Storms With Jesus

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Matt 8:23-25

We all have weathered a storm or two or many more. There is a theology running rampant out in the world that tells us that if we are really Christians life will go smoothly; we will have everything that we want; all will go well for those who love Jesus.

The truth is: the followers of Jesus will encounter many storms. In fact, once you begin to truly follow him, you may find yourself  in more storms than you thought was possible and you will live and your faith will be strengthened, through them all.

Following Jesus, means being willing to love and serve God above all things; as well as, loving and serving our neighbors. That's not always looked upon kindly in a world that is all about "me, me, me..." No one likes to be reminded that there is more to life than looking out for "number one" all of the time. No one likes to be reminded that sin abounds in the world and that one might be assisting in the propagation of sin by those who deny the authority and the love of God. And... so there will be storms where the Christian walks. There will be storms around us; because, even as Jesus was rejected so shall the faithful follower of Jesus be.

If you're going to follow Jesus onto the seas, you should take stock and know that storms will surely arise. But, God, in Christ Jesus, will be with you in that boat.

Be not afraid for God is with you through the storms that you encounter for following Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Bless Not Curse

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade." 1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV 

Before I left Zion Lutheran, Skanee, MI; the discipleship team was practicing greeting people with "God's peace be with" rather than just saying "good morning" or "hi." We were actively practicing blessing and praying for others. Since, I moved to Flagler Beach and Christ Lutheran Church in Bunnell, FL; I have heard "May God bless your day" more times than I can count. Many of those blessing my day were complete strangers out in the community and had no clue who I was; no clue, whether I was a Christian or not. I think that is just awesome! I am sure these brothers and sisters in Christ are blessing others; as well, throughout the day.

In a world that is often very negative and even depressing a lot of the time; it is quite refreshing to hear words of blessing rather than cursing. What a wonderful way to remind us in a sin-filled world that there is hope and that our hope is found in Jesus the Christ. May God help us to bless rather than curse so that all of our days will be more peaceful.

May God bless your day with grace and peace in abundance!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Use Your Gifts or Lose Them

Zion Youth, Skanee, MI (my former congregation) share their musical gifts
annually to benefit children in Baraga County at Toys for Tots concert 

"And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ..."  Eph 4:11-13

Greetings:
 
Oh, oh, I’m talking about gifts again…

I encourage you, as always to consider what your gifts are.  The church on earth grows when the children of God use the gifts that God has given them for the good of all people. The church grows when we allow Christ to work in and through us for the edification of his Body – the Church.
To use the gifts as God has given us to be used is simply a matter of good stewardship – giving to God – what He has first given us.

What are your God-given gifts?  His gifts were (are) given for the building up of the body of Christ so that we may come into the unity of faith and not just we, but all whom He has called.  Are your gifts being used wisely?  Every now and then you will hear me remind people that we need to: “Use it, or lose it!”  Not everyone likes to hear that, not even I, but, it just seems that’s just the way it works.  If you can sing, sing or without the practice you will lose the ability that you once had.  If you can teach, teach.  If you are gifted in hospitality or administration…. Well… What's keeping you from it?

What gifts has God given you to be a faithful Christian witness?  What gifts has God given you to help grow the church? Is there’s something God has been speaking to you about? 

Opportunities abound for us to use our gifts to serve our Father in heaven; to serve one another and to serve all of our neighbors.  As always, I encourage you to consider the gifts that God has given you and use them wisely that we might all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.

God’s Peace - Judy

What Is Keeping You From Being Baptized?

The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. Acts 8:34-38 NIV

With, what is known as, the "Great Commission" Jesus commanded us to "... go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matt 28:19-20

Unfortunately, as Lutherans, particularly in the United States, I believe that we mistakenly believe that any and every adult that walks through a church door and worships with us is already baptized. This is most certainly not true! There are many reasons that adults who profess Christ as their savior are not baptized. What is yours? 

Let us pray that it is not because no one was there to tell you the good news about Jesus. Let us pray that you have not been baptized by water and the Word because this Sacrament has not been made available to you. If you have not been baptized, what is standing in your way? Ask and you shall receive!

God's Peace - Pr. J

It Is God Who Makes The Flowers Bloom

"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." Matt 6:27-29 NIV

The flowers do not labor or spin and when it comes to growing a flower garden; neither do I do much work. My life has been so full of other things that I do not spend a lot of time gardening. I enjoy seeing the flowers grow and come to full bloom. But, other than planting the seeds and a little watering when it is needed, I do not do much. I leave the scattered seeds in God's hands. Most often, they grow to beautiful flowers most haphazardly positioned. Sometimes, they don't.

It is the same with planting the seeds for the Kingdom.  "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how." (Mark 4:26-27) All we can do is plant the seed and maybe do a little fertilizing and watering.

Do not worry about whether the work of your hands will flower and bloom. All that we can do is scatter the seeds and trust God to provide the growth. Whether it will grow or not or how it will grow is up to the Spirit of Christ.

St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians (1 Cor 3:6-7) "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."

Even as St. Paul and the many saints before us planted many seeds and watered them, may the abiding Christ scatter many seeds through us as we trust Him to provide the growth for all in His Kingdom.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Praise Ye The Lord!

"Praise the Lord from the earth,
     you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
    stormy winds that do his bidding,
you mountains and all hills,
    fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all cattle,
    small creatures and flying birds,
kings of the earth and all nations,
    you princes and all rulers on earth,
young men and women,
    old men and children."
                                  Psalm 148:7-12 NIV

God is God of all of creation. He has made all things marvelously. Let us intentionally look around us today so that we might be better able to understand his awesome sovereignty; to grasp more firmly the reality of His gifts to humankind and all of creation. God, alone, is worthy to be praised. Let us all praise the Lord!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Abandon Your Small Boat And Follow Jesus

Everaldo Dejesus (D.J.) - "The Fisherman"

“'Come,' he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus." Matt 14:29

In 2013, my husband and I had reserved airline tickets to go and visit our friends D.J. and Mikki in Puerto Rico. D.J. had terminal cancer and our hopes were to visit him one last time. We did not make it in time. He died a couple of days before our flight was scheduled. We continued with our planned trip to grieve with his family. 

Life in this world is quite short. But, Jesus calls us to a world; a Kingdom, that is everlasting. A Kingdom where there is no more death or suffering or pain. In the last two weeks, numerous friends have died. In this world, I will no longer see Ellie Varney; or Carol Jordan; my sister-in-law, Dawn Mattson; or my former supervisor CWO4 Bob Paris. I live too far away to be able to attend any funeral or memorial services. And, yes, I grieve our loss. Even while there is the hope that we find in Jesus Christ, grief is a natural reaction to such loss and it cannot be avoided. 

Jesus first called the disciples, James and John, out of their fishing boats to follow him. They dropped their nets and followed him immediately. They followed him, not only in this world; but, into the Kingdom of God.

When the disciples were in a boat fishing, they saw Jesus walking on water toward them. Peter got out of the boat to go to him. In this world, we are called to abandon our small boats; our egos, our false gods, our everything, to take up the cross and follow him. The seas may be rough that we tread upon; the way is not always easy; but, Jesus is with us to keep us from drowning. Even though we face death, Jesus is there to lead us into his glorious Kingdom.

May God grant you all comfort in the knowledge of the promise that all who believe inherit the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen

God's Peace - Pr. J

Proclaim The Gospel With Spiritual Fervor

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:10-11 NIV

As I grow older, I find myself pondering more and more about the time that I have wasted not being zealous in serving the Lord. We have been studying Paul's letter to the Romans in Bible Study on Sunday mornings. St. Paul's zealousness never fails to amaze me. And, even as his spiritual fervor amazes me; my past lack of it leaves me wondering how I or anyone who confesses Jesus could possibly be less enthusiastic about the Good News than he. No matter what trials or tribulations St. Paul endured; he did not become less ardent in his proclamation, he became bolder. Why then can we who suffer so little in comparison to the many who have given their life for the Gospel of Jesus be so lukewarm?

I wake up each morning completely aware of how lukewarm Christianity has become in so many churches; in so many homes. In the vision of St. John on Patmos, the angel of the Lord told him to warn the people of Laodicea:  "So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Rev 3:16)   

The church in many parts of this earth has become lukewarm. We are without spiritual fervor, except maybe on Sunday mornings. Often, during the rest of the week, our ego-driven false gods take center stage. Christianity is more than a Sunday morning ritual. It is a way of life. It is a way of being.

May God help us to be zealous in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord so that others may hear and believe.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Gift Of Life

"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thess 5:9-11

We have received an amazing gift of life from God, in Him. He breathed the breath of life into humankind and we live in this world. It is a wonderful world. Life in this world is a marvelous gift from God, stained only by our sinful natures. But, God in His mercy sent His only begotten Son to die for us that we might be redeemed from the power of sin and live in His presence, in His Kingdom for all eternity.

In Christ, sin has no power over us. Death has no power over us. All who believe in Jesus' life giving sacrifice shall live in him whether these mortal bodies continue to breath or not; whether we are awake or asleep.

Let us live an abundant life! May God help us to always abide in Christ as we encourage one another to do the same.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Gift Of Life

"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thess 5:9-11

We have received an amazing gift of life from God, in Him. He breathed the breath of life into humankind and we live in this world. It is a wonderful world. Life in this world is a marvelous gift from God, stained only by our sinful natures. But, God in His mercy sent His only begotten Son to die for us that we might be redeemed from the power of sin and live in His presence, in His Kingdom for all eternity.

In Christ, sin has no power over us. Death has no power over us. All who believe in Jesus' life giving sacrifice shall live in him whether these mortal bodies continue to breath or not; whether we are awake or asleep.

Let us live an abundant life! May God help us to always abide in Christ as we encourage one another to do the same.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Knock And The Door Will Be Opened To You

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matt 7:7

Castles and forts were once used to protect the people of a community. There were usually very large doors that were meant to keep danger out. One had to knock, introduce themselves, and possibly know a password in order to gain entrance during times of trouble.

After Adam and Eve's fall the doors to Paradise, the Kingdom of God, were closed. They were guarded by fierce looking angels so that no one could enter.  But, you and I don't have to sneak past them. We don't have to know any passwords to get into the Kingdom of God. Jesus revealed to us, by his death, that he wants all people to enter into his kingdom. God, our Father, wants you in His Kingdom. He will not force anyone to enter against their will. But, through Christ, God, has made it available to all people. He has opened the doors to the Kingdom for all who would be believe in him. You don't have to earn the right to enter. Jesus did that for you as he took upon himself the sins of the world.

Knock and you will find that the door is not locked. It will swing wide open for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Keep Me In Your Way

Keep me from deceitful ways;
    be gracious to me and teach me your law.
I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I have set my heart on your laws.
Psalm 119:29-30 NIV

St. Paul wrote to the Romans (7:15-20) "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it."

Even when we desire to be faithful to God, without His help, we cannot do it. Without the abiding presence of Christ, we are lost.

St. Paul continued in his letter to the Romans (7:21-25) "So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

And, so we pray:  Keep me from deceitful ways, be gracious to me and help me to follow in your way. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Seek First The Kingdom of Heaven

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt 6:19-21

With loads of earthly treasure often comes much trouble. The more one has, the more one has to take care of. Sometimes the trouble that includes costly lawyers to settle estate or property disputes. Greed for things of this world can cause one a lot of stress. It can even cause members of a family to turn against one another. "The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live." (Proverbs 15:27)

However, when the treasure we seek is the Kingdom of God, much of this life's worries will disappear. "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matt 6:31-33)

May our hearts always seek first the Kingdom of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

All Creatures Fed

Alligator in Bulow Creek

There is the sea, vast and spacious,
    teeming with creatures beyond number—
 living things both large and small.
There the ships go to and fro,
    and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.

All creatures look to you
    to give them their food at the proper time.

Psalm 104:25-27 NIV

Can you imagine? By His Word all things were created, both large and small. The waters are filled with creatures created by Him. Some so small that a microscope is needed in order to see them. Some creatures are not so small. Some are most docile. Others are more dangerous to humankind. But, God created them all. He has, in place, a plan that all should be fed.

Most of us know enough not to get so close to some species that they might feast on us. But, His plan to feed the hungry and homeless most probably includes us. If you love Him, feed His sheep.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Producing Fruit

"We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:2 NIV

We are not saved by our works. We are saved by God's grace through faith in the one who loved us so much that he was willing to die that we might live with and in him. That faith; our love for the one who loves us so unconditionally, inspires us to action. We want to share his love with others. We desire to share the hope of the promised kingdom with others.

All of the good works in the world will never save us; but, that will not keep us from doing good to one another. It is because we are saved; because we who do not deserve this free gift of salvation that we respond with fruitful and loving labor that God may be glorified in all that we say and do.

May God bless all that we say and do that we might produce fruit for the Kingdom and for the glory of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

By Grace You Have Been Saved

 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Eph 2:8-9 NIV

Years ago, when I worked at a youth correctional facility, I would hear very negative comments from people in the community about the youth. I usually could do nothing more than shake my head. You see, I knew them all and I also knew that one main difference between them and the youth was that they had never been caught or charged for their criminal behavior as the youth had.

We are all sinners in need of God's gift of salvation. Not one of us is saved because we are so good. We are saved by God's grace, through faith. It is a gift from God. Thanks be to God, for His mercy is great!

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Trees Sing For Joy!

Let the trees of the forest sing, 
let them sing for joy before the Lord,
    for he comes to judge the earth.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.

1 Chronicles 16:33-34 NIV

It is no secret that I love wooded areas and the water! Their majestic nature reminds me that God created all things beautiful. We have so much to be thankful for. Let us rejoice in those things rather than dwell on the things that we may not appreciate so much. We give thanks not just for the beauty of His creation; but, for the gift of His most beautiful Son, who gave his life for us. Through his blood we have been promised the gift of eternal life in His Kingdom; in His glorious presence!

Let not just the trees sing for joy; but, let us all rejoice before the Lord! Give thanks to Him, for he is good; his love endures forever.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Weathering Storms

   One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
   The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
   He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples."  (Luke 8:22-15 NIV)

Storms will come and go in all of our lives. Some of us seem to endure more than others. In the story from Luke, Jesus is with the disciples when the storm arises. His presence does not mean that the storms will not come. In fact, it may mean more storms. But, we know that, with a little patience and a whole lot of faith that Jesus is with us no matter how rough the storm gets, we will pass through the storms into the glorious light of the Son.

God grant us the faith and the patience to weather the storms until You decide that it is time for the storms to be stilled. Amen  

God's Peace - Pr. J

It's All About The Light

"...the people living in darkness    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
    a light has dawned.

From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near'"

Matt 4:16-17

My youngest granddaughter loves playing with my cameras. The other night she kept herself very busy taking photos (including selfies) in the dark using both of my cameras with the different flash options to see which was best. No matter what she used, she found that in order to take photos in the dark there still had to be some light. If it was too dark, nothing happened. If it was too dark there was nothing to see.

The light of Christ must also be present in our lives. If we continue to dwell in darkness, nothing will happen; nothing will change. We will remain lost and alone in the dark. But, the light has come into the world; into the land of the shadow of death. The light of Christ does shine in the darkest recesses of our hearts and minds. Turn to the light, repent, and enter into the light, enter into the Kingdom of God, for it is at hand.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Like Grasshoppers We Sit Upon the Circle Of The Earth

The earth's inhabitants are like grasshoppers.

Have you not known? Have you not heard?    Has it not been told you from the beginning?
    Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,
    and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;
who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
    and spreads them like a tent to live in..."
Isaiah 40:21

I've always wondered why Columbus had to prove the earth was round. How could they not have known? Had they not read scripture? Had they not read Isaiah in Columbus' day? It is clear, at least, to me that the circle of the earth refers to the globe shaped planet that we live on under the protective canopy of the ozone layer.

We, are so very proud of our scientific achievements and advancements. But, in reality, we know nothing; we understand so very little, when we consider all that God has done.  We truly have not understood all that there is to understand. We, are not so unlike the grasshoppers, knowing nothing, hopping about like we do; yet, totally dependent upon the providence of God. In a moment the circle of earth could disappear and the curtains of heaven could be pulled back. What then? What happens when we stand without these things before the One who created all things?

May God give us a heart to understand His Word, His will for us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

 

The Wicked Cannot Keep Still

But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest,

    whose waves cast up mire and mud.

“There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”

Isaiah 57:20-21 NIV

Those who spend so much time trying to stir up trouble for others should not be surprised when they can find no peace within themselves. Stirring up trouble for others; almost always leaves one in a state of trouble themselves. They have to spend a lot of time covering their own tracks in order not to be caught in their deceptions. They cannot rest as they toss about trying to figure out the best way to make their next move without getting caught in the traps they set. As they cast mud upon others, it is inevitable that some of that mud will be seen on their hands as evidence. They spend countless hours trying to figure out which lies will best justify their own actions and cast doubt upon the innocent. There is no peace for them. But, for those who live in Christ, they will know peace no matter what kind of mud is slung at them. They will know peace because they know the one who is our peace, Jesus the Christ.

May God help us all live to keep in step with the Spirit of Christ. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other that we might live in His peace. (Gal 5:22-26)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Who Sees Us?

As hard as we might try there is no hiding our true motivations from the Lord. The one who created us knows everything about us. There is no hiding our works of darkness from Him. We can avoid all the wasted time and trouble of attempting to justify our sinful actions by simply learning to walk in the light of Christ; by allowing Him to take us by the hand and lead us.

We can hide our sins from others, sometimes. But, we can never hide them from God. God sees all. He knows all. No sense in trying to hide anything from Him. We may as well confess them and ask Him to keep us from our own evil ways so that we may know the joy that comes with walking in His Light.

God's Peace - Pr. J

This Sinful Age

"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Gal 1:3-5

That evil age that Paul spoke of continues on. We live in it. Yet, we do not have to be eager members and participants of the evil age. Christ gave himself for us that we might be delivered from sin so why is sin such a normal part of so many Christian's lives? Even St. Paul, as ardent a follower of Jesus as he was after his conversion, confessed that he did what he did not want to do, at times. We will all sin. But, we do not excuse our sin or justify our sinful actions by claiming that it is not a sin. We do not justify our sins. We confess them so that we might be justified by grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Rom 3:24) Making excusing for our sins does not justify us. We are justified by faith alone in the one who gave himself for us.

We rejoice that the sins of this evil age and all of sin's penalties no longer have power over us. We rejoice that we are children of God, who have been welcomed to live in His Kingdom, where sin does not reign.

May God keep us from participation in the sins of this evil age and grant us His peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

There Is Only One God!

I am the Lord, and there is no other;    apart from me there is no God.
I will strengthen you,
    though you have not acknowledged me,
so that from the rising of the sun
    to the place of its setting
people may know there is none besides me.
    I am the Lord, and there is no other.
I form the light and create darkness,
    I bring prosperity and create disaster;
    I, the Lord, do all these things.

Isaiah 45:5-7 NIV

There is only one God. I am not God. You are not God. Stop the idol worship and worship the Lord your God, the only one who is in charge of all things. Worship and honor Him alone above all things.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Love

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Love is not self-serving; rather, it is about serving others. In other words love is not all about me. That word "love" gets thrown around a lot. There are many kinds of love. We love our friends in one way. We love our spouses in another way. We even love our enemies and pray for them. Whomever it is that we love, we ought to understand that genuine love calls for a commitment. Genuine love will make sacrifices for those whom we claim to love even as God sacrificed His only begotten Son on the cross because of His great love for us.

Love is not just a word. Love is action. It calls us to put the welfare of others before us. It calls us to take up our cross and follow Jesus for the sake of others that God who loves us so deeply might be glorified.

Love the Lord your God. Love others in the Spirit of Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

God Has A Plan For Every Season

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
   a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV

What time is it? What season are we in? Even in the darkest of times, God has a plan and it's a good plan. He will bring His people through it.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Trust Him!

"For no word from God will ever fail." Luke 1:37

We do harm to ourselves when we do not believe the promises of God. We will find ourselves troubled and worried if we have any inclination that God cannot do all things. Place your trust in Him and His promises and He will see you through all things. He will provide for all of your needs.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Prov 3:5-6 

God grant us faith to trust in Him above all others.

God's Peace - Pr. J

His Light Leads Us

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,    along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
    and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
    I will not forsake them. 
                                                       Isaiah 42: 16

Through the trees we could see the lights exploding in the darkness. Last night most of our neighbors were celebrating Independence Day, a day early, with fireworks. The light put off by fireworks is sometimes very bright; but, it is also very momentary. They might give enough light for you to see to take a few more steps in the darkness. But, the light is not enduring. God's light never burns out. It is there always to lead you on unfamiliar paths; to lead you through dark valleys.

May God help us to walk in the way of his light that He has set before us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Have a joyful Independence Day!

A New Life In Christ

"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Romans 6:4

We get to live a new day, every day. Every day brings new challenges; opportunities to learn; to grow. Each new day brings changes; some big changes, some so small you do not even notice them. Regardless of the size of change, the new opportunities will be there. We can ignore them and live our days in the old, tired way allowing our egos to run the show or we can celebrate those changes as new opportunities to live and grow in Christ.

In Christ, we have the opportunity to live a new life. May God help us to accept this gift of new life and live in His presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

In God We Trust

But I trust in you, Lord;
    I say, “You are my God.”
My times are in your hands;
    deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
    from those who pursue me.

Psalm 31:14-15 NIV

When I was young, I trusted everyone. Some would say I was naïve. As I grew older, experiences taught me to trust no one. Finally, I came to know the Lord and I trusted Him. Because I trust Him and know that my entire life is in His hands, I am no longer afraid to follow wherever He will lead. I am free from the bondage of fear and distrust to serve Him and my fellow human beings.

Trust in the Lord to guard and guide you. He is with you now and will be forever.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Wise Choices

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."

James 1:6-8

Today, I am very pleased with the choices my granddaughter has made. She is enrolling in a Medical Assistant Program, with the hope that will enhance her future life here in this world. She hasn't always listened to my advice so I am relieved that she is making wise choices on her own.

James wrote that we are to ask God for wisdom. For years, I have been asking Him for her. Lately, I have been asking Him to help her listen and follow in the direction He would have her go. I did not doubt that He would answer that prayer. I am just so very thankful that she made this wise choice sooner than later.

May God grant us His wisdom as well as the ability to act upon it.

God's Peace - Pr. J