Scripture: Exodus 16:2-3
The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”
Thought for the Day: It was Winston Churchill who said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Such a statement wouldn’t be all that impressive if it came from someone who knew very little difficulty in life, but when you think of Churchill’s circumstance and life-experiences, it provides us insight into the character of this man.
Pessimism – including whining and grumbling – was a powerful and coercive force among the Israelites, though not unusual for any group of people who find themselves in the unknown. Such an attitude can dramatically distort a person’s memory of the past which intensifies the bellyaching. The only clear way of changing perspectives and finding the opportunity in the difficulty is in having a clear sense of purpose and identity. When the direction is clear and the passion is palpable, the voices of the naysayers are covered by the joyful singing of the resolute.
Cypress Creek Christian Church is on the cusp of the unknown, but will this be an opportunity for the pessimists to undermine our sense of purpose with their whining? – Or – …will it be our opportunity to convert the skeptics?
Prayer: We join our voices in celebration of you, O Lord, for you are the One who has not only provided us a vision of your dream, but invited us to participate in its fulfillment. All praise and honor belong to you. Amen.
Hope To See You
This Morning
for
WORSHIP
