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We 'have' a mechanic we trust completely. When I take one of our cars to him, we don't worry. We're certain he is an expert, and won't overcharge or do more than is necessary. When he had to hire another to help with his workload, I was a little uncertain, till he proved to be just as trustworthy. I've done a lot of work on cars over the years and usually performed all the mechanical work as it arose. Today's cars are a little more complicated for me to diagnose, due to computerization and electronic controls and sensors, so there are areas I don't feel comfortable to work with now. One thing I've noticed in many repair shops is a sign that forbids entry beyond a certain point. One reason is for safety, another is insurance. Some shops have another sign, which reads, "Labor fees are $55 per hour; $85; if you want to help!"
I wouldn't begin to try to help 'our' mechanic, because I'm certain he is better at what he does than I am and; as I mentioned, we have complete trust in him, his work and integrity. Most of you probably have the same trust for a doctor, dentist, mechanic or plumber. You most likely wouldn't interfere with their work, by trying to help. So why do we so often think we have to help God in the business of cleansing sin or the process of salvation? Don't we trust Him? The 'church' as an institution has put so many rules, regulations and requirements on it's members (in an attempt to 'help' God), trying to make us more acceptable to Him, that it (the institutional church) hinders people from coming in submission to God.
Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” He also said, "No one comes to the father, but by me." Nowhere in this do I read, "Come, let us show you how to be clean enough, pious enough, dressed well enough and we'll burden you enough to be able to present yourself to Jesus." It just isn't in the scripture that we have to be clean first, before Jesus can wash away our sins. If we trust God, we should be disciplined enough to stand on this side of the counter and let Him turn the wrenches, wield the scalpel, drill and fill the teeth and; cleanse us of our sins. No man with a power-washer or steam-cleanser can help Him do what He's already done on Calvary! He isn't going to raise the hourly labor rates when we help, but He'd rather we just 'catch the fish', then let Him clean em'. Let's don't add burdens, let's just concentrate on 'catchin'
em'.
Pray for Amy F. Her news from the Cleveland Clinic was not good. She has only the option of medication to make her comfortable; or, to try an experimental Clinical trial which may prolong her life from non-alcohol related cirrhosis and cancer of her liver and blood. Pray for the Callahan family, especially for wife Jean and 9-year-old son Ryan who are grieving the death of Sean. Sean died peacefully in his sleep Saturday after a battle with abdominal cancer. Pray for Gary and wife Pastor Julie Carmean. Gary had a severe heart attack and extensive damage to his heart. He is very ill.
Father, as I try to catch em' and bring them to you, help me to be willing to stand on my side of the counter as You do the job of cleansing them. Keep me mindful that it's not my job, nor am I able to 'save' anyone. Stop me from burdening those I may be fortunate enough to lead to Jesus, with rules, laws and behavioral conditions. Remind me that You've already done the work, on the cross. I accept that work and submit to your cleansing and perfecting will for me. I confess I am not nor will I be perfect, but Your work in me will continue to bring me closer to where You want me to be; when I submit myself in obedience. Nothing I can do and no man-made law I try to follow can do it. Forgive my sins, as I forgive other sinners. I lift these: Amy F, Jean - Ryan Callahan family & friends, Gary & Julie Carmean, Roger C, Neal W, Paul M, Michelle S, Susie B’s brother-in-law, Pete & Sue Z, Maggie M, Ginny B, Doug F, John S, Bob F, Susan H - daughter-in-law Brandelyn - son Brock & all their family, Roy and Becky M – Becky’s mom, Nick & Jane (Canada), Mitzi F, Chris & Michelle M, David, Kenny Rice, John P, Chip C, Pastor Dave Kepple, Maxine Mayhugh, Aaron, Jack H, Larry W & family, Patty D, Tom & wife, Chris H, Mark & Ann C, Maddie, Cindy S, Katelyn S (infant) & her dad, Lucas, Sierra, Rodney Z, daughter-in-law & baby, Those going through treatments and medical procedures, Betty Y, Marie’s daughters, Marcie C, Tammy & son Alex, Rodney B & family, Betsye A, Unspoken needs, Dave & Carol A, Elizabeth S, Sarah M, Amanda, Teresa, Don & Brenda F, Ethan, Andee, Trina I, Jill & Joe Vanuch, Rick & Mary C, Julie S, A young mother’s employment search, Joanne, Norm M’s sister, Doug H, Terri G, James, John M, Katy H’s mom, Chris C, Jennifer W, Dan – Kristie Ward & family, Susie P, Chelsea M, Ellen S, John P, Alisha T, Melanie, Jeanine Dixon, Imogene, Emma Louise B, Bill D, Linda Z’s (Florida) brother Joe, pastor Dave M, Sue & Dan B, John P, Howard I, John & Gayle K, Jonathan, Bill C, Nellie M & family, Bud W (in LA), Mary Catherine H, Susie J, Alvin T, Kyle C, Cheri H, Jim L, Bill Blain, Dee S, J D, Ruth H, Kathy K, Sam & Mary P, Linda H, Diane M, Kevin S, Mike R & family, Joe & Lori D, Debbie F’s nephew Chris, Vangie B, Brenda M. Stacy F, Robin D & family, Jude B, Nancy F, Dave @ gym, Mazie W, Marion H, Jerry P, Bill & Shari (Arizona), Michael P, Patrice S, Gary H, Naomi’s Heart Mission, Dean S, Dustin, Dylan, those ending addiction or habit, our families for salvation and guidance, Those grieving, depressed, fighting or working for freedom, safety from terror, neglected, abused & missing children, God’s servants & churches, those looking for work, in rehab programs our families and all we hold dear in our hearts. With confidence and trust I pray....
Amen.
Jesus said, "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father's house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas said to Jesus, "Lord, we don't know where you are going. So how can we know the way?" Jesus answered,
"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father, too. But now you do know him, and you have seen him."
John 14:1-7 New Century Version
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