tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54441773389108927002024-03-13T18:17:12.617-04:00From a Pastor's HeartJust one begger sharing with other beggers where he has found food.Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.comBlogger1119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-16531097965622422772014-08-22T03:23:00.002-04:002014-08-22T03:23:49.549-04:00Friday's Inspirational Story - The Little Boy, author unknown<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The
Little Boy</span></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> – author
unknown<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Sally
jumped up as soon as she saw the surgeon come out of the operating room. She
said: “How is my little boy? Is he going to be all right? When can I see him?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">The
surgeon said, “I’m sorry. We did all we could, but your boy didn’t make it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Sally
said, “Why do little children get cancer? Doesn’t God care any more? Where were
you, God, when my son needed you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">The
surgeon asked, “Would you like some time alone with your son? One of the nurses
will be out in a few minutes, before he’s transported to the university.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Sally
asked the nurse to stay with her while she said good-bye to son. She ran her
fingers lovingly through his thick red curly hair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Would
you like a lock of his hair?” the nurse asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Sally
nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy’s hair, put it in a plastic bag and
handed it to Sally. The mother said, “It was Jimmy’s idea to donate his body to
the university for study. He said it might help somebody else. “I said no at
first, but Jimmy said, ‘Mom, I won’t be using it after I die. Maybe it will
help some other little boy spend one more day with his Mom.” She went on, “My
Jimmy had a heart of gold. Always thinking of someone else. Always wanting to
help others if he could.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Sally
walked out of Children’s mercy Hospital for the last time, after spending most
of the last six months there. She put the bag with Jimmy’s belongings on the
seat beside her in the car. The drive home was difficult. It was even harder to
enter the empty house. She carried Jimmy’s belongings, and the plastic bag with
the lock of his hair to her son’s room. She started placing the model cars and
other personal things back in his room exactly where he had always kept them.
She laid down across his bed and, hugging his pillow, cried herself to sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">It was
around midnight when Sally awoke. Laying beside her on the bed was a folded
letter. The letter said:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Dear
Mom,</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I
know you’re going to miss me; but don’t think that I will ever forget you, or
stop loving you, just ’cause I’m not around to say I LOVE YOU. I will always
love you, Mom, even more with each day. Someday we will see each other again.
Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy so you won’t be so lonely, that’s
okay with me. He can have my room and old stuff to play with. But, if you
decide to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn’t like the same things us
boys do. You’ll have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like, you know. Don’t be
sad thinking about me. This really is a neat place. Grandma and Grandpa met me
as soon as I got here and showed me around some, but it will take a long time
to see everything. The angels are so cool. I love to watch them fly. And, you
know what? Jesus doesn’t look like any of his pictures. Yet, when I saw Him, I
knew it was Him. Jesus himself took me to see GOD! And guess what, Mom? I got
to sit on God’s knee and talk to Him, like I was somebody important. That’s
when I told Him that I wanted to write you a letter, to tell you good-bye and
everything. But I already knew that wasn’t allowed. Well, you know what Mom?
God handed me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter. I
think Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to
you. God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you asked
Him ‘Where was He when I needed him?’ “God said He was in the same place with
me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross. He was right there, as He always is
with all His children.</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Oh,
by the way, Mom, no one else can see what I’ve written except you. To everyone
else this is just a blank piece of paper. Isn’t that cool? I have to give God
His pen back now. He needs it to write some more names in the Book of Life.
Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I’m, sure the food
will be great.</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Oh, I
almost forgot to tell you. I don’t hurt anymore. The cancer is all gone. I’m
glad because I couldn’t stand that pain anymore and God couldn’t stand to see
me hurt so much, either. That’s when He sent The Angel of Mercy to come get me.
The Angel said I was a Special Delivery! How about that?</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Signed with Love from: God, Jesus & Me.”</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-86575105396413201802014-08-21T03:33:00.002-04:002014-08-21T03:33:40.558-04:00And the church was silent: a reflection on Ferguson (John 12:21)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: John 12:21 (CEB) – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">larger reading John 12:20-36<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">They came to
Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and made a request: "Sir, we
want to see Jesus."</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">“the greatest thing
a human soul ever does in this world is to see something, and tell what he saw
in a plain way,” said John Ruskin in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Modern
Painters. </i>“Hundreds of people can talk for one who can think, but thousands
can think for one who can see. To see clearly is poetry, prophecy, and religion
– all in one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Ferguson is being
torn apart. A reporter for MSNBC interviewed its mayor. He held to the belief
that there isn’t a racial divided in his city. Clearly he doesn’t see what he
wishes not to believe. It is sad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">And the church is
silent. Who is on the scene to show them Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">A black man is dead.
At this particular point no one knows the full story. Protesters and agitators
and opportunists have descended on the city each seeing the situation through
their own filters. They believe what they want to believe and are acting
accordingly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">And the church is
silent. Who is on the scene to show them Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">The full story is
slowly coming forward, investigations are starting to take place, some
reporters are seeking to unearth the truth, while other reporters, with their
cameras rolling, simply fan the flames of anger. People see what they want to
see. It is a sad saga in the city of Ferguson.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">And the church is
silent. Who is on the scene to show them Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Seeing the truth is
going to be difficult. Held positions will have to be released or ignored, but
better to be faced and dealt with. A community will need to heal and move on.
Calm will return to Ferguson as those who are there simply there to protest or
agitate or loot finally move on to wait for another situation avails itself for
their form of justice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Will the church
continue to remain silent? Will no one come forward to show them Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">As the news media
finally tires of the story and moves on to another injustice or turns their
attention to other news that grabs the headlines... As the body of Michael
Brown is buried and his family’s grief begins to subside… As the riot gear is
stored away and the military vehicles are returned to the cities motor pool… As
the streets clear of the protestors and it is safe once again to walk down the
sidewalk… the question still will remain, will the church continue to remain
silent and will no one show them Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Though my city hasn’t
erupted with racial unrest and no headline-grabbing event has caused the
national news media outlets to descend upon my city am I showing them Jesus? Am
I silent? Does my church speak up against the racial injustice? Or am I waiting
for someone else to do it for me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">My silence is
deafening. My inaction disturbs me. The request to show them Jesus goes
unanswered. Show me the way Lord show me the way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-85738448404596352572014-08-20T05:04:00.003-04:002014-08-20T05:04:47.046-04:00Finding our divine purpose (Colossians 1:16)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: Colossians 1:16 (TM) – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">larger reading Colossians 1:15-23<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">For everything,
absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank
after rank of angels - everything got started in him and finds its purpose in
him.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">“The strange thing
about Jesus,” said a Japanese student, “is that you can never get away from
him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Many things demand
to be central in our lives – money, career, security, family, home, cars,
friends, leisure, hobbies, etc. These require time and energy… and precious
resources. And here is the kicker: There is nothing wrong with any of these
things – nothing, absolutely nothing – if placed in proper place on our
priority list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Addictive behavior
requires each of us to “feed” the addiction. Breaking that craving is tough at
best. The addiction, whatever it might be, brings about a physical and/or
emotional response that is very satisfying, but it becomes a negative force
because it robs us of our true personhood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Paul, writing to the
church, speaks of the reality of Christ in the same way we might speak of
addictions. But, instead of robbing us of our true personhood, he defines and
gives our personhood purpose and direction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Instead of aimlessly
wandering through life looking for our next “fix” we are shaped and molded into
a new reality – God’s reality – God’s divine purpose finds a home in us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">That list of central
things in our lives pales next to Christ. God through Christ can actually make
everything on that precious list has a good purpose in us. And so, here we are,
facing another day, facing what will define us, shape us, mold us, make us,
lift us up, direct us. It is our choice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">God, as the day
starts may we give ourselves more completely over to you and find our purpose
in you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-15150300632717583452014-08-19T06:58:00.003-04:002014-08-19T06:58:49.614-04:00Who is in control? Who do we trust? (John 14:1)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: John 14:1 (NIV) - <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">larger reading John 14:1-11<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">"Do
not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Samuel Rutherford: "Duties are ours, events are God's;
When our faith goes to meddle with events, and to hold account upon God's
Providence, and beginneth to say, 'How wilt Thou do this or that?' we lose
ground; we have nothing to do there; it is our part to let the Almighty
exercise His own office, and steer His own helm; there is nothing left for us,
but to see how we may be approved of Him, and how we roll the weight of our
weak souls upon Him who is God omnipotent, and when we thus essay miscarrieth, it
shall be neither our sin nor our cross." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Do you remember the
TV program, “Who do you trust?” It aired from 1957-63 and ultimately put
together Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon. “Whom do you trust” is the ultimate
question at all levels of life. Cannot run away from it or qualify it with a
disclaimer here or there. It is just right out there – this trust issue is
tough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Remember trust
walks? Being led blindly through some unfamiliar area simply by holding on to
the arm of another person? At some point, in this activity, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(usually a youth activity at a retreat or
camp)</i> the “blind” person peeked or at least tried to. Walking blindly into
the unknown is scary stuff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Remember our feeble
attempts at crossing our arms and falling <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(or
at least attempting to)</i> backwards hoping <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(crossing fingers)</i> to be caught by the person standing behind you?
This has proven to be great in marriage and/or premarital counseling. Do you
really trust your partner well enough to catch you? Cannot remember when or
where, but I believe it was during a pre-martial counseling session that I
pulled this on a couple who failed miserably and after further discussion
decided that they better not get married.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Trust is hard at
best. It was the challenge on Jesus’ lips – trust God… then trust me. Mr.
Rutherford got it right, even if we want to argue with him on some minor
points. We want to “meddle”, we desire a “say”, we are not always willing to
allow the Almighty One to exercise his authority. We want control! After it is
our life isn’t it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Therein lies the
rub: It is easy to hold on to our belief systems and be in control. It is
impossible to hold on to faith without relinquishing control. Faith is nothing
more and nothing less than trusting God at every point. An acrostic, that I’ve
shared before, says it all: Forsaking All I Trust Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Trusting God with
our addictions is hard. Trusting God with our sexual orientation is hard.
Trusting God with our politics is hard. Trusting God with our future is hard.
Trusting God with our future is hard. Trusting God with our relationships is
hard. Trusting God with our ideas and thoughts is hard. Trusting God at any
point in our life’s journey is hard. Trusting God with all things spiritual is
hard. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Letting God steer
the helm is hard. Faith and Trust are control issue. Whom will we trust? Who
will allow to have control over and in our life? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">But God I want
control! I want to do it my way! I want to steer the ship of my life? And yet,
as I do, my heart is troubled and peace does not rule the day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-11031363052897369002014-08-18T03:50:00.003-04:002014-08-18T03:50:39.622-04:00Building lasting monuments and a huge spiritual legacy (John 1:26)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: John 1:26 (TM) – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">larger reading John 1:19-28<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">John answered,
"I only baptize using water. A person you don't recognize has taken his
stand in your midst.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Washington -- Graffiti from the 1800s discovered by workers
renovating the Washington Monument has quite a different tone from that usually
found today on the sides of buildings and subway cars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">"Whoever is the human instrument under God in the
conversion of one soul, erects a monument to his own memory more lofty and
enduing (sic) than this," reads the inscription which can now be viewed by
visitors to the monument.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">It is signed BFB. No one knows who that is, or who left the
small drawings and 19th century dates on other walls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">The markings in the lobby of the monument were covered over
when it was decorated at the turn of the century. They were found when workers
removed marble wainscoting as part of a yearlong $500,000 renovation which was
just completed.</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Sometimes our
monuments are just that, buildings, edifices of various proportions and
materials. Sometimes our monuments are family – children, grandchildren,
great-grandchildren. Sometimes these monuments are built with the intent of
leaving a legacy for others so that we will be remembered while at other times
they have grown out of an attitude of love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">One way to think
about John the Baptist is to think of the heritage he left in the wake of his
life. He came preaching and baptizing not to bring attention to himself, but to
prepare the way for the one who was to follow him. John was building a worthy
monument to his life’s work because it led to something and someone greater.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Haven’t given it
much thought over the years of ministry – how will I be remembered, but every
now and again the thought has occurred to me. It is usually quickly dismissed
because it is not important to be remembered… nice but not important. Oh, ones
children will remember for their entire life. Grandchildren might depending on
the length of time spent with them during their formative years. The rest of
the people we touch, we will be but a passing thought like so much chafe in the
wind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">But the legacy of
those who come to know Jesus because we came their way and bore testimony to
the Good News which changes life itself… that is a monument which will be long
remembered well into eternity. The angels will mention our names for the impact
in changed lives we have made. That is a monument larger than the Washington
Monument and will remain standing long after that piece of granite in
Washington D.C. has crumbled to the ground. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">John the Baptist
pointed to the centrality of Christ in all he said and did. We are called to
follow suit… that is our legacy… that is our monument. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">May our life so
impact those around us that the host of believers will be enlarged a thousand
fold because we had come their way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-91966914278763874862014-08-15T06:28:00.001-04:002014-08-15T06:28:11.619-04:00Friday's Inspirational Story - Making the Most of God's Gifts by Caroline Updyke<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Making the
Most of God's Gifts – </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">by Caroline
Updyke, Short Hills, NJ (as appeared in Guideposts)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Her
daughter was brave about her learning disability, braver than her mother.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">My phone
buzzed as I got out of the car and walked up to my daughter Lauren’s school. I
didn’t have to look. I knew it was a reminder that I was due in her classroom
in 15 minutes. As if there was any way I could have forgotten what I’d promised
to do for her eighth birthday. I’d stayed up all night worrying about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">That
morning at breakfast I’d asked Lauren again, “Are you sure that’s the book you
want me to read?” She looked up from her cereal and said, “Yes, Mommy, I’m
sure. Mrs. Small said to have you read my favorite book and <i>Thank You, Mr.
Falker </i>is my favorite.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I knew
Lauren loved the book. I did too. We’d discovered it a year earlier, not long
after she was diagnosed with a language-based learning disorder—a fancy way of
saying she’s dyslexic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Thank
You, Mr. Falker </span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">is by
the children’s book author and illustrator Patricia Polacco. It’s about her own
struggles in school. She could draw well but could not read.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">She was
teased and bullied and felt terrible about herself until fifth grade, when her
teacher, Mr. Falker, realized she had a learning disability and taught her to
read. The book ends with her running into Mr. Falker years later and telling
him she’s now a writer and artist, thanks in large part to how he changed her
life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Lauren
started this school year—second grade—not being able to read. At all. That
didn’t seem to get in her way. She was full of opinions and not afraid to
express them. She told imaginative stories. And like the young Patricia
Polacco, she was quite the artist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Her
teachers assured my husband and me that eventually Lauren would learn to read,
and we believed them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">But how
long would that take and what would she lose in the meantime? What would her
classmates say when she couldn’t read aloud the way they could? How could I
give my daughter self-confidence when she was failing at the most emphasized
skill at school?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I kept
asking God to protect Lauren and light her path forward. <i>She’s so smart and
creative, </i>I’d pray. <i>I don’t want dyslexia to be the thing that defines
her.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I signed
in at the office and took my time walking to her classroom, noticing all the
homages to the written word in the hallways. Book reports lined the walls and a
large yellow bulletin board proclaimed, “Reading Is Fun.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Was it a
good idea to read Lauren’s class a story about a dyslexic girl? Would
describing the ways the author had been bullied as a child give my daughter’s
classmates permission to torment her? Reading wouldn’t be fun for Lauren if
that happened. It would be misery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Mrs.
Small met me at the door and led me to the front of the classroom, where there
were two chairs set up side by side. The kids sat on the carpet. I waved to the
aide, Mrs. Thompson, who had been such a help to Lauren, and took one of the
chairs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Lauren sat
beside me, sporting a paper crown with “BIRTHDAY GIRL” written on it in crayon.
The L was pointing in the wrong direction. I opened the book and began to read.
The kids sat in a semicircle, eyes pinned on me. I felt Lauren’s little hand
drape over my leg.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I came
to the part where the girl is bullied by her classmates. Steadying my voice, I
read the insults aloud. Inwardly I cringed. “Toad.” “Stupid.” “Dumbbell.” I
could hardly imagine what it would be like if her classmates said those cruel
things to Lauren. My voice nearly faltered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Then I
got to the paragraph where, thanks to Mr. Falker, the girl discovers that a
learning disability is the cause of her challenges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Lauren
raised her hand and said, “Stop.” I glanced at her, puzzled. “Mom, can I say
something?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Oh,
no. What is she going to say? </span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Hoping she couldn’t hear my heart hammering, I said, “Sure, sweetie,
what do you want to tell the class?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Lauren
looked at her classmates, cleared her throat and said, “I have what she has. I
have dyslexia. I am just like Patricia Polacco.” Her eyes scanned the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">“You
know I’m a good artist and that’s probably why my brain is taking longer to
read. But I am very smart and I am going to grow up to be a writer. Like
Patricia Polacco.” No embarrassment or hesitation in her voice. Just
confidence. And pride, even.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Then she
turned to me and commanded, “Okay, Mom, continue.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I did,
keeping my eyes glued to the page. Finally I reached the part where the adult
Patricia runs into her old teacher and tells him, “Why, Mr. Falker, I make
books for children.” I paused and looked up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The kids
sat enraptured. The story had reached them like all good stories should—in the
heart. The adults too. Mrs. Small and Mrs. Thompson had tears rolling down
their cheeks. Our eyes met. We knew something beautiful had just happened.
Something amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I’d
asked God to keep dyslexia from defining Lauren. And yet it had. God had used
her reading deficit to embolden her, to fuel her dreams and her confidence. She
saw her disability as motivation—as a strength—not as a liability. And that was
the message for me too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Lauren
is 10 now, in fourth grade. Her classmates have never given much thought to her
dyslexia other than to help her when she needs it. <i>Thank You, Mr. Falker </i>remains
one of her favorites and these days shares the bookshelf with <i>Harry Potter</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">She is
still bursting with opinions and is still quite the artist. And yes, she loves
to write stories. Her spelling is creative, but that doesn’t stop her from
putting all the stories she dreams up down on paper. Her latest is a play about
a penguin named Snowy who likes to drink fish tea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 15.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Someday,
Lauren hopes to thank Patricia Polacco in person, which she predicts will
likely happen at a writers’ conference. That’s because she plans to become a
famous author as well as an actor <i>and </i>a singer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Once I
might have doubted this outcome, but now? Now I believe that with the gifts
she’s been given, anything is possible.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-89400910567217108172014-08-14T04:27:00.001-04:002014-08-14T04:27:14.868-04:00Mercy - requested and a gift from God (Mark 10:47)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: Mark 10:47 (TM) – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">larger reading Mark 10:46-52<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">When
he heard that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by, he began to cry out, "Son
of David, Jesus! Mercy, have mercy on me!"</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">A mother once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her
son. The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense
twice and justice demanded death. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">"But I don't ask for justice," the mother
explained. "I plead for mercy." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">"But your son does not deserve mercy," Napoleon
replied. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">"Sir," the woman cried, "it would not be
mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">"Well, then," the emperor said, "I will have
mercy." And he spared the woman's son. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Blind Bartimaeus
cried out for mercy… undeserved mercy. Is there any other kind? He had sat by
the roadside begging. The crowd following Jesus tried to hush him. Yet he
cried. Not because he was special or important or worthy… for no other reason
than he was person in need and the one who could meet him at his greatest need
was passing his way. “Have mercy on me!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">In our
“work-righteousness” way of thinking we develop long lists of “brownie-points”,
storing up merits for those times when we need mercy. Boy have we got that all
wrong. We’ve twisted the biblical revelation to our way of thinking. In our
diluted and misguided way we cry out for mercy. We expect mercy to be granted
not because of who Jesus is, but because of what we have done for the Kingdom…
as if what we have accomplished for God earns us the right to mercy. Hmmmm… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">As in the Napoleon
story – mercy wouldn’t be mercy if it were deserved. It is mercy because that
is the way God chooses to work in our world. We spend a good deal of our time
trying to get our ticket punched for heaven, but miss out on the mercy of God.
Why? Mercy only needs to be requested… nothing more… nothing less.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">And so these
questions: Where do I need to slow down and stop my religious busyness? Where
do I need God’s mercy applied to my spiritual blindness? And, where do I need
to stop trying to manipulate others into my way of thinking just to make myself
feel religiously better? Superior? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Okay God, I get the
point that I’m blind just like Bartimaeus and I need your mercy applied to my
heart and mind. I get that, but giving up this “brownie-point-earning” thinking
is going to be way harder that I can even imagine. Maybe that is where I need your
mercy more than at any other point in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-64433565353141961482014-08-13T06:48:00.003-04:002014-08-13T06:48:36.381-04:00Bring together sight and seeing (Matthew 9:29-30)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: Matthew 9:29-30 (TM) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">– larger reading Matthew 9:27-34<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">He touched their
eyes and said, "Become what you believe." It happened. They saw. Then
Jesus became very stern. "Don't let a soul know how this happened."</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">In his brilliant new book, <u>Catching the Light</u>,
quantum physicist Arthur Zojanc writes of what he describes as the
"entwined history of light and mind" (correctly described by one
admirer as the "two ultimate metaphors of the human spirit"). For our
purposes, his initial chapter is most helpful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">From both the animal and human studies, we know there are
critical developmental "windows" in the first years of life. Sensory
and motor skills are formed, and if this early opportunity is lost, trying to
play catch up is hugely frustrating and mostly unsuccessful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Prof. Zajoc writes of studies which investigated recovery
from congenital blindness. Thanks to cornea transplants, people who had been
blind from birth would suddenly have functional use of their eyes.
Nevertheless, success was rare. Referring to one young boy, "the world
does not appear to the patient as filled with the gifts of intelligible light,
color, and shape upon awakening from surgery," Zajoc observes. Light and
eyes were not enough to grant the patient sight. "The light of day
beckoned, but no light of mind replied within the boy's anxious, open
eyes."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Zajoc quotes from a study by a Dr. Moreau who observed that
while surgery gave the patient the "power to see," "the
employment of this power, which as a whole constitutes the act of seeing, still
has to be acquired from the beginning." Dr. Moreau concludes, "To
give back sight to a congenitally blind person is more the work of an educator
than of a surgeon." To which Zajoc adds, "The sober truth remains that
vision requires far more than a functioning physical organ. Without an inner
light, without a formative visual imagination, we are blind," he explains.
That "inner light" -- the light of the mind -- "must flow into
and marry with the light of nature to bring forth a world."</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Now what just a
minute… how in heaven’s name does Jesus expect these once blind guys to keep it
a secret? Sight is a miraculous gift… an unbelievable gift. Keep secret…
seriously? That’s like asking a new grandparent keeping the birth of their
first grandchild a secret. Won’t people notice that they weren’t bumping into
furniture any longer? And at mealtime, people would kind of notice that the
food didn’t go all over the place. Keep it a secret? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Oh, yeah, it wasn’t
the fact that they got healed, but rather how they got healed that was to
remain a secret. These dudes weren’t supposed to mention the role that Jesus
played in the process. That makes more sense to us because we do it all the
time. Unbelievable things happen. We get glad and happy. High-fiving any person
near us… and God simply gets ignored… overlooked… forgotten… we just go on with
the rest of our lives. All the while God is standing in the background saying:
“Hey, did you forget about me? I think I had something to do with what just
happened in your life.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">May it is the
difference between sight and seeing. An inner light switch has to be turned on
before the light of the world can be seen. Maybe there is a spiritual parallel
here. We ignore God because our spiritual inner light hasn’t been switched on…
and therefore, everything that happens to us or for us or with us is simply
taken for granted… part of the natural order… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Bring together the
sight and seeing into a whole is an act of grace and faith… but we have to be willing
for that to happen. Until it does we won’t have much trouble keeping the Creator
Healer’s role a secret… it will just come naturally to us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Bring them together
Lord, bring them together – this sight and seeing – so I can give you all the
glory!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-6473190567561947602014-08-12T03:41:00.003-04:002014-08-12T03:41:42.958-04:00Do I have the courage of the woman in the crowd? (Matthew 9:21)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: Matthew 9:21 (TM) – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">larger reading Matthew 9:18-26<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">She was thinking
to herself, "If I can just put a finger on his robe, I'll get well."
Jesus turned - caught her at it. Then he reassured her: "Courage,
daughter. You took a risk of faith, and now you're well."</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chuck
Swindoll shares: There was a test conducted by a university where 10 students
were placed in a room. 3 lines of varying length were drawn on a card. The
students were told to raise their hands when the instructor pointed to the
longest line. But 9 of the students had been instructed beforehand to raise
their hands when the instructor pointed to the second longest line. 1 student
was the stooge. The usual reaction of the stooge was to put his hand up, look
around, and realizing he was all alone, pull it back down. This happened 75% of
the time, with students from grade school through high school. The researchers
concluded that many would rather be president than be right. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">I lived with this
women from Matthew all day on Monday. This comment by Jesus wouldn’t allow me
to walk away. “Courage, daughter…” Courage?!? Where pray tell do I show that
kind of courage? Courage to do what needs to be done? Then I read Dr.
Swindoll’s story and was wondering if I would have the conviction to raise my
hand when no one else did? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">We normally would
choose to play it safe won’t we? Normally we go along with the crowd. Normally,
out of fear of ridicule or ostracism our hand stays in our lap and our voices
remain silent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Where today need I
have the courage of my conviction? I don’t have a quick answer. Not until at
least I am confronted. Until then I will dance around the issue and settle for
a “sound good” answer… until confronted with the need to speak up… to have
courage… to act… to raise my hand… to stand apart… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Would I have the
courage to push through the crowd? Would I? Just wondering… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">I think that I would
Lord until the time is before me and then … who knows. Will I be too afraid to
do or say what needs to be said?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">QUOTE</span></u></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">by Eddie Rickenbacker:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Courage
is doing what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-55734271965884715562014-08-11T06:57:00.002-04:002014-08-11T06:57:30.926-04:00Living life with risking taking faith (Matthew 9:21)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: Matthew 9:21 (TM) – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">larger reading Matthew 9:18-26<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">She was thinking
to herself, "If I can just put a finger on his robe, I'll get well."
Jesus turned - caught her at it. Then he reassured her: "Courage,
daughter. You took a risk of faith, and now you're well."</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Paul Borthwick writes: But leaders take risks. No one ever
stubs his or her toe while standing still. Franklin D. Roosevelt once said,
"It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it
frankly. But above all, try something!" Failing to try because of a desire
to be secure results in inaction and failure to lead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">John Henry Jowett, a great English preacher, likewise
pointed out the temptation of self-preservation and its result in faithless
lives:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">It is possible to evade a multitude of sorrows through the
cultivation of an insignificant life. Indeed, if a man's ambition is to avoid
the troubles of life, the recipe is simple: shed your ambitions in every
direction, cut the wings of every soaring purpose, and seek a life with the
fewest contacts and relations. If you want to get through the world with the
smallest trouble, you must reduce yourself to the smallest compass. Tiny souls
can dodge through life; bigger souls are blocked on every side. As soon as a
man begins to enlarge his life, his resistances are multiplied. Let a man
remove his petty selfish purposes and enthrone Christ, and his sufferings will
be increased on every side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">His words bore a
testimony to his career. “I flew below the radar my entire career and the
cabinet left me alone.” He was bragging that at no time did he take any risks.
How sad. Following the example of the woman in Matthew’s story I would have
rather taken a faith risk and got into trouble than live a life of “blow the radar”.
Mr. Borthwick’s words go directly to the heart of the matter – “Let a man remove
his petty selfish purposes and enthrone Christ, and his sufferings will be
increased on every side.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">The inescapable
question: Where are the faith risks in my life? Or, am I simply playing it
safe? Flying below the radar? Never rocking the boat? Never sticking out my
neck? Never stepping into the middle? Leaving the difficult issues and
circumstances to others?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Does Christ wish for
us to live a “safe” life or a faith-risk centered life? One kind can be popular
the other … not so much. There is skill in navigating the rocky shoreline and
still get great things accomplished. But, in truth, the men and women who are
able to do that are a rare find in deed. The rest of us take great chances and
simply get into trouble, ruffle feathers, and have people get upset with us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Bishop Nolan Harmon,
while teaching a seminary course, shared: “If everyone is happy with what you
preached on Sunday morning then you didn’t preach the gospel.” And again, “If
everyone is happy with your ministry and no one is getting upset, writing the
bishop and/or district superintendent about you, and taking their money and
leaving the church then what has been accomplished.” Ministry, as in life, is
faith-risk centered. Bishop Harmon did also add: “If you decide to be a faith
driven pastor just make sure you keep a good supply of boxes available because
you probably will end up moving often.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Does Christ call us
to live an insignificant life of self-preservation or does he summons us to
risk big time for the sake of the Kingdom? As the motto over the arches of my
undergraduate school states: “Attempt Great Things For God … Expect Great
Things From God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Here is to some
great risk taking!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Have to admit Lord,
a faith-risk life is very scary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-58178383076627576082014-08-08T04:18:00.001-04:002014-08-08T04:18:15.657-04:00Friday's Inspirational Story - The Last Cab Ride, a true story<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The last
cab ride</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">
- <i><span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">A true story by Kent Nerburn</span></i></span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. One time I arrived in the
middle of the night for a pick up at a building that was dark except for a
single light in a ground floor window.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice,
wait a minute, then drive away. But I had seen too many impoverished people who
depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation
smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone
who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself. So I walked to the door and
knocked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Just a minute,” answered a frail, elderly voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause,
the door opened. A small woman in her 80</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">′</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress
and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.
By her side was a small nylon suitcase.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the
furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no
knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box
filled with photos and glassware.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Would you carry my bag out to the car?” she said. I took the suitcase to
the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked
slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“It’s nothing,” I told her. “I just try to treat my passengers the way I
would want my mother treated.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Oh, you’re such a good boy,” she said. When we got in the cab, she gave
me an address, then asked, “Could you drive through downtown?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“It’s not the shortest way,” I answered quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Oh, I don’t mind,” she said. “I’m in no hurry. I’m on my way to a
hospice.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I looked in the rear view mirror. Her eyes were glistening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“I don’t have any family left,” she continued. “The doctor says I don’t
have very long.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. “What route would you like
me to take?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the
building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through
the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds.
She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a
ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Sometimes she’d ask me to slow in front of a particular building or
corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said,
“I’m tired. Let’s go now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">We drove in silence to the address she had given me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway
that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we
pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must
have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the
door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“How much do I owe you?” she asked, reaching into her purse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“Nothing,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“You have to make a living,” she answered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“There are other passengers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me
tightly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">“You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,” she said. “Thank you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">I didn’t pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly, lost
in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman
had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if
I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick
review, I don’t think that I have done anything more important in my life.
We’re conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But
great moments often catch us unaware—beautifully wrapped in what others may
consider a small one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-3054794294645020472014-08-07T04:13:00.000-04:002014-08-07T04:13:00.996-04:00It seems easier to fly backwards (Exodus 14:19)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: Exodus 14:19 (TM) – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">larger reading Exodus 14:19-31<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">The angel of God
that had been leading the camp of Israel now shifted and got behind them. And
the Pillar of Cloud that had been in front also shifted to the rear.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Harry S. Truman said: Men who live in the past remind me of
a toy I'm sure all of you have seen. The toy is a small wooden bird called the
"Floogie Bird." Around the Floogie Bird's neck is a label reading,
"I fly backwards, I don't care where I'm going. I just want to see where
I've been."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">The Hebrew people
were escaping their captivity. Leading them was a Cloud by day and a Fire by
night. They were being chased by the Egyptian army. A challenge laid ahead –
the Sea of Reeds. They could return to their former slave status or move
forward. Reading the entire exodus journey through the desert a discovery is
made that often faced with the hardships of their present journey they often
longed to return to the life they once had, even though they had cried to the
Lord to be rescued when living that life. They were flying backwards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Such is life. It
seems easier to fly backwards. Remember those old station wagons where the rear
seat faced backwards. It was easier for the children, who were normally relegated
to that rear seat, to get in and out. Do you remember why the auto industry
stopped making those wagons? It was unsafe, especially in rear end crashes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">So – is it wise to
fly backwards? Is it easier to see where we have been or where we are going?
Does it give us peace of mind to see the enemy that is chasing us or the
challenges that confront us? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">The Hebrew people
had to learn a hard lesson – trust the Cloud/Fire… and their God given
leadership. The Cloud was to protect them, as it did on this occasion. The Fire
shows the way when darkness engulfs our vision. We can fly aimlessly along
enjoying the view and blissfully end up in trouble or… well you can fill in the
rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Enjoy the journey it
was designed by God and remember, the land of promise is in the future not in
the past.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Trying to fly
forward all the time is a little challenging, but with your help it will work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-60593687985842197322014-08-06T08:26:00.005-04:002014-08-06T08:26:48.496-04:00It is certain … we live a life of uncertainty (Psalm 106:2)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b>: Psalm 106:2 (TM) - <i>larger reading Psalm 106:4-12</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">We've sinned a
lot, both we and our parents; We've fallen short, hurt a lot of people.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">A young man rushed
into a service station to use the telephone. “Sir, do you have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>need of a young boy to work for you?” he was
heard to inquire. “You don’t! You’ve already got a good boy? Thank you, sir.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">With that he hung up
the receiver and started to leave, whistling merrily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">The attendant was
surprised. “Why are you whistling after you heard they already have a good boy
and do not need you? What makes you so happy?” “Well,” said the boy, “I’m the
good boy that they’ve got, and I was just checking on my job.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">One thing is certain
– we live a life of uncertainty. Living a life of certainty is much easier when
you discover the secret that the Master approves. We get into trouble (or at
least I do) when we become uncertain. Doubt is produced. We try to manipulate
the situation and others. We end up “picking up our marbles” and going home…
not mad, just uncertain. Result? Sin on the grand scale.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">The warning is often
heard: be careful not to fall victim to other’s manipulative ways for if you do
they will hold you hostage every time. Fingers point. Accusations are leveled.
Money is withheld. They run away to other situation and blame you. BINGO …
they’ve got you and uncertainty enters the picture. Can sin be far behind? We
could point to our parents – it is their fault… if only they had been
different… we are JUST following their example… while true, that doesn’t give
us a “get out of jail” card. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Trust the instincts
that God has planted deep within the soul. Follow those instincts. Live into
that reality. Don’t be stubborn or stupid about the situation. Do what can be
done to bring about reconciliation and healing, but when all is done then leave
the rest to the Master… after all it is he that is charge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Allow the Holy
Spirit to place a fence of protection around the soul. Then live with the song
of victory upon the lips and certainty in the heart. Then you too will be able
to whistle the tune of happiness!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Help me Lord not to
let the games played by others to rip the carpet from underneath me. Plant my
feet on solid ground with a determination of certainty of resolve deep within
my soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-30491832145152746382014-08-05T05:26:00.001-04:002014-08-05T05:26:16.861-04:00The pain in our heart (Romans 9:2)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: Romans 9:2 (CEB) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">- larger reading Romans 9:1-5<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">I have great
sadness and constant pain in my heart.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Joseph M. Stowell shares the following story: We were on our
annual Christmas trek to Chicago. Each year we brought our family to spend time
with Grandpa and Grandma and visit the museums. This year we decided to finish
our Christmas shopping at suburban Woodfield Mall. In the midst of all the fun
and excitement, one of us noticed that little three-and-a-half- year-old
Matthew was gone. Terror immediately struck our hearts. We had heard the horror
stories: little children kidnapped in malls, rushed to a rest room, donned in
different clothes and altered hairstyle, and then swiftly smuggled out, never
to be seen again...We split up, each taking an assigned location. Mine was the
parking lot. I'll never forget that night--kicking through the newly fallen
snow, calling out his name at the top of my lungs. I felt like an abject fool,
yet my concern for his safety outweighed all other feelings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Unsuccessful, I trudged back to our meeting point. My wife,
Martie, had not found him, nor had my mother. And then my dad appeared, holding
little Matthew by the hand. Our hearts leapt for joy. Interestingly enough,
Matthew was untraumatized. He hadn't been crying. To him, there had been no
problem. I asked my father where he had found him. "The candy
counter," he replied. "You should have seen him. His eyes came just about
as high as the candy. He held his little hands behind his back and moved his
head back and forth, surveying all the luscious options." Matthew didn't
look lost. He didn't know he was lost. He was oblivious to the phenomenal
danger he was in. This is a candy-counter culture, where people who don't look
lost and don't know they're lost live for consumption. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">“Great pain in his
heart” writes Paul, for the least, the last, and the lost. Probably for a
people or tribe or nation of people that didn’t know that they were the least,
the last or the lost. They might have been like Matthew in Mr. Stowell’s story
– lost, but didn’t know it. Does it make the pain easier to handle if the
person(s) don’t know that they are lost? Absolutely not. Does it make it easier
for us who carry the pain of their lostness? Absolutely not. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">And yet, we try to
live as if it doesn’t matter. Hey, we think, it is their fault that they are
lost. Why should it bother me? It should matter because they matter to God.
Period… end of story. Even if they refuse to be reconciled … should it matter?
What do you think? Again, it matters to God… enough said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Should it bother us
enough that we lose sleep over them? What do you think? Should it bother us
enough that we won’t stop until they come back to the fold? What do you think? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">That constant pain
is the Spirit of God troubling the waters of our soul. And, God will continue
to stir the pot until we start doing something. And the story continues… until
all God’s people come back to him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Do not allow me to
rest until your children are brought back home!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-26260383900922251972014-08-04T06:43:00.001-04:002014-08-04T06:43:29.752-04:00Living deeper than mere sympathy - deep caring compassion (Isaiah 54:10)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: Isaiah 54:10 (TM) – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">larger reading Isaiah 54:9-17<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">“My love won't
walk away from you, my covenant commitment of peace won't fall apart." The
God who has compassion on you says so.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">“It was in those who
had recovered from the plague,” wrote Thucydides, “that the sick and the dying
found most compassion.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">At least in my mind compassion
is more than just sympathy. Oh, the dictionary has it different definition and
that’s okay. For me compassion takes sympathy to a different level. The
thinking here is: I identify with the person… I know what they are going
through because I’ve been there… I’ve traveled where they are traveling… Their
pain has been mine… Compassion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Most of us lean
towards sympathy not compassion. Unfortunately, most of us in in the helping
professions (clergy, physicians, nurses, social workers, etc.) lack compassion.
Sympathy is there and we think that is enough, but if there is a desire to
bring healing and wholeness compassion should rule the day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">When I hear that God
had compassion it was at a point of identification. He understood. He’s walked
in my shoes. He has faced what I am facing… Compassion. Wrapped up in our own
little worlds makes for a very small person. It results in someone that lacks
compassion. Could God be talking to me? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Back burner is an
easy place to put others. Turning away… ignoring… leaving to others… not my job…
pretty good at doing that. Doesn’t the spirit get tired… weighed down…
burdened… worn out? Am I not just bailing from that which should be a driving
force of my soul? What if God treated me the same way? Where would any of us be
if God stopped showing us compassion?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Okay! Okay! I get
the message God. Compassion – real caring – identifying with the sick, the
dying, the hungry, the naked, the disenfranchised, the border children, should
be the order of the day. God doesn’t walk away nor should I… but God that is
real harder… very demanding… but through our godly compassion others might find
hope to take the next step, next breathe, live another day… through us. Wow!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">You have shown us
compassion, we need your help to continue the journey. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-36066469892070070532014-08-01T06:45:00.002-04:002014-08-01T06:45:38.562-04:00Friday's Inspirational Story: Live and Work by Stephen<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Live
and Work </span></i></b><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">by </span></i><span style="letter-spacing: 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Stephen
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Father
was a hardworking man who delivered bread as a living to support his wife and
three children. He spent all his evenings after work attending classes, hoping
to improve himself so that he could one day find a better paying job. Except
for Sundays, Father hardly ate a meal together with his family. He worked and
studied very hard because he wanted to provide his family with the best money
could buy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Whenever
the family complained that he was not spending enough time with them, he
reasoned that he was doing all this for them. But he often yearned to spend
more time with his family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">The day
came when the examination results were announced. To his joy, Father passed,
and with distinctions too! Soon after, he was offered a good job as a senior
supervisor which paid handsomely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Like a
dream come true, Father could now afford to provide his family with life’s
little luxuries like nice clothing, fine food and vacation abroad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">However,
the family still did not get to see father for most of the week. He continued
to work very hard, hoping to be promoted to the position of manager. In fact,
to make himself a worthily candidate for the promotion, he enrolled for another
course in the open university.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Again,
whenever the family complained that he was not spending enough time with them,
he reasoned that he was doing all this for them. But he often yearned to spend
more time with his family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Father’s
hard work paid off and he was promoted. Jubilantly, he decided to hire a maid
to relieve his wife from her domestic tasks. He also felt that their three-room
flat was no longer big enough, it would be nice for his family to be able to
enjoy the facilities and comfort of a condominium. Having experienced the
rewards of his hard work many times before, Father resolved to further his
studies and work at being promoted again. The family still did not get to see
much of him. In fact, sometimes Father had to work on Sundays entertaining
clients. Again, whenever the family complained that he was not spending enough
time with them, he reasoned that he was doing all this for them. But he often
yearned to spend more time with his family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">As
expected, Father’s hard work paid off again and he bought a beautiful
condominium overlooking the coast of Singapore. On the first Sunday evening at
their new home, Father declared to his family that he decided not to take
anymore courses or pursue any more promotions. From then on he was going to
devote more time to his family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Father did not wake up the next day.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-89730595196856074942014-07-31T06:45:00.002-04:002014-07-31T06:45:42.577-04:00The crushing weight of shattered dreams (Matthew 14:17)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: Matthew 14:17 (TM) – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">larger reading Matthew 14:13-21<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">"All we have
are five loaves of bread and two fish," they said.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">T.E. Lawrence once said, "All men dream but not
equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds awake to
the day to find it was all vanity. But the dreamers of the day are dangerous
men, for the many act out their dreams with open eyes, to make it
possible..."</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">We are all are taken
by our dreams. In the smallest recesses of our spirit lingers the dream’s of
the heart. When those dreams are fulfilled we are frightened by their
magnitude. When the lay ruined on the shore of what have been we are
devastated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">It is a crushing weight
of shattered dreams. One wonders if they really could have been that mistaken
in understanding the directive of the Spirit of God for one’s life. Therein
lies the lesson… not in the fulfillment of the dreams, but working through bits
and pieces of what once was or might have been. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Was hope held on to
or were we easily sidetracked by sad circumstances that brought us to the
miserable state of our present condition? Holding on is hard when at every turn
the answer seems to a sounding no. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">A young University
of Florida ministerial student comes to mind. His answer from our conference
was a no. An opportunity rose in another conference and after several attempts
in pastoring a church their answer was finally a no as well. Alas, he returned
to his mother’s home and attempted to put his life back in order. Could he have
missed God’s message? Was the weight of rejection to heavy to bear? Slowly,
ever so slowly God began to reveal the valuable lesson that he needed to hear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Too often we miss
the lesson of rejection because of hurt feelings or the sheer weight of the rejection.
Some even turn away from those who can assist them the most. One of the real
blessings with rejection is the discovery of God’s grace at the end of the
painful journey. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">On another front: I
will testify to the reality that when a life long dream begins to take shape
and begins to become a reality it is a scary thing. Questions begin to fly.
Doubts emerge. Can we do this invades the spirit. All we have is two fist and
five loaves… the rocks along the shore of shattered dreams, but place that
meager offering into the hands of the Master and a miracle will take place… a
miracle beyond our wildest imagination and far great than anything that we
could have ever dreamed up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">It isn’t much Lord,
but it is all I have. Can you do anything with the “two fish and five loaves”?
I trust that you can.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-62118418733778260092014-07-29T05:47:00.002-04:002014-07-29T05:47:57.996-04:00The danger of stuff displacing God (Colossians 3:5)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: Colossians 3:5c (TM) – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">larger reading Colossians 3:5-17<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">That's a life
shaped by things and feelings instead of by God.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">During World War II, "Eddie" Rickenbacker,
American's most famous army aviator in W.W. I, was appointed special consultant
to Secretary of War, Henry L. Stimson. It was Rickenbacker's task to inspect
the various theaters of war.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">During one tour in 1942, Rickenbacker and seven companions
made a forced landing in the Pacific Ocean. There they experienced 24
terrifying days drifting in a lifeboat until they were rescued by a navy plane.
After his recovery from the ordeal, Rickenbacker said: "Let the moment
come when nothing is left but life, and you will find that you do not hesitate
over the fate of material possessions." Rickenbacker understood that at
such a time one is concerned about the fate of something more precious than
material goods -- life itself.</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">There is nothing
wrong with stuff… there is nothing wrong with stuff… there is nothing wrong
with stuff … you know, no matter how often it is said it still sounds silly and
lacks any real conviction. We have a love affair with stuff! And we don’t have
to have a lot of stuff, but there are certain things that have gained meaning.
We allow it to define our existence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Such was my library.
I loved the feeling of being surrounded by the books. Didn’t have to read the
many volumes that made up the library, but there was a sense of security
knowing that the volumes were there and could be turned to if needed. But,
alas, the day arrived and I needed to cull the volumes to a reasonable number.
There were just so much linear feet of shelving once I retired. Parting is such
sweet sour. So into the boxes they went, the boxes into the back of my SUV and
off to a young minister’s office in North Carolina … and from his home to
several other homes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">There is peace in
knowing that they continued to have a life beyond my shelves. Oh, the joy of
having stuff. But did the books and other stuff in my life define me and
replace God’s central role? I might be delusional (no comment from the peanut
gallery – please) but I don’t think so. There is nothing presently in my life
that replaces God… said he hopefully. Oh, the pictures would be a little hard
to part with, even when they simply sit in boxes and haven’t been looked at for
a number of years – but I know that they are there. When I am old and gray(er)
comfort they shall bring as they help me to go down memory lane. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">All the other stuff
while it is nice to have around won’t change me one iota nor bend my devotion
away from God. God is still a priority and receives more, much more than a
tithe of time, talents, gifts and service. It is just a part of my very nature.
May it always be so keeping ever before my vision that God meets me at the
point of my needs not my wants. Life is more precious than material things… and
life being lived in God’s presence even more precious than that!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Keep me focus and
help me not to lose my way even when being surround by the stuff of my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-11056039378142645882014-07-28T07:17:00.001-04:002014-07-28T07:17:12.117-04:00Trying to live a life of praise (Revelation 19:5)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: Revelation 19:5 (CEB) – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">larger reading Revelation 19:1-8<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Then a voice went out from the throne and said, "Praise
our God, all you his servants, and you who fear him, both small and
great."</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">The Duke of Wellington, the British military leader who
defeated Napoleon at Waterloo, was not an easy man to serve under. He was
brilliant, demanding, and not one to shower his subordinates with compliments.
Yet even Wellington realized that his methods left something to be desired. In
his old age a young lady asked him what, if anything, he would do differently
if he had his life to live over again. Wellington thought for a moment, then
replied. "I'd give more praise," he said.</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Guilty coming and
going. Duke of Wellington’s confession could be mine. How about you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Habits are hard to
break, especially the habit of not giving enough praise to others. Praise is
different than saying thank you. But even the “thank yous” could be increased
as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Revelation is
talking about praising God. Again, guilty as charged! I feign business and
think that I am off the hook. God says: “Really? That’s it?” And I am nailed
against the wall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">I’m his servant. I
hold him in awe (ie “fear”). I see him active in the small as well as the great
… although most of the time the small stuff gets overlooked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Here is my
challenge: To live a life of praise… a life where every breath I take is in
praise of God… a life that directs others towards offering up praise… a life
honoring God at every step. It is a big step for this old preacher, but hey,
God ain’t through with me yet!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">I’m a piece of work.
I know that… painfully, I know that – but God keep working on me until I am a
finished product!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-73761604642450393922014-07-25T02:26:00.000-04:002014-07-25T02:26:03.576-04:00Friday's Parable: Daniel's Gloves<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">Daniel’s Gloves</span></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;"> – author unknown<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">I sat, with
two friends, in the picture window of a quaint restaurant just off the
corner of the town-square. The food and the company were both especially good
that day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">As we talked,
my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There, walking into town
was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly goods on his back.
He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read, and “I will work for food.” My
heart sank.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">I brought
him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had
stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">We continued
with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and
went our separate ways. I had errands to do and quickly set out
to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat
halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful, knowing that seeing
him again would call for some response. I drove through town and saw
nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got back in
my car.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">Deep within
me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: “Don’t go back to the office
until you’ve at least driven once more around the square.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">Then with
some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the square’s
third corner, I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the church, going
through his sack.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">I stopped
and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive
on. The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an
invitation to park. I pulled in, got out and approached the town’s
newest visitor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Looking for
the pastor?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Not really,”
he replied, “just resting.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Have you
eaten today?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Oh,
I ate something early this morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Would you
like to have lunch with me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Do you
have some work I could do for you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“No work,”
I replied “I commute here to work from the city, but I would like to take
you to lunch.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Sure,” he
replied with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">As
he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions. “Where
you headed?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“St. Louis “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Where you
from?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Oh, all
over; mostly Florida.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“How long
have you been walking?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Fourteen
years,” came the reply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">I knew I
had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the
same restaurant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly beyond
his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an eloquence
and articulation that was startling. He removed his jacket to reveal a
bright red T-shirt that said, ”Jesus is The Never Ending Story.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">Then Daniel’s
story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life. He’d made
some wrong choices and reaped the consequences. Fourteen years earlier,
while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the beach in
Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a
large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">He
was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival services,
and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his life over
to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Nothing’s
been the same since,” he said, “I felt the Lord telling me to keep
walking, and so I did, some 14 years now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Ever think
of stopping?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Oh, once
in a while, when it seems to get the best of me. But God has given me this
calling. I give out Bibles. That’s what’s in my sack. I work to buy food
and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">I
sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a mission and
lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment and then
I asked: “What’s it like?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“What?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“To walk
into a town carrying all your things on your back and to show your sign?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Oh, it
was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments. Once someone
tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture that certainly didn’t
make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to realize that God was
using me to touch lives and change people’s concepts of other folks
like me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">My concept
was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered his things. Just
outside the door, he paused. He turned to me and said, “Come Ye blessed of
my Father and inherit the kingdom I’ve prepared for you. For when I
was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a
stranger and you took me in.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">I felt as
if we were on holy ground. “Could you use another Bible?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">He said
he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not
too heavy. It was also his personal favorite. “I’ve read through it 14
times,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“I’m not
sure we’ve got one of those, but let’s stop by our church and see” I
was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed
very grateful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Where are
you headed from here?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Well, I
found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Are you
hoping to hire on there for a while?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“No,
I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star right
there needs a Bible, so that’s where I’m going next.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">He smiled,
and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission. I
drove him back to the town square where we’d met two hours earlier, and
as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded his things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Would you
sign my autograph book?” he asked. “I like to keep messages from folks I
meet.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">I wrote
in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life.
I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture
from Jeremiah, “I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, “plans
to prosper you and not to harm you; Plans to give you a future and a hope.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Thanks, man,”
he said. “I know we just met and we’re really just strangers, but I love
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“I know,”
I said, “I love you, too.” “The Lord is good!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“Yes, He
is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“A long time,”
he replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">And so on
the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I embraced,
and I felt deep inside that I had been changed. He put his things on his
back, smiled his winning smile and said; “See you in the New Jerusalem.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“I’ll be
there!” was my reply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">He began
his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bedroll
and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, “When you see something
that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“You bet,”
I shouted back, “God bless.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“God bless.”
And that was the last I saw of him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">Later that
evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled
hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and
reached for the emergency brake, I saw them.... a pair of well-worn brown work
gloves neatly laid over the length of the handle. I picked them up and
thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm that night
without them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">Then I remembered
his words: “If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray
for me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">Today his
gloves lie on my desk in my office. They help me to see the world and its
people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique
friend and to pray for his ministry. “See you in the New Jerusalem,” he
said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas;">“I shall
pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness
that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-44087640023909969362014-07-24T06:41:00.003-04:002014-07-24T06:41:43.213-04:00Leading in such a way that God is pleased (1 Peter 5:2)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: 1 Peter 5:2 (TM) – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">larger reading I Peter 5:1-11<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Here's my concern:
that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because
you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can
get out of it, but acting spontaneously.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Peter Drucker offers insightful guidance to the church when
he calls leadership a peak performance by one who is "the trumpet that
sounds a clear sound of the organizations' goals." His five requirements
for this task are amazingly reliable and useful for those who dare to lead
churches:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">(1) a leader works;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">(2) a leader sees his assignment as responsibility rather
than rank or privilege;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">(3) a leader wants strong, capable, self-assured,
independent associates;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">(4) a leader creates human energies and vision;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">(5) a leader develops followers' trust by his own
consistency and integrity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Over lunch the
conversation came around to a senior pastor that both of us have worked with.
Sadly we both agreed… he is more in love with the church than with Christ. He
talks a good game, but is easily threatened by suggestions that are not his or
might require him to think/act outside the box. We said a quick prayer and
moved on to talk about other things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Back in the car
driving to my next event my thoughts tried to bring up Peter Drucker’s
requirements on leadership. Couldn’t dig them out of my gray matter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had to wait until I got home. I then read the
preselected scripture lesson for today’s blog. Words from 1 Peter to church leaders.
Integrity, vision, strong people, and responsibility, great qualities. Imagine
my surprise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Sadly the one of
whom we spoke is only years away from retirement and the assumption is that he
won’t be willing to change. Hoping that his church doesn’t suffer in the
process… it has suffered enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">BUT WAIT… the
message here is not for someone else stupid! IT’S FOR ME!!! I’m still serving a
church -- albeit very part-time. Yes, I can point a finger in his direction,
but three fingers are pointing back at me. OUCH! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Time to evaluate.
Time to contemplate. Time to take stock. Time to print out Peter Drucker’s list
and post it where it will be seen daily. And while printing stuff out might as
well print out the 1 Peter passage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Set the needle
squarely on “pleasing God” … In these later years pleasing God has been easier
to do because what is the worse thing that a congregation can do to me – fire
me? – Shoot fire, I was retired before I was called back into duty. I’ve found
it easier to please God and not play the “chasing the carrot” game that so
often happens between preacher and people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">BUT AM I PLEASING
GOD? Well, it looks like I need to take time to think through the ramifications
to that question… and reset the rudder on my ship. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Help me to have the
qualities of an effective leader: Integrity, vision, strong people, and
responsibility. Help me to seek to please God and do his bidding. Help me to be
a solid spiritual leader. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-63716722453501907832014-07-23T05:51:00.003-04:002014-07-23T05:51:43.982-04:00Being judged by the same standards we use in judging others (Matthew 7:1)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: Matthew 7:1 (NIV) – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">larger reading Matthew 7:1-12<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">"Do not
judge, or you too will be judged.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">In his little book <u>Illustrations of Bible Truth</u>, H.A.
Ironside pointed out the folly of judging others. He related an incident in the
life of a man called Bishop Potter. "He was sailing for Europe on one of
the great transatlantic ocean liners. When he went on board, he found that
another passenger was to share the cabin with him. After going to see the
accommodations, he came up to the purser's desk and inquired if he could leave
his gold watch and other valuables in the ship's safe. He explained that
ordinarily he never availed himself of that privilege, but he had been to his
cabin and had met the man who was to occupy the other berth. Judging from his
appearance, he was afraid that he might not be a very trustworthy person. The
purser accepted the responsibility for the valuables and remarked, 'It's all
right, bishop, I'll be very glad to take care of them for you. The other man
has been up here and left his for the same reason!'"</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">The borders are
crossed by unaccompanied children and teenagers… and we judge. The abortion
clinic doors open and a pregnant young woman walks out… and we judge. A
politician from the “other” party makes a statement… and we judge. A smelly
person sleeps on a park bench… and we judge. A mother yells at her child… and
we judge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Some try to justify the
act of judgment <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(as they did several
weeks ago when I posted a different blog on judging) </i>based on appearance
and yet it is still judgment. Both ways is the desire… we want the privilege to
judge others, but we don’t want to be judged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Evidently God is
trying to tell me something. I follow a devotional source in which scripture to
use. The scripture chooses me not the other way around. It was a surprise when
this scripture appeared as the scripture of choice. It was as if God was saying:
“Martin, pay attention on the judging others side of your personality.” Okay, I’m
starting to get the message… I think. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">The second portion
of today’s scripture reading talks about ask, seek, knock. What stands in our
way is this judging tendency. Got to get rid of the hindrances before there can
be any finding… or at least that is the way with me. My spiritual longings lay
bloodied on the devotional floor because of the tendency to quickly pass
judgment… looking at the outward appearance without taking the time to discover
the real person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Bishop Potter story
brings me up short every time. It is humbling to be judged by the same standard
that others might use. I’m wondering: Will Old Peter pull out my past standards
of judgment and use them against me to determine if I get to pass go and
collect $250 (ie eternity)? I know better, but it humbles the cheese grits out
of me every time I think about it. It stops me in my tracks every time and
sends me directly to jail. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Judging others God
actually can be kind of fun <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(at times)</i>,
but this judge not stuff takes the wind out of my sails. I really need help not
to justify my actions, but to clarify my spiritual desires… and lots of help
getting there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-44926636984846935282014-07-22T05:45:00.005-04:002014-07-22T05:45:57.369-04:00A type-A personality and the providence of God - a difficult mix at best (Genesis 22:2)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: Genesis 22:2 (CEB) – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">larger reading Genesis 22:1-14<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">God
said, "Take your son, your only son whom you love, Isaac, and go to the
land of Moriah. Offer him up as an entirely burned offering there on one of the
mountains that I will show you."</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Charles Spurgeon: </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">You know that, <i>in
a wheel there is one portion that never turns round, that stands steadfast; and
that is the axle.</i> So in God's Providence, there is an axle which never
moves. Christian, here is a sweet thought for thee! Thy state is ever changing;
sometimes thou art exalted, and sometimes depressed; yet there is an unmoving
point in thy state. What is that axle? What is the pivot upon which all the
machinery revolves? It is the axle of God's everlasting love toward his
covenant people. The exterior of the wheel is changing, but the center stands
forever fixed. Other things may move; but God's love never moves: it is the
axle of the wheel; and this is another reason why Providence should be compared
to a wheel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt;">Yet further. You observe, <i>when the wheel moves very rapidly you can
discern nothing but the circumference—nothing but the exterior circle.</i> So,
if you look back to history, and read the story of a thousand years, you just
set the wheel of Providence revolving rapidly; you lose sight of all the little
things that are within the circle; you see only one great thing, and that is,
that God is working through the world his everlasting purposes. You sit down
and take a book of history—say the History of England—and you will say of one
event, "Now that seems to be out of place;" of another, "That
seems to be out of time;" of another, "That seems to be adverse to
the cause of liberty;" but look through a thousand years, and those things
which seemed as if they would crush liberty in her germ; those things which
seemed as if they would destroy this our commonwealth in our very rising, have
been those which have caused the sturdy oak of liberty to take deeper root.
Take the whole together, instead of the things one by one; look at a thousand
years, and you will see nothing but one round ring of symmetry, teaching you
that God is wise, and God is just. So let it be with you in your lives. Here
you are fretting about troubles today. Think also of the past; put all your
troubles together, and they are no troubles at all. You will see that one
counteracts the other. If you take your life—not today, but look back on forty
years of it—you will be obliged, instead of lamenting and mourning, to bless
God for his mercies toward you. Let the wheel go round, and you will see
nothing but a ring of everlasting wisdom revolving.</span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Providence. God’s
providence. God’s provision for the future. My desire is to understand, but I
live in America. The old “Protestant Work Ethic” is alive and well in my life.
I learned that lesson well … too well, it would appear. My heart hurts with all
the trying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">The head-tapes won’t
stop. Dad though long dead still speaks – “Jimmy, if it is worth doing it is
worthy doing well.” Oldest brother though long dead still speaks – “Jimmy, the
only way you are going to make it in this world is by your own efforts.” My
head hurts. Shouting: “Make it stop! Make it all go away” doesn’t work. The
tapes just keep on running and running and running… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">You’ve guess it… I am
type-A. Yikes, that’s hard to admit. Bought into the “work hard” and then
continued to work even harder. Approval is important. God knows the desire. God’s
approval really doesn’t count. It’s a “in the flesh” kind of thing. Work hard
and long for that approval. The craving is strong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">God’s providence,
don’t be ridiculous. Abraham, Isaac and Mount Moriah is just a hard pill to
swallow… and please don’t ask me to explain it… especially in the light of
being a good Protestant Work Ethic type-A guy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet… there was that ram. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">There is that axle.
My life might be spinning… and by my effort, spinning very fast… but what about
the axle? What about Abraham’s ram? That cannot be easily explained now can it?
Did Abraham understand the axle? Or did he just trust God to provide? Does God
provide even when I don’t understand how it happens or why? Does the wheel know
that there is an axle? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Providence. God’s
providence. God’s provision for the future… my future … oh, glorious axle!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">The tapes won’t stop
running, so give me patience to live with them running. Thank you for providing
even when I don’t understand how it works. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-33656439539554078582014-07-21T06:29:00.003-04:002014-07-21T06:29:35.627-04:00Running away from God's pursuit (Mark 5:41)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">SCRIPTURE</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">: Mark 5:41 (TM) – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">larger reading Mark 5:21-43<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">He clasped the
girl's hand and said, "Talitha - koum," which means, "Little
girl, get up."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">STORY</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">In the mid 1800’s Francis Thompson was in the throes of battle with
truth. Ravished by alcohol and drug abuse, He had begun to sense the relentless
pursuit of the Holy Spirit, and the harder he ran, the more he felt the hot
breath (so to speak) of what he called “The Hound of Heaven” on his heels. He
found there was no speed fast enough to outrun God; no place to hide from God;
no safe haven, no place of rest, no armor or weapon that would serve to help
him against the One he was striving so desperately to avoid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Here are just a couple of short excerpts from his poem, “The Hound of
Heaven”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">“So my pursuer persisted; never rushed or agitated, always steady,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">constantly in control. And, continually I heard the accompanying Voice
that <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">spoke above the sound of the footfalls, now saying, ‘There is nothing
which will hide you...you who will not hide Me in your heart’.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Then, later:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">“The chase continues, the Pursuer coming closer to the one pursued;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">never rushed or agitated, constantly in control. And, always<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">the Voice - if anything, faster than the Feet - ‘Listen! Nothing <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">will ever bring contentment to you; you who resist contenting Me’.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Finally, at the end of his poem, having given up and surrendered to
the One who would not let him get away, he says:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">“Now the One who was always pursuing from behind is alongside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">The chase is ended. I sense a darkness. Is it danger?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">No, it is rather the shadow of His hand of affection reaching out to
me. And, this<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">One who has chased so relentlessly after me says, ‘You who were so
foolish, so blind to <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">the truth, so utterly weak; I am the One whom you have always sought
in all of<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">your furious searches for security, well-being, and wholeness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">You find all you want and need when you walk with Me’.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">OBSERVATION</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">How long do I run
away from God? To what end be the results of such foolishness? I am asleep to
spiritual reality. The truth is within my grasp and yet it still escapes me.
The closer God gets the faster I run. Please don’t catch me today. I cannot
handle it. Must I face you God, but please allow it be another day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">I am tired, weary,
worn out, spent. My spiritual legs no longer work. My conviction to be my own
person becomes transparent. Yes, transparent. God sees through my arguments. My
protests are but a smoke screen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">God is there… at the
very threshold of my heart. The thought is overpowering and then the
unthinkable happens. He takes ahold of my heart and declares for all to hear –
“get up” – I remain paralyzed – “get up” – it is more emphatic – “get up” – I
protest – I am spoiled – I too can be emphatic – “I don’t want to!” – “get up”
– it doesn’t seem to be optional – “get up” … and so, I get up – the pursuit
has ended. The Almighty has won, but alas so have I. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">PRAYER</span></u></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Help me to be not so
much wrapped up within my self that I fail to see and appreciate the life
offered in the command to “get up”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5444177338910892700.post-90293122022143692152014-06-26T07:32:00.003-04:002014-06-26T07:32:58.139-04:00Modern Day Parable: Two Men Sharing a Hospital Room<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Two Men Sharing a Hospital Room – </span></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">author unknown<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon
to help drain the fluid from his lungs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">His bed was next to the room's only window.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The men talked for hours on end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs,
their involvement in the military service, where they had been on
vacation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up,
he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could
see outside the window.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods
where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color
of the world outside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans
played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers
walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color
and a fine view of the city
skyline could be seen in the distance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details,
the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this
picturesque scene.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing
by.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Although the other man could not hear the band -he could see it in
his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with
descriptive
words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Days, weeks and months passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to
bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body
of the man by the
window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body
away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be
moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after
making sure he was comfortable, she left
him alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his
first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out
the window besides the bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">It faced a blank wall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased
roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this
window.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see
the wall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Epilogue:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our
own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is
doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that
money can't buy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">“Today
is a gift, that is why it is called The Present.”</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07659290674102357420noreply@blogger.com0