🙌 The Friday Call to Worship 🙌

Big leaps of faith inspire awe in the faith-leapers and those around them. Lofty sacrifice turn us to Jesus' words in Matthew 16:24, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."

For me, the big decisions and sacrifices are easier than the daily ones. Move to Africa, take in this child, start this ministry... Yes, yes, and yes! In those once-off moments, I am so aware of my need for my God my spirit is activated, my faith is fueled, and it's easier to trust God. It feels good!

But the cross that Jesus took up was not one of feel-good faith or wonder. It wasn't the cross of becoming a missionary or giving away earthly treasures. It was a cross of repeated, undeserved forgiveness.

It is forgiveness that set us free, opening the door from death to life. When Jesus taught us to take up our cross and follow him, He didn't want us to do it only once.

Recently, at the end of a particularly uninspiring day, I heard Him whisper to my spirit, "Forgive every day." I thought, "But Jesus, I have forgiven. I don’t carry any resent or wounds.” Again He impressed, "Forgive every day." So I tried it.

I started bringing my whole heart to God each morning and verbally forgiving whatever chips I found there - even the smallest things. It inevitably leaves me asking for forgiveness for the pride, expectations and judgment I find in myself. As I forgive every day, I see the condition of both my heart and Jesus' more clearly. I get lighter under the weight of that cross.

Today's call to worship is a call for every day. Forgive every day. Let “Break Every Chain” play over your spirit and ask the Lord to show you who and how to forgive today. That is a fresh measure of freedom available for you daily.