tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9939782512568586552024-02-20T03:42:25.453-06:00faithnotesThis Week in the Word... (Before and After)Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476264381333125483noreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-90188023792727716252012-03-16T08:24:00.000-05:002012-03-16T08:24:27.561-05:00"Where Have My Sins Gone?" 1 Corinthians 6:9-11<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Three
life-transforming words; liberation from the burden of my past in one simple
statement.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Such
were…but…"</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">King David, a
man a whole lot more like us than we are comfortable confessing, wrote it this
way: "Remember not the sins of my youth or my acts of willful rebellion."
Psalm 25:7 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The downward
pull of past failures continually haunted his memory. "For I know my
transgression, and my sin is ever before me." Psalm 51:3 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So many are
stymied in their desire to grow deeper in Jesus because of the unshakeable,
unavoidable nagging regrets of sins past. The shameful images frequently appear
in our rearview mirrors and effectively rob us of the joy and freedom of
salvation; in fact, almost like those small letters across the bottom of the
mirror, "Objects may be closer than they appear." (Why does a classic
<i>Farside</i> flash into my mind right now?
J)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the
continual downward tug of sins past eroding resistance to temptation and
convincing many of their impotence for future Christian service, Paul writes
words of both warning and encouragement. "The unrighteous will not inherit
the kingdom of God." Sobering wake up! Then three life-transforming words:
"Such were…but…" The hilarious joy of sins completely forgotten!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So,
where HAVE my sins gone?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See
you Sunday, Church!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor Tom</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-71429605864618883432012-03-09T11:12:00.000-06:002012-03-09T11:12:39.146-06:00Dagon Has Fallen<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hilarious idol
stories. May I say, RIDICULOUS god narratives? If they were not true, they
would be virtually impossible to believe. For instance…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jacob's
father-in-law is tweaked because his daughters, grandkids, and cheap-labor
son-in-law are relocating without the common courtesy of saying "good-bye."
He tracks them down and commands a thorough search of their properties because
someone has "stolen his gods." How big is his god? His daughter
successfully hid it under her skirt! Genesis 31<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With an ancient
John Deere (a pulling team of oxen), Gideon demolishes the community gods in
one short night. When the perpetrator of the blasphemous assault is identified,
the people rise up to avenge their gods. His father insightfully declares, "If
he (Baal) is a god, let him contend for himself." Judges 6:31 Hmmm…novel
thought there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bookmakers
had the odds at 450 to 1, but after hours of desperate pleading and humiliating
failure, Elijah taunts them. "Either he (Baal) is occupied (<i>not multi-tasking well</i>), or gone aside (<i>time-out in the little boys room</i>), or is
on a journey (<i>and left you behind</i>),
or perhaps he is asleep (<i>exhausted from
taking care of losers</i>) and needs to be awakened (<i>failure of internal clock</i>)." 1 Kings 18:27<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are hilarious
stories for contemplation IF they were not all true, painfully true. But the
most shocking story of them all is recorded in the fifth chapter of 1 Kings. Having
successfully captured the Ark of the Covenant, the Philistines dedicate it to a
place of high honor. They bring it into the House of Dagon (THEIR god) and
place it side by side. They now have TWO gods to serve their needs! But when
they arrive for worship early the next morning, Dagon has toppled forward on
his face. Rather than read the message, they simply help their god up and
reposition him in his place. Is that crazy or what? But the story gets even
nuttier. The next morning when they arrive for services, not only has Dagon
fallen again but this time his head and his hands have been severed when he
struck the threshold at the entrance. One would think that this additional
message would come through loud and clear, but they they lift up what remains
of their god, reset his trunk in its place <i>and</i>
add another ritual to their worship. They now fastidiously avoid stepping on
thresholds in honor of their fallen god. Is that ridiculous or what?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I once had a '57
Chevy convertible and it promised to be my significance and security. It worked
sort of well, until it started to rust and the transmission began to falter. So
I swapped it for a '63 Impala and I was certain I would find significance. But
it gave way to a '65 Mustang, which was replaced by…. Now you are thinking this
guy is as nutty as those idol worshippers. Ever buy a house expecting it to be everything
you ever wanted in life? Or marry the girl of your dreams? Or land the coveted
scholarship only to find that something was still missing? Or pick up your
luggage after your final landing on the return leg of your dream vacation to
discover that…? Or have them hang the medal around your neck and for a moment
think, "it just doesn't get any better than this" to wake up a week
later and find something still missing? Or _____ ______ ____ (fill in your own
blanks)?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dagon
has fallen and he can't get up. Don't forget it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See
you Sunday, Church!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor Tom</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-86756558917485870612012-03-02T10:15:00.003-06:002012-03-04T10:51:55.884-06:00Living a G-rated Life in a ‘Mature-audiences-only’ World<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Corinthians 5:9-13</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They pointed out her sin. He pointed to her Savior.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isn’t it painfully true that the sins in the lives of those
around us appear to be so much viler and so much more visible? The pride of our hearts assures us that
such decadence is <i>far</i> beneath our
failures. What they are doing, I
would NEVER do!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They had set their trap, made their move, and drug her--in
judgmental self-righteousness--into the glaring morning sun. They exposed the overexposed adulterous
to the light of the Holy One. They would hear Him render a guilty verdict that
would place Him in an inescapable corner…the conflict of the Law of Moses and
the laws of Rome. The perfect snare.
How proud they were of their excellent plan!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw
a stone at her.” John 8:7</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little doodling in the dust and a pregnant season of
silence, then the Holy One of God was alone with the fallen daughter of Eve.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” John 8:10-11</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How pious and self-righteous we become when we arrogantly
draw attention to the despicable behaviors of those in the world that surrounds
us. The minor “mis-steps” of the
members of the church seem so insignificant when contrasted to the unspeakable
behaviors of outsiders. It is easy
to rise in judgment of the world while standing indifferently to our own sins.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“For what do I have to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom
you are to judge? God judges those
outside. Purge the evil person from
<b><i>among
you</i></b>.” (emphasis added)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The mission of the Church is not to point out the sins of
the world. The mission of the
Church is to point the world to the forgiving grace of the Savior!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See you Sunday, Church!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor Tom</span></div>Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-82456077705211992562012-02-28T13:29:00.001-06:002012-02-28T13:29:24.717-06:00Sunday “left-overs” on Tuesday<br />
<div class="p1">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="p1">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Giving is great when comprehension of grace is deep!</span></b></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hezekiah ascended to the Throne after a couple of decades of serious spiritual decay. Here’s the historical record…</span></div>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Uzziah is greatly blessed…until pride in accomplishments removes God from the throne of his heart and he seats himself in God’s place.</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The legendary King dies with the mark of God’s curse upon him and a son ascends to the throne. In personal piety, Jotham follows the Law of the Lord. But in practice, the King neither prioritizes worship no stirs the heart of his people to turn from idolatrous practices. His reign looks good in the performance side, but bad on the eternal plane.</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then the wheels fall off! Along comes sixteen downgrade years under the influence of Ahaz. He not only ignores true worship at the Temple of the Lord, but he actually institutes idols into the routine of his life. He takes it beyond the pale of our imagination. He sacrifices his very own children LITERALLY on the fires of pagan idols! When times got tough, he raided the House of the Lord and gave its sacred properties as a bribe to God’s enemies. “In the time of his distress he became yet more faithless to the Lord…” 2 Chron. 28:22</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The canvas is set, displaying the darkened skyline of ultimate decadence and an unbridgeable chasm of departure from the Lord – enter Hezekiah. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He immediately sets out to return the heart of his people to the Lord. Both properties and people are consecrated again. Blood is shed and blood is applied as formerly defiled places and people are cleansed. The praise band cranks up its instruments and the worship team raises up their voices. “And they sang praise with gladness, and they bowed and worshiped. Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced over what God had prepared for the people, because the thing came about suddenly.” 2 Chron. 29:36 God had prepared carefully what His people were about to do spontaneously. The people had just witnessed the incineration of (in today’s dollars) a $22,750 offering! And the worship had only just begun…</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By week’s end, the people of God, so enormously moved by the covering and restoring grace of God, gave offerings totaling $7,700,000. As they watched that entire gift rise to heaven in consuming smoke, they sang, they prayed, and they rejoiced. <b>Giving is great when comprehension of grace is deep!</b></span></div>Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-16831326480289849472012-02-24T10:17:00.005-06:002012-02-24T10:17:50.523-06:00Cleansing Corinth from the Church 1 Corinthians 5:6-13<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The evidence has
faded away. No one entering the Sunday gathering, nor arriving for any weekday
activity even notices it any longer; but at the time, they left their mark.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was raining
hard but Jerry and I were on a mission, so we ignored the weather. With rags in
hand and a powerful chemical, we scrubbed away the message spray painted on the
front of the church building. It took effort and time, but we felt that we had
done the best we could do in light of the circumstances. Graffiti was erased. Some
of our fellow churches were not so blessed. The same message painted on brick
walls requires far more effort if it is to be permanently removed.
Spray-painting a message on a church entrance is not appropriate; and
rightfully, even the non-religious of our city would display a bit of
indignation. Who would assault a church building and consider it acceptable to
display such crude artistic effort? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This blue metal
building is not the Church. It is, however, a facility resource where the
Church regularly gathers. The Lord of the Church is far more concerned about
what marks <i>the gathered Church</i> than
He is about what graffiti message marks its <i>housing</i>.
So while we take immediate and energetic action when the spray paint declares
its message, we tend to give little attention when its members "mark"
the true Church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Do you not
know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone
destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you
are that temple." (1 Corinthians 3:16-7) In seeing the Church, the Apostle
was indignant, but those who were the Church were indifferent. "You are
arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Your boasting is not good."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the wall of our
church is marked by graffiti, we have proven a readiness to jump into action. But
if the Church is marked by an abuse of grace, will we rise up to meet the
challenge? Do we place more value on a blue metal wall than we place upon the
blood-bought temple of Christ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Let him
who has done this be removed from among you…Purge the evil person from among
you." 1 Corinthians 5:2,13 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The evidence has
faded away. No one entering the Sunday gathering, nor arriving for any weekday
activity even notices it any longer; but at the time, they left their mark.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See
you Sunday, Church!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor Tom</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-32917314543257085212012-02-21T16:53:00.006-06:002012-02-21T16:53:59.075-06:00The Down-side Of Grace<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1 Corinthians 5:1-5 </b><br /><br />Striking the balance between Legalism and Liberty is a continual challenge. As Dr. Tom Dworak would say in his Bible studies on grace, “It is far easier to live under law than to live under grace. Under law you have checklists to determine your behavior. Under grace you must study, reflect, pray and decide. Its always easier to have someone else do your thinking for you!”<br /><br />As we move to the second major section of Paul’s correspondence with the Corinthian saints, we receive a “wake up” call regarding the abuses of grace. A brother has gone beyond the pale of moral latitudes and his brothers and sisters seem to interpret it as an amazing testimony of the covering breadth of grace. Paul issues a stern wake up call. “Because he is our brother and his lifestyle is distorting the purity of the gospel, step up to him and call him out on it. Challenge him to radical repentance!” <br /><br />In reflection, our summary was: <br /><br /><b>Take it personally:</b> As David prayed, we must pray, “Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. See if there is ANY hurtful way in me and lead me in the everlasting way.” Our own hearts deceive us but they are an open book to Him! (Jeremiah 17:9-10)<br /><br /><b>Pray up and Step up:</b> Non-involvement may seem the comfortable way but it is not the loving way. Care enough to personally prepare your own heart and then love enough to go. (Matthew 7:1-5) <br /><br /><b>Keep it private:</b> Talk it over with God and no one else. He knows and it is He who turns the heart. Expect that grace will greet your going and that a heart will be turned toward home. (Matthew 18:15)<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b>Give room for God:</b> Like turning the flow of a flooding river, it often takes some time to turn the wayward heart. Give God time to turn the heart! <br /><br /><b>Restore and Rejoice:</b> Even if it comes to calling one or two others to join you in the appeal, or, God forbid, the Church at large must be summoned to love, God will turn the wayward heart toward home. When He does, rejoice and re-embrace the formerly errant one. Welcome them home with joy! <br /><br />We struggle to forgive and restore simply because we think so much of ourselves and so little of Christ. He is in the reclamation and restoration business. He did it with us. He will do it in the lives of others. Avoid the torment of an unforgiving heart (Matthew 18:21-35 Read it and shudder!)<br /><br /><b>Don’t forget:</b> It was the son whose feet never left the farm but who long before rejected the father’s love, that most deeply broke the father’s heart!<br /><br />See you Sunday, Church!<br /><br />Pastor Tom<br /><br /><b>This next week?</b> “Puppy-poop and a pan of our favorite brownies!”</span>Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-33452002741718190322012-02-17T10:34:00.000-06:002012-02-17T10:34:06.901-06:00The Down-side of Grace 1 Cor. 5<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I
have never fallen into sin!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That statement, boldly declared among
the more that 45 men assembled, brought an uncomfortable hush to the room. Words
like: ARROGANT, SELF-RIGHTEOUS, IGNORANT, certainly filled many minds. Such
pride!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The context: At the opening gathering
of a men's retreat, our host/coordinator had initiated a get-to-know-you
activity. Andy personally introduced himself and added a brief bio of his
spiritual journey. As each man around the room followed this template, a definite
motif unfolded. Most of the men had a clear testimony of saving faith in Jesus
Christ. But nearly everyone also included a statement that sounded a bit like
this: "After I believed, I fell into sin. I fell into the kind of things I
had been doing before I trusted Christ." Now, gratefully, we were spared
most of the gory details, but salvation followed by falling back became a
theme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A gracious God effects a most
gracious, rescuing gospel. He snatches from the binding grip of sin its
helpless slaves and emancipates them to become servants of righteousness so
they may joyfully pursue a new life of holiness. <i>From the agony of bondage to the hilarity of freedom.</i> One could
rightly expect that every memory of past decadence would produce increasing
repulsion. Who would ever want to go back?!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"But thanks be to God, that you
who were once slaves of sin from the heart...having been set free from sin,
have become slaves of righteousness." Romans 6:17-18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Regrettably, so much like thankless Israel
enjoying longed-for freedom from Egypt, slowly the painful memories were
replaced by romanticized flashbacks. And they longed to go back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I have never fallen into
sin." Then, following an appropriate pause for impact, our brother John
added, "Every sin I have committed, I chose to do!" And the room was
filled with conscience-convicted laughter that acknowledged that truth...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"What shall we say then? Are we
to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to
sin still live in it?" Romans 6:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See you
Sunday, Church!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor Tom</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-15789128930155903932012-02-14T16:23:00.000-06:002012-02-14T16:23:02.751-06:00Glancing back as we move forward…faithNOTES on Tuesdays<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is an amazing word of hope for unsaveable sinners!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The reality of their saving faith is not in question. It is an established fact. “To those sanctified in Christ Jesus…”
But the delayed maturing? That,
too, is an established fact. With
a loving but firm and direct letter, Paul sends correction their way. He reminds them of the secret to their
inevitable growing up. “God is
faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ
our Lord.” 1 Cor 1:9</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He reminds them of three glorious truths:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->It
is thru the scandalous grace of the Cross that God does what no other power can
do…He saves certified sinners!
1:17-18, 23-24, 30-31</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Spiritually
blind eyes are able to see with eternity’s clarity when the Cross of Christ is
embraced. 2:7-8, 12-13, 16</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->We
are, both individually and corporately, a work of transforming grace…in
process! 3:1, 7, 11, 14-16, 22-23</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But then the paternal heart of their founding pastor is laid
out on the page. As he moves to
addressing specific questions of living the Cross-centered life in a sin
saturated community, Paul assures them that the firmness about to be revealed
comes to them for their good from the very heart of one who truly loves them
and is committed to them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PATERNAL PASSION:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->“I do not write these things to make you
ashamed, but to admonish you <u>as beloved children</u>” 4:14</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PATERNAL POSTURE:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->“<u>I became your father</u> in Christ Jesus
through the gospel” 4:14</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PATERNAL PATTERN:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->“I urge you, then, be imitators of me” 4:16</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PATERNAL PURPOSE:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->“For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk
but in power” 4:20</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let them, therefore:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>REFLECT DEEPLY</b>
upon such saving grace</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>REJOICE GREATLY</b>,
for the penalty and the shame of sin has been removed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>REACH OUT
COURAGEOUSLY</b>. There is great
news for every unsaveable sinner!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Press on, Church!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor Tom</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-62244522848373813482012-02-14T16:16:00.000-06:002012-02-17T10:34:37.092-06:00Changes to Faithnotes<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Starting in March, we will moving Faithnotes into The City, our new communications tool. If you would still like to read and receive Faithnotes, please join the Faithnotes group in The City. If you haven't yet signed up for The City, you can do so this Sunday at the kiosk in the back of the Worship Center. </span>Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-61347096291985021512012-02-10T09:52:00.000-06:002012-02-10T14:03:30.373-06:00BEST. JOB. EVER.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This opportunity might be the
best job I have ever had!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, I do know a thing or two about jobs. High school
farmhand. Gas station attendant. Factory line supervisor. Grocery department
manager. Shopping mall custodian. Lighting technician (actually, just had
security clearance in an aeronautic design center to go in and change
fluorescent light bulbs J).
Homebuilder. Floor covering installer. Youth pastor. Preacher. Youth pastor.
Shepherd. As I said, I DO know a thing or two about jobs!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But THIS job sounds like a dream come true. I would be
entrusted with the material assets of a great estate. I would have the freedom
to manage those as I deemed to be the best. My task would be to distribute
those resources in a manner that would cause them to increase while leaving a
lasting impact through their usage. It was a heavier thing than simply keeping
the stuff together. Investment for impact and increase was the goal. But to
sweeten the offer even more, I would be given the complete freedom of setting
my own salary! I could designate whatever portion of the owner's assets, I
considered to be appropriate, to provide myself and my family a nice living
wage. Now, isn't that the best job ever?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To Job He expressed it this way: "Everything under heaven
belongs to Me." Job 41:11</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From David it is described in this way: "Yours, O Lord,
is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty,
indeed everything in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord,
and You exalt Yourself as head over all… All this abundance that we have
provided to build a house for Your holy name, it is from Your hand, and all is
Yours." 1 Chronicles 29:11,16</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And with this career opportunity comes some very simple
directives:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Don't
view this investment responsibility as a burden but embrace it as a privilege.
2 Cor. 8:2</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Before
you give what is in your hand, be sure you have given your hand. 2 Cor. 8:5</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Make
your investments for Him only out of what He has first given to you. 2 Cor.
8:12</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Distribute
His wealth wisely and thoughtfully. 2 Cor. 8:16ff</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Do
your resource management in a way that is encouraging to others but never in a
manner of flamboyant display. 2 Cor.9:2</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Break
the cultural rules… Experience firsthand the unalterable laws of nature: Give
generously and you will receive liberally 2 Cor. 9:6,10</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will never discover the joy of true contentment as the
manager of God's resources until I begin to comprehend just a tidbit of His
indescribable and inexpressible gift of grace. 2 Cor. 9:15</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This opportunity might be the best job I have ever had! But
come to think of it, this job might turn out to be the weightiest assignment I
have ever had…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LIVE Generously, Church!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor Tom</span></div>Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-66769233580233116852012-02-03T10:00:00.001-06:002012-02-03T10:00:43.289-06:00Loving God More and Giving Him Less<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also
reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." 2
Corinthians 9:6</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They were called "set-aside acres" and he had
field after field of them. After the morning service had ended, I was given
directions to the home where I would be the dinner guest of one of the Elders
of the host congregation. They had selected this particular house for my
afternoon relaxation for one key reason. The home was just over the Nebraska
line from the Wyoming community where I was preaching that weekend and Nebraska
was playing in a televised game in Columbia, Missouri. My host for the game was
an avid Nebraska fan and the only one in the Wyoming congregation who had the
game coming into his television. So they gracious arranged for me to enjoy a
great farm-cooked meal AND some great Husker football.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I turned off the Wyoming highway onto the gravel county
road, I was amazed at how many acres of land along both sides of the road
appeared to be nothing more than weed beds. Mile after mile of untilled and
unplanted fields surrounded me. Finally, following the sketched map in my lap,
I turned off the gravel and into a long lane, driving up to a meticulously
manicured farmyard. It was impressive for its orderliness and also for its
absence of visible farm implements; not a tractor was in sight!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we enjoyed home cooking, I inquired about all the
unfarmed land around us. "I retired at an early age," my host said
with a smile. "They actually pay me NOT to farm that ground! Those are
called 'set-aside acres' and for conservation purposes I receive a check for
not putting them into tillage." He lived on a beautiful farmstead and had
a new career in a business in a neighboring community. Money for <i>not</i> planting.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Too bad the spiritual world doesn't work like that. Most of
us would be doing very well these days! "I will bless you if you
conserve/preserve your seed." Too many of us are actually living as though
we believe that GOD has introduced a 'set-aside' program. But Paul declared, "He
who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your
seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be
enriched in every way for all your generosity, which through us will produce
thanksgiving to God." 2 Corinthians 9:10-11</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If a consultant were to give you counsel regarding your
financial strain and seeming lack of sufficiency, would he be shocked to find
that you--perhaps in fear of loss, or regrettably, a lack of trust--were simply
hoarding your resources in some reserve account rather than generously scattering
them so that they might multiply to allow you to have both sufficient dollars
to provide for your own family as well as give graciously to accomplish Kingdom
work for God's glory? Have you defied the first rule of spiritual and financial
prosperity? "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap
sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." 2
Corinthians 9:6</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God does not honor our spiritual 'set-aside acres' program.
Rather, God rewards with great increase those who, by faith, take the resources
He has graciously provided and scatter them wisely and widely for His Kingdom.
"Whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fourth quarter had just begun when it became necessary
to begin my drive back across the state line to the church to preach once more.
I was listening to the radio and was totally engrossed in the close game as I
pulled into the parking lot. I stayed in my car until the very last possible
minute and then headed inside. The Tigers had emerged victorious. So close…but
I would have to face the playful mocking of the Wyoming crowd over a Husker
loss. But then…one of the members came rushing into the auditorium just as we
were about to begin the service to say, "The ball was tipped off a shoe in
the end zone and the Davis kid grabbed it for a touchdown!" Husker pride
rewarded in a small Wyoming church!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Set-aside acres, a profitable conservation program for the
agricultural community, but a failed practice for the community of faith. God
rewards only those who sow seed generously and liberally. Can God joyfully
reward you?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See you Sunday, Church!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor Tom</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-36138008133962364852012-01-27T08:18:00.004-06:002012-01-27T08:18:46.315-06:00Grow2Go<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew 28:18-20 / Acts 1:8<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our mission is the "equipping of God's people THRU
God's Word for doing God's work in God's world."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Great Commission, simply stated is this, "Go therefore and make disciples
of all nations…and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Matthew 28</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His name is engraved
on the memorial wall. But long before he lost his life on the fields of Vietnam
conflict, he found his life by simple faith in Christ. His name was forever
engraved in the Lamb's Book of Life.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Mom would often restrict our playtime, probably for good
cause. The kid next door seemed to be--at times--a bad "mix" for me.
The neighbor's calves just begged to be ridden! And the out-building on the
boundary line of our two properties was an incredible launch pad for early
Super Man flights. If mischief had a logo, the images of Larry and Tom would
have fit it well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One afternoon on a day of creative energy burning, two
neighbor boys got into a serious discussion regarding matters of life and death.
The conversation ended with an eternal conversion. Having heard the good news
of eternal life as a free gift offered to all who would believe, the time
seemed right for a declaration of commitment. My childhood buddy and I knelt by
my red American Flyer wagon and he "asked Jesus to come into his
heart." We were only in the first grade…but one of us was a brand new
baby. Larry had been born again!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The marvelous mystery of the gospel is this: Even the young
can both explain the truth and, by child-like faith, RECEIVE the Lord Jesus
Christ who is Himself the message of the gospel!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, the Great Commission is a GREAT Commission.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span><!--[endif]-->Its message is the good news of hope for
hopeless people</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span><!--[endif]-->Its method is the faithful retelling of the
story of God's free gift of life</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span><!--[endif]-->Its mission is the rescue and transformation of
sin-bound hopeless people</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span><!--[endif]-->Its might is the very presence and power of
Christ by His Spirit</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is so simple even a child can believe. It is so powerful,
it can be explained even by a child. Though he died in the act of protecting
our freedom, my boyhood friend, Larry, lives today. <i>His name is engraved on the memorial wall in Washington, DC. Long
before he lost his life on the fields of Vietnam conflict, he found his life by
simple faith in Christ. His name was forever engraved in the Lamb's Book of
Life.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YOU go, therefore, and make
disciples!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See you Sunday, Church!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor Tom</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-63848732625286974332012-01-20T14:45:00.000-06:002012-01-20T14:45:17.474-06:00Unleashing the Church: Finding Your Fit and Blessing the Family 1 Cor. 12<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unleashing the Church: Finding
Your Fit and Blessing the Family 1 Cor. 12<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An insignificant village became the launch pad of world
evangelism. Simply because of the faithfulness of one selfless saint!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the hands of God, the seemingly unimportant becomes
great. Such is the tale of one of the cities founded by one of Noah’s three
sons. Thirty-five miles to the northeast of Jerusalem stands one of the world’s
oldest seaport villages. Though hardly memorable for its own sake, the very
mention of its name produces a flood of stories in the minds of those who read
the Scriptures. Joppa!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seeking to provide the finest materials the world had to
offer for the construction of one of the world’s most significant projects,
Kings David and Solomon imported cedar trees from the north nation of Lebanon.
The logs were first placed into the sea and floated south to the seaport of
Joppa where they were then transported 35 miles over land to Jerusalem. There
they were milled for glorious adornment for the temple of the Living God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loving God but hating certified sinners, Jonah ran west when
his commission from the Lord should have sent him east. From the ancient
seaport of Joppa he boarded a ship for the 2600-mile journey to Spain.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some three and a half centuries before the birth of Jesus,
the booted heels of the warriors of Alexander the Great’s conquering armies
struck the cobblestone pavement of the city of Joppa. By the end of the first
century A.D. those same stones became a riverbed for the flowing blood of the
8400 Jews who were bludgeoned to death at the hands of the Roman army.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For Gentile lovers of the Gospel (i.e. you and me), Joppa
marks the launch pad for the spreading of the message of Good News to the outer
reaches of the world. It was on a rooftop in that port city that a picnic
blanket filled with forbidden foods was three times lowered into the presence
of the Apostle Peter as God commissioned him to take the gospel to the Gentile
home of Cornelius. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps the most significant name attached to this city is
better known by her nickname than her given name. Peter was summoned to Joppa
because Tabitha, who was described as "a woman full of good works and acts
of charity," (Acts 9:36) had died. Because of her gracious acts of kindness,
upon her death, the church did not feel they could live without her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feeling unnoticed? Unappreciated? Unneeded? Overlooked?
Insignificant? Give yourself to good works and acts of charity. Live selflessly
for the Church and God will publish your record in the marvelous book of HIS-story.
You, like Dorcas of Joppa, will receive a name that is glorious!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An insignificant village became the launch pad of world
evangelism. Simply because of the faithfulness of one selfless saint!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See you Sunday, Church!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor Tom</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-65264654815344782892012-01-13T14:04:00.000-06:002012-01-13T14:04:12.197-06:00Equipping For Serving<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back in
the day, we called it "Going Cheap." Today I think it would be
called, "Going Green." If you visit our home, you will notice that we
live with lots of furniture bearing the "patina of life." Each
well-worn piece has its own story to tell. (Linda worries that I will bore you
by telling their story for them. :-) </span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We
learned the value and promise of furnishing a home with reclamation pieces from
the example and coaching of Pastor Moore. Our meager possessions, after five
years of Bible college, were far from sufficient to outfit our first parsonage.
But Pastor Dewey and his wife, Ruth, proudly displayed their amazing collection
of beautifully restored antiques. Most were either hand-me-downs from church
members or rescued from the trash before the refuse truck hauled them away. So
thirty-eight years ago, Pastor Dewey taught us the basic principles of
restoring the broken and discarded and making them useful for service.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
Household of God is well-furnished with the "patina of life." God has
graciously and miraculously rescued, restored, refurbished and renewed lives
that were broken and discarded. Paul describes these as "trophies of grace."
God has taken what was no longer useable and "equipped us for His service."
His grace is making us useful again. He is doing this work in His world through
His Word in His Church!</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the
corner of our living stands our pride and joy. The grand wardrobe cabinet has
an amazing story to tell. We went northwest of G-burg to the Puhls' farm
auction. The merchandise to be sold was remarkable for its age and its variety.
We were optimistic that we would successfully outbid others for some select
piece to "equip." We were wrong. The number of collectors and dealers
present blew the prices out of the budget of this Baptist preacher. And the one
piece we had set our hearts on shocked us the most. Bound together with bailing
twine, nearly black because of its aged varnish finish, it attracted numerous
bidders. Its price quickly blitzed $100 and it was finally sold to an elderly
gentleman wearing bottle-top glasses. We concluded he simply did not know what
he bought. Until...</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Six
months later we visited a neighbor's backyard barn. As the in-laws surveyed his
inventory of restored antiques, Linda and I were stopped in our tracks. There
stood the grand wardrobe cabinet. It was a gorgeous golden oak masterpiece,
fully restored to its original beauty, but now with an incredible story to
tell. Seeing our love for it, he offered it to us at a steal. </span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
household of the Lord, which is what we are as the Church, is marvelously
furnished with reclaimed discards, masterfully reclaimed and restored. We who
were totally useless are being mended for His glorious use. We are being
"equipped." </span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"For
we are His workmanship, created (recreated!) in Christ Jesus for good
works..." Ephesians 2:10</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We <i>were</i> going cheap...rather...we <i>are</i> going "green." In the
corner of our living room today stands a masterpiece with its own story to
tell!</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See you Sunday, Church!</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor
Tom </span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-74532686795293609692012-01-06T12:50:00.000-06:002012-01-06T12:50:18.482-06:00You can tell them, "Pastor Tom says I don't have to go to church anymore!"<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br />I think my record is 53. Understand that I am seriously IT challenged. I finally get the concept that perhaps my MacBook is running slow because of embedded 'cookies' and cleaning those out often restores power. But when my iPhone slowed, I had to turn to my 10-year-old granddaughter for help. With the double tap of the lower button, she began to close Apps. "Papa, did you know you had 53 Apps running? That is amazing!" <br /> <br />As we, the Faith Family, rapidly approach our 20th birthday (April 25, 2013), it seems appropriate to do a ministry "re-boot." We will no longer be considered adolescent but instead fall into the category of adulthood. As the years of our youth fade in the rear-view mirror, excitement grows as we lean forward to grab hold of those unique opportunities for which the Father has been preparing us. Now is the time to take inventory.<br /> <br />· Are we the Church He called us out to be? <br /><br />· Are we faithfully doing all He has tasked us to do? <br /><br />· Are we on mission? <br /><br />· Are we as effective as His grace would cause us to be? <br /><br />To prepare ourselves to passionately and purposefully seize our moment in HIS-story, we must pause to review our core values, reaffirm our foundational convictions and refocus our ministry endeavors. Over time, 'cookies' have become embedded and 'apps' which are no longer in use, remain in place. It's time to check the embedded cookies. Time for a double click and perhaps close some apps. Simply put, it is time for a ministry "re-boot." This is Faith Mission 2012! <br /><br />We will look at the "who" and the "why" questions. We will declare again the clarity of our mission. Our corporate gatherings during the Sundays of January will be built around the theme, "I Am the Church." <br /> <br />Mission 2012: Reboot Faith! <br /> <br />So, go ahead and tell them, "Pastor Tom says I don't have to 'go' to church anymore!" <br /><br />See you Sunday, Church! <br /> <br />Pastor Tom</span>Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-32080263005158364172011-12-23T09:00:00.000-06:002011-12-23T09:00:13.022-06:00Mary Had A Little Lamb<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="Subtitle1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">"When man attempts to reach up to God, we call it
religion. When God reaches down to
man, we call it CHRISTmas."</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Subtitle1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Subtitle1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">They left the Garden fully clothed, but an innocent animal
had died to give them covering.
Their sons came to God with gifts in hand, but one sought His pleasure
with an impressive display of the works of his hands. God, instead, smiled upon the one who offered the lamb. They
found no security in shelters or rituals the night the angel of death passed
by. Life was the gift only for those
to whom the perfect lamb's blood was applied.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Subtitle1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Subtitle1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">For all the impressive efforts of man to please their God,
the regrettable reality is this--their feeble attempts prove completely
impotent. For when man attempts to
reach up to God, they call it religion.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Subtitle1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Subtitle1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">When God reaches down to man, sends the Lamb, and we call it
Christmas!</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Subtitle1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Subtitle1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Merry Christmas, Church!</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Subtitle1">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor Tom</span></span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Subtitle1">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-62089540729464594972011-12-16T10:25:00.001-06:002011-12-16T10:25:49.962-06:00Come See…Go Tell: Till the Whole World Knows!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Wise
advice, delivered with humble grace and unquenchable optimism to a Bible
college classroom filled with "preacher wanna-be's." It burned into my
memory bank to surface frequently these many seasons later. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">"Gentlemen,"
began Miss Elsie, "as shepherds to God's people, your responsibility will
be to diligently study God's Word all week long. Then you are to prayerfully
prepare your sermons. By the time you are ready to preach, you will have far
too much material. Your job, then, is to select the best 10% to be delivered. Leave
the rest in the can!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Matthew's
gospel record of the life and ministry of Jesus opens on a clear tone, only to
close on a completely different note. He begins with a "<b><i>come
see</i></b>" strategy. "Where is He who has been born King of the
Jews? For we saw His star in the east, <u>and have come</u> to worship Him,"
(Matthew 2:2). Matthew's opening direction, "<b><i>Come see</i></b>." But then,
in closing out the account, the author takes a radical redirection and ends by
writing, "<u>Go ye</u> into all the world and preach the gospel," (Matthew
28:19). Matthew's closing direction, "<b><i>Go tell</i></b><i>!</i>"<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Shepherds,
scheduled to work the third/graveyard shift, found themselves responding to
both strategies. "And <u>they came</u> in haste and found their way to
Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger…And all who heard it
wondered at the things told them by the shepherds. And the shepherds <u>went
back</u>, glorifying and praising God…" (Luke 2:16,18). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Two
weeks ago the "<b><i>come see / go tell</i></b>" movement of Matthew made it into the
final sermon notes. But out of respect for the clock, it remained in the can. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">"For
unto you has been born a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord." Now that IS the
best 10%. Invite your friends to "<b><i>come see</i></b>." And if they do not
respond to your gracious invitation, "<b><i>go tell</i></b>." Don't leave it in the
can!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">See you Sunday, Church!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Pastor
Tom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-26815045547770085872011-12-09T09:32:00.001-06:002011-12-09T09:34:08.957-06:00Noel<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Suspended high above the
street, attached to a tall light pole on both sides, was the familiar holiday
word, <b><i>N-O-E-L</i></b>. As you turned off Hi-way 30 and drove north onto main
street, you were welcomed by the old French version of Christmas greeting. It
was one of those seasonal predictabilities which, after the first couple of
trips through town, one simply forgot. Christmas had come to main street. Windows
were decorated with tape-on window frames and spray-on snow. Christmas in a
small town…the things of which Hallmark cards are made. <b><i>"Noel! Noel! Born is the
King of Israel."<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">With only 26 letters with
which to work…common words can soon become trite. Words and phrases so much a
part of our tradition that they flow in and out of our conversation, jump off
the ends of our texting fingers, fall loosely from our lips and liven the
poetic structures of our carols…losing the richness of their meaning simply due
to their commonness. Trite seasonal expressions, until…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Until my bride pointed out a
reality of which I have been totally unaware. She sent me a text asking, "Did
you realize that SILENT and LISTEN both have the exact same letters?" Incredible!
I have used those two words…typed those two words…sung those two words…never
recognized that those two words are the same word simply arranged in different
ways. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">S-I-L-E-N-T L-I-S-T-E-N<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And that is exactly what the
first hearers of the incredible Good News did. <i>They sat silent in order to listen</i>! The dark night sky burst into
full noon-day brilliance as hundreds of angels took their place and each sang their
own part in history's first Christmas Carol. "Glory (another word that has
become trite by overuse) to God in the highest!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The shepherds broke their
silence and stopped listening as they ran straight away to an audience with the
newborn King. Suddenly it was the new mother's turn to be <b>s-i-l-e-n-t</b> and to <b>l-i-s-t-e-n</b>
as the joy of the season flowed freely from the lips of the shepherd choir. As
they returned to their fields they could no longer be silent, but they could
find no one willing to listen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now, if you drove into our
small community from the north rather than from the south, the welcome looked
completely different. Rather than the French word for Christmas you were greeted
by some guy's name. L-E-O-N. LEON? Same word…different arrangement!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Be <b><i>Silent</i></b>. Take a moment…<b><i>Listen</i></b>!
"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations. The
Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold." Psalm 46:10-11<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Noel! Noel! Born is the King of
Israel."<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">See you Sunday, Church!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Pastor Tom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-54692289740028458702011-12-02T09:30:00.001-06:002011-12-02T09:30:59.405-06:00Wise Men Still Adore Him<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Matthew
2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Horses or camels? Please
tell me we didn't rent donkeys! Did we make reservations? We did book this trip
on Priceline, didn't we? Is there a penalty if we cancel? You guys sure we
should actually do this? I mean...we are throwing our whole lives into chaos
over a strange-appearing flaming thing in the sky! We have job responsibilities
to cover. We have schedules to rewrite. We have families to consider. Oh…did I
mention the recent reports of assaults and robberies on that particular highway?
It is not exactly safe to be traveling these days, you know! We should travel
in a caravan; how many armed guards do you think it will take to guarantee
security? Did it occur to any of you that the larger our traveling contingent,
the more attention we attract and the greater the chance we WILL be bushwhacked!
Wait till word gets out that we have gold onboard, now THAT ought to excite a
few ne'er-do-wells!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I guess protocol <i>is</i> protocol. "Never approach a king
without a gift in your hand." The appropriate gift for a king is certainly
shiny gold, so I guess we will be traveling with gold. Incense? Why are we
wasting packing space with incense? Isn't the gold enough? What is the baby's
mom going to think when she unwraps incense--that the diaper needs changed, the
barn is a bit smelly, someone needs a shower? Who's idea was it to include
myrrh anyway?!? Bad enough the mom will open a package of sweet smelling stuff
to burn, but stuff for a funeral? What kind of sick joke is that?!?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">How far did you say we are
from Israel? Have any of you guys ever been there before? Once we cross the
river, how far to the capital city? We don't even know for sure he is IN the
capital! Who's the coordinator of this search effort anyway? Aren't there more
than a few details being overlooked? How exactly do you propose that we locate
this royal infant? It's not like there is only one baby boy being delivered
this time of year! Oh, and did anyone think about the chaos of the census
thing? People are packing out the hotels. Room rates will be sky high, <i>if </i>we can even get a room! What about
their testy attitudes over the newly levied taxes? I understand they aren't
exactly happy about having to pay tribute anyway, but another tax levy? I'm thinking
this is not such a good time to be traveling internationally!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Travel wear. Anybody think through
this wardrobe thing? I mean, here at home people not only recognize this
costume, but they actually respect it and the man wearing it! I'm not sure this
pointy hat thing is going to be such a good idea when we get to Israel. I can
almost hear the voices of middle schoolers!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Ok, if we are going to go,
lets get going. Not getting any closer standing around here rattling our jaws. Time
to mount up and head out! Hey, wait a minute. Who decided I would be the one
eating everyone's dust back here?!? Did we draw straws while I was making that
last pit stop? How about a rotation of some kind? Let's say every five miles or
so the back guy (that would be ME!) goes to the front and the middle guy slips
to the back? Do we have to all listen to the same music? Couldn't someone PLEASE
invent an iPod with some ear buds or something? A DVD system would be fabulous
for a trip like this!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Remind me again…why we are
doing this? A new king is born? A historically awaited Messiah has been
delivered and we are going there to see him? Oh, we are going to worship? Why
didn't you say so! Let's get moving…we don't have time to waste!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">"After coming into the
house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and
worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of
gold, frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Don't
forget, Church, wise men STILL adore Him!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">See you Sunday,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Pastor
Tom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-55505318535025509612011-11-25T09:00:00.000-06:002011-11-25T09:00:02.423-06:00The Fraternity of One<br />
<div class="BodyBullet" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luke 17<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<br /></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>"In
everything give thanks (in EVERYTHING!); for this is God's will for you."
1 Thess 5:18</i></b><span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<br /></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If a
small child is taught to say "thank you" for a small piece of candy
received, should not grown up Christians give thanks for innumerable graces
from the Father's hand?<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<br /></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If
we could have been reporters on the scene, we can imagine everyone confessed
their gratitude. Their lives had
been transformed in a moment. They
had passed from death to life by the gracious healing of the Master. None would be so callous as to declare
they deserved healing graces. It
is quite unlikely that even one said, "It's about time!" No, being
overwhelmed by God's goodness won't typically leave one unappreciative; it's
just that <i>feeling</i> a sense of joy is a
step or two short of <i>declaring</i> one's
gratitude.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<br /></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They
were members of the fraternity in which no one wanted membership.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They
were helpless, desperate and aware.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They
were respectful. <span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They
were believing. <span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They
were healed.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They
were ecstatic.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But
nine of the ten continued dying.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<br /></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He
was a fraternity of one<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He
shared their suffering.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He
shared their desperation.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He
shared their respect.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He
shared their healing.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He
shared their joy.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He
did not share their self-preoccupation.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="BodyBullet">
<br /></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They
were members of the fraternity in which no one wanted membership. They shared all things in common; all
things, that is, except race and attitude. It was the two-time outcast, the leprous Samaritan, who
alone rushed back to bow in gratitude before the Jewish Master who had poured
out healing grace.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<br /></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Then one
of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud
voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a
Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, 'Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was
no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?' <span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<br /></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And he said to
him, 'Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.'" <br />
Luke 17:15-19<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<br /></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He
was twice the outcast. He was
formerly leprous and was continuously Samaritan, but he was grateful. He alone was COMPLETELY healed...body,
soul and spirit. He was a
fraternity of one.<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<br /></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If a
small child is taught to say "thank you" for a small piece of candy
received, should not grown up Christians give thanks for innumerable graces
from the Father's hand?<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<br /></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<br /></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy
Thanksgiving, Church!<span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<br /></div>
<div class="BodyBullet">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor
Tom</span><span style="position: relative; top: 1pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-90495007215383065672011-11-18T09:30:00.000-06:002011-11-18T09:30:04.274-06:00Follow Me<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">"The Kingdom of God does not
consist in words but in power." 1 Cor. 4:20</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">"All
hat and no cattle."</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> This is a spot-on description of
the big-talking troublemakers of First Church of Corinth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 4; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I love some of the synonym
expressions as well:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 4; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">All bark and no bite…<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 4; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">All crown and no filling…<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 4; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">All ham and no omelet…<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 4; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">All hammer and no nail…<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 4; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">All icing and no cake…<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 4; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">All shot and no powder…<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 4; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">All sizzle and no steak…<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 4; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">All wick and no candle…<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 4; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">All talk and no action…<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-top: .1pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 4; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">All show and no go…<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Full of promise and short on
execution--Paul's accurate appraisal of the troublemakers of Corinth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> "We are still in the world, yet we are to be called out,
distinct and not 'of the world.' We are to live according to the ethics of the
kingdom of God, and those ethics are in almost every way a radical departure
from the norms and values of the world. The 'Upside-Down Kingdom.' It is the
kingdom where the first will be last, where the humble will exalted, and the
mighty will be laid low. It is the kingdom where to be the greatest you must
become the least, to lead you must serve, to gain your life you must lose it. It
is the kingdom where to be filled up we must empty ourselves, where richness is
found in poverty and where the meek will inherit the earth. It is a kingdom
that calls us to turn the other cheek, to walk the extra mile, to give the
cloak as well as the coat. In this kingdom we are called to love our enemies
and hate our sin in the midst of a world that loves its sin and hates it
enemies. <b><i>It is a kingdom whose central symbol is a mark of humiliation and
defeat, and whose ethics seem to be utter foolishness</i></b>. It means placing
His kingdom at the very center of our lives…" -<i>Stewards in the Kingdom</i> by R. Scott Rodin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">But it was not so in Corinth, so
the burdened Apostle challenged them in this way, "The Kingdom of God does
not consist in words but in power." 1 Cor. 4:20<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 3; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">"All
hat and no cattle." </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">This is an idiomatic expression
describing those individuals who are full of big talk but deficient in action or
substance. Regrettably, it is an accurate assessment of the floundering
fellowship. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The point is this: A message that
has punch and power must be more than windy speaking and fancy words. It must
have within it the radically transforming dynamite of the gospel. The only
message to pack such a power is the proclamation of the Cross of Christ. For
this reason Jesus beckons, "Follow Me!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">See you Sunday, Church!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Pastor Tom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBME6h6MCP4hGsnZmjYyRZB2d97DVD7BCM7K7ZSQ9M0FrpZG1p7YWABTTEseVRSMwzSA0M8SYHXCqlRvpJ87_rDnkSUyewY4eZ5YHw4CMZroDS0LPvxiwtDdC6-ZgS57Hvn2qQOP4exvo/s1600/follow_me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBME6h6MCP4hGsnZmjYyRZB2d97DVD7BCM7K7ZSQ9M0FrpZG1p7YWABTTEseVRSMwzSA0M8SYHXCqlRvpJ87_rDnkSUyewY4eZ5YHw4CMZroDS0LPvxiwtDdC6-ZgS57Hvn2qQOP4exvo/s1600/follow_me.jpg" /></a></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-50221055448904247862011-11-11T10:00:00.000-06:002011-11-11T10:00:07.898-06:00Just Wait Till Dad Gets Home…<br />
<div class="Body1" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Corinthians 4:1-21<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He always
brought us gifts. Money was extremely limited and barely sufficient to cover
bare necessities. But after times of travel, Dad always brought each of us a
small gift to let us know he thought of us and missed us while he was gone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Therefore
do not go on passing judgment (assessing each other) before the time, but wait
until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the
darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts..." 1 Cor. 4:5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Just
wait till Dad gets home…" Those were dreaded words! My father was an itinerate
preacher and Bible conference speaker. In the days of my childhood,
communication systems were nowhere near as sophisticated as they have become
today. We lived 13 miles south of town on a residential high school campus. The
'compound' had a phone in the administrative office. If, during his travels,
Dad desired to connect with Mom, he would call the school, someone would sprint
to our house and retrieve Mom who would rush to the office to take the call. But
because calls were billed by the minute, the conversations were, at best, very
brief. The other form of communication was "snail mail." However, on
more occasions than not, the letters would arrive after Dad had departed that
area and moved on to another. Many times, Dad's letters would arrive home after
he had already returned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mom was,
on many occasions for extended periods of time, both mom AND dad in our home. She
had three boys and one girl. My Sis was kind of like the Holy Spirit in the
family, omnipresent and "perfect." My brothers were mischievous troublemakers.
Well, I confess, I contributed more than my share to the chaos. Anyway, it
seemed that no matter what trouble we were creating, my Sis would know it
before WE knew it and then Mom was informed. (See what I mean by "Holy
Spirit?") In the early days Mom was quite well equipped to make necessary
behavioral corrections even in Dad's absence. However, as we grew, Mom's sense
of influence diminished and she would more regularly resort to these
frightening words, "Just wait till Dad gets home!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="Body1">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I am
repeatedly reading chapter four of Paul's correspondence to First Church of Corinth,
he calls on them to contemplate the three realms of judgment (or assessment) to
which each must maintain awareness:<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>We are examined by others. Whether
we like it or not, the observations and subsequent opinions of others DO
matter. They can see what we cannot. They can provide invaluable insight and
guidance. But they can never truly assess motivations of the heart. Only the
spirit of a man understands the thoughts of a man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span>We are examined by self. There
must be a habit of self-reflection, a private pattern of "come to Jesus"
moments. Knowing our own thoughts and our own hidden secrets means that we must
take personal inventory if we are to be ultimately approved. That being said,
we are prejudiced. We are self-justifying. We are more in love with ourselves,
than we are loving toward others. We are self-protective and self-vindicating. We
MUST exercise self-assessment. But even WE can never truly discern, with
accuracy, our own dark recesses and our own flawed motives. <i>"For I am conscious of nothing against
myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord."</i>
1 Cor. 4:4<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span>Finally,
we are to be examined by God. He alone truly knows the darkness of our souls,
the hidden secrets of our humanness and the authenticity of our motives. His
evaluation of us is inevitable and unavoidable.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In our
family, we were skillful at observing the behaviors of each other. It was
called "tattling" and we were really experts at it! As already
stated, my Sis was very gifted at passing early judgment. Until the moment of
accountability before Mom arrived, we spent little energy in
self-assessment/judgment. She would draw us into that mode by simply asking, "What
were you thinking? Or WERE you thinking?!?" The thing that motivated
serious attitude adjustment and influence behavioral changes was the dreaded
line, "Just wait till your Dad gets home!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Therefore
do not go on passing judgment (assessing each other) before the time, but wait
until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the
darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise
will come to him from God." 1 Cor. 4:5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If only I
would have spent more time behaving myself so that my Father's return could
have been anticipated with expectation rather than dread because of correction.
"Just wait till your Dad gets home!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See you Sunday, Church!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor
Tom</span><o:p></o:p></div>Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-74150082206873612462011-11-04T10:08:00.001-05:002011-11-04T10:08:43.938-05:00Must be posted where visible from the street...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Corinthians 3:1-23<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The foundation
we are building upon, if the work is to be approved, is Christ. And the
materials we chose to build our lives upon must be prepared for the testing by
fire.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">True story. I could
not make this up! Doing a most unusual activity in my office this morning…I was
sorting the growing pile and making liberal use of "File 13," when I
opened a recently-received periodical to scan for any article of relevance or
interest. This bold print that stared me in the face:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">U.K.-based
Stramit <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">StrawBoard is reportedly<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">seeking to establish U.S. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">manufacturing for its wall<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">systems made of straw,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">such as wheat and rice.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could NOT make
that up! It comes from an article titled, <i>Building
Blocks of a Different Nature</i> by Bailey Webb. In it Webb writes, "Whether
you have a small or a large budget, the key is to have the priorities that were
established in the master planning phase guide the decisions made regarding the
selection of building materials. Church facilities and buildings need to be
looked at in their totality, always keeping in mind the overall master plan
developed at the beginning of the planning process. Just as the master plan
should reflect the vision of the church and its ministries, <b><u>the materials selected should align with
the mission and priorities established</u></b>." (Emphasis added)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love
construction. I love watching a blueprint become a skeleton, then an enclosed
shell and finally an inhabitable abode. I love the process. I find great
pleasure in studying the use of materials. But when it comes to my OWN
projects, I tend to be a "what is the least costly, most affordable,
reusable piece of scrap available. That will do, lets use that" kind of
handyman. In other words, I was well trained by my father to make use of
whatever happens to be available!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But straw? I have
been in "prairie soddies" and even in a straw house plastered over
for ascetic appeal, but a straw church? Who would even consider building a
church of straw? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, apparently
this is not a completely new 21<sup>st</sup> century concept. As Paul begins
his "turn-around" letter to the First Church of Corinth, he actually
exhorts them on the careful selection of building materials. Having reminded
them that the only acceptable foundation upon which a Church could be erected
is Jesus Christ--that is, His finished work on the Cross--he then writes, "Now
if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood,
hay, <b><i><u>straw</u></i></b>,
each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to
be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's
work." 1 Cor. 3:12-13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, we are all
familiar with the fool who built his house on the sand. We would NEVER be so
foolish as to do THAT, would we? But
building the Lord's dwelling place out of straw? Declaring His worth with the
least costly, most easily accessible resources? Going cheap on God?! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Three house
additions later and a host of upkeep projects, we are very familiar with the
yellow construction permit process. The instructions declare, "Must be
posted where visible from the street…" And we also know that the work has
not been completed until the official inspector has signed off on the
workmanship. One of the significant points of focus in the examination process
is the quality of construction materials. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The foundation
we are building upon, if the work is to be approved, is Christ. And the
materials we chose to build our lives upon must be prepared for the testing by
fire.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think I'll
take a pass on ordering the promotional packet from the <b>U.K.-based Stramit StrawBoard. </b>How about you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See
you Sunday, Church!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor Tom</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-86158995732298338872011-10-28T11:06:00.002-05:002011-10-28T11:06:48.557-05:00Best. Way. Ever.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Corinthians 2:6-16</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"...But we have the mind of Christ."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The greatest wisdom ever received may come in the form of a
simple question, <i>"So, how's that
working for you?"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wise Solomon penned it this way (so profound was this
observation, that it is included TWICE in exact wording in the 31 chapters of
collected proverbs), <i>"There is a way
which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."</i> Proverbs
14:12 and 16:25.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? But you are determined
to "reform" your behavior one more time, still believing that if you
work hard enough at it you can still get it right? <i>"So how's that working for you?"</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isolated in your own small world, refusing the risk of
connection with brothers and sisters in the Body, appearing alone at your own 'pity
party?'" <i>So how's that working for
you?"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pursuing riches and market success at the expense of your
brother or sister, thinking only of personal profit margins with complete
disregard for those injured in the process? <i>"So
how's that working for you?"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Burning through one relationship after another, still
convinced that true and lasting love can be discovered thru the no-cost,
no-commitment philosophy? <i>"So how's
that working for you?"</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Convinced that true joy and contentment is simply one
purchase away, you find yourself frantically pursuing another house, another
car, another boat, another shirt, another video game, or another…. <i> "So how's that working for you?" <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The author of the oft-repeated line, "The unexamined life
is not worth living" spoke volumes. So many of the people we care most
about seem to simply plunge forward in an uninformed pursuit of whatever they
define as abundant living, on a crash course to disaster. We are stirred to
speak into their lives. We desperately want to "fix" them. We feel
the burden of interference--in love to the glory of Jesus, of course--to
somehow stop them from inevitable disappointment and unavoidable sorrow. <i>"There is a way which seems right to a
man, but its end is the way of death."<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps YOU are the man or the woman who is frantically
grasping for "life" and contentment and meaning and satisfaction. Perhaps
YOU are on a path of inevitable disaster. Then the greatest wisdom ever
received may come in the form of a simple question: <i>"So, how's that working for you?"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"…But we have the mind of
Christ." <b>Best. Way. Ever.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See you Sunday, Church!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pastor Tom</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-993978251256858655.post-49507679298653236442011-10-21T10:00:00.000-05:002011-10-21T10:00:08.955-05:00Grace Point…Scandalous Cross<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Corinthians 2:1-5 <br /><br />Before you will effectively communicate the life-giving message of scandalous grace, you must be actively bearing your cross. <br /><br /><b>"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me." Luke 9:23 </b><br /> <br />"Of all the systematic killing factories, it was a dilapidated former army barracks near a town in southwest Poland which became the scene of the greatest mass murder in history. The camp complex built at Auschwitz witnessed the deaths of an estimated 1.1 million men, women and children. One million of the dead were Jews." <br /><br /><b>If Jesus had said, "…he must take up his Auschwitz chamber daily and follow Me…" </b><br /><br />"During the final stages of World War II, the United States conducted two atomic bombings against the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. These two events are the only use of nuclear weapons in a war to date. By executive order, the U.S. dropped the nuclear weapon "Little Boy" on the city of Hiroshima on Monday, August 6, 1945, followed by the detonation of "Fat Man" over Nagasaki on August 9. Within the first two to four months of the bombings, the acute effects killed 90,000–166,000 people in Hiroshima and 60,000–80,000 in Nagasaki, with roughly half of the deaths in each city occurring on the first day. The Hiroshima health department estimates that, of the people who died on the day of the explosion, 60% died from flash or flame burns, 30% from falling debris and 10% from other causes. During the following months, large numbers died from the effect of burns, radiation sickness, and other injuries, compounded by illness. In a U.S. estimate of the total immediate and short-term cause of death, 15–20% died from radiation sickness, 20–30% from flash burns, and 50–60% from other injuries, compounded by illness. In both cities, most of the dead were civilians." </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /> <br /><b>If Jesus had said, "…he must take up his mushroom cloud daily, and follow Me…" </b><br /> <br />The clear fall morning skies were suddenly filled with the roar of full-throttle plane engines, the sickening crunch of metal impact and the poignant aroma of airplane-fueled infernos. 3,000 souls left this life and entered eternity. <br /><br /><b>If Jesus said, "…he must take up his twisted and collapsed Towers and follow Me..." </b><br /> <br />"Crucifixion was used for slaves, pirates and enemies of the state. It was considered a most shameful and disgraceful way to die. In Roman-style crucifixion, the condemned could take up to a few days to die. The dead body was left up for vultures and other birds to consume. The goal of Roman crucifixion was not just to kill the criminal, but also to mutilate and dishonor the body of the condemned. Under ancient Roman penal practice, crucifixion was also a means of exhibiting the criminal's low social status. It was the most dishonorable death imaginable, originally reserved for slaves. The Romans often broke the prisoner's legs to hasten death and usually forbade burial. In ancient tradition, an honorable death required burial; leaving a body on the cross, so as to mutilate it and prevent its burial, was a grave dishonor." <br /><br />"The word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 1 Cor. 1:18; 2:2 <br /><br />Before you will effectively communicate the life-giving message of scandalous grace, you must be actively bearing your cross. <br /><br />See you Sunday, Church! <br /> <br />Pastor Tom</span>
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<!--EndFragment-->Dannyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867736146007863269noreply@blogger.com0