tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33667168951755737012024-03-13T03:06:08.580-07:00Homiletic DumpWelcome to Homiletic Dump . . . a place where my old sermons find new life beyond the local congregation for those who are interested.revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.comBlogger540125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-20383398316741328382023-12-17T16:10:00.000-08:002023-12-17T16:10:30.067-08:00“In The End there is a Beginning” (I Corinthians 11:23-25 & Acts 2:42-47)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyHHLp8Rio0EodouhtSjWRstdMF5yv2RS8tTj6_IChIfx02ZoOYJ1I76eNFAPjFRhThaSELeSTVxI-VQTGeMv9jtj0R0hBue6wlpmfQaATcUc92W7uKmofSxWOxSe-cixNFy414TvjxfOlWoFJ1KLUV7rfy37J7wyMnxREsFnE192LHC5KC6Psm9S/s540/360_F_436692934_VmE7pIf3qwT0CQPMbhzqT2NO4kRi1ktM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="540" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyHHLp8Rio0EodouhtSjWRstdMF5yv2RS8tTj6_IChIfx02ZoOYJ1I76eNFAPjFRhThaSELeSTVxI-VQTGeMv9jtj0R0hBue6wlpmfQaATcUc92W7uKmofSxWOxSe-cixNFy414TvjxfOlWoFJ1KLUV7rfy37J7wyMnxREsFnE192LHC5KC6Psm9S/s320/360_F_436692934_VmE7pIf3qwT0CQPMbhzqT2NO4kRi1ktM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I doubt that he was the first, but it was Bob
Dylan who sang it in the early 1960s: “The times they are a changin’ . .
.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But who heeds the words of the
prophets?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">One
of the great joys of parenthood is that eventually your children grow up and if
you are lucky, they bless you with grandchildren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone once said, “If I had known how fun
grandchildren are, I would have had them first.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you know, I love my grandchildren as Dana and
I have been blessed with a great bunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are a blast . . . and they are tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They must be because they have me as their
“Papa”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Papa is a teaser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, as the grandkids have gotten older, they
dish it out as well as they receive it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">One
grandchild in particular, Finley, holds her own with her Papa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, there are times when she gets the
best of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently she informed me
that I was no longer a “man”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nope, I
had passed beyond manhood into the realm of “old man”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is constantly telling me I am an “old
man”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, to be honest, that hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is no longer in the will . . . Christmas
from Nana and Papa is going to be pretty bleak for this one.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">But
you know what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am an “old man”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to the World Health Organization, a
person over the age of 65 is often referred to as elderly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Elderly” is just a nice way of saying
“old”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am over the age of 65 . . . I
am old!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a realization that I
continue to come to grasp with every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finley was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is back in
the will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her Christmas bonanza has been
restored.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
have to admit it . . . I am old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With my
elder status has come the recognition that at some point the world around me
has changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things are not the way they
were way back when . . . fifty years ago, thirty years ago, or even ten years
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I was attempting to survive
life, things changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paradigms
changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Politics changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Education changed. Technology has
changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Religion changed. It is like I
woke up one day, looked around, and wondered, “Where have the good ol’ days gone?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Isn’t
that it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t that what we all wonder .
. . where have the good ol’ days gone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Especially this morning as we have gathered to celebrate the last
service of worship as Joliet Christian Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We wonder . . . we wonder how we have gotten to this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I don’t know what to tell you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For weeks I have been fretting over what I
would say this morning because I could give you a myriad of reasons why we are
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And would it matter?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yesterday is gone, tomorrow isn’t here, and all we can do is deal with
today . . . deal with where we are at.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">After
more than 115 years as a congregation of the faithful in Joliet, we have
reached the end of what we once were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are here to celebrate the ministry that has occurred in this place . . . the
baptisms, weddings, and funerals . . . the potluck dinners, vacation bible
schools, bible studies, and a whole lot of coffee fellowships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are thankful for those who came before us,
who are with us . . . the joy of an embrace and laughter . . . the grief we
shared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The joyful sound of hymns
harmoniously sung.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The spontaneous
movement of the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All within the
walls made sacred by the faith we have shared in this place.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And
yes, they were the good ol’ days . . . but the Spirit is moving, constantly
moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Changing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Growing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That was then and this is now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
Bob Dylan sang, “the times they are a changin’.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our older age we see it and are coming to
realize it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though it saddens us, we
also need to acknowledge that in the end there is a beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t that the way that God works?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When one door is shut, doesn’t God leave a
window open?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t that how the Spirit
works?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">God
does not abandon us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is always with
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In what we see as an “end”, God sees
as a “beginning”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">One
of the toughest things to accept on the journey of faith is that God does not
dwell in a certain place . . . for example, this church, this building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We forget that God does not reside in a
building or a particular place no matter how swanky of a place it might be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, God is all around us . . . God is within
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God cannot be contained in a box or
a place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God surrounds us like the air
that we breathe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is everywhere and
this sanctuary is no more sacred than that room in my house where I kneel and
offer my prayers to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is all
sacred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in our awareness that we
discover the sacred where we are.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
other tough thing about faith is realizing and accepting that it is a
journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you have seen the memes
on <i>Facebook</i> called <i>Big Panda and Tiny Dragon</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are little conversations between a big
panda and tiny dragon who are on an adventure . . . a journey . . . through the
seasons and the experiences of life that they encounter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are written and drawn by British author
and artist James Norbury.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a recent
one that I saw, Big Panda and Tiny Dragon are making their way down a
path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tiny Dragon is perched on the
shoulder of the huge panda lumbering down the path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Big Panda pauses for a moment and asks,
“Which is more important, the journey or the destination?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tiny
Dragon responds, “The company.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Which
reveals the third and toughest aspect about the journey of faith . . . it is
the company that is important.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Those
are the three keys to understanding this morning and our purpose for being
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not the end . . . it is a
beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three months ago, in the last
sermon I preached in this pulpit, I said this . . . we are on a journey . . . a
never-ending journey towards the Holy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But throughout that journey there are going to be times when we come to
a fork in the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember what I
said?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, I said you pick it up . . .
just like that baseball Zen master, Yogi Berra said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You pick it up and you keep going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You do so because it is not the end . . . it
is a new beginning . . . on the journey.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And
we do it with those who are with us . . . with those we encounter along the way
. . . because, remember, it is not the destination it is the “company.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in the “company” that we discover the
Holy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some congregations they
acknowledge a great truth during the time of greeting in worship—that the Holy
is with us, always with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that
moment they turn to the people around them and greet them by saying, “The Jesus
in me acknowledges the Jesus in you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is the company that makes the difference.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
this time of ending the truth is that God does not live in temples or
sanctuaries built by human hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
God is not contained or confined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
building . . . this sanctuary . . . is a place of respite during this journey
we are on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is not the dwelling
place of God . . . God is wherever we are if we are willing to open ourselves
to God’s presence in the world around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God is around us, with us, and in us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are never alone, especially when we are loving and supportive of one
another throughout the journey.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">This
morning I have shared two scripture readings . . . one commemorates the last
meal that Jesus had with his disciples and his admonishment to receive it in
“remembrance of me”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other is a
description of the early church . . . time before they built temples or
sanctuaries . . . a time of beginning.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Let
us not forget that as we gather around the Lord’s Table that what we are
participating in is a prelude to what appears to be an ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the last meal that Jesus eats with his
disciples . . . the end is near . . . the party is over . . . and the hangover
is worse than anyone should ever have to endure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus dies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is crucified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is a pretty
big slamming of the door shut on the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Yet
is it?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Well,
we know that it is not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know that
there is a resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know that
the disciples go out and share the “good news” of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know that the movement bursts forth from
the dying embers of a fire thought to be extinguished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just didn’t happen in the way that
everyone thought it would . . . it changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They devoted themselves to the teachings, fellowship, to the breaking of
bread, and prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They cared for one
another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looked out for one
another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gathered for meals, broke
bread, and ate together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through it all
they were always praising God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there
was no “building” . . . no “church”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was just themselves and the journey that they shared together.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And
they were blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The writer of the <i>Book
of Acts</i> tells us: <b><i>“And the Lord added to their number daily those who
were being save.”</i></b> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">They
remembered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They remembered the one who
showed them the way . . . the way to live, to love, and to make the journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Holy was with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus said, <b><i>“Do this in remembrance of
me.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was not the postlude,
but the new prelude . . . the start of a new beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this church and in our homes, if we are
mindful of what we are doing, we affirm this every time we break bread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not the end . . . it is the
beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There
are no words that I can say that will take the sadness of what this morning
represents away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is what it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, I contend that it is not the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not the end because we are not alone .
. . God is with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s Spirit moves
among us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Spirit never stops moving . . . never
stops growing . . . always is beckoning us further down the journey.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thus,
it is up to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we old folks like to
do . . . we remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love to tell the
stories of how it used to be to my grandchildren, but I don’t lament missing
the good ol’ days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, I offer a
question . . . where is it that God is calling me now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What new adventure does God have for me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a lot of Montanans like to say, “The
mountains are calling, and I must go.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This morning, God is calling, and it is time for us to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And
we go with hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We go with hope during
this season of hope . . . during this season of Advent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Advent is a call to new beginnings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We go because we remember . . . it is up to
us to continue the story wherever it is that God leads us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fear not for this is not the end, it is the
beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b></b></span></p>
<p><br /> </p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-88033915476763233352023-09-17T15:53:00.000-07:002023-09-17T15:53:26.285-07:00“The Fork” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-14)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg473lLpf6QM2k0j82SDhqWNvncaRFzsTBbJVwn5uSz0e8ijxTX2tt6mQKNgW6mLXiJD39avDXpENza7WHQJvM-xCFe1IsuyNBaaFUau2R2_t_kOlN-nK-Prf89KQ9IKpQzucOR_6ratgGsQyZtnj-yS1QMUyXq0iLKldUVO-hzEldyLZ-pcSiHiBff/s402/a-fork-in-the-road-william-stei-canvas-print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="387" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg473lLpf6QM2k0j82SDhqWNvncaRFzsTBbJVwn5uSz0e8ijxTX2tt6mQKNgW6mLXiJD39avDXpENza7WHQJvM-xCFe1IsuyNBaaFUau2R2_t_kOlN-nK-Prf89KQ9IKpQzucOR_6ratgGsQyZtnj-yS1QMUyXq0iLKldUVO-hzEldyLZ-pcSiHiBff/s320/a-fork-in-the-road-william-stei-canvas-print.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
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<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">It is not often that the late, great catcher
for the New York Yankees is a spiritual master, but Yogi Berra was a great one
. . . at least for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of Yogi’s
greatest wisdom:</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“You
can observe a lot by just watching.”</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Love
is the most important thing in the world,</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">but
baseball is pretty good, too.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There’s some pretty
good wisdom in those quotes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though he
butchered the English language, he made some pretty good points for all of us to
think about.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">This is the last sermon
that I will share with all of you at Joliet Christian Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It might seem strange that I begin with
witticisms from an old baseball player.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet . . . he says what needs to be said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For example, he said this: “It ain’t over till it’s over.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And so here we
are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the finish line of my being the
pastor of Joliet Christian Church—fifteen years almost to the day . . . it is
over . . . or is it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another famous
quote of Yogi Berra was: “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Of course, if you know
your Robert Frost, you’ll know that Yogi is referring to that famous poem, <i>The
Road Less Traveled</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The poem is
about a traveler who comes upon a fork in the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On one side is the well-worn road traveled by
many; the other is a road that few travel and it is in great disrepair—weeds
and growth obscuring the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There the
traveler must decide—which way to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The way that everyone goes . . . down the well-worn road, or the road
that is in disarray and less traveled. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end the traveler chooses the “road
less traveled”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frost writes:</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I shall be telling this with a sigh</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Somewhere ages and ages hence:</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I took the one less traveled by,</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And that has made all the difference.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
guess he never pictured it like Yogi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yogi says pick it up!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so, I did on my spiritual journey many
years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked up the fork and it
has made all of the difference.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Ministry
came as an afterthought for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
elementary school I was assigned the task of writing about three things I would
want to be when I grew up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first two
were easy . . . an officer in the Air Force to follow in my father’s footsteps,
and a schoolteacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A teacher who
worked with students who had disabilities primarily because of two of my
siblings having disabilities.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
I said, the first two were easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
third one was difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wracked my
mind for hours trying to figure out something I would want to be when I grew
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, my mother suggested that I
put down the first thing that came to mind. Well, I don’t know where my
11-year-old brain was when “minister” popped up, but that is what I put down
for the teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine her surprise
when she saw that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she could see me
now at the end of 43 years of being a minister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was far from ministerial material then and some would even say now.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
picked up that fork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact it was
during my senior year of college as I was finishing up my bachelor’s degree in
Speech Pathology and being a fairly typical 20-something year old male enjoying
college life . . . maybe a little too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That was the year that the minister of my home church encouraged me to
apply for seminary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All my friends and
family thought I was crazy . . . me, a minister!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">They
probably weren’t as surprised as I was then three years later I graduated
seminary and was ordained into the ministry earning the right and privilege of
being addressed as a “reverend”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Newly
ordained the road towards ministry laid before me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again there was a fork in the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me, the irreverent reverend!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Since
then, I have served churches of all sizes, temperaments, and theologies—seven
congregations ranging in size of 150 on Sunday morning to around 20.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that time Dana and I have served
congregations we have had four children and raised them to be good people, seen
some of them get married, and been blessed with a bunch of wonderful, beautiful
grandchildren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been an adventure
. . . a trip, or as the Grateful Dead sang: “What a long, strange trip its
been.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All because I picked up that
fork! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Now
on the brink of retirement—with growing and perfecting 20/20 hindsight—I can
assuredly say that I am humbled and grateful for it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To those who are here and to those before
you, I say, thank you!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
Beatles called it a “long and winding road.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Grateful Dead called it “a long, strange trip.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robert Frost alluded to it as a choice
between two roads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Yogi Berra said,
“take it”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The writer of
Ecclesiastes—our reading for this morning—would say, “So it is . . . a time for
everything.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They would all be right.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
story of Ecclesiastes is about a person seeking the great truth about life—what
makes life worth living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The person
seeks answers like we all do—is it in great wealth and all that wealth can
provide—the good times of wine, women, and song?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it is in education—learning all there
is to learn—becoming wise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it is
family, children, and all the trappings of domestic life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But as fun as it was the person did not find what he was looking for.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">No,
it was only when he turned to God that he found satisfaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turned to that relationship—that intimate
relationship with God—that he found what he was looking for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That relationship is grounded in love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love for God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Love for one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the
goal of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is what defines a
person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the gain from the toil
of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what Jesus preached
over and over—love God—love one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is no greater goal than this for one’s life.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Looking
back, I know that the writer of Ecclesiastes is right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is a long and winding road . . . a long,
strange trip . . . filled with all sorts of forks . . . and if we are going to
truly live it to its fullest, we have to pick up the fork.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, what have I learned after 43 years of
ministry?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What stories could I share
that will impart all the wisdom I have accumulated?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Is
it the time I dropped a man in the baptistry, nearly drowning him as he panic,
flailing away, while I declared him baptized in the “name of the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit”?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Is
it the time that the elderly church organist fell asleep while I was preaching,
hitting her head on the keyboard making the pipes of the organ squawk?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Maybe
it was the time I did a children’s sermon and one little tyke decided to share
that his father had stayed home that morning to drink beer and watch football
much to the embarrassment of his mother.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Possibly
it was the time I told a joke during the sermon and ten minutes later a member
of the choir started laughing, interrupting the sermon, because he finally
understood the joke.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Could
it be the funeral procession that got lost going to the cemetery, drove all
around the town in a long line, and finally having to pull into a gas station
to get directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yes, the funeral
director was a male.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or the time I
accidentally locked the hearse at the cemetery before we had gotten the coffin
out for the graveside service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone
had to drive back to town to get the keys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was never allowed to touch anything in the hearse again.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Maybe
the time when one of the ladies of the Christian Women’s Fellowship approached
me at a funeral dinner to let me know that the “barn door” was open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she left me wondering if I had done the
whole funeral with my pants zipper down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It did feel breezy and might explain why the congregation was smiling
throughout the service.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Needless
to say, there was much I learned on my ministerial journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some was painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some eye-opening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sone quite humorous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of it lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Central to it all was the same fundamental
foundation of faith—relationships built on love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Love of others.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Constantly
through my journey of ministry I was and will continue to be reminded of this
fundamental truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is relationships
that matter . . . relationships that gets the job done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a fundamental truth we have known
since kindergarten . . . at least according to Unitarian minister and author
Robert Fulghum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fulghum writes: “When
you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Hold
hands and stick together.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">It
all comes down to relationships—with God and others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the great truth I have learned from
43 years of ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Loving God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Loving others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the
greatest commandment according to Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It all boils down to that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
spent his lifetime preaching, teaching, and living that truth to show us the
way.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
some shape or form we have all spent our lifetimes searching for that which is
the truth of what it means to live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are no different than the writer of Ecclesiastes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And like the writer, the older we get, the
clearer that truth and meaning is revealed to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In time it all comes down to love.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">That’s
the big secret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Known, but unknown to
all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The life and purpose of a
Christian . . . of a follower of Jesus . . . is to love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plain and simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything we do . . . everything that we say
. . . is to be based on love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love is
the key.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the key to the Kingdom of
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus told us this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus showed us this.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Unfortunately,
we live in a world that does not love itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just look at it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does this world
look as if it loves . . . loves itself . . . loves others?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a long way to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A long and winding road . . . a long, strange
trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there is a fork in the road.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
choice is ours.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
would urge us all to pick up the fork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Choose the way of love, for it is truly the only way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Start with yourself—love yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you cannot love yourself, you can never
love another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work on that relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love others because you are loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love will change us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love will change the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You do realize that our sacred book, the <i>Bible</i>,
is a love story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, our lives should
be too.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So
that’s it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those are the great truths I
have to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though I am retiring from
the active ministry, my journey does not end here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, the journey continues down that winding
road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It continues to the day I
die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does for all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, it is that I will continue to strive to
love as Jesus loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will pick up the
forks I come upon on my journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I
urge you to also do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t be afraid
to love and go forth into the world looking both ways, holding hands, and
sticking together.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
Bob Hope used to sing at the end of his shows: “Thanks for the memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awfully glad I met you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cheerio and toodle-oo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you so much.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the writer
of Ecclesiastes writes:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There is a time for everything,</span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And a season for everything . . . </span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I know that everything God does will endure
forever,</span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Nothing can be added to it and nothing taken
away from it.</span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">God does it so people will fear him.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Love.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
journey continues . . . may we all embrace it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you all for the love and support, the good and the bad, the happy
and the sad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for 15 years . .
. it has made a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blessings to
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span></p>
<p><br /> </p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-23142716379042130752023-09-10T15:58:00.000-07:002023-09-10T15:58:51.567-07:00“Wake Up” (Romans 13:8-14)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAV72h_0aU9ShVaCAN3py19LOvVnTmytBXDmWAgpXX8qkxKSGErL4FbEy3Smj9QFiPcF_xF2HRbjGfe5IcV7wBRnaeVY8luiWihdXglNZz--DRXbNq1mcdSwa5MTatuzh2_vCRqR_XtNEx3WS0OIFJsTq9s3at02qmZUKlzTog49AsD1R5deUGMRW/s1500/GettyImages-920554794-a14221688c4b44da9e363797ecc87650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAV72h_0aU9ShVaCAN3py19LOvVnTmytBXDmWAgpXX8qkxKSGErL4FbEy3Smj9QFiPcF_xF2HRbjGfe5IcV7wBRnaeVY8luiWihdXglNZz--DRXbNq1mcdSwa5MTatuzh2_vCRqR_XtNEx3WS0OIFJsTq9s3at02qmZUKlzTog49AsD1R5deUGMRW/s320/GettyImages-920554794-a14221688c4b44da9e363797ecc87650.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And the sign said
“Long-haired freaky people</span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">need not apply”</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So I tucked my hair up under my hat</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And I went in to ask him why</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">He said “You look like a fine upstanding young
man</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I think you’ll do”</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So I took off my hat, I said “Imagine that</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Huh! Me workin’ for you!”</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sign, sign, everywhere a sign</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Blockin’ out the scenery</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Breakin’ my mind</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Do this, don’t do that</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Can’t you read the sign?</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Recognize
the song?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Signs</i> was a hit in 1971
by the Canadian rock group, Five Man Electrical Band.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was their greatest hit as a band that many
would consider to be a “one hit wonder”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Coming out in the turbulent 1970s, the song sort of summarized what that
generation felt was taking place across the nation and world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You remember the 70s . . . the Viet Nam War,
the hippie movement, civil rights, Watergate, President Nixon resigning the
presidency, the Cold War—they were anxious and turbulent times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of tension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The song points out this tension.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There
have always been “signs”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
Gospels, Jesus speaks a lot about signs . . . there are always “signs” for
every generation says Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember
this one from the <i>Gospel of Luke</i>, chapter 21, verses 25 through 28: <b><i>“There
will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in
anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint
from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly
bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a
cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand
up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”</i></b></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sign, sign, everywhere a sign</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We
live in anxious times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live in tense
times . . . divisive times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prophets
cry out that “the end is near”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
wave their “signs” and point to the evidence found in the world we live
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I imagine all of us have at one time
or another thought that the end is coming over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We look around and we see the “signs” or at
least we should <i>see</i> the “signs”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are all around us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
the Apostle Paul continues his discourse in his letter to the congregation in
Rome, his hope is that they see the “signs” around them and if not . . . well,
then, they need to wake up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><i>“The
hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber because our
salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The night is nearly over; the day is almost
here.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul is telling the
congregation that it is time to wake up and get down to business . . . get down
to the business of kingdom building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
time has come . . . get to work!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">One
of the most difficult challenges that the “church” and faithful have always
faced is that of complacency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too often
the “church” and the faithful become complacent because we have already
accomplished the goal . . . we have been baptized, secured God’s grace, hit the
jackpot, reserved our place in the kingdom, have the golden insurance
policy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have it made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What more is needed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we forget that simply because we are
baptized—that we are saved, that the work is not done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can’t take it easy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is lots to be done.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So,
wake up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is still lots to be done.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Which
brings up another struggle for the “church” and the faithful . . .
urgency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That loss of urgency may be
because of complacency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we read of
the start of the “church” one of the foundational components of was its sense
of urgency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the words of Jesus and
the “signs” around them they truly believed that they were on a deadline to get
business done . . . the end was near.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thus, there was a sense of urgency in all that the early church and
faithful went about doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we have
lost that.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
“signs” have always been there . . . always around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet we have no urgency in our faith . . . no
urgency in our churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it because
that which the “signs” have always pointed to has not happened?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that why there is complacency?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, it doesn’t matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus told his followers to stay awake . . .
to be alert . . . to be prepared . . . because it could happen at any
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus said, <b><i>“But about that
day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only
the Father.”</i></b> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">(Matthew
24:36, NIV)</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
it was then, so it is today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul’s
admonishment to “wake up” echoes across the generations of the faithful . . .
yesterday, today, and tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wake up
and get to work.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Maybe
this has happened to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Friday
morning I was deep into LaLa Land . . . I was sawing logs with the best of them
when the alarm went off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, I
thought it was a part of my dream . . . a pleasant noise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I ignored it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second time it went off . . . well, I
realized that it was not a dream and I literally jump straight up out of bed in
a panic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friday was a busy day for me as
I had a whole lot of stuff that I needed to get done . . . important
stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite my grogginess I willed my
body to get moving thanks to the awareness of what I needed to get done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, boy, did that bed feel good . . . </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
apostle is attempting to wake up the groggy congregation . . . attempting to
wake us all up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants the
faithful—the followers of Jesus—to wake up and get to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the “work” that he wants everyone to
get to?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well . . . the business of
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul wants everyone to open our
eyes, ears, minds, souls and every other part of our identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To become aware of the world around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To recognize the signs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To do something and that something is
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To practice the kind of love that
Jesus modeled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A love of acceptance . .
. a grace-full love . . . a love that builds and does not tear down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Jesus said, this is number one—love.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So
. . . wake up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is still time and
much to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With God all things are
possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, wake up! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Now
whether you agree or not with how I understand the Apostle Paul’s words this
morning, one thing we can appreciate is that it is always good to be
reminded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reminded not to put off what
we can do and accomplish today because you never know, tomorrow might be too
late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love is what we are called to do
and be about as the followers of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paul tells us this morning: <b><i>“Let no debt remain outstanding,
except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has
fulfilled the law. The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You
shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and whatever
other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your
neighbor as yourself.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love does no harm
to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And do this, understanding the present time .
. .”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
time is now . . . </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sign, sign, everywhere a sign</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Blockin’ out the scenery</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Breakin’ my mind</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Do this, don’t do that</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Can’t you read the sign?</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
time has come . . . wake up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span></p>
<p><br /> </p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-87192155832066903822023-09-03T15:49:00.005-07:002023-09-03T15:49:52.962-07:00“Contrary” (Romans 12:9-21)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyc_fPGA8PwzasxSNgj8TEwF2j7Gud2TNnE3N4XR3CPCXVrdjuil5ly2dvi36jlZln7teu9IcMe6w38at-Ykxzj7J01NTxqiS621-Nvoa8QYQ8FPhE1g_9jJh_GfRKIyw5IFPpPIPnEq4qKqJn3KdGjJBMXwOKX0epivaiUHtL0dTm5lDplZG8q5k/s357/main-qimg-d236ea6018ab7724d470c75248cd794f-lq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="357" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyc_fPGA8PwzasxSNgj8TEwF2j7Gud2TNnE3N4XR3CPCXVrdjuil5ly2dvi36jlZln7teu9IcMe6w38at-Ykxzj7J01NTxqiS621-Nvoa8QYQ8FPhE1g_9jJh_GfRKIyw5IFPpPIPnEq4qKqJn3KdGjJBMXwOKX0epivaiUHtL0dTm5lDplZG8q5k/s320/main-qimg-d236ea6018ab7724d470c75248cd794f-lq.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
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<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">One of my favorite movies is <i>Little Big Man</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the movie Dustin Hoffman plays Jack Crabb
who is 121 years old and on his last legs of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He receives a visitor at the nursing home who
is a collector of oral histories who has come to ask him about his past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jack Crabb has lived an adventurous and
lively life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story is done in
flashbacks . . . from being captured and raised by Native Americans, becoming a
gunslinger, marrying an Native American bride, watching her killed by General
Armstrong Custer, becoming a scout for him at Little Big Horn, and then
surviving the battle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good chunk of
the movie was filmed in Montana on the Crow reservation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
one part of the movie, upon returning to the tribe and before marrying his
Native American bride, he is reunited with several of his childhood friends
from his earliest days with the tribe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One is Younger Bear, who Jack Crabb saved from death as a boy, who has
become a “contrary”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some Native
American cultures—particularly the Plains Indians—a “contrary is a person who
adopts behavior that is deliberately the opposite of other tribal members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within these cultures they play an important
role, especially in certain tribal ceremonies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These individuals do the opposite of what everyone else does.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
contrary’s words mean the opposite of what is spoken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If “hello” is spoken it means “goodbye”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes means no, no means yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When bathing the contrary uses dirt to wash
and water to dry off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A contrary rides
backwards on a horse and when approaching others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Jack Crabb says, “They do everything
backwards.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They do the reverse of what
everyone else does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the meaning
of the word . . . opposite in nature, direction, or meaning.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">It
would be tough to live one’s life contrary to everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you ever played the game “opposites” with
your children or grandchildren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a
game in which everything is done in the opposite manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The simplest version of this game is when a
child declares that “yes” means “no” and “no” means “yes”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The goal is to get he parent to agree on
something that the child wants, and the parent does not want the child to
have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a game I am certain we
have all played before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In a continuation of
the Apostle Paul’s letter to the congregation in Rome, Paul calls for the
people to be “contrary”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He calls them
to act the opposite of the way that the world acts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tells the people to be contrary to the
world’s ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where the world hates its
enemies, Paul calls for the Romans to love their enemies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where the enemy has struck another, do not
hit back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where there is hunger—feed
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where there is conflict and
war—seek peace and justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Echoing the
words of Jesus, Paul calls for the people to be “not of this world”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asks them to be “contraries”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul tells the people to:</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Love
with sincerity</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Hate
what is evil</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Cling
to what is good</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Honor
others better than yourself</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Be
zealous and joyful in the faith</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Practice
hospitality</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Bless
those who persecute—no “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” actions</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Do
what is right</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Speak
truthfully</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Do
the opposite of the world . . . in fact, he tells them “on the contrary”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In this day and age, everything that Paul calls
the congregation to is quite the opposite of what is really happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems as if humanity speaks one thing and
does another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actions betray words. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All we have to do is to watch the evening news
. . . read the daily paper . . . listen to the radio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a “dog eat dog” world . . . everyone
and every group for themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is
the way of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I imagine all of
you could give examples of what I am talking about. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And it is acceptable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is embraced. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">To this Paul calls upon those who follow Jesus
to do the opposite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be a
“contrary”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus was a contrary and that
is what got him killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even he warns
those who follow him that it can be deadly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At the same time, it is the only thing that is going to change the world
. . . the only thing that will bring about God’s kingdom.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I do not think that we must act like the
“contrary” in the movie <i>Little Big Man</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nor do I think that we must play some sort of “opposites” game that
children like to play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I do think
that we need to take serious the words and invitation that the apostle issues .
. . to be a “contrary” . . . to be the opposite of the world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">How
scary is that?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Only the toughest survive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weak are destroyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who wants to be picked on?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is difficult enough without creating a
row with everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you listened
to the words that the Apostle Paul spoke in our reading this morning, was there
anything that you disagreed with?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Anything that made you step back and think to yourself, “wait a
minute”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully it shouldn’t have
because the litany Paul shared was what Jesus taught, preached, and lived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is what Jesus called his followers
to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is what we profess to be about as
his followers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus knew that it went
against the way that the world acted . . . and he knew it would meet
resistance.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Resistance from the world and those in power because
they would no longer be the powerful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They would no longer be in control.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Resistance among those who heard because it
would challenge them in what they had been taught about the world, about
people, and what it meant to be successful and acceptable in a world that is
based on the survival of the fittest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Resistance because it just went against everything that seemed or seems
important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one wants to be a wimp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is difficult to swim against the flow.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">For Jesus that is the way.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">For Paul, that is the way.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">To be contrary . . . to be the opposite of what
the world believes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To live up to—not
what we believe, but what Jesus believes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately it means going against the flow more often than not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means setting aside the ways of the world
and embracing the radical love of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is what it is . . . radical . . . this love that Jesus speaks
about, lives, and calls us to embrace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It ain’t easy being a contrary but if you follow Jesus that is what
makes all the difference.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We are called to live a life of faith that is
contrary to what the world believes that faith should be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It ain’t easy, but that is what Jesus expects
whether or not it is being contrary to what the world thinks or believes . . .
or others think or believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus was a
“contrary” and so must we be in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amen.</span></p>
<p> </p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-10925253306210979842023-08-27T16:23:00.004-07:002023-08-27T16:23:39.289-07:00“Imagine” (Romans 12:1-8)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vTFCtLtvfzHDHArZDilbn5dbw272GcN4_NKIf1McJRMCqZ0RPB-bKyH6bk8Tj0XLl3r5uQ6jpboFnHMgineRbEM-0RAu6-0Hh3-VdrzvRL0PnC1Nd8uJI2PM1o5sq3QdARPZterVVB40fQA8Zz7HgJe2v5JgUX1aUlxTeHK3BGxi1xByQNLWGnGA/s1600/imagine-finished-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vTFCtLtvfzHDHArZDilbn5dbw272GcN4_NKIf1McJRMCqZ0RPB-bKyH6bk8Tj0XLl3r5uQ6jpboFnHMgineRbEM-0RAu6-0Hh3-VdrzvRL0PnC1Nd8uJI2PM1o5sq3QdARPZterVVB40fQA8Zz7HgJe2v5JgUX1aUlxTeHK3BGxi1xByQNLWGnGA/s320/imagine-finished-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus had a dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus dreamed of God’s kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he spoke to the masses, he would tell
them to “imagine” . . . imagine what could be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It would be a place that is ruled by love and grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A place where all would be the children of
God . . . siblings . . . loved and accepted for who God created them to
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A place of peace and justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A place of plenty and no one ever went hungry
or naked or left out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There would be no
more war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more division and
separation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more prejudice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more hatred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A place that Jesus often referred to as being
out of this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told Pilate, <b><i>“My
kingdom is not of this world.”</i></b> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">(John 18:36)</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A place
we would call heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To this Jesus
asked those who would listen to “imagine”.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">From
those in power Jesus was called a dreamer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
1971, John Lennon released his greatest hit as a singer . . . <i>Imagine</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This song is considered by many to be one of
the most performed songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Rolling Stone</i>
magazine ranks it as the number three song of the “500 greatest songs of all
time”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over 200 artists have recorded or
covered this song, including such stars as Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Joan Baez,
Lady Gag, Elton John, and Diana Ross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was used as the theme song of two Olympics—the 2012 summer games and the 2022 winter
games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a song loved by many. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
lyrics asked the listener to imagine a new world . . . a world of peace, no
materialism, no borders, justice, no hunger . . . a world where people live
together as one family . . . caring for one another . . . building up and not
tearing down . . . a place <i>“where the world will be as one”</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A place that sounds a whole lot like the
Kingdom of God that Jesus was asking people to imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Lennon knew what the response of the
world would be . . . or at least those who were in power . . . and he acknowledges
it in the lyrics: <i>“You may say I am a dreamer.”</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Lennon
also knew that he was not alone . . . that there were others who dreamed and
imagined as he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, he encouraged
others to come and dream . . . come and imagine what could be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did just as Jesus did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He issued the invitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“You may say that I’m a dreamer, but I’m
not the only one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope someday you’ll
join us, and the world will be as one.”</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
you know, it is tough to go against the flow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus knew this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lennon knew
this. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So did the Apostle Paul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The invitation is to establish God’s kingdom
. . . to bring about God’s new creation . . . to be as God desires us to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One family . . . God’s family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such a dream, such imagining is not of this
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, the apostle is telling
those in the congregation in Rome . . . to dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And to realize that this will go against the world and what the world
wants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The apostle tells the people: <b><i>“Do
not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his
good, pleasing and perfect will.”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Conformity
is the act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms,
politics or being like-minded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
being like each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as we
seem to attempt to be different and unique in our society, the more we are
alike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always seems to have been that
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are homogeneous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Birds of a feather flock together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We work hard to be like one another . . . to
fit in . . . to be one of the gang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
want to be like everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is
the “American” way.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We
are of the world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Folk
singer/songwriter Malvina Reynolds wrote a song in 1962 called <i>Little Boxes</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is song about the American idea of
conformity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lyrics are:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Little boxes on the hillside,</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Little boxes made of ticky tacky,</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Little boxes on the hillside,</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Little boxes all the same.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There's a green one and a pink one</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And a blue one and a yellow one,</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And they're all made out of ticky tacky</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And they all look just the same.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And the people in the houses</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">All went to the university,</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Where they were put in boxes</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And they came out all the same,</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And there's doctors and lawyers,</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And business executives,</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And they're all made out of ticky tacky</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And they all look just the same.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And they all play on the golf course</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And drink their martinis dry,</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And they all have pretty children</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And the children go to school,</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And the children go to summer camp</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And then to the university,</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Where they are put in boxes</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And they come out all the same.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And the boys go into business</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And marry and raise a family</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In boxes made of ticky tacky</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And they all look just the same.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There's a green one and a pink one</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And a blue one and a yellow one,</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And they're all made out of ticky tacky</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And they all look just the same.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">That’s
what it means to belong . . . conformity to the status quo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when we think about it isn’t that the
truth?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">To
which Jesus challenges us to consider the alternative . . . God’s kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Challenges us to imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Challenges us to dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To not be of this world, but to be of God’s
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Apostle Paul reiterates that
same message to the people of the Roman church . . . <b><i>“Do not conform to
the pattern of this world.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, says the apostle: <b><i>” . . . be transformed”</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be transformed so that God’s kingdom can be
reborn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, says the apostle, none
of us is the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God created each of
us as individuals . . . unique and special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Despite the diversity of who we are and what we bring to the table,
together we can become one . . . one family and one Kingdom under a common love
for God and one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together—like
pieces of a puzzle—we see the end product when we allow our common unity to
come together to get the job done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
put our pieces together to reach our goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We transform the world one step at a time to the reality of God’s
kingdom in this time and place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Though
we are different we have a “common unity” . . . that “common unity” makes us a
community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only together the task can be
achieved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember the Margaret Mead
quote I shared a few weeks ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
said, <i>“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus
tells us to “imagine.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
Apostle Paul, similarly, call us to “imagine.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">John
Lennon tells us to imagine.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Imagine
what could be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The world that Jesus
calls us to be is not of this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let
us not sell ourselves short as the followers of Jesus . . . children of God . .
. created in the image of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God deems
it good this kingdom we are called to create.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let us not be insulted if the world around us calls us “dreamers” for we
are “dreamers”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are like the one who
leads us . . . the one who walks with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are not the only ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like
Jesus, let us invite others to join us and realize the dream that someday we
can live as one . . . the Kingdom of God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span></p>
<p> </p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-57867438208799060212023-08-20T18:36:00.002-07:002023-08-20T18:36:24.694-07:00“Even Dogs” (Matthew 15:10-28)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjdh56TYnmm9og8U-fAu3jWSMvhK5YHp2o4e1uTHNQlP6C0U_zIOIisFwV3IM-0Hf8Yev8P-BLbihT-qOWFvf3mhSnUllJhcobq7ZiqAGvwxnzF5wqUBF6A5vmb7fFC_e7xTtO0dV8vBBx6A-YYAIFJZ8o5TPzq3xHDnJjFLC__xlD0vHYivto2zd/s2120/table-scraps-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="2120" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjdh56TYnmm9og8U-fAu3jWSMvhK5YHp2o4e1uTHNQlP6C0U_zIOIisFwV3IM-0Hf8Yev8P-BLbihT-qOWFvf3mhSnUllJhcobq7ZiqAGvwxnzF5wqUBF6A5vmb7fFC_e7xTtO0dV8vBBx6A-YYAIFJZ8o5TPzq3xHDnJjFLC__xlD0vHYivto2zd/s320/table-scraps-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
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<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Groucho Marx was a wonderful humorist with a
lot of great one-liners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my
favorite Groucho Marx lines comes from a time in his life when his friends
insisted that he join the exclusive Friars Club . . . so he did, but he never
participated in the club or its activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After a year Groucho sent a letter of resignation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the letter he stated, “I don’t want to
belong to any club that would accept me as one of its members.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From there it became a comic gem.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Our
scripture reading this morning begins with Jesus telling a gathered crowd to <b><i>“listen
and understand.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then
proceeds to tell the crowd that <i>words matter</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What comes out of one’s mouth matters because
they reveal intentions, feelings, and the state of one’s heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus says, <b><i>“But the things that come
out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of
the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false
testimony, slander. These are what defile a person . . .”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Now
the whole basis of this little lecture comes as a response to an argument about
dietary practices . . . basically about what is acceptable to eat and what is
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such a debate is trivial as far as
Jesus is concerned . . . a waste of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What is more important are the words that come from one’s mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><i>“These are what defile a person; but
eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b>Words have meaning . . . words have
power . . . words express attitude and beliefs.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
find it interesting that this incident takes place right before Jesus has
little confrontation with a Canaanite woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Having set the parameters of the importance of words, Jesus withdrew to
the region of Tyre and Sidon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There he
encounters a Canaanite woman crying out to him to heal her daughter who is
possessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus ignores her pleas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His disciples tells him to send her on her
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, he speaks with bluntness
to the woman: <b><i>“I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Of
course, the woman is Canaanite . . . not of the Israelites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the words he speaks are received harshly
by the woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She pleads with Jesus to
help her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is even more blunt with
his words: <b><i>“It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to
the dogs.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b>Stunned, the woman
does not argue, but instead she replies: <b><i>“Even the dogs eat the crumbs
that fall from their master’s table.”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Even
dogs . . . </span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Do
you remember the prelude to this story?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remember how Jesus spoke of the power of words . . . how the words that
came from one’s mouth could defile?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
the woman’s retort, Jesus is confronted with his own words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is remised of the words he has spoken to
this woman . . . the harshness of the words, the dismissal of their meaning . .
. all so different than what he was preaching and teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They lacked the grace and love he so sorely
wanted his followers to be about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
stood up in his tracks and he recognized his need for remission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus proclaimed to the woman and those who
were present: <b><i>“Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Instantly
the woman’s daughter was healed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Words
are powerful and great care should be taken in how they are used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this story we see the human side of
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Confronted by someone outside of
the religious standards of the Jews, Jesus is practically flippant in his
dismissal of the woman and her request.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She is not “one of us”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She does
not belong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is not worthy of the
master’s time and effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is why
the disciples ask that she be sent on her way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And Jesus falls into that trap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In no uncertain terms that is what Jesus proclaims.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His words cut to the bone . . . blunt and
cutting to the point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The woman does not
belong.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">But
doesn’t that go against everything Jesus taught and preached?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doesn’t that go against the miracles that he
performed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doesn’t that go against his
message of loving God and loving others?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sure, it does!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he gets it
when the woman challenges him about <b><i>“even the dogs eat the crumbs that
fall from their master’s table.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus is confronted with the words that he preaches and teaches by the
words he had just spoken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s grace
and love is for all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not only for
a certain group.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
his confrontation at the start of the story . . . the one about the teachings
of the Pharisees about what is acceptable to eat and what is not acceptable . .
. Jesus goes against the popular understanding of the religious who are in
control and power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tells them that
they are wrong, but more importantly he confronts their willingness to spew out
hatred in the words that they speak to defend their religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are divisive words . . . words meant to
divide, separate, and exclude others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
warns them that they should watch out for what they are saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus’ words were not meant to separate and
exclude, but to bring in and include.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Even
dogs . . . </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We
are living in a time that as the followers of Jesus we need to conscious and
aware of the words that we speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are
the words we speak words of love . . . are they words of grace?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are the words we speak inviting and inclusive
bringing others in, or are the words we speaking separating, dividing, and
excluding others?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should watch what
we are saying because others are watching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remember . . . words are powerful, and we should be careful in how we
use them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can hurt, that can
separate, and they can destroy—even kill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thus, the warning from Jesus in our reading this morning.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Words
are powerful . . . they convey meaning, purpose, and beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They let people know where we stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People judge us by the words we speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone once said, “It is hard to convince
people that a God they can’t see loves them, when a church they can see doesn’t
seem to like them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask the Canaanite
woman . . . words are powerful.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
our reading this morning we witnessed a powerful lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Words are powerful and because they are
powerful, we should use them wisely and carefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially when it comes to our faith and
sharing our faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us say what we
mean and mean what we say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us hear
the prayer of the psalmist who proclaims: <b><i>“Let the words of my mouth, and
the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in they sight, O Lord, my strength,
and my redeemer.”</i></b> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">(Psalm 19:14, KJV)</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May
that be our prayer too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span></p>
<p><br /> </p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-4451896825081986912023-08-20T18:16:00.002-07:002023-08-20T18:16:36.574-07:00“Keep Your Eyes on the Rocks” (Matthew 14:22-33)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqovVAA3N-5Tqs4FfdQT-hhGgsgi7QpzrCLZbOIsPp5Ql3AeOw7rF3AdVUEtAmiSm5U0X8hSY6D50_0mkTT39vux1J4l9b9u6XTUIXDqNp9UQwoBdI4RY8ryqjsKhepeK2rNtXsF_ewpieFm2xhLEugWRWWnqAACz0C0xUKUPcq-Mi0-mfK-IYn4UJ/s688/Screenshot%202023-08-06%20171450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="688" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqovVAA3N-5Tqs4FfdQT-hhGgsgi7QpzrCLZbOIsPp5Ql3AeOw7rF3AdVUEtAmiSm5U0X8hSY6D50_0mkTT39vux1J4l9b9u6XTUIXDqNp9UQwoBdI4RY8ryqjsKhepeK2rNtXsF_ewpieFm2xhLEugWRWWnqAACz0C0xUKUPcq-Mi0-mfK-IYn4UJ/s320/Screenshot%202023-08-06%20171450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Well, the local Baptist church had been without
a minister for some time when they finally called a pastor to serve the
congregation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day the newly acquired
pastor was in his office unpacking his boxes when there was a knock on the
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He opened it up and there stood
two men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two men introduced
themselves as two of the local clergy . . . one was the town priest at the
Catholic Church and the other was the Lutheran pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they were talking it was discovered that
they all loved fishing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the two men
invited the Baptist pastor to go fishing with them the following Saturday.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Saturday
arrived and the two swung by the Baptist preacher’s house and picked him
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After driving for a while, they
arrived at a beautiful lake with a nice cove to fish in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two hosts got out and grabbed their
tackle and headed over to the boat, telling the Baptist preacher to come
along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once they got all of their gear
on the boat they pushed off and went a little ways into the cove.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They began fishing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Pretty
soon the priest stood up and said he forgot his thermos of coffee back in the
car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told them he was going to go
back and get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he stepped over
the side of the boat and began walking across the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Baptist minister was amazed at what he
was witnessing . . . a person actually walking on water!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was in awe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The priest meanwhile stepped out of the lake,
got his coffee, and walked back to the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Baptist couldn’t believe it and just sat there staring.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Another
hour went by and suddenly the Lutheran pastor stood up and announced that he
was feeling a little chilly and he was going to go back to the car and get a
coat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stepped over the side of the
boat and began walking across the lake towards the shore and the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, the Baptist minister couldn’t believe
what he was seeing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
awestruck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amazed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the Lutheran got his coat and skedaddled
back to the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Baptist preacher
just couldn’t believe his eyes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">For
the next hour he sat there contemplating what he had seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely these two had faith, they could walk
on water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, if they could do it
surely he could do it . . . after all, Baptists have faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shoot they have more faith than anyone
else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If those two guys could do it surely,
he could too! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He decided he was going to
show them all that he could do it too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If a Catholic and a Lutheran could do it . . . a Baptist could easily do
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baptists have faith! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
Baptist pastor stood up and announced that he had forgotten his lunch and that he
was going to go back to the car and get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He stepped to the edge of the boat . . . lifted one leg over the side,
then the other . . . and like a rock he sunk to the bottom of the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon he was splashing and climbing back in
the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other two ministers just
watched.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Of
course, the Baptist was going to let the Catholics and Lutherans show him
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, he did it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, he sunk to the bottom of the
lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other two just watched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repeatedly the Baptist pastor attempted to
walk on the water to the point he was nearly drowning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was determined that anything the other two
could do, he could do.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Finally,
the Catholic priest looked over at the Lutheran pastor and said, “You think
that we might want to tell him where the rocks are?”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Long
ago when I was a child learning how to shoot a gun, my father and others would
always remind me to “keep my eyes on the target”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the case of this Baptist minister, it is a
matter of keeping your eyes on the rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Isn’t that the lesson we are being told this morning with Peter’s
attempt at walking on the water like Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peter took his eyes off the target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peter quit looking at the rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything was fine and dandy until he took his eyes off of his
objective—which was Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as he
got a little confident and cocky, he took his eyes off that which he was
heading towards—Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The result is
that he sunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t that a lesson that
we all need to learn?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus
asks us to “stay the course” on our journeys of faith . . . to follow him . . .
to be like him . . . to keep our eyes on the target, on the rocks, on the final
objective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The final objective is to
build and realize God’s kingdom built up loving God and one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we can do that, we can do anything . . . even
walk on water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sounds so easy, yet we
live in times in which we are easily distracted . . . easily pull in other
directions . . . easily led down bunny trails that pull us away from our
journey of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We allow other things
to get in the way of our faith, our journeys, and building the Kingdom of
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the “human” way.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus
tells us that the kingdom can come if we focus on kingdom building . . . focus
on loving God and one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In W.P.
Kinsella’s novella, <i>Shoeless Joe</i>, that became the movie <i>The Field of
Dreams</i>, the main character keeps hearing a voice telling him, “If you build
it, they will come.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is it that the
character is supposed to build?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
baseball field in the middle of his corn fields out in the middle of nowhere in
Iowa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the main character he does not
lose sight of his objective and doggedly go about plowing under his cornfields
to make the baseball field much to the dismay of his family and friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They attempt to talk sense to him . . . that
is money in the bank he’s losing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
makes you look crazy to the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Over and over, they argue in hope that he will come to his senses and do
what they think is the right thing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Well,
if you have seen the movie, you know how it ends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people come . . . they come from all over
to see this field in a corn field in the middle of nowhere Iowa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This guy keeps his eyes on the rocks . . .
his eye on his target and objective no matter what.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">That
is not easy to do.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Distractions
come from all directions in our lives when it comes to our faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of things make us take our eyes off
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be the pull of the culture
or society that we live in when the mores of that community become more
important than the witness and teachings of Jesus to love God and one
another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be groups and
organizations we belong to where we find affirmation, acceptance, and place
where we belong knowing that the loyalty is not with Jesus but the group or
organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be the causes that
we embrace . . . the politics we follow . . . and even our own families and
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did Jesus not warn his
followers of this?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">They
all have the potential to pull us away from Jesus and his vision of the
Kingdom’s reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They distract us making us take our eyes off
the target, off of the rocks, off of our objective which is Jesus, his witness,
his teachings, and his Kingdom.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus
would tell us to keep our eyes on the target . . . to keep our eyes on the
rocks . . . to focus upon him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
all, he is the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus said, <b><i>“I
am the way and the truth and the life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No one comes to the Father except through me.” </i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">(John 14:6, NIV)</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the early “church” there was no church, there was the “way” . . . and, Jesus
was the “way”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus . . . the way that
he lived his life in love, respect, grace seeking peace and justice showed us
the “way”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The words that he spoke and
taught showed us the “way”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The miracles
he showed, showed us the “way”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is
the target he calls us—his followers—to keep our eyes upon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the objective . . . to keep our eyes
on the rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To keep our eyes on the
rocks until we can proclaim the Kingdom come.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">That
is the “way” . . . keep your eyes on the rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Kingdom will come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span></p>
<p><br /> </p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-49145365189198883892023-08-06T16:23:00.000-07:002023-08-06T16:23:05.943-07:00"Five Loaves, Two Fish, and Stone Soup " (Matthew 14:13-21)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWFLfgDxzlHVB6wRWz-IIFV44rS9UtW8QJm43bueLz4g0HxErENLz_R9odOfJ6G27QIeGWHxWFO2TziGG3R-15RmbrD-2R4xGcnx6XsvwWUD_rw1aCMJZoj7q27fyvngdOuguPv9YuTzipkybPaPe9eOFT_Mj0ny-szKcb0T56IwTfRcwM3YlGoBo/s768/Brooklyn_Museum_-_The_Miracle_of_the_Loaves_and_Fishes_(La_multiplication_des_pains)_by_James_Tissot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="768" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWFLfgDxzlHVB6wRWz-IIFV44rS9UtW8QJm43bueLz4g0HxErENLz_R9odOfJ6G27QIeGWHxWFO2TziGG3R-15RmbrD-2R4xGcnx6XsvwWUD_rw1aCMJZoj7q27fyvngdOuguPv9YuTzipkybPaPe9eOFT_Mj0ny-szKcb0T56IwTfRcwM3YlGoBo/s320/Brooklyn_Museum_-_The_Miracle_of_the_Loaves_and_Fishes_(La_multiplication_des_pains)_by_James_Tissot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I believe that we can create miracles.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A
simple definition or understanding of “miracle” is any act that reveals the
presence of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our scripture reading
this morning is definitely a “miracle” story . . . Jesus feeds a crowd of five
thousand according to the writer of the <i>Gospel of Matthew</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he does it with five loaves of bread and
two fish!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pretty impressive stuff!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a miracle and God is revealed in the
great feast that is provided.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I’m
impressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shoot I am impressed whenever
our whole family gets together and all fourteen of us get stuffed on a meal
that is prepared by Nana . . . and Jesus did it for five thousand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask Dana about the moaning and groaning when
I must fix the meal for the two of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What Jesus did is impressive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
it is called a miracle because it reveals the “holy” . . . reveals God . . . to
those who witness it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My cooking is not
miraculous . . . being here to tell you about it might be, but my cooking is
not.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We
know this is a “miracle” story—and a pretty important one at that—because it
shows up in two of the gospels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We heard
Matthew’s version of the story this morning, and then there is the <i>Gospel of
John</i>’s version.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <i>Gospel of
John</i> is a little different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
Matthew’s version it is the disciples who produce the five loaves and two fish
which enables Jesus to feed the five thousand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In John’s version it is a young boy who offers to share his five loaves
and two fish allowing Jesus to pull off the miracle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in both stories the people are fed, and
God is revealed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only in the Gospel of
John is the act acknowledged as a miracle or revelation of the “holy”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The writer tells us:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><i>After the people saw the sign Jesus
performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into
the world.”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Because
of this story, I believe that we can create miracles.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Many
years ago, when I was a child, I heard the story of <i>Stone Soup</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Stone Soup</i> is a European folk
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the version I heard it was
about three soldiers making their way home from a war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they are traveling all they have is what
is on their backs—nothing else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
travels towards home had made them hungry because they had not eaten for many
days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming upon a village they knocked
upon a door and inquired if the residents had any food they could spare for
some hungry soldiers on their way home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were denied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over and over, they knock
on doors and at each they are turned away empty handed and hungry.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Despondent,
one of the soldiers gets an idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead of asking for food they should ask for a cauldron at the next
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When asked why they needed a
cauldron the soldier says, “Tell the people it is to make some wonderfully
delicious stone soup.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having succeeded
in getting the cauldron, the soldier proceeds to start the stone soup . . .
first comes the water and then the stones.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Of
course, the actions of the soldiers catch the curiosity of the villagers who
begin to gather and ask questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each
question is answered with “wonderfully delicious stone soup.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then one of the villagers says that the stone
soup would be even better if they threw in some carrots and that he would
donate the carrots if he could have some when it was ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then someone offered potatoes . . . another
cabbage . . . another meat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon the
cauldron was filling up with all sorts of delicious ingredients for soup.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">When
the village had emptied out all the ingredients for the soup into the cauldron
and the soup had cooked, the soldiers doled it out and shared it with
everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same time the soldiers
filled their own tummies with a wonderfully delicious stone soup made possible
from all the ingredients shared by the villagers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone was satisfied.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Of
course, the moral of the story is that the wonderful meal and the feeding of
everyone is made possible because of sharing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’d say it was a miracle.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Through
my years of ministry, I have witnessed countless miracles revolving around food
thanks to potlucks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you know a
potluck is a gathering of folks who bring food to share with everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, if you have ever been involved in a
potluck then you have seen a miracle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
cannot count the many times that I looked out at the spread of food across the
tables at a church potluck and then looked at the number of people who had to
be fed, and thought to myself, “No way!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is not enough food to feed all these people.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And
guess what!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There has always been enough
food to feed everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, there
has always been enough to feed everyone and plus a whole bunch left over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never seen anyone leave a potluck
hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what do we say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God will provide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure enough God does and it is a revelation
of the “holy”.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">If
you have studied this story before you probably know that there are two
explanations about how the miracle occurs and five thousand are fed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One explanation, based on the <i>Gospel of
John</i>, is that those gathered were moved by the boy’s willingness to share
what he had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing his compassion to
share, everyone else then becomes willing to share from what they have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a sort of “stone soup” occurrence.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Author
Tom Mullen, in his devotional book, <i>When Two or Three are Gathered . . .
Someone Spills the Milk</i>, writes a series of devotions based upon how
difficult it is to get any group to agree on something and work together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, think about it . . . five thousand people
working together for everyone to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is miraculous!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">That
is one explanation of the story, and it works for both Matthew and John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other explanation is more magical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both writers tell us that Jesus received the
bread and fish, prayed over them, and then . . . POOF!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sending his disciples out to distribute the
food there is more than enough to feed everyone with a whole bunch of leftovers
to spare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we would all say that
it a miracle.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">God
makes it happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is revealed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a miracle plain and simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no denying that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, again, because of this story, I believe
we can make miracles happen.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Anthropologist
Margaret Mead said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed
citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People working together can make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see it in the feeding of the five
thousand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a miracle.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
want to invite all of us to become miracle makers . . . to get into the
business of making miracles . . . of revealing God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want us to believe that if we work
together, we can make a difference . . . that we can change the world . . .
that we can make miracles happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want
us to do this together.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
the scriptures we are told that whenever two or three are gather in the name of
Jesus that he is there with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if
Jesus is for us who can be against us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
it is God’s will . . . so be it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Working together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doing it for one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having love for one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Showering grace upon each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Revealing the “holy” . . . revealing and
acknowledging God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the key to it
all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Who
would have thought that five loaves of bread, two fish, and stone soup would
reveal God . . . would expose the “holy” . . . would be called a miracle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe we should ask those who were there . . . the five thousand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or maybe we should ask any survivor of a
church potluck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they could do it, so
can we.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are the followers of Jesus,
God is with us, and we only have to believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus tells us: <b><i>“For where two or three are gathered together in
my name, there am I in the midst of them.” </i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Matthew 18:20, NIV).</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We
can do it . . . we can make miracles happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amen.<br /></span></p>
<p><br /> </p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-56101790936380570982023-07-30T14:43:00.001-07:002023-07-30T14:43:13.542-07:00“Kingdom Talk” (Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOUYjQDh5JQIK9olgie0vRWdS_JrenxUha72lKUciaQ3XRVC6rjPxoWYI4stOdauTJVLH2lAOExI-1mg6iiZqNW6_3oK2jT7cMnRK_GNaXtr8RVis1rjw7RZu3UAvuHHuhnhcOJnLYGBgbbwKiku2vxZm-WCUrUKkkCNrpGvNu0rwSvf4RVzHgtAt/s300/207_30_2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOUYjQDh5JQIK9olgie0vRWdS_JrenxUha72lKUciaQ3XRVC6rjPxoWYI4stOdauTJVLH2lAOExI-1mg6iiZqNW6_3oK2jT7cMnRK_GNaXtr8RVis1rjw7RZu3UAvuHHuhnhcOJnLYGBgbbwKiku2vxZm-WCUrUKkkCNrpGvNu0rwSvf4RVzHgtAt/s1600/207_30_2017.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus talks a lot about the kingdom of
heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He teaches about the kingdom
of heaven, about the in-breaking of God’s way of doing this thing we call life,
and about the alternative vision of what it means to really live into the
divine economy of abundance, grace, and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus even tells them, from time to time, what the kingdom of heaven is
like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our reading this morning he
tells those who are listening that the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed
. . . like yeast . . . like a treasure . . . like a fine pearl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tells them that it is old and new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what the kingdom of heaven is like
says Jesus.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Then
he turns to them, looks them in the eyes, and asks: <b><i>“Have you understood
all these things?”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">To
which, of course, they all respond, “You betcha!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clear as a bell!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Well,
I have to be honest . . . I would have probably said the same thing because who
wants to come across as looking like a dummy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who wants to look ignorant in front of family and friends?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is that all
this kingdom talk of Jesus can be confusing and frustrating as we attempt to
make sense of it from a bunch of parables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Come on . . . a mustard seed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yeast?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A pearl?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Treasure?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What do these have to do with kingdoms?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">When
I say “kingdom” are these the adjectives you would use in describing what a
“kingdom” is?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I say “heaven”, would
you describe it as a tiny seed, a micro-orgasmic fungus, or a fine pearl?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably not!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, if we were to be honest, none of us is too sure how we would
describe the “kingdom of heaven”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if
Jesus is asking the question . . . well, you betcha.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
problem is that we don’t quite get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Actually,
we do get it, but don’t quite get it . . . a sort of “already and not yet”
understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We catch glimpses of it,
but don’t quite see the whole thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is an elusive concept but as concrete as the nose on our faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my favorite books is the story of the
King Arthur legend called T<i>he Once and Future King</i> by T.H. White.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the story goes King Arthur marries
Guinevere despite being warned by Merlin that she is in love with another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True to form Guinevere loves Sir Lancelot,
one of Arthur’s knights of the Round Table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Arthur finds out about the affair, Lancelot flees for France.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arthur pursues him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
his absence Arthur’s nephew, Mordred, takes the throne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon his return there is a terrible battle in
which most of his knights are killed and he is grievously wounded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that point Excalibur—the sword of the
kingship—is thrown into the lake as he boards a boat for the magical Isle of
Avalon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is there that he hopes to be
healed so he can return and regain Excalibur and the throne to lead his people
once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is for this reason that
he is called “the once and future king”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So
. . . he is the king, but he is also going to be the king . . . he is going to
leave and then return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sound
familiar?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As clear as mud, but none of
us is going to admit we don’t get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You see the kingdom of heaven that Jesus speaks about . . . that he
implores his followers to establish, well it is present now and will be in the
future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is now and yet to come.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And
it is magnificent!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than anyone
could ever imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems so small and
yet it blooms into this huge creation . . . like a mustard seed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems so insignificant yet when mixed with
faith it mixes itself with the dough until the result is unimaginable . . .
like yeast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a treasure that is
worth giving up everything to own . . . a fine pearl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so wonderful that nothing should be
allowed to diminish its value . . . there is a willingness to rid one’s life of
that which would make one deter from it—like separating the good fish from the
bad fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a magnificent gift . . .
a wondrous blessing . . . a gift for all to realize.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There
is no denying that . . . but do we get it?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">That
is the question.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We
get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We get that the kingdom of
heaven is the alternative to the world in which we live our lives daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We get God’s desire for the world to be what
Jesus demonstrates . . . a world of grace and love, peace and justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We get it but sometimes we are so immersed in
the trees that we cannot see the forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We work hard just to get through the day dealing with all the things
that life throws at us . . . putting out fires here and there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is surviving . . . and tiresome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet we are aware of God’s call through Jesus
to establish the kingdom of heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And
we see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see the kingdom of heaven
all the time.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We
see it whenever others come out to help the needs of a neighbor . . . to come
to another’s aid . . . to ease a burden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We see it when a child picks flowers for a bouquet for the elderly lady
down the street who doesn’t ever seem to get any visitors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see it through the simple acts of kindness
and caring . . . of grace and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
comes in a pat on the back, a hug, or sitting around having a cup of coffee in
the fellowship of laughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kingdom
of heaven is like this and so much more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Think of those times when you encountered the kingdom of heaven breaking
through in your lives.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
kingdom of heaven is here . . . right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The kingdom of heaven is yet to come . . . and that is up to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know the value and holiness and powerful
potential of this kingdom that Jesus speaks about and calls us to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is like a mustard seed . . . like yeast .
. . a treasure . . . a fine pearl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
such a gift and blessing that it is too much to resist, and we would do
anything to have it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so valuable,
holy, and powerful that we would sort our lives out to remove any barriers that
keep us from fulfilling it . . . like sorting the good fish from the bad
fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would mingle it with the
goodness of now with the goodness yet to come.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">That
is what the kingdom of heaven is like, and it is up to us to make it a
reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us not limit ourselves, as
difficult as it is, to the point that we cannot see the kingdom through our
daily adventures of living life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the
followers of Jesus, we have all been trained for the kingdom of heaven . . . we
have all been given the keys to the heavenly realm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are rich in the gift of the Holy Spirit and
Jesus has shown us the way—it is right there in our bibles.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And
that is enough . . . more than enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Theologian Darrell Guder states that the church is a “parable of the
kingdom.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the Body of Christ, we
truly do embody the good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kingdom
of heaven is like you and me, ordinary sinner/saints, when the Spirit shines
through us to part the clouds and mists of this beautiful, broken world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kingdom has come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live in the “now and yet to come” . . .
and it is good. Let the kingdom reign!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amen!</span></p>
<p><br /> </p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-17296964663168773432023-07-23T16:11:00.000-07:002023-07-23T16:11:00.443-07:00“Sacred Space” (Genesis 28:10-19a)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj516XHUUoXm5STs08tDs7NsKcHhOSX1NCEINOLWXpenQrvtssVzSCNYzW7Z5TaXGa5ojb-41eSCCY7zFY8UEt0wxjdf2C_LheKqr3JI2OG1gwtEdrJrPvMQp1v8CC8mljM7l2j5EBeZ5SuBHXJGmzRhCefmvh9ozk_DLlUNOhpxL_qoENpqodhwJnu/s311/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="311" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj516XHUUoXm5STs08tDs7NsKcHhOSX1NCEINOLWXpenQrvtssVzSCNYzW7Z5TaXGa5ojb-41eSCCY7zFY8UEt0wxjdf2C_LheKqr3JI2OG1gwtEdrJrPvMQp1v8CC8mljM7l2j5EBeZ5SuBHXJGmzRhCefmvh9ozk_DLlUNOhpxL_qoENpqodhwJnu/s1600/images.jpg" width="311" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">What do you know about Jacob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">From
the beginning he was quite a character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During her pregnancy, Rebecca was having a lot of discomfort and
inquired of God why she was suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The answer she received came as a form of prophecy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was told that the twins she was carrying
were fighting and that they would fight all of their lives, even after they became
two separate nations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prophecy also
stated that “the older will serve the younger.” </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Genesis 25:23d)</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> And so it came to be.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
Hebrew meaning behind Jacob’s name carries a lot of different
interpretations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One meaning is “to
follow, be behind” . . . of which Jacob came in second to his twin brother Esau
in the race out of the womb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are told
that he came out grasping the heel of his brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was deemed the younger of the two, which
seemed to be a point of contention throughout their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Another
meaning of the name is “to supplant, overreach”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one can deny that aspect of Jacob’s
character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember he takes advantage
of his brother when he was hungry and bought Esau’s birthright for a bowl of
soup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This did not make Esau happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then with his mother’s help he deceives his
father into thinking that he was Esau and stole the blessing that was due to
the eldest son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, Esau was not
happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To say he held a grudge would be
an understatement . . . he swore to kill Jacob.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Another
meaning of Jacob’s name is “heel”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
makes sense when one considers that he came out of his mother’s womb holding
the heel of his brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is one
meaning of the word “heel”, but the word “heel” can mean so much more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be the crusty end pieces of a loaf of
bread . . . Jacob was pretty crusty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
can also mean “a contemptible person—a person who is self-centered or
untrustworthy”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In professional
wrestling a “heel” is the one who plays the role of the unsympathetic
antagonist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacob is definitely that.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
writers of this story had a sense of ironic humor when it came to the name of
Jacob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacob’s name describes him
quite well. He was a wheeler dealer . . . always needing to stay one step ahead
of the competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With such a life it
would not surprise us then that he had a lot going on in his mind . . . he had
a lot to think and stew about. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">It
is to Jacob’s good fortune that his father sends him away to seek a wife . . .
it gets him out of the range of his angry brother. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is here that we pick up the story in our reading this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacob is on a journey, and he stops for the
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he is sleeping, he has a dream
. . . a magnificent dream of angels ascending and descending a stairway from
heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the dream he is given a
blessing from God much like the one that his father, Isaac, had received . . .
about a great and mighty people—a powerful nation . . . that all the people of
the earth will be blessed through him and his offspring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, to top it all off, God tells Jacob: <b><i>“I
am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back
to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Upon
waking up Jacob jumps up and proclaims that where he was sleeping was a holy
place . . . a sacred place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He erects a
stone cairn, anoints it with oil, and declares: <b><i>“Surely the Lord is in
this place, and I was not aware of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God;
this is the gate of heaven.”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">If
anyone needed the assurance of God’s presence, it was Jacob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And don’t we all?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t we all need the assurance and
reassurance of God’s presence in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t we all need those sacred places . . . those holy places . . . that
assure and reassure us that we are safe in the presence of God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though our lives may not be as convoluted or
crazy as Jacob’s life was, our lives can be a source of concern as we navigate
our way through life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all need those
sacred spaces where we feel that we are loved and wanted . . . that we are
taken care of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all do.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We
all need sacred space in our lives . . . we need those places where we are safe
to be who God created us to be and that we are accepted for who we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The key “word” in that statement is
“safe”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacob recognized that in that
spot he had found safety in the promise of God to always be with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That God would not abandon him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That God would receive him just as he was no
matter how despicably he lived his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We all seek those places in our lives.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Now
it is true that this space that we are occupying in this present moment is
deemed to be “sacred space”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
walls of this building—this church—we have discovered the “holy”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have designated it as such . . . marked it
as such . . . proclaimed it as such.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here we gather to worship, pray, sing, and fellowship with one another
grounded in the assurance of God’s presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As a group of Jesus’ followers, we strive to make this space “sacred
space”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A place where one can come and
be who God created us to be—to be ourselves—and feel safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our church covenant we state that we want
this space to be a safe place where everyone feels accepted and loved for they
are.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Acceptance
for who we are . . . loved . . . and we feel safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Safe because we know that God is with
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the making of “sacred
space”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not a building or a place,
though it can be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, it is the
awareness and acknowledgement of the “holy” that makes such places and space
“sacred”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which is exactly what happened
to Jacob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even Jacob said this . . .<b><i>
“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That feeling happened in a particular place,
but it was in the awareness within himself that revealed the “holy” to
Jacob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sacredness came through the
relationship that he acknowledged between him and God . . . and it could have
been anywhere.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So
where are those sacred, holy places in your life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are there particular locations . . . like
this church sanctuary . . . that you find that sacredness, that holiness, that
safety and assurance that you are loved?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have been surprised over the journey of my life of those places that
were sacred, holy, and safe for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Think about it . . . often I have mentioned how sacred and holy our
kitchen table whenever our family gathers to share a meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The teasing and laughter, the conversation .
. . even the quietness makes me feel assured that I am loved, cared for, and
that I can be myself . . . that God is truly with me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And
there are other places.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
love those moments when I can go “critter creeping” as Dana and I call it . . .
when we just go back roading to view God’s creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have come to find that sacredness . . .
that holiness . . . that comes with the rising or setting sun . . . of witnessing
the gathering of the elk . . . a moose munching on a bush . . . Sandhill Cranes
in flight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sacred is there and I am
aware of the presence of the Holy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">That
sacred space can be discovered in the presence of another . . . in a
conversation, in a hug . . . in the acknowledgement of the Holy in me
recognizing the Holy in you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sacred
space is all around us because it is in us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We all need it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All we need to
discover the sacredness of space . . . the sacredness of relationship . . .
sacredness of place is to become aware of it within ourselves.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">You
see God promises to never abandon . . . to always be with us . . . to protect
us, love us, and care for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To always
be there wherever we go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is up to us
to be aware of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such was the
situation for Jacob in our reading this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He became aware—through a dream—of God’s
presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember he even said that he
was not aware of it until that came through loud and clear in a dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take time to listen to the Spirit . . . allow
it to open your eyes, open your ears, and open your heart to the presence of
God who is within us and around us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">God
loves us for who God created us to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>May we all become aware to that loving presence within our lives
wherever we might be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
acknowledgement we discover the sacredness, the holiness of time and place. It
might be in our gathering for worship on Sunday morning, or while we are taking
a walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is there . . . always
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we declare with the
enthusiasm of Jacob: <b><i>“Surely the Lord is in this place . . . how awesome
is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of
heaven.”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">God
is with us . . . always with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span></p>
revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-59115877286834850322023-07-16T15:45:00.000-07:002023-07-16T15:45:13.824-07:00“God’s Reckless Love” (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oZGX7138_3xj7AaO14daRTn6jDNTmPay15OjJPGLbOqvZGKzUCiur4fRYCc52TUeLv2OkT8k4qdKbjsBT78jTkLF9o_edn-eC5sMC5RF09x88ZdhwAZ7SNFKD0ZMMKP_mHUtH5zHnPg5CEfSOTJxiIRLmASZBDILqfP8UUpmsWRNpCKkgRdghSY8/s800/image406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="800" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oZGX7138_3xj7AaO14daRTn6jDNTmPay15OjJPGLbOqvZGKzUCiur4fRYCc52TUeLv2OkT8k4qdKbjsBT78jTkLF9o_edn-eC5sMC5RF09x88ZdhwAZ7SNFKD0ZMMKP_mHUtH5zHnPg5CEfSOTJxiIRLmASZBDILqfP8UUpmsWRNpCKkgRdghSY8/s320/image406.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Okay . . . I get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus gives a good explanation of what the
parable of the sower means in our scripture reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He states, “Listen then to what the parable
of the sower means . . .”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he lays
it out in black-and-white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is cut and
dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, why are we even sitting here
this morning?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems like a wrap to me
. . . except I belong to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and we have
a firm belief that scripture is meant to be interpreted as each individual
reads it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is why I always put the
statement in the newsletter about the “sermon preview”: <i>Take a few minutes
to prayerfully read this passage and see what God is saying to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come to worship on Sunday morning and hear
what the pastor has to share.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
is just good Disciples of Christ practice.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So,
yep, go ahead and sit back because I have want to propose another way of
looking at our reading this morning.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
want to talk about the sower . . . the person throwing the seed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want us to consider the sower and the
sower’s role in the story because I believe that it tells us a lot about God .
. . and it just might change our understanding about God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
will admit that I am not a farmer, but I have spent a good portion of my life
around farmers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never met a
farmer who thought that the method that the sower uses to grow a crop is useful
or good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, most the farmers—if not all
of them—thought that the sower was pretty stupid in how he was spreading and
planting the seeds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not much method or
planning to it . . . throw and scatter letting the seed land wherever it lands
and see what grows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not good
stewardship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably expensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Low yield.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reckless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most farmers would
agree that this method of farming will not produce a long career in
agriculture.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">It
is all about the soil . . . right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus
tells of four soil types and only one of them is productive . . . the rest,
well they just don’t work out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
don’t grow and become sustainable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
it doesn’t matter to the sower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
sower is out there pitching the seeds in all directions regardless of the soil
it lands on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reckless . . . yes but let
us not get hung up on the negative connotation of the word—reckless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reckless means “without thinking or caring
about the consequences of an action.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is the “action” that is the telling point here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reckless could also mean “daring, adventurous, and bold.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what is taking place in this parable is
exactly that . . . it is the recklessness of God and God’s love.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">God
may not be much of a farmer, but God is generous with God’s love and grace
showering it upon everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the
point when we view this parable from the sower’s eyes . . . a showering of
God’s love and grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s love and
grace is for everyone . . . all of creation, and what better way to spread that
love and grace than to just start flinging it in every direction allowing it to
fall where it may.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God loves us
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Loves us for who we are created to
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is a whole lot of diversity
seeing how none of us were created alike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Within that diversity is a whole lot of different understanding about
God, God’s love, and grace, and how we—as individuals and as a group—relate to
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Which
brings us back to the point that Jesus is making about the soil . . . there are
a whole bunch of different soil types and how the seed is received makes a big
difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet we know . . . Jesus
knows . . . and God knows, that it still comes down to the individual as to
whether or not growth will take place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It comes down to individual choice whether the seed is received and
allowed to grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we also know that
this occurs throughout our lives . . . that we are many types of soil
throughout our lifetimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But regardless
of the type of soil, God isn’t going to stop flinging the seed and allowing it
to fall wherever it lands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is
reckless with God’s love . . . it is for everyone regardless of the soil they
might represent.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">You
must admit that is pretty daring, adventurous, and bold on the part of
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God desires a relationship with
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God loves us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Loves us for who we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, most importantly, God will never quit
pursuing us nor will God abandon us. Is this not the story we read in our
bibles?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is this not the message we
receive from Jesus?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is this not the
teaching the disciples shared?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God wants
us, loves us, and will never abandon us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because of this God just flings it out there.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
soil makes no difference.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
point is that God is reckless with distributing God’s love and grace because
God loves us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, in return, we are to
love others in the same way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to
distribute God’s love in the same way that we received it . . . abundantly and
recklessly regardless of who is receiving it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The rest is up to the recipient . . . the one who receives it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Let
us not beat around the bush . . . we know that this is true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot control how others receive God’s
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All we can do is fling it out
there and hope for the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, some
is snatched away, some blooms before wilting away, and others bloom and die . .
. and some, win the lottery and <b><i>“produces a crop, yielding a hundred,
sixty or thirty times what was sown.”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Though
this act of God may seem reckless let us not forget that it is
“intentional”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God loves each of us . .
. all of us . . . with unconditional love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remember that God’s love is dependable, faithful, and true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God promises to never leave us or forsake
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing can separate us from the
love of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is passionate . . .
daring . . . bold in showering love and grace on all of creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And God is patient . . . God will wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible tells us: <b><i>“The Lord is not
slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is
patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to
repentance.”</i></b> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">(2
Peter 3:9, N.I.V.)</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We
are the beneficiaries of God’s reckless love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus tells us to go out and do likewise when it comes to following him
. . . showering the world and its inhabitants with God’s love . . . to start
flinging it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we be bold, adventurous,
and daring . . . reckless in our love as the followers of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fling away, my friends, fling away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span></p>
<p><br /> </p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-11238612118441239882023-07-09T15:36:00.001-07:002023-07-09T15:36:05.868-07:00“Wanna Dance?” (Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmQXO5OeTVbgHpMj0UFm4OxagJSqHgDXRxJANNnSX36zl_2hR8kNlPNnmBQkWHcAT3fT1uCyrwYsud5ib2rddDEPfB-WDwV6QZMfb0TMfvgU03OkYCbOC-bVKGApnzISk4oQyxNKFQANG8XebGO5pFBEjqK_qj6ypnC8dXaDG_eWm3XmWVSObDMSP/s1200/2023-Lets-Dance-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmQXO5OeTVbgHpMj0UFm4OxagJSqHgDXRxJANNnSX36zl_2hR8kNlPNnmBQkWHcAT3fT1uCyrwYsud5ib2rddDEPfB-WDwV6QZMfb0TMfvgU03OkYCbOC-bVKGApnzISk4oQyxNKFQANG8XebGO5pFBEjqK_qj6ypnC8dXaDG_eWm3XmWVSObDMSP/s320/2023-Lets-Dance-web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">According to the saying, there is more than one
way to skin a cat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let it be known that
I do not believe in skinning cats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
saying is alluding to the fact that there is often more than one way to get a
job done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our reading this morning we
witness the ministry of two people—John the Baptist and Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each had his own way of doing things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John was pretty strait-laced . . . he was
ascetic in his lifestyle . . . his preaching was straight-forward and to the
point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He preached that the Lord was coming
and everybody had better get their act together before it was too late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And . . . it worked!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People followed him . . . became his
disciples. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Those
in power noticed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They put him and his
ministry down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They said, <b><i>“He was
a demon.”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus,
on the other hand, was a little looser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He mingled among the people . . . especially the people who were
considered to be on the wrong side of the tracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ate with the sinners and challenged the
status quo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was friendly and cared
about people, their lives, and what the future would be like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He preached love and grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And . . . it worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People followed him . . . became his
disciples.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Those
in power noticed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They put him and his
ministry down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pointed out his
despicable behavior of mingling with the “untouchables”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They said, <b><i>“Here is a glutton and a
drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.”</i></b> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Those
in power noticed because they could see how successful they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could see how people were following
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following them because they believe
in the individual and the words they shared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those in power could see the shift in power . . . could see a movement
being born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a threat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A threat to them and to their power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And like all the powerful before them and
after them they did what they could do by creating fear.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Fear
can be a powerful immobilizer . . . it can stop people in their tracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fear can also be a great impetus to action .
. . usually action to quell the storm that is feared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get rid of the problem and there is nothing
to fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that not what happened to
John the Baptist?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was that not what
happened to Jesus?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">If
you have ever experienced fear, you will have to admit that it can wear a
person down and out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make one
weary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make one feel burdened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me ask this question, are there any here
this morning who have never been weary?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Never had to carry a heavy heart burden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If so, well then you are free to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To the rest of you, Jesus invites you to dance.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
choice is up to us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Every
time I hear this passage of scripture I am taken by the line: <b><i>“We played
the pipe for you, and you did not dance.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>English songwriter Sydney Carter wrote one of
my favorite hymns way back in 1963 . . . <i>Lord of the Dance</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a hymn that is typically sung on Easter
Sunday, but is always a great one around a church campfire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its tune is a variation of the Shaker tune, <i>‘Tis
a Gift to be Simple</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea behind
the hymn was tell the gospel story in the first-person voice of Jesus with the
device of portraying Jesus’ life and mission as a dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each verse tells a part of the story from the
birth in Bethlehem to the resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The chorus between each verse is:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Dance, then, wherever you may be,</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I am the Lord of the dance, said he,</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And I'll lead you all in the dance, said he.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">If
you have never heard the song, I suggest that you listen to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a catchy song and one with a powerful
message.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
have always loved the image of our relationship with God through Jesus as a
dance . . . a dance through life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I
want you to understand that I cannot dance worth a hoot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have two left feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No sense of rhythm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask Dana . . . she can probably count on one
hand the number of times she and I have ever danced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, our first dance might have been at
our daughter’s wedding and our second at our son’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you dance with me, you had better have
your steel-toe boots on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s that bad.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">But,
like the song says, Jesus invites us to dance . . . he’ll lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just come on and dance, says Jesus.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So,
why won’t we dance?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Could
it be because we are fearful?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could it
be because we are weary?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, there
certainly is plenty to be fearful about in our lives . . . these are difficult
times that we are living in, and they don’t seem to be improving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that we are weary . . . that we are
tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is just the times that we are
living in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is hard to dance when one
is scared and tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, Jesus invites
us to dance.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Okay,
okay . . . he doesn’t say “dance” straight up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He says, <b><i>“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I
will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle
and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy
and my burden is light.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is
telling us to follow him, and he will show us the way.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
I said, I can’t dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, you know
what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all depends on who you’re
with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You ask my grandchildren . . .
well at least the youngest ones . . . and they will tell you that Papa can
dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ll tell you that I can
boogey across the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned the
secret to dancing, first it is who you dance with . . . I prefer those under
the age of ten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second . . . you know
that song about dancing as if no one is watching you . . . I do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dance as if no one is watching me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And no one cares how poorly I dance and
neither do I. And guess what, God doesn’t care . . . God just wants me to join
in the dance.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Yes,
there was that reluctance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all have
that reluctance . . . that fear . . . wariness of dancing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a matter of taking that step of trust
and letting loose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of you may
remember singer Leo Sayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In one of his
songs called <i>Long Tall Glasses</i>, which many people call the <i>I Can
Dance</i> song, he tells the story of being on the road, tired and hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sees a sign advertising food and drink for
everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, he pulls over, heads in
and discovers so much food and drink that he is going to faint from the joy of
it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as he is pulling up to the
table to eat, someone yanks him from his chair and tells him, “Before you can
eat you gotta dance like Fred Ataire.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Of
course . . . he can’t dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he is
hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The food looks good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then . . . the heck with it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He convinces himself that he can dance:</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">If you were hungry as me</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Then i'm sure you will understand</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Now wait a minute</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Of course i can dance</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Of course i can dance</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I'm sure i can dance</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I'm sure i can dance</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I can dance</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I really hit the floor</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Ah it feels good</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Look at me dancing</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I did a two-step quick-step and a bossanova</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A little victor sylvester and a rudy valentino</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">You should have seen me moving</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Right across the floor</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Hand me down my tuxedo</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Next week i'm coming back for more</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I can dance</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Oh yes i can dance</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Look at me dance on the floor moving</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I feel good</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I can dance</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
can dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can all dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us not allow ourselves to make excuses as
to why we can’t dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus don’t
care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God don’t care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My grandchildren don’t care . . . my wife,
well that is another story!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dance!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus shows us the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So . . . dance.</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Dance, then, wherever you may be,</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I am the Lord of the dance, said he,</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And I'll lead you all in the dance, said he.</span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Amen.</span></i></p><p><br /> </p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-12702358754471033182023-07-02T17:24:00.002-07:002023-07-02T17:24:41.281-07:00“Because of You” (Matthew 10:40-42)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8tGGGaElAG6MPf69Fpk6lVgzC93pHlvk9PHJQo4J2c2vEnV9L4p4j0c8YYi_Ae-g9hFSeHnm1Ipu818KHNUuPUe03MFTT9jKwFAszrr-1I3z5trFr605oz5hUJO5InAPEcnObMF_mIpmkIqS3NEn2LRR_5YGc_2KAHFx7wLR_Izy0M23K02jDbbn/s525/cup%20of%20water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="525" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8tGGGaElAG6MPf69Fpk6lVgzC93pHlvk9PHJQo4J2c2vEnV9L4p4j0c8YYi_Ae-g9hFSeHnm1Ipu818KHNUuPUe03MFTT9jKwFAszrr-1I3z5trFr605oz5hUJO5InAPEcnObMF_mIpmkIqS3NEn2LRR_5YGc_2KAHFx7wLR_Izy0M23K02jDbbn/s320/cup%20of%20water.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In the tenth chapter of the <i>Gospel of
Matthew</i>, Jesus is sending out his disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is sending them out into a world that is
dangerous and threatening . . . a world that will be in opposition to their
mission of sharing the “good news” of Jesus . . . a world that would go to no
end—even death—in order not to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a world of old and tired ways bent on keeping the powerful in
place and the status quo in line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is
this not the existence to which we—the followers of Jesus—have been called
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a follower of Jesus and
sharing his “good news” is not an easy task.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus
says this to the disciples as he sends them out: <b><i>“I am sending you out
like sheep among wolves . . . Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the
local councils and be flogged in the synagogues . . . Brother will betray
brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their
parents and have them put to death . . . You will be hated by everyone because
of me . . .”</i></b> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">(Matthew
10:16-39)</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Well,
we know that Jesus never said that it would be easy . . . and it is not!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following Jesus is tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sharing his “good news” is tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live in a world that goes against Jesus
and his “good news” . . . a world that loves and embraces power over love,
relationships, and the wholeness and holiness of community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A world that stands in opposition to God’s
Kingdom and its call to “love one another”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is tough going for those who are the followers of Jesus.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So
where do we find hope?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where do we find
the energy to keep going?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we look
at the task of sharing Jesus’ “good news” to the world in which we live . . .
well, does the task not seem impossible?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Loren
Eiseley tells the story of “the star thrower”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a story that you probably know about the guy tossing starfish
after starfish into the sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When asked
why, he replies that if they don’t get back in the water soon, they’ll dry out
and die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking at the beach strewn
with thousands of starfish, the person asking the question tells the guy that
he can’t possibly hope to make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To which the guy responds, “To the ones I throw back, it makes all the
difference in the world.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sometimes
the big picture is overwhelming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes we need to step back and take a smaller view of the situation
before us . . . to take smaller bites instead of attempting to swallow the
whole thing at once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By ourselves it is
difficult to save the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, we
should acknowledge that God will take care of that and that the best we can do
is to take care of the business that is in our little corner of the world in
which we have been placed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do what we
can do where we are and trust in God to take care of the rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, we are called upon to do acts of mercy
and deeds of compassion—large and small—and realize that even these make a
difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this even a “cup of cold
water” can make a huge and unexpected difference to those to whom we give it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Discipleship—following
Jesus—does not have to be heroic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too
often we do not realize that all the small acts of devotion, tenderness,
kindness, and forgiveness within the relationships that are important to us are
the foundation of faith. Faith is composed of a thousand small gestures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But also remember, Jesus tells us that there
are no small gestures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anything done in
faith and love has cosmic impact and significance for the ones involved and,
indeed, for the world God loves so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ask that star fish that got tossed back into the sea.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A
couple of weeks ago at the summer camp the university runs for high school kids
with disabilities exploring the transition from high school to post-secondary
education I was having one of those days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First of all, riding herd over a group of teenagers is a challenge all
of its own but throw in there unforeseen bumps in the road . . . well, lets
just say I was having a rough day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From
the start nothing seemed to go right . . . speakers showed up late and then
went way over their time limit . . . we got way off schedule . . . we literally
missed our bus . . . I had to punt and come up with programming on the fly . .
. the weather was getting stormy . . . I had to cancel a part of the day’s
schedule . . . and I was getting more frustrated and anxious by the
moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like I was in a disaster
film.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">At
the end of the day, as the kids gathered for our closing exercise before
heading to their beds in the dorms, we sat in a circle to wrap up the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tradition at the end of each day is for
everyone to share two things—one thing that was good and one thing that they
would change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worn out by the day’s
events . . . I started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thanked the
kids for their attitude, openness, and willingness to hang in there despite all
the hiccups of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained that
I really felt bad about it all and that it wasn’t fair to them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
I was sharing, I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder . . . patting me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The young lady sitting next to me was patting
me on my shoulder . . . she just reached out and started patting me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She offered me a moment of comfort . . . a
moment of reassurance . . . a moment of acceptance . . . hospitality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that moment at the end of a long day it
was just what I needed . . . a “cup of cold water”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A simple act of kindness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
the family gathered last weekend to celebrate a granddaughter’s birthday, we
all sat in the living room watching the opening of presents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like any family there were the usual “ohhhs
and awes” as each gift was revealed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With this granddaughter Dana and I had given her an <i>American Girl</i>
doll that was Native American of the Nez Perce tribe call Kaya. Everything
about the doll was approved by the tribe before it was put on the marker, thus
everything associated with the doll is expensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As she open one present to reveal the doll’s
pet I jokingly said, “Now you just have to find someone to get you her teepee.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that moment every adult turned and looked
at me with that “what are you doing” look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not knowing what the problem was, I sat there confused as it began to
dawn on me . . . Nana and Papa—Dana and I—were giving her and her doll that
expensive teepee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OH!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The look of surprise on my face made them all
laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was embarrassed to the moon and
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there had been a rock to crawl
under, I would have . . . I was six shades of red.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Then
I felt a small hand on my back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up and
down, up and down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My youngest
granddaughter was rubbing my back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the midst of the laughter and my embarrassment came an act of reassurance,
comfort, and love that let me know that I was loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, a small act of kindness . . . a “cup
of cold water”.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Looking
back on those moments, those simple acts of kindness made all the difference in
the world about how I was feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
perfect 20/20 hindsight that we have all been blessed with, I wish I had taken
a moment to say, “thank you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To say
thank you to that young lady for having made a difference . . . of saying thank
you to my youngest granddaughter for turning my world right side up . . . of
saying to both of them that it was because of you that it made all the
difference.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">This
is where we find hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is where we
find the energy to keep on going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is where the world begins to change . . . one small act of kindness at a
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all recipients of such acts
of kindness every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we are also
the givers of such gifts and blessings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is in such acts of giving a “cup of cold water” to another that
Jesus’ love is shared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a love that
can be shared anytime and anywhere with gestures that seem small in the eyes of
the world but loom large in the life of those who receive them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In such a way we are making the world God
loves so much a little better, a little more trustworthy, a little more joyful
through our gestures of love, mercy, and compassion.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Remember,
there are no small acts of kindness in the eyes of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through “cups of cold water”, hugs, helping
hands, encouraging words, and listening ears we are caring for the world that
God loves so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is because of you
. . . and you . . . and you . . . that we find hope and strength for the
journey we have been called to take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
probably don’t say it often enough but thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span></p> <br /><p></p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-9072366385501652222023-06-25T18:44:00.000-07:002023-06-25T18:44:08.614-07:00“God Hears” (Genesis 21:8-21)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jVVcwtGNTU39ifZmzSjTIWdHlx3L2dYX2i91fmFi_tMX9OB2UPgfK7i-ITHGOJPDGnJyBs-obJiHtIb2bn5bKVpQfJX3S0zUxIc9hGyqvYLR8eMT-rqbnANpaMH4XRj10mPCAA-Qr50EJNfWjTcvA6CzrbM8o3BJxHqVQ9S5Ta8MNNv5C8oJo_8u/s600/hagar-in-the-desert-1960.jpgLarge-2m711of.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jVVcwtGNTU39ifZmzSjTIWdHlx3L2dYX2i91fmFi_tMX9OB2UPgfK7i-ITHGOJPDGnJyBs-obJiHtIb2bn5bKVpQfJX3S0zUxIc9hGyqvYLR8eMT-rqbnANpaMH4XRj10mPCAA-Qr50EJNfWjTcvA6CzrbM8o3BJxHqVQ9S5Ta8MNNv5C8oJo_8u/s320/hagar-in-the-desert-1960.jpgLarge-2m711of.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><p></p><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Approximately 70 to 80 miles southwest of
Joliet, between Powell and Cody, is the site of one of the Japanese interment
camps from the second world war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heart
Mountain housed over 11 thousand people of Japanese ancestry who were gathered
up by the government after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were gathered for the safety of the
nation going to war against Japan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those
people were gathered up and sent to detainment centers and then eventually
internment camps across the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They lost their homes, businesses, farms, and ranches . . . everything
just because they were Japanese. It did not matter that most of them were
citizens of the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
for the security and good of the nation’s safety that they were put away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Despite
most of them being citizens with constitutional rights that were blatantly
ignored, they were picked up and hauled to places far from their homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine how they felt . . . was anybody
listening?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Approximately
90 miles to the east of Joliet sits Crow Agency, the headquarters of the Crow
Nation tribal land . . . which most of us refer to as the reservation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the final resting place of the Crow
nation after hundreds of years of surviving the westward movement of the United
States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the land that they were
given for having survived what many call genocide again Native American people
. . . surviving their land being taken, their food sources being destroyed, white
people’s diseases, battles and wars, boarding schools, and numerous attempts by
the federal government to wipe out the indigenous completely.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Reservations
across the country have the highest rates of poverty, unemployment, hunger,
drug abuse, and missing people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were gathered up, thrown onto reservations, and hoped that they would
disappear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their life and culture
destroyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are seven reservations
in the state of Montana on which there are twelve recognized Montana tribes . .
. and one tribe without a reservation—the Little Shell Chippewa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine how they must have felt and how they
feel . . . was anybody listening?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">These
are two sites within our area that serve as reminders of people being thrown
out . . . being removed . . . of being thrown out of the picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our scripture reading this morning is such a
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the story of Hagar and Ishmael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prior to last week’s story of the miraculous
birth of Isaac, Abraham and Sarah struggled to have children, especially a
son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God had even promised the two of
them that they would have a child . . . but they laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Sarah remaining barren, they took
matters into their own hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah
insisted that Abraham father a child with her slave Hagar . . . in which he
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sight of the pregnant Hagar
upset Sarah who banishes the pregnant woman to the desert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the desert Hagar encounters God who then
promises the same thing as Abraham had been given . . . God would make her
descendants <b><i>“too numerous to count.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, she returns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That tryst produced a son named Ishmael.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Flash
forward about fifteen years to our story this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The birth of Isaac tears open the old wounds
of resentment and jealousy within Sarah towards Hagar and Ishmael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, she insists that the two be removed
from the camp . . . kicked out . . . driven out . . . forgotten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, they are banished and moved to the
desert where they run out of water and food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The heat is unbearable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hagar
knows that her child is dying.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Imagine
how she must have felt . . . banished, hated, despised . . . did anyone
care?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was anyone listening?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Theodor
Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Suess, started his career as an illustrator
and cartoonist for various magazines and advertising firms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was also a political cartoonist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually he wandered over into the world of
children’s books in which he wrote over 60 books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the second world war broke out with the
bombing of Pearl Harbor, he was like a lot of Americans . . . he harbored very
strong anti-Japan sentiments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had no
difficulty in wanting to see all those of Japanese ancestry gathered up and
placed in internment camps even though the majority of those people were
American citizens.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Then
he had a change of understanding and heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After the war he visited post-war Japan and witnessed the devastation of
the war and nuclear bombs on the people, the land, and their culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He realized the great wrong that was done to
those Americans who had been of Japanese descent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He realized the prevalent attitude of the
nation and world of not caring . . . after all, they were the winners and the
Japanese were the losers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wondered if
anyone was listening.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Horton
Hears a Who</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">
is the book that came about from that experience in his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the story of Horton the Elephant and
his efforts to protect the people of Whoville from annihilation from the world
around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whoville is a microscopic
community filled with microscopic people that are so small no one can see them
. . . they can barely hear them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
Horton does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Realizing the life that is
there Horton swears that he will protect as he proclaims, “A person is a
person, no matter how small.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Horton
hears them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Horton acknowledges
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Horton then protects them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Horton hears.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
story of Hagar and Ishmael is a story of those who are thrown out for whatever
reason people come up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In their case it
was the threat they represented to Sarah, Abraham, and Isaac . . . the lost of
God’s promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The solution . . . remove
them, throw them away . . . out of sight, out of mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this case, death seems like a good means
of solving the problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Hagar and
Ishmael only stand as the metaphor for all those people and groups of people
across the ages and across the world that no one wants . . . or they were
standing in the way of something that others wanted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
Native Americans . . . the Japanese at the start of the second world war . . .
those are two examples just down the road from where we live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is hard to ignore their stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they are not the only ones . . . they are
the tip of the iceberg. What lies below the water?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I imagine that we could all name groups of
people that would fit into this category . . . those removed . . . those
banished . . . those on the outside . . . those forgotten.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Where
do we want to start . . . with those who have disabilities . . . to those who
are poor . . . to those who are of a different race or culture . . . to those
who are elderly . . . those who are hungry . . . those of different faiths and
religions . . . those in prison . . . those who are naked . . . those who are
the least of these?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who else?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Who
hears the cry of these people?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">God
does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least that is what we learn
from the story of Hagar and Ishmael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
of the coolest things about this story is the name of Ishmael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ishmael’s name means “God hears” in
Hebrew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">God
heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said
to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy
crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will
make him into a great nation.”</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> <b><i>Then God opened her eyes and she saw a
well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a
drink. God was with the boy as he grew up. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And
a great nation was born . . . Islam, cousin to Jews and Christians as all three
trace their ancestry to Abraham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ishmael
bears a name that signals a promise to all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God is not deaf, dumb, or blind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God is not implacable, impersonal, or impassible, without feeling or
emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is not an absent landlord
deity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the followers of Jesus we
believe that God sees every human misery, and that God hears every painful
sob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is with us . . . always with
us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">God
hears . . . and cares.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask Hagar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask Ishmael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They will tell you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was true
then and it is true today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span></p>
<br /> <p></p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-29359247221334041412023-06-18T15:24:00.001-07:002023-06-18T15:24:30.768-07:00“The Holiness of Laughter” (Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFcAy17Abgl_FgeF46AJCXF9jvcV256e8CNkdAtaBRM4U2MSMiuiag2fF4Wv3w31LHP3O41zrXuOQ6mFFLaSvtGCN3J6Ey0adFtujPQxS8BhgaPMP3m18hUdalReAq6Bkuj9dsMUqql55K5IKOvjAq9VIAyJ24lzRUj0GtB_PTfTDySNP2a45Qw/s1200/1%20SROHPc4XGjDyf7-HuyzK7Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFcAy17Abgl_FgeF46AJCXF9jvcV256e8CNkdAtaBRM4U2MSMiuiag2fF4Wv3w31LHP3O41zrXuOQ6mFFLaSvtGCN3J6Ey0adFtujPQxS8BhgaPMP3m18hUdalReAq6Bkuj9dsMUqql55K5IKOvjAq9VIAyJ24lzRUj0GtB_PTfTDySNP2a45Qw/s320/1%20SROHPc4XGjDyf7-HuyzK7Q.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">This past week it was reported that actor Al
Pacino became a father at the age of 83.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pacino and his girlfriend—age 29—had a boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actor Robert DeNiro, Pacino’s long-time
friend, said, “Go Al, God bless him” at the news of the birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DeNiro, age 79, gave birth to his seventh
child earlier this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I heard this
story about these two elderly gentlemen becoming parents at such old ages my
only thoughts were . . . “Are they crazy!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I remember those parenting years that took place when I was much younger
. . . I survived and I sure don’t have a hankering to do them again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the great thing about being a
grandparent . . . I get the kids, but they go home to their parents at the end
of the day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
imagine there were quite a few jokes thrown around at their expense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, we should note that their partners
in these birth stories were much younger than they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our society . . . in most societies if not
all . . . it is unusual for a geriatric person to be having children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The geriatric designation comes when a person
hits 65 years of age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a
geriatric!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I became one this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the mere thought of having a child at my
age not only makes me shudder, but it makes me laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes me laugh in disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes me laugh in nervousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nervousness because apparently it can happen
. . . ask Pacino and DeNiro, or even Sarah from our scripture reading this
morning.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
our reading this morning we hear the story of Isaac.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hear how three strangers show up at
Abraham’s camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through the hospitality
they are given they tell Abraham that his wife would become pregnant and that
within a year there would be a child born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, it would be a boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Though Sarah is not present among the men as they are talking, she
overhears the conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon hearing
the declaration of her impending pregnancy . . . she laughs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She laughs because she is old . . . geriatric
. . . beyond the childbearing years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
her mind it is impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately, God hears her laughter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Of
course, God wants to know why Sarah laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Embarrassed and scared, she lies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her response to God is, <b><i>“I did not laugh.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s response was just as blunt with its
condemnation, <b><i>“Yes, you did laugh.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end, I am not sure who got the last
laugh . . . Sarah or God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, who
really wants a child at a ripe old age?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Have
you ever been caught in a laugh when someone said something to you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, when confronted about your laughter,
what did you say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that when I
have let loose with inappropriate laughter that my response is typically, “I
wasn’t laughing at you . . . I was just laughing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which we know is not the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, we were laughing . . . usually laughing
in disbelief . . . laughing in nervousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Had we been Sarah, we would have laughed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But let us not forget that Sarah was not the
only one who laughed at such news, Abraham did too.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
disbelief comes in what is perceived as something that is impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In her old age, Sarah did not think that it
was conceivable to give birth to a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was sort of one of those, “Yeah, right” sorts of laughs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it was also a laugh of nervousness . . .
what if it did happen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if she did
end up getting pregnant and having a child at her old age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would she be up to it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could she, do it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My grandchildren wear me out in a day . . .
Sarah was getting this kid until he reached adulthood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t blame her for laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all would laugh.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thus,
it came to be . . . Sarah gave birth to a son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She named the child Isaac.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did
you know that Isaac means “laughter” in Hebrew?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a tribute to God and the miracle they experienced through God’s
promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah says: <b><i>“God has
brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would
nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">From
laughing at God to laughing with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is holy laughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laughter born out of experience. It is
acknowledgement of the Holy despite the odds against it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is belief in the face of disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God comes through and makes Abraham a father
at the age of 100 . . . leaves Pacino and DeNiro in the dust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together God and the couple laugh and seal
the deal.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Whether
we want to admit it or not, I imagine we all have laughed at God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In elementary school I was given the
traditional assignment of writing a paper about what I wanted to be when I grew
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to list three choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First choice was to be in the Air Force like
my father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one that he
discouraged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second was to be a special
education teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I received a
bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and special education, but I never became
a teacher because I ended up doing the third choice . . . a minister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went from college to seminary to become an
ordained minister.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Now
I want you to understand something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
third choice was out of the blue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I
was writing that paper, I could not think of a third choice of what I wanted to
be when I grew up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, my mother
said to just put down the first thing that came to my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where “minister” came from God only knows
because we were not even a church going family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone in the family had a good laugh at that one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So did my friends as I got older.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My life was not of the ministerial quality
one would expect . . . so there was a lot of laughter and surprise when I
headed off to seminary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that my
seminary professors laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shoot, all
the way through it all I still could not believe the route I was taking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even after I was ordained, I made fun of it .
. . laughed at it, telling people that they could just call me the irreverent
reverend.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">But
look at where I am now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This past April
I celebrated my 40<sup>th</sup> year as an ordained minister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God and I both smile at the journey its been
. . . God probably laughs harder because God won in the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still laugh because I can’t believe I have
spent my life doing this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Holy laughter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Stuart
Long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recognize the name?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stuart Ignatius Long was from Helena,
Montana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lived a life far from
pristine in holiness, but he ended up being a priest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lived a pretty rowdy life into
adulthood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He played football at Carroll
College, graduated with a degree in English literature and writing, and had a
boxing career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A pretty successful one
at that, having won the state golden gloves title in 1985 and was runner-up in
1986.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he was involved in a horrific
motorcycle accident that nearly killed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It changed his life as he had a religious conversion.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Having
recovered from the accident he met a young woman that he fell in love with, but
who refused to marry him unless he converted to Catholicism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which he did . . . but, he felt a call to the
priesthood . . . felt that God was calling him to serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, everyone laughed . . . his family
laughed . . . his friends laughed . . . even the religious of the church
laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But his girlfriend encouraged
him despite the laughter and the loss of matrimony.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While attending seminary he discovered he had
a rare progressive muscle disorder much like Lou Gehrig’s disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he pushed on.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">He
was eventually ordained despite the disability quickly changing his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His first parish was at the Little Flower
Parish on the Blackfeet Reservation in Browning where he was much loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the disease progressed, he was moved back
to Helena and placed in a nursing home relying on the help of others to
continue his ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it became
too much the people came to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He died
in 2014 in that Helena nursing home . . . much loved by the many he had
touched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His life story was made into a
movie, <i>Father Stu</i>, that premiered in 2022.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mark Wahlberg played him, and Mel Gibson
played his father.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Despite
the laughter . . . God’s will came through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the end it was holy laughter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">God
may ask of each of us to do and be things that we find impossible or
unbelievable . . . things that might be difficult . . . things that we never
imagined for ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things that make
us laugh in nervousness and disbelief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet, we need to pause in that moment of laughter and ask ourselves . . .
why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why are we laughing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it because it seems ridiculous or because
it could really happen . . . after all, with God all things are possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that moment we might discover that we are
in the midst of holy laughter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Yes,
we may laugh at God . . . but the key to it all is to laugh with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah and Abraham discovered and recognized
this in the birth of their son . . . that all things are possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To acknowledge this realization they named
their son Isaac . . . to laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To laugh
with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no better laughter
than that of God and God’s children laughing together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is holy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amen.</span></p>
<br /> <p></p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-82545666884305592212023-06-11T16:13:00.003-07:002023-06-11T16:13:48.611-07:00“Hello In There” (Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcMzIl-J4oKRnsiNAtFRjOYymFb79boVauR2Bo9GhRtQINbQ0wReWwOdS4AE1KmrVCJ7sCyvt_N8U7S1kN_04sANc-ZvVT9oSL_8LxBqCQxsowQUNoivCcbD9GR-OBHs-hG3n0TmxLMD-NEe8abeBE09sxFlI8TuWpx-3fXNmVUeu0ldOD8_JPQ/s748/17ltbh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="742" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPcMzIl-J4oKRnsiNAtFRjOYymFb79boVauR2Bo9GhRtQINbQ0wReWwOdS4AE1KmrVCJ7sCyvt_N8U7S1kN_04sANc-ZvVT9oSL_8LxBqCQxsowQUNoivCcbD9GR-OBHs-hG3n0TmxLMD-NEe8abeBE09sxFlI8TuWpx-3fXNmVUeu0ldOD8_JPQ/s320/17ltbh.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><p></p><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A tax collector.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A
synagogue leader with a dying daughter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A
chronically ill woman.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">What
do these three people have in common within this story?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are all people considered on the outside
looking in . . . people of the shadows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are not the main players in the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are not the mainstream of society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, they are those who were ostracized,
pushed away, ignored, and barely tolerated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were the outsiders of society who were often seen as
disposable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
tax collector . . . say no more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
individuals were seen as traitors of their own people working for the enemy who
profited off the backs of their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
leader of the synagogue . . . not a popular person among the followers of Jesus
as they were often in opposition to Jesus, his teachings, and his ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chronically ill women who had been
suffering bleeding for twelve years . . . she was all hands off . . .
considered dirty . . . untouchable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None
of them were like the rest of the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were untouchables . . . outsiders . . . forgotten people who
lingered on the fringes of society . . . who lived in the shadows.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And
what in the world was Jesus doing associating with them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inviting them to join in the party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Healing them. Getting down and dirty with
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was Jesus thinking!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, at least for the people of Jesus’ time,
that was what they were thinking . . . who is this guy and why is he
associating with those sorts of people?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
suppose that is the gift of 20/20 hindsight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we hear this story today we can look back with years and years of
study and recognize that this is who Jesus was and is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not there witnessing and experiencing
this first-hand . . . no, we are witnessing and experiencing it through many
different lenses over the span of many, many years and generations of the faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is who Jesus is . . . his was a ministry
to those others would rather forget and ignore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus’ ministry was to “the least of these”.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">For
those at the time of Jesus, these outsiders were as good as dead in their
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For Jesus there was still life . .
. still purpose . . . still value.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
he invited them to fully embrace the life that God offered . . . to come and
take their place in God’s family . . . to claim their place at the table.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">One
of my all-time favorite movies is <i>The Princess Bride</i> . . . the story of
Wesley and Buttercup’s undying love for one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have never seen the movie, you should
. . . It is a wonderful story for the whole family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the movie Wesley is captured and tortured
to death by the movie’s protagonist, Prince Humperdinck before he is rescued by
his two traveling companions who take him to Miracle Max, the village’s holy
medicine person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Presenting Wesley’s
body to Miracle Max they are sad because they are certain he is dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Max bends down, puts his ear down to the face
of Wesley, and listens . . . Nope!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s
mostly dead, declares Max.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Miracle
Max explains that there is still hope that he can be brought back to full life
since he is not yet dead all the way . . . you know, he’s mostly dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, he goes to work on reviving Wesley back
to life . . . which according to Miracle Max hinges on whether Wesley has
something to live for. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which, of course,
if you know the story, he does . . . true love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Miracle Max proclaims: “Sonny, true love is the greatest things in the
world . . .”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“True
love is the greatest thing in the world.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Would any of us disagree?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that
not the foundation of Jesus’s words, miracles, teachings, and ministry . . .
love?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t everything Jesus does
grounded in love?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did he not tell his
disciples and us that the greatest commandment was to love . . . to love God
wholly and to love one another?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
love that Jesus was doling out and asking his followers to dole out was not for
select people, it was for all people . . . all of God’s creation . . . for all
of God’s children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even those that
everyone considered to be outsiders . . . tax collectors, the powerful, the
disabled . . . those considered “sinners”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everyone was included.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because true love is a powerful thing . . . a
powerful thing that can change the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When one is valued, respected, cared for, wanted . . . it changes life,
it changes the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It changes it for
the better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is what Jesus
preached.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is what Jesus lived.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">One
of my favorite singer/song writers is John Prine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wrote songs that were thoughtful,
thought-provoking, and often humorous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of the first songs that he ever wrote was a song about an elderly
couple called <i>Hello in There</i>. It is a song about being “forgotten”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the couple grew older, family moved away,
retirement came and those relationships were lost, friends die, neighbors
change and as old people they slowly began to fade away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It talked about the loneliness of growing old
. . . of being forgotten and fading into the shadows of the world they once thrived
in.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
each verse of the song paints the picture of this transition in life it is
pierced by the chorus—a chorus expressing a longing to be remembered and to
belong:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">You know that old trees just grow stronger</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And old rivers grow wilder every day</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Old people just grow lonesome</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Waiting for someone to say, "Hello in
there, hello"</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">This
song speaks to something we all feel . . . something that we have all
experienced . . . that feeling of being left out, or being forgotten, of fading
into the shadows. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can identify with
the song because it is a fundamental part of who we are . . . we want to be
loved, desired, remembered, and included.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We want to be acknowledged because we are not dead yet . . . no, we
might be mostly dead but we want to be counted among the living.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Is
that not the desire of all of us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why
would it not be among those who are considered outsiders . . . those who are on
the fringes . . . those who linger in the shadows . . . looking in and wishing
that someone—anyone—would acknowledge them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus recognized this in the people he encountered, particularly those
that others deemed unworthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus lived
and ministered to the “least of these”.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And
that is his challenge to his followers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He challenges his followers to open their vision . . . to look around
the world in which they live . . . and to acknowledge the presence of
others—especially those on the outside looking in—and to invite them in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To love.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">John
Prine’s closing to the song, <i>Hello in There</i>, is such an invitation to
those who listen to the song:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">You know that old trees just grow stronger</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And old rivers grow wilder every day</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Old people just grow lonesome</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Waiting for someone to say, "Hello in
there, hello"</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So if you're walking down the street sometime</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And spot some hollow ancient eyes</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Please don't just pass 'em by and stare</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As if you didn't care, say, "Hello in
there, hello"</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">To
be loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be acknowledged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be wanted and desired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be thought of . . . to be cared for . . .
to count and belong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all want this in
our own lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of us wants to be
left out or to be forgotten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Jesus
doesn’t want that either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So let us
embrace the invitation to open our eyes and hearts to the world around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us stop and say, “Hello in there.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us begin to acknowledge others as we
acknowledge ourselves worthy of love . . . love of God and love of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing more powerful than
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It changes us and the world we
live in . . . in fact, it is the only thing that ever has.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Let
us believe . . . it changed the lives of those we learned about this morning in
our reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Jesus told the woman who
touched him seeking blessing: Take heart . . . your faith has healed you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span></p>
<br /> <p></p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-13437719006695784652023-06-04T16:40:00.000-07:002023-06-04T16:40:06.033-07:00"Holy Trifecta" (II Corinthians 13:11-13)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r_Y31X6bI6QjKUSHudrpZblLUCNXHVYWc6L8PvkqBZTRS1-nQPOeFyuLcyRMqqOR8xiYY2bttsKMrQD9tKQ6CMFZ5NDTZPpuMURBQTs0YT3pL50XtTXmkRG3uPSf736QbGL8R_KsGKha_xOgRQN1G6WWcvZoLCdMQtHBSua_OWZG1a3N4rS3GA/s625/trifecta8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="625" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1r_Y31X6bI6QjKUSHudrpZblLUCNXHVYWc6L8PvkqBZTRS1-nQPOeFyuLcyRMqqOR8xiYY2bttsKMrQD9tKQ6CMFZ5NDTZPpuMURBQTs0YT3pL50XtTXmkRG3uPSf736QbGL8R_KsGKha_xOgRQN1G6WWcvZoLCdMQtHBSua_OWZG1a3N4rS3GA/s320/trifecta8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">If you are familiar with horse racing, then you
are familiar with the word “trifecta”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trifecta is a fairly recent addition to the English language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It first appeared in the early 1970s as a
term for a horse-racing bet in which first, second, and third place finishers
are chosen in the correct order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
other words, you are placing a wager on who you think the first three finishers
will be and in what order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get them
right and you get a pretty good payoff for your bet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is easier said than done.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
am lousy at gambling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once a year, at
the most, I might purchase a lottery ticket when the prize is over a trillion
dollars and the odds are billion-to-one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think of it as my contribution to the state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gambling is not my forte.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a game of luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have much luck.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
you know, Dana—my wife, is a native of Kentucky which is known for its
thoroughbred horses and horse racing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we were dating, she decided to take me to the Keeneland Racetrack
to experience horse racing at its best . . . to give me the true Kentucky
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, as in Rome do as the
Romans do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we decided to place bets
on several of the races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to
look at a racing form to see how the horses stacked up before placing a wager;
Dana, well she looked at the colors the jockeys were wearing, looked for the
colors she liked, and decided that was the horse she would wager on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I didn’t understand the racing forum
and she bet on a whim, neither of us walked away with any winnings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I said, gambling is luck and luck is not
something I have been abundantly blessed with.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Which
brings me back to that word . . . “trifecta”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like a lot of words in the English language it has several meetings . .
. it has a broader meaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it can
also refer to a group of three things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In our brief scripture reading, the Apostle Paul’s final greeting to the
church in Corinth, he admonishes and challenges the congregation to a trifecta
. . . a holy order of three things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
tells them to strive towards becoming what God desires for them to become . . .
the Kingdom of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, to do this, he
tells them there are “three” things they should do: <b><i>“. . . encourage one
another, be of one mind, live in peace.” </i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">If
you do this, says the apostle, you will succeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or as he says it: <b><i>“And the God of love
and peace will be with you.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Paul is betting on a holy trifecta!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So
should we.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“.
. . encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace.”</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is not to love about the three
challenges that the apostle puts upon those—and ultimately us, too—in
Corinth?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like-mindedness. And peace?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul tells us that if we can get the hang of
these three, we can discover that God is with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who doesn’t want that?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“.
. . encourage one another . . .”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A little encouragement
goes a long way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Author and psychiatrist
M. Scott Peck says that “life is difficult” and it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of us is going to argue that it is
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all have our hard days . . . our
difficult days . . . our down in the dump days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A few kind words of encouragement, a supportive statement, a few cheers
here and there can make a difference when we are having those sorts of days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes us feel better . . . better about
ourselves and our situations . . . better because someone cares.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminds us that we are not alone.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Paul
wants those who follow Jesus to encourage one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be supportive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be caring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To be loving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But most of all to
be that presence that lets others know that they are not alone in life or its
struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing that someone is behind
us . . . encouraging us and cheering us on . . . can make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A big difference.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“.
. . be of one mind . . .”</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this
the apostle is not calling us to all think alike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, he never said that as he acknowledges
with the Corinthian church that there is more than one way of thinking about
faith that brings people together as the children of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which makes sense, none of our faith stories
are alike because none of us is alike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, what the apostle is calling for when it comes to “being of one
mind”, is that the purpose—the goal—is the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this case establishing the Kingdom of God as
Jesus taught . . . through love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love of
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love of one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of “being of one mind” towards this common
purpose or goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And of this we should
agree . . . God calls us to love, and our lives should be grounded in that
love.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Which
brings us to <b><i>“. . . live in peace . . .”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peace is a big word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are probably as many understandings of
that word as there are people in this sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all have our own idea of what “peace”
means and is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I warn you . . . peace
is not the absence of disagreement or conflict.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Disagreement and conflict are a natural part of human nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is there in the debate of disagreement and
conflict that peace can be discovered as people sit down and talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk about differences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk about feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk about hopes and dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk about what could be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in the love and respect that allows us
to sit down and be in relationship with one another . . . of learning to
understand one another that peace begins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is the willingness to sit down and work with one another towards
achieving that purpose and goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
reconciliation . . . being able to accept and live with one another. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Paul
is placing his money on this “holy trifecta”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is betting that it can be accomplished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In doing this there will be <b><i>“full
restoration”</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kingdom will
come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be as God desires it to be
. . . or, as the apostle states: <b><i>“And the God of love and peace will be
with you.”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
the apostle encourages the congregation in Corinth to place a bet on this “holy
trifecta” . . . to go for broke while shooting for the moon, so do I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I encourage you to go ahead and wager on this
“holy trifecta” of encouragement, like-mindedness, and peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether you win or lose, it is up to
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t do either if you never
place the bet.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
remind you of that old joke about the man who kept praying to God to win the
lottery as the prize escalated in the into the millions . . . how he promised
God that he would change his life, dedicate his son to the priesthood,
anything, and everything if God would help him win the lottery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After finding no support from God, the man
sits crying and praying to God about how God had failed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then there is a rumbling voice that shakes
the sanctuary saying: “This is God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’ve got to help me with this one . . . buy a ticket!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">God believes in us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is betting on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us do our part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us buy a ticket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us believe in ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span></p>
<br /> <p></p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-89153460786583170142023-05-28T16:37:00.004-07:002023-05-28T16:37:58.730-07:00“Where Has the Spirit Gone?” (Acts 2:1-21)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iN62JkJ_nZLrUPWlQ73NVcUwfYootp_JvQIKQyNJvEO0HN6plPpVAEpTx3cQr1HbfxU9I2w5b3baKZEogGqNbn-JyiDc51ktXJfWhYbhih2XOtM6yqh_Ha1HDprnujQUdpl59YN9qTnMTXZfX3iHqT-SWCKQgvc6jUT-xZcYahoaF5tMWfBFcg/s566/holyspirit.jpg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="566" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iN62JkJ_nZLrUPWlQ73NVcUwfYootp_JvQIKQyNJvEO0HN6plPpVAEpTx3cQr1HbfxU9I2w5b3baKZEogGqNbn-JyiDc51ktXJfWhYbhih2XOtM6yqh_Ha1HDprnujQUdpl59YN9qTnMTXZfX3iHqT-SWCKQgvc6jUT-xZcYahoaF5tMWfBFcg/s320/holyspirit.jpg.png" width="320" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Drama sells.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">One
cannot find a more dramatic scene than the one we just heard in our scripture
reading this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we heard is a
description of that first day of Pentecost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cloistered away the room in which the disciples were sitting is filled
with the sound of rushing wind . . . tongues of fire appear upon each of them .
. . and the noise was immense as they heard other tongues being spoken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The commotion attracted the attention of
others who crowded around the house to see what was happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were baffled by what they were
witnessing . . . they were in awe.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">They
could not believe what they were seeing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But on the other hand, there were those there who were quick to give an
opinion and declared that they were drunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then Peter stood up and addressed the crowd: <b><i>“Fellow Jews and all
of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to
what I say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These people are not drunk,
as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel . . .”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he went on to explain that this was just
as the prophet had said, just as Jesus had promised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Holy Spirit was delivered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thus,
it is that we celebrate the Day of Pentecost within our churches . . . the Holy
Spirit has been delivered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the story
goes the delivery of the Holy Spirit is built up until it reaches a crescendo
on that fateful day in Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
you must admit, it is a more gripping story as we have it than if it had just
happened without all the dramatic effects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It grabs our attention with excitement and awe as we witness the grand
entrance of the Holy Spirit upon the faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This stuff sells tickets.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">But
. . . really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is this how it works?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
have often told the story about my baptism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Having heard my friend Paul describe his baptism in quite biblical terms
. . . the heavens opening up, heavenly choirs, the doves descending . . . I was
quite excited and anxious to get baptized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then it happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The minister
immersed me in the depths of the baptismal waters . . . he dunked me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up out of the baptismal waters I sprang
expecting the heavens to split wide open, choirs singing, and seeing doves
descend . . . and nothing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I was . . . was soaking wet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No heavenly vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No choir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No doves, not even a pigeon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just
my brother, David, crying.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">David
was crying because he thought the minister had killed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He really thought the minister had killed
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The minister had proclaimed “the old
dies and the new is born” just before he dunked me under the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David was certain that the minister was
drowning me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And
. . . that was it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no
drama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pretty plain and simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From that moment on I was one of the faithful
. . . signed, sealed, and delivered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
heavenly scene, choir, or doves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nor was
there the sound of rushing wind or tongues of fire.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Needless
to say . . . I was disappointed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
the first congregation I served out of seminary, there was a couple who were
faithful members of the congregation . . . but they had an evangelical flair
that our church couldn’t quite meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So,
they would attend worship with us on Sunday morning and then head over to one
of the evangelical churches to get their fix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It worked well for them and for us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">At
least it did for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day the
wife came to talk to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
concerned about her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
explained that they had been attending the evangelical church for quite some
time and her husband hadn’t gotten the gift of speaking in tongues like she
had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In her mind and heart that was a
sign of being saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t sure how
she was going to stay with him since he obviously wasn’t saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She prayed about it . . . a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayed for him to receive the gift of
tongues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayed because she did not
think it was Christian to divorce her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What was she going to do?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
poor guy couldn’t catch a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
prayed for the gift of tongues . . . and nothing changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried faking it . . . which just made his
wife mad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through it all the wife
insisted that she wasn’t sure that they could stay together, but divorce was
out of the question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, quite
innocently, she asked, “Would it be wrong if I prayed for something to happen
to my husband so God would take him away from me?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Such
as what? I asked. She then informed me that maybe he would get sick or maybe a
car accident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To which I responded to
her that it wouldn’t be a good idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Like
me this woman had a certain picture in her mind and heart of what the Holy
Spirit’s presence would look like in a person’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like me she was looking for something more
dramatic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, like me, what we were
experiencing was far from the dramatic that we were being sold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I imagine that we are not the only ones to
experience and feel this . . . no, I suspect that it is probably more honest to
say that most people fall into this category of the faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which raises the question of where is the
Holy Spirit?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Years
of faithful journey as a follower of Jesus and as a minister, I have come to
know the Holy Spirit in a different way . . . a more intimate way . . . that is
far from the drama we heard in our reading this morning or witnessed at a
baptism or is marked by the gift of tongues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Though for some the Spirit can be dramatic and abrupt, I think for most
of us the Spirit is subtle, gentle, and more like a refreshing breeze than
rushing wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I believe that because
God speaks to us all in different ways . . . intimate ways that fit our
relationship with the Holy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
Spirit is not gone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Spirit is with
us . . . always with us!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There
is nothing wrong with any of us if we experience the Holy Spirit in ways that
are different from the descriptions we read in the scriptures or are told by
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is a mystery that is
experienced in all sorts of ways that speaks to us . . . that reveals to us . .
. the presence of God in the world around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is not all drama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More often
than not it is in the common everyday movement of our lives that God’s spirit
is encountered and experienced.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus
promised the Holy Spirit to those who believed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As the prophet Joel says: <b><i>“And everyone who calls on the name of
the Lord will be saved.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Spirit dwells within us and we must acknowledge the Spirit’s presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some it may come in the form of a sudden
epiphany like the Apostle Paul’s experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For others it may come as a gentle moment sitting by a mountain stream
in which the Holy is exposed in the beauty of the landscape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Spirit moves in ways that are a mystery
to us, but to the Spirit they are ways that open us to its presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
Holy Spirit is not gone . . . no, it is there with us . . . always with
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about those moments in your
own life when you have been moved by the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When have you experienced the movement of the
Spirit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it in some dramatic moment
with rushing wind, dancing flames of fire, and speaking in languages foreign to
you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or was it something more subtle . .
. more gentle . . . more intimate?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There
are moments within our worship service when we are singing particular hymns in
which I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those moments when the natural harmony comes into play dancing with the
sound of our voices singing praise to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can feel the Spirit . . . it sends chills up my spine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the Spirit and it is here.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
we celebrate this day of Pentecost, let us not get hung up in expecting the
Spirit’s presence to show up in one particular way and one way only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead let us celebrate the broad love and
grace of God’s presence that comes to us as individuals to form that connection
. . . that intimate relationship . . . between us and God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in that that the promise of Jesus is
fulfilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in that we know within
our hearts that we are God’s children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let us open our hearts and acknowledge the Spirit’s presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Spirit has never left us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just need to acknowledge it for it is
always with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen!</span></p>
<p></p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-29362192710590015312023-05-21T15:47:00.004-07:002023-05-21T15:47:49.263-07:00“Stand Firm” (I Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXwrfIkAP8EhGV05a4F9pQ6CMi--Ero3lOrXkmf4vbZ03W46Fu-oQcI1RlGJTlUGxFpjgxKysObfxlG1627WaACy2U8_OWE25IjRMtFrSppzQV6AFcwUdB0BWOVf0qReD2bMjuh-l6y6Epz6XOgUikKCpofef0dZKiEWZXf3tKtObyhROFR16TQ/s275/gfhj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXwrfIkAP8EhGV05a4F9pQ6CMi--Ero3lOrXkmf4vbZ03W46Fu-oQcI1RlGJTlUGxFpjgxKysObfxlG1627WaACy2U8_OWE25IjRMtFrSppzQV6AFcwUdB0BWOVf0qReD2bMjuh-l6y6Epz6XOgUikKCpofef0dZKiEWZXf3tKtObyhROFR16TQ/s1600/gfhj.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><p></p><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">How staunch are you when it comes to your
faith?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the question being
pursued this morning in our scripture reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is debate on exactly when this letter was written . . . some argue
that it was before the persecution of Christians by Romans, others argue that
it was written during the height of Roman persecution of the Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either way, the writer is telling those who
receive the letter that because they choose to be a follower of Jesus that they
will face adversity for their faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
fact, the writer tells them that they should not be surprised, after all . . .
Jesus suffered.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
writer tells the readers that it a “curse” and “blessing”, but they should not
be surprised: <b><i>“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that
has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that
you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of
the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests
on you.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is with you and if
it was good enough for Jesus it should be good enough for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The key is <b><i>“standing firm in the faith”</i></b>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
“fiery ordeal” mentioned by the writer comes in a variety of ways for those
being written to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could be mocked
and ridiculed by others who found their practices strange and peculiar compared
to the standards of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could
become isolated as family members abandon them because they have chosen to
follow Jesus . . . to be one of his followers. None of which sounds bad . . .
but the writer said, “fiery ordeal” and thus was referencing the experience of
Jesus himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus was mocked,
ridiculed, ignored, and isolated by his family and culture, arrested, beaten,
put on trial, and crucified.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
think that bumps the writer’s point into the “fiery ordeal” mentioned in the
letter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">That’s
the “curse” of following Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the
same time, the author mentions that there is also “blessing”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “blessing” comes in that God is with them
throughout it all . . . including the “fiery ordeal” if it comes to that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The writer tells them that they are <b><i>“under
God’s mighty hand”</i></b> . . . “<b><i>And the God of all grace, who called
you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,
will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is with the faithful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God will not abandon them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of this the writer implores them to <b><i>“Cast
all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thus,
the message of the writer to those who read the letter is to get out there and
be faithful . . . live like Jesus . . . be like Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Strive for God’s Kingdom of inclusion where every one of God’s children
. . . God’s creation . . . takes their rightful place at the table.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
faith the writer alludes to is not in words, but in action.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Which
brings us to today and the question that was asked earlier: How staunch are you
when it comes to your faith?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
our lifetimes we have seen change when it comes to the Christian faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where we have seen a shift in attitudes
towards the “church” and its “followers”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As much as we would want it to be “business as usual” for the church and
its followers, we have to admit that things have changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking back over nearly forty years as an
ordained minister I think I ignored the subtle changes that were taking
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Christians” are not seen in
favorable light like they once were.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Years
ago, I began noticing that churches were changing their names.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whereas they used to be identified by their
denomination . . . for example, Joliet Christian Church . . . they started
changing their names to hide their affiliation as a “church”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of First Christian Church or First
Methodist Church, churches took on the names of Abundant Life, Harvest, Faith,
or even Elevation . . . even Refuge which is the name of the newest
congregation here in Joliet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With such
names there is less of a threat, less of a stigma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you tell me what these churches represent
when it comes to their beliefs or doctrine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Refuge here in Joliet is a Southern Baptist Congregation. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
have always noticed the differentiation used more and more by Christians . . .
the “us” and “them”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lines have been
drawn to differentiate between theological beliefs . . . between “liberal” and
“conservative” . . . between “left” and “right”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many times have you, in explaining your
faith, have told another that you weren’t one of “those Christians”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will have to admit that for many years I
have leaned away from telling others that I am a “Christian” and instead tell
them that I identify myself as a “follower of Jesus”. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
believe the writer of our scripture reading this morning would argue that that
is a matter of “semantics” . . . a matter of word play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The writer would say that it is not the words
we use to describe our faith that matters but the way that we live out our
faith in daily matters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is our
actions that define our faith and not our words.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">But
either way, it seems that being a person of faith is a lot riskier than it has
been for a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it comes to
survival you cannot blame a person for playing semantics in the matter of faith
. . . who wants to come under the “fiery ordeal”?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Thus,
it is that the writer tells us: <b><i>“Cast all your anxiety on him because he
cares for you.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And <b><i>“stand
firm in the faith”</i></b>. Though I hate to use such terminology, there is a
battle being waged and we should not shy away or lose our voice or presence in
the thick of the “fiery ordeal”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
the ones who have declared ourselves to be the followers of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are the ones you have said we would pick
up the cross before us and follow Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are the ones who are the witness of Jesus to the world in which we
live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are the ones called upon to
love . . . to include . . . and to walk with others.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">If
not us . . . then who?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus
never said it would be easy to follow him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The writer of our reading this morning reiterates it with the words he
has written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we know it from
experience and looking at the world around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is tough to “stand firm” in the faith, but we are assured that if we
do . . . God will be with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What more
do we need.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Remember:
<b><i>“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ,
after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you
strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” </i></b></span></p> <br /><p></p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-80405397052658506082023-05-07T15:37:00.000-07:002023-05-07T15:37:03.734-07:00“Another Brick in the Wall” (John 14:1-14)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DWD6Jrd4widBLduK76h-fJ6tspZYREHIbcXIpmJncCOjVDgJtCk8ymWwkNPBCB4O3cJPOyu11YSsva8fSTdGcFTyy53Ti8yMJ6SU1HJ2CT6kRaeDd3zTZco_N_zgI4cXUXpf6M_8Z8bV4xHEJzxcuoAQ_pdSZ0xIXoaJPmtZYZElAO0hQZ-LmA/s1023/6867087845_f124fcea2f_o-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1023" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DWD6Jrd4widBLduK76h-fJ6tspZYREHIbcXIpmJncCOjVDgJtCk8ymWwkNPBCB4O3cJPOyu11YSsva8fSTdGcFTyy53Ti8yMJ6SU1HJ2CT6kRaeDd3zTZco_N_zgI4cXUXpf6M_8Z8bV4xHEJzxcuoAQ_pdSZ0xIXoaJPmtZYZElAO0hQZ-LmA/s320/6867087845_f124fcea2f_o-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Our holy scriptures begin with the story of
creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that story of creation God
creates it all . . . the earth, night and day, the seas, and all the creatures
of the land and sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the first
chapter of <i>Genesis</i>, we learn of creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God creates it all including humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that story we are told that humanity . . .
humans, were created in the image of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As the story goes it tells us: <b><i>So God created mankind in his own
image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.</i></b>
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">(Genesis
1:27, NIV) </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We are told this twice in the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently the storyteller wanted the
listeners to get the point . . . that humanity—you and me—was created in the
image of God . . . created in God’s likeness.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We
are all chips off the ol’ block!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">With
humans . . . with each of us . . . created in the image of God it is not
difficult to see that there is a whole lot of diversity in that creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we look at the scope of humanity across
the globe we see the diversity that there is in the human race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of us look the same . . . we are all
unique and special creations . . . and we are all told that we are created in
the image of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It says so right there
in the start of our Bibles . . . <b><i>“So God created mankind in his own
image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them.”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">If
we can grasp and accept this, then we can begin to understand the words of
Jesus in our scripture reading this morning about “God’s house with many
rooms.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our reading Jesus is speaking
to his disciples about what is to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He tells them that he is going to prepare for them . . . for all of
humanity . . . rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many rooms!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rooms for everyone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He promises them—and us—that he is <b><i>“going
to prepare a place”</i></b> for you and me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Now
I don’t know about you, but I never pictured Jesus as an interior
decorator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it sounds like in his
preparations these rooms will be decorated to fit the relationship between him
and the one receiving the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The room
will fit the individual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be
no “cookie cutter” or mass produced, one-size-fits-all rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, these rooms will reflect that intimate
and personal relationship with Jesus . . . built upon that relationship with
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus
says: <b><i>“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the
Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as
well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These rooms are based on the relationship
with Jesus that each person who follows him has with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they are all different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Different because none of us relates to Jesus
the same way because we are unique and diverse in our creation and being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus relates to us as we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of us are the same, so why would our
relationship be the same?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">That
is why God’s house is so BIG!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">You’ve
probably heard the joke before about the person who dies and goes to
heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There in heaven the person is
greeted by Saint Peter and given a tour of God’s heavenly mansion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they are going through the house, Saint
Peter points to various doors and tells the individual who is in the different
rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over there are the
Catholics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over there are the
Methodists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over there the
Presbyterians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walking past each door
Saint Peter tells them who is in the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then he comes to one door and tells the person that they need to be
quiet as they walk by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Curious, the
person wonders what is going on . . . and Saint Peter says, “Shhh . . . that’s
the Baptists and they think they are the only ones up here.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus
tells us that God’s house <b><i>“has many rooms”</i></b>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There
is only one problem with all of this . . . we humans are a homogeneous
group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Homogeneous meaning “birds of a
feather flock together”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We like to hang
out with people who are like us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Across
the scope of our lives we like to be around people who are like us, who think
like us, who worship like us, who have the same values, beliefs, and even
politics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the comfort zone for
humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For all things different, at
best we have a tolerance for diversity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If we have our choice, for better or worse, we would rather have people
like us around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, for better or
worse, that seems to be the way that we view our world.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">That
is a big reason why there is so much divisiveness in the world today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where Jesus offers God’s house with many
rooms we just want to shove everyone into one great big ballroom and call it
good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Problem is that that is not the
way God works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To do such a thing . . .
to live life in that way, is to kill God’s creation and destroy the
kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is to add another brick in
the wall . . . a wall that separates us from God and from one another.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Another
brick in the wall.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of you may
recognize that phrase from a 1979 song off the rock band Pink Floyd’s album <i>The
Wall</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a concept album about
how societies—in this case the British—are built not for diversity but
homogeneousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The album protests that
society is a system set up to basically cookie cut everyone into the same mold
or image . . . to add another brick to the wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The album argues that it is destroying
humanity and pleads for it to stop before it is too late.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Another
brick in the wall” . . . that is what happens when we—as the children of God .
. . as the chips off the ol’ block—cannot find room within ourselves and our
lives to embrace the diversity of God’s creation and vision of the
kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We add another “brick in the
wall” that separates, divides, and alienates us from God and one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It destroys the house of God, tears down the
many rooms, and defeats God’s purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It goes against what Jesus tells his disciples in our reading this
morning.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus
said, <b><i>“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the
Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as
well.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It begins with a
relationship . . . a relationship between Jesus and us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One on one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jesus invites us to come into relationship with him . . . to come and
know him . . . to come and understand him . . . to learn how to love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For each one of us, because we are all
different, we experience and relate to Jesus differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How I know, understand, and love Jesus is
going to be different than it is for each one of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And why shouldn’t it be . . . we are all
different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Though
each of us has experienced and relate to Jesus differently, each is relevant and
valid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is unique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Each reflects God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is not
one flavor . . . there are as many flavors as there as humans in the world for
God’s house is a house of many rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because of this who are we to judge the experience and relationship of
another with Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because we have had
an experience and relationship with Jesus, we want others to have one too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not our experience, but their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it comes to relating to God and one
another in love we do not want to keep adding bricks to the wall that separate,
but we want to tear down the walls and build the kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to step away from our desire to
homogeneous . . . to all be the same . . . and to embrace the uniqueness and
specialness of who each of us is as created by God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this way we see Jesus . . . we see God . .
. and we begin to discover the kingdom—the Kingdom of God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">God
is a mystery that each of us experiences differently, and each is valid in the
eyes of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of Jesus’ disciples
listen but did not understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus
offered himself as the answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus
shows us the way because he is the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remember he said: <b><i>“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one
comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my
Father as well.”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">God
has a house with many rooms, and everyone has a place in the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you know Jesus . . . well, he prepares
that room for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not we who
makes that decision . . . it is God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
let us rejoice in the words of encouragement offered by Jesus: <b><i>“Do not
let your hearts be troubled.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amen.</span></p>
<br /> <p></p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-41831924872087793222023-04-30T15:49:00.000-07:002023-04-30T15:49:23.576-07:00“Heavenly Murmuration” (Acts 2:42-47)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceO4_XAY_aExn1afg9R7mmqWdI_IOxqunBfOgRqTtrcgkpZEz9rWOjiNkgrbtJeHJYu1BlImWRtPK3XkJE9wW7m6Pl4FqcfF_D4z6e9MHpP3xAtEdKhiKjgDhmmmZCZf-H0phSzr6rhmNLGvcceF-_qhyP9nfL1KFbztH2ZSuH4q-dMzwOuJxeg/s768/1%20BSK280bfzDj4e7slYWuFGw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceO4_XAY_aExn1afg9R7mmqWdI_IOxqunBfOgRqTtrcgkpZEz9rWOjiNkgrbtJeHJYu1BlImWRtPK3XkJE9wW7m6Pl4FqcfF_D4z6e9MHpP3xAtEdKhiKjgDhmmmZCZf-H0phSzr6rhmNLGvcceF-_qhyP9nfL1KFbztH2ZSuH4q-dMzwOuJxeg/s320/1%20BSK280bfzDj4e7slYWuFGw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As many of you know, Dana and I like to do a
little bird watching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Birds are
fascinating and they have a lot to teach us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of the coolest things about birds is what they call a
“murmuration”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only birds that do
this are Starlings . . . a species of bird of which we have plenty of here in
Montana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Don’t
know what a “murmuration” is?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
murmuration is the flocking and flying together in perfect formation . . . it
is the swooping, diving, and wheeling through the sky in wonderful shapes and
patterns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You never forget one once
you’ve seen it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first records of the
word murmuration come for the 1300s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is derived from the Latin word <i>murmurare</i>, meaning “to mutter,” “to make
a gentle sound,” “to roar,” or to “grumble.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The word murmur is thought to be based on onomatopoeia, which is the
formation of a word by imitation of sound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Again, if you have ever witnessed one you will remember the sight and
sound of it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Scientists
believe that murmuration is a visual invitation to attract other Starlings to
join a group night roost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One theory is
that spending the night together keeps the Starlings warmer as they share their
body heat . . . plus there is safety in numbers.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So,
what does murmuration have to do with anything outside of avian science?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And why are you hearing about it in worship
this morning . . . does it have anything to do with faith?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, remember that I said that birds have a
lot that they can teach us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
we have climbed further into the Easter season, we have heard stories in our
scripture readings about the encounters of the disciples with the resurrected
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning we are moving down
the road a little further as we hear a story about the earliest form of what we
might call a “church” . . . or the gathering of Jesus’ followers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you heard the story, I would ask you to
consider the faithful’s actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would
propose that what we witness in that story is a murmuration . . . a heavenly
murmuration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a flocking together
of Jesus’ followers for the purpose of well-being and safety.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
writer tells us that they were all together . . . held everything in common . .
. took care of one another . . . worshiped together . . . gathered together to
break bread with one another . . . praised God together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a flurry of motion and emotion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A murmuration . . . a calling for those who
follow Jesus to come together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the
writer tells us, <b><i>“And the Lord added to their number daily those who were
being saved.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a heavenly
murmuration.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There
is safety in numbers . . . and there is strength in numbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know of the contentious times leading up
to the crucifixion of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know of
the motives behind those in power to smash Jesus and the movement he
started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a threat to disrupt
everything and to change the way that things have always been done . . . it was
an affront to the establishment of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And it was one that the Romans would gladly put an end to if it was
perceived as an uprising against the empire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a statement, especially to those who were the followers of Jesus
. . . it could happen to you, too!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Because
of this it is no wonder that we hear all these stories about the followers
having a difficult time embracing the resurrected Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a tenuous time . . . there was the threat
of death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, as I said, there is
safety in numbers, strength in numbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It should be no surprise then that the followers began to flock
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They flocked together to
study, to fellowship, to break bread, to pray, to take care of one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together chose to live as Jesus had lived . .
. to love God . . . to love one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Around and around, they spun . . . and others joined them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The movement grew.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We
are living in an age in which the “church” as many of us know it is crumbling .
. . some would even say that it is dying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Statistical research confirms this as we have seen a shift from the
faithful to those who claim themselves to be non-religious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mainline and even evangelical churches are
shuttering their doors because fewer people than ever attend worship on a
regular basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Research shows that only
27% of adults in the United States have attended a religious service in the
last month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church we are familiar
with is changing . . . maybe even dying . . . but whatever is happening, what
we can agree on is that this is not what we expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We feel as if we are losing grip of our faith
as a body of believers and as individuals.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Where
are the answers we seek?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Well,
I say look to the birds . . . look to the early movement of Jesus’
followers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In what is “old” we can
discover the “new”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need a heavenly
murmuration!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There
is a lot that the writer tells us in our reading this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The writer tells us that the followers of
Jesus gathered together to study and learn about the teachings of Jesus that
the apostle shared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a like manner we,
too, should be engaged in study and discussion of Jesus and his teachings . . .
after all, he said it was all there to those who would listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in such activity that we find our
commonality . . . find our foundation . . . and discover our purpose as
individual and as the family of God.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
early followers gathered to share life . . . they fellowshipped with one
another, worshiped with one another, broke bread with one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They worked together . . . pooled their
resources . . . had everything in common.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The purpose was to build relationships . . . to discover their different
gifts and how they would work together to be the “body of Christ” as the
Apostle Paul called it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To work together
to fulfill that second part of Jesus’ challenge to love . . . to love one
another, to care for one another.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
early followers prayed . . . prayed individually for one another, but also
prayed together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They entered into
conversation with God desiring to want to know God’s will . . . God’s direction
. . . God’s assurance and presence.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
early followers flocked together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weaved
themselves together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Found warmth . . .
found safety . . . found strength in their togetherness . . . found meaning in
their coming together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And others
witnessed the beauty and intricacy of their movement and were drawn into the
murmuration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><i>“And the Lord added
to their number daily those who were being saved.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a movement inward there explodes a
movement outward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is birthed through
a desire to love the Lord and to love one another.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A
call to heavenly murmuration is not a call to draw into oneself for self-perseverance
. . . not for survival of that which makes us comfortable and safe; but it is a
call to dive into what seems to be a chaotic flocking but is actually a divine
dance of the Spirit calling us to come together as the family of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The family of God that believes and lives
with the foundation of Jesus’ teaching and witness of loving God and one
another . . . of taking care of one another . . . of being good stewards of the
family of all of God’s children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
being people of the resurrection . . . of new life . . . new beginnings.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">That
is the invitation of Easter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">We
all can learn something from the birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<br /> <p></p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-58251532071306944522023-04-23T15:56:00.003-07:002023-04-23T15:56:58.606-07:00"The Familiarity of Faith" (Luke 24:13-35)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAA3XrkMY2DR1-Ny4JfO_MbOA8LaZhYW7Jwr3Y_yuOxKpSYXEI-3s0lfZ1stLpNFCcFYh11kM5SDVDGD0cumoxsDGbHiS9izfxnE7ZAM3EfVR2T4XNdPl8i5BqP1MGmgENqq8y2jWnGcQOix7c5Tf4LRhA9sqRlPdU2HaLm-ktfNn8y_-x91-lA/s2560/The_Road_to_Emmaus_MET_DP800487-scaled.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1975" data-original-width="2560" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAA3XrkMY2DR1-Ny4JfO_MbOA8LaZhYW7Jwr3Y_yuOxKpSYXEI-3s0lfZ1stLpNFCcFYh11kM5SDVDGD0cumoxsDGbHiS9izfxnE7ZAM3EfVR2T4XNdPl8i5BqP1MGmgENqq8y2jWnGcQOix7c5Tf4LRhA9sqRlPdU2HaLm-ktfNn8y_-x91-lA/s320/The_Road_to_Emmaus_MET_DP800487-scaled.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I have heard it said that “familiarity breeds
contempt.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that “contempt” is a
harsh word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Contempt” implies, at least
to me, an intentional action or choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That has rarely been my experience when it comes to “familiarity”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, when dealing with familiarity I’m
more apt to be nonchalant or maybe complacent or even lax . . . rarely, if
ever, am I contemptful when it comes to familiarity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we all are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It happens all the time with our jobs,
marriages, relationships, and even when it comes to our faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Familiarity can make us nonchalant,
complacent, and lax . . . even forgetful . . . in our lives and faith. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when that happens, we take those parts of
our lives for granted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sometimes
we need to be reminded when this happens.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Quinn,
the newest addition to our canine family in the Keener household has been such
a prompt for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the first two weeks
that she has graced our lives she has served as a constant reminder of the joys
of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got Quinn from a pet store
where she had basically been raised for two-thirds of her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a life within a cage, inside of a
building, where she rarely ran free and never experienced life outside of that
store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a austere start to life
for a puppy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kind of depressing when one
thinks about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that all changed
when she arrived at the Keener homestead.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
first couple of days were marked with timidness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was all new for Quinn . . . new
surroundings, people, and routines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was nothing like what she experienced living in the pet store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly she had freedom . . . freedom to
move around, freedom to explore, freedom to be herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though she started out timidly, I can assure
you that that timidness has disappeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But watching her experience new surroundings and things for the first
time was a joy . . . and a reminder of the things we all take for granted
because they are familiar to us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">For
example, the backyard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember this is
a puppy that has spent more than half her six months in the captivity of a pet
store where she never left the cage or building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had never been outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fun watching her experience this new
environment . . . to experience snow, rain, and wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more she experienced and gained
confidence in her surroundings the more she blossomed in exuberance for all
things outdoors.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">It
was the same with other things . . . experiencing the darkness of night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Going for a walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Climbing up and down stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jumping on furniture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Receiving doggy treats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole kit-and-kaboodle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was all new to her and she reveled in the
joy of discovering what I had taken for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She opened my eyes to the joy of life with
which I had become familiar . . . familiar to the point that I had practically
forgotten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t do it on purpose
with contempt in my heart . . . no, it just happened.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So,
it does for all of us, I believe.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Our
scripture reading this morning deals with familiarity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus has been crucified and made an appearance
at the tomb and in a locked house where his disciples had gathered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it is later in the day and two of Jesus’s
disciples . . . not any of the eleven, but disciples who would be considered on
the fringe of the movement . . . are making their way to Emmaus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they are walking, they encounter a
stranger who asks if he may join them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As they are walking the stranger asks what they are talking about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, they tell him about everything
that had taken place . . . the trial, crucifixion, and the encounter that they
had heard about with the resurrected Jesus.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
stranger kind of surprises them when he chastises them for not believing in
what they were hearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the
stranger begins from the beginning with Moses and the prophets and tells them all
that there is about the Messiah that was in the scriptures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Information that they were all familiar
with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From start to finish the stranger
talked as they moved towards Emmaus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
whole way they listened in awe at what was being shared.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Then
they got to their destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
stranger seemed to be going on with his journey, but the two encourage the man
to stay with them since it was nearly nightfall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When it came time to eat, they gathered around the table, and then <b><i>“.
. . he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
the familiar came the revelation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
writer of Luke’s gospel tells us: <b><i>“Then their eyes were opened and they
recognized him . . . They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within
us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There
was nothing special in that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was an act they had done and experienced countless times throughout their lives
. . . a blessing, broken bread, and sharing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were familiar with the action, familiar with the routine, and yet
something happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their eyes were
opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their hearts burned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There in the familiar they discovered new
life . . . new beginnings . . . hope . . . promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the routine and familiar they discovered
it all.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">This
story asks us to consider our own faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Asks us to consider our own familiarity with our faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have we become so familiar with our faith
that we are no longer surprised or excited by what we experience in our daily
walk with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have we become so
familiar that we have become complacent and nonchalant about the presence of
the Holy around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have we become
forgetful and taken our faith for granted?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
don’t know . . . I can only speak for myself, and you must answer those
questions for yourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I know is
that I probably do take my faith for granted more often than I realize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of that I have come to appreciate
those moments and people who pop up in my life . . . who pop up in the
familiarity of my life . . . who show up and shake up that which I take for
granted and show me the magic and holiness in the familiar.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
those two disciples . . . not even major players in the story of Jesus . . .
are walking along they are journeying down the familiar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is nothing new that they are
experiencing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing that the stranger
tells them is new knowledge . . . they knew the words and stories of Moses and
the prophets about the Messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were familiar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But something was
different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That difference was in the
enthusiasm of the one sharing the story . . . of the one walking with them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Even
as they sat at that table to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
was nothing special about the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was familiar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Same old, same old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was the blessing . . . the breaking of
bread . . . and then poof!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
discovered their faith . . . they believed!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">It
was all new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a new beginning down
a familiar path.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So,
it is with us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
Easter story is a familiar story, but it is also a story that comes with a
reminder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because it is familiar,
we should not take it or our faith for granted . . . we should not take God or
the Holy around us for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
familiar is always the opportunity to discover the new and find new beginnings
. . . of experiencing God, others, and life in new ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us not become complacent in our
familiarity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us keep our eyes, ears,
and hearts open to that which makes the old new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us be thankful for those interruptions,
those bumps, and moments that interrupt our familiarity to remind us of the
gift life and faith.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Let
us not take anything of God or God’s creation for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, it might be a simple loaf of bread . .
. a simple blessing, but there is power in it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has the power to make our hearts burn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes we just need to be reminded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Easter story does that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus does that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For that we can be thankful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span></p>
<br /> <p></p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-65568379610815284502023-04-16T16:01:00.002-07:002023-04-16T16:01:55.548-07:00“Geez! I Wish You Wouldn’t Do That!” (John 20:19-31)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55FNMehFSVrQb21tDn8SLhwzOvssbqYY2dn6hlaIwngxJBzZ4b_RMe91_6i7x4s7ooHQSWtcgsfrSsgh88ZJ_sRyTpL1w3sGy4oJwmtDoecsXASccwrg7hI4DqDt1AFQ5VdrvrLLRYEu2cR00ua3EZi0t7IA0wvXgXJIBmYBb8Lco4L9t7M6B0w/s799/nat-cathedral-mosaic2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="799" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55FNMehFSVrQb21tDn8SLhwzOvssbqYY2dn6hlaIwngxJBzZ4b_RMe91_6i7x4s7ooHQSWtcgsfrSsgh88ZJ_sRyTpL1w3sGy4oJwmtDoecsXASccwrg7hI4DqDt1AFQ5VdrvrLLRYEu2cR00ua3EZi0t7IA0wvXgXJIBmYBb8Lco4L9t7M6B0w/s320/nat-cathedral-mosaic2-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I was a jumpy kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was one of those kids who if you came up
behind me and said my name or touched me . . . I would jump a mile high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People were always scaring the bejabbers out
of me pretty much until I was well into college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I hated it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hated it when people snuck up on me or they
seemed to appear out of the blue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were
any of you like that?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Whenever
I read this passage from the <i>Gospel of John,</i> I can’t help but to wonder
how the disciples reacted when Jesus seems to appear out of thin air into their
midst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about it . . . Jesus was
crucified because he was seen as a troublemaker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were his disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were associated with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such associations could get one arrested,
maybe even killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, it is natural
that they were on edge . . . nervous . . . scared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The writer of the gospel points to this when
describing how they were behind locked doors fearful of what could happen to
them. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Then
. . . out of the blue . . . Jesus appears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t know about you, but I would have jumped right out of my
pants!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jumped a mile high!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in my mind I think that the disciples did
too, but the writer of the gospel skips over that and just tells us that the
disciples were overjoyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, who
wouldn’t be . . . Jesus is alive.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
guess Jesus liked to keep his disciples on their toes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only does he suddenly appear out of
nowhere once, but he does it again . . . a week later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, they are in the same house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The doors are locked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are still anxious, scared . . .
jumpy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And . . . POOF!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus appears among them right out of thin
air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I imagine that the reaction was
quite the same . . . after all, the disciples are on edge.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Whenever
I was caught off guard as a kid and my heart quit racing, I would look at the
person who startled me and say, “Geez!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wish you wouldn’t do that!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though no
one in our story this morning says that I wonder if there weren’t a few among
the disciples who were thinking that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">That
is the way it seems to be with Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we least expect him . . . he shows up . . . especially when he
wants something from us, or we have strayed away from his teachings and
desires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of nowhere he confronts us
in our faith . . . confronts us in our words and actions . . . confronts us
when we have wandered away from his path and ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe some would say this is when we are in
the midst of a moral dilemma, but deep down we know the root of the turmoil
within ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poof!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus appears!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Think
about the parable that Jesus shared over in the <i>Gospel of Matthew</i>,
chapter 25, verses 31 through 46 . . . the “sheep and goats”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember that one?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is gathered in heaven and being
split up into two groups—the sheep and goats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The sheep are then invited to take their place in heaven while the goats
are sent to hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When both of these
groups ask why they got what they got, the Son of Man tells them that it is
because whenever they helped or did not help one of the least of them, they did
it to him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Poof!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s Jesus!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Do
you ever feel guilty whenever you pass by one of the homeless people on the
side of the road asking for handouts?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
all honesty, most of the time I don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But there are those times when I wonder . . . what if?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if that were Jesus standing by the side
of the road asking for help?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of
nowhere there is Jesus asking me to believe . . . asking me to care . . .
asking me to help . . . asking me to walk in his footsteps.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Geez!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish he wouldn’t do that to me!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
we look around the world, we are living in with all of its divisiveness . . .
with all of its separation and division . . . with its meanness, warring,
injustice, and callousness . . . well, I imagine that Jesus is popping up all
over the place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Popping up and
confronting us . . . challenging us . . . asking us to put into action that
which we proclaim to believe.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">It
is not easy following Jesus in our day and time . . . in this crazy world we
exist in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are pulled to the left and
the right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are constantly put on the
nexus of choosing between right and wrong . . . good and bad . . . Jesus’ way
and the way of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a
struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it is struggle because we
believe in Jesus . . . we believe his words and what he did . . . and we have
chosen to follow him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, it is that
he seems to be constantly popping out of thin air where we least expect him and
asking us to truly believe and live in that belief.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
don’t think that Jesus is a jokester who delights in scaring the bejabbers out
of anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, Jesus understands
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our story this morning we know
that the disciples are anxious, scared, and on the edge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are in turmoil and are struggling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus knows this and when he appears out of
nowhere to the disciples, he does not go . . . “Ta da!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, he greets them with the phrase, <b><i>“Peace
be with you!”</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">That
is Jesus’ wish for all of his followers . . . for you and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a peace that comes from believing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In believing in Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
believing in what he taught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
believing in what he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we have heard
over and over again, it is about love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Loving God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Loving
ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Loving others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is always about love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And whenever we drift away from love, Jesus
appears to confront and challenge us to believe.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus
just showing up in our lives might feel a little intrusive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It might make us jump a little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Might be irritating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We might want to holler at him to quit doing
that . . . but Jesus knows what we need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And he isn’t afraid to show up and confront and challenge us to do the
“right thing” . . . to challenge us to love . . . love God and one another . .
. all of God’s children near and far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is the power of resurrection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a million little opportunities for new life . . . new beginnings .
. . fresh starts.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus
is there to remind us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, we might
not enjoy Jesus’ impromptu appearances in our lives and wish he wouldn’t do
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, at the same time, we are
thankful . . . thankful that he cares enough to remind us from time to time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To remind us to believe . . . love and live .
. . and embrace the promise of resurrection and new life and beginnings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Jesus we discover his promise of peace.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And
Jesus said to them . . . and to us . . . “Peace be with you!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen! </span></p>
<br /> <p></p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-68922370812919904132023-04-09T13:39:00.003-07:002023-04-09T13:39:42.843-07:00“What You See Is What You Get” (John 20:1-18)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdGXl_-TU0jVsiTImL0MMtd3Nc6e3e-1HdwFDv7ryzzLsCFSKC4BSAeDVvS8i3Sjd-JZOVtX9_owROUxGAQyILJQBLCNq_H-sSg00OgwNZ-FU_KIRzNG0ZUILl-g1D5bzHXXLnCktKJrKzOvbXTX8gSTTl4jY2_gscoSUiFzBMLs-sbePkKKxaA/s1280/20210910-180222-ftr-empty-tomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdGXl_-TU0jVsiTImL0MMtd3Nc6e3e-1HdwFDv7ryzzLsCFSKC4BSAeDVvS8i3Sjd-JZOVtX9_owROUxGAQyILJQBLCNq_H-sSg00OgwNZ-FU_KIRzNG0ZUILl-g1D5bzHXXLnCktKJrKzOvbXTX8gSTTl4jY2_gscoSUiFzBMLs-sbePkKKxaA/s320/20210910-180222-ftr-empty-tomb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">He is risen! He is Risen indeed!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">But
is he?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Debie
Thomas is an author who serves as the Minster for Lifelong Formation at St.
Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palto Alto, California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In an essay she writes: “In my own life, I am
finding it increasingly true that clarity, hope, and healing come when I am
willing to linger in barren places, places where the usual platitudes fall
flat, and all easy answers prove inadequate.” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
story of the resurrection takes place in the dark . . . <b><i>“Early on the
first day of the week, while it was still dark . . .” </i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the darkness Mary Magdalene goes to the
tomb where Jesus had been laid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
she finds the stone across the entrance removed and she runs to tell Peter and
the other disciple that someone has removed Jesus from the tomb.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Again,
in the darkness, Peter and the other disciples ran to the tomb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The disciple gets there first, looks, but
does not go in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter goes straight into
the tomb and sees the burial cloths lying there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The disciple follows him in, sees the cloths
. . . and believes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The writer gives us
no clue as to what Peter thinks or believes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All we know is that the two of them departed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">In
the meantime, Mary is outside the tomb crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She still has no clue what is going on . . . for all she knows someone
stole the body of Jesus. As she is crying she is approached by a person—Jesus,
who she assumes is a gardener.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asks
why she is crying, and she explains everything that has taken place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she asks him to return the body if he
has taken him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that point the
stranger—Jesus, says her name: <b><i>“Mary.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that moment, in that recognition, Mary
believes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There
you have it according to the <i>Gospel of John</i> about that first Easter
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have three disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One sees the grave cloths neatly folded and
believes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One sees the same thing and
there is no indication that he believes anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One is surprised into believing by hearing
the sound of her name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One story but
three different experiences . . . such is the journey of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And like the three, how we see and believe
all depends upon us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">What
you see is what you get.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Though
it is Easter I want to share a Christmas story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For a long time these two little farm boys had been asking for a pony
for Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, Christmas morning
came and the two of them leaped out of bed and ran straight to the barn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon entering the barn all they saw was a
huge pile of manure sitting in the middle of the barn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The older boy turned in disgust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“There is no pony in here!” he
proclaimed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Disgusted, he started to
leave until he saw his brother standing in the middle of that huge pile of
manure throwing it left and right.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“What
are you doing?” asked the boy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
little boy responded, “Looking for a pony!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With all this manure there has to be a pony in there somewhere!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">So,
it is with our Easter story this morning . . . each disciple saw what he or she
believed in what was being seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
believed with the littlest of evidence, another wasn’t sure what to believe,
and the third . . . well, the third took a little prompting but in the end she
believed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And here is the truth, in each
of these we find ourselves at one time or another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the Easter story we are given plenty of
room to experience and understand it from how we see it at this point in our
lives and journey of faith.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">What
you see is what you get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you see
this Easter morning?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you see in
this Easter story?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">For
each of us Easter carries its own understanding and impact upon our lives and
our faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not an “one size fits
all” experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our story clearly
demonstrates that point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the darkness
of that morning each of the three had different experiences, and each walked
away with different understandings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each
was on his or her own journey, thus how they encountered the situation was
different.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
story begins with great distress and mourning . . . someone has stolen the body
of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only is he dead . . . he
is gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In panic two others are invited
into the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They, too, witness the
empty tomb . . . see the burial cloths . . . find no body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One believes, the other . . . well he is not
sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He doesn’t understand what is
going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lastly, the third who
discovered the empty tomb comes to believe with a little prompting from the one
she sought.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There
are times in our lives . . . in our journeys . . . when believing is not so
difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it doesn’t take much for
us to believe . . . to believe that Jesus lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In those times when everything in life is
going well, things are going right, and there are no hassles . . . we
believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is there to doubt?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is good . . . God is good . . . Jesus
lives!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There
are times in our lives when we wonder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We wonder about God and God’s existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wonder whether God is with us or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wonder about our faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
question where God is . . . where Jesus is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We want to believe, but believing is hard to do when it feels like the
world and life is against us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In those
moments we wonder and we are not sure what we should believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In these moments we understand the darkness,
feel the darkness, and we struggle to understand.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">And,
then there are those moments where the darkness consumes us, makes us immobile
and unable to do anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
darkness we struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was this not the
case for Mary Magdalene?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The empty tomb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two disciples witnessing and running off
with no explanation . . . leaving her at the empty tomb in the darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The writer of the story tells us: <b><i>“Now
Mary stood outside the tomb crying.”</i></b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had seen the burial cloths . . . she had
encountered the two angels in the tomb . . . had seen the reaction of the other
two disciples . . . and yet she stood there crying and not believing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know this because when Jesus asks her why
she is crying she tells him the story and pleads with him to return the
body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Then
Jesus spoke her name . . . prompted her in the intimacy of the moment . . . and
she believed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike the other two, Mary
stayed and endured the darkness, and she discovered clarity, hope, and
healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She encountered the living
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She believed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Your
experience of this Easter day . . . of this Easter story . . . all depends upon
you and how you experience and see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How it touches you depends upon where you are in the journey of your
life and faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a personal thing .
. . a private thing . . . this encounter with the risen Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I imagine that those of us gathered here this
morning are all over the place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that
is okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is okay because we all
encounter Jesus differently.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">This
is a story of hope and Easter is always about hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of the darkness light shined . . . a new
day dawned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is hope in new
beginnings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all comes down to how we experience and
see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We get what we see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If nothing else, there is hope.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">He lives . . . yes,
he does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blessings upon our Easter
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen</span><p></p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366716895175573701.post-76537344746283524882023-04-02T12:34:00.003-07:002023-04-02T12:34:37.113-07:00“Cost of Believing” (Isaiah 50:4-9a)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyiV8aBMQrVBnRcvvLxj95Cogpui4X_vMtn7Nlwq6aB6g60JuMQNm7hduSjcytQrPTMG8VBDjHMexnwYaAQ74hz05kV1aQ6YH-igxkuicQhmbe9m8IAZ12V2cjbq_6PuJy0agS0ds0sDIikehECU1XKQdq8y5D75_qWGi5lMoOW4jYqxe2EdE0g/s540/360_F_574737623_8fumx1UhKjHiuLQyF8jrWx6dqNQO8DAi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="540" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyiV8aBMQrVBnRcvvLxj95Cogpui4X_vMtn7Nlwq6aB6g60JuMQNm7hduSjcytQrPTMG8VBDjHMexnwYaAQ74hz05kV1aQ6YH-igxkuicQhmbe9m8IAZ12V2cjbq_6PuJy0agS0ds0sDIikehECU1XKQdq8y5D75_qWGi5lMoOW4jYqxe2EdE0g/s320/360_F_574737623_8fumx1UhKjHiuLQyF8jrWx6dqNQO8DAi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus never promised
his followers it would be easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider
this: Paul’s ministry ended with him being beheaded; Peter was crucified upside
down on a cross; Andrew was crucified; Thomas was stabbed to death by soldiers’
spears; Philip was cruelly put to death; Bartholomew was martyred; James was
stoned and clubbed to death; Simon was killed; and Matthias was burned to
death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To follow Jesus was to put one’s
life at great risk . . .</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">.
. . and Jesus warned them!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus
warns us all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Warns us all that there is
great risk at being a follower of him and his ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great risks at being faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout the history of Christianity there
is a long list of those who have died for their faith . . . a long list of
those who have been martyred for following Jesus and his teachings.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Since
the birth of Christianity there has not been a generation that has not had
their martyrs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even our own period of
history has its martyrs . . . <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. and Oscar Romero to name a few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there have been many, many more who have
died for following Jesus.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">One
of the most impactful on my journey of faith has been Dietrich Bonhoeffer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran minister/theologian
who publicly spoke out against Adolf Hitler and the rise of Nazism in his
homeland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike many of his peers he
did not leave Germany as more of those who protested against Hitler and Nazism
rose in power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had the opportunity,
but he chose to stay knowing the cost of what could happen to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually he was arrested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He died a prisoner by execution a few days
before the prison he was in was liberated.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">While
in captivity he continued to be speak out by having notes snuck out of the
prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The result of that was the
classic Christian apologetic book, <i>The Cost of Discipleship</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bonhoeffer argues in his book that there is a
“cost” to be a disciple of Jesus . . . that it is not a “free ride”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That “cost” is often more than many are
willing to pay; thus they fall into a category of “cheap grace”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to think of “cheap grace” as that
insurance policy we all receive upon baptism that we believe give us carte
blanche on anything we want to do because God’s grace will cover it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its that “free get out of jail” card we all
seem to think that we have.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Bonhoeffer
had this to say about “cheap grace”: </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Cheap
grace means grace sold on the market like cheapjacks' wares. The sacraments,
the forgiveness of sin, and the consolations of religion are thrown away at cut
prices. Grace is represented as the Church's inexhaustible treasury, from which
she showers blessings with generous hands, without asking questions or fixing
limits. Grace without price; grace without cost! The essence of grace, we suppose,
is that the account has been paid in advance; and, because it has been paid,
everything can be had for nothing. Since the cost was infinite, the
possibilities of using and spending it are infinite. What would grace be if it
were not cheap?...</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Cheap
grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism
without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without
personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without
the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.”</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Bonhoeffer
writes that following Jesus comes at a cost . . . “costly grace”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On “costly grace” or the “cost of
discipleship” he had this to say:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Costly
grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will go and
sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant
will sell all his goods. It is the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man
will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble; it is the call of Jesus
Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Costly
grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must
be asked for, the door at which a man must knock.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Such
grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls
us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it
is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it
condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is
costly because it cost God the life of his Son: "ye were bought at a
price," and what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us. Above all, it
is grace because God did not reckon his Son too dear a price to pay for our
life, but delivered him up for us. Costly grace is the Incarnation of God.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Even
the prophet Isaiah understood that there was a “cost” that comes with following
the will of God . . . a cost to believing . . . a cost to discipleship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our reading this morning the prophet is
speaking about the “one who is to come”—the messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the words that he offers, he offers the
words of the messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are not
flowery words . . . poetic words, but words of violence and anguish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are words that speak of beatings,
mocking, being spit upon, grabbed and hit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Actions that come upon the messiah because the messiah choses to speak
that which God has place within the heart that cannot be ignored. These are the
words that demonstrate the cost of believing . . . the cost of being faithful.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Following
Jesus and his teachings . . . doing God’s will . . . is not easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It comes at a cost . . . a cost that often
gets overlooked in the fanfare of today—Palm Sunday.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Palm
Sunday is the day the church celebrates the grand entry of Jesus into
Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A day of celebration . . .
shouting and singing of “hosanna!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great
joy and laughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waving of
palms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The time has come, and
deliverance is upon the people . . . the Messiah has arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a great time of celebration; people are
happy, and they are expectant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lost in
all of that fanfare and celebrating is the rest of the story that has to be
played out . . . the trial, the beatings, and finally the crucifixion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too often we are quick to jump over all of
that and leap right into the victory of the resurrected Jesus.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">To
do that is to ignore the warning of Jesus that it is not easy to follow him or
his teachings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To do that is to buy
heartily into the idea of “cheap grace” and ignore the fact that grace is not
cheap . . . it comes at a cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask God
. . . it was God’s child that was sacrificed for us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">As
we contemplate Palm Sunday and all that it means and represents, let us not
fall into that trap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us consider the
whole story as it is played out and what that means as the followers of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lets us consider and discern the grace that
we base our own journey of faith . . . is it “cheap” or is it coming at a
price?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Consider
the words and actions of Jesus as he reached out to build God’s kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider the risk he took to speak out for
those of God’s children who were persecuted, ignored, and even put to death
because they were considered unworthy of the popular society and religious of
his day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider how he spoke up for
those who were weak . . . those who were poor . . . those who were disabled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider how he sought out peace and justice .
. . inclusion . . . and love for all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Consider how he reached out not to kill his enemies, but instead tried
to understand them and work with them to fulfill God’s plans of a kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider how his radical love and grace
ruffled the feathers of those who were in power to the point that it ended up
getting him kill.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jesus
never said it would be easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask those
who have died for the faith since then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ask those who follow Jesus into the fray today and put their lives on
the line because they believe in Jesus and what he taught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a cost that comes with following
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As always, Jesus leaves the
choice up to us . . . Amen.</span></p>
<br /> <p></p>revjkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08143983582371510869noreply@blogger.com0