The Us in Dust

Day 1: Embracing Forgiveness

Devotional

Life has a tendency to make us sweat. Life is hard, right? And when you get to sweating and you add some dust, some messiness of this world, it sticks. One of the most challenging aspects of this messiness is dealing with guilt. Guilt says, ‘I owe you.’ It can weigh heavily on our hearts, making us feel unworthy and distant from God and others. But Jesus offers us a way out. He forgives us and calls us to forgive others. Forgiveness doesn’t mean they don’t face their consequences. Forgiveness simply means you don’t get to be the one that delivers the consequences. By embracing forgiveness, we can dust off the guilt that clings to us and walk in the freedom that Jesus provides.

Bible Verse

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. – James 5:16

Reflection Question

Is there someone you need to forgive today? How can embracing forgiveness free you from the weight of guilt?

Quote

Forgiveness doesn’t mean they don’t face their consequences. Forgiveness simply means you don’t get to be the one that delivers the consequences.

Prayer

Lord, help me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Remove the weight of guilt from my heart and allow me to walk in Your freedom. Amen.

Day 2: Letting Go of Anger

Devotional

Anger is a powerful emotion that can easily lead us into danger. Anger needs a target, and often, it is directed at those closest to us. This can create a cycle of hurt and resentment. But we have a choice to either be bitter or better. And it is a choice. Jesus teaches us to forgive and let go of our anger. When we release our anger, we make room for God’s peace to fill our hearts. This doesn’t mean ignoring the issues that caused the anger, but rather, addressing them in a way that honors God and promotes healing.

Bible Verse

If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. – Matthew 18:15

Reflection Question

What steps can you take today to let go of anger and seek reconciliation with those who have hurt you?

Quote

Anger needs a target. And anger is just one letter away from danger.

Prayer

Father, help me to release my anger and seek reconciliation. Fill my heart with Your peace and guide me in addressing conflicts in a way that honors You. Amen.

Day 3: Practicing Generosity

Devotional

Greed says, ‘I owe me.’ It is a desire for more that can never be satisfied. This can lead to a life focused on accumulating wealth and possessions, rather than on what truly matters. The way to conquer greed is to give. Generosity shifts our focus from ourselves to others, allowing us to experience the joy of giving. Jesus calls us to be generous, just as He has been generous with us. By practicing generosity, we can break free from the grip of greed and live a life that reflects God’s love and provision.

Bible Verse

Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. – Psalm 112:5

Reflection Question

How can you practice generosity today? What can you give to others that will reflect God’s love and provision?

Quote

Greed says I owe me. And the way you conquer that is to give.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be generous with what You have given me. Teach me to give freely and joyfully, reflecting Your love and provision to those around me. Amen.

 Day 4: Celebrating Others’ Successes

Devotional

Jealousy says, ‘God owes me.’ It is a feeling of resentment towards others’ successes and blessings. This can create a sense of entitlement and dissatisfaction with our own lives. But God calls us to celebrate others’ successes and trust in His plan for our lives. By shifting our perspective and focusing on what God has done for us, we can overcome jealousy and find contentment. Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it’s not proud. By embodying these qualities, we can celebrate others’ successes and experience the joy that comes from a heart aligned with God’s will.

Bible Verse

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. – 1 Corinthians 13:4

Reflection Question

How can you shift your perspective today to celebrate others’ successes and find contentment in your own life?

Quote

Jealousy says this, God owes me. You did it for them, Lord, you did it for them. Look what they have, Lord, you owe me, God.

Prayer

Father, help me to celebrate others’ successes and find contentment in Your plan for my life. Remove any feelings of jealousy and fill my heart with Your love and joy. Amen.

Day 5: Living Dust-Free

Devotional

Life is filled with challenges that leave us with ‘dust’—the messiness and imperfections of guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy. But we have a choice to either stay dusty or dust ourselves off and move forward. Jesus calls us to be representatives of dust-free-ness, reflecting His love and forgiveness to the world. By embracing forgiveness, letting go of anger, practicing generosity, and celebrating others’ successes, we can live a life that shines brightly for Him. Thank you, Jesus, for forgiveness. Help us absolutely dust off guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy. And we walk out into this world. May we be wonderful light.

Bible Verse

But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. – Matthew 6:15

Reflection Question

What steps can you take today to dust off the messiness of guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy and live a life that reflects Jesus’ love and forgiveness?

Quote

Help us absolutely dust off guilt, anger, greed and jealousy. And we walk out into this world. May we be wonderful light.

Prayer

Lord, help me to dust off the messiness of guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy. Fill me with Your love and forgiveness, and let my life be a light that shines brightly for You. Amen.

Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Trent introduces himself to the congregation and shares his vision for the church during his interim period. He emphasizes that every pastor is an interim, with Jesus as the true lead pastor. The sermon focuses on the concept of ‘Pardon Our Dust,’ a four-part series exploring the idea of being human beings created by God. Pastor Trent discusses the ‘dust’ in our lives, such as guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy, and how these can suffocate us if not addressed. He encourages the congregation to focus on their identity in Christ and to practice forgiveness, generosity, and celebration of others’ successes.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for bringing us together today. We ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive Your message. Help us to be receptive to what You want us to learn and apply in our lives. May we grow closer to You and to each other as we discuss and reflect on today’s sermon. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one fun fact about yourself that most people here might not know?

Key Verses

1. Matthew 15:18-20
2. James 5:16
3. Matthew 18:15-17
4. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Questions

1. What stood out to you the most from Pastor Trent’s introduction and message?
2. How do you feel about the idea that every pastor is an interim, with Jesus as the true lead pastor?
3. Which of the ‘dust’ elements (guilt, anger, greed, jealousy) do you find most challenging to deal with in your life?
4. How can we as a group support each other in ‘dusting off’ these elements?
5. What are some practical ways to practice forgiveness in our daily lives?
6. How can we cultivate a spirit of generosity in our community?
7. Why is it important to celebrate others’ successes, and how can we do this more effectively?
8. How does understanding our identity as ‘human beings’ created by God impact our actions and decisions?

Life Application

This week, identify one area of ‘dust’ in your life that you want to address. Take a practical step towards resolving it, whether it’s offering forgiveness, practicing generosity, or celebrating someone else’s success.

Key Takeaways

1. Every pastor is an interim, with Jesus as the true lead pastor.
2. We all have ‘dust’ in our lives, such as guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy, that needs to be addressed.
3. Our identity as human beings created by God informs our actions and decisions.
4. Forgiveness, generosity, and celebration of others’ successes are key to living a Christ-like life.
5. Community and connection are vital for spiritual growth and support.

Ending Prayer

Lord, thank You for the time we’ve spent together today. Help us to take what we’ve learned and apply it in our lives. May we be a community that supports and uplifts each other, reflecting Your love and grace. Guide us as we strive to be more like You, dusting off the elements that hold us back. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.