ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 17, 2020Prayer for the Week: A simple message of love and forgiveness unleashed upon a complex and self-obsessed world. What were you thinking when you entrusted this message to those first followers, O Breath of Life. From the beginning, you went straight for those bottom of the barrel kind of folk – the bruised, the unwanted, the discarded. Why not use the powerful and wealthy whose
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 16, 2020Scripture: Luke 9:20Jesus said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.” Thought for the Day: When Peter gave the answer to the question posed by Jesus, he had absolutely no idea what he was saying. We could be tough on Peter, but most everyone would have failed to understand the implications of suggesting that Jesus was
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 15, 2020Scripture: Psalm 5:1-3Give ear to my words, O Lord; give heed to my sighing. Listen to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you I pray. O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch. Thought for the Day: In the morning… Don’t you imagine that some people hear
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 14, 2020A Word for the Prayer Vigil: Today, Cypress Creek Christian Church begins a 24-Hour Prayer Vigil specifically focusing on those who are returning to school (virtual, in-person, combination) – students, teachers, professors, custodians, support staff, counselors, cooks, bus drivers, etc. We also need to include parents and grandparents who are involved in decision-making and daily guidance. There is no One Answer in this moment, but
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 13, 2020Scripture: Proverbs 4:23Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Thought for the Day: Yesterday, the Men of Cypress Creek had their weekly prayer gathering on Zoom. Jesse Holster offered a wonderful study on Proverbs, and his words got me to thinking about this verse of scripture that was on a plaque I had (I lost it at some
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 12, 2020Scripture: Psalm 65:8Those who dwell on the far edges stand in awe of your acts. You make the gateways of morning and evening sing for joy. Thought for the Day: I don’t remember exactly how old I was, but probably around 10 or so. I really wanted to watch the Perseid meteor shower that would be at its height after midnight. My mother reluctantly gave
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 11, 2020Scripture: Psalm 25:5Lead me in your truth—teach it to me— because you are the God who saves me. I put my hope in you all day long. Thought for the Day: Carl Sagan wrote, “Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.” When I first read those words, I found them to be dark and discomforting. There are too many things I don’t wish to
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 10, 2020Prayer for the Week:From Birth to Death to Rebirth –Source of Love and Light –Architect of Hope and Joy –Meet us in the promise of this dayInvite us into your dreamForm us to the way of Jesus.You are the Prime Mover – the Designer and Mentor – for the life you cast before us.Provide us faithSupply us courageInspire within us a tenacity capable of Christ-like
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 9, 2020Guest Writer: Dr. Joel PlaagScripture: Romans 8:37-39No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSAugust 8, 2020Guest Writer: Rev. Paula GembalaScripture: Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Thought for the Day: The Apostle Paul is sharing some important information in the scripture above. He is admitting that life is not always easy, however even during difficult times we need to look for the blessings in our lives and remain faithful through prayer. We are