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The mission of Cross of Life is built on three pillars, three ways in which we seek to join hands, touch hearts and change lives.  Each speaks to the topic of shame.  We seek to be a place of:

• • Inspiring Worship

When we gather, our hearts are moved beyond our own needs and desires and turned to focus on God instead.  Each week we receive Holy Communion we hear “the body of Christ, given for you.”  If you were the only person on earth, Jesus still would have died for you.  That is how deeply you are loved by God.  Shame has no place in such a relationship of love.

• • Authentic Community

We intentionally seek to be a safe place where vulnerability is embraced.  You do not need to have all the answers to be here, you do not need to maintain a façade of perfection, you do not even need to be 100% sure about your faith.  Dr. Brown emphasizes that empathy is the antidote to shame.  Cross of Life is a place where you can receive an empathetic, listening ear (and be such an ear to others.)  From the pastors to the babies in the nursery, we are all on this journey together and authenticity is important to us.

• • Meaningful Service

In many ways, our need to fast from shame is a first-world problem.  For many around the globe, survival and economic sufficiency are about all they can handle.  Serving those in need draws us out of ourselves, fills our lives with a sense of purpose and brings the joy of giving.  According to God’s grand design, as we invest in the well-being of others, our well-being grows too!

Reflect

How are you participating in these three pillars of ministry?  How does each pillar speak to the burden of shame you carry?  How do they shape your life?  Where could your participation in these three pillars grow?

Study

Philemon 1:4-7

When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God, because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus.  I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ.  I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.”

Pray

Let us pray,

Lord God, you called your church the Body of Christ, with each member bearing gifts for the upbuilding of the whole body.  Help each of us to consider our part in this body we call Cross of Life.  Through inspiring worship, authentic community and meaningful service, drive out the shame of our lives – that we may serve and please you through daily living.  We pray in the name of the one who sacrifice himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Please contact the church office if you’d like to receive the daily devotions through email.

 

Tags: devotions, fasting, Lent, shame