ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS Thought for the Day: What is it like to be dependent upon the generosity of others? The Apostle Paul expressed his true appreciation for this one church who supported his ministry when no one else would. Even when he was off doing other missionary work, the church did not walk away from their support. Most of you do not know what it is like to have your paycheck come from the generous hearts of so many, but I do. And I know I am speaking on behalf of the church staff when I express our true appreciation. We do work, and in the last couple of weeks, it has been a lot – though most of it has been disorganized and scattered and making it up on the fly – yet there are these moments when a spirit of true awe grips me (and us) as I find myself being cared for by a community of people. Now don’t get me wrong, I know you have some expectations. But along the way, I have had my share of flops and failures. And even with them, when payday showed back up again, there was money in the family checking account. I write this not because I’m looking for sympathy or concerned about next month. I am writing because you all need to know how appreciated you are, and the amazing ministry you make happen…even in this very strange time when we are finding new ways of being the church. Prayer: For the kindness and generosity of your people, O Lord, we offer our gratitude. We know such acts of grace are inspired by you and your grace made real in Jesus. Amen. via WordPress https://ift.tt/2WvA840
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via WordPress https://ift.tt/33x2hcl ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS Thought for the Day: Let me begin by acknowledging my discomfort with Paul emphasizing at the end of the verse how he and his companions were the inspiration of the good works in Thessaloniki. It might be true, but I do not know if that is exactly how humble people approach it. At the same time, I am no Apostle Paul. With that said, I do love how Paul encourages his readers to keep on living the way they have been living, and encouraging them to grow beyond where they are. It is so positive and uplifting! Those words I can echo to the people of Cypress Creek Christian Church: Keep living the way you already are and be prepared to do even better in how you live and please God. What you have done is quite amazing, but because we serve a gracious and inspiring God, there are even greater works for us to do. Prayer: Continue to inspire us all, O God who is generous beyond measure. Continue to encourage us as we find new ways of showing care and concern for the world around us. Amen. via WordPress https://ift.tt/2QtouD4 ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS Thought for the Day: Like you, I have always asked how does a person pray continually. There is nothing I choose to do that I do continually. It’s funny how space has been created this last week for many of us, a space that we usually would have filled with all kinds of good (and maybe not so good) activities. Today, there are periods of time that are more open. A nap is an option; reading that book that has been sitting on the bedside for 7 months is a good idea; doing some crossword puzzles or playing a board game is always healthy for the mind. But why shouldn’t prayer be one of our go-to options? I know the reason for our current downtime is painful and frightening, but this is something that we, as people of faith, should do well. Do we make ourselves busy with busyness that may not necessarily be all that productive? How much more useful and productive would our time be if we spent some of it in prayer? Prayer: I have time, a few minutes here and there, to participate in your glorious web of connection. O Merciful God, bring us together in prayer as we share one another’s burdens, as we share in our common strength. Amen. via WordPress https://ift.tt/33r7bHT ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS Thought for the Day: I have been fascinated with all the changes and postponements of Sporting Events. There might be a few strange unpopular sports out there that never get a crowd, but all the others have been canceled or pushed back a few months. This really impacts ESPN. When you already have a number of channels on which you show old sporting events, what do you do with the channels that showed live sports? You can only do a certain amount of news and commentary as there is no new news to report or discuss. What happens when your purpose no longer exists? That’s tough. Many people are currently pondering and fretting over what churches will do if they cannot worship. I understand that reaction, but when did being the church become the same as worship? It is important! Absolutely! But being a part of the community that follows Jesus is so far beyond worship. We are going to find ways of connecting in worship and praise in the weeks ahead, but no matter how successful or not we are with this online approach, the Holy Spirit is immune to this Virus. The church, the empowered followers of Jesus, will keep on going. Prayer: As you call us to be the church, Mighty Spirit, let us never confuse a single aspect of Christ-like living with what it means to be one who lives the Gospel. Amen. via WordPress https://ift.tt/2IU9ERC ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS For a Video of the Prayer: CLICK HERE via WordPress https://ift.tt/2Qi0fr8 ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS Thought for the Day: Most all of us like to be in control, and even more importantly, we like to be in control of the things we cannot control. In moments like this when it feels as if a storm is raging and there does not appear to be an end to it, the desire for control and the ability to control appear further and further apart. These are the moments when finding refuge in the mercy of God is an act of surrender to what is beyond our capacity to determine. Let me be clear – I can talk a good game, but I am not very good at this. My starting place is usually to find a comfortable seated position, and to focus my attention on my hands. I open and close them, making a movement as if I were relinquishing something from grip. This is done in conjunction with some deep breaths. And of course, prayer. The words are usually something like: Where there is no control within my grasp, O Lord, may I give to you my desire to keep on trying. I will probably be seeking that comfortable seated position at some point in the near future. Prayer: We pray this day for all those who are finding more and more of their lives swirling out of control. Merciful God, you are the gentle and welcoming refuge when every attempt to determine the what, where and how is not within our power. Center us and provide us the serenity of your everlasting presence. Amen. TODAY’S WORSHIP via WordPress https://ift.tt/2U3p37o ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS Thought for the Day: What happens when you want to love the Lord, but your heart is broken, your soul is crushed and your strength is gone? Trust me when I say that God is not upset in those moments. God very much understands. In fact, those are the moments when you hear God say, “But I love you with all my heart, with all my being and with all my strength.” If need be, just take a few moments and imagine God speaking those words over you and your life. Prayer: The Psalmist announced the word, “Your love, O Lord, endures forever.” It is your love, O Lord, that endures beyond the generations, beyond time itself. When crisis occurs – When foundational components of life are shaken – When uncertainty seems to be in the driver’s seat, we go in search of a love that is unwavering. Our hearts yearn for your presence that is steadfast and unchanged by the happenings of this current time. Bring us close to you and to the Good News of Jesus Christ, even as we are attempting to keep a safe distance from one another. It is strange and challenging, but our faith provides us a confidence that is not rooted in traditional definitions of what the culture believes to be sound and secure. Our convictions are founded in what is made visible in the life of Jesus and in the Body of Christ. Amen. THIS SUNDAY via WordPress https://ift.tt/2Qc91qv ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS Thought for the Day: As I drove home from the church last night, there was a rather strange looking bug clinging to my windshield. Though my top speed on my drive home was 41mph, the little guy seemed to hold on quite well. Though every time I stopped, he would move around, might I say that it looked like a dance. And then I’d start driving again, and he’d hunker down. Finally, at the second stop light along Louetta (I was trying to get to 45mph, but the light stopped me) he danced for a moment and then flew off. That bug offered me some truth last night. There are times when we just hunker down and hold on, but when the breaks come (no matter how short), it is time to dance. When James spoke of testing, he was not suggesting that God was behind the testing. Sadly, that’s where a lot of folks go in their thinking. The world and life in general can test us quite well. God is not the source of our tests, but the Source of love and grace amidst the testing. Today, you might feel as if you are being tested by all that is happening in our world. I think that’s fair. But remember that you are loved without any conditions; that grace abounds beyond measure; that you are a beloved child of God. For that reason, when you have those momentary breaks, take the time to dance. It doesn’t ignore the difficulty or challenges that will return shortly, but it reminds us – even in those moments when we are desperately clinging – that there is nothing that can separate us from God. Nothing! Prayer: In those moments, no matter how short, allow me to find a way to joyfully celebrate your love, O Lord. Whether it is a short-lived moment of joy for me alone or a gift I can give to someone else, I desire to be defined by my status as a beloved member of your family. Amen. via WordPress https://ift.tt/2IJVYJ6 |
AuthorRev. Bruce Frogge Archives
April 2024
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