When we encounter the presence of holy God, what terrifies us most is that we are seen and cannot be hidden. God sees us and we cannot find a place to hide from Him. We are confronted with our fear and our need for forgiveness, which is only provided by our Father.

Make no mistake--parched lips, bed sores and sponged baths are the least of this man's worries. The critical diagnosis is sin and the only prognosis is forgiveness. Only God forgives sin.

When people are confronted with their sins and the weight of their guilt, it stabs them to the heart.

When traveling, reading signs is important. Jesus makes the distinction between those who practice good with a bad heart and those who practice good with a heart of humility. In the sermon on the mount, the two roads are NOT marked Road to Heaven and Road to Hell, but both are marked, "This Way to Heaven." The deception lies in the assumption that there are two ways to heaven. In fact, only one road leads to heaven while the other road (quite frankly all roads) is mislabeled. "Read the Signs!"

Are you a leper? Has your sin separated you from God and quarantined you from your family and your community?

It is now our job to be the church, in her maturity. We are to take the gospel to the streets and to our communities. We must do as Peter did--preach Jesus.

There are hogs and dogs who have returned to their vomit and their mire; we are not to give them the Word of God. But, we are to share the Word of God with those who value the Word of God.

God, your Father, knows what you need; therefore, do not be anxious.

The birth of the Church--Happy Birthday. Now, it is time for us to flow into the streets and tell others about Jesus. Preach Jesus!

God knows the fowl, God knows the flowers, God knows YOU.