Verses For the Week

John 10:10 -- "The thief comes only to kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Matthew 7:12 -- "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the law and the prophets."

Weekend Sermon -- Malachi -- Introduction

     Welcome to this week's edition of the Weekend Sermon.  I am so glad that you are able to stop by and read the sermon this week.  I hope that everyone is doing very well.
     This week has certainly had its ups and downs. The storminess in my area didn't amount to anything, and I am thankful to the Lord for that.  The part-time job situation is not going well at all at this point. I thought I had another opportunity, but it didn't work out either.  I would ask that you please pray that I am able to find the part-time job as soon as possible.  Everything would be alright on the financial front as well if there was a little more writing work. Writing is going well, so I can't really complain.  Please pray that these things will work out.  I pray that God's will will be done in the matter.
    Please continue to pray for those affected by the hurricanes.  I especially think of those in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.  Pray that they will receive the assistance that they need.  Also, continue to pray for those in Texas and Florida.
     Continue to pray for those in California affected by the fires.  Pray that all of the fires will be extinguished as soon as possible.
     Let us all pray for peace in this troubled world.  Syria, Iraq, South Sudan and Yemen certainly need our prayers.
     For our prayer focus countries this week, let us all pray for the nations of Burkina Faso and Saudi Arabia.  Pray that many will hear the message of the love of Jesus.
     For most of the year, we were in a series of messages on the parables of Jesus. For the next few weeks, we will be in our new study as we go through the book of Malachi.  I will take time away from this series to do a message about Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Otherwise, we will focus on this important book and see what the Lord has to teach us.
     Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament. It was probably written around 450 BC after the people had returned to Israel from their exile in Babylon.
     There is a debate concerning who wrote Malachi.  The name Malachi in Hebrew means "My messenger" or "the Lord's messenger."  Some Bible scholars think that the author wanted to remain anonymous, so he just called himself God's messenger.  Others believe that Malachi was the given name of the prophet who wrote the book.
     I believe that there was an actual man named Malachi who wrote this book.  If you've read any of the prophetic books, none of the prophets seem too fearful about letting people know who they are.  These were individuals who were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit in order to speak a powerful message from the Lord when it was necessary.
      Malachi was a man who had a message from God.  He was unafraid to say some very hard things.  As we will see, Malachi doesn't pull any punches.  He let's people know that the Lord is not very happy with some of the things that they are doing.  However, he also gives the people a message of hope, that the Lord will make everything the way that it should be.
     Today, I want us to focus on Malachi chapter 1 verses 1-5.  Verse two states, "I have loved you, says the Lord; but you say, 'How have you loved us?'"
     After all that the Lord had done for the people of Israel , they still doubted and questioned the fact that they were loved by the Lord.
     In response, the Lord said that He loved Jacob, but hated Esau.  This doesn't mean that God had hatred for a person.  Hatred in this context means that the Lord preferred Jacob to Esau because the Lord chose Jacob to receive the blessing and to be the son through whom the promise made to Abraham continued. 
     The Lord doesn't hate any person as we think of hate.  The Lord loves everyone.  He wants all to come to repentance and spend eternity with Him in His eternal dwelling place.
     As we look at the people questioning the love of the Lord, it is really a slap in the face to the Lord.
The Lord chose the nation of Israel above all others to be the ones to keep the name of the True and Living God alive in the world.
     The Lord brought the people out of bondage in the land of Egypt.  He preserved them in the wilderness, and then He led them into a land that flowed with milk and honey.
     Even though they were a small nation, the Lord preserved them as long as they remained faithful to following in His ways.  Even when they rebelled, the Lord forgave them and restored them to the land of promise.
     Now, before we look down too much on the people in Malachi's day, we need to look at ourselves.  I know that many people often doubt the love that the Lord has for them.  I've done it myself when I've encountered problems and struggles in my life that I don't understand.  It's at these times that I have to look back at the many ways that the Lord has demonstrated His love for me.
     The Lord loved us so much that He sent His Son the Lord Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sins.  Out of love, He provided the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us and to be our comforter.
     I know that in my own life, the Lord has shown His love in many ways.  The Lord gave me two wonderful parents who showed me the importance of following the Lord Jesus in all that I set out to do.  The Lord gave me my friend Toby when I needed a friend.  The Lord Jesus has been with me in my darkest hours providing His support so that I could keep going and keep being what He wants me to be.
     Whenever you get down and think that God doesn't love you, stop and think about all of the ways that God has demonstrated His love to you in the past.
      Verse 5 of chapter 1 ends with the Lord stating that at a day in the future, everyone will declare that the Lord is great even beyond the land of Israel.
      That day is closer than it has ever been.  One day, Jesus will return to this earth in power and great glory.  Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  Jesus will rule and reign in righteousness, and His kingdom shall have no end.  Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
     I hope that you have experienced the love of the Lord Jesus in your life.  I hope that you have invited Him into your life to forgive you of your sins and to be your Savior and Lord.  If you haven't done so, I urge you to make Jesus the Lord of your life this very day.
     Next week, we will continue with our series of messages on the book of Malachi.  On Monday, I will post the verses, and there will be a review on Wednesday.  May God bless you all.  Amen.

Book Review -- "Bookstore Cats"

     Today's review is about a book entitled "Bookstore Cats" written by Brandon Schultz.  This book tells about different cats that live in bookstores across the United States. One of the stores profiled is not very far from where I live.
     Each chapter of the book is about a different store and the cats that live there. The personality and the traits of each cat are discussed, and there are pictures of each of the cats in each store.
     This is a very nice book.  The writing is good, and the pictures are very well done. An interesting touch throughout the book is that the author puts in lists of things like famous cats in literature, cats in young adult books, etc.  There are even some poems about cats in the book.
     If you are a cat lover, you will definitely want to get a copy of "Bookstore Cats."

Verses For the Week and an Update

     I just wanted to let everyone know that the storms that were called for in my area on Saturday did not amount to anything.  I am very thankful to the Lord for this, and I thank you for your prayers.  I would ask that you pray for me today, the railroad is doing construction work in the town where I live, and I am afraid that they may damage my property.  Please pray that this does not happen.  Also, please pray that all goes well in my job search.  Please remember to keep praying for the people of Puerto Rico.  Thank you.

Here are the verses:

Proverbs 3:26 -- "For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught."

Philippians 1:6 -- "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.'

Weekend Sermon -- What The Lord Seeks From Us -- John 4:23

     Welcome to this week's edition of the Weekend Sermon.  Thank you for taking the time to read the blog this week. I hope that everyone is doing well, and I hope that all of you have had a good week.

     This has been a good week in writing.  I've had a lot of work, and I am grateful to the Lord for it.  There is a possibility that I might have a part-time job lined up, so please pray that this will work out according to the will of the Lord.

     Last week, I asked you to pray about the storms that were predicted for my area.  The storms caused a lot of wind damage.  My house did have some minor roof damage.  I had that repaired yesterday.  

     I would ask that you would please pray about a similar situation that is predicted for this week. We are supposed to have bad storms with wind again this Saturday.  Please pray that these storms will not be bad, and that my roof repair will hold up.  Thank you for your prayers.

     Please keep praying for those in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands who are suffering from the effects of the hurricane.  Pray that they will receive the aid that they need to get their lives on track. 

     Some of the fires have been brought under control in California, but there are still fires burning.  Pray that the fires will be extinguished and that people will be safe.

     They are getting quite a bit of stormy weather in Britain and Ireland.  Pray that everyone over there will be safe.  I have several online friends there, and I pray that they will all be OK.

     Continue to pray for peace in the troubled areas of this world.  Remember to continue to pray for Syria, South Sudan and Iraq.

     For our prayer focus countries this week, let us all pray for Kuwait and India.  Pray that many will hear the message of the love of Jesus.

     This week in the sermon, I want to speak about what our purpose is in life.  We are here for a reason.  

     Sometimes, I get very down and I don't think that my life amounts to much.  Sometimes, I don't see much point to my life. 

     It is at times like these when I have to go to the Word of God and see what the Lord has to say.  I did that this week, and I was really blessed by the verse that is the basis for the message today.

     In John chapter 4, Jesus traveled to a Samaritan village, and He had a conversation with a woman at the town well.  During the course of their discussion, the woman brought up a question about what place was the correct place to worship the Lord.  In John 4:23, Jesus said the following, "But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers."

     What struck me about this verse was the realization that I am here on this earth for a specific purpose.  I am here to be someone that worships the Lord in spirit and in truth. That is my mission, that is my reason for being.

      As I've looked at jobs and things to do, sometimes I've focused on that as a way to finding a meaningful life.  But, that is not what the meaning of life is about at all.  Work, career and accomplishments are just a means to help me exist in the world to do that for which I have been called and to do that which God desires.

      I've been called, all Christians have been called, to worship the True and Living God.  We are on this earth to bring honor and glory to His holy name.

     Now, of what does true worship consist?  We are to worship in spirit.  I believe that there are two ways to look at this.  First of all, we can interpret this to mean that we are to worship the Lord with all of our being.  We are to give all of our energy and effort to being those who bring glory to the Lord.

     On the other hand, we can interpret this to mean that we are to worship the Lord as we are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit fills us with love for the Lord that leads us to true worship.

     We are also to worship the Lord in truth.  We are to have a right understanding of who God is and what He wants from us.  Only when we have a correct understanding about God can we worship God in the fullness that He seeks.

      Now, of what does worship consist?  Of course, part of worship is going to a worship service and singing songs of praise and adoration.  We worship through partaking of the Sacraments.  We worship through hearing the proclamation of the Word.

      Worship has another component as well.  Worship is about what we do.  We worship the Lord when we follow those things that He has commanded us to do.  We honor Him as Lord when we do what He has said.

     We worship the Lord when we follow His direct will for our lives.  I believe that the Lord calls individuals to specific tasks of service.  When we do these tasks, we are worshiping the Lord.

     We also worship the Lord when we do what is good in the world to make this world a better place and help others in this life.  There are many needs in this world.  People are hurting.  The whole of creation needs help.  When we bring help to this hurting world, we are worshiping the Lord. 

     When we do our best at whatever we set ourselves to do that is right, we are worshiping the Lord.  We bring honor to His name when we strive for excellence and do what we do as if we are doing it unto Him.

      I know that when I look at life from this perspective, it keeps me going.  It lets me know that I have something to accomplish.  The Lord has me here for a reason and a purpose.  He has you here for a reason and a purpose too.

      Next week, I am going to begin a new series of messages as we study the book of Malachi.  I hope that you will join me for that series.  Next week, I will post the verses on Monday, and there will be a review on Wednesday.  May God bless you all.  Amen. 

     

     

Book Review -- Arthur

     "Arthur" written by Mikael Lindnord tells the story of how a stray dog in Ecuador followed a team of extreme racers through the jungle.  After making it through the jungle with the team led by Lindnord, Mr. Lindnord decides that he wants to adopt Arthur and take him back to Sweden. The book details what Lindnord had to do to get Arthur to Sweden, and then it goes into detail about how Arthur adjusted to life with his new family.
     I liked this book for several reasons. For one thing, it introduced me to a sport that I didn't even know existed. I would never be able to come close to doing it, but it was very interesting reading about it.
     I also liked the fact that the author went all out to help Arthur. After getting Arthur home, the author didn't forget about other dogs that needed help. He established a foundation to assist stray dogs in finding homes.
     I would recommend this book for all those who like dog stories. It is a little slow at first as the author goes into a lot of detail about his sport and the first part of the race before Arthur comes on the scene. I did find this interesting, but readers should know that the story about Arthur himself takes a little while to really get going.
   

Remembering

     Whenever things go bad in life like they have for the past few days, I always remember that I had the best friend that a person could ever have.  That makes me feel better every time.

Verses For the Week and an Update

     What a difference a couple of days makes.  The job that I thought was going to work out did not.  I won't go into any details, but I believe that everything worked out for the best.  I know that the Lord will provide something that is just right. 
     The storms on Saturday night caused some minor roof damage to the house.  It isn't that bad, and I believe that it can be repaired easily.
     Thank you for your prayers on these matters.  Please keep praying that writing will go well, and that I will find a part-time job that is the right one.
     Since things didn't go as expected with the job, the blog will stay on its normal schedule with the sermon being posted on Friday.

Here are the verses:

Galatians 6:9 -- "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

II Thessalonians 3:13 -- "And as for you brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good."

Weekend Sermon -- A Prayer of St. Francis

    Part of the post is showing up with a white background.  I don't know why this is doing this, and I've not been able to fix it.  I am sorry for any inconvenience.

    Thank you for taking the time to read the blog and the sermon this week.  I am thankful to the Lord for giving me the opportunity to do the blog.  I hope that everyone is having a good week.

     I would like to ask everyone to pray for those in California who are in the path of the terrible fires.  Please pray that these fires will be extinguished, and pray for those working to contain the fires that they will not be harmed.

     From what I hear from people on the ground in Puerto Rico, they still don't have the aid that they need to get back on their feet.  Please pray for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands that they will receive the assistance they require to get back on their feet.  Those in Dominica, Turks and Caicos and other islands in the Caribbean also need assistance and our prayers.  Please continue to pray for those in Florida and Texas affected by the storms.

     I would ask that you pray for me once again.  Tomorrow, we are supposed to have some very bad storms in the afternoon and evening.  I am very worried about this.  Please pray that these storms won't be bad.  I thank you for your prayers.

     I don't have too much news on the job situation.  Writing hasn't been that good this week.  Please pray that writing will pick up and that the part-time job situation will work itself out.

     Remember to continue praying for peace in the world.  Pray for peace in Syria, South Sudan, Yemen and Iraq.

     For our prayer focus countries this week, let us all pray for those in Guinea-Bissau and Uzbekistan.  Prayer that many will hear of the love of Jesus.

     Last week, I brought a message about St. Francis, animals and the environment.  Today, I would like for us to reflect on one of the well known prayers that was prayed by St. Francis.  Let us see what we can learn from this prayer.

     The prayer reads as follows:

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy. 

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive, 

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, 

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

     The prayer begins by asking the Lord that we might be those who are used to bring peace into the world.  Jesus told as that, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."  The Bible also tells us to, "Seek peace and pursue it."

     Christians should be people that try to bring peace in difficult situations.  As the prayer says, one way we bring peace is by sowing love in the midst of hate.  Right now in the United States where I live, it seems as if there is a great deal of hatred.  People on different sides of the political spectrum say hateful things to each other.  There is racial tension.  There is a lot of turmoil in society right now.

     In the midst of this, we must continue to share the truth of Jesus who was the man of love.  The church cannot be seen as a place of hate.

     Jesus came to show His love for all people.  Jesus loved everyone, and He called all people to come to Him.  We as His followers must show love in the midst of darkness.  We reach our hands to those in need and help those who are hurting.

     As believers in Jesus, we must be those who pardon and forgive.  When we see people in despair, we are the ones who must give words of encouragement and healing.  We must be the ones who tell people of the hope that comes from having a relationship with the Lord Jesus.

     There is much darkness in the world, but we are the ones who have been given the task of shining the light of the love of Jesus into the world to drive away the darkness.  Those in the darkness must be drawn to the light of the love of Christ.

     So many are lonely and depressed.  They are sad.  However, we are believers in Jesus can bring joy to those who are in despair.  Joy comes from knowing the peace of Jesus that will fill the hearts of all who seek Him.

     In the second part of this prayer, we ask that we seek the good of others more than we seek good for ourselves.  We don't seek consolation so much as to bring consolation to others who are in need.

     We seek to understand the hurts and struggles that others are facing.  This is one of the things that people need most.  I know that as a young man when I was facing depression, the thing that I wanted most was for someone to understand me. I needed someone to accept me for who I was.

     Love is what the Christian faith is about.  We who have experienced the love of Jesus in our hearts must give that love to others.  We seek out those who need to know that Jesus loves them and cares about them.

    In the final portion of this prayer, is says that in giving we receive.  Jesus told us that it is better to give than to receive. Saint Francis gave all that he had to the poor.  Jesus calls us to give to others of our resources and of ourselves.  This week, think about some ways that you can give to help others.

     In pardoning we our pardoned.  This recalls the words of Jesus where He tells us that we must be willing to forgive others, or we will not be forgiven.

     It is dying that we are born to eternal life.  When we die to sin and receive Jesus, we are a new creation.  We have eternal life now and in the future.  If we are in Christ, we know that when we pass away from this world, we will be where Jesus is because He has gone to prepare a place for us.

     I think that this is a powerful and deeply meaningful prayer.  This prayer has been set to music, and there are several online videos where you can here the musical setting.  At the end of the sermon, I will post a link where you can here one nice version.

     Next week may be a different schedule depending on what happens with this job.  I will post the verses on Monday, and there will be a review on Wednesday.  However, the sermon may not be posted until Saturday.  I will know more later, and I will let you know.  May God bless you all. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X_5kPyLHoM

Book Review and Program Recommendation

     I want to start today by asking you to pray about the situation with the fires in California.  Pray for the safety of those fighting the fires and those in the path.  Pray that all the fires will be extinguished soon.  Also, please continue to pray for those affected by the hurricanes.

     Last week in the sermon, I mentioned the programs that I like to watch on Nature which airs on PBS.  This past week, they had a very good program on about a little elephant.  I am placing the link on the blog so that you can view the whole episode http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/naledi-one-little-elephant-2/15512/.

     The book that I am reviewing today is a book about horses entitled "The Spirit of the Horse" written by William Shatner.  Mr. Shatner is a well-know horse enthusiast, and  in this book, he tells us about some of his experiences with horses.  In the book, the author also provides several stories about horses both fiction and non-fiction.
     I found the information about Mr. Shatner and horses as well as the other stories very interesting.  I've always loved horses, and I would have loved to have had a horse, but I am more allergic to them than just about anything.  Horses are beautiful animals, and I believe that anyone who loves and appreciates horses will enjoy "The Spirit of the Horse."

Prayer Request

     It has gone from being a beautiful day here to where now they are calling for severe storms and wind.  Please pray that these storms and this wind will not be bad.  Thank you.

Verses For the Week

Romans 10:13 -- "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Psalm 62:1 -- "Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation come from Him."

Weekend Sermon -- St. Francis, Animals and the Environment -- Proverbs 12:10

    Welcome to this week's edition of the Weekend Sermon.  I am glad to be posting the sermon today, and I hope that everyone is doing well.
     My week has been fairly good.  I thank the Lord that I've had writing work to do.  So far, the weather hasn't been too bad.  I would ask that you would pray that the storms tonight won't be bad.  The mole is still at work in the front yard, so please pray about that if you would. 
     I received a job offer a couple of weeks ago that I told you about.  I am supposed to start on the 16th, but it's all not finalized yet.  Please pray that this gets all straightened out.  I do thank you for your prayers.  I pray for all who may read this blog each day.
     In other areas, please continue to pray for those who were injured in the attack in Las Vegas.  This was so terrible.  Pray for an end to violence in this country.  In the major city that is about 35 miles north of where I live, there's been a record number of murders this year and the year's not over.  We need peace and safety on the streets of this nation.
     Remember to pray for those suffering in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as well as other areas in the Caribbean.  I think that it is a said state of affairs that US citizens can't get better help in times of emergency.  This needs to be addressed.  Please remember the needs of those in Texas and Florida, too.
     There is a possible hurricane headed for the US again.  Please pray that this storm will weaken and not be bad.
     Continue to pray for peace in the world.  Pray for peace in Syria, Iraq, South Sudan and Yemen.  Wherever there is war, pray for peace.
     For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for the nations of Gambia and Turkmenistan.  Pray that people in these nations will hear about the love of Jesus.
     October 4 was the feast day for St Francis of Assisi.  St Francis is one of my heroes of the faith.  He has truly been a great inspiration to me over the years.
     St Francis was born into a wealthy family, and he had many privileges as a young man.  When he was younger, he went to war when Assisi was battling a neighboring city.  He was captured and spent some time as a prisoner.
     One day, St Francis felt that he was being called by God to give up everything that he owned and serve the Lord.  And that is exactly what Francis did.  He followed the words of Jesus to give everything to the poor and follow Him.
     St. Francis would go on to found the Franciscan Order.  He devoted his life to helping the poor and those who were sick such as lepers.  St. Francis worked to bring peace, and he sought to share the love of Jesus with everyone.
     St. Francis even preached to the animals.  He cared for all of creation, and he is the patron saint of animals and ecology.
     I think that we can learn many lessons from St. Francis about how we as Christians are to treat animals and the environment.  Proverbs 12:10 tells us that, "The righteous care for the needs of their animals."
     I thank God for all of the animal welfare organizations that work to help animals.  There are so many dogs and cats that are abandoned and abused.  It just makes me sick.  As followers of Jesus, I think that we have an obligation to help to end the abuse of animals and work to end the decline of endangered species.
     I know from first hand experience how important a dog can be in someone's life.  I've written on the blog many times about how I believe that Jesus brought Toby into my life to be my friend.  That dog saw me through some really hard times.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, I wouldn't be here writing this blog today if Toby hadn't been there to help me make it through.  I thank the Lord Jesus for him every day.
     I know many examples of people who have had a dog or cat that has helped them in a difficult time.  I thank the Lord for bringing these wonderful pets into our lives. 
     Right now, the Lutheran Comfort Dogs are working with those who are grieving in Las Vegas.  Therapy dogs and cats work all over the world helping people make it through.  They truly are a blessing.
     Let each of us be thankful for the animal companions that the Lord has blessed us with.  Let us truly care for our animal companions.
     I believe that animals are important and that our dogs and cats and pets will be with us in Heaven.  Some people don't believe this.  However, I am a great admirer of John Wesley, and he certainly believed that animals go to Heaven, so I think I am in good company.  I know that I will see my friend Toby again someday.
     Now, there is another area that I would like to address.  As I said St. Francis is the patron saint of ecology.  The environment and global climate change is an important issue facing the planet right now.  Unfortunately, many in the evangelical community have denied the science behind climate change, and they are climate change deniers. I find this most unfortunate.
     The first thing that God charged humans with doing was to take care of the earth that God had created.  We weren't given permission to dominate and destroy what God had made.  We were, we are, to tend and care for what God has entrusted us with.
     This is a beautiful world that we have been allowed to live upon.  Every time that I look at programs like Nature on PBS I am in awe of the magnificence of creation. 
     This week on Nature, there was a program about elephants.  These magnificent creatures are being poached at an alarming rate because people want ivory.  What a horror.
     Christians should be at the forefront of advocating for environmental protection and wildlife conservation.  We have been charged with doing it by the Lord.
     All of us can practice energy conservation, and we can live an earth friendly lifestyle.  I am a vegetarian.  Maybe that is something you might want to think about.
     I hope that you as a Christian will look at the life of St Francis this week.  See the ways in which he followed the Lord Jesus, and then just as St Francis followed Jesus, we must follow Jesus as well.
     I hope that you will be an advocate for animals and for the environment.  Be especially kind to those animals that God has entrusted to your care.
     Next week, I will post the verses on Monday.  I will have a review on Wednesday.  Next Friday for the Weekend Sermon, I want to go through a famous prayer made by St. Francis and examine what we can learn from it.   May God bless you all.  Amen.
   

Book Review and A Few Thoughts

     The book that I am reviewing today is "Tasmanian Devil: A Unique and Threatened Animal" written by David Owen and David Pemberton.  I just happened to come across this book in the library, and I'm glad that I did.  Tasmanian devils are one of my favorite animals.  They make the most crazy vocalizations. 
     In this book, the authors do an excellent job of detailing the natural history of this interesting and often misunderstood animal.  The Tasmanian devil is currently having difficulties in the wild due to a facial tumor disease that is decimating the population.  The authors detail this, and explain what is being done to help save Tasmanian devils in the wild.  If you like the Tasmanian devil, this book will provide you with a wealth of great information.


     Now, I have a couple of other things I want to write about in today's post.  Over the last couple of days, I've seen a lot of criticism in some places over people offering their thoughts and prayers to the victims of tragedies and natural disasters.  It is my belief that when most people do this, they are trying to show their support.  For those of us who are Christians, we do believe that the Lord can work in a situation when we pray.  I do not know why that the Lord does not always answer certain prayers.  I do believe that I am supposed to ask the Lord to help others.
     With that being said, that does not absolve us of our responsibility to do what we can to help others and to work for justice and peace in this world.  As James said, "Faith without works is dead."  I'm not just sit by and do nothing.  We all are supposed to do what we can to make this world a better place.

     Today is the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi.  St. Francis gave everything that he had to the poor, and he went about sharing the love of Jesus.  St. Francis cared about and loved animals.  I will speak more about St. Francis in the sermon on Friday.

     Please continue to pray for those affected by the tragedy in Las Vegas.  Pray for those suffering from the effects of the hurricanes in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Texas and Florida.  Give to help those who are suffering as you are able.

    Please pray that my area won't get the flooding that is predicted.

     May God bless you all. Amen.

Verses For the Week and Prayer Requests

     I would ask that everyone please pray for those who were injured last night in Las Vegas.  Please pray that the injured will recover quickly, and let us pray that something like this never happens again.
     Please continue to pray for those suffering as a result of the hurricanes that hit Puerto Rico, other islands in the Caribbean, Florida and Texas.
     Pray for those injured in the earthquake in Mexico.
     Please pray that we don't have flooding in my area this week.

Verses:

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

II Thessalonians 3:16 -- "Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  The Lord be with you all.