::truth::
Deal or No Deal? Okay, a name for a TV show (anybody remember Howie Mandel with big hair?), but also a way of describing ways we try to reconcile with God.
Deal: I bring a bargaining chip to offer God in return for his acceptance of me: a life devoid of “big sins” (bank robbing, murder, etc…), regular religious practices, being a “nice person”, promising to try harder, playing the sympathy card with my abusive past, tearful repentance, etc…
The younger brother in Luke 15 tried to bring his father a “deal”; “Treat me as one of your hired servants”, he said. Even after Plan A had failed (“party boy”), and Plan B had failed (“Swineherd”), he still wanted to bring something in his hand to offer his father. He was trying to make a deal.
Yes, he was truly repentant. But be careful here. Some view repentance as a meritorious act that unlocks God’s favor, something we bring to offer God.
But the father will have none of this.
No Deal: Before the son has a chance to say anything the father runs to him, embraces him, and covers him with kisses. And before the son has a chance to bring his “chip” to the table, the father says; “Bring the best robe, the ring, and sandals too!” Why?
Because the Father will allow nothing but His free grace at the table. Our reconciliation with God must cost us nothing, but must cost Him everything. At the cross all our “chips” fall to the ground in light of our overwhelming sin and His overwhelming grace. The Father will not “deal”! He will only freely love.
So, what are you trying to bring to the table? What deals are you making with God?*
Take the words of the hymn writer to heart”
“Nothing in my hands I bring
Only to the cross I cling”
The Father’s “No Deal” is better than any “Deal” you can imagine!
The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,
Pastor Tom
*you can find out by what you get mad about when the deal doesn’t go your way!
::prayer::
Christine D.: My Dad has been diagnosed with Diabetes Type 2. Pray he will eat correctly to control it. Also my Grandma broke her wrist last night and is having surgery sometime this week. My Aunt’s mother-in-law is also having surgery to remove ear cancer on June 7th.
Anon.: Please open doors for my brother. My father had skin cancer removed so pray they got it all.
John D.: Pray for those in Louisiana losing their livelihood due to the oil spill. Pray that the terrible oil spill will not drastically alter the Gulf of Mexico.
Carolyn: Pray for these people in Cape Town: Phillip- Angolan refugee in the streets and victim of land mines. Ask for God’s provision, protection and salvation. Derek – homeless- pray for salvation and hope. Mpho – to know Jesus.
Jim P.: Please remember Lindsey, Wendy and Milt. Praise God for answers to prayer in Lindsey’s situation.
Julie V.: Please pray for Tatiana – she is having frequent headaches. Nothing to do with her eyes.
Nancy: Please continue to pray for strength, protection, empowerment and wisdom for our family’s needs. Janna – employment in her field. James- takes the SAT Saturday morning. Garage sale – to raise enough money to send Stephen to camp.
::community::
Garage Sale for Summer Camp: Clean house and donated your sellable items to our Lake Swan Camp youth fund raiser (okay – so only one youth could go this year: mine! Still, it’s a church ministry offered to all!). Bring your items to the Welch’s before the garage sale on Saturday, June 5th.
Matthew’s Hope Homeless Dinner: On Tuesday, June 22, we will be having dinner with the homeless at Matthew’s Hope. We need “worker-bees”, meal planners, chefs, and relationship builders. Please plan to participate and thanks for your response!
Family Fun Night at the YMCA: This summer we will be hosting a series of family fun night activities for the community at the Roper YMCA Family Center. We kick it off on Saturday, June 12 at 5:30 PM with a family movie night complete with hotdogs and popcorn! Fun ‘n Games night will be Saturday, July 10th and a poolside “Dive-in Movie” will be August 21st. If you can help plan or be a “worker-bee” please let us know!
Sunday, May 30th
- Set-up: Jim Phillips
- Nursery: Julie Violini
- Snacks: John Dishinger
- Prayer: Milt Monell
::mission::
Be Spiritual: As you talk to people and get to know them, offer to pray for them. Prayer is a non-threatening way to begin spiritual ministry with someone. And prayer is a great way to show that you really care. Most of the time we operate by “out of sight – out of mind”. But prayer shows we are thinking of people. Even when they are not around! Care!
Tim & Penny Iverson (Taiwan) – Pray for the contacts and ministry opportunities that the Iverson’s have had. Pray for their safety in travels, as they will be departing in a few weeks for home assignment.
Wendy Andrew & Lindsey Phillips (Cambodia) – Pray for Wendy’s and Lindsey’s health and safety. Pray that when they show the love of God to all they meet that they will recognize something different in them and want it for themselves.
