08-26-20

You can listen to the devotional or read it below:
https://vimeo.com/451554600

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 26, 2020
Scripture: John 20:28
Thomas responded to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!”

Thought for the Day: This is part of the well known “Doubting Thomas” story. Let me suggest that we dismiss much of the story in the belief that it is well summarized by simply saying things like, “Well that’s just Thomas. He was the doubter.” Of course, Thomas was the only disciple who wasn’t there when the resurrected Jesus made an earlier appearance. I’ve got to imagine that Thomas wanted to believe, but he was grieving and afraid and confused. Had it been Peter or James or any of the other disciples who hadn’t been there for the earlier encounter, I feel confident that the response would have been very similar to that of Thomas. There are times in life when we convince ourselves that God cannot be there. Life’s circumstances, on top of things like grief, guilt, shame, anxiety, exhaustion or bitterness, can often leave us unable to perceive the divine presence in our midst. Hope was standing in front of Thomas, but it took him a little while to get to the point of seeing it and embracing it. It is that other stuff that can have us believing that God has given up or doesn’t care. Most of us have been there at one time or another. That’s when we need a little tangible evidence, and in today’s world, that evidence is revealed through the Body of Christ, the church. We are God’s instrument by which God declares, “You are not alone. We will make it through this.” Today begins a new Wednesday LiveStream Study (11am & 7pm) based upon the words from Philippians 1:6 – “…the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job…” There are times when the stuff of life stands as an obstacle, eclipsing our capacity to see or even believe that God is still trying to help with the current mess. Let me just acknowledge how often I have seen the people of Cypress Creek Christian Church doing a really good job of being that tangible evidence in a very difficult time.

Be safe!

Prayer: My Lord and My God! A powerful declaration that emerges from doubt and disbelief. I know you will remain faithful as there is nothing in all of creation that can separate any of us from your love. Even when I cannot see it, provide me with that mysterious conviction that I am not alone. Amen.

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WEDNESDAY STUDY
God Is Not Finished

Today at 11am & 7pm

On The Church’s Facebook Page
&
The Church’s Website — LiveStream
http://www.cypresscreek.cc

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