It's been said that anyone who has encountered God's mercy, who has been caressed by its tenderness, is happy and comfortable with the Lord.

Would you agree with that? I do.

Have you ever thought about how you've experienced God’s mercy? Believe it or not, it is not always in the big flashy ways most people expect.

Experiencing God’s mercy may be as simple as remaining involved in the ministries of God’s church where you attend worship (if you do). Or by recognizing God has forgiven your mistakes.

Perhaps you have experienced God’s mercy by being blessed with a wonderful family. Or by remaining married when it seems like your spouse should have left you for some grievous error on your part.

Although we constantly sin, God calls us to repentance and faithfulness. His mercy is unending.

How closely do you pay attention to God's mercy? Do you stop to think about it? Does the gratitude fill your heart?

When you think about the many forms of God's mercy, you may start to feel overwhelmed. You may feel humbled. Each of us, deserving of God’s condemnation instead receives God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness.

This is truly a gift from God.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: God's mercy takes many forms

Have you ever had to write letters of recommendation for someone?

They are often needed for academic purposes like scholarships or entering levels of higher education. They are often needed for seeking employment.

Sometimes, writing such letters is easy. A person is well known by the letter writer so glowing and truthful remarks seem to flow onto the page.

Sometimes, writing such letters can be a chore. Perhaps the person who has requested such a letter is not well known. Perhaps the person being referred hasn’t had much life experience. Or perhaps the person being written about is simply a scoundrel and kind words are hard to find.

A joke that has been around for some time shows how one might be colorful with handling negative information.

The Smiths were proud of their family tree; their ancestors had come to America on the Mayflower, and descendants included senators and Wall Street wizards.

They decided to compile a family history — a legacy for their children and grandchildren — and hired a well-known author. Only one problem arose: how to handle the fact that great-uncle George was executed in the electric chair. But the author said he could handle the story tactfully.

He wrote this about great-uncle George: “Great-uncle George occupied a chair of applied electronics at an important government institution, was attached to his position by the strongest of ties, and his death came as a great shock.”

When it comes to being a disciple of Jesus Christ, what kind of a recommendation would someone write for you?

Would a recommendation flow onto the page with truthful and glowing remarks? Or would someone have to spin a letter, making you sound better than you are?

Live with your integrity intact and no one will ever be able to truthfully say an unkind word about you, nor struggle to find good things to say about you.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Live with your integrity intact

Is it just me, or does it seem like more and more people are refusing to accept responsibility for their actions?

A burglar breaks into someone’s home, is injured by tripping over a toy on the floor, sues the homeowner for his injuries — and wins.

A person driving a vehicle spills hot coffee on their lap, causes an accident, sues the place from where the coffee was purchased because the coffee was too hot — and wins.

These days, the object is to blame the other person; accept no responsibility for your decisions.

God has created everyone with the ability to make choices. But many people forget that actions have consequences.

FREE WILL

Whenever we make choices that go against God’s wishes and desires, we can only blame ourselves.

We can't say, “So-and-so made me do it," nor can we say, “The devil made me do it,” because a person has free will.  

People or circumstances may lead you to a particular situation that requires a difficult choice, but you make the final choice, one way or the other.

Sometimes, we are victims of other people’s actions toward us. This may explain certain behaviors or feelings in some people, but it does not excuse it.

Each person is ultimately responsible for his or her own decisions. Granted, there are extreme situations. But for the vast majority of us, the choice rests with each one of us alone.

GROW AS A PERSON

Exercising your free will can bring about various lessons.

Many are very pleasant lessons — like when you choose wisely and bring about a positive outcome.

Some lessons are very painful — like when you choose poorly and bring about a negative outcome.

It is important to remember, when you accept responsibility for your own actions, you will ultimately grow into a better person. The reason for caving in to temptation will eventually dissipate, and resisting temptations will become easier over time.

Don’t play the blame game.

Don’t blame God.

Don’t pass the buck to someone else.

Accept responsibility for your own actions.

Better yet, use your free will to follow the ways of God in the first place, and you will avoid a whole mess of messes.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Don't play the blame game

As children, my three siblings and I would complain to our mother that we needed a dishwasher.

Our mother would respond, “I already have four dishwashers!”

It took us a while to realize what she meant, but as we stood at the kitchen sink — one of us washing the dishes and the other three drying them — we got it. And groaned.

That wasn’t the answer we wanted to hear, but it is the answer we got. And, as I look back on it, the answer was perfectly logical.  The need for a dishwasher had already been met – four times over.

When it comes to God answering prayers, our prayers may have already been answered before we even lift them.

For example, people will look at what is happening in the world and ask, “Why doesn’t God do something?” Why doesn’t God do something to feed those starving children in Africa, to intervene and stop bloodshed in the Middle East, to end the spread of AIDS and other dreaded diseases, to alleviate pain and suffering?

All good questions for God. And I can hear his answer: "I have already put things into place to end all those things."

After all, hunger can end when people who produce food are willing to look beyond their bottom line and look at human need. God provides plenty of food on this earth for everyone – if it would only be shared.

Bloodshed in the Middle East – and elsewhere – will cease when people everywhere realize that God has created everyone as equals, and there are plenty of resources for everyone – if we would only willingly share.

The spread of diseases will end when shared resources from around the world provide healthier living environments and better personal relationships.

No, I am not a communist or a socialist. I am one who hears how the gospel condemns selfish ambition, greed, hoarding wealth and cheating others. I am one who hears the gospel of Jesus Christ and the scripture reveal God’s call to care for one another – even at the expense of oneself.

You see, God has already answered our questions and our prayers. The question is, are people willing to do what is necessary to be the instruments of God’s answer?

Jesus said in a parable: “I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me."

Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, "Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?" Then the King will say, "I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me – you did it to me.”

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Think about it — our prayers have already been answered

A nationally known pastor talks about his experience with cancer: namely, how the human spirit struggled with facing an uncertain future.

In addition, he talks about how he saw the face of God in every person who aided his treatment process. He saw God in supportive family and friends' faces.

What is it to have faith such as that? What is it to be able to look at challenges and difficulties; not become so distraught that it becomes debilitating?

Have you ever recognized God’s presence in those who helped you through a particularly difficult period?

To be able to find God like that; to be assured, as never before, that all will be well — even if the result is death — is part of having a strong faith. God has promised through Jesus Christ to never abandon us.

His promise is, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

God means this symbolically, not literally. When difficulties and challenges come — and they will — he sees us through. We may be water-logged, and we might be singed, but we will emerge on the other side alive and intact.

Why? Because, God says, “…you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you…”

Look for God’s face in the people who help you in times of difficulty.

You may be pleasantly surprised that God lives up to his promise of never leaving your side.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: In difficult times, God never leaves your side

Many computer programs allow people to alter photographs in most any way imaginable. Faces can be made to look older or younger.  Blemishes can be removed.  Hair color can be changed.

We can become anyone we choose, although the portrayal may not be quite truthful.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, do you present a façade of being all put together, like your life is free from troubles and worries?

If you “Photoshop” your Christian image into one of near perfection, I would venture to say you are doing yourself, other people around you, and our Lord a grave disservice.

To not acknowledge challenges and difficulties in your life does you a disservice because it presents an untruthful picture of who you really are. 

To not acknowledge challenges and difficulties in your life does others a disservice because it makes you unapproachable to those who do have those things. 

To not acknowledge challenges and difficulties in your life does a disservice to our Lord because it presents a false picture of what our Lord does in life. Our Lord does not alter a person’s life so problems never come.  He helps people get through them. 

We Christians are called to an authentic faith – and that includes appropriately sharing our weaknesses, challenges and difficulties.

Be sure to be real.  Be honest.  Be truthful.  Warts and all. 

Then, give God the glory through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Be real — warts and all — as Christ's disciple

This week our nation celebrates its 238th birthday. Quite a milestone!  Happy birthday, America! Long may you live.

I love our nation. There is wealth, economic stability (for the most part) and a plethora of opportunities for pursuing happiness.

However, I fear for its future. When one looks at the great nations of this world throughout the course of history, what happened to them? Eventually, they all crumbled.

Thousands of years ago, the Mesopotamians were a considerable force, but they succumbed to other nations. 

The Hebrew people were strong at one point, but fell victim to other national powers; one of them being the Roman Empire.

The Roman empire was a great force with which to be reckoned.  But in time, that empire fell.

The Mesopotamian leadership became drunk with power, affluence, wealth and privilege. This mindset trickled down to the average citizen. With that sense of privilege came arrogance. With arrogance came laziness. And with laziness came defeat.

The same thing happened with Rome.

With the Hebrew people it was slightly different. When they turned their backs on God, they became vulnerable to the powers of this world.

Two hundred thirty-eight years ago, men and women of what is now the United States of America fought with their lives to gain freedom from an oppressive government. That independence was won after much bloodshed. 

I fear our nation will one day go the way of other great world powers such as ancient Rome.

I fear we are becoming a nation that feels it is privileged.

I fear the sense of arrogance among an increasing number of leaders and persons will continue to trickle down to the average citizen. 

I fear that arrogance will change to laziness. 

I fear laziness will completely take over. 

I fear haughtiness will creep in and our nation will say, “Nothing bad will ever happen to us!” 

And I fear that will be the end of this great nation of ours.

Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

The Bible says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” When our nation returns to God and seeks forgiveness for its arrogance, selfishness, pettiness, pride, greed, gluttony and immorality, I believe God’s blessing will pour forth in new, exciting ways that have not yet been enjoyed.

When the Hebrew people realized their error of turning their backs on God then returned to him, his blessings flowed to them once again. History points this out. 

History does repeat itself — whether for good or for ill.

Let us pray that our nation's people will return to God, so his blessings will flow to us, and we will have countless birthday celebrations for the United States of America!

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Our nation will survive if it stays with God

God gives everyone the ability to make choices that will have positive or negative consequences.   

When positive results occur, we celebrate. When negative results occur, there's heartburn.

Remember: Our choices reflect on our Lord. Fortunately, God is gracious enough to not suffer from our ineptitude. But I imagine that God shakes his head at our foolishness.

When someone makes a choice with which we disagree, our task is to continuously proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and testify to the transforming power of his love that is available to everyone. 

We are to not be afraid of the other person's decisions. We are not necessarily supposed to stir up strife and discord among ourselves — unless done in light of righteousness.

We are to not be afraid of the uncertainty of what the future holds.

Instead, we must trust that God can and will make the best of any situation caused by human free will.

 We are called to worship and serve God; we are called to nurture disciples; we are called to care for God's people. 

When the focus of Christians is on these matters, the church of Jesus Christ will continuously be transformed more and more into his likeness. 

And as we, his church, are constantly transformed, we will transform others.

Bear in mind: We are transformed, but we are still not perfect.  Every person still has his or her weaknesses. But the good news is that God sees us not in light of our sin but in light of our transformation. God is waiting for us to seek his forgiveness, to trust him, and to receive his loving grace. 

God transforms our lives in Jesus Christ. We are empowered by God’s spirit to live in his ways.

As persons of faith, let us not live in a spirit of timidity or fear. 

Instead, live a life in which you constantly give thanks to the Lord your God for his goodness, grace, love and forgiveness that is yours in Jesus Christ.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Don't worry about others' sins caused by free will

As of this writing, my denomination is holding its biennial General Assembly meeting in Detroit.

This meeting, comprising 500-plus elected pastors and elders from across the country, makes decisions for the whole denomination to live by or vote upon by regions.

I love being a Presbyterian, but it does not mean I like everything my denomination decides. This denomination has made decisions with which I have totally agreed, and decisions with which I have totally disagreed.

This year will be no different.

When I look at decisions made with which I disagree, it is because I find some matters go beyond what I believe a denomination should be doing — like becoming involved in international political affairs. Such matters are far too complex for the average church member to completely understand, let alone make an educated decision.

Manipulating scripture's interpretation to be more “politically correct” is another matter with which I disagree. There is a growing demand to interpret scripture in such a way that it will not be offensive to anyone. (This is not unique to Presbyterians.)

In essence, the tail is wagging the dog.

Society — including a small but very vocal, persuasive minority within my denomination — want to interpret scripture to coincide with current trends of permissiveness and political correctness. This causes one to wonder where the line will be drawn when it comes to understanding what God requires of his children.

God is loving, without question. God is compassionate, without question. At the same time, God has set boundaries within which we are expected to live.

Some find those boundaries too confining when it comes to their personal pursuits and pleasures, but at some point, someone has to put their foot down and say, “Enough is enough!”

And Jesus already did.

Being compassionate does not mean being permissive. Sometimes, “No!” is the most compassionate response.

Just as people don't like some this nation's laws, the laws still must be obeyed.

Though some people may not like God's expectations for humanity, His word still must be followed.

Remember, God is loving and compassionate. God is also just and holy.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Disagreeing with dumbing down the Gospel

Whenever I approach the subject of judging others I hesitate because it feels like I am passing judgment — which I am not supposed to do. Right? A quandary, perhaps?

If I say there are a lot of people who do nothing but complain, have I not already passed judgment?

If someone says the manner in which another congregation worships is wrong, has not judgment already been passed?

If a politician is criticized for saying or doing something with which a particular group of persons disagrees, has not judgment already been passed?

Who are we to pass judgment on anyone?

None of us has the right to be judgmental toward another person. As Jesus pointed out, we — each and every one of us — have our own faults. And unless or until we recognize those faults, seek forgiveness for them, and do away with them, we will not have the right to be judgmental.

However, we may be discerning.

If a person invites us or encourages us to participate in an activity that is detrimental in some fashion, we need to discern if it is appropriate for us to participate.

 If it is discerned to be inappropriate, the answer is “No, I won’t take part.”

To say, “You are a heartless so-and-so for even considering doing this,” is to pass judgment. A person’s character has been criticized, not their action or intent.

Let us always be careful to not malign another person with judgmental statements, because as Jesus reminds us, we, too, are far from perfect.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview’s pastor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Do not judge, but do discern