Take Action: Farm and Food Bill Moves to Final Vote

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	Tell Congress to Pass the 2008 Farm and Food Bill Dear Agriculture, Tell Congress to pass the farm bill and secure our gains for conservation, farmland protection, local foods, subsidy reform and nutrition. Yesterday Congress announced their final farm bill agreement, and there is good news for conservation, nutrition, local foods and the subsidy reform you’ve helped us champion—the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program. Your continued support is critical to help get it passed. Call Congress now and ask your legislators to support the bill in next week's floor votes! Your U.S. Senators: Mark Pryor - (202) 224-2353 Blanche Lambert Lincoln - (202) 224-4843 Your U.S. Representative: Vic Snyder - (202) 225-2506 Optionally, send an e-mail. Although not all of the details have been released, based on what we know from reports and discussions with policy makers, we stand to make real gains to improve our environment, make local foods more widely available, protect farm and ranch land, and dramatically increase food assistance for families struggling with rising food costs. We’ve also fought hard for ACRE, and won a victory for inclusion of this program that is less costly for taxpayers and moves farm policy away from politically set target prices and toward a market-oriented program. Thank you for your continued support! But our work is not finished.   Next week, the House and Senate will each vote on the final bill before sending it to the President to sign. President Bush has indicated he will veto the bill because of cost implications and subsidy provisions. We agree there are areas for improvement. But there is no question this bill is better than the alternative—extension of the 2002 bill.   The question is do you throw out program improvements for an uncertain outcome in a year, or more, from now? Or do you lock in the funding and program improvements we’ve achieved now, and build on them in the future? We believe the current package has many strengths that should not be lost and help set the stage for progress in the future. Click here for more details (PDF) on the achievements we’ve made and what we stand to lose if the bill is not passed. Help move farm and food policy forward, and tell Congress to support the farm bill. Thank you once again for your ongoing support. Sincerely,   Jimmy Daukas Farm and Food Policy Campaign Director, American Farmland Trust
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05/09/2008 Farm Bureau Market Report

Click here to view this report online.

Grain & Soybean Date: May 09, 2008 Soybeans Local Elevators: (May) EAST AR:  1281 to 1305 (NC) Summ. 1196 to 1228 River Elevators: (May) MISS: 1260 to 1325 ; AR & White 1286 to 1293 (NC) Summ. 1202 to 1236 Ark. Processor Bids: (May) 1296 to - - -  (NC) 1224 to 1226 Memphis:  (May) 1323 to - - - (NC)  1232 3/4 to 1236 3/4 Riceland Foods:  (May) Stuttgart 1296 ; Pendleton 1305 ; West Memphis 1325 Chicago Futures: May up 51 1/4 at  1349 1/2   July  up  48  at  1358   Aug up 49 1/4  at  1353 1/4   Nov up 58  at  1303 3/4   Nov '09 up 45 1/2  at  1275 1/4   Today's Arkansas LDP rate for soybeans is: 0¢ Soybean Comment Soybeans gapped higher in reaction to today’s supply/demand report. Ending stocks for the current marketing year were trimmed another 15 million bushels, and usage for the 08/09 marketing year is projected to increase by 49 million bushels over this year, despite record-high prices. This will mean limited progress toward replenishing depleted U.S. stocks, with the estimate for 08/09 only up 40 million bushels from this year. USDA is projecting prices to be between $10.50 and $12.00. November beans have initial resistance at $13.15 ½. Wheat Cash bid for new crop at Memphis  664 1/2 to 668 1/2; Bids to farmers at Local Elevators 637-650; River Elevators 626-663; Chicago Futures: May down  17 1/2  at  791 1/2    July down 17 1/2  at  804 1/2    Sept down  17 1/4  at  818 1/2    Dec down  16 3/4  at  839 1/2    July '09 down  11  at  852 1/2    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for wheat is: 0¢ Grain Sorghum Cash bid for May at Memphis  1020 to 1045; Bids to farmers at River Elevators 936-996; Today's Arkansas LDP rate for sorghum is: 0¢ Corn Cash bid for May at Memphis   601 1/4 to - - -;   New crop at Memphis   591 to 596; Bids to farmers at River Elevators  578 to 593 Chicago Futures: May down  1/4  at  618 1/2    July down  1  at  629 1/4    Sept up  1 1/4  at  641    Dec up  3 3/4  at  650    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for corn is: 0¢ Grain Comment Corn futures were also higher, with December again moving to a new high. USDA decreased their feed usage estimate by 14% but expect an additional billion bushels to be used in ethanol production. Usage is expected to outpace production, so ending stocks are expected to decline from 1.383 billion this year to 763 million next year. Wheat futures, on the other hand posted sharp losses. Thanks to a better crop worldwide, U.S. stocks are expected to increase to 483 million bushels in 08/09, up from 239 million this year. July has resistance around the $8.40 range, with support at the recent low of $7.77. Cotton & Rice  Date: May 09, 2008 Cotton Spot Price, Grade 41 Staple 34: Memphis up 118 at  6205   Greenwood up  118 at 6205 New York Futures: July up  70  at  7155    Dec up  88  at  8023    March '09 up  90  at  8457    May '09 up  88  at  8596    July '09 up  97  at  8716  This week's LDP rate for cotton is  0 cents   The estimate for next week is  0 cents Cotton Comment Cotton ended higher in reaction to the supply/demand report. For 07/08, use and exports were reduced again, raising ending stocks to 9.9 million bales. However, U.S. production is expected to drop 25% to 14.5 million bales in 08/09. Domestic use was reduced in the initial estimates, but exports were increased, with a net result of 08/09 carryover of 5.6 million bales. December futures support around 77 cents remains intact for the time being. Additional support is seen at 75 and 71 cents. Rice Long Grain Cash Bid for  May 2140/cwt  to  - - -   June 2140/cwt  to  - - - Chicago Futures: May up  19  at  2269    July up  62 1/2  at  2297 1/2    Sept down  35  at  2000    Nov down  35  at  2000    - - -   - - -  at  - - -  Today's Arkansas LDP rate for long grain rice is  0¢ medium grain rice is  0¢ Rice Comment New crop rice futures got hammered today after the USDA released their initial projections for 08/09 supply and use. World production is expected to climb from 427.07 million hundredweight in 07/08 to 432.04 million in 08/09. Total use is expected to climb over 3 million cwt., with a net result of an increase of world ending stocks of 82.58 million cwt, compared with 78.51 million expected at the end of this year. Old crop contracts, however, posted bullish reversals. Several exporting countries are maintaining export bans, or minimum export price levels that change as the market rises. Quotes are well above the $1,000/ ton level, but are being met with some resistance, such as the Philippines cancellation of their latest tender. It is likely they will come back to the market later, whether this will impact the market remains to be seen. November gapped lower, but closed at the top of the day’s trading range. Support begins at the recent low of $18.23. Cattle & Hogs  Date: May 09, 2008 Cattle As reported by Federal-State Market News, receipts were 8,350 head at sales in Arkansas this week.  Compared with last week, feeder steers sold unevenly, calves steady to $2 lower, yearlings steady to $1 higher . Steers:  Medium & Large Frame 1   400 to 450 lbs. 118.08 to - - -   500 to 550 lbs. 108.89 to - - -   600 to 650 lbs. 106.55 to - - -  Medium & Large Frame 2   400 to 450 lbs. 109.43 to - - - Heifers:  Medium & Large Frame 1   500 to 550 lbs. 102.26 to - - -  Medium & Large Frame 2   400 to 450 lbs. 98.59 to - - - Slaughter Cows, Boners 48   to   54 Light Weight 35 to 43 Bulls, Yield Grade   1   1000   to   2100 lbs.   60   to   68 Midwest Steers   were $4 higher   at   94   to   - - - Panhandle Steers   were $4 higher   at   94   to   - - - Oklahoma City Feeders Steers 500 to 550 lbs. 111 to 127.50   550 to 600 lbs. 108 to 121 Heifers 500 to 550 lbs. 100 to 112.50   550 to 600 lbs. 96 to 111 Chicago Futures: Live Cattle: June up 87 at 9452   Aug up 90 at 10020 Feeders: May up 57 at 10735   Aug up 45 at 10992 Cattle Comment Cattle futures were sharply higher today on strong cash market fundamentals and technical buying, apparently ignoring projections for continued high feed prices. June has overhead resistance in the $95.50 area. Feeder cattle were also higher, but have resistance at the recent high of $111. Hogs Peoria: were 50¢ to $1.50     higher   at   49.5   to   50 Chicago Futures: June up 40 at 7687   Oct up 7 at 7595 Sheep St. Paul n/a   at   - - -   to   - - - Hogs Comment Hogs were higher again today. The supply/demand report confirmed that brisk export movement is helping provide support. The weaker dollar was also supportive today, as this market is leaning more and more on exports. Poultry  Date: May 09, 2008 Eggs New York:  Ex. Lg. 102-106; Lg. 100-104; Med. 91-95; Chicago:  Ex. Lg. 97-105; Lg. 95-103; Med. 84-92; Eastern Region Turkeys Hens: 8-16 lbs. 88-90 Toms: 16-24 lbs. 88-90   Delmarva Broilers U.S. Grade A Trade sentiment was mostly steady to fully steady. Demand was light to moderate better where retail ads were active with optimism noted for upcoming Mother’s Day need. Supplies of all sizes were usually sufficient for trade needs. In the parts structure, movement was fair to moderate for end of the week trading. Live supplies were adequate; weights were desirable. ---------------------------------------- HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE You are receiving this newsletter because you requested that your e-mail address be added to the Arkansas Farm Bureau Market Report. To unsubscribe or change your subscription information, go to http://www.arfb.com/commodity_marketing/email/ ---------------------------------------- QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? If you have any comments or questions about this e-newsletter please e-mail us at mktrpt@arfb.com Arkansas Farm Bureau 10720 Kanis Road Little Rock, AR 72211 501-224-4400 Copyright 2008 Arkansas Farm Bureau, Inc. All rights reserved Terms of Use

FWD: Morning Manna May 9-BP: Lk. 7:36-50; RBTTY: John 1:1-28; II Kings 7-9

 
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net

 

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-----Original Message-----
From: "Smith, Lynn " <lsmith20@Central.UH.EDU>
Sent: Thu, 8 May 2008 08:09:17 -0500
To: "Smith, Lynn " <lsmith20@Central.UH.EDU>
Subject: Morning Manna May 9-BP: Lk. 7:36-50; RBTTY: John 1:1-28; II Kings 7-9
 

May 9                                                                                        “The Fragrance of Forgiveness”

 

“Wherefore, I say unto you, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loves much; but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.  And He said unto her, ‘Your sins are forgiven’.”

                                                                                                                      Luke 7:47-48

     We either smell like sin or we smell like the Savior—and it doesn’t take long for others to tell which one it is.

     She was “a lady of the night”. . .an uninvited guest. . .one who crashed the party.  And, if that wasn’t enough, she had the audacity to weep unashamedly and spill her fragrant perfume all over Simon’s nice clean floor (vv.36-38).

 

     Such things just didn’t happen.

     “And, they shouldn’t have happened this time!” Simon, the Pharisee, muttered under his breath as he watched the woman of ill-repute wiping her tears off Jesus’ feet with her hair.

 

     “How horrible!” Simon’s mind cried as he watched her lovingly caress Jesus’ feet with her hands—this one who’d done unspeakable things and whose hair had been caressed by who know how many strangers’ hands.

     “If Jesus were truly a prophet, he would never let such things happen!” (v.39)  Simon continued musing (and fuming).

 

     But, our eavesdropping, mind-reading Savior always knows what’s on our hearts and minds.  So, He told Simon a parable about “a creditor who had two debtors and how he forgave them both” (vv.40-42).  One owed around 50 days’ wages and the other one only owed about five days’ wages—but “he forgave them both because they had nothing to pay.”

 

     Jesus then said, “Tell me, therefore, which of them will love him most?” (v.42).

     “I suppose the one to whom He forgave most,” Simon astutely answered.

     “Well-said,” Jesus replied.

 

     He then pointed out how Simon had shown Him no common courtesies after inviting Him over for a meal (vv.44-46); yet, the sinful woman showed Him more love in the few minutes she’d been there than Simon had shown during His entire time with him.

 

     The lesson wasn’t on hospitality; it was/is on forgiveness.  Religiosity produces rigidness; but redemption produces forgiveness and compassion.  And, Jesus’ words—“The one who’s been forgiven much loves much”—are spiritual truths that never grow old.  Woe to him/her that thinks otherwise.

     Let it be said once again:  When we cling to sin, we stink—at least to the Father’s nostrils.  But, when we’re engrafted into Christ, the Rose of Sharon, His fragrance fills our being. . .softening our hearts. . .moistening our eyes. . .and causing us to live in the Law’s spirit rather than its letter (II Cor. 3:6, 17).  May the Holy Spirit help us to live such fragrant/forgiven lives today.

 

 

Thanks,

 

 

Mr. Lynn M. Smith

Department Business Administrator

Department of Economics

University of Houston

204C McElhinney Hall

Houston, TX 77204-5019

(713) 743-3802 (office)

(713) 743-3798 (fax)

LSmith20@central.uh.edu (email)

http://www.class.uh.edu/econ/ (department website)

  

 

05/08/2008 Farm Bureau Market Report

Click here to view this report online.

Grain & Soybean Date: May 08, 2008 Soybeans Local Elevators: (May) EAST AR:  1233 to 1257 (NC) Summ. 1138 to 1170 River Elevators: (May) MISS: 1212 to 1267 ; AR & White 1238 to 1245 (NC) Summ. 1144 to 1178 Ark. Processor Bids: (May) 1248 to - - -  (NC) 1166 to 1168 Memphis:  (May) 1275 to 1277 (NC)  1175 3/4 to 1178 3/4 Riceland Foods:  (May/Jun) Stuttgart 1248 ; Pendleton 1257 ; West Memphis 1277 Chicago Futures: May up 1 3/4 at  1299   Jul  up  3  at  1312   Aug up 1 1/4  at  1302 1/2   Nov up 1/4  at  1245 3/4   Nov '09 down 5 1/2  at  1227   Today's Arkansas LDP rate for soybeans is: 0¢ Soybean Comment Soybeans traded in a small range closing narrowly mixed. While tomorrow’s report is expected to show several positive corn numbers, soybeans are expected to have much larger ending stocks in 08/09. USDA will not make adjustments in projected planting acreage, and in the case of soybeans make little or no adjustment in yield. However, for corn slow planting progress will reduce yield off the 156 bushel per acre trendline number. Average pre-report guesstimates put 08/09 stocks at just 707 million bushels. This should be enough to keep corn moving higher after today’s strong move. November beans have been unable to break resistance at $12.50. Wheat Cash bid for new crop at Memphis  682 to - - -; Bids to farmers at Local Elevators 654-667; River Elevators 644-680; Chicago Futures: May up  14  at  809    Jul up 14 1/2  at  822    Sep up  14  at  835 3/4    Dec up  13 3/4  at  856 1/4    Jul '09 up  7  at  863 1/2    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for wheat is: 0¢ Grain Sorghum Cash bid for May at Memphis  1022 to 1045; Bids to farmers at River Elevators 938-998; Today's Arkansas LDP rate for sorghum is: 0¢ Corn Cash bid for May at Memphis   597 1/4 to 602 1/4;   new crop at Memphis   682 to - - -; Bids to farmers at River Elevators  579 to 594 Chicago Futures: May up  17 3/4  at  619 1/4    Jul up  17 3/4  at  630 3/4    Sep up  16 1/4  at  639    Dec up  16  at  646 1/2    Today's Arkansas LDP rate for corn is: 0¢ Grain Comment Wheat posted double-digit gains, mostly following corn and rice. However, with this week’s export total, USDA is now reporting 145 million bushels of new crop wheat already sold. That number is previously unseen for this time of year. The likelihood of a large U.S. harvest is weighing on the market. The current wheat tour is reporting potentially good yields in Kansas. July seems to be building resistance around the $8.40 range, with support at the recent low of $7.77. Cotton & Rice  Date: May 08, 2008 Cotton Spot Price, Grade 41 Staple 34: Memphis up 1 at  6087   Greenwood up  1 at 6087 New York Futures: Jul up  64  at  7101    Dec up  67  at  7954    Mar '09 up  60  at  8367    May '09 up  54  at  8508    Jul '09 up  59  at  8619  This week's LDP rate for cotton is  0 cents   The estimate for next week is  0 cents Cotton Comment Cotton was higher today as stronger gains in corn, wheat and rice provided modest support. Tomorrow’s report isn’t expected to have any significant change although use could be lowered and stocks increased. Already projected at 9.7 million bales, they are more than ample to bridge the production gap that is expected this year. Planting progress is creeping up, but the midsouth remains well below the norm. December futures support around 77 cents remains intact for the time being. Additional support is seen at 75 and 71 cents. Rice Long Grain Cash Bid for  May 2140/cwt  to  - - -   Jun 2140/cwt  to  - - - Chicago Futures: May up  95  at  2250    Jul up  75  at  2235    Sep up  75  at  2035    Nov up  75  at  2035    - - -   - - -  at  - - -  Today's Arkansas LDP rate for long grain rice is  0¢ medium grain rice is  0¢ Rice Comment Rice futures again made expanded limit gains early in the session, holding them into close. The market remains unsettled at best, as available exportable supplies are limited. Several exporting countries, India and Vietnam, are maintaining export bans, or minimum export price levels that change as the market rises. Quotes are well above the $1,000 level, but are being met with some resistance, such as the Philippines cancellation of their latest tender. It is likely they will come back to the market later, whether this will impact the market remains to be seen. This week’s supply demand report should be interesting, or not, depending on what USDA does. Retracement objectives for November futures of $19.77 and $20.24 were topped in today’s move. This market appears to be headed for a retest of resistance at contract highs. Cattle & Hogs  Date: May 08, 2008 Cattle As reported by Federal-State Market News, receipts were 1,636 head at sales in Charlotte, Ratcliff & Green Forest.  Compared with last week, feeder steers sold near steady. Heifers sold firm to $4 higher . Steers:  Medium & Large Frame 1   400 to 450 lbs. 115.12 to - - -   500 to 550 lbs. 109.65 to - - -   600 to 650 lbs. 104.94 to - - -  Medium & Large Frame 2   400 to 450 lbs. 111.54 to - - - Heifers:  Medium & Large Frame 1   400 to 450 lbs. 105.01 to - - -  Medium & Large Frame 2   400 to 450 lbs. 98.59 to - - - Slaughter Cows, Boners 47   to   54 Light Weight n/a to - - - Bulls, Yield Grade   1   1000   to   2100 lbs.   59   to   66, high dressing 67-72 Midwest Steers   were steady   at   90   to   - - - Panhandle Steers   were steady   at   90   to   - - - Oklahoma City Feeders Steers 550 to 600 lbs. 115.50 to 121   600 to 650 lbs. 110 to 114.50 Heifers 550 to 600 lbs. 106 to 109   600 to 650 lbs. 104 to 104.75 Chicago Futures: Live Cattle: Jun up 182 at 9365   Aug up 167 at 9930 Feeders: May up 105 at 10677   Aug up 120 at 10947 Cattle Comment Cattle futures were sharply higher today on strong cash market fundamentals and technical buying. June is now testing resistance around $94. Feeder cattle followed suit, but have resistance at the recent high of $111. Hogs Peoria: were $2     higher   at   48.5   to   49 Chicago Futures: Jun up 120 at 7647   Oct up 117 at 7587 Sheep St. Paul sheep shorn slaughter lambs   at   n/a   to   - - - Hogs Comment Hogs gapped higher, and June is now testing resistance at the recent high of $77.10. Yesterday’s big jump in cutout values was supportive, as is a seasonal decline in marketings. Poultry  Date: May 08, 2008 Eggs New York:  Ex. Lg. 102-106; Lg. 100-104; Med. 91-95; Chicago:  Ex. Lg. 97-105; Lg. 95-103; Med. 84-92; Eastern Region Turkeys Hens: 8-16 lbs. 88-90 Toms: 16-24 lbs. 88-90   Delmarva Broilers U.S. Grade A Trade sentiment was mostly steady to fully steady. Supplies of all sizes were adequate to closely cleared for trade needs. In production areas, live supplies were moderate. Weights were desirable. ---------------------------------------- HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE You are receiving this newsletter because you requested that your e-mail address be added to the Arkansas Farm Bureau Market Report. To unsubscribe or change your subscription information, go to http://www.arfb.com/commodity_marketing/email/ ---------------------------------------- QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? If you have any comments or questions about this e-newsletter please e-mail us at mktrpt@arfb.com Arkansas Farm Bureau 10720 Kanis Road Little Rock, AR 72211 501-224-4400 Copyright 2008 Arkansas Farm Bureau, Inc. All rights reserved Terms of Use

The Dirt on Transfer of Development Rights, Food Policy Councils and Breaking Farm Bill News

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	May 8, 2008 Welcome to the May edition of American Farmland Trust's monthly E-news, featuring the latest on farm and ranch land protection, environmentally responsible farming, planning for agriculture, local food and more. The Dirt on Saving Farms with Transfer of Development Rights How can the private market help curb high development pressure on farm and ranch land? Transfer of development rights (TDR) programs enable the transfer of development potential from one parcel of land to another—developers "buy" development rights from agricultural land owners to be used for growth in designated development zones. Check out our new TDR fact sheet (PDF) highlighting programs across the country and the components that make them successful. The market-driven programs typically protect more land as development pressure increases. Read about challenges and successes from New Jersey to Malibu in a collection of case studies that highlight ten TDR programs in five states.  Food Policy Councils Help the Future Burn Bright for Consumers and Producers The recent spotlight on eating local has encouraged many states and communities across America to develop local food policy councils. Food policy councils are designed to bring together critical players in the production, processing, distribution and purchase of food, and AFT is a member of councils in Connecticut, New York and Ohio. Brian Williams, AFT’s Ohio State Director, has been involved with the development of an Ohio state level council and attended the first meeting to discuss tackling issues surrounding food’s journey from farm to kitchen. The council is developing strategies for creating local food access, healthy economic development and land conservation.  How Can Our Farms Help Fight Climate Change? "Our urban neighbors need to know that for the dollars invested in agriculture they get something back," says Minnesota farmer Dave Legvold. Legvold’s corn, soybean and hay farm uses a "no-till" planting technique, promoted by AFT’s Agricultural Conservation Innovation Center, that requires fewer tractor passes while burning less fossil fuel and sequestering carbon in the soil. Climate conscious communities and energy companies are looking to farmers who are using the "no-till" method or planting grasses and trees on marginal land: climate-friendly agricultural practices that could offset up to one fifth of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Breaking News: Farm Bill Deal is Done In closed door meetings yesterday, Congress wrapped up farm bill negotiations and is expected to release details later today in a press conference. House and Senate floor votes are expected to take place next week in advance of the May 16th deadline. Amidst a White House veto threat, lawmakers are also building support for a veto override—which would require a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate. The final bill may not include all the changes we would like to see, but there are many potential improvements over the alternative—extension of the 2002 Farm Bill. Based on what we know, we stand to make real gains in subsidy reform with the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program, while securing increased funding for conservation and working lands programs, improving support for local foods and increasing nutrition spending for families struggling with the rising cost of food. As farm bill details come in, stay up-to-date by subscribing to our RSS feed. Around the Country Scott County became the second county in Kentucky to adopt a Purchase of Development Rights program. West Virginia recently enacted the Voluntary Rural and Outdoor Heritage Conservation Act that will fund the state’s Farmland Protection Fund. AFT is opposing California’s Proposition 98, the "Property Owners and Farmland Protection Act," which will be put to voters in the June primary election. Oregon is requiring the establishment of farm-to-school and school garden programs. A new agriculture products exchange Web site for Maryland farmers is like a "Craigslist" for farming. State legislators in Maryland passed Senate Bill 662, which will help fund a new program to assist beginning and young farmers in buying land. Legislation (SB1992) introduced in Illinois would give counties the opportunity to generate local funding for farmland protection programs. AFT and other groups successfully advocated for the release of $38 million for Illinois agriculture that had been tied up in a state budget standoff.
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© Copyright 2006, American Farmland Trust. All rights reserved. 1200 18th Street, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 (202)-331-7300

FWD: Morning Manna May 8-BP: Lk. 10:29-37; RBTTY: Lk. 24:36-53; II Kings 4-6

 
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net

 

---

-----Original Message-----
From: "Smith, Lynn " <lsmith20@Central.UH.EDU>
Sent: Wed, 7 May 2008 05:25:44 -0500
To: "Smith, Lynn " <lsmith20@Central.UH.EDU>
Subject: Morning Manna May 8-BP: Lk. 10:29-37; RBTTY: Lk. 24:36-53; II Kings 4-6
 

May 8                                                                                                               “Hello, Neighbor”

 

“Which, now, of these three, do you think was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?  And He said, ‘He that showed mercy on him.’  Then said Jesus unto him, ‘Go and do likewise’.”

                                                                                                                     Luke 10:36-37

     Wherever we go, we’ll find them there—waiting on us.

     Our neighbor.

     When we hear this phrase, we immediately think of the person who lives next-door to us or just down the streets.  But, Jesus gave a new meaning to this oft-used word in today’s Manna—and it’s one we definitely need to remember.

 

     Known as “The Parable of the Good Samaritan” (vv.29-37), most of us learned the story as a child; yet, it’s one that never grows old.  And, it’s certainly one that needs to be taught (and embodied) more often than we do.

 

     We know the Story:

     “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his raiment and wounded him and departed, leaving him half-dead” (v.30).  Yes, we know it well—for, sadly, muggings and violent crimes are a part of our sinful, fallen world. . .a world in which man’s inhumanity to man seems to have no limits.

 

     Likewise, we know how “a certain priest passed that way, saw the wounded man on the side of the road and passed by on the other side” (v.31).  He probably was late for the morning worship service and had to deliver the message.   “Someone else will help him,” he reasoned to himself as he traveled on.

 

     And, who of us can forget the Levite—the minister-of-music, if you will—who was also running late for the service and how he followed in the footsteps of his spiritual leader (v.32).  That doesn’t sound like any minister or church you know of, does it??

 

     But, then “a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was—and when he saw him, he had compassion on him.  And, went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine and set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him” (vv.33-34). 

 

     Powerful words, aren’t they?

     Yes—particularly when we realize that the victim of crime was probably a Jew; why else would Jesus take the time to point out that the one helping was a Samaritan?  Regardless, the point is clear:  The one who stopped (the Samaritan) was a “Good Neighbor” to one whose family normally had nothing to do with such half-breed Jews.

     And, the merciful Neighbor’s compassion didn’t end when he dropped the wounded man off at the inn.  He said, “Here’s some money for his care—and, if it’s not enough, I’ll pay off his outstanding bill when I return” (v.35).  In Christ, “Caring is Sharing” and our “neighbor” is whoever we meet, regardless of who they are.

 

 

Thanks,

 

 

Mr. Lynn M. Smith

Department Business Administrator

Department of Economics

University of Houston

204C McElhinney Hall

Houston, TX 77204-5019

(713) 743-3802 (office)

(713) 743-3798 (fax)

LSmith20@central.uh.edu (email)

http://www.class.uh.edu/econ/ (department website)