Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
Thought for the Day: This is a very well known verse of scripture, though it is not usually read in its larger context. Jeremiah has spoken pretty bluntly about how the community has experienced the ramifications of its poor choices. During this period, it will be rough and the future will look bleak. This can so easily become a time when the community turns on itself and begins to loose sight of its vision and purpose. Some folks will attempt to blame others while never taking any personal responsibility. At the same time – if wiser heads prevail – this rough patch offers an opportunity for the community to recommit itself to the Lord and to its mission. This occurs when the faith community trusts that the Lord still has a purpose for the future. In fact, faith and hope amidst the bleak and uncertain times have the potential of providing a clear witness to others.
There is a lot for us to take away from this section of Jeremiah, especially for those of us at Cypress Creek Christian Church. I’m not suggesting that we are in some horribly bleak time, but we continue to experience some of the ramifications of poor choices in our past. We are not in some great Exile as Jeremiah’s community was experiencing, but we are still working our way back to health. Like Jeremiah’s community, this period can so easily allow for the vision of God to be replaced with a lot of personal selfish wishes. Some folks may attempt to blame others with no intention of asking the question, “How am I responsible?” It was a difficult time for Jeremiah’s community, and it is a difficult time for anyone who finds him/herself in a similar situation. At the same time, there is a great opportunity when the community goes against its human nature and begins to grow in its trust of the Lord, believing that there remains a real purpose for the future. In fact, such a trustful witness has the potential of speaking very powerfully to the world around us. This is our future – for the Lord still has plans for us, plans for our welfare and not for harm.
Prayer: Eternal God, you provide us a future hope that is not limited by past choices or even current circumstances. Let us trust you, focus on our mission, and not allow selfish wants or irresponsible accusations to derail the real potential your plans offer. Amen.
JOIN TOGETHER ON WEDNESDAY
at
Noon or 6:30pm
IMPORTANT
This Saturday – November 7
Hanging Christmas Lights
Starting at 9am
We need all the help we can get!
Sign-up for the Thanksgiving Dinner
(Call the church office or register in Holy Grounds on Sunday)
Wednesday – November 18
from 6-7pm
Adults are $10, kids are $6
