Scripture: Mark 8:30Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone about him. Thought for the Day: Unique to Mark’s Gospel is something scholars have referred to as the Messianic Secret. Unlike the other Gospels, Jesus tells many people – those he had healed, blessed or taught – to tell no one. It seems strange as it sounds counterproductive if we believe our task is to share the Good News.
Prayer for the Week: With a national holiday approaching, and with many expectations of certain traditions demanding our attention, let us not miss the reason for the holiday. O Gracious God of Heaven, create within us a true spirit of gratitude so we are better able to recognize where you have stepped out of heaven and entered the life of creation. Help us to see and acknowledge where
Scripture: Proverbs 22:9Happy are generous people, because they give some of their food to the poor. Thought for the Day: The following came from our denomination: Did you know that more people in the world have a cellphone than have a toilet? Sanitation is a global development priority. This is why the United Nations General Assembly designated 19 November as World Toilet Day. That’s right, tomorrow is World Toilet
Scripture: Ephesians 2:10Instead, we are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives. Thought for the Day: Today I give thanks for people who are creative and use that creativity to push the walls of the proverbial box. Today is the second day of the Dickens Market here at the church.
Scripture: Acts 2:26-28Therefore, my heart was glad and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover, my body will live in hope, because you won’t abandon me to the grave, nor permit your holy one to experience decay. You have shown me the paths of life; your presence will fill me with happiness. Thought for the Day: Howard Zinn was a historian and professor, and he wrote the following: To be hopeful
Scripture: Proverbs 21:21 Those who pursue righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. Thought for the Day: What does it mean to pursue righteousness and kindness? In a world where religion has become scary competitive and arrogantly destructive, we need to dial it down a bit and demonstrates right-living and kindness toward those who have a different opinion. I recently heard someone say, “I am Christian
Scripture: Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that can’t be shaken, let’s continue to express our gratitude. With this gratitude, let’s serve in a way that is pleasing to God with respect and awe… Thought for the Day: Yesterday, I suggested that scripture, with some exceptions, doesn’t make a connection between gratitude and service. This passage from Hebrews is one of the exceptions. According to
Scripture: Psalm 9:1 I will thank you, LORD, with all my heart; I will talk about all your wonderful acts. Thought for the Day: Though he died before my birth, I have always been drawn to the speeches and proses of President John F. Kennedy. A quote one of my roommates had years ago on the wall read: As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that
Prayer for the Week: Today, I give thanks to you, O God, as the Source of Love. It is this gift given without condition that changes my perception – allows me to see within my life a multitude of blessings. Today, I give thanks for the gift of farmers in the field whose agricultural knowledge assists in bringing bounty from the earth. Today, I give thanks for farmworkers
Scripture: Genesis 18:1-2 The LORD appeared to Abraham at the oaks of Mamre while he sat at the entrance of his tent in the day’s heat. He looked up and suddenly saw three men standing near him. As soon as he saw them, he ran from his tent entrance to greet them and bowed deeply. Thought for the Day: There is a lot of talk in regard to