"The Plague of Self-Deception"

Sunday Sermon: November 5th, 2017

1. Human thralldom and yardsticks are deceptive lies; you have been captured and captivated by Christ, 1 Corinthians 3:18-23.
2. Hat-check the judge’s robe, the other Christians are simply servants of Christ, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5.

A Prayer from the 17th Century
Dear Lord,
Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody: helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but thou knowest Lord that I want a few friends at the end.
Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point. They are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others pains, but help me to endure them with patience.
I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.
Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a saint - some of them are so hard to live with -- but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And, give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so. Amen