Why did BKK need to make merit?

Last week after the protests had been dispersed by a military crackdown and the protesters left in a fit of violence, calm returned to the city very quickly. In the midst of this calm, the Bangkok Governor called for a metropolitan wide merit making ceremony. Why? This question and some Christian thoughts about it is at the center of my sermon from yesterday. Text here.

Here are some other thoughts from Sunday.

* Always great to have a full choir! It makes such a wonderful difference.
* It's also always great to have Pastor Sirirat with us from Chiang Rai. Such a wonderful ministry to kids who might otherwise have been trafficked.
* Mark's commitment and faith is so inspirational. He's limping, but he's still leading.
* Beatrice's faith is also really inspirational. She's giving birth today and was singing in the worship team last night.
* Met someone today whose life is really in the process of being transformed by God. I love to hear those testimonies. Go God go!
* Looking forward to a week full of getting to know new people! That's one of the things I love most about my job.

Oh PS: Congratulations to Stephen and Suwadee on the birth of their granddaughter yesterday in the afternoon. Beautiful baby!