As a guide through the Lenten season, we are reading Alicia Britt Chole's 40 Days Of Decreaseas a congregation and allowing it to inform the teaching each Sunday morning. 

Text:Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18

Takeaways:

• When we go into rooms this week, instead of thinking "Here I am," let's think, "There you are."
• Spend one whole day not looking at our own reflections.
• Begin every day this week saying out loud "I am Abba's Child. I am beloved."

Benediction:

May all that is unforgiven in you be released; may your fears yield their deep tranquilities; may all that is unlived in you blossom into a future graced with love.