thought - on churches merging

It is easier and more commonplace for companies and corporations to merge together - but it is rare for churches to do so.

Every few blocks in America, you can see a church building. Why so many? Did God call all of them to start churches? I dont think so. When He does, it is usually among unreached peoples.

These churches on every block are usually branch offices of a head office, that compete with other head offices.

Is it clashing egos and flesh that prevent more mergers especially when doctrines are similar?
Here is a juwo on when our church merged with another.
http://juwo.com/nodepad/demos/thoughts/churches_merging.html

thought - On why the Ark was captured

In the Old Testament of the Bible, the ark which contained the presence of God was captured in battle by the Philistines. Why did God allow the symbol of His presence to be captured? They were manipulating God like an idol.
God Himself engineered the showdown between Himself and the Philistine god Dagon to show He was no idol. Here are some thoughts on how we manipulate God for our prosperity.
It is in a juwo (presently on Windows only), click here for the juwo.
The entire story can be read here in the online Bible.