For The Forgiveness Of Sins

"While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (Matt 26:26-28)

Who does not need forgiveness? Is there any one who is without sin?

Some time ago, our congregation decided that they would receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion every Sunday. Some of our members have to work on Sundays. Some of our youth were out of town with the other custodial parents on some Sundays. There are also those who worship only occasionally by choice. There are many reasons that prevent God's children from worshipping every Sunday.

It is not our place to figure out why. It is not our place to say that if they wanted to hear the Word and receive the Sacrament, they would come. It is our place to hope and pray for those who cannot or will not hear the Word and receive the Sacrament regularly. We choose to make the Sacrament available to those occasional visitors and members so that they could be reassured that Christ died for the forgiveness of all. Our prayer and hope is that many would come and be relieved of their sins. Our hope and prayer is that in receiving the Sacrament, they will be renewed in the Body of Christ.

May God speak to the hearts and minds of all people; encouraging them to come and receive His Son; to forgiveness of their sins in and through him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Hebrews 9 High Priest Enters the Sanctuary

Hebrews 9 NIV

Church of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
St. Petersburg, Russia

Under the first covenant God directed that a tabernacle be set up. This sanctuary made with human hands was only a copy of the true sanctuary of God. Within this sanctuary was an inner room in which only the high priest could enter. He could not enter this Most Holy Place without blood. With fear and trembling he would enter to offer the blood of animals for the unintentional sins of the people. This imperfect ritual had to be repeated over and over again for imperfect people.

But, when the Christ who is the high priest came he, himself, was the lamb that was sacrificed. The sacrifice did not take place in an earthly tabernacle. He went through the greater and most perfect tabernacle in heaven itself. He entered into the Most Perfect Holy Place willingly shedding his blood and giving his own life for the sins of the people. This most perfect sacrifice in the most perfect place needs no repeating. He died once for the many who would believe.

We live under a new covenant established for us by the great high priest, Jesus the Christ. Through the offering of his blood our sins are forgiven. Thanks be to God we need have no to fear to enter into the heavenly tabernacle which has been opened to us by the blood of the lamb. We have been redeemed by the blood of the lamb; by the blood of the Great High Priest, himself.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Hebrews 8 - Covenant of Love

Hebrews 8

The New Covenant in Christ gives life!

Jesus established the new covenant making the old one obsolete. The old covenant consisted of law. It consisted of what we must do. In following the law; although, we often try, we all fail miserably. So, in His wisdom and love God, sent His Son, as high priest, to make the ultimate sacrifice for us establishing this new covenant between God and man.

This new covenant is not about what we must do; but, what God has done for us.

Thanks be God for His love and mercy is great!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Malachi 2 - Keeping the Covenant; Semper Fi

  "Do we not all have one Father? Did not one God create us? Why do we profane the covenant of our ancestors by being unfaithful to one another?" (Mal 2:10 NIV)
     Good question, hey?! Malachi is speaking specifically regarding divorce. Why would we break the covenant we have with the one whom we have committed to share our whole lives with here on earth? Malachi reminds us that one of the issues in many divorces is that one partner in that commitment may strive to keep the covenant that has been made with the one true God; while the other serves another or, maybe, many false gods. Sometimes (often) the one who worshipped God will turn away from him. More and more often, the tension, caused by not having God in the relationship, will bring the union to an end. If we truly intend to keep our covenant of marriage then it is a very good thing to base that covenant on the covenant that God has made with us. It is a good thing to have the marriage blessed; but, it is also imperative that we trust God for the blessing. If we do not live in the covenant we have with God, it is going to be pretty rough going trying to keep our covenant with another human being.
     It reminds me of a motto the U.S. Marine Corps has been fond of: "God, Country, Corps." That might sound trite to some. But, it is not. When someone commits to the armed services, it is much like a marriage. It is a 24/7 and 100% commitment. However, in order to keep the commitment to country and Corps, it should be recognized that God must come first in our lives. He will help us keep our commitments. (Of course, this motto was used much a few decades ago. They may have done away with it, by now, to be politically correct.)
     Semper Fi - Always Faithful - is another U.S. Marine Corps motto. May God grant that we should always be faithful to Him above all others as well as to those whom we have committed to share our lives with here on earth.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Zechariah 11 - Covenant and Unity

     "So I shepherded the flock marked for slaughter, particularly the oppressed of the flock. Then I took two staffs and called one Favor and the other Union, and I shepherded the flock. In one month I got rid of the three shepherds.

     The flock detested me, and I grew weary of them and said, “I will not be your shepherd. Let the dying die, and the perishing perish. Let those who are left eat one another’s flesh.”

     Then I took my staff called Favor and broke it, revoking the covenant I had made with all the nations. It was revoked on that day, and so the oppressed of the flock who were watching me knew it was the word of the Lord.

     I told them, “If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it.” So they paid me thirty pieces of silver.

     And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the handsome price at which they valued me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter at the house of the Lord.

     Then I broke my second staff called Union, breaking the family bond between Judah and Israel." (Zech 11:7-14 NIV)

The two staffs of a shepherd: one to help steer the flock in the way they should go; the other with a crook in it so that they may be pulled to safety when they venture too close to danger. Zechariah sees a vision of these two staffs. One is called Favor and the other Union. They are broken. God's word is that the favor He has given to the people in His covenant with them; as well as the unity between Judah and Israel will be broken. The LORD's warning is that He will no longer be their shepherd. He will leave them to the worthless shepherd who has no heart for the people or for God.

The Good News, though, can be found in the thirty pieces of silver. This is the price that Judas was paid for betraying Jesus the Christ and it was with this money that the field where Judas committed suicide was purchased. This may not be good news for Judas; but, it is for us. For without the betrayal; without the death and the ultimate resurrection and ascension of Jesus, we would have no hope of entering into the Kingdom that has indeed been prepared for us. Even as God promised to break the covenant He had with the people, when He broke the two staffs of Favor and Unity; He has given us a new covenant. This new covenant is for the unity of all people in His Kingdom through the blood of Jesus the Christ.

Ultimately, God provided a Shepherd who can and will guide us in the way we are to go. He will keep us safe within the flock - united with God and with one another.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ezekiel 17 - Promises and Treaties

Ezekiel uses a parable of two eagles and the shoot of the cedar tree for his prophecy today. It is reminiscent of the parable Jesus told of the seeds being sown on a path, in thistles, on rocky ground or in good soil. (Matt 13, Mark 4, Luke 8)

But, unlike the parable Jesus told, the vine that was planted in Ezekiel's parable in good soil, may grow, but it will be uprooted. It has been given all the good gifts so that it may thrive. It is planted in good soil by an abundance of water. But, it will be uprooted. "Will it not wither completely when the east wind strikes it—wither away in the plot where it grew?" (Ezek 17:10 NIV)

Israel was struck from the east. They were uprooted by the King of Babylon for their unfaithfulness to the covenant they had made with God. To make matters even worse (if they can be worse), Israel's King breaks a treaty with Babylon, thinking that the King of Egypt is going to be able to help them. He can't. What God ordains, God ordains and God is not happy with these covenant breakers.

When one gives his word, when he makes a covenant with God or another, he would be wise to keep it. He would be better off not making a treaty than to make one and break it. A man's (or woman's) word ought to be trustworthy.

Unfortunately, we all make promises that we do not keep from time to time. I have tried to get in the habit of not making promises to my grandchildren. I can tell them I will do this or that for them on a certain day or a certain time. But, it doesn't always happen that way. Things come up. Emergencies come up. Somebody throws another iron into the fire. The grandchildren pressure me to make promises to them. If I must promise, I can only promise to try, with the help of God. I do not know what tomorrow may bring.

Humankind is a pretty untrustworthy lot. Sadly, promises and treaties are broken all the time. But, God promises to make a new covenant, a new treaty.

“‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. All the trees of the forest will know that I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish." (Ezekiel 17:22-24 NIV)

Ezekiel, chapter 17, ends with these words: “I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.” Unlike humankind, God does not go back on His Word, on His treaties. Thanks be to God for the prophecy of Good News has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our LORD!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 52 - In and Out of Exile and Captivity

We have come to the end of the Book of Jeremiah with Chapter 52. Chapter 52 is basically an encapsulated history of the Babylonian Captivity to ensure that we and all who read or hear Jeremiah understand that the Word of the LORD prophesied through Jeremiah was fulfilled. It is a remembering of their history.

It is good to remember the history of the children of Abraham, so that we do not repeat it. Sadly, I think we do continue to repeat it. We follow in the footsteps of Abraham's children, into the wilderness of sin. As we are  strengthened by the hardships, we return to the LORD and to the promised land. And... once, safe in the land, we take for granted the LORD, our God, and back to the wilderness, in exile, we go.

"When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath." (Deut 4:30-31 NIV)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 34 - Which Freedom Will You Choose?

A slightly different concept of freedom is found in chapter 34 of Jeremiah.

 “Therefore this is what the Lord says: You have not obeyed me; you have not proclaimed freedom to your own people. So I now proclaim ‘freedom’ for you, declares the Lord—‘freedom’ to fall by the sword, plague and famine. I will make you abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth." (Jer 34:17 NIV)

God had instructed His people to set their slaves free. At first, they agreed. But, then they changed their minds and forced them back into slavery. They broke the covenant that had been made with God. They would not set the people free. But, God will. He will free His people from the covenant. They can live on their own, making their own way. They will live without the blessings that He would give to them.

If we don't want to listen to God; if we don't want to do His will; then we are free to be free from the covenant that God made with us. We don't have to seek His face. But, what we will get instead is His back and that is not a good or pleasant thing. We can be free to serve other gods; to serve ourselves. But, it would behoove us to ask ourselves is that the direction we really want to go in?

"Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. Abraham Lincoln 

"There are two freedoms – the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought." Charles Kingsley

"While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions." Stephen Covey

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 31 - Old & New Covenants

More good news! The people will be restored. They will be reconciled to the land that God has given them. But, even more importantly they will be reconciled to God.

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord,
    “when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel
    and with the people of Judah.
It will not be like the covenant
    I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
    to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,
    though I was a husband to them,”
declares the Lord.
“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel
    after that time,” declares the Lord.
“I will put my law in their minds
    and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
    and they will be my people." (Jer 31:31-33 NIV)

God's people broke the old covenant (contract) that they had with Him. Essentially, they attempted to divorce Him and marry others. They went chasing after false idols. Still, God loves them and wants them to be restored to Him. This prophecy was written for those in exile at the time, but it also pertains to us and any future generations that might follow. He desires that we be reconciled to Him in a loving relationship. He desires to be our God and that we should be His people. Under the old covenant we cannot be restored. But, in His mercy, He sent His only begotten Son to be the new covenant with and for us. Thanks be to God! We are restored and reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, our LORD!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 11 - Do Unto Others...

Jeremiah continues to declare the word of the LORD. He continues to do what the LORD requires of him. He reminds the people of the covenant that God made with their ancestors. Live by the terms of the covenant, live by the law, and you will be blessed or turn your backs on the covenant and you will suffer the consequences. Jeremiah, was trying to save their lives. And for this, what did he receive in return? He received threats of persecution and even death if he did not stop prophesying, if he did not stop relaying God's word to the people.

Jeremiah calls on the LORD to protect him and his family. Now, what does this mean? In order to be protected from his enemies, from God's enemies, God will have to stop the enemy. That may not be such a pleasant thing for the enemies of God and His prophet. It may well mean that the very same thing that the enemies plan for Jeremiah will return to them. It may mean that it will be they and their own children who will die, not Jeremiah or his children.

Be very careful about what you pray for and what evil schemes you devise against others. I think of it on the lines of Jesus sending out the twelve to proclaim the Good News and telling them, "Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave.  As you enter the home, give it your greeting.  If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town" (Matt 10:11-15 NIV)

When my children were very young, as I tried to teach them to treat others fairly, this is one of the tactics I would use. I would tell them, "Do to others as you would have them do to you," (Luke 6:31; Matt 7:11) because what you do to others will be done to you. My mother use to put it to us this way when we were children and our plans against others or their plans against us backfired, "What goes around, comes around."

Taking all this into consideration, might it not be a better idea to welcome those who proclaim the good news rather than persecute them?  Just saying... :)

Have a blessed day... and may the peace of the LORD be with you all.  Pr. J

Isaiah 59 - Shun Evil, Shake The Dust Off Your Feet

^"Truth is nowhere to be found,
    and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.

The Lord looked and was displeased
    that there was no justice." (Isa 59:25 NIV)

 

It is a very sad thing that those who shun evil often become the prey. Looked upon by much of society as misfits, outcasts, religious zealots, those who look to speak the truth with integrity and shun the shenanigans of those who want to stir up trouble for the faithful; they become fair game, targets; as though they had VICTIM imprinted on their foreheads. Sadly, that is the lot of many faithful Christians... to be persecuted for what they believe. This includes even within families. How many couples do you know, where one spouse belittles and derides the other for their faith? How many brothers or sisters attack another because they strive to live in the truth? And... even in the church... How often have you heard that one is not a Christian because they don't/won't go along with everything that others within the church say or do? Love is the ultimate word. We have to love and accept everyone. Love is great. It is the greatest! (1 Corinth 13:13) But, love sometimes calls us to do the hard thing. It does not call us to accept evil as something good. Love sometimes calls us to confront those who would persecute others with their evil tongues. I'm ok, you're ok is not the truth, anything and everything goes is not ok. We are only ok; we are only saved, by the blood of Jesus. That is a love that calls us to do the hard thing. It calls us to take up our cross and follow Him (Matt 10:38, 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23), not in the world's way of persecuting those who follow Him, but in His Way.

There are times when we must shun evil even if it means we will become someone's prey; the target of their gossip or other persecutions. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke all advise us to : "And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” (Mark 6:11, see also Matt 10:14, Luke 9:5)

One of my most difficult lessons in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) while in seminary was to learn to shake the dust off my feet. That is: to not focus so much attention on visits to those who refused to listen and to focus more time on those who want to hear God's promises. Pastors often get called to crisis'. Sometimes, though, answering every (repeated) call to those one or two who need help; yet refuse to actually listen even as they are receiving financial or other aid repeatedly from the congregation, sometimes takes away from the ministry of the people who actually want and need Pastoral care and other assistance; away from those whom who desire and need the help of the LORD. Is there justice in supporting the persecutor and ignoring the needs of the persecuted? Sadly, sometimes, you just have to shake the dust from your feet as you walk away from those who would continue to deride the name and the power of God to save. Sometimes, you just have to walk away; as pastoral care can sometimes become enabling rather than empowering. Sometimes, "tough love" is the only real love that can be applied to do God's will.

 

Sound harsh? I thought so and  I still think so. But, the truth is that there is a whole world of people in need out there and there are only so many hours in a day. To whom shall we go; to those who will listen and be made whole or to those who repeatedly reject the truth, the Word of the LORD; to those who have turned their backs on Him and make no bones about doing that? To whom shall we bring a word of comfort; those who persecute or those who are persecuted?

 

In order that you don't misunderstand me... I am not saying that we should not visit or share the Good News with those who persecute others. They, too, need to hear the promises of God for them. Jesus, in fact, encouraged us strongly, to visit those in prison (physical or spiritual). They are indeed hurting and in need of care. I am saying; however, that once you have planted the seed, if the Word is rejected, move on. Saul (St. Paul) had been one of the persecutors who made a career out of making Christians his prey. Once the Word came to Him, he was saved. But, it took only one hearing of the Word! Once Jesus introduced himself to him, Saul repented and was saved. And... then what happened, he, himself, became one of the persecuted for proclaiming the Truth, who is Jesus the Christ!

A hard word today, but there is a great promise in our reading, a comforting promise, for all who believe, for the prey who shun evil, for those who are persecuted, and it is this:

 

"“The Redeemer will come to Zion,
to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,”
declares the Lord.

“As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever,” says the Lord." (Isa 59:20-21 NIV)

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Proverbs 5 - Adultery

Adultery appears to be the main topic of Proverbs 5. Pay attention! It is not just the woman whose lips drip like honey. Stay away from those who would entice you away from what you have committed yourself to.

I am just amazed at the young people of today. OK. It's not just the young people. Some of them can jump from relationship to relationship in a matter of days. In some cases, a matter of hours. The lack of commitment, the lack of self-discipline is just amazing. And... where does this all lead. TROUBLE! Major problems! Chaos! Hate! Anger! Even death!

Just because you think you'll never be caught, don't be deceived. God sees you. He knows everything that you say and do and think.  By the way... adultery is more than just sleeping around. Adultery happens whenever you put anyone or anything before the one you've made a commitment to be faithful to. Are you going bowling or skiing or golfing this weekend, again, while your family stays at home waiting for you? That would be adultery as you have put your love of something before the love of family.

Relationships are a good thing. They are a blessed thing. Healthy relationships will build you up. Unhealthy will tear you down. For some reason, yesterday, 1 John 4:18 kept popping up in my mind. "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

If there is fear in a relationship that you will lose the one you love; if there is fear in the relationship for any reason, then that love is not perfect. Perfect love is unconditional. Love puts your family before your own desires, before your own needs, even as Christ was willing to give His life for those whom He loves. He was willing to give it for you. Love, then, as Christ loves. He is faithful in that love. Be faithful in your love.

Do not break the covenant you have with others by seeking after momentary pleasures. Seek to stay in relationship with God your Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. Seek to stay in relationship with you family; your wife and your children. Stray not on the path that would separate you from the love of any of these. Stray not from the path that the one who loves you has set before that leads you to be fully reconciled with Him in the Kingdom of God

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 89 - Son of God and Son of Man

There are days when I wonder what it is really all about.  Everything seems to be going so smoothly, so peacefully along, and then blam.... chaos enters.  I have to admit, that there are times when it really feels like God has turned His back on us.  How, I wonder, can the same people keep making the same mistakes?  Why do they keep doing the same things that have bad results over and over again?  They hurt not just themselves, but throw a clinker into every one's lives around them, as well.

And... I remember... as Psalm 89 reminds us today that he has made a covenant with His chosen one. He swore to David his servant to establish His line forever.  Through the blood of Jesus Christ, we are members of that blood-line.  We have become God's children, heirs of the covenant through Jesus Christ, descendant of David.  Son of God, begotten of our Father in heaven and son of man, descendant of King David, Jesus is the one through whom we have received an eternal place in our Father's, His Father's home. Through Him, we have inherited an eternal home.  As Matthew:22:41-45 NIV (see also Psalm 110:1) reminds us:

     "While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the      Messiah? Whose son is he?”
     “The son of David,” they replied.
     He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says,
           “‘The Lord said to my Lord:
           “Sit at my right hand
          until I put your enemies
          under your feet.”’
      If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions."

God has not turned His back on His children, his sons or his daughters. His promises are fulfilled in Christ Jesus.

Our Lord, Jesus Christ, is the one through whom the covenant with David was promised.  God has not turned His back to us, rather He welcomes us into His heavenly home, through His only begotten Son, Jesus the Christ. Blessed are they who have learned to acclaim Him, who walk in the light of His presence! (vs 15)

"Praise be to the Lord forever! Amen and Amen." (vs 52)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Nehemiah 10 - Promises Made - Promises Broken

The covenant is sealed.  Promises are made.

Today we begin the first day of confirmation classes.  At Zion, we have classes one week during the summer for two years during which time curriculum will include "Experiencing Real Living," published by Sola Publishing..  During the school year, the youth will participate in an online course, www.smallcatechism.org .  Adults are welcome to join us for the educational part of the classes.  Youth will also be expected to participate in service projects both within the congregation and the wider community.  They are also expected to participate in worship as well as help lead at least two worship services each year.  This is all done to prepare them to make certain promises at the end of the two years as they are confirmed and then to continue to live according to the promises they have made..

Just a reminder of some of the promises those affirming their baptisms make...
     First off, they are asked to renounce the devil, the powers of this world and the ways of sin that threaten to draw us from God.  After affirming their faith with the words of the Apostle's Creed, they are asked if they intend:
     1.  to continue to live in the covenant God made with them in baptism.
     2.  to hear the word of God and receive the Lord's Supper (this necessarily means they will
          continue to attend worship)
     3.  to proclaim the Good News (they will share Jesus with others in both word and deed)
     4.  to serve all people (as Jesus did when he died on the cross for our sins)
     5.  to strive for justice and peace in all the earth (and this might mean that have to be just a little
          less concerned about their own welfare as they seek justice for others)

Each of them will respond with:  "I do, and I ask God to help and guide me."

Now here's the question(s) for this morning.  Do they, will they, do you?  Do you remember the promises you made?  Have you seriously asked God to help and guide you in the keeping of these promises?  So often many people think of confirmation as merely a rite of passage and we push our young people through the classes.  Here's the problem with it, as I see it.  They will make promises to God at the end of the two years.  Do they actually intend to keep those promises?  Will I ever see them again at Worship except for Christmas or Easter?  Do their parents and godparents intend to encourage them to keep those promises.

Israel got in a lot of trouble by going consistantly back on their promises to God.  God is the only one who has been known to keep His promises consistantly man cannot.  Thanks be to God that His grace is enough to cover us when we fall short of keeping our promises.  But, should we be making them if we really don't intend to keep them?

God's Peace - Pr. J
 
   

1 Chronicles 17 - Thanks For The Journey!

"Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?" (17:16)  From shepherd to prince, what a journey!  And... to top it all off, God is making some pretty decent promises about what the future has in store for David's son, as well.  Now that would be comforting... to know that your children's future is secure and that they will live in covenant with the LORD.

Every now and then, often, but maybe not often enough, I, too, look back at my life and wonder, "Why me?  Who am I, LORD, that you would guide me to the place you have brought me to, today?"  It is amazing to look back and know that God was with you every step of the way, every single day.  David's life was not easy, nor was it perfect.  Most of ours has not been, either.  But, I can look back and say, "No matter where I have been, no matter what I have done, you, O LORD, have had a plan for me and you have guided me in the way that you would have me go.  Thanks be to God for His mercy is great and His love endures forever!"