tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83637336951575135022024-03-13T06:33:35.054-07:00Pastor's CallMy thoughts after thirty-five years of being shaken and stirredDavid Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-62494620175819424532016-09-08T08:50:00.001-07:002016-09-08T11:11:14.232-07:00Slow Transformations<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The term “transformation” can be confusing. It means a thorough and dramatic change but
it’s not necessarily a sudden one. In fact most major changes are hard won,
taking years of work and learning. </div>
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I walked across a stage and picked up a diploma, first
for high school, then for college, then for grad school. But the ceremonies did not transform me. The changes came in the classrooms, in the
library, in my living room chair where I read, and at my computer where I
wrote. A business person may be recognized for a major achievement, however the
award is not what made this person accomplished—it was in the doing, growing,
and learning. Likewise, the athlete doesn’t suddenly become great when the Olympic medal
is awarded but only after arduous years of practice and
effort. </div>
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You understand what I mean. Yet when it comes to matters
of spirituality, many of us look for the quick change. We think major change is
supposed to happen in a miraculous moment with a fast prayer or some other
religious ceremony, or perhaps merely a return to church attendance. But change
usually happens gradually, requiring much time in meditation, self examination, and
study. Learning, spiritual awareness,
maturity, healing, virtuous living—these all take time and growth. </div>
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On the day of Pentecost, we read that the wind blew, the
flames rested over the disciple’s heads, and the Word was spoken in every
language. It all looked instantaneous,
but Luke says that these events had been part of God’s plan from the
beginning of time. Pentecost was not a
quick transformation, but rather an event marking the beginning of a new
covenant with God. And yet, even though
this was the result of much preparation, it was also the beginning of another long
growth process of the church, one in which we are still engaged. </div>
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Want big changes in your life? They begin with one step.
But it is only a first step. </div>
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Life is full of first steps. </div>
David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-12454613905858969482016-07-05T18:09:00.000-07:002016-07-05T19:49:55.198-07:00The Worth of a Penny<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, Dr. Walt pulled out a bunch of pennies to give
out to the children during their time in the church service.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">He’s done this before.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">He takes an especially dull and worn coin and
applies </span><span style="font-size: large;">cleaning solution to it while
speaking of the forgiveness of God. As he talks, the penny becomes clean and
shiny, looking brand new.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGdK8KsWMYE/V3xZXiL0RVI/AAAAAAAAAYU/EUEKFiHA8B4dXGJM6CMXHxRS6KE0v44dQCLcB/s1600/pennies%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGdK8KsWMYE/V3xZXiL0RVI/AAAAAAAAAYU/EUEKFiHA8B4dXGJM6CMXHxRS6KE0v44dQCLcB/s320/pennies%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But this time, he had a different message. He pointed out that some pennies were old,
some were new, others were dirty, and others were shiny. He said, “They may all look different, but
they are each worth just as much as the others. Their value is the same.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It’s a message we need even in this modern age where we
still place differing values on persons based on race, income, looks, gender,
etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To add another twist, sometimes in our religion we focus
on the sin, and we’ll designate a negative value on each other based on which
sins are committed. We speak of ourselves as “miserable sinners,” and sing of
how wretched we are, how undeserving of love, as if God is not very smart to
care for us. But in truth, even if we
may not know why, God must think we are worth it. Why else go to the trouble of redemption?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It’s important to see underneath the dullness and
remember the shine is still there. Our value remains regardless of our sins and
mistakes. </span>David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-67281118104492960732016-06-13T10:08:00.001-07:002016-06-13T10:09:59.575-07:00Look to the Helpers<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Once again, there has been a mass shooting in our
country, this time in Orlando, Florida.
Over fifty people are dead and more than that are wounded. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Once again, people will pick out small pieces of this
story to use as fuel to feed their discussions on guns, religion, politics, and
mental health issues. They’ll will pick
sides and argue with red faces, clinched fists, and increasingly stupid memes
on facebook. This time, discussion will
also center on the LGBTQ community—and further wounds will be inflicted by
words. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We sink into these arguments because we feel helpless. </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R2hVTWnkCQA/V17n8KDX3HI/AAAAAAAAAX8/DfllgjvNJ0ITiUVmlYqmU5oOy3PK6M26ACLcB/s1600/MISTER-ROGERS-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">But we’re not helpless.
</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R2hVTWnkCQA/V17n8KDX3HI/AAAAAAAAAX8/DfllgjvNJ0ITiUVmlYqmU5oOy3PK6M26ACLcB/s1600/MISTER-ROGERS-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R2hVTWnkCQA/V17n8KDX3HI/AAAAAAAAAX8/DfllgjvNJ0ITiUVmlYqmU5oOy3PK6M26ACLcB/s200/MISTER-ROGERS-facebook.jpg" width="196" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Fred Rogers, an ordained Presbyterian minister as well as
the star of “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood,” </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">once said that we should look to the
helpers that rush to give aid at times like this. They remind us that there is
hope in the world. </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Think of the police who ran toward danger to render aid,
the fire and rescue people, the paramedics and EMTs, the nurses, aids, and
doctors. Then there were the counselors
and ministers to care for the grieving. People lined up for a mile to give
blood. Family and neighbors called one another to say, “Are you ok? How can I
help?” Stories of heroism are already
being told where people helped each other while they were under fire. And all
over the nation people knelt in prayer for the sake of the victims. All these people are examples of nobility,
bravery, and generosity. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Let’s not shy away from the images of the people who have
been harmed. Think of those who cowered
in a crowded room while shots were fired. Think of those who died, were
wounded, and those who are now in the throes of sudden grief. Think of those who are still shaking because
they feared their loved one might have been killed. And let’s resist arguing
with each other. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Instead, let’s go to work and offer our help. </span></div>
David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-90112911185817131732016-05-23T14:26:00.002-07:002016-05-23T14:29:08.490-07:00Protective Fathers<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">I should save this
for Father’s Day but these feelings are with me now, so I thought I’d share
them even if it’s a little early. </span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">They entered the restaurant exhilarated: an older man
carrying a small boy, a grandchild probably, his hand cradling the back of the
child’s neck, their heads close enough to touch.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">I surmised this was the first time ever that
these two had ventured out just by themselves. Somewhere, I imagined, there was
a houseful of relatives from which they had escaped.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx-NYsbwtcw/V0NxQmUuOiI/AAAAAAAAAXc/pLAhPV29r5Qrshq8wLHRaMAa0sRQgbsNACLcB/s1600/Josh%2Band%2Bme%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bmuseum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx-NYsbwtcw/V0NxQmUuOiI/AAAAAAAAAXc/pLAhPV29r5Qrshq8wLHRaMAa0sRQgbsNACLcB/s200/Josh%2Band%2Bme%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bmuseum.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by David Mercer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">They discussed their order at length, which was a complicated
affair: Burgers or chicken nuggets? Fries?
Milk or soda? A chocolate shake instead? And which small toy to choose? That task completed, they reached their
table, where the man began to set out their meal. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then the boy darted away, I think in search for a
restroom. The man did a double take as
he processed that his charge had vacated the vicinity. I had been enjoying watching them, and when
the boy took off, I kept my eyes on him until the man could catch up. The boy turned a corner, and I saw another
man come to attention to keep watch over him.
The old man scurried past, muttering about how fast the little guy could
move. I pointed him in the right direction.
The second man also pointed. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">The old man caught up with him and they continued their
outing. The other man and I relaxed our vigil and resumed our respective meals.
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There was something significant about that moment when
all three of us men, strangers to each other, shared guardianship over the
child. I have no doubt that each of us was
a father, in the older man’s case a grandfather, because we each automatically slipped
into the role of protector. It’s what we do for our children. And when
necessary, we watch over each other’s children, too. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1sSGKfEDkdo/V0NyyXlWMfI/AAAAAAAAAXk/Ozz1-g7q0L0yS4Y6ZU_YngSB0qF-CnzwwCLcB/s1600/bath%2Btime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1sSGKfEDkdo/V0NyyXlWMfI/AAAAAAAAAXk/Ozz1-g7q0L0yS4Y6ZU_YngSB0qF-CnzwwCLcB/s200/bath%2Btime.jpg" width="141" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by David Mercer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My sons are grown and preparing to pursue their
destinies.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Like that child, they will be
darting away outside the range of my protection. I think they’re ready but I
hope there are some dads out there who will lend a hand if I can’t be there.
I’ll do the same for the young ones around here.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Presumably, one day my sons will become fathers, and the
moment it happens they will understand me a little better. We will look into
each other’s eyes and recognize the protective quality we share for the
children. </span></div>
David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-65074185862809830642016-04-21T09:30:00.000-07:002016-04-25T04:00:08.501-07:00World Changers<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I was thinking about how
capable the people of our church are. We have lawyers, judges, teachers,
doctors, nurses, dentists, businessmen, counselors, vocational professionals,
and retired professionals, etc. Additionally, all of our people have abilities
too unique to be categorized. Every civic and service group in town has United
Methodists participating, offering their leadership and service. In every major
community fundraiser, I see United Methodists participating. Additionally, wherever there is major damage
from natural or manmade disaster, you’ll see United Methodists among those who
are helping. Our motto for disaster
cleanup is, “We’re the first ones in and the last ones out.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Our mission statement is,
“to make disciples for the transformation of the world.” Our church is full of
people who do that every day, who go out to serve, teach, heal, and render aid.
We make things better and we don’t stop
at religious ritualism—we put our beliefs into practice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">A vibrant church equips
its members to go out and do their best work. I think we forget that goal when
we become overly concerned with self maintenance, if not self
preservation. I say <i>all churches need to quit thinking of themselves and focus back on
their mission</i>, which is to make the world better and to make the kingdom of
heaven remains accessible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We come together to
worship God and fortify each other with encouragement and healing. We study to
know more about Christ and how to grow as disciples. We train the children to
take on Christian values and help them to fully know their God. And all these things equip us to serve Jesus’
purpose, which is to help and heal all people<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">United Methodists. We are
world changers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-55538454602417818082016-04-11T19:17:00.001-07:002016-04-12T02:44:04.093-07:00I Am the Nerdy Healer!<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">When Jesus hung out with the drunks, prostitutes, and tax
collectors, it doesn’t appear that he actively worked to change them. In other words, I don’t think any preaching or teaching went
on while they ate, drank, and danced--he just had a good time with them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Was
he criticized for being with them? Of course he was, but his answer to the criticism was that they</span><span style="font-size: large;"> needed him, so he was there for them. It
wasn’t just his teaching or miracles or good example that affected them. They
needed him because it is the presence of Jesus that is healing and restorative.
For them, the eating, drinking, and dancing became the church activities that
facilitated their being with Jesus. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09OOqdQZ-R8/VwxcOR8VWNI/AAAAAAAAAVU/TExC9TRNFlEu7VWJAdguhmAT_Cum9MK2gCLcB/s1600/partying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09OOqdQZ-R8/VwxcOR8VWNI/AAAAAAAAAVU/TExC9TRNFlEu7VWJAdguhmAT_Cum9MK2gCLcB/s1600/partying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-09OOqdQZ-R8/VwxcOR8VWNI/AAAAAAAAAVU/TExC9TRNFlEu7VWJAdguhmAT_Cum9MK2gCLcB/s200/partying.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I wonder sometimes... was Jesus the life of every
party. You know, the fun guy toward whom everyone gravitated? I figure he was, considering his entertaining stories and personal
popularity. Yeah, he was probably
cool. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Not so with me.
I usually end up sitting on the periphery of these gatherings, watching,
listening, and smiling, because I enjoy people. However, I never quite know how to participate in these settings, and sadly, people become a little uncomfortable about turning it loose in front of the pastor. Occasionally a kind person will come over and speak to me for a moment, then
wander back to the crowd. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">I’d like to be cooler, but wine gives me a headache and
as I get older I become more and more the absent minded professor who isn’t
well versed in pop references. I can’t dance and I listen to music that’s a
little out of the mainstream, which is to say dull. I don’t even follow sports. No matter how hard I try, there’s just no
changing the fact that I’m kind of a nerd.
</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">And that’s okay because in addition to the drunks,
prostitutes, and tax collectors, Jesus loves nerds like me. He sees the worth in all of us, and when I
look through his eyes, I see more deeply the worth of each person, including
myself. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I don’t have to be exactly like Jesus, which is
good because my personality is somewhat different. But I can be happy being me, and I can enjoy being
with others, appreciating them just as they are. And that makes me a kind of healer too, even if I
am a nerd.</span>David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-56734624537141116112016-03-22T11:31:00.001-07:002016-03-22T13:48:12.862-07:00It Really Is Good News<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1bNh_M6lAw/VvGvYO1_TkI/AAAAAAAAARw/D7mcPnNFkboQ9EdDIwzBpRSFOllm3xVnw/s1600/GoodNews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1bNh_M6lAw/VvGvYO1_TkI/AAAAAAAAARw/D7mcPnNFkboQ9EdDIwzBpRSFOllm3xVnw/s200/GoodNews.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Gospel</i>, which means Good News, is a term found often in
the synoptic gospels and the book of Acts.
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">When I was growing up, I had a narrow understanding of
the term which consisted of the story of Jesus’ arrest, crucifixion, and
resurrection. It also included the
process of claiming the assurance of salvation. While I do not discount those
things, I’ve come to realize there was more to Jesus’ good news. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">The good news is that God is not the vengeful, warlike
entity that we might understand from earlier writings, but rather more like the
doting, overindulgent father of the tale of “The Prodigal Son.” Or he’s the shepherd who loses all
perspective and leaves everything to find the one lost sheep. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">The good news is that God is the Great Physician who
looks at sinfulness and sees it as sickness which he can cure. He repairs, restores, and revives us rather
than rejecting us if we don’t measure up.
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">The good news is that the kingdom of God has different
values than other kingdoms. In God’s kingdom the first are last and the last
are first, the poor are more important than the rich, the weak are honored over
the strong, and the children get more attention than the adults. Furthermore,
though it may honor the weak, the kingdom of God is stronger than any earthly
kingdom. It continues to advance, cannot
be destroyed, and will last forever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">The story of the cross is about atonement, but it is also
about triumph where evil is overcome with good, darkness is overcome by light,
and death is defeated by life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">As we celebrate Holy Week, let’s remember the full
blessing of the Good News. </span></div>
David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-56089298651896332742014-06-14T18:19:00.000-07:002014-06-14T18:19:43.792-07:00Tone Deaf<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A lot of people tell me that they are tone deaf and can’t
sing. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now wait… don’t tell me you’re one of those people. Just
keep reading.<span> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Virtually no one is tone deaf. Argue if you want, but
it’s true. When you discern when to shift the gear in your car, it’s because
you can hear a difference in sound. If you’re a mother and can tell whether
you’re baby’s cry is from fatigue or pain, you can discern pitch.<span> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you were tone deaf, you wouldn’t have music preferences.
One station on the radio would be the same as the other, and you wouldn’t sing
along with the radio in your car, but you do because you enjoy what you’re
hearing. And that proves you’re not tone deaf. It also proves that you can
sing.<span> </span>Most of us just need some training
so we can identify what we are hearing.<span> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">About my supposedly nonmusical friends, I’ve observed
that at some point in their early lives, someone criticized their singing,
usually a parent or a teacher. So they just quit.<span> </span>I often challenge them: Do you mean to tell
me that when you were a child, you made a decision for life based on what <i>one</i> person said?<span> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">They did indeed. And it bothers me because singing is not
so much about performance—sure there are those who perform and perhaps they
have some special ability and training. But for most of us, singing is about
expression. How much of one’s soul is diminished because they’re too scared to
sing? And how much have we missed because we didn’t hear the song of another’s
heart?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">I like to hear the children sing before they’ve been told
they can’t. I like hearing the babies sing before they can even form words. I
like to hear the toddlers who make up their songs on the spot.<span> </span>I think of the children who sang about Jesus
in the temple before the adults could make them be quiet.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">What wonders would we hear if people were just a little
less afraid to express themselves?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The thought makes me remember to be very careful
about criticizing another’s expression.<span> </span></span></span></span></span>David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-7914619897632625402014-03-11T07:56:00.000-07:002016-03-28T13:27:15.898-07:00Thoughts on Matthew 4:1-11, When Jesus Was Tempted<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">"Command these stones to turn to bread.”</span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">It seems like a pretty good idea, plus it would be a good
marketing strategy. Jesus could tell the crowds, “I’m hungry, you’re hungry… let’s
have dinner and have a nice chat about your souls.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In fact, Jesus did feed crowds of people miraculously with
loaves and fishes, and it made him popular, as did his power to heal the
sick. And it was all good—it just wasn’t
good enough, and the crowds faded when food was gone, which Jesus knew would
happen.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus' reply to Satan was actually a statement to us: <i>“One does not live by bread alone but by
every word that comes from the mouth of God.” </i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Filling the stomach does not necessarily feed the soul. Oh,
it’s pretty crucial when you don’t have any, but many of us have more than
enough; to the point where we have to struggle to keep the weight down. Yet
even when there’s plenty of food, we can feel lonely, empty, and unhappy. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">For that matter, wealth doesn’t spare us from misery, and
neither does excitement and entertainment (although I would like to have seen
Jesus jump off a cliff and fly around). </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus wanted to put us in touch with God, so we could find
true satisfaction. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">When I think of the word of God, I don’t think of a written
page. Instead, I imagine the Father sitting close beside me, speaking into my
ear, the words pouring directly into my heart, filling me up in a way that
makes me calm and whole. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps the purpose of fasting is to remove distraction so
we can focus fully on that word from God.
</span></div>
David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-67970736378439461112013-12-26T06:38:00.000-08:002013-12-26T06:38:31.877-08:00The True Nativity Scene<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The following was one of the readings I wrote for the Christmas Eve Service </i></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Prince of Peace was not born in a palace. He had no soft
blankets against his skin. There were no relatives cooing and demanding that
they be the next one to hold him.<span> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">We understand that he was born to a poor family, but perhaps
we don’t realize <i>how</i> poor. Most of us
imagine the nativity scene like this:<span> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cEuJdAYYVgY/Urw-i6RdHoI/AAAAAAAAAQU/31gOUStQbPk/s1600/traditinal+nativity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cEuJdAYYVgY/Urw-i6RdHoI/AAAAAAAAAQU/31gOUStQbPk/s320/traditinal+nativity.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Look again at Luke’s account of Christ’s birth and you’ll
see there is no mention of a barn or a stable. There were no cute animals lying
sedately in sweet smelling straw.<span>
</span>There’s not even mention of the donkey for Mary to ride. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mary and Joseph were far from home, away from any family or
friends. When it says there was no room in the inn, it means they were outside
in the cold night. There was no emergency shelter, no public housing, no
hospital constrained by law to accept her, even if she had no money.<span> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">They simply found a vacant place on the ground for her to
deliver her baby. And because she would have been too weak to hold him, they
put him in the nearest container—one of those feed troughs to which we have
assigned the quaint name, manger.<span> </span>And
they found some old rags to wrap around the child to protect him from
exposure.<span> </span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IzRtz03jX6g/Urw-bsyxzCI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/Khn7AW4435s/s1600/manger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IzRtz03jX6g/Urw-bsyxzCI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/Khn7AW4435s/s320/manger.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">It’s a miracle anyone survives such conditions, but some do.
On this night, they did.<span> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">This was the scene that made the angels sing. This was what
the shepherds found when they searched for him.<span>
</span>This is the baby who grew up to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and
speak powerful words that still move our hearts.<span> </span><span> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is the birth we celebrate.<span> </span></span></div>
David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-8791698015292722822013-11-18T18:52:00.000-08:002013-11-18T18:52:03.395-08:00The Way of the Disciple<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">When we think of being disciples for Christ, we think of
going to church more often and making a sincere effort to act nicer. Additionally, we are to make other disciples who
will come to our church. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">That’s all good, but it’s missing the point of
discipleship. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">When Jesus sent his people out to do his work, he didn’t
talk about church attendance or looking respectable. Instead he told them to focus on helping
people get better. Take another look at the first few verses of Matthew 10 and
consider the ambition behind his instruction:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">*Heal
the sick.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">*Make
them clean (touch the lepers and heal them).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">*Give
them peace</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">*Raise
people from the dead--make them alive again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">*Give
generously—throw yourself into the task.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">*Don’t
worry about where you’ll get the money—just do it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Tell them the kingdom of heaven is near,” he said. In other words, there is a new way to live
and a new world to live in, where people can have enough to eat, and to be
healed, and feel alive again. Tell them that we can have a world where love has
transcended laws, and we can reach out to touch God. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">I believe Jesus meant for those things to happen right
now, not sometime later in the next life. He has not given up on this world. He
intends for things to be made better now, and he means for us to help him make
it that way. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Discipleship is not about living a quiet decent life.
It’s not about being a good example by showing how often you go to church. It’s
about looking squarely in the face of the suffering of this world and throwing
ourselves in the task of making it better.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then one day, we will stand before Jesus and he will say,
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” </span> </div>
David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-20384457542608202862013-11-18T18:44:00.001-08:002013-11-18T18:44:48.779-08:00Team Jesus<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus enlisted the aid of his disciples in his work. When
he performed the miracle of feeding the crowds, he had the disciples go out and
find what food there was, and then he had them pass it out. I marvel that they
got to be part of the miracle of where a few loaves and fish became more than
enough to feed five thousand.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">There were other things. Jesus wanted them to pray with him. He also
had them preach, heal, and cast out demons with him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">You could say that discipleship is being part of “Team
Jesus” where he is the captain, but everyone participates. Everyone gives valuable effort to bring
positive results. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Disciples don’t just work for Jesus, they work with
him. In effect, Jesus, the Son of God,
was saying, “I couldn’t do it without you,” which is a huge honor, but it
carries with it responsibility for which we should have a sense of duty. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">When a church focuses on keeping itself alive, it is for
the purpose of continuing to participate in Christ’s work. It is not to
preserve our memories. It is not so we can continue to keep our friendships. It
is not to have a place where we can go to feel good. It is to reach out with our hands and our
hearts and help those who are suffering, unhappy, scared, sick, and lost. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Any church that does not keep the mission of Christ firmly
in mind will end up closing its doors. But if we exist to serve Christ’s
purpose, we will continue to be vital.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">How about it? Want to be a part of Team Jesus?</span></div>
David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-67245003748835254922013-10-02T14:33:00.001-07:002013-10-02T14:33:54.938-07:00Unity and Disagreement<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">One of our Sunday school classes recently studied parts of
the <i>United Methodist Book of Resolutions</i>, which articulates the UMC’s position
on various political and social issues pertaining to our faith.<span> </span>In class, there was often disagreement
expressed about some of the UMC’s positions.<span>
</span>And that’s okay.<span> </span>Many decisions
are made in the general conference with a thin margin on the majority’s side.
Afterward, people are welcome to continue to voice their dissent and hopefully
the discussion continues with civility. Some decisions are revisited every four
years. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">When there is a heated disagreement where sizable portion of
the membership differ with the majority, it is tempting for the “winning side”
to say, “This is what we voted on. Now be a good Methodist and go along with
it.” </span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is a mistake. We don’t tell people what to think. We don’t tell them
to be quiet. We can’t force them to cooperate. And we won’t say, “If you don’t
like it, there’s the road.” </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">Making resolutions gives us direction and enables us to act.
But the discussion is ongoing, especially in the areas of controversy, such as
ecology, poverty, human sexuality, involvement in government, etc.<span> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">When I first considered joining the UMC, one of the things
that made me want to join is how they are willing to grapple with the hard
topics, often before anyone else will. Methodists were some of the first ones
to call for slavery to be abolished. Methodists recognized how alcoholism was
causing so much havoc in families, and they called for action. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">So of course there is going to be sharp disagreement at
times.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;">I like it. In many churches, people are required to have
only one set of thoughts where no diversity is allowed. But in Methodism,
there’s true unity, where you get to have your thoughts and you get to express
them and be heard, even if you’re in the minority. </span></div>
David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-91244077155931763062013-09-18T15:05:00.002-07:002013-09-18T15:05:40.206-07:00Come to the Party<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the parable of the prodigal son, the story ends with the older brother standing outside the house seething as the people have their party. He’s mad at the people, his little brother, and his father.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is the end of a series of parables that Jesus used to address Pharisees and teachers who resented his going to parties with the tax collectors and prostitutes. Usually, when I read about that older brother, I find myself contemptuous of him. But Jesus was not trying to lead us to contempt. Look at the story again, and you see the father begging his son to come in, to be a part of the celebration.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Likewise, Jesus was not condemning the onlookers. He was asking them to join the party. This is an interesting concept. He’s not angry with the self righteous. He’s not telling them to shut up and go away. He wants them come be a part of the joy. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was hard for them. They wanted to shut the party down which was not going to happen. However, they could join if they wanted. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Question: Do I want to make my world a highly controlled (and joyless) place or can I lay aside my selfish desires and join the party that’s already in progress? </span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-1e5ea3db-331a-e503-ff8c-89a68446b653"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span>David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-42026433048035684032013-09-05T08:55:00.000-07:002013-09-05T08:55:42.464-07:00Which Mountain Are You Climbing?<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Which Mountain Are You Climbing? </b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.15; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Vpqzmao1FQ/Uiin-1GiCRI/AAAAAAAAAPo/Lv2d5U3SvVQ/s1600/Mountain-Climber-1-608x396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Vpqzmao1FQ/Uiin-1GiCRI/AAAAAAAAAPo/Lv2d5U3SvVQ/s320/Mountain-Climber-1-608x396.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Hebrews 12:18-24, the writer summons images of two different mountains for the reader to consider. </span></div>
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-285d1faa-c093-2c0b-f3ab-a6353205f546" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First, there is Sinai, the dark forbidding mountain on which the Ten Commandments were written. Remember how there was thunder and lightning, how the ground shook at the sound of God’s voice? The people were afraid and they knew if they touched even the foot of the mountain, they would die. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8_ntU3eeqWE/UiinmqbBKxI/AAAAAAAAAPM/9xI8YaRn6Es/s1600/mt_sinai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8_ntU3eeqWE/UiinmqbBKxI/AAAAAAAAAPM/9xI8YaRn6Es/s320/mt_sinai.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And yet that fear and dread did not keep the Israelites from straying. Right there in the shadow of the dark mountain, they made a golden calf--something smaller, prettier, less frightening to worship. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anxiety over an angry God and fear of punishment--these things do not inspire virtue. They never have. Yet, many of us still see the God of Mt. Sinai and we try to scare ourselves and others into living right. How well is that working for us? </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Check around the house to see if you have anything equivalent to a golden calf. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The writer told us to put aside the image of Sinai and focus on Zion, the beautiful city of Jerusalem set on a hill. The Jews thought of Zion and it made them think of home, a place where they could reside fully with each other and with God. Rather than avoiding it, they went to it, singing joyous hymns along the way, celebrating that they could go home and be free. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ik6zY3kXhHU/Uiin4hj2lxI/AAAAAAAAAPg/SXIltyCK7io/s1600/43-mt-zion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ik6zY3kXhHU/Uiin4hj2lxI/AAAAAAAAAPg/SXIltyCK7io/s320/43-mt-zion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Zion became our metaphor for heaven, the home we are headed for, where all will be made right, and we’ll be with the God who is lovely and healing. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Zion is the image that allows us to endure difficulties and avoid temptation. Zion inspires us to persevere. Zion cheers us when we’re weary. It’s what puts a song of praise in our hearts as we make our journey. </span></div>
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David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-8583427330004846222013-09-05T08:45:00.000-07:002013-09-05T08:46:33.771-07:00The Touching Spirit<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cwMub3ei-4A/UiimM9rjoEI/AAAAAAAAAPA/7DuPQ0um00Q/s1600/touching-1+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cwMub3ei-4A/UiimM9rjoEI/AAAAAAAAAPA/7DuPQ0um00Q/s320/touching-1+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The city I visited was very nice. Beautiful scenery. The helping staff at the hotel and the restaurants were nice and went out of their way to be helpful and polite. But the customers were a different matter. I saw people scream at staff members on two occasion, simply, I assume because they could get away with it. Not cool.</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-57100107-c091-d0d5-4046-a6929f3f19ef" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I went walking every morning in perfect weather amidst beautiful landscaping with tall fir trees and lovely flowers of every hue. Lots of other people did too. But none of them looked at me, much less said hello like we do here in Oklahoma. I’m glad to be back.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Around here, when I encounter someone who looks down and stays quiet, I assume something might be wrong, so I make sure to catch their eye and say, “Hi, how are you?” Because I really want to know. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At church, I hug, pat shoulders, or shake hands with everyone I encounter. It’s partly me. I’m a toucher. It’s also them--most people need a touch. Sometimes a person doesn’t want to be touched. It’s not hard to tell, and I respect that, but most people like the contact. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus was a toucher. He could have healed every sick person he encountered with a word, or a blink, or even a thought. But usually he touched them, even the lepers. Especially the lepers. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We come to church for the contact with each other as well as with God. We could stay home to worship. We can turn on the TV to hear some preaching and listen to music, and for some, by necessity, that has to suffice. But there’s something healing about the physical company of others. It’s allows for a fuller experience of the Holy Spirit’s presence. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everywhere we go, we have the chance to heal or to harm. We can bless or we can curse. I opt for blessing when I can. I try to avoid hurting others and I hope others do to. But I hate being ignored and I hate ignoring anyone who crosses my path, whether it be on a walk, at the hotel, or on a plane. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Or at church. </span></div>
David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-69959521876359187932013-08-06T19:49:00.000-07:002013-08-06T19:51:13.624-07:00To Bless and To Heal<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A couple years ago, at the OKC Art Museum, we saw an exhibit of works done by artists commissioned by the WPA during the days of the Great Depression. I was surprised at their quality and moved by the stories they told. </span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-7cc3ff99-569e-9202-05d4-dd3b1b6651d8" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There was one piece that I found quite unpleasant but now I can’t forget of an old woman peeling potatoes. It was a dark image, almost silhouetted, but I could see her hands were covered with wounds she had sustained over the years from her arduous work. The artist showed them as if the wounds had never healed but stayed fresh, with more added each year. Her face was the same way. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The artist wanted us to remember that period of history and not get over it quickly because the people of our past suffered in part to give us our present and future. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I get the message. It’s important. But I’m a minister and I want people to get better. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wanted to reach into the canvass to take the wounded hands of that woman. I wanted to place my palms on her cheeks and kiss her scarred forehead. I wanted to tell her she was not alone, that she was loved, and that her work and life was important. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzzYEg9gvhk/UgG1YNqcYUI/AAAAAAAAAOs/ncMnB5Hq6Uo/s1600/kiss+grandmother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XzzYEg9gvhk/UgG1YNqcYUI/AAAAAAAAAOs/ncMnB5Hq6Uo/s320/kiss+grandmother.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s impossible to do that to the woman in the picture. It’s pretty hard to convey a blessing of worth to each other in the present time. But surely it’s not impossible. </span></div>
David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-80048682561161871032013-07-18T19:29:00.000-07:002013-07-18T19:32:07.518-07:00Time With Jesus<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“A woman named Martha welcomed him (Jesus) into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work myself? Tell her then to help me.”</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted about many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42). </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Time with Jesus. Essentially, when Jesus spoke to Martha, he said, “this is what Mary wants so this is what she gets, and no one will be taking it away from her.” </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When I read this story, the questions I take away are, “What exactly was this gift? Can I have it too? And what would it look like? </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Is it only his words in the Bible? That’s good and more people ought to do that, but is that all? Isn't there some way I can actually spend time with the actual presence of Christ?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You know, I have a list of people that I want to simply spend time with. Not do something with, just BE with. Special ones—family and friends, and those I would like to get to know. And since I’m dreaming I think of people in the past. And then people of the future—generations of children who have yet to arrive on the scene.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bkopBydkpw/Ueih-crCnFI/AAAAAAAAAOE/hwmluFbOmR4/s1600/reaching+for+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bkopBydkpw/Ueih-crCnFI/AAAAAAAAAOE/hwmluFbOmR4/s1600/reaching+for+stars.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I want to sit and talk. Ask questions. Share thoughts. I want to give and receive encouragement. I want to talk about my dreams and hear theirs. And I want to put my arms around them—if they’d let me. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c621GBF2v3s/UeijzNvhQwI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/pdlIrWRVu8o/s1600/hug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c621GBF2v3s/UeijzNvhQwI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/pdlIrWRVu8o/s320/hug.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That’s what I wish for when I think of spending time with Jesus. I don’t want just words on a page. I want the real thing, to sit near him, hear his words to me, have him listen to me, to hear that he loves me, to exchange hugs with him. You know, actually BE with Jesus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Is Jesus saying I could have this and be secure that it would not be taken away? And how do I claim it? Is it really a matter to setting aside my other concerns and focusing on him? That’s not so easy, but it’s not impossible. Could it be… simple? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I guess we could work on it and see. But to be honest, it hasn't seemed all that simple.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 100%;"> </span></div>
David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-85312499958742039172013-07-09T15:33:00.001-07:002013-07-09T15:33:39.630-07:00Fish, Bread, and Honey<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="woj" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>“Which
of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?</i></span><i style="font-family: Times,'Times New Roman',serif;"> <span class="woj">Or if he
asks for a fish, will give him a snake?</span> <span class="woj"><sup> </sup>If
you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
(Matthew 7:9-11)</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">What do you expect of God? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Tell the truth. Haven’t many of us expected God to withhold
pleasant gifts because we think HE thinks it would be bad for us? And don’t many of us think that God puts us
through unpleasant, even awful things, and expects us to thank Him for loving
us enough to discipline us? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">We expect snakes and stones, and force ourselves say we’re
thankful for them. We hate to say it but we think God is mean and expects us to
be grateful about it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8q4tWmm9DM/UdyMxgYcG6I/AAAAAAAAAM8/ymr9pEic3Xc/s1600/poisonous-snake-stone-14613071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8q4tWmm9DM/UdyMxgYcG6I/AAAAAAAAAM8/ymr9pEic3Xc/s320/poisonous-snake-stone-14613071.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I wonder how life would be if we saw God as the Good
Shepherd, who lets us lie in green pastures by still waters. How would we pray to a God who delights in
our company and longs to give us the desires of our hearts? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B7Di81h_Atg/UdyNn3gK3hI/AAAAAAAAANI/v_83dcK1cAE/s1600/kid-with-head-on-moms-lap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B7Di81h_Atg/UdyNn3gK3hI/AAAAAAAAANI/v_83dcK1cAE/s1600/kid-with-head-on-moms-lap.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I know. All this sounds good, but how do we explain all
those awful things that happen to us? If God is so sweet, why is life so
bitter? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I think of how God once provided honey on the ground to
sustain Israel’s
army, but King Saul ordered them not to eat any until they had done their
jobs. (1 Samuel 14:24-25). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCh2ohmpDfw/UdyOdeaAeTI/AAAAAAAAANU/lxcBQYNoqJo/s1600/honey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCh2ohmpDfw/UdyOdeaAeTI/AAAAAAAAANU/lxcBQYNoqJo/s1600/honey.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Perhaps instead of explaining why bad things happen to good
people, we could look for the honey on the ground that we are denying
ourselves. There are hard tasks to be done, but good things to be enjoyed along
the way. Don’t miss them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ask for bread. Eat the fish. Look for honey. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VqjCzDFvttc/UdyO9GLPp9I/AAAAAAAAANg/Qd77clJ9A5M/s1600/smelling-bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VqjCzDFvttc/UdyO9GLPp9I/AAAAAAAAANg/Qd77clJ9A5M/s320/smelling-bread.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-57884627531651341422013-06-30T17:09:00.001-07:002013-07-01T04:54:54.920-07:00How People See Me<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Not long ago, I crossed paths with a man I didn’t know,
but he recognized that I was a local minister, so he hurriedly threw his
cigarette to the ground and stamped it out.
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Did you put that out to show respect for me?” I asked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Yes.” He said, looking like he thought he might be in
trouble anyway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“That was nice of you,” I said. “But next time you don’t
have to do that.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I don’t like the look of apprehension that comes over
someone’s face when he first sees the preacher—like I’m looking to find
something wrong with him and scold him over it. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LgeDt9QWZ2A/UdDH2e5lnVI/AAAAAAAAAMU/WmMt-HaveCY/s900/alarmed+cat+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LgeDt9QWZ2A/UdDH2e5lnVI/AAAAAAAAAMU/WmMt-HaveCY/s320/alarmed+cat+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I want each of you who read this to consider two things.
First, when people duck their heads and show fear at the sight of me it makes
me feel very lonely, although I understand why they do it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Second, if you see me as a representative of Jesus,
remember that like Him, I’m glad to see you—you’re a pleasure to know. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A friend once came to visit me in a town where the people
had had enough time to get to know me. He walked with me through the local
shopping center and watched as I greeted the many people I knew. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“These people all have a similar look when they cross
your path,” he observed. “They don’t just look glad to see you—they look <i>relieved</i> to see you.” </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kbt5HRN8ntU/UdDH9sENSVI/AAAAAAAAAMg/3JZ_ufOUJMU/s300/relieved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kbt5HRN8ntU/UdDH9sENSVI/AAAAAAAAAMg/3JZ_ufOUJMU/s300/relieved.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I can’t think of a nicer compliment for a minister to
receive. And it’s something I aspire to, wherever I go. </span> </div>
David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-25145214317190361582013-06-25T04:48:00.001-07:002013-06-25T04:48:55.527-07:00The World Needs You to Grow<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">You need milk, not solid food! </span></span> </i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. (Hebrews 5:12; 6:1-3). </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The world needs you to grow. However, many of us have stayed at the same level of spirituality that we were on when we were children. In fact, we insist on it. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr936uL5fNs/UcjyEW2tfZI/AAAAAAAAAL4/OOsTfZNVPo8/s1600/toddler+throwing+fit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr936uL5fNs/UcjyEW2tfZI/AAAAAAAAAL4/OOsTfZNVPo8/s320/toddler+throwing+fit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Sometimes we’re jolted out of our torpor and forced into a growth cycle by a crisis, such as an illness, or powerful loss, or even the threat of illness or loss. But as soon as life evens out, we’ll scurry right back to our childhood set of beliefs and no real growth will have lasted, and then we’ll leave our “religion” in the back of a drawer somewhere that we can take out to look at when there’s time. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /><br />Meanwhile, the world slides further into gloomy, confused chaos. If only there were some new insight. If only there were deeper wisdom to share. </span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /><br />It’s there but most of us haven’t found it because we quit growing. We repeat the same litany of thoughts that we heard in church when we were five years old. </span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /><br />There’s so much more to Christ that we could claim for ourselves and then share. There are deeper levels of joy, hope, peace, beauty, wonder, power, love, healing, and wisdom that people could find if we led them through our own personal growth. </span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /><br />When you signed on follow Christ, you signed on to be one of his helpers. You signed on to make things better in this world. Jesus pointed to the people and said, “They are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” And then he prayed for God to send forth reapers for the harvest. (Matthew 9:35-38). </span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /><br />You and I, we are supposed to be the answer to Jesus’ prayer. But to do it, we need to keep growing. </span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /><br />The world needs you to grow. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F9SlC9Ck4HY/UcmB_4xhUgI/AAAAAAAAAME/r1dSKgkitjU/s1600/adult+helping+a+child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F9SlC9Ck4HY/UcmB_4xhUgI/AAAAAAAAAME/r1dSKgkitjU/s320/adult+helping+a+child.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Let’s get more specific. Your children need you to grow. So do your grandchildren. And your friends, neighbors, and your colleagues. They need you to grow so that you can help them grow.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-73348687885757413152013-06-17T09:05:00.000-07:002013-06-17T09:05:27.525-07:00Who Knows What?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Whoooaa!” I hollered to the little boy who careened around
the corner and tried to be-bop past me.
I reached out and scooped him into my arms. It was VBS and I was
patrolling the hallways, alert for opportunities just like this. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hDe229kaag4/Ub8zDsBGPUI/AAAAAAAAALo/m0ItKxFiHxo/s1600/father+holding+son.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hDe229kaag4/Ub8zDsBGPUI/AAAAAAAAALo/m0ItKxFiHxo/s320/father+holding+son.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Where are you supposed to be?” I asked. </span></span><br />
</div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">He looked at me like I was a typical grownup asking one of those
typical crazy questions. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I don’t know,” he explained. “You’re supposed to know
that.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">He was right. So I helped him find his place. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kids are smart and they know more than we give them credit
for, but they also need to be told stuff, shown stuff, and helped down life’s
pathway (or the church hallway). They
need to hear our stories, feel our love, and be fed, clothed and
sheltered. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And if we’re the grownups, we’re supposed to know how to do
that.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know it sounds pretty basic, but grownups can get pretty
rattled and unsure of themselves. And we find out we’re not off the hook once
our own kids are grown. Next are the grandkids.
But not only that, I believe we adults need to address ourselves to the
needs of all children. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The little boy said it plainly: </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“You’re supposed to know that.” </span></span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-51379216598044481122013-06-11T09:59:00.002-07:002013-06-11T11:05:30.518-07:00Personality Profile--Sort Of.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">According to the Myers-Briggs Personality profiles, I’m
probably an ENFP, which sounds like a sports radio station to me. But in
actuality the letters stand for traits that are especially strong in me. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">This personality type is bit of a performer, loyal and places extremely high value
in relationships, is interested in many things, willing to negotiate, focuses on
ideas, concepts, and possibilities, improvises, cares about people, get bored
easily, gets annoyed with details—I’d list more, but I’m losing interest…. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Somebody said Mark Twain was one. He once said—and this
tickles me: <i>"I have been told that
Wagner's music is better than it sounds."</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">He also said<i>,
"Who prays for Satan? Who, in eighteen centuries, has had the common
humanity to pray for the one sinner that needed it most?"</i> It’s an
out-of-the-box thought, and my personality profile suggests I like those kinds
of things. So I’m thinking it over.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">It is further stated that Oscar Wilde had a similar
personality type. He once wrote, <i>"A
dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is
that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world." </i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y_uJVAc2ig/UbdWtvf_gpI/AAAAAAAAALU/HHBk5f6oJAw/s1600/moonlight-ireland3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y_uJVAc2ig/UbdWtvf_gpI/AAAAAAAAALU/HHBk5f6oJAw/s320/moonlight-ireland3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">That last statement? I kinda love that one. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is not really a formalized essay. I just felt
chatty. My profile says I’m like that. :) </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-3304542629082354832013-06-04T06:03:00.001-07:002013-06-04T06:03:20.582-07:00The Hell Factor<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What if the threat of hell no longer existed? Would there be any point of spreading the
message of Christ? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It’s a question worth asking because frankly, hell just
doesn’t scare people anymore. And maybe that’s okay, because sustained fear is
not a great motivator. Oh it’s good for
the short term urgent stuff, like running from wild rhinos, but on a daily basis
it doesn’t work so well. In fact it makes us crazy and if it gets bad enough we
go to the doctor for medication. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It certainly doesn’t inspire nobility. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Think about it. Do the following statements really make any sense?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>I’m going to feed
the hungry, tend the sick, and love my neighbor</i> because I don’t want to go
to hell. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>I sing joyful hymns</i>
<i>to God</i> because I don’t want to go to
hell. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>In prayer, I share the
depths of my soul with God </i>because I don’t want to go to hell. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It doesn't surprise me that our society turns a deaf ear to
a fear-based religious message. And that’s a problem because avoiding hell has
always been our big selling point. I</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">f
people aren’t motivated by fear anymore, why become a Christian?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Okay Pastor. If there is no fear of hell, what motivates
people?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Great question. Glad you asked. Consider the following as
a partial reply:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How about finding wholeness where you experience the full
activation of your being? How about trading self-indulgent misery for adventurous
living for the sake of goodness? How
about finding a strength that sustains you even when you feel your
weakest? How about finding hope and
values that guide you? How about living in a Presence that completes us, unites
us, and heals us? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Is all this laid at your feet the moment you accept
Christ into your heart? Well, no. But the path is set before you. And you can
leave certain baggage behind, one of which is fear of hell. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear,</span><span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30622D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white;"> because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18).</span></i></span></div>
David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363733695157513502.post-69985685257127219952013-06-02T12:08:00.000-07:002013-06-03T09:33:21.400-07:00Without Ceasing<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Pray without ceasing.” (</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Thess. 5:17)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If this is a command, it's impossible to obey—one more thing that makes us feel
shame--without ceasing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FooP7VuMy38/UauUKYWrrhI/AAAAAAAAAK4/CfMHULc1c6I/s1600/kneeling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FooP7VuMy38/UauUKYWrrhI/AAAAAAAAAK4/CfMHULc1c6I/s1600/kneeling.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But what if we turned this around and concentrated on how God is present without ceasing, going beyond conversation to deep communion with our spirit?</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Think of the God who is always in touch with the deepest part
of us, guiding us, healing us, whispering to our hearts his word of
affection and wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_BjL67lUmU/UauXNz3cTrI/AAAAAAAAALE/kWm118Ip5QI/s1600/woman+praying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_BjL67lUmU/UauXNz3cTrI/AAAAAAAAALE/kWm118Ip5QI/s320/woman+praying.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This isn’t a command. It’s a gift without ceasing.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="textps-139-1" style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The psalmist said it this way:</span><br />
<span class="textps-139-1" style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="textps-139-1"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">You have searched me, </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textps-139-1"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">,</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textps-139-1">and you know me.</span><br />
<span class="textps-139-2">You know when I sit and when I rise;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textps-139-2">you perceive my thoughts from afar.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
<span class="textps-139-3">You discern my going out and my lying down;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textps-139-3">you are familiar with all my ways.</span><br />
<span class="textps-139-4">Before a word is on my tongue</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textps-139-4">you, </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="textps-139-4">, know it completely.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
<span class="textps-139-5">You hem me in behind and before,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textps-139-5">and you lay your hand upon me.</span><br />
<span class="textps-139-6">Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textps-139-6">too lofty for me to attain.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span class="textps-139-6"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="textps-139-7"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Where can I go from your Spirit?</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textps-139-7">Where can I flee from your presence?</span><br />
<span class="textps-139-8">If I go up to the heavens, you are there;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textps-139-8">if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">If I rise on the wings of the dawn,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textps-139-9">if I settle on the far side of the sea,</span><br />
<span class="textps-139-10">even there your hand will guide me,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="textps-139-10">your right hand will hold me fast.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span class="textps-139-10"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="textps-139-10"><span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span>--Psalm
139:1-10</span></div>
David Mercerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12235715917105478594noreply@blogger.com3