Trinity United Methodist Church Daily Scripture Email Devotion for Thursday, 29 May 2014 It Was Wrong then, and Still Is"
Job's "friends" each repeat this idea: "surely such is the dwelling of an evil man; such is the place of one who knows not God." (Job 18: 21).
The prevailing idea at the time of Job was this: God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked. Makes sense - to some degree; in fact, in about 90% of the time, there is a lot of truth to this; we reap what we sow, etc. BUT, and this is a huge but: in at least 10% of the time, this doesn't hold. It is incorrect to deduce the following: Since God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked, if one experiences tragedy it must be because he/she is wicked.
Please hear this: Job was written to dispel this lie forever and ever, amen! And yet it persists. For centuries persons with disabilities, who are sick, chronically ill, who have a "deformity," who are viewed as "different" have been excluded from society because people misunderstood this wrong theology. Job tried his best to put this to the lie, and all who heard it were blessed. And then Jesus, when he came, he welcomed all those outsiders, people who had been excluded because their religious leaders had taught the same wrong message Job's three friends tried to promote. Jesus included the lame, the leper, the infirm, the psychologically unstable - all those who had been told that their "status" as an outsider was indeed the result of the punishment of God.
Thank God for Jesus!! And thank God for the Church that embodies His loving ways, and that sides with Job over against Job's friends.
Remember: One big worship service on June 1 at 10:00 to celebrate our mortgage burning; followed by lunch for everyone.
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Welcome to the new Trinity United Methodist Church's Daily Scripture Email system.
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Rev. Dan's E-Message
Thursday, 29 May 2014
Dear Friends,
Can I just say this: YOU are amazing! All day yesterday my phone was ringing "off the hook" as so many of you called in to tell me you were sending in or bringing by a check to help us pay off the mortgage. One couple who used to worship here but 3 years ago (!) moved away to Texas to take a University teaching position called to say they still receive our DSE's and will be sending a check. Amazing! Another person called to say she would be dropping off a check, I expressed gratitude and perhaps a sense of awe. She responded this way: "It's so exciting to be able to do this; it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of something like this. It's something I'll always remember!" And indeed she will; indeed we all will. In fact, we've created a small memento for this occasion to give to each of you to help you "remember" and to share with our children's children. Again, YOU are amazing, and we all serve an amazing God.
Now, I need ONE MORE THING - 30 volunteers to help Sonny's serve the food. We need 50, but already have 20. Here's what you will be asked to do: (1) arrive a little before 9:30 to meet with the Sonny's people for instruction on serving, (2) go and participate the worship celebration at 10:00, (3) leave on the closing hymn to take your position at one of the 6 or 8 serving stations (yes, we're going to serve everyone fast!), so your commitment to this will not make you miss the Worship Service. If you can do this, please email my Administrative Assistant, Tammy ASAP: or call her: 416-3005. We really do need your help with this serving.
And a HUGE thanks to John and Peggy Kirkpatrick, who have been so involved with all 7 of our capital campaigns, and who have had their Sonny's franchise give us an amazing deal on our meal together!
I'll see you Sunday; it's going to be an awesome time together! Love and prayers, Dan
Remember: One big worship service on June 1 at 10 am to celebrate our mortgage burning; followed by lunch for everyone.
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Trinity United Methodist Church
4000 NW 53rd Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32653 United States
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