We Are One

Valaam Monastery

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all." Eph 4:1-6

It does not matter where you live geographically; if we are heirs of God's Kingdom; if we are members of the Body of Christ, we are one. We are not separate; but, one in Christ.

Many years ago, I visited Russian Karelia on a mission trip. I found the region to be very much like the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I also found the people to be very much like the people who live there, as well. They were struggling with very much the same issues; except that their poverty level was much greater than ours at the time.

It saddens me that as countries and their leaders battle for political supremacy it seems that sometimes we forget about the people who live in these countries. It is as if foreign countries or even political parties within our own country, are inanimate objects; without flesh or blood or the Spirit. We forget to consider the harm that we might be doing to others, to ourselves and the world at large when we fail to recognize that our words and actions, due to our personal egos, harm and sometimes destroy children of God, our brothers and sisters in Christ. We sometimes seem to forget the many faithful brothers and sisters that live throughout the world, outside our own little circle of friends and family (sometimes we forget or ignore even them).

The Body of Christ is beyond comprehension. The members are spread throughout the world. They are in: Syria; Russia; Cuba; Iran; Iraq; Africa; India... They are everywhere; and, yes, even here in the United States. There is only One Body. So let us not forget in our prayers the many members of that body who suffer persecution. As we form our personal political agendas; let love and concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ; as well as for all people, guide our hearts, our minds, and our actions. so that no one suffers persecution by our own hands.

God grant that we should live in peace, reconciled to God and to one another.

God's Peace - Pr. J

A Time To Smile And A Time To Not

There is a time for everything,    

and a season for every activity under the heavens:

    a time to weep and a time to laugh,

    a time to mourn and a time to dance...

Eccl 3:1,4

The dolphin appears to have a pleasant and peaceful disposition. Most appear to have perpetual smiles upon their faces. Even the killer whale, a species of dolphins, has a smile on its face.

I have learned over time to be just a little suspicious of those who have perpetual smiles on their faces; those who are always happy, happy, happy...  I am especially suspicious of preachers who smile and laugh all of the time.

That being said, I admit, I smile a lot. My kindergarten teacher nick-named me "Miss Sunshine." I am aware that at times it is irritating to others, especially when I smile as I am confronting someone. Yes, I confront people from time to time. It's in my job description to "comfort the afflicted and afflict the too comfortable." However, I also cry a lot. I tend to cry when I think that God was willing to sacrifice His only begotten Son for my sins; for the sins of the world. I tend to cry when I consider what he suffered for us. I tend to weep when I see the suffering that humankind would inflict upon one another.

There is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. Let us grieve our sinful natures and our inability to live lives that bring peace and reconciliation in the world around us; yet, let us rejoice that through our Lord Jesus we have been reconciled to God and one another in His Kingdom, even now.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Forgive And Move Forward With Life

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.  Luke 6:36-38

Years ago, after having spent a few months being very angry with someone I barely knew, I had a dream. In this dream there was this very large and magnificent stairway. She was standing at the bottom looking up. I was on the third step looking down at her. That was it. That was the whole dream. When I woke up, I realized that because I was spending all of my time looking down on her and attempting to block her path. I had been living a very miserable existence; as I wasted my life looking back and down. I had been so angry that I had not able to move forward with my life. I had not been able to live life. Neither, had she. Our spiritual growths had come to standstills. This was not a good thing for her or me or anyone in the world around us.

I forgave her and moved on. Life goes on. No, we did not become best friends. I only saw her once after amends were made. I hope that she was able to move forward even as I was able.

We must live the life that our Father has so graciously given us. Do not waste the days in anger or in desiring revenge! Forgive and move forward with your live. Forgive one another as our Father has forgiven us through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Invite Strangers

Is the stranger truly welcomed?

Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."  John 6:32-33 NIV

Friends, Strangers, and Angels at the Table is the sermon title for this Sunday. The lessons this morning speak of being hospitable. Jesus points out that we are to welcome strangers to our table. We might think we are welcoming people; because, we all get along with each other. That is we welcome those whom we already know. But, what happens when a stranger comes into our midst? What happens when a stranger comes knocking at our door?

As Jesus welcomes all people to his table, let us invite and welcome anyone and everyone who might cross our paths to eat with us; whether at home or at the table set for us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. The Epistle lesson for this morning is: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16

An Unexpected Journey

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. Mark 1:16-19

I watched The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey again last night. It was probably the third or fourth time I've seen it. I can't remember, for sure, how many times it's been. In fact, I didn't remember many of the scenes, so it was like watching it for the first time all over again. I first read the book forty-two years ago - a little strange that I can remember that!

I love that little hobbit, who took a chance; left his family and friends; left the comfort and safety of his home (most unlike a hobbit) to go on a very unexpected journey with some very strange traveling companions.

My life has been a strange and unexpected journey. By the time, I was thirty-five years old my life had been more full than I could ever have imagined it could be. I was ready to go home to my Father's house. But, the journey goes on. Yes, I have had to leave behind family and friends on more than one occasion. But, wherever I have been, I have found people to love and who care about me.

I have also had to face much adversity, including more than a few proverbial monsters. Adversity comes with the territory. Facing dragons and orcs happens; confronting evil happens, when one is in the company of Jesus. But, do not be afraid! God is with you! What can be more awesome than that?

It's been quite a journey! A journey that has not quite ended and never will as long as I stay in Jesus' company. Won't you come with me? Won't you walk with Jesus? I promise the journey with him is far more exciting than walking alone or staying at home where there is a perceived comfort and safety in this world. With him, you will know real peace regardless of the turmoil around you.

When Jesus called those first disciples, they didn't say, I have to do this or that first. They didn't say I have other obligations. They left everything and everyone behind to begin a very unexpected journey. There lives did not become peaches and cream. But, they were definitely action packed as they learned how to fish for people.

God's Peace - Pr. J

God Is With You Everywhere You Are

Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.

Psalm 139:7-10

I often hear things coming out of the lips of Christians that make me wonder if they truly realize that there is nothing we can do or say that God is not aware of. If Jesus were standing right in front or beside you, would you do what you are doing; say what you are saying?

The reality is that he is right beside you. There is no place in the world that you can go to hide from the Spirit of God. He is with you always to guide you. Listen to him. Follow in his footsteps; wherever they will lead you.

May the Lord, our God, make known his presence to you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

God Provides In The Wilderness

They spoke against God; they said, “Can God really spread a table in the wilderness?" Psalm 78:19 NIV

The people of Israel continued to sin against God. They willfully put Him to the test. They doubted. They did not put their trust in Him.  "Can God really spread a table in the wilderness?" they asked.

Of course, He can!

God can provide anything He wants for anyone that He desires. But, it is up to us to accept His provisions. Often, we do not. We would much rather depend on ourselves, than on God or anyone else. We would rather do it our way and have it our way than in the way that God thinks best for us.

Sometimes, the only way that we are capable of gratefully receiving God's provisions is when we are in the wilderness, totally lost and alone.

The journey through the wilderness can be a very good thing. It will help us to remember who is God and to trust in Him, alone.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Teaching Preaching

So is my word that goes out from my mouth:    It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
You will go out in joy

Isaiah 55:11 NIV

Today is the day, I begin attempt to teach laity to preach. They are preparing to bring the Good News to Senior Housing residents and Nursing Homes. Prayers are requested; especially for those who will be trying to learn from me! Although, my major was in elementary teaching, I am not much of a teacher. I find preaching much less stressful. And... yes, there is a difference between teaching and preaching, even if preaching should teach us something about the Word, the word, and God's will for us.

In Lay School, the instructor tried without success to get me to use that three point system I learned in High School for essays. I didn't feel very comfortable using the standard format for an essay to proclaim the Good News. It just seemed to be too contrived. I prefer a more relaxed style as often happens when the Spirit leads us where God would have us go. Later, in seminary at Wartburg, I was most fortunate to have Dr. Samuel Giere as my homiletics instructor. From him, I learned much! Thanks be to God working through Dr. Giere!

I don't know how these sessions on teaching preaching are going to turn out. But, God does and He promises that His word will not return to Him empty. May he bless each of us with gifts to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

God's Love Sustains Us

Baptism in Huron River, Baraga County, MI

When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:18-19

At times, I find myself a bit anxious. I think that we all do. I am not alone in that. I find the world a bit tedious. I also find it a bit reassuring that anxiety came even to the psalmist now and then.

Life can be a lot of work over things that really have no significance; over the small stuff. The book written by Richard Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... And It's All Small Stuff reminds us not to be stressing over the minor details of the day. There is just too much life to live to spend our days anxious about small stuff. 

May God help us all to stay focused on what is truly important and that which sustains us: the unfailing love of God for all people through Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Lord, My Helper, Is With Me

"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?"
Hebrews 13:6 NIV

Lately, it seems that an unusual amount of people are asking me if I am okay. Not, "how are you?" but, "are you okay?" That, I assume, is a form of greeting that I am not accustomed to. However, when I've replied, "I'm fine," that first question is followed up by another: "Are you sure?" (LOL) Of course, I am sure. I am a child of God. There is nothing that gets better than that. But, I'm beginning to wonder a bit about that follow up question. Are they just super concerned about my well-being or do they know something I don't know? Do I look sick? Am I acting depressed? Is there an enemy lurking about; yet, unseen by me?

It doesn't really matter. I know that my whole life is in God's hands. He has taken care of me my entire life. Nothing happens to me without Him knowing. There have been some really rough times; but, those rough times just helped me to learn to trust in God even more. There is no reason to be afraid of sickness, turmoil, friends, enemies, life, or death. He is my helper. I have eternal life in Christ.

Do not be afraid of anything the world may throw at you. The Lord is with you and for you. All who believe have already entered into the Kingdom, where Jesus reigns!

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. I do appreciate all of the concern. It is good to know that people care. I really am okay. God is with me and always will be.

The Power Of The Spirit Of Christ

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.

Gal 2:20a

"And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing

while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power."  1 Cor 2:1-5

Paul was not an uneducated man. Yet, he resolved to know nothing when he was with the people except Jesus. His focus, his thought, his talk was on nothing other than Jesus the Christ. He did not allow the fact that he was indeed a man of learning and of some status to get in the way of proclaiming the one thing that mattered most: Jesus Christ and him crucified. Nothing else mattered. His utmost concern was proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus the Christ.

Paul's ego died in order for the power of the Spirit of Christ to work through him. Our egos must also die if we truly desire for the message of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ to be proclaimed and heard and believed.

May it be, in all of God's church on earth, that whatever we say and do; it is done by the power of the Spirit of Christ who abides in all who believe.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Through The Valley Of The Shadow of Death

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

Psalm 23:4 NIV

My favorite Psalm, as it is for many, is Psalm 23. I pray it daily; sometimes a few times a day. There is so much chaos in the world that it can be most unsettling to wonder which path loved ones are following. Have they gotten themselves lost? Will they end up on the wrong path? Will they follow in the footsteps of Jesus into the Kingdom of God where they will know peace of heart and mind? Will they walk with God? One can never tell for sure.

The only sure thing I can do about these unsettling feelings is to pray this prayer of affirmation, trusting God to be with them and for them as He has promised even as He is with me. As I pray for my loved ones, I am sometimes reminded of Job who rose up early every morning to make offerings for every one of his children. Instead of burnt offerings, I lift up all whom I love to the Lord in prayer.

I do not fear for myself; for God is with me. But, I pray often that all whom I love will trust God to walk with them, guiding and comforting them.

May the Lord, the Good Shepherd, be with you always to guide you through the valley of the shadow of death.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Live Life In Christ!

Flagler Beach Sunrise

"Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." 1 John 5:12 NIV

So, it appears that many of the people around me are really concerned about taking care of themselves. They need; they want, to be happy. The problem seems to be; though, is that the harder they try the less happy they are with life.

There is only one way to truly be happy; to be at peace with one another and with God. That way is to live life in Jesus Christ. In him, you will find an abundant life. No matter what befalls you, Jesus will always be there for you. He is your true friend. He was willing to suffer and die for you that you might have life; abundant and eternal life.

If life doesn't seem to be treating you fairly; if your life isn't exactly going your way; give Jesus a chance. Live life in Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Wicked Are Like The Tossing Sea

Peace, peace, to the far and the near, says the Lord;
    and I will heal them.
But the wicked are like the tossing sea
    that cannot keep still;
    its waters toss up mire and mud.
There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked.
 Psalm 57:19-21

Always trying to stir up mud and mire; to create dirt and filth, there is no room for peace in the lives of those who plot evil.

Yet, for those who pursue peace; those who assist their neighbor in the pursuit of peace, will live in peace. Those who seek to live reconciled to God and to one another will know the peace that only He can give no matter what storms the evil doers would create for them. They will know peace because God is with them.

God's peace be with you all - Pr. J

Do You Want To Walk In The Jungle?

Do You Want To Walk In The Jungle

With Me?

Do you want to walk through the jungle with me? Those are the words to one of the songs on Up To Ten's website featuring Boowa and Kwala. It's a wonderful children's site with happy learning songs and games thanks to the characters Boowa and Kwala. When my eldest granddaughter was first learning to navigate a computer it was one of her and my favorite sites. It was a safe site; a wonderful place to learn.

Children need to learn how to navigate safely through the jungle of both the real physical world and the world wide web. Both can be dangerous places. It can be a jungle out there and personally, there are times when I think it would be safer to be navigating a jungle filled with alligators and creepy lizards, snakes, and bears. So I do offer to take young people in my family for walks in the woods now and then when I think it's time for them to get away from the other jungles for awhile.

The children of Israel wandered around in the wilderness for decades. They faced a lot of hardships and obstacles before they made it through to the promised land. But, God was with them along the way to guide them. He was the light that showed them the way.

We live in a pretty dark and shadowy world. We live in the shadows because the world refuses to stay in the light; to follow in the way, that God has provided to guide us to the promised land. The journey through the jungle would be a whole lot less intimidating if we would but remember that God is there with us and for us.

Thank you Lord, that even as we journey through the wilderness and the darkest of jungles; even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Thieves Cannot Sneak Into The Kingdom Of God; There Is Only One Way In

"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:9-10

There is a reason for walls. It is to keep one safe from many things that would harm us. Walls protect us from most storms; from beasts of prey; and from those who would steal from us or do us other injuries. We need walls; but, we also need gates or doors to enter in and depart when the time is appropriate. It would be very nice if we did not need them. If we could all live in peace with one another. But, that is not the reality. Thieves will find a way to go over the walls and through locked doors.

But, there is a door that is always open for anyone who desires to enter. For anyone who would knock the door will be opened. Jesus is that door. He is the gate to eternal life where there is peace and safety for all.

Even the thief can enter through this gate; if only he would. The problem is that the thief would prefer to enter in a way other than the way that he or she has been invited. However, those who would attempt to find another entry into the Kingdom, they will not be successful. There is only one way into the Kingdom of God. Jesus is the way. He is the gate through which we must enter the Kingdom of God. He is the way, and the truth, and the life. No one enters except through him. Anyone who desires is welcome to enter into the Kingdom where there will be safety and peace for all.

Thank you Lord, for opening the gate to eternal life. Help us to enter and live life in your Kingdom.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Here Comes The Sun

It's all right, here comes the sun.

One of my favorite Beetles songs was "Here Comes the Sun." It speaks of smiles returning to our faces when the sun shines. There are times in life when we are confronted with one challenge after another. Even when the sun is shining, there are times when we don't even notice because the challenges can bring a darkness that overshadows the sun.

But, the light of the Son of God cannot be overshadowed. His light shines in the darkest corners of the universe; in the deepest and darkest corners of our lives. When dark times threaten to overshadow you; rejoice! For, here comes the Son with his light to shine upon you!

“The Lord bless you and keep you;The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”

Num 6:24-26 (NKJV)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Be Filled With The Holy Spirit; not spirits!

"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Eph 5:18-19 NIV

A few members of the congregation that I recently began to serve have been asking to know more about me personally. Here's a "biggy." I use to drink. When I was young, I could party quite heartily. But, things changed. I grew up. I also came to have a personal relationship with God the Father; God the Son; God the Holy Spirit. I no longer drink. My partying is pretty much restricted to worshipping God; giving thanks to Him with psalms, hymns, and songs. I have found no greater way to celebrate life than to live my life in Christ and I have indeed sought other ways. They didn't work. They were paths that led to destruction; while the Spirit of Christ leads to life.

I did not get much sleep last night. Today, I have a full schedule ahead of me. There is a Bible Study in just a few hours; then worship; then a Memorial Service and a fellowship this afternoon. I did not get much sleep because I was concerned about the safety of my family. My son and his family have been visiting from Michigan. They have been staying at an RV park near us. Last night some very young adults rented the little cabin behind them. They thought it was a good idea to have a party that included a lot of underage drinkers. They built a bonfire out of pallets under the old Magnolia tree, which just happens to also hang over the camper my family was staying in. They loaded up four and more pallets on the fire. In order to make room for more pallets on the fire they would stand in the middle of the fire and dance on the pallets. The bon-fire was about ten feet from the camper that we own. The flames were coming quite close to the Spanish Moss hanging in the old Magnolia Tree. They decided to cut more wood on the site we had rented. The inebriated teens were asked to please stop and not put any more wood on the fire as there were children in the camper sleeping and it was a concern for the children's safety. They laughed. They were warned that the police would be called. They laughed again. The police came; but, not before the teens were warned that they were coming. Most of the really under-aged drinkers left before the police arrived. The police came. They had them dump out all of the alcohol. The police left. Someone went for more alcohol. They continued to drink and stoked up the fire once again. One young man threw wood and sloshed his alcohol against the camper.  Therefore; I did not get much sleep last night wondering if my family would be burned to death in their sleep because young people chose to get high on alcoholic spirits. Young people (yes, some legal adults; but, not legal drinking age) decided their right to the pursuit of happiness outweighed the well-being and safety of others. 

Over the years, I have come about as close to being a prohibitionist as one can be, without actually being a prohibitionist. I have seen too much depression; suicide; murder; drunk driving deaths; drug and alcohol overdoses leading to comas and deaths; physical and emotional abuse; deaths of very young people due to the toll alcohol and drugs take on body, mind, and spirit; just to name a few of the side affects, to even consider that abuse of drugs, legal or illegal, to be a good thing. A drink or two with friends is one thing; but, to endanger your life and the lives of others just so you can get drunk and act foolish is another. There are better, much better ways to enjoy and live life. And... so there you have it. Not a popular opinion; but, you did want to know a little bit more about me.

Do not be filled with the spirits of alcohol and other drugs. Be filled with the Spirit of Christ. In him, you will know a joy and a peace that cannot be found in chemicals.

May God fill each of you with the Holy Spirit so that you might celebrate life with hymns and songs of thanksgiving for the life that God has given you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Let The Children Come

People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Luke 18:15-16 NIV

I vaguely remember a Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign whose ads include something to the effect of "No one stands taller than one who stoops to give a child a present." It pictured a Marine in his dress blues kneeling to give a little child a gift.

I work a lot. Sometimes, I forget to take time out to have fun. But, a few minutes with a child is usually fun. Hours with them can be more fun even if by the end of the hours I may feel exhausted. Very few things are better than being around a smiling, bubbly, bouncing, child. There is no way (unless they are totally undisciplined) that I can keep from smiling, myself, when I am around children. One never knows what they might do or say. They keep life interesting for us older folks.

The disciples tried to keep the children from being close to Jesus. But, Jesus warned them not to put anything in their way that might keep them from him. "Let the little children come," he said.

Let the little children come to you and share the stories of Jesus so that they will have a greater knowledge and an even closer relationship with Jesus.

Let the little children come into your life and may the light of Christ shine upon you through them.

God's Peace - Pr. J

In God We Trust

"Even my close friend, someone whom I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me." (Psalm 41:9)

I use to be one of the most trusting people around.  Some would say naïve. I trusted everyone. I set myself up to be hurt. Sadly, the experiences hardened me a bit. OK, maybe, more than a bit. Eventually, I came to trust no one.  But, life's "hard knocks" turned out to be a good thing and after enough "hard knocks" I finally turned to the only one who can be trusted completely.  I finally got to a point where I realized that the only place I could place my trust was in God.  By trusting in Him, it is much easier to trust others because I know that no matter what happens, God is with me. Nothing else really matters. 

The good news is that once you recognize and accept God as the One in whom you can place your trust, then you will be free to love and serve others no matter who they are. When it is God whom we trust then peace will flow like a river and we can reach out, once again, without fear, to our neighbors.

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.  Amen and Amen. (Psalm 41:13)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Awesome God! Awesome Creator!

How many are your works, Lord!
    In wisdom you made them all;
    the earth is full of your creatures.
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.

Psalm 104:24-26 NIV

Sunrise, seems to me, to be the best time at the Beach. It is not too hot. It is not too crowded. There is lots of room for children to run along the shore. The shore is teeming with little creatures as well as various birds. Although, we cannot see them, the waters, vast and spacious are teeming with creatures beyond number; all created by God.

Let us give thanks for all the works of God for they are marvelous to behold.

God's Peace - Pr. J

A Blood Thicker Than Blood

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." 1 John 3:1

There is a blood that is thicker than blood. It is the blood of Christ shed for you. Jesus told us that the world would not understand those who believe. In fact, even as Jesus was persecuted, those who cling to this world will also fear, hate, and persecute Christians in various ways. Genealogically connected family members will even look with suspicion upon believing brothers and sisters. They, too, will join in the persecution of those who love the Lord. Families will suffer division.

But, the good news is that the family of God is reconciled to God and to one another for all time. There is nothing that can separate us from our Father's love which is found in Christ Jesus. (Rom 8:39) There is nothing in this world that can destroy the family of God.

There is a blood thicker than blood. It is the blood of Christ, shed on the cross, that binds us together as family.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Peace and Well-being

Pier at Flagler Beach

This is what the Lord says—
    your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
    who teaches you what is best for you,
    who directs you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to my commands,
    your peace would have been like a river,
    your well-being like the waves of the sea.

Isaiah 48:17-18 NIV

I admit it. I do not always go in the direction that the Lord would have me go. I intend to; but, sometimes I stray mostly because there are times that I just don't take enough time to really listen to Him. This is not a good idea. It ends up bad when I take my own advice.

Each day, for our own sakes and for the sake of others, we must take the time to pray; to really communicate with our Father in heaven. The time we spend with our Father should not be spent just asking for stuff or even in thanking Him. We ought to do these things; but, we must also listen to Him. It doesn't do us any good if we ask Him to show us the way and then don't listen or take His advice. 

Real peace and well-being will be much more abundant in our lives when we follow in His way. He knows what is truly good for us. Our ways don't turn so well.

May God help us to pay attention so that we might follow in His Way.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Greet The New Day

Sunrise on Flagler Beach, FL.

The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;

    where morning dawns, where evening fades,

    you call forth songs of joy.  Psalm 65:8

I'm a little bit late today. I was on Flagler Beach greeting the new day at sunrise with my granddaughter, who turned eighteen today. She is very excited about becoming a legal adult. A new day, a new era, has dawned for her so it was fitting that she should be up at 5:30 am so that she could begin her day celebrating with the rising of the sun.

My prayer for her is that she will always, every minute of every day, rejoice in the Risen Son, as well.

Let us all thank God for the new day that He has given to us through His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Happy Birthday, Cassie!

Birds Have Nests

"And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." Matt 8:19-20 KJV

Do you follow Jesus? Will you really follow him wherever he leads you? Are there things that you will not give up to follow him?

Jesus wants the scribe who desires to follow him to know that in order to follow him, he must be willing to give up everything in this world, including home and family. 

"And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead." Matt 8:21-22

May God help us to have the courage and strength to follow where ever He may lead us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Bored Much?

Tortoise at the Jacksonville, FL Zoo

This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Eph 5:14

This tortoise was born the same year as my husband and that is more than a few years. I cannot help but wonder how any living creature could deal with just lying around in the mud for that many years. 

God gave us life here on earth for a purpose. In spite of Solomon's lament that everything is meaningless; life has a purpose. God has a reason for all things. We are not tortoises or turtles. Let us rise up and live making the most of the gift of life that He has given us!

Have a blessed and fruitful day!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Training Required

James 3:1

Thanks be to God for dedicated and faithful teachers!

"The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher." Luke 6:40 NIV

Having trained and supervised many, I am aware that there are a minority of people who prefer not to be trained; not to learn how to do any right or well. There are people out there who simply don't care. However; having supervised the training of both paid employees and volunteers for close to forty years, I have found that the majority of people learn quite well when they are trained or taught properly and treated with respect. When businesses have to continually hire people week after week for the same entry level positions, maybe it's time for a change in the training department or management so that the cost of rehiring might be minimized.

When Jesus called his disciples, they followed him around for three years; watching and doing and learning. After he was crucified they still hadn't quite gotten everything they needed to know; so after his ascension to the right hand of God, he sent the Holy Spirit to continue to guide and train his followers. To aid in our respective callings training needs to be on-going. It does not end after one week or one hour of formal training. God doesn't quit teaching. So why do we?

May God teach us how to teach others in a manner that will be more beneficial to all.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Beginning of Wisdom

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
    To him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111:10 NIV

If the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; then it would follow that if one hasn't enough sense to fear or respect Him, then one has no wisdom at all.

On a personal note: if you make it obvious to me that you do not fear, respect, or trust the Lord; then please understand why I won't be taking your advice. I will not be following you. I do fear, respect, and trust Him to know that in His way is the only way I ought to be going.

Let us think on the things of God and all praise the Lord!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Later You Will Understand

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” John 13:7

When Jesus knelt down to wash his disciples feet, Peter did not approve or understand. That is the way with a lot of things that happen in life. Jesus assures us that God has a good purpose for everything that He plans. It may not always feel so good; but, in the end we may look back and smile as we comprehend how God used even things that felt hurtful to further His Kingdom.

May God help us to trust Him in all things.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. I'm sure there is a good reason I am so late in getting this out today... Just don't quite understand it all, yet.

Eternal Hope

“Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory." Hebrews 3:5-6

We are God's house! We are the children of God! May God help us to never give up the hope given to us through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus the Christ. In him, alone, is our hope for peace; for reconciliation in the eternal Kingdom with God our Father and with one another.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Calm The Sea

The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?” Jonah 1:11

I listened to the book of Jonah dramatized on You-Tube after my evening prayers last night. It is a fascinating story. What, indeed, shall we do when we feel as though the storm we are going through is about to take us down? Shall we attempt to make a bargain with God to save us? Shall we attempt to find the guilty party; the person or persons, that may have offended God and make a scapegoat of them? Shall we offer up a sacrifice to God? That is exactly what the men on the ship with Jonah did. They threw him overboard to drown in the depths of the sea. Only, he did not drown. He got another chance. He lived to continue on the mission that God had sent him on in the first place.

When the sea gets stormy and when times get rough, we don't get to make scapegoats of others. Because the truth is that we are all guilty. We all make mistakes. We all sin. We all, at times, by our actions or our inactions, put others in harm's way.

Justifying our own sins by blaming others will not erase our sins. We cannot and will not be able to appease or bargain with God by making someone else the scapegoat. The Good News is that the only sacrifice for our sins that is required has already been made by Jesus on the cross. With him and in him, we have died; and, have been born again. We have been given another chance and even another to live as a child of God; to go forth and continue in the mission God has called us to.

Let us go forth and proclaim the Good News that our sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus the Christ. Let us proclaim that, through him, we are reconciled to God our Father for time eternal.

God's Peace - Pr. J