Day 347..."Strong hands...sound doctrine...an alive church"

Zechariah writes of justice and mercy in chapter seven. In chapter eight, there is an image of prosperity and peace. One of the images that caught my attention is strong hands..."Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Let your hands be strong, you who in these days have been hearing these words from the mouth of the prophets who were present on the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built." Strong hands are a wonderful symbol of strength for a people. Strong hands build and provide a sense of security. NIV study notes writes strong hands are a symbol of encouragement.

Paul, in the Book of Titus, has a call for sound doctrine..."But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Doctrine does matter! "Sound doctrine is why mainline protestant churches have endured. The Apostles' Creed keeps us in touch with the essentials of our faith. Paul also warns against those who create dissension..."As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned." These steps provide for us a plan of resolving controversy. I think also of Jesus' Words in the Sermon on the Mount..."blessed are the peacemakers."

John in his writing of Revelation continues the critique of churches in chapter three...Ephesus is dead! Philadelphia is one of opportunity (like Cokesbury)...and Laodecia is lukewarm! No church wants to be dead or lukewarm. Every church has an opportunity somewhere to make a difference. Cokesbury is one of great opportunity and is alive! In July, I cannot imagine of lukewarm. We are a church of a "warm heart."