June 16, 2008

Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7

Many of you may have been fans of the TV show, 'M.A.S.H." Crazy as it might have been it was supposed to be a first stop hospital for men wounded in battle before they were sent on to a hospital for extended care. What a picture of the church - or is it? Could we actually be guilty of shooting our own wounded instead of applying healing? One of the more wonderful ways you can show God's forgiveness is to love a person who has failed miserably. A person who has sinned is usually struggling with some wrong attitudes about God's forgiveness and may also be experiencing harsh criticism from other "Christians". Why not go to them and show them that God still loves them because you still love them? Show them that God will forgive them because you have forgiven them and give them another chance, and another, and another (70X7) even. It's always easier to practice a false religion and "look down your nose" at others who fail. But to gently and kindly encourage a person to return to God...now you are showing the perfect love of Jesus.

Thought for the week: "My father invented the burglar alarm - which unfortunately was stolen from him." - Victor Borge

Funny for the week: "Southern Hospitality"

A very gentle southern lady was driving across the Savannah River Bridge in Georgia one day. As she neared the top of the bridge, she noticed a young man fixin' to jump. She stopped her car, rolled down the window and said, "Please sir, don't jump, think of your dear mother and father."

He replied, "Mom and Dad are both dead; I'm going to jump."

She said, "Well, think of your wife and children."

He replied, "I'm not married and I don't have any kids."

Grasping for any opportunity, she cried, "Think of your job, the work still to be done."

"I was fired today and have no prospect of another job."

Running out of ideas, she appealed to his patriotism and said, "Well, think of Robert E. Lee."

He replied, ''Who's Robert E. Lee?''

She replied, ''Well bless your heart sugar, just go ahead and jump."

Now there’s a true Southern Bell……..Chaplain Barnes

Last week’s answer: Name the wife of Isaac. Rebekah (Gen 24:67)

This week’s question: How does the book of Numbers get its name?