From Rev. Sheila Gillette Scripture: Philippians 4:8 Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about it. Thought for the Day: Yes, life is stressful and even sometimes depressing, but your attitude is your choice. Joy is
From Dr. Joel Plaag Scripture: James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.… Thought for the Day: How often have I been stuck in a problem and been angry or frustrated? Or better yet, how often, when in
From Rev. Paula Gembala Scripture: Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the Angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greeting, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled
Scripture: Luke 1:51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. Thought for the Day: “I like the Christmas Jesus best.” Those were the words of Will Ferrell’s (Ricky Bobby) character in the comedy Talladega Nights. “Jesus did grow up,” his wife reminds him. “You don’t always have to call him baby.” But Will Ferrell responds, “I like
Scripture: Micah 3:5 Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who lead my people astray, who cry “Peace” when they have something to eat, but declare war against those who put nothing into their mouths. Thought for the Day: In Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, I am struck by the words: And in despair I bow’d my head: “There is no peace
Scripture: Luke 1:72-75 Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. Thought for the Day: I like the idea of ‘showing’ mercy. In our
Scripture: John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. Thought for the Day: I don’t usually start with a prayer, but a few days ago, I came across this prayer in an email from Sojourner’s Magazine. It felt like
From Rev. Norma Lowrey Scripture: John 14:27 I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Thought: During our discussions in the Jesus Apprentice series, we were asked to look at several definitions of the “Good News”. Peace is the Good News, the “gift” to share
Scripture: Luke 1:18-20 Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.” The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. But now, because you did not believe my words,
Scripture: Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thought for the Day: On this Sunday when we transition from a week focused on hope to a week where peace takes our attention, I remain very troubled by the more than 200 girls/young women who were