Hope Lutheran Church in Warren, Michigan

How many times have we tried to excuse our behavior with the excuse, "But, it was an accident"? 

That reminds me of a cowboy out west who had experienced a few rodeo-type injuries the past year, and decided he needed some insurance:

This story begins with a rodeo cowboy applying for an insurance policy.

The agent asked, "Have you had any accidents in the last year?"

The cowboy replied, "Nope, but a horse did kick in two of my ribs last summer, and a couple of weeks ago, a bull I was riding split my skull."

"Wouldn't you call those accidents?" demanded the agent.

"Naw," came back the answer, "both those beasts did it on purpose!"

And then there is this:

In a recent newspaper article, there was thestory of a boy who had been run over by a drunk driver.

The attorney for the defense said the incident was an "accident."

That's hard to believe, when this driver had been arrested three times for driving under the influence, and when this accident occurred he was operating a vehicle without a license or insurance.

Like the rodeo man said, he "did it on purpose."

Have you ever thought about what a waste of time it is claiming, "But, it was an accident?"  Accident or not, the damage is done.  Accident or not, we are sinners and guilty before God.  Accident or not we have only one plea - "Jesus died for me!" Next time don't waste your time trying  to escape guilt by pleading, "But, it was an accident!"  It won't help.  Instead, flee to the sanctuary of the cross, and find that Jesus died for you ... on purpose!

 (PS- Just a reminder from last Sunday!  G.O.D. Living, (as found on the bracelets you made or on the cards you took), means: Gratitude -Obedience - Dependence.)

 Don't forget there's Homework:

+How often do you make excuses for your actions, rather then taking them to the cross?  How can you turn that around in your life?

Prayer Requests:

+Pray for Pete Bede who is contemplating a new round of cancer treatment, and Nancy Bandemer who is meeting with doctors this week to discuss next steps inher treatment.

+Pray for Ric Chouinard who unexpectedly lost his job this week. Pray that God will provide for him and his family.

+Lift up those of us who have lived by excuses so long that it is hard to own our sins, repent and take them to Jesus.  Pray for a greater measure of grace and the Spirit to take it all to the cross. 

Jesus is our Hope!

+ Pastor John+