The Virtual Pew Daily: jesus

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Thursday, November 5, 2020

Daily Devotional, Genesis 47, 48, Matthew 9, God Takes Care of His Own and a Bold Faith and Response

Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 47, 48, Matthew 9

God Takes Care of His Own and a Bold Faith and Response.

The first chapter today, 47, shows us a shrewd business man, yet a man who also understood the concept of caring for his people. In today's world it's hard to imagine a king, president ruler, requiring someone to give them all of their animals, all of their land, and then 1/5th of their possessions in order to survive but that is exactly what Joseph and the King of Egypt does. Of course early on, Joseph and his family were provided the best land to raise their sheep on and the King had them take also care of his flocks. How would we look at this in today's world?

We also see before going to the next chapter that Jacob, Joseph's father is getting older and near death. He makes a request to not be buried in Egypt but instead in his homeland.

In Chapter 48 we see that Jacob is sick and Joseph takes his sons to visit him. We see the concern of a grandfather for his grandchildren and an act that while on the surface seems confusing, was one directed by God, that has Jacob giving the primary blessing to the youngest of hi grandsons when was normally for the older son. Even though Joseph tries to correct this, Jacob assures him that he knows what he is doing.

Through all of his years, Jacob kept his faith in God. He kept in tune with God to know what the Lord would want him to do, even if it meant going against tradition. In the same way today followers of Jesus must be willing to be in tune with The Holy Spirit. Do we have a deep enough relationship that we can go against the flow or traditions when God calls us to? We also need to look at our children and grandchildren and take into consideration that what we teach them should be things that will carry on for generations, long after we are gone.

Matthew 9

We see this chapter start off with Jesus being criticized for healing a man. How many times in today's world do we as followers of Jesus get criticized for standing up for Godly principals? Remember it happened Jesus was the Son of God NS If it happened to him, it will happen to us. Jesus gives indication as to how to deal with such criticisms. He didn't just stand by and say nothing, He responded in wisdom, not in foolishness.

We see Jesus chose Matthew, a tax collector to be one of His first disciples. Again, He is questioned about the decision while at a party at Matthew's. Jesus responds again in a way to confront and address reality. He doesn't just take the criticism, He finds a way to respond in such a way as to show the true intent of those asking the questions. Some of the questions He is asked isn't only from followers of John the Baptist.

In the confrontations and interaction with Jesus we see that the questions are often asked because the people doubting who Jesus is. The rest of the chapter we see stories of people who had faith in who He was. We see Jesus performing acts that only God can perform and much of the time healings and responses are based on the persons faith. A faith that recognizes Jesus as the Son of God.

At the conclusion of the chapter we see Jesus teaching the disciples. He realizes there is a great deal of work to be done and the concept of faith would largely be based on the responses His followers gave to those seeking out truth. A huge part of that response was miracles, not just miracles though, While a physical healing was a part of it, an answer and miracle of recognizing in various ways that Jesus was the Son of God and the answer to their problems was a part of it. Jesus was the messiah many were looking for. He showed in His responses to others, there was a need for His disciples to also show that type of love, while at the same time, standing bold in their faith in the Son of Man, Jesus.

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Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Daily Devotional, Genesis 45, 46, Matthew 8, Family Reunions and Going To Jesus

Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 45, 46, Matthew 8

Family Reunions and Going to Jesus

After the last devotion we ended in a sort or cliffhanger, today, we have the continuation. Joseph is now in the palace serving his brothers and is so overcome with emotion that he tells his servants to leave the room. After they leave the room Joseph can't hold in his emotions any longer, he breaks down and starts weeping so loud that those outside of the room hears him. After a bit of convincing Joseph convinces his brothers that he is in fact Joseph, the brother they had sold into slavery. There is something amazing though at least to me.

All through this experience Joseph is not angry at his brothers, he has no desire to seek retribution against them. Instead, he pours out love and compassion, telling them it was God that sent him before them to Egypt.

Do we look at our circumstances and the hand of God as putting us in the place we are? I'll be honest, I fail at this, but maybe this is not only something you need to be more aware of, but I as well. We serve a God who knows the future and will do His part to put us in the places we need to be. We get in the way. If we let go and let God, God will put us in places that goes beyond our imagination. Of course we live in a world where evil exists so it's important to be on our toes and make sure our relationship with God is in an appropriate place.

In Chapter 46 we see Jacob and all of his family going to Egypt. There are some 70+ people that make the journey as the list does not include many of the wives. The reunion between Joseph and his father is emotional. Jacob has lived a long time, living much of it in the pain of losing his son. He realizes now his beloved son is alive and Jacob is content with his life and is now okay with dying.

I believe there comes a time near death that the one who is dying, if dying of old age, illness or something of the sort desires to come to a place of peace. I realized and experienced that with my wife before her death. She wanted to live until Christmas and see that I was okay. It was upon releasing her and telling her that I was going to be okay that she died within seconds of telling her that, on the day we celebrated Christmas. Are we at a place of peace with God? What do we need to have happen in our lives to be at a place of peace? Unfortunately many seem to still be fighting with God in their relationships, acceptance and other areas where our own desires take over. Like Jacob, or my own experiences have shown me, it is better to be at a place where we can find peace with God, but to get there, we have to be honest as to what it is that is holding us from that place of peace.

Matthew 8

We now see the continuation of Jesus ministry after the Sermon on the Mount. He is coming into town and immediately miracles start happening and we see the examples of peoples faith. One of the things we see is Jesus is approached by others far more than He approaches them. They recognize their need and are compelled to go to Jesus for help. It seems like so many times in life others are telling us what we need to do and here, we see where the individuals know what they need to do. Were others telling them what they needed to do? It doesn't seem so. It seems as if they knew themselves and acted on it.

We also see that not in every situation does Jesus do what the person wants. This gives reason to think that just because we want something it does not mean that God will do it for us. He may tell us to stay, or go. He has His reasons for doing and telling us whatever the circumstance is we need to do. We must be in a relationship to hear and act on the answers we get.

In this passage we read about miracles, strong faith, demonic possession controlling the weather and much more. It is at this place that Jesus ministry begins to take off, He is followed by many and we see He has power over health, demons and even weather conditions. No man can have that power. We see early indications as did many others that Jesus was in fact, the Son of God.

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Friday, October 23, 2020

Daily Devotional Genesis 43, 44, Matthew 7 Sacrificial Love

Daily Devotional, Genesis Chapter 43, 44, Matthew 7

Sacrificial Love

Today we are in the story of Joseph where his brothers, who had been sent away with grain and supplies from Egypt have to return from their land because they are running out of food and Joseph is the only one who can provide for them. Their father Jacob is reluctant but must agree to send the brothers back with their youngest brother Benjamin.

The brothers are nervous, not knowing that Joseph is the ruler they are going to see. Joseph knows and we see an emotional aspect of him seeing and meeting his brother for the first time. He has to leave the room, go back to a room alone where he cries and then cleans himself up only to come out and continue the ruse.

Joseph is still planning to surprise his brothers and ultimately his father. While this in some ways doesn't make sense, we see a part of Joseph that while cautious is also planning ahead.

Joseph had a plan and sets it in place. He isn't done yet. He has his servants put a cup in the sack of Benjamin and on the way home they are to be confronted by some of Joseph's men and then take Benjamin as a slave. Of course the brothers have no idea of this and when it happens they are very upset and hurt. We see in some ways the remorse for what they know their father will feel, especially after they had told their father their brother Joseph had been killed. We see that Joseph's brothers truly love their father Jacob.

In this effort to talk Joseph into reconsidering what they think he is going to do, Judah pours out his heart, spilling the beans if you will and telling Joseph the whole story. He is heartbroken out of his love and concern for his father.

What happens next? Well you'll either have to read ahead or wait until the next devotional, because just like a lot of good stories, this chapter ends in a cliff-hanger.

Matthew 7

Here we see the continuation of the Sermon on the Mount, the longest continual teaching of Jesus in the Bible. He starts of Chapter 7 warning us about "judging" others, in what I believe is one of the most misquoted passages of scripture. Many often say, you shouldn't judge. I like the CEV translation here because it is more accurate to the actual Greek and uses the word "condemn." It is not our job to condemn, it is the job and responsibility of the follower of Jesus to offer hope, yet speak truth without condemnation.

We see the importance of seeking truth, whether that be about faith or other issues in life. We can also draw a comparison to how we interact with others as Jesus points out. We have to understand for ourselves, and others, that God is a perfect Father who will do amazingly wonderful things for those He loves.

We have to remember though, that following God is more than just words, there are actions, an aspect of submission and surrender to God, with the realization that He is in fact, God. We can so easily get caught up in the things we do, what we think and the results but Jesus makes things complicated. God goes so far as casting out those who say they love Him and has done miracles in His name. We must realize that what we do can't be built on our efforts but has to be built on the teachings of Jesus and based on the relationship we have with Him.

Today, we must contemplate, how serious is our relationship with Jesus? Are we willing to submit to His ways, to love, serve and share the truth about Jesus. Or, are we watering down the message? Is our focus on ourselves, others, or is it on Jesus and the love He would have us show? Only we know the answer to those questions along with God. They are however questions we need to ask. Do I have a real and loving relationship with Jesus?

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Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Mea Maxima Culpa: The Cover-up of Sexual Sin In The Church

I just finished watching the HBO Documentary, Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God. Let me be clear from the start, this is a must view for all people of faith, especially those who believe in keeping the deepest and darkest of sins secret, but also for those who believe that wrongs should never be confronted publicly and directly.

My own life of abuse has been chronicled over the years via television, radio, a movie and my book The Keystone Kid. I know all too well the reluctance of many, even within the religious community to confront the sin of sexual abuse. Silence in the House of God (SITHG) addresses sexual abuse within the Catholic Church and the massive cover-up they present goes all of the way to the top. They chronicle abuse that has gone on for going on 2,000 years among the papacy and yet, covered up. I challenge from the outset, abuse within all religious organizations, not just the Christian Church has been going on since the conception of religion and unfortunately, has been covered up, and/or not spoken about or addressed within those organizations since its origins. Unfortunately, that concept still continues as it is my observation from research, and personal experience, not just in the area of sexual abuse though, but in any area which has people from within those religious organizations encouraging others to not speak up, to let things be, and to let the sins of many go unpunished and dealt with between the individual and God. What these people and the organizations that have let this go on for so long have either forgotten about, or simply don’t care about, is the lasting damage within the lives of those impacted by sin. This is certainly true in the areas of sin that so drastically impacts the lives of the innocents, such as sexual sin.

While this is not per say intended as a review of SITHG, I will say this, this is a terrific documentary and just as I begin to have some concerns with the twists of the documentary, as to if it is showing ultimate compassion towards the victims, we are hit with a hard hitting reality of the damages and impact on the victims in a powerful conclusion. Neither though is this documentary an attack on all religions, or even for that matter, The Roman Catholic Church. We see throughout heroes who have taken to the cause of listening to, believing, trying to help the victims, even within the church. We also see though a poison within the hierarchy of the church which for many years tried to prevent the knowledge of these abuses and refused to speak out for or understand the victims of abuse. Just as within all religious groups, and frankly, all walks of life even outside of religion, there are those who would prefer to keep ones “dirty laundry,” (a term I have personally heard within my own family), within their own inner circles. SITHG does a wonderful job at showing the heartfelt impact of this mentality and the ultimate danger that comes about because of this mentality.

One of the things I often hear from those within faith circles is the need to deal with things in a certain way, or to never address sinful acts face to face and head on, even in a public way. In this regard, I will willingly admit there is a time and a place to address sin. There are specifics within the church hierarchy of Christianity as outlined in Matthew 25. It is debated though within many theological circles as to how those directives apply and if they are in fact intended as a method of addressing conflict between Christians and Non-Christians. In this regard I will state that there should be little debate as to the need of the person engaged in sinful activity to turn from their ways, to if you will, repent which implies and requires a change of behavior, a 180 Degree turn. If that does not take place then there are certainly actions which should not only take place, but be done so in a public way.

There are those who sometimes even have issues with the above mentioned methods, I will remind you, the Bible has numerous incidents of people being called out for their sinful behavior, some with specific names being listed in a scripture that is recorded for all of eternity. There is for example, no hesitation about calling out Ananias and Sapphira in Acts Chapter 5, then there is 3^rd John where John addresses the attitudes and sins of Diotrephes. These are but two of numerous examples of individuals being called out by name as to their actions and deeds. While we must make sure we are correct in our assessment and comments about others, there is a time, that if one is unwilling to walk in the correction of Christ, or in the ways of Christ, that we are to call them out, especially if what they are saying and doing is contrary to the nature of Christ and the faith of Christianity. I challenge, the lack of doing this is one of the reasons so many have turned from the church and the teachings of Christ. It is because we hide our own sin, and are so often unwilling to address the areas of sin. This should, especially at first, be done in a loving way, but it must also at times be done in an emphatic way.

One of the people I love from a historical perspective is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I love him in part for many reasons but one of my great admiration's of him was his willingness to accept the consequences of his actions, even if those actions meant spending time in jail that he was just and right to stand up for, even though it may have broken the laws of the day. We within the church and society must be willing to understand, that consequences for actions should be expected, even for those within the church or those presenting to be from the church, even in some cases, where repentance may have been made. An example here, which I write about passionately in my own book, is the consequences that come about for sexual sin.

Unfortunately, in our society, in many locations there is a statute of limitations on certain aspects of sin, including sexual sin. This is sad to me because I know all too well of the lasting impact of sexual sin on an individual. Even though I am approaching 60 years of age now, the impact of the sins perpetuated against me in my very young life still linger. They will linger in all likelihood for the duration of my life. Unfortunately, and ignorantly, many Christians say God will deliver me from those nightmares, those confusions and pains, it is my experience, that in many a God loving, fearing, and faithful people that does not happen in most cases. Yes, we get to the place we can endure, and even thrive, but that doesn’t mean the pain or memories mysteriously disappears. The thoughts and impacts on us are always there. Thus a reason to make sure that we address the sin, straight on and without compromise. I think this is one of the reasons Jesus so strongly referenced his love for children.

There will always be something that causes people to sin. But anyone who causes them to sin is in for trouble. A person who causes even one of my little followers to sin would be better off thrown into the ocean with a heavy stone tied around their neck. So be careful what you do. ~ Luke 17: 1–3a

So Jesus called the children over to him and said, “Let the children come to me! Don’t try to stop them. People who are like these children belong to God’s kingdom.You will never get into God’s kingdom unless you enter it like a child! Luke 18; 16,17

For me the question is simple; will we as people of faith stand up for the victims of such things as sexual sin? Or, will we let the sin continue giving ever justification as to why we shouldn’t address the sin, meanwhile allowing the pain and suffering to continue among the victims, even allowing the likelihood of additional victims? We can’t be afraid to call out sin! Yes, it must, especially initially be done in a loving way with the intent to help, but our first offer of help must be to the victim of sin. It doesn’t mean we don’t love the perpetrator, but they must be, no matter what the circumstances be held accountable for their actions, especially in issues such as sexual sin. Jesus was about showing compassion in many ways, thankfully He shows the hurting, the small ones, the outcast and I could go on and on, compassion when the religious community turned their backs on those individuals. How easy it is to forget the woman caught in adultery, the woman at the well, or even the multitudes around Him seeking to just touch Him. Jesus was all about compassion to the hurting, for many of us, it is that compassion that drove us to His wide open arms, unfortunately, many who say they love Him cast aside the hurting, and often times the victims of abuse. I assure those victims, the rejection often felt by many who say they love Jesus is not the act or heart of Jesus, He loves you, He cares, and many who have chosen to follow Him, even in the hard things, feel the same way. Just as in the movie SITHG, there are many of us who will huddle with you, join hands and fight alongside you the injustice within our society on this issue. We know, because we know and have experienced, that Jesus would have no one cast aside that small child we all become, and remain, once abuse has entered into our psyche and life. While there are those who would not address the issue, would prefer to keep secrets, some of us know a loving and caring Christ who would have us receive the glories of His love, and experience the consequences of our actions. It is high time that many within the church, realize, that being a supposed follower of Jesus does not give us the freedom to escape the consequences of our actions, especially when they are criminal. If we allow that mentality of not addressing and experiencing the consequences of sin, then we will continue to allow perpetrators of sexual crime and sin to continue to practice and continue in that behavior. God forgive those who would do harm to a child by allowing this behavior to continue.

The following is my recent appearance on the television show Real People, Real Life where I discuss in part my own abuse and also with a guest, marital rape. Watch it and as always, feel free to share.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjgccgAJ9iU

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Wednesday, December 9, 2015

The War On Islam In America

Let me state first of all, I am an unapologetic Christian, holding firm to what I believe to be the truths of the Bible and the concept that I believe, Jesus meant exactly what he said when he said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” I also believe the Bible is correct when it says, “There is no other name under Heaven which any of us can be saved other than the name of Jesus.” While I have issues with Radical Islam, I have strong disagreeing points of view from a religious perspective with any system of faith that prescribes to salvation offered by anyone other than Jesus. I also have serious issues with the way many who profess their faith as following Jesus who also are doing and saying the things they are regarding Muslim people.

I think it a serious mistake to not draw differences between Radical Islam and Moderate Islam in the same way I think it a serious mistake to compare all Christians to Westboro Baptist Church. It is dangerous to paint all people of faith under a single color, when in reality, there is a difference. When we paint others with a broad brush, we unfortunately include people under that color that does not fit there. I am no more a part of the same faith system of Westboro Baptist Church or the KKK than many Muslims are a part of Radical Islam. We would all serve ourselves, and our neighbors well to remember that reality.

A number of years ago I served as a volunteer pastor in the areas of Evangelism and Outreach at what was then named Westport Mennonite Brethren Church. That church, near Tulsa Oklahoma between Collinsville and Owasso sat on a corner called German Corner. It was so named because prior to World War 2 many who were a part of that church were immigrants from Russia and Germany. During the outbreak of World War 2 many at the church still spoke German and if not mistaken, the church still had German speaking services because it was the native tongue of many at the church. You can imagine the attitudes of many within the community with the outbreak of World War 2.

Many of those in the community just like many other German Americans were dangerous to many people. These German immigrants were people who had left the persecution in Germany, to find freedom in America, they were a peace loving people, opposed to war but also understanding of the need for actions to stop Hitler. Many Mennonites were put in internment camps in America, just as were many Japanese due to a fear of association with their land of origin. This last year, I drove by one of those internment camps and I was reminded of a story, which I heard first hand which brought tears to my eyes, as well as the person telling the story, some 45 or 50 years later.

While at Westport I also worked with our middle school youth. I had a concern that many Mennonite Brethren people had forgotten their history, a sad commentary especially since many of those experiencing and living through that history of coming to America were still alive. There was one such lady who was a part of the church that I wanted to share her story. I will never forget that experience.

This lady was in her 80’s and she was one of those who came to America with her parents to experience freedom. I will never forget her telling this story and her memories of being a young girl during World War 2. While it was close to 50 years later she would still cry telling of how she was treated during this time. She was bullied at school, had her hair pulled, called a Nazi and on and on. She would be beaten up, over and over again, simply because she was from Germany. She was guilty by association because she spoke German and was from Germany. She now understood more than most the freedoms afforded those who came to America, she understood what it felt like to have that dream and understanding ripped out from under her. As she told her story, I and others, wept, the hurt had lasted so long and what had been done to her was so wrong. The concerns many had about her and her family, at least to me, seemed similar to the way many are now treating many Muslim people.

I wonder sometimes about if we really think about the faith many who say they are Christian, represent. How do others see or respond to our faith by our words and actions? I also think about how we proclaim the beautiful aspects of America while in reality, some promote a concept that is nothing like America. Now don’t take me wrong, I understand an appropriate vetting process, I understand the need to seek and insure safety as much as possible but as I look at comments on social media I am perplexed; How can we promote the respect for our soldiers who serve on the battlefield, yet at the same time, ridicule and belittle a United States Marine or others who served in our armed services who happen to be Muslim?

Unfortunately, I believe many are allowing Radical Islam to win. We cower in fear and the way many show that fear is the way they group a whole group of people into the same category as the radicals. When the first response is to group all people into a radical group, we in many ways become no better than the people we throw under the umbrellas we do. We end up having a form of hatred in how we react. While we may try to mask it as caution, concern, etc.…, there is no doubt, there is for many a hatred that is certainly unchristian, and I challenge, for a nation of immigrants who says it supports the concepts of “The American Dream,” unfortunately rips the head off of the Statue of Liberty and all she stands for.

I challenge for Christians, put on the armor of God and display the attitude of love for all people that Christ commands us to put on. Sometimes that battle is won with love, and believe me, it can be a real battle to love even our enemies. Our responsibility is to mirror Jesus, not some political slant. I would say to those Americans who are so quick to hate, to reflect on our history as a nation and the mistakes we have made as a nation. Let’s learn from those mistakes and do all we can to not repeat them. Now again, as a point of clarification, I am not supporting Radical Islam, I believe that it is a nations responsibility to do all it can to destroy all such forms of terror, there is in fact, no reasoning with some people and it is time we quit trying to do so. There really is very little reasoning with people who want to kill and destroy you, it is best of course if we try to prevent from getting to that point but that for a current group of people is too late, maybe not for others, but for some, yes, it is too late. Now understand we have to be careful to not throw all Muslims under the same umbrella. It is a sad day in America, I still believe we live in a great nation, unfortunately, the actions of hatred by some tear down brick by brick much of what has made our nation great. May we rebuild her as opposed to tear her down. God help us all.

Monday, January 26, 2015

Becoming Friends With Him And Them

One of the things that sometimes surprises those getting to know me is the studies I was involved in while in college. My majors are around the areas of Psychology, Human Services, Church Ministries and believe it or not, Philosophy. It is the area of Philosophy I find myself using many of the things I learned, especially logic and reasoning.

Many know I do a regular teaching whether at church, online, in my writings, or other settings. Many may not realize the number of times I personally contemplate on those teachings, thinking about how to apply them in and to my life. Many teachers and speakers will tell you, especially on matters of faith, that their teachings often apply to the teacher more than the student. While a teaching can have specific meaning for the teacher, it is likely a listener is in the same boat as the teacher and needs the teaching.

This last weekend I taught on the concept that God chooses to be our friend. I used the following passage:

John 15 - (13) The greatest way to show love for friends is to die for them. (14) And you are my friends, if you obey me. (15) Servants don’t know what their master is doing, and so I don’t speak to you as my servants. I speak to you as my friends, and I have told you everything that my Father has told me.

I want to share a few brief points:

1st, God wants to be our friend, but there are conditions to that friendship. Verse 15 gives clear indication that we have to obey.

The bible is full of instruction, one of the benefits of the church is that appropriate instruction should be given. Remember, the role of a pastor is to teach and equip others to observe the instructions from the ultimate love letter and instruction manual, the bible.

We all have friends and family, Christ gave the clear example of how to display love, to the point that he:

2ndly, Gave the example of what it meant to literally love so much that one is willing to lay down

their life for another.

The truth is, many of us have friends and family we deeply love, whether it be a best friend we have had since high school, a brother, sister, son, daughter, mother, father, and you likely get my point. Let me ask a simple question, if we haven't experienced the ultimate and best friendship and love possible, the perfect friendship and love if you will, if we don't observe and obey and take part in the instruction of scripture, the aspect of sharing in life with others who have learned this concept, how is one to expect to be the best friend, providing the best love possible to those around them, whether, a best friend from years gone by, or a family member, brother, sister, son, daughter, mother, father, and you likely get my point?

Today, I want to challenge you, not to be just a so called friend, but instead, be a real friend, whether a Facebook friend or a real life honest to goodness friend from years gone by or a family member, brother, sister, son, daughter, mother, father, and you likely get my point, friend.

Discover ways to access appropriate teachings, dedicate yourself to be the best you can be from academics, teaching received at church, then go into your practicum of becoming a good friend using those examples, then, graduate to the place where you are using those examples, teaching those you love about ultimate friendship and love and the best and perfect example, Jesus.

As a footnote let me say, unfortunately a lot of churches don't practice this concept of loving each other as they should. Keep looking if having trouble finding one. I also know this, fortunately, there are those good teachers, consistent with the teachings of scripture, putting into practice, that ultimate example of love and friendship, initially displayed and still given by that perfect love and example, Jesus.

Good luck, carry on, and love.

A great song on the area of friendship. To see and hear the song, just click on the video, if there is trouble, try the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XGX98OW4Rc

Just For You

You are important and I want you to know that you can feel free to contact me at any time. I always try to respond to comments posted here, when appropriate, and have learned from my work as a counselor and pastor that people need to know that they are important. My contact information is available and I encourage you to contact me when need be. The fact that you are a real person is not lost on me. While you are at it, if needing a place to plug in, you can also join and become a part of The Virtual Pew. Message boards and interaction are available there as well. Thanks for visiting and know that God loves you and so do I.