Book Review -- Strays

     The book that I am reviewing today left me feeling happy and sad at the same time.  I will let you read the book to find out why.
      The book begins when a homeless man named Michael finds a stray cat who is hurt and cold out in the rain.  Michael rescues the cat, and the two of them become good friends.  In fact, the cat who Michael names Tabor will travel with Michael from Oregon to California and Montana.  Tabor gives Michael something to care about.
      While Michael is traveling about with Tabor, another man is missing his cat named Mata back in Portland.  He is doing all that he can do to find his lost friend.
      Like I said, I will let you read the book and not give away what eventually happens.  I did enjoy reading this book for several reasons.  It is a good story about how an animal friend can make a big difference in someone's life.  I also liked reading the author's insights into what it is like to be homeless and on the road in America.
     I believe that adults will enjoy reading this book.  It is well-written and the story moves along quite well.

P.S. --- Please continue to pray for those affected by the hurricane and storms.

Verses For the Week

     Please continue to pray for those who are suffering from the hurricane and storm in Texas.

Romans 5:1 -- "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Philippians 4:7 -- "And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Prayer

    I just wanted to ask everyone to please continue to pray for those in Texas dealing with the hurricane.  The hurricane went northeast of where my uncle lives down there, but they are still getting a lot of heavy rain.
    Please pray for my area.  Many are still dealing with the effects of flooding from the storms here last Monday.  There is a chance for more storms tomorrow, so I would like to ask you to please pray that my area would be safe.   Thank you for all of your prayers.

Weekend Sermon -- Parable of the Faithful Servant --Matthew 24:45-51

     Welcome to the Weekend Sermon this week.  I thank you for taking the time to read the blog, and I hope and pray that everyone is doing very well.
     This has been quite a week.  We had record rainfall and some bad flooding in my area.  My house did get some water in the garage, but thanks be to God, it was not too bad.  Thank you for all of your prayers in this matter.
     I also want to thank the Lord that I've found what at this time appears to be a pretty good writing job.  I hope that this job continues to work out.
     In prayer this week, I would like us all to pray for those in the path of the hurricane in the Gulf region.  My uncle lives right on the Gulf Coast in Texas.  I called him today, and he and his wife are not going to evacuate even though its been suggested that they do so.  I am very concerned about this.  Please pray that this hurricane will weaken, and it will not cause damage.  Pray for people's safety.
     Please continue to pray for peace in the world, and pray for peace in the United States.  There is so much division and hatefulness right now.  Let us all pray for peace wherever there is conflict.
     For our prayer focus countries this week, let's pray for the nations of Bahrain and Togo.  Pray that many in these two smaller nations will hear of the love of Jesus.
     We are rapidly approaching the end of our series on the parables of Jesus.  After this week, I believe that we only have four parables left to cover.  I'm not yet sure what series I am going to present after this, but I do have a few different possibilities lined up.
     For today's message, I want us examine what many call the parable of the faithful servant.  This is found in three of the Gospels, but will focus on the parable as presented in Matthew.
     Jesus tells this parable as part of a larger discussion that He is having with His disciples regarding what will be the signs of His coming and the signs of the end of the age.  Jesus beings the parable by saying that a man left a servant in charge of the other servants when he decided to go on a long journey.  The wise servant who is left in charge will carry out his duties faithfully and conscientiously so that even if the master returns without warning, the servant will be found to be performing the  master's will.
     On the other hand, if the servant put in charge is foolish, he will think that the master won't come back for a long time.  That foolish servant will neglect his duties and abuse the other servants.  When the master returns suddenly, he will be displeased with the servant that he placed in charge, and he will give him a portion with the outcast hypocrites.
     This is a powerful parable that has a lot to teach us.  Let me begin our examination of this parable by stating clearly that Jesus is coming again.  I wholeheartedly believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.  One day, when the time is right, the Lord Jesus will descend with His angels and the saints in Heaven to establish His kingdom on this earth.  Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  There will be peace and tranquility on this earth, and justice will prevail on earth and throughout the universe.
     No one knows the day or the hour when Jesus may return.  If any minister or evangelist tries to tell you that he knows the date of the return of Jesus, that is a sign that that individual is a false teacher.  Jesus said that He didn't even know the day or the hour, only the Father knows when Jesus will be sent to this earth to complete the process of salvation at the Second Coming.
     We as the followers of Jesus have been called to a mission while we await the return of the Lord.  We have been given the task of going into all the world and preaching the good news to every creature.  We have been called to shine our light in the world so that those on earth may see our good works and give glory to the Father who is in Heaven.
     While we are working to advance the Kingdom of Heaven, we are to be living in the realization that Jesus could come back at any moment.  We want to be living and acting in such a way that we would not be ashamed at His coming.  Wouldn't it be a terrible thing to be involved in a sin when you heard the trumpet sound announcing the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus.  How much better it would be if when Jesus returns that He would find us living for Him and striving to help others and share with them the love and forgiveness of the Lord Jesus.
     I believe that there is a second application in this parable that applies to leaders in the church.  When Jesus returned to Heaven after His earthly ministry was over, He designated that there would be leaders in the church.  Those who are leaders have a responsibility to be shepherds of the flock that Jesus has placed them over.  Their job is to lead and guide the people and not to abuse the people and cause them to turn from the faith.
     When Jesus returns, I believe that there will be a judgment on those leaders who abused their power and became greedy.   Those who used their position to abuse and harm others will not be welcomed into the reign of Christ upon this earth.
     There is one other thing that I want to point out regarding this parable.  Jesus said that those who were not watching and waiting would be thrown out with the hypocrites.  Hypocrisy was the sin that Jesus spoke about the most.  It is a terrible sin, because it harms others.  When people see a hypocritical person, they become turned off to the things of the Lord, and they don't want to follow Him.  We must guard our hearts that we never become a hypocrite.
     I hope that you are ready to meet the Lord Jesus should He return today.  If you have never placed your faith and trust in Jesus, I urge you to turn to Him today in repentance and faith.  If you are living in such a way that you might be ashamed at His coming, I urge to repent and turn back to the ways of the Lord Jesus.
     Next week, I will post the verses on Monday.  There will be a review on Wednesday.  We will continue with our parables of Jesus series on Friday.  May God bless you all. Amen.

Update

     I just wanted to give everyone an update on the prayer's I asked for about the storms earlier this week.  The storms were very bad, and there was a lot of flooding.  We had record one day rainfall.  My house got some water in the garage, but it wasn't bad.  I am very thankful to the Lord for that. 

Please pray for my neighbor if you would.  The water built up under the crawlspace of his house and got up into the house.  I think it is about dried out now.  I sure hope and pray that this stormy pattern we've been in will end.  Thank you all for your prayers. 

Book Review -- Cat Shining Bright

     Today, I get to review the newest book in my favorite series.  "Cat Shining Bright" is the twentieth book in the Joe Grey series of mystery books written by author Shirley Rousseau Murphy.  If you haven't read any of these books, you're really missing something.

     This latest book begins with the birth of Joe and Dulcie's kittens.  The kittens parents, and the cats human friends, wait in anticipation to see if the three new kittens will be speaking cats like their parents.   

     While Dulcie is taking care of the kittens, Joe, Kit and Pan are busy trying to help the police track down the car burglary ring.  Later in the book, there will be a murder, and cats and the kittens will be involved in tracking down the culprits.

     What I enjoy most about the Joe Grey books is how the author has moved things along in each book by adding new characters and developing the relationships between the characters both human and feline.  I like the fact that the cats and the humans who know that they can talk are all very close, and they come to each other's aid when the need arises.

      "Cat Shining Bright" is probably the second or third best of the twenty books.  "Cat Shout For Joy" which directly preceeds "Cat Shining Bright" is my favorite of the series.  The first book in the series is also very good.  The whole series is good.

      If you've never read any of this series, I would recommend going back to the first book and working your way through.  It is so interesting to see the characters develop, grow and change.

     I just want to add that Shirley Rousseau Murphy is a rare author in my experience.  When I wrote to her about her books, she responded right away.  This is actually not that common.  Many authors do not respond, or you get a standardized reply.  Another author who did respond and sent me a nice note was Glenn Plaskin whose book "Katie Up and Down the Hall" is very good.

Verses For the Week

    Before I post the verses, I just wanted to ask that you would all pray for me today and tonight.  We have already had bad storms in my area, and the power is out.  We are supposed to have more heavy rain and flooding.  Please pray that things don't get any worse.  Thank you.

Psalm 119:105 -- "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path."

John 1:5 -- "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

Weekend Sermon -- Parable of the Landowner and the Laborers -- Matthew 20:1-16

     Welcome to a new edition of the Weekend Sermon.  I am so glad that I am able to post the sermon this week.  I hope that everyone is doing well today.
     I want to begin today by asking everyone to pray for those in Spain who were victims of the terrorist attack.  Several were killed, and many were injured.  Pray for those who mourn, and pray for those who are hurt that they will quickly recover.  Pray that the perpetrators of this terrorism will be captured and that no more terrorists attacks will take place in Spain or in any other country.
     I asked everyone to pray for me about some various needs earlier in the week.  I want to thank you all for your prayers.  The storms caused a lot of rain again, but there wasn't bad flooding.  I thank the Lord that my house didn't suffer any damage.  I would ask that you pray for me again regarding storms again tonight.  There is another possible severe weather situation predicted.  Please pray once again that these storms will not be bad.  Pray not just for me but for those in my area who don't need any more rain.
    I am still looking for some additional work.  Writing has been good this week, and I am thankful to the Lord for that.  I am still looking for a part-time job that I can do without having bad anxiety issues.  I thank you for your prayers in this matter.
    I would like everyone to pray about the situation that is happening here in my country the United States.  I have been saddened by the fact that many evangelical leaders have not spoken up against the statements made by the President.  Many are serving on his advisory council, and some have even supported the President's statements on what happened in Charlottesville. My statement about the events in Charlottesville are in a post here on the blog from a couple days ago.  Please pray that all Christians will stand up and speak out against any political leader that does not condemn racism or who does not respect the needs of the poor or the needs of the environment.
    As I always mention, please continue to pray for peace in this world.  Syria, Iraq, South Sudan and Yemen really need our prayers.  There are many in Yemen and South Sudan who are suffering from a cholera outbreak, and they need our prayers as well.
    For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for the nations of Sierra Leone and Jordan.  Pray that many will hear of the love of Jesus.
    In today's message, we will return to our study of the parables of Jesus.  The parable for today is the parable of the landowner and the laborers.
    Jesus said that a landowner went out to find day laborers to work in his vineyard.  He found some men and said that he would pay them the normal daily wage.  The landowner came later in the day and hired some more workers to work in the vineyard.  Finally, when there was only about an hour left in the day, the landowner hired some more workers.
    It came time to pay the workers.  The men who had worked only one hour received a full day's wages.  So did the others hired throughout the day.  The men hired at the beginning of the day thought that they would receive more, but they too received the normal wage for a day's work.
The men grumbled that the men who only worked one hour received the same amount of pay.
    The landowner said to them that he had kept his agreement.  He just wanted to be generous to the men who only worked an hour, and he had the right to do what he wished with his own money.  Jesus said that, "the last will be first and first will be last."
     So, let us examine what this parable does not mean, what it means in its context, and what we can learn from this parable for today.
     Unfortunately. some have tried to use this parable to speak against labor unions and equal compensation.  They say that since Jesus said that the landowner had the right to do what he wanted with his money, an employer could pay anyone who worked for him what he wanted.  I actually heard one of the ministers in my church preach about this when I was a young man.
     This is absolutely not what Jesus was getting at in this parable.  The man in the parable of course did not have an absolute right to do whatever he wanted with his money.  The Bible is quite clear that we are our brother's keeper.  The prophets were very clear that no one had the right to exploit their workers or keep back wages from them.  In the book of James, we see that he brings down a heavy word of warning on those who would exploit the working person or the poor person.
     Sometimes, people don't realize what Jesus is doing when He tells a parable.  Jesus is telling a story to illustrate a point.  Some take the illustration too far and try to say something that Jesus did not intend.  We know Jesus' intention, because He was the Word made flesh and He would not be making a statement in conflict with the revealed word in the prophets.
     What is Jesus trying to illustrate with this parable?  Jesus is giving an example of how salvation works.  For instance, there are many who have been followers of Jesus for most of their lives.  I can't remember a time when I was not a follower of Jesus.  Because of the mercy and grace of the Lord, I will be with the Lord Jesus in the place that He has prepared.  On the other hand, there are those like my Dad who come to faith in Jesus latter in life.  My Dad did not become a follower of Jesus until He was 40 years old.  However, he is in Heaven right now with Jesus just the same as someone who trusted in Jesus for 80 years.
     There are other people who come to Jesus, and they follow Him for only a short time before they pass away.  They too will be in Heaven with Jesus, and they will inherit eternal life just as a long-time believer.
     In Jesus day, the Pharisees and the religious leaders felt like they had a special place because they followed all of the laws since first remembrance.  They did not like tax collectors and sinners coming to Jesus and being given a special place.  I can only imaging how irritated the Pharisees were that Jesus made a tax collector like Matthew one of his twelve Apostles.
    Jesus was demonstrating to the Pharisees that all are welcome in the Kingdom of Heaven no matter who they are, what their age is or what they had done previously.  Jesus will receive anyone who comes to Him in repentance and faith.  He will give eternal life and raise that person to new life.  Whosoever will may come.
     This is an important lesson for us to keep in mind.  We are not better than someone else in the church just because they haven't followed Jesus for as long.  Everyone is on their own path with the Lord Jesus.  We have a personal relationship with Him that begins when we come to Him.  Jesus will be with anyone who wants to serve Him and have Him as a friend.
     We also need to keep in mind that Jesus loves everyone.  Jesus' offers His love to people of any race, ethnic group. gender, socio-economic class, whoever.  When we come to Jesus, all are one in Him.
     I truly believe that the only way that we as followers of Jesus are going to reach the world with the message of Jesus is if we become people who are known for love and not hate and division. So many people in the world are turned off at the Christian faith right now because all they see is so called Christian leaders speaking endlessly about getting money, or they see them condemning people and supporting the powers of oppression.
     Let us all follow Jesus who was and is the man of love.  When we truly follow His example, the world will see Jesus in us and glorify the Father in Heaven.
     Next week, we will continue with our parables of Jesus series.  I will post the verses on Monday.  On Wednesday, I will have a review of a most excellent cat book.  May God bless you all. Amen.

Book Recommendation -- Books About Wild Cats

     I was going through some of my books the other evening, and I came across two excellent books that I wanted to recommend.  I may have mentioned these two a few years back, but they are so good that they are worth mentioning again.
    "Clan of the Wild Cats" is a beautiful book that I purchased several years ago from a store called The Nature Company.  This book has information and beautiful photographs of all of the wild cats of the world from the largest such as the Siberian tiger to the small wild cats like the fishing cat.  This book is out of print, but there are used copies available online.
    "The Way of the Tiger" is by wildlife conservation scientist Ullas Karanth.  In this book, the author documents his studies of wild tigers in India.  This book has wonderful details and photos as well.  This book is also out of print, but good used copies are available.
     I've said this many times, but the tiger books by Valmik Thapar are definitely well worth obtaining.

P.S.   They prediction for bad storms in my area is getting worse and worse.  Please continue to pray that the storms will not be bad.  Thank you.

Prayer Request

     As you know if you've been reading the blog, my area has had many storms and flooding during the spring and summer.  Tomorrow, more storms are predicted with more heavy rainfall.  Would you please pray that the storms will not be bad?  We don't need any heavy rain.
    Also, I was very excited when I received the new writing job, but it is not amounting to much work.  Would you please pray that I can find some additional work?  This has become a very discouraging part of my life.  I've had a lot of trouble with depression and anxiety since I was a teenager.  It is very, very difficult for me to work in customer service type jobs, although I've done them in the past, but without that much success.  One of the reasons I left the old job was bad anxiety at work.  There are a lot of warehouse type jobs near me, but it is difficult for me to keep up the pace they want because I have asthma real bad, and when I can't keep up, they don't want me around.   Writing has allowed me in the past to make some money and not have to deal with as much anxiety.  I'm certainly open to anything I am able to do, and I am hoping that more writing opportunities will open up.
    I am grateful to the Lord that I've had the opportunity to be involved in quite a bit of ministry work over the last few weeks.  Please pray that more and more opportunities will arise in this area.  This is not something I do for money.  That is why I will never sell something or ask for any money on the blog.  I try to tell people about Jesus because I believe that is what He called me to do.  Animals, especially dogs and cats have always been my friends, so I like to write about them on the blog too.
    Thank you for your prayers.  I  hope to have a review tomorrow on the blog.

Verses For the Week

Galatians 3:28 -- "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus"

Malachi 2:10 -- "Do we all not have one father?  Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously each  against his brother so as to profane the covenant of our fathers?"

I Corinthians 10:24 -- "Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor."

Thoughts on Charlottesville, VA

     I want to state that the racism, antisemitism and hate expressed by the white supremacists in Charlottesville, VA is evil and has no place in civilized society.  No one who claims to be a true follower of Jesus Christ can have any association with hatred, racism, antisemitism and violence.  

     It is time for all Christian leaders in this country to speak out against hatred and discrimination against others.  We are called by Jesus to love others and to spread the message of Jesus' love to all people.

    I want to express my condolences to the family and friends of  Heather Heyer who was killed in an act of terrorism last night.  

Weekend Sermon -- Matthew 12:43-45

    Welcome to this edition of the Weekend Sermon.  I hope that everyone had had a very good week.  I am always glad to be able to post the sermon each week.
     This week I have some good news to report.  I just heard this morning that I got a writing job that I applied for.  This is a real answer to prayer.  I am also thankful that the storms and heavy rain we were supposed to get passed by, and no area around me received much rain.  Thank you all for your prayers.
     In other matters, I would ask you all to pray for those in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana who are dealing with flooding.  Also pray for those in Montana dealing with the forest fires and those in the Tulsa area dealing with the tornado damage.
     Please remember to pray for peace in the world.  There is a lot of overly provocative talk going on right now between the US and North Korea.  Please pray that everyone will remain calm and that there will not be a conflict in this situation.  Also, please continue to pray for peace in Syria and Iraq.
    For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for the nations of Liberia and Israel.  Pray that many in these two nations will hear the message of Jesus' love and forgiveness.
     These last few months, we've spent most of our Weekend Sermons dealing with the parables of Jesus.  Today, we will continue with our study and examine what I believe is a very strange parable.  It gives me the chills a little.
    In Matthew 12, the Pharisees had requested a sign from Jesus that He was truly the Messiah.  Jesus said to them that no sign would be given to them except the sign of Jonah the prophet.  Jesus said that the people of Nineveh would rise up and condemn this generation because they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah was with them.  The Queen of Sheba would speak judgment because she traveled far to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now one greater than Solomon was in there midst.
     After saying these words, Jesus told a parable about demons.  Jesus said that when an unclean spirit goes out of a person it travels through watery places looking for a resting place.  If it doesn't find one, it will return to the person from which it came.  Finding the the place empty and in order, it brings along seven more spirits that are even more evil.  The person is now worse off than ever.  Jesus said that that was the circumstance of the current evil generation that He was speaking to.
    So, what do we make of this parable.  First, of all I think that Jesus is speaking symbolically here.  I don't think that He meant this parable to be dissected as to how demons operate in the world.  I do believe that there are evil spirits that can take possession of people.  I believe this because Jesus said that it was so, and we see it in the Gospels.
    Some Bible scholars believe that all of the accounts of evil spirits in the Bible are people suffering from mental illnesses that people did not understand in that day.  I think that there may be some truth in that, but I certainly think that evil spirits exist.
    The Bible is quite clear that a Christian has the Holy Spirit residing in him or her.  The Spirit that is in us is greater than the evil spirits in this world.  A true believer in Jesus does not need to worry about an evil spirit taking control of them.
    I believe that there is a meaning to this parable that was specific to the time in which Jesus told it, and I think that there are some applications that we can draw from it today.
    Jesus came to His generation and preached the message of love and forgiveness.  Many people responded to Him initially, but most people of Jesus' generation did not acknowledge Him to be the Messiah.  Because they did not do that, they were actually worse off than if Jesus had never preached to them at all.   He gave them the chance to turn around and follow Him.  Unlike the people of Nineveh who repented in Jonah's day, the people by and large did not listen to Jesus.  Because they heard the message of Jesus and did not respond, they were without excuse, and that is a terrible position to find oneself in.
    Now, what application can we draw from this.  I believe that we can learn a lesson from this parable about what it means to recover and truly turn around from a bad situation.  Let me explain.
    I know of many people who tried to recover from various forms of addiction whether it be alcohol or drug addiction.  They will get sober, and that is wonderful.  However, it won't be long before they are back on drugs or alcohol, and they seem worse off than they ever were.  Why?
    Many get back into these bad situations because they have treated the symptom of the problem and not the problem itself.  There is some underlying issue that leads to people finding solace in various substances.  If this is not addressed, a person will never have true victory.
     As a believer, I know that Jesus is the one who can bring true deliverance to people.  He can change people and provide them with hope and love.
    Also, when people leave a bad habit or when they want to turn from doing something that is wrong, it is essential that they find something to replace that thing they are turning from.  Instead of being involved in what is wrong and harmful, they need to fill up their time with doing something good and positive that helps other people.  If a person does not find something positive and good to replace a bad behavior, often they will fall back into the old pattern again and again.
     There is just one other thing that I wanted to add in regard to this parable.  It is not really directly related, but it is in a way.  Some people preach all the time about a spirit of this or that causing people to act a certain way.  They then try to rebuke this or that spirit.
    Really, I believe that most people don't have spirits controlling them causing them to act in certain bad ways.  People can come up with bad behaviors and do evil things on their own without any help.  People need to take responsibility for their own actions and find help for their problems.
     Many people do have mental health issues that need to be addressed.  There are doctors and counselors that can help with this.  It does take effort to overcome many times, and it can be a long hard road.  I know this from personal experience.
     Here is one thing I know in my life.  You can always call on Jesus to help you in any situation.  He will always be with you, and He will help you to make it through.  Whatever situation you find yourself in in life, I urge you to reach out to Jesus for hope and healing.
     Next week, we will continue with our parables of Jesus series.  We don't have too many more weeks to go.  On Monday, I will post the verses, and I will have a review on Wednesday.  May God bless you all. Amen.
   

Book Review -- Two Books About Animal Rights

    Today I would like to discuss a couple of books that I've read recently that discuss the concept of animal rights.  If you've read this blog for any amount of time, I am sure that you are aware that I love animals, dogs in particular, and I am wholeheartedly committed to protecting wildlife and the environment.
    In reading some other texts on animal issues, I kept seeing reference made to two books, so I decided to obtain them through inter library loan and read them.  The first book is "The Moral Status of Animals" written by Stephen R.L. Clark.  This is a philosophical work, and some may find it difficult to read.  What I liked best about this work, is that Professor Clark outlines many of the objections that people raise regarding the rights of animals, and then he explains why he believes that these arguments do not stand up to scrutiny.
     The second book is "Bless the Beasts: A Spirituality of Animal Care" written by Jeffrey Sobosan who was a professor of theology.  The author argues that Christians should care about animals.  He suggests that Christian theology has incorporated too many ideas from Greek philosophy that set man against nature.
     I found both of these books to be very interesting and well worth reading.  You may not agree with all of the ideas and arguments expressed by the authors, but their ideas are certainly worth studying.  Both of these books are out-of-print, so look for them online or at your local library.

Verses For the Week -- Verses About Animals

Proverbs 12:10 -- "A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, but even the compassion of the wicked is cruel."

Proverbs 27:23 -- "Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds."

Psalm 50:10-11 -- "For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird on the mountains, and everything that moves in the field is mine."

Isaiah 43:20 -- "The beasts of the fields will honor Me, the jackals and ostriches, because I give water in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Tobit 6:1-2 -- "The young man went out, and the angel went with him; and the dog came out with him and went along with them."

Weekend Sermon -- The Parable of the Two Debtors

    Thank you for taking the time to read the Weekend Sermon this week.  I am glad to be able to be with you and post the sermon.  I hope and pray that all of you are doing well.
     I have been working on writing this week and doing some ministry work.  I've been very busy with work, and I also went to the dentist.  Everything went well at the dentist, and I am thankful for your prayers regarding this.
    I would like to ask for your prayers regarding a couple of things.  My area of the country has experienced a lot of heavy rain and flooding this summer.  So far, my garage has only had a little bit of water get into it once.  Others in the area have had real devastating damage.  Tomorrow, the forecast is for more heavy rain and flooding.  Please pray that the rains are not heavy and that there is no flooding.  Also, I've been feeling down lately, and I would ask for your prayers regarding this as well.  Thank you for your prayers.  I pray for everyone who reads the blog every day.
     In other areas of prayer, please be in prayer regarding the forest fires in Montana.  There has already been loss of life in these fires.  Pray that they will be brought under control soon.
    Let us also pray for those in Yemen who are suffering with cholera.  Pray that the medicine that they need will reach them soon.
    Please continue to pray for peace in the world.  Pray especially for Syria, Iraq and South Sudan.
    For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for Mongolia and Oman.  Pray that many in these two nations will hear about the love of Jesus.
     For most of this year, we've been studying the parables of Jesus here on the Weekend Sermon.  We don't have too many more parables to study.  Lord willing, we will wrap this study up in the next couple of months I think.
    Today, we will turn our attention to what is know as the parable of the two debtors.  This parable and the circumstances surrounding its telling are found in Luke 7:36-50.
    Jesus had been invited to a dinner at the house of Simon the Pharisee.  While Jesus was reclining at the dinner table, a woman came into the dining area.  She took an alabaster jar of ointment and anointed Jesus' feet.  She was weeping and wiping Jesus' feet with her hair.
    When the Simon saw this, he was offended.  He figured that if Jesus was really a prophet, He would know what a sinful woman this was, and Jesus would not allow her to touch Him.
    Knowing Simon's thoughts, Jesus told the parable of the two debtors.  Jesus said that a certain man had two people that owed him money.  One owed 500 denarii, and the other owed 50 denarii.  The creditor cancelled both debts.
    Jesus asked Simon who he thought would love the creditor more.  Simon responded that it would be the one who was forgiven more.  Jesus said that that was right.
    Jesus told Simon that Simon had not done Him the basic courtesy of even offering Him water to wash His feet, yet this woman had wet Jesus' feet with her tears.
    Jesus said that though her sins were many, they were forgiven.  Jesus said that she had shown great love.  He also said that the one who is forgiven little loves little.
    I think that this is an interesting story and an interesting parable.  For one thing, we don't know who this woman was.  Also, we have to assume that she had had an encounter with Jesus beforehand that is not recorded in the Bible.  Was she healed of a sickness?  Was she delivered from an evil spirit?  It is just my opinion that Jesus had treated her with respect and dignity.  When she saw Jesus love and compassion, she responded as in the story.  Because of her great love, she was forgiven.
    Another thing that I find interesting in this story is the parable itself.  I think that it has a general application, but I am not sure that Jesus meant that this was always the case.  I think it is relative insomuch as one perceives they need forgiveness.  Some people aren't great sinners so to speak.  However, they realize their need for a Savior and turn to Jesus.  They are grateful for what Jesus has done for them.  With their hearts full of love, they serve Jesus fully.
    Others have been forgiven from a huge weight of sin.  However, they don't always respond by much outward demonstration of their love for the Lord.
    I think what Jesus was saying in this parable is that as a general rule, those who are forgiven much  love more.  It is something interesting to think about.
    Now, I think that their are at least two important lessons that we can learn from this parable.  First of all, we don't want to be like Simon.  He had no real respect for Jesus, and he did not even offer Jesus the basic hospitality of the day.  Simon was also very judgmental.  He thought that he was better than the woman who came to see Jesus.  He felt he had little to be forgiven of and loved little.
    Sometimes, those of us who have been Christians for many years can get a sense of superiority.  We can become Pharisaical.  We want to be people who loved like Jesus loved, we don't want to be like the Pharisees.
    Jesus loves everyone.  He has His arms of love open wide to embrace all those who will come to Him.  Whoever comes to Him, He will not cast them out.
    The second lesson from this story for us is that we need to demonstrate by what we do how much we love Jesus.  The woman in this story showed her love in a tangible way.  That is what we need to do.  There are so many ways that we can show our love for Jesus.  One way is to spend time with Him through prayer and meditation.  Another way is to obey His commands and teachings.
    By loving those who Jesus loved, we show our love for Jesus.  Jesus said that when we do something good for the least among us, we have done it as unto Him.  There are many needs in this world.  There are many people who need for us to reach out in love to them.  Let us imitate the Lord Jesus and be people who love.
    Next week, we will be back to our regular schedule on the blog.  On Monday, I will post the verses.  I will have a review on Wednesday, and we will continue with our parable of Jesus series on Friday.  May God bless you all.  Amen.