The Good News and Nothing Else in 2024

In this episode we reveal and discuss our personal words for the year and also begin the conversation around what we hope the Church will be known for in 2024...especially as we enter another election season. May we be known exclusively for the Good News of Christ and not all the other things we are tempted to add on to it. Below is the written prayer we share in this episode. Gracious Heavenly Father,I pledge allegiance to You, and You alone. Align my heart and mind to Yours so that I will seek first and foremost Your Kingdom and its righteousness.When I am tempted to seek security or fulfillment in the parties, policies, and people of this world, would you lovingly remind me that my assurance is found only in You. Teach me and my fellow brothers and sisters to remain a calm presence in an anxious world. When the world begins to deal out fear, may we offer up hope. When I am tempted to forget another’s humanity (especially someone I disagree with), may I work to remember it twice as hard. When I am tempted to hold more tightly to my political convictions than I do the character of Christ, would you grant me the humility to let go and recognize I might not have all the answers.This election season, may I use my voice and my vote to not only look out for my own interests and rights, but to stand and speak for others, especially to whom you gave special attention: the poor, the marginalized, the oppressed. I recognize that I was not designed for bondage to anything besides the love of Christ. For that reason, I ask you to free me from the fetters that shackle me to kingdoms of this world, so I might be liberated to love and serve you without restraint or limitations. In the Name of the One true King, the only One worthy of my devotion, King Jesus,Amen.