Discussion Questions: • How do you express joy? When were you most recently joyful? •Read Psalm 98. According  to the psalmist, why should we sing a new song? • What things does God do that should cause us all to “shout for joy?” -What has God done in your life that you can be joyful... Read more »

Confession: Lord Jesus, you asked us to wait and watch with you. Each year we pause and celebrate your birth, but we often let the busyness of the season make our hearts sleepy. We confess that we forget to be watchful for what you are doing in the world today. Forgive us and remind us... Read more »

Reading — Luke 15:20–24, Confession — Father, we thank you for your prodigal love for us. You consistently come to us in grace and invite us into your celebration. We confess that we have resisted your invitations. Please help us remember that all you have is ours. We are free to celebrate with You and... Read more »

Reading — Luke 15:20–24, Confession — Father, you are extravagant in your expression of love and provision for us. You give us all that we have and call us to be extravagant with our love and resources for others in your name. We confess that we sometimes let fear or self-centeredness get in the way... Read more »

Reading — Luke 15:20b–24, Confession — God, there is a part of all of us that mistakenly thinks we can earn your love and grace. As a result, the things we say, do, and think tend to define our worth. Jesus, forgive us for trying to earn what was always meant to be a free... Read more »

Questions: Why do you think Jesus spent so much time teaching about money and material possessions? What do you think Jesus would have to say about these topics today? Read Malachi 3:6-12. What is your experience with and current belief about tithing? How does the thought that we are bringing back to God what’s rightfully... Read more »

Reading — Colossians 3:23–24 Confession — Gracious God, You have chosen us, called us, and given us purpose to be your hands and feet of your Kingdom. We confess that we have let our work become about us and our needs rather than expressions of your provision for us and the world. Forgive us and... Read more »

Questions — Read Hebrews 10:24–25. What are we to do in our human relationships? What happens when we neglect people and fail to do these things? Read Proverbs 13:20, 20:6, and 27:17. How does your choice in relationships inform who you are becoming? Read John 15:4–8. How does your connection to Jesus impact your human... Read more »

Confession — Jesus, we come to you with burdens, regrets, and stress. We tend to rely on our own strength, trying to solve things ourselves. Forgive us for all the ways we keep you at arm’s length. Teach us to put our trust in you and let you be our strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.... Read more »

Confession — Heavenly Father, you are loving, graceful, and want good things for your children. Today we surrender our mind to you. Forgive us for the ways our thoughts are unkind, lustful, and selfish. Help us take every thought captive so that we might be transformed from the inside out. In Jesus’ name. Amen.