Author Archives: Larry

HAVE MERCY ON ME

Have Mercy on Me_jA man attended a church on Sunday, like he has his whole life. That morning after the sermon on “Five Keys to an Abundant Life” he gave his offering and went to the altar.

There he prayed “Father, thank you that I walk in the favor of God, you give me health, wealth and even a great parking spot at the mall, thank you that I am not like my friends who sin, you know I’m special and favored above others”

Another man pulled his truck into the parking lot of a church for the first time in decades. Feeling nervous about going in he laid his head on the steering wheel, clinched his fist and whispered “God have mercy on me, I’ve fallen short in every way, I need you Jesus, I’m in desperate need of your grace, change my heart.” He started his truck and pulled away without even going in the building.

One man left justified before God…

Questions To Consider

1. What does this parable say to you?

2. Is this a fair interpretation of the parable found in Luke 18?

3. What can you learn from both men represented in this story?

Based on Luke 18:9-14

Written by Tom Wise. © Finding Wonder 2013

THANKS BUT NO THANKS

Thanks But No Thanks_jThe governor walked the long dark corridors looking into the eyes of each man as he passed by. This was the infamous stretch of cells known as death row. The governor had made nine other visits this morning and was about to make his last. As he approached the cell, the young man that was lying on the bed stood so that he was face to face with his visitor.

The governor paused as he looked deeply into the prisoners eyes. As he began to speak the man could hardly believe his ears. “Son, I have reviewed your letter of request. I am granting you clemency.” The young man fell at the governor’s feet and wept. Through his tears the prisoner’s words were barely audible. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

The governor turned to the warden who had accompanied him this morning. “Did I not pardon ten men today? What was wrong with the other nine? Was no one appreciative but him? A convicted rapist none the less.

The governor gently asked the young man to stand to his feet. The stately gentleman peered at the man’s sobbing frame and spoke with conviction. “Your faith in the system has paid off. You now have a second chance on life. Don’t waste it.”

Have you ever wondered how someone could receive a great gift and not appreciate it?  It happens one day at a time.  We learn to be ungrateful towards God for his greatest gifts because we never learn to thank him for the small gifts each day.  Until we realize that God doesn’t owe us anything we can’t appreciate when He is good to us.

Questions To Consider

  1. When was the last time you thanked God for the things in your life?
  2. Do you have a habit of thanking others or taking them for granted?
  3. What if you begin putting as much energy into thanking God and other for their generosity as you do with complaining about things that disappoint you?

This story is based on Luke 17:11-19.

Written by Larry Westfall.  © Copyright Finding Wonder 2013.

MORE PARTIES TO PLAN

FindingWonderA frustrated Pastor tried something new one Sunday morning. He dared his congregation to live like Jesus 100%. He challenged them to love like Jesus in every way, not holding back at all. He was surprised that the response was so enthusiastic. He left church feeling like something special had happened.

One week later, he reconsidered the whole idea. He heard that his church members were hanging out in bars and on the streets. One family had invited a prostitute to live with them. The youth group threw a party for patients of a drug rehabilitation clinic. Some of the church members quit their jobs and had been sleeping in the local shelters. The men’s Bible study group volunteered to hand out water at the local gay pride parade. The women’s prayer group cleaned the toilets of a local strip club. The senior ministry hosted a party for poorest block in the neighborhood. The Pastor even bailed a few of the church members out of jail on Wednesday evening. It seems they had been arrested for turning over tables in the book store of the largest church in town.

The Pastor received so many calls from religious groups and city officials in the area that he feared he could lose the respect of the local power brokers. At first he considered retracting the dare this coming Sunday. It would be the smart thing to do. He could keep his job, the town could go back to normal and maybe this would all go away.

But after more thought, he got up to the pulpit on Sunday and said “Finally, I see the body of Christ, Let His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven”. Everyone was silent as he walked off the stage and headed to the back of the room. He turned to the congregation with tears in his eyes and said “what are you waiting for; we have more parties to plan.”

Questions To Consider

1. Would things mentioned in the parable happen in our lives if we acted more like Jesus?

2. What is one thing that would change in your life if you decided to live like Jesus did?

3. Is it realistic to even consider living like that?

Written by Tom Wise. © Finding Wonder 2013