Jack’s Winning Words 12/3/14
“God bless the whole world…No exceptions!”  (Bumper Sticker)  I found this in Regina Britt’s book, “God Never Blinks.”  (a good gift book for someone)  The first part of the quote isn’t so difficult, but how about that which follows?  No exceptions?  If you and I were to guard the gates of heaven, might we have a list of those who we’d turn away…for good reason?  There are times when God’s grace can be hard to understand…except when it applies to us.    ;-)  Jack

FROM PAUL IN ST. PAUL:  a good word for today, Jack.  thanks!   i am going back to bed now to get warm!====JACK:  "There, but for the grace of God, go you...not I."  Once up, I like to stay up. ==PAUL:  this is always a challenge for the preacher as you well know...how to declare the Savior while not alienating those of different faith or no faith.  when do we reach for the lowest common denominator in order to hold your "audience" and when do you not.  that line has gotten increasing finer and finer over the years as America become more diverse,  pluralistic, and frankly more secular ====JACK:  I think that God understands the bumper sticker, while some others might have a problem with it.

FROM MICHIZONA RAY:  If we think of God as a spirit-being, and as Love, then it seems easier to think of the Spirit of Love as everywhere...as if we are immersed in it, swim in it, and exist in it. We aren't separated from God's love; we live in it! Maybe it would be better stated If it was said that we just aren't always aware of it. After all, God loved us when we were dead in sin. So much so that we can read about it in John 13. If sin is not an "exception" that diverts God's love, what could be? If we only knew what Love truly is....====JACK:  God doesn't have to work at being grace-full, because God is Love!.  Sometimes love, for us, is a pain.  Each day is a challenge for us to "love one another as God has loved us."

 FROM TARMART REV:  It would be my privilege just to stand at the gate . . . My standard comment at funerals I officiate . . . The three great surprises of Heaven . . . those you thought would surely be there and they are not . . . those you thought would have no chance, but are . . . but the biggest surprise is that you're standing there!====JACK:  I always suspected that you were a "closet" Lutheran.  Your "3 surprises" spoken at funerals is a quote from Martin Luther.

FROM LS IN MICHIGAN:  AMEN!!!!!!!====JACK:  Seven exclamation points!  You really must agree. 

====FROM HONEST JOHN:  Absolute agreement on this.  Good thing you and I are not St. Peter.====JACK: St. Peter was no more (or less) of a saint than we are.  I like this verse from the children's song...
 They lived not only in ages past;
 there are hundreds of thousands still.
 The world is bright with the joyous saints
 who love to do Jesus' will.
 You can meet them in school, on the street, in the store,
 in church, by the sea, in the house next door;
 they are saints of God, whether rich or poor,
 and I mean to be one too.

FROM PR JAN:  Excellent reflection -- thanks!====JACK:  What I try to do with Winning Words is to take a quote and "reflect" back what it says to me.  The blog allows others to do some reflecting, too.  I like that.

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Love this quote!! Almost all those who have had NDE (Near Death Experience) report being aware of Unconditional love, and come away realizing they must "live love" in this life...Reading an extraordinary book just now "Dying to Be Me"  which reinforces that we are to be about the business of loving one and all. A pretty tall order for us, given the state of humanity in our world!!====JACK:  One of our church members told me of her near-death experience...she (in spirit) was floating over the operating table and heard the surgeon swearing, "We've lost her!"

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  Judgment is God's... the very word suggests some may not make it past the velvet rope...====JACK:  I once saw a sign:  "If you got to Heaven and saw that everyone was admitted, how would you feel?"

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  I don't have a list but the bible tells us who's getting in a different how to get in.====JACK:  So, if you're in charge of guarding the gates....