My wake-up call

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  To the List,
 Most that are trying to do God's will routinely hear the voice of the Lord
and (hopefully) move up a little higher.  Tonight was one of those nights for
me. Earlier today, I had been reading from the 5th, 6th, and 7th chapters of
Matthew and I was talking to a man (a Charismatic) on the subject of the
Kingdom of God.  I told him that we make too big of a deal about the things of
this world.  We want to gain and retain worldly possessions at almost any
cost.  Then I told him about how the ways of the Lord's kingdom are different
from that of this worldly kingdom.  I told him how the Lord said if a man ask
for your coat, give him your cloak also.  If he asks you to go a mile with
him, go two.  The man told me how he believed that we as men are ordained by
God to pass judgment on our fellow man in areas of criminal acts.
Specifically areas where you have been wronged, things stolen from you, things
borrowed and not returned, payment for negligence, etc..  I reminded him that
we are to bless them that despitefully use us, if we are slapped on the right
cheek, turn to him the other.  The conversation ended with lunch. 
 Before Church tonight I contemplated these scriptures.  Thirty minutes later,
Bro.  Stoltzfus opened with Matt.chapters five through seven.  At first I
thought it was a coincidence, but as the preaching came forth, I realized that
it was not.
 I want to apologize to the entire list for my behavior over the last few
months.  Although I believe my views are right, *often* my methods were far
short of Christian.  I want to make a special apology to Skip, and Tim.  My
sarcasm has been inflammatory.  These men (although I still believe are wrong
in many of their opinions) do not deserve to be treated the way I have treated
them.  Please forgive me. 
 
 I have received several private e-mails recently from a member doubting my
integrity.  I have been called a liar and been accused of making some very
disparaging remarks and then lying about it.  This is simply not true and my
accuser has no evidence against me, but if I am innocent of that, and have a
wrong spirit (and I have) what difference does it make? 
 
 Tonight Brother Stoltzfus reading part of "The Lord's Prayer," "give us this
day, our daily bread," indicated that many of us *think* that we should "aim a
little higher," finding a winning lotto ticket would be nice.  Many think we
should pray for things to happen, good jobs, nicer car, *vindication*,
*retribution*, etc..  But to pray, "give us this day, our daily bread," truly
*is* aiming higher.  The things of this world really don't matter, they are so
temporal.  It is the things of his kingdom we should be seeking,
righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  My aim is to aim higher.

                     Mike Reed