Mercy and compassion are not my spiritual gifts. I probably rank --10 on a scale from 1-10. But I have come to the realization that Jesus had all of the spiritual gifts and eventhough I may not have one, I need to act on it anyway. I have been discussing some deep subjects with some people recently (no one in Mobile). These issues are deep and the people involved in the sins no they are wrong but just can't seem to break the bondage. As I discussed it with them further they said they don't need more quotes of scripture-what they need is love, respect, empathy and prayer. The more I listened to their pain I realized how true that is. As a pastor I will always speak the truth but I must understand that there are people struggling with sin and they don't always need more preaching-just love. My love and especially God's love. I Corinthians 13

The past few years I have struggled with where I fit in when it comes to church. I get tired of programs just to have something to do. I've been part of the "slick" ministry that tried to woo people. I've been part of the "evangelistic" method of "winning" people to Christ. I have been part of the church that was selfish (I'm part of the problem, too). Now I have found a home sort of in the "postmodern" or "emergent" church. But even there I don't seem to belong. Some of the "emergent" church people are so non-program driven and overly "grace"oriented they flaunt their "freedom in Christ." Did Christ die for our sins so that we can drink a "Guinness"? I think not! Now, if a person wants to drink a beer or anything else, yes they have the freedom to do so. But, what I see on the OOZE and other postmodern sites is "arrogance" and flaunting freedoms to do whatever they want. I think that Jesus' death cost a lot more than me or anyone else getting to live our hedonistic dreams. Call me a prude, but I can't help but think about how much it cost Jesus to die. My freedoms are way down the list. Luke 9:23

I just finished reading, Erwin McManus book, THE BARBARIAN WAY. To say I enjoyed it would be tough. It was a thought provoking book. The premise is we have "westernized" Christianity here in the US. I have to admit, it was convicting. As much as I have problems with today's church, I never realized how my own wants are really just that, wants. I agree with McManus that we need to go back to the purity of Christianity. Instead of being flashy and slick, lets just let it all hang out.

I am reading a book by John Maxwell by this name, WINNING WITH PEOPLE. Over the last couple of years I have seen how important this is. PLEASE DON'T READ INTO THIS any friend who is reading this. Recently, I have seen how broken relationships have hurt other people. People getting their feelings hurt by verbal and written words. In my lifetime I have discovered that relationships matter. Our relationship with God and with others. Gayle Sayers, a NFL Hall of Famer wrote a book called I AM THIRD. In it he said he based his life on putting God 1st, family 2nd and him 3rd. What a great way to live. I might put the # back even further like I am 10th as I have grown in my faith. PEOPLE MATTER! They especially matter to God and they should matter to me. Unfortunately in Christian life we want to get another notch on our belt by "getting someone saved" or "winning them to Christ." It sounds like a used car salesman. "Who did you get today?" I want to build relationships with people because I care about them. When I share my faith it is not to get my "quota" but because I truly care about their soul. Just what God is teaching me.

Mark 10:45