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I’ve
been struggling of late with my feelings of disappointment with
people I know who claim to be ‘Christians’, and with the
picture of Christianity the media is sending out over the world.
The media is happily showcasing the poison and hatred
‘Christians’ are exhibiting and spewing. I’m appalled that a
small congregation in Florida has decided to ‘burn the Quran,
and in the e-mail messages I receive from people I love and
respect; that are filled with hatred and half-truths, false
reports and out and out lies; political in nature. I’m sick and
tired of having well-meaning and sincere ‘Christians’ say or
imply to me that I don’t read the ‘right’ bible, believe or
even vote the ‘right’ way. I’m especially disgusted with
these people, because for the most part, they don’t bother to
look for truth before spreading false messages, and no one knows
how I vote, except me.
What is the message the most vocal and visible in the
‘Christian’ community giving the world? Is it a message of
grace, forgiveness and love, the reflection of Christ Jesus? Or is
the message a message of hatred, Nazi-like bigotry, cross burning
KKK or cool-aid drinking followers of the loudest, bible banging
‘prophet’ of hatred and vitriolic poison? We spent a decade or
longer chanting What Would Jesus Do, and wearing WWJD on our
tee-shirts, hats and wrist bands; but are we demonstrating that we
know the answer?
I’d ask all Christians to remember my two favorite bible verses.
One comes from a ‘missed’ opportunity. Jesus had the
opportunity to condemn a young woman to death (as ordered and
described in the scrolls). Instead, He scribbled in the sand,
then, gave His permission, with the admonition that the one
without any sin cast the first stone. Another illustrates anyone
can be forgiven and at any time; when the thief hanging on the
cross beside our Lord asked to be remembered when He came into His
kingdom. My favorite verses: John 8:10-11 Jesus straightened up
and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned
you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither
do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave
your life of sin." And, Luke 23:42-43 Then he said,
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be
with me in paradise."
Please pray for a
good friend and Pastor, Bill Blain. He’s in an intensive care
unit, after having been found to have a blood clot in a sinus
cavity behind an eye. This has been caused by an infection that
was going up and around his brain and into the sinus cavity (in
front of his brain). The infection was being held off, but not
cured, by an antibiotic that just wasn't quite strong enough. The
clot is being treated with medication to dissolve it and he will
be taking a strong antibiotic for another 4-6 weeks; and then
undergo tests to determine if or what further treatment is needed.
He has been in pain for at least a week. Please pray for Bill, his
wife Mary Lou and all their family. (Information per a daughter).
Yesterday I received a prayer request for someone named Katie. I
don’t know her situation or have an initial for her last name,
but God knows all about her. Johnny W’s sister is still most
likely to need a pace-maker, but must return two more times for
additional evaluation. She has faced many problems while in the
hospital and will be seeing a different doctor.
Father, I ask Your
Holy Spirit to guide, instruct and direct me to live a life that
sends a message that reflects the grace and love of Christ Jesus,
and not one of hatred, judgment or bigotry. Soothe my
disappointment and calm my frustration when I see others sending a
message that blackens Jesus’ eye. Fill me with grace and
compassion toward those with whom I am disappointed, that I may
not be judgmental, and that when I am angered, I will not sin.
Jesus overturned the tables in Your Temple, because people had
begun to misuse and mishandle the innocent faith of others. May
grace, love, truth and genuine desire to be true ‘Christ
Followers’ overturn the tables of those who misuse and mishandle
the faith of others with hatred, poison and bigotry. I am a
sinner, saved only by the grace You’ve provided. I confess my
sins and desire to turn away from them. Forgive me of my sins and
strengthen me to avoid temptation, as I forgive other sinners. I
lift these: Bill Blain & family, Katie, Rosa S & family,
Johnny W’s sister, Quinn B & family, Brock – Brandelyn
& Susan H, Joy, Kelly, Brandon, Jeff J, Diana P, Cindy &
daughter Amanda, Sandy, Becky C, Jerry P, Betty Y’s mother,
Sophia Maria D, Rob P, Larry, Tony G & wife, Mackenzie,
Kristen - Jessica & the Koster Family, Ellen & her sister
Jackie, Joanne F, Maggie, Bob M, Tyler B, Betty Y, Ginny S, Buddy
B, Lynch family, Larry C, Jesse H, Mrs. Pearson (Akron, Ohio), Jim
& Donna R, Bill & Shari (Arizona), Michael P, Patrice S,
Cheri H, Steve B. Brian, Kelsey M, Linda R, Larry B, Cathy,
Florence, Roy & Becky M, Rodney M, Tom & Marg C & John
K, David S, Roger D, Pete Z, Mitzi – Rick F & household,
John, Pat T & family, Joe D, Scott Kimes & family, John N,
Sarah (missionary), Nioka P, Sherry, Edie D, Shawn & Heidi G,
Jake J, Matt B’s mother, Breanna F, Jean S, Kaleb & his mom
Brenda M, Buddy H, Darien, Betty H, John L, Trina, Jacki, Jim R,
Trevor, Bill W, Businesses struggling, Bill D, Bill H & kids,
Joe & kids (NC), Jill L, Jessica K, Janet L, Phil B &
family, Lukas, Brad, Mike M, Missy A, Gary H, Sylvia F, Larry
C’s brothers-in-law – Joe & Don & wives Karen &
Glenna, Betsye A, Mike N, Dave W, Curt F, Naomi’s Heart Mission,
Patty B, Jan F, Jason & Kristie, Evan W, Dave H, Brenda W,
Mary A, Eldon & Deloris, Sondra F, Kevin, Judy R, Solly (for
liver), Archie S, Roger D, Michael V, Charlie M, India U, Sharon
N, Nathan R, John D, Dean S, Dustin, Dylan, Robin & husband,
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 a contrite heart and a desire to be obedient to Your will, I
pray…. Amen
Jesus straightened
up and asked her, "Woman,
where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
"No one, sir," she said. "Then
neither do I condemn you,"
Jesus declared.
"Go now and leave your life of sin."
John 8:10-11 NIV
--
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your
kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I
tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Luke 23:42-43 NIV
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