From Rev. Jerry Johns
A LITTLE WIND FOR YOUR SAILS
The 4th of July is always a wonderful holiday. We cook out. We eat finger foods all day. There is watermelon and ice cream. The children run around and play while the adults enjoy good company and conversation. At the end of a long summer day there are fireworks. More often than not a good humor pervades the day and the people. People are generally congenial and kind on the 4th and we get to see the best in one another; or at least it seems that way.
It really doesn’t cost us anything to be kind. We come into contact with strangers each and every day and some of them treat us well while others seem cranky and irritable. A smile and a bit of kindness in return costs us nothing at all. It may, in fact, turn the day around for those with whom we speak. I’m not suggesting that fake brand of sugary kindness that is more passive aggressive than genuine. Rather, if you cultivate kindness within you, you will find that it will flow freely from you. When your day is off-kilter or you are faced with an unexpected difficulty a kindness from a stranger puts a little wind in your sails. It stands to reason that we, by kindness, can add a little wind to the sails of others.
Happy Birthday America.
SCRIPTURE PASSAGE OF THE DAY – Luke 6:27-36
27 ‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt.30Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 ‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.34If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return.* Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
HYMN OF THE DAY – “What Does the Lord Require of You?”
What does the Lord require of you?
What does the Lord require of you?
What does the Lord require of you?
To seek justice and love kindness and walk humbly with your God.
What does the Lord require of you?
What does the Lord require of you?
What does the Lord require of you?
To seek justice and love kindness and walk humbly with your God.
(Micah 6:8)
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
A Prayer of Brother Roger of Taize
To learn more about the Taize community point your web browser to www.taize.fr
Lord Jesus Christ, you never leave us. Stay close to us and teach us your ways again and again. Write your commandments on our hearts so that we may fully live them out. Send your Counselor to teach us and remind us of your truth. Give us peace to overcome our troubles and fears. Amen.
Events and Gatherings
Vacation Bible School
July 17-21