs into blessings for all. Amen.

Center your heart on the expansive, welcoming love of God. Our church's identity is deeply rooted in being an open and welcoming place, a "city on a hill" with an open gate. Our logo, with its open circle, symbolizes community and an invitation for all to belong, for we are never complete without new voices and spirits. The empty cross reminds us that we live in the light of Easter, a time of forgiveness and abundant grace. Our preschool ministry, welcoming thousands of children without a litmus test, embodies this spirit, affirming that every child, especially those who are "a little extra," deserves even more love and care. This commitment to radical welcome is a vibrant expression of our faith, demonstrating that God's embrace extends to everyone, just as they are. We are called to embody this open-hearted love, creating a space where all can feel seen, valued, and cherished as beloved children of God.

Today, intentionally offer a warm welcome or a kind word to someone you might not usually interact with. Let us pray: Holy One, fill us with your boundless love, that our hearts and our community may always be an open door for all your children. Amen.

Ground yourself with a breath, feeling connected to the wider community of faith. The early Methodists, rooted in the spirit of The Foundry, modeled a vibrant "city on a hill" where holistic ministry flourished. This abandoned factory transformed into a hub of worship, healthcare, housing for widows, and micro-lending, demonstrating profound care for both body and spirit. This collective effort was not hidden; it was a beacon in the community, inviting all people, regardless of their background, to encounter God's love. Their example reminds us that the church is at its best when we allow ourselves to shine with all the good things God does in our midst. Together, we create spaces of welcome and service, reflecting the heart of God in tangible ways. Our shared ministries, from worship to outreach, are collective expressions of grace that bring light and hope to the world around us.

Today, acknowledge a fellow sibling in Christ today who contributes to our church's mission, silently or aloud. Let us pray: Loving God, bless our community to be a shining example of your love and grace, transforming lives and radiating your light. Amen.

Breathe deeply, inviting peace and presence into your spirit. Jesus spoke a radical message to those often overlooked, reminding them they were beloved children of God. He urged them to live by the Beatitudes, embracing qualities like meekness, mercy, and purity of heart. This way of living was, and still is, counter-cultural. In a world constantly telling us what we lack, Jesus invites us to embody a different truth: our inherent worth and the richness of a life lived in faith. When we truly choose to follow his path, showing genuine care and concern for others, our actions will stand out. This "noticing" is not for our ego, but an invitation for others to become curious about the source of this different way of being. Our lives can become a gentle, living testimony, inviting others to explore the transformative power of God's love.

Today, reflect on one Beatitude today, and consider how you might embody it more fully in your interactions. Let us pray: Holy One, guide us to live lives that reflect your radical love and mercy, drawing others gently towards your light. Amen.

Take a deep breath and settle into this day, remembering the light within you. The Divine calls us to be the light of the world, like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. Our lives, infused with grace and love, are meant to be visible. Just as art on a wall can reveal hidden truths and make something drab bright, our faith lived openly can draw attention to the presence of God in the world. It is not about self-promotion, but about allowing the good works God does through us to be seen, inspiring curiosity and hope in others. When we live out Christ's teachings, acting with deep care for God, neighbor, and self, people notice this different way of being. We are invited to let this light shine, not to hide it under a basket, but to place it on a stand so all can benefit from its warmth and guidance.

Today, be intentionally kind to someone, allowing your action to be a small, visible expression of God's love. Let us pray: Loving God, help us to shine brightly with your grace, that others may see your goodness in our lives and give glory to you. Amen.

Do you ever feel pressure to blend in, even when you know you're called to stand out? Drawing inspiration from the impactful graffiti on the Berlin Wall and Jesus's call to be a "city on a hill," this message challenges us to live out our faith boldly. Discover how our actions—like a bright, visible city—can ignite curiosity and draw others to God's love, echoing the transformative legacy of John Wesley's Foundry and our church's vibrant ministries today.

## A City on a Hill: Making God's Love Visible

Imagine the historic Berlin Wall, a stark, gray barrier designed to keep people separated. On the western side, it was transformed, not by official decree, but by countless acts of graffiti. These vibrant paintings weren't vandalism; they were a powerful visual statement. They drew attention to a truth that needed to be seen, reflecting the heart and concerns of a community that refused to let the wall's existence be forgotten. This public display took something drab and oppressive, making it bright and impossible to ignore, declaring, "This is not normal, and it should not be here."

Just as the graffiti made a truth visible on the Berlin Wall, Jesus calls us, his beloved followers, to be a "city on a hill" and the "light of the world." He reminds us that we are not ordinary; we are called to live differently. When we embrace the Beatitudes, choosing to be merciful, pure of heart, and to move through the world with deep care and concern for God, neighbor, and ourselves, our lives become a visible testament to God's grace. In a world that often encourages us to hide our struggles or compete, living out Jesus' radical message of love and compassion causes people to notice. Our actions, fueled by the Divine's love within us, illuminate a path, sparking curiosity in others about the source of our light.

**Next Step:** Reflect on one area of your life this week where you can intentionally allow God's love to shine more brightly through your actions. How might a small act of mercy, a word of encouragement, or a moment of genuine care make God's presence more visible to those around you?

**Prayer:** Gracious God, thank you for calling us to be a light in the world. Empower us to live out your love and mercy so boldly that others may see your good works within us. May our lives be a city on a hill, drawing others to your radiant grace.