Scripture: 2nd Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with all of you. Thought for the Day: I sat in a room recently and heard many in the circle lament about how our world was crumbling. They spoke with deep anguish about all the violence, some even suggesting it as a sign that the
Scripture: Romans 15:7 Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Thought for the Day: I am reading Anne Lamott’s book, Small Victories: Spotting Improbable Moments of Grace. I have always appreciated Lamott’s often challenging words, and early in the book, a simple phrase got me to thinking. Lamatt wrote, “It turns out that welcome is solidarity. We’re glad you’re here,
Scripture: Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Thought for the Day: My friend and colleague, Rev. Bob Hill, reminded me of these words from the great William Sloane Coffin: “… unless we become meek, there will be no one left to inherit the earth…” In the Greek, the word for meek is Praus, and it’s fascinating how this Greek word is related
Scripture: Proverbs 13:22 The good leave an inheritance to their children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous. Thought for the Day: A visionary corporation is probably looking at most 8 – 10 years down the road. They may talk vaguely of 20 or 25, but they have to meet the expectation of their investors next quarter. For that reason, they are often willing
Scripture: Psalm 32:11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart. Thought for the Day: As you prepare for worship on this Sabbath day, allow these words from the Psalms to guide your spirit. Be glad and rejoice; allow your voice to declare the joy felt in your heart; continue to find ways of standing firm in the
Scripture: Jude 1:2 May mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance. Thought for the Day: I’ve spent the last 72 hours reflecting on some words from Friedrich Nietzsche. Now let me clarify – I don’t spend a lot of time pondering the thoughts of Friedrich Nietzsche, but the following words caught my attention: One must learn to be a sponge if one wants to be loved by
Scripture: 1st John 4:18am There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; Thought for the Day: This Sunday, we officially offer blessing to Rev. Clara Lewis as she retires after 30 years of ministry here at Cypress Creek Christian Church. Since the average stay at a church is 19 months, her perseverance and patience says a lot about her. Of course, such change brings
Scripture: Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Thought for the Day: This is probably the most well known Benediction used in the life of the church. I heard it every Sunday in my childhood, and though I take a
Scripture: Isaiah 49:13 Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones. Thought for the Day: Mother Teresa wrote, “Joy is prayer; joy is strength; joy is love; joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.” Joy is powerful, and I think most
Scripture: Proverbs 15:1-2 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. Thought for the Day: Have you ever had something come out of your mouth that was not well thought out, and before you knew what had happen, the damage was done? Maybe you are much more cautious