Do Not Fear That Old Snake

Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.” But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. Acts 28:1-5 NIV

The other evening, I was walking around the yard barefoot, as is a habit of mine. People keep warning me about it. But, I don't pay much attention to them. As I walked under the tree in the front yard I heard something drop to the ground in front of me. As I put my foot down to take the next step I felt it slither out from under my foot quickly . It was one of those snakes that the neighbors and my husband had been warning me about. No, it did not strike me nor did I crush it's head. But, that old snake took no time in disappearing.

The snake has become symbolic of temptation as well as the evil one. Unfortunately, we all succumb to temptation from time to time. We get just a little too close to temptations. Often, we don't even see him coming before that old serpent is upon us. Sometimes he's come and gone before we realize that we've accepted his invitation to stray from The Way.

There was no avoiding that viper by St. Paul. He had no way of knowing that it was in the fire. But, it doesn't sound like he panicked; doesn't sound like he screamed. He just shook it off and continued as if it was nothing. Because it was nothing worth getting excited about.

It is sometimes difficult to see temptation as it advances. There are things we can do to avoid confrontation with the old snake. But; sometimes, it cannot be helped and when temptations do come it is best to send them quickly on their way. Don't play with them. But; neither, let them cause you to tremble in fear.

There is no need to fear. By his death, Jesus overcame the power of sin, death, and of the devil. When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit that the serpent had convinced them they should eat they were kicked out of paradise. But, paradise was opened for all who would believe when Jesus died on the cross, in our place, for our sins.

The serpent did not escape consequences for his part in this turning their backs on God.

So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this,

“Cursed are you above all livestock
    and all wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
    and you will eat dust
    all the days of your life.
And I will put enmity
    between you and the woman,
    and between your offspring and hers;
he will crush your head,
    and you will strike his heel.”

                                  Genesis 3:14-15

Jesus crushed the head of the serpent when he died on the cross, descended into hell, and rose again; taking away the power the evil one had over us. Do not give that power back to the serpent by yielding to his whims. Neither should you fear that old snake. Jesus has crushed his power over you.

May the Lord, keep us from straying; delivering us from all temptations and all evil.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Lord Contends

But this is what the Lord says:

“Yes, captives will be taken from warriors,
    and plunder retrieved from the fierce;
I will contend with those who contend with you,
    and your children I will save.

Isaiah 49:25

Every morning I pray: "Contend with those who contend with me" and "Open the eyes and ears and hearts of all whom I love so that they will be saved." Like the persistent widow these requests have been lifted up daily for years. I am confident that my prayers are being answered. Even though it doesn't always appear to be so; even though others may think at times that the battle is lost; I know that the Lord hears my prayers and answers according to His good will for all people.

Yesterday, at our book study we discussed the "prayer of the forsaken." One of the biggest fears of many parents is to loose their children to the evil one. It is heart-breaking to watch them fall of the path and so we pray and then we pray some more for them to turn back to the One who can save them.

Last night as I was listening to various sermons on YouTube, one of the preachers spoke on this verse from Isaiah. He reconfirmed my belief that God is with all who believe for their and their family's good. He will contend with those who contend with us. We do not have to contend with them. Stand firm, yes. But, fall back, no. Stand firmly on His word confident that God will contend with the evil that threatens to destroy our families, all whom He loves.

May God help us to stand firmly on His word. He is no less for us, than He was for David, our rock, our fortress and our deliverer; our God is our rock, in whom we take refuge, our shield and the horn of our salvation. He is our stronghold, our refuge and savior - from violent people He saves us. (2 Sam 22:2-3)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Hidden Treasure Revealed

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.  Matt 13:44-46 NIV

Last night, my husband and I had a very nice, quiet dinner at a little place called "Hidden Treasure." It is located under the bridge on the intra-coastal waterway off of Moody Blvd in Flagler Beach. One can eat indoors or out. The fish fry was good and so was the service. We will most definitely go back, again. It is, indeed, a little hidden treasure.

On Sunday afternoon, we had dinner at Christ Lutheran Church, Bunnell, FL. That meal was better than good. It was great! As wonderful as the food was, the company was even better. We had invited the Baruch HaShem congregation, that meets for worship in our facilities on Saturdays, to join us for dinner. Wow! Just wow! The treasure was not hidden as we gathered with our brothers and sisters in Christ. The entire conversation was about Jesus! Imagine that? Christians sharing their love of the Lord for over an hour! There was no talk about the economy or presidential elections or football. It was all about Jesus! There was only rejoicing in what he has done for us. They have found the hidden treasure, the pearl of great price and truly want the world to know about this Kingdom of God given for all through the blood of Jesus.

There is no greater treasure than the love of God through Jesus the Christ; for through him we have received life in the presence of God, in His Kingdom forever. The knowledge of that treasure is not to be hidden. Share that treasure with those you love. Share it with the stranger and all whom you encounter.

Rejoice and share the Good News of the Kingdom. It's not suppose to be a great secret hidden from the world; but, revealed to the world for the salvation of all of God's children.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Experience Peaceful Waters

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters." Psalm 23:2

Some of us really enjoy green pastures and still waters. It is a place where we can experience God's presence and His peace more fully. Others do not do not appreciate it so much. Others prefer the chaos so often found in the world.

Like a descended, the things of this world often attempt to descend upon the glory of God's Kingdom so that we cannot see or experience clearly the gift of peace that comes with following Jesus. But, God is always there for us; to lead us out of the fog and into His glorious light.

May God grant that the fog be lifted for all who would believe that we might live in His peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Do Not Insult The Spirit Of Grace

Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three

witnesses. How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:28-31

It astounds me how anyone who knows about God would blaspheme His name with words too unimaginable to mention here. The Spirit of God is a Spirit of grace. God wants only good for all people. Yet, many will never accept Him; many will never get to know this Spirit of grace. They may know about Him; but, they refuse to get to know Him. 

Personally, I am really tired of hearing God's name taken in vain. I am really tired of hearing such horribly vulgar language. But, it doesn't matter that I am offended. It is a grave matter, though, to offend and fall into the hands of the living God. To use our Lord, Jesus the Christ's name in conjunction with such vulgarity is really asking for trouble to be brought upon one's self. Does no one really understand that it is not a good thing to blaspheme the Lord's name? It is a very dangerous thing! "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." Ex 20:7

Let us pray for all who would treat the Lord as nothing; even less than nothing.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Your Sins Are Forgiven!

The power of sin has been destroyed.

"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." 1 John 2:1 NIV

It doesn't hurt to be reminded that we are to refrain from sinning. We are to refrain from doing anything that would separate us from God and one from one another. But: sometimes, we can get so caught up in pleasing one another that we do not realize that what we are doing to please the world around us is actually sin. We fall into the trap of saying that what is sin is not sin because it becomes so commonplace. Sometimes, we need to be reminded that what we are doing is sin.

Justifying our sins or the sins of another when they fall off of the path by saying "there's nothing wrong with that" or "everyone does is doing it" does not make it right. The only way things we can be right with God our Father is through the Son who for our sake was willing to suffer and die on the cross that we might be forgiven our sins.

For the sake of the Righteous One who on the cross suffered and died, destroying the power of sin, death, and of the devil, Our Father hears our prayers and answers. Your sins are forgiven!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Persevere

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36

Believe me, there are days when I'd like nothing better than to just throw in the towel. But, I don't. I wake up the next morning and ask God, once again, to carry me through the day and to be with, guiding and protecting, those whom I love. Life can be rough for all of us. Intentional sin can make it rough not just for ourselves; but, for everyone who loves us, for everyone around us. There are consequences to sin. There are consequences to breaking the law and they are usually not nice consequences. But; even then, if we turn back to God, He will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Reluctantly, I read the news online this morning. Again, mass murders! What in the world is wrong with humanity? I guess, I may have just answered my own question. We have a tendency to follow in the ways of the world, turning away from God.

Without the gift of being able to be in God's presence, trusting in Him, I would have no hope for the world. But, He gives me the confidence to keep on praying for the people I love, for people that I don't know, even for the whole world trusting that He has a good plan and knowing that in the end His will will be done.

Help us, Lord, to keep from throwing in the towel and to trust that your good will will be done for all whom we love.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Tongues More Dangerous Than Alligators?

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:7-8 NIV

All kinds of evil comes from uncontrolled tongues. We all speak way too hastily, at times; out of anger, out of lust, out of greed; and damage, even death, to self and others is the result. But, when we have time to think about it, it would be wise to not open our lips if we are going to spew forth venom. It benefits everyone when we do not open our lips to speak lies. We are given the command not to bear false witness against our neighbor, so then why is it done so often and so intentionally?

Why? Why do politicians and other leaders, who most often claim to be Christian, insist on speaking falsely about others and about themselves? Can they not control their tongues so that riots do not ensue? Peaceful protests are a way of speaking what is on our hearts and minds. They can be used to reveal the truth that is being hid by those who would twist the truth with their tongues. But, there is a difference between a peaceful protest and a riot. Riots kill. They destroy the property and even life. They inhibit the rights of individuals. Genuinely peaceful protests do not destroy. They are means of speaking the truth in love and in unity. Apparently, not everyone understands the difference.

When my granddaughter came home from work last night, she had to stop to wait for an alligator to cross the road. He was moving pretty slow. She's young and it's a little difficult for her to wait for anything. But, with the alligator there is no choice. He gets his way.

For, at least a few minutes every day, I sit in the backyard and watch the alligators who lives there swim about. I feel much more at peace with the alligators as it is way less dangerous watching them play than to listen to a politician or leader of any profession who will lie and falsely speak ill of others for their own benefit to the detriment of the whole world around them.

May God help us to tame our tongues so that we might live in a little more peace and unity.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Respecting, Accepting Others

"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Rom 15:7

It seems that I encounter an awful lot of people who expect me to accept them just as they are; but, refuse to accept me as I am. There are more than a few who actually will not look me in the face. They either look away when speaking to me or down at their phones. Now, I completely understand that within some cultures looking in someone's eyes is considered inappropriate. However, I have been around long enough to know which cultures those would be and most of the people whom I encounter that will not look at me when we're speaking don't fall into this category. Disrespect and general unwillingness to accept others as they are comes in many colors.

Disrespect toward others and the unwillingness to accept and support others happens not only among those who do not know Jesus as well as among those who purport to believe in him. Respect really ought to be a two-way street for anything fruitful to come of it.

Paul exhorts the Roman Christians to accept and support one another. Now, wouldn't that be nice if Christians decided they could all, at least attempt, to get along! It doesn't matter what church you go to. It doesn't matter what denomination you belong to. There is only one Church and that is the Body of Christ. All members of the Church should be welcomed in any church and welcomed warmly as a brother or sister in Christ. Yes, there are theological differences. But, the bottom line is will you really disrespect anyone who believes that Jesus died and lives again?

It appears inevitable that many of those who do not know Jesus will never accept those who do, just as they are. Jesus did warn us: "You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Matt 10:22)

May the Spirit of Christ teach and empower us to respect, love, and support one another in order to bring praise to God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Listening To Advice

The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.

Prov 12:15 NIV

Not all advice is good advice. Just because it feels good doesn't mean it is good. It is painful to watch someone whom we care about following the advice of those who are lost and hitting bottom themselves. It is difficult to witness anyone intentionally following those who are going down a path that leads to destruction.

The truth is that there is very little that we can do about it. We cannot make them change directions. We can give them advice as to way the Lord would have them go; but, often, they will not listen until they learn in a very hard way what it means to truly be lost and alone when one has chosen to follow in the ways of the world and have turned their backs on God.

The one thing that we can do is to pray for them; pray without ceasing and may the Lord, our God open their hearts and minds that they might listen to Him and follow in The Way.

God's Peace - Pr. J

I Just Want To Go Fishing

"The Fisherman" as our granddaughter nicknamed our friend, Eddie "DJ" DeJesus.

This photo was taken the last time we saw him before the Lord called him home.

     Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
     “No,” they answered.
     He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish."
                                                                                                                                         John 21:4-6

I just want to go fishing! I ordered a small Jon boat a week ago so I can go fishing or crabbing or just floating down the creek so I can take in the beauty of it all. I spent much of my youth fishing with my parents and whether I catch anything or not is besides the point. I am actually a really lousy fisherperson. I rarely catch anything. I just want to be able to float around on the water and experience the quiet: no TV's, no radios, no electronic noise at all.

Most of my time is spent fishing for people. That is what Jesus told his disciples they were going to be doing when he asked them to leave their nets and follow him. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Mark 1:17) They did exactly that. But, as we read the gospels, we will find them, from time to time, even after they began to follow Jesus, fishing for fish as well.

So, I am waiting on my small boat to get here. I'll keep on fishing for people. After all, I don't know any other way to live. But, I'd kind of like to go fishing for fish, as well.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rejoice And Give Thanks For Answered Prayers

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24

It is said that we ought to be careful what we ask for when we pray to God because God does deliver the answer to the prayers of the faithful. Sometimes God's answer is a bit different than what we had intended. But, all of the time, no matter what the answer is, it is for the good of His children.

On my way home from worship yesterday, I suddenly burst out laughing as I realized that God was answering one of my prayers. It was hard to recognize it at first because He's not answering the prayer request in the way that I had intended. But, He is answering it in His way and it will be a very good thing when it comes to fruition. I have not yet seen the end result; but, I do believe that I have received the request of my lips for His children here in this community.

During the last couple of weeks, I have witnessed one answered prayer after another and each and every time another prayer is answered, I cannot help but smile (more like laugh out loud) and give thanks to God for hearing me and answering in a way that will benefit those who love Him.

Let us give rejoice thanks to the Lord for answering the prayers of our hearts for all of His people; for the whole church on earth.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Value Others Above Yourself

Youth Choir at Zion Lutheran, Skanee sing to

help children in need at the Toys for Tots Concert.

According to their calendar, this year's concert at Zion is on Sun, Oct 30 at 2 pm.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

The world around us just seems to work a whole lot better when we look out for each other. We are not to be considering our own desires before the very real needs of others. They, in turn, ought to be looking to support us in our needs. Some call it is karma. Others might say that they have each others back. Others, still, call it love. Love is truly the summation of the law and the prophets. Without this loving concern for the welfare of others the world is in chaos. Look around you. Is your world filled with loving concern for others or filled with dissension because everyone is putting their selfish ambitions before the love of God and neighbor?

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matt 7:12

May God fill your life with caring neighbors even as He empowers you to be a good neighbor.

God's Peace - Pr. J

High Places

"The Sovereign Lord is my strength;

    he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

    he enables me to tread on the heights." (Hab 3:19 NIV)

"The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places." (Hab 3:19 KJV)

It has been many years since I read, "Hinds Feet On High Places," an allegory, written by Hannah Hurnard. The journey of Much-Afraid and her friends Sorrow and Suffering, as they follow Shepherd to the high places, where they will walk as on hinds' feet, takes them through many dangers.  It is a long journey. They must have patience. They must have persistence. But, in the end, they (we) will dance in the presence of God. 

This is a familiar story to many of us as even daily we journey through many difficult times in anticipation and the hope of the promised land.

Just as Habakkuk prayed and waited patiently for the LORD to deliver God's people from the enemy, from the many dangers that surround them; we, too pray and wait patiently (sometimes not as patiently as at other times) for the LORD to deliver His people from the turmoil and dangers they encounter as they journey through the dark shadows of the valley of death.

 

The Lord is our strength. With Him we shall walk through dark valleys to the high places where the light does surely shine. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Fall Off The Crooked Path

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
    but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
                                                             Proverbs 10:9 NIV

When my youngest granddaughter was very young, she would sometimes attempt to blame others for things that occurred. I would simply tell her that her nose was growing in reference to the Pinocchio fairy tale. She would grab her nose and then tell me what had actually happened in an attempt to keep her nose from growing. She's not buying that story (my exaggeration and falsehood)any longer. Fortunately, I think both of my granddaughters have figured out that I can figure out when they are exaggerating to make themselves look more innocent. I cannot always prove when someone is telling me a falsehood. But, that does not mean that I don't know.

I have found that most often those who choose the crooked paths of deceits will be found out. They either fall of the path or simply loose their way and those who love them have to try to find them and bring them back even as the Good Shepherd would do and would have us do. The bringing back often involves confronting the lack of integrity; the out right lies, the gross exaggerations that were used to justify their actions and to make others look like the ones in the wrong.

It is not just children who take the crooked paths and choose to walk without integrity. They usually learn it somewhere outside of themselves. Politicians, businessmen and women, churchmen and women (and the list goes on) all have a tendency to look after themselves and if a little deceit helps our goals then that seems to be the best path at the time. But, is it? For some reason humanity just hasn't been able to figure out that those who walk without integrity will be exposed. We haven't quite figured out that no matter what we've done; trying to justify our actions or inactions with lies, only gets us more lost. We will eventually fall off that crooked path and lose even ourselves.

May God help us always to speak and act with integrity. Help us to speak the truth in love.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Speak The Truth

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 NIV

So here's the bottom line, to the best of my ability and with the help of God, I will not compromise the Word of God. Jesus said:  "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) I will not preach another way. I will not agree with you, in order to gain your favor or to add mere numbers to the church on earth, that there are many paths. I will not encourage the false teaching that we can be saved by anything other than faith in the one who lived and died and lives again for us; that is Jesus the Christ, our Lord and Savior.

If I refuse to speak to please "itching ears," I lose nothing. You lose nothing. The truth is to our benefit. But, if I acquiesce, both of us will find ourselves in danger of losing eternal life. No matter what the consequences the world might bring by pleasing God rather than man; nothing could be worse than losing our eternal souls if we chose the way of the world before His Way.

With the help of God, I will follow in The Way for I cannot live and would not choose to live without Him.

May God lead us in the way, the truth, and the life of our Lord, Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Every Eye Will See

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Cor 13:12.

My hearing is slowly leaving me. My eyes see more dimly as time passes. Yet, the truth is that as I age the light of Christ seems to shine brighter and brighter each day. That's a good thing!

As with so many of you, my hope is not in this world; but, in the Kingdom of God, where we will see, face, to face, our loving Father who has received us to Himself.

Life lived in this world can be fraught with loneliness, pain, and suffering. It can very much be a place where confusion reigns. However, for those of us who have been granted to see even dimly the Kingdom of God in Christ Jesus, we can know peace as we look with hope for the day when we will know fully the awesomeness of Almighty God; when we will see Him face to face. We look to the day when every knee will bow before the throne of God. (Rom 14:11)

“Look, he is coming with the clouds,”
and “every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him”;
    and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”
So shall it be! Amen.

Rev: 1:7

God's Peace - Pr. J

Love One Another

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8 NIV

I just finished reading an article about crime in Chicago that saddens me greatly. Almost 3000 people have been shot so far in this year of 2016. That amounts to about one shooting every two hours. The number includes little children.

What can possibly motivate a society to be so unsympathetic and hateful toward one another that our crime rate is so terribly high? There are way too many motivations to count them all and no one but only God can know the real reasons why. We spend much time pointing the finger and blaming others, the past, our environment, the schools, parents, and the list goes on. Instead of trying to fix blame on the past events; how about if we try to change the future?

How about if we listen to the admonition of St. Paul?
   Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 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. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
   Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
   Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  Romans 12:9-21

We can always point the finger at others; but, as the saying goes: "If you are not a part of the solution; you are a part of the problem." Or, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."

God's Peace - Pr. J

Transparency

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Heb 12:13

Transparency... That word has been used an awful lot lately. The problem is we often apply it to someone else's attempts to cover up their true motivations. It makes me weary spending so much time attempting to discern the truth when people work so hard to hide it. I am of the nature that when I feel I am being lied to, I take the time to confront the lie so we can get to the bottom of it and get on with what we are called to do: live life in Christ. I need the truth to live and Jesus, by the way, is the truth.

We cannot be of any real help to anyone if we don't know what the problem really is. Half-truths (which are lies) just compound any issues that need to be dealt with. "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." 1 John 1:8

As Christians, we are to be transparent and that goes for politicians who claim to be Christians. The people whom are actions will affect deserve to know the truth. Transparency with the people we are called to serve is a good thing. It is the honest thing. It is the godly thing.

We can hide our real motivations and even think that no one knows. But, God knows. The one to whom we will give account knows all of those secret motivations and actions that we think we've been able to cover up. Not only does God know; but, the actions of those who attempt to hide their evil plans are in reality known by others who have a sincere desire to seek the truth.

May God help us all to be more transparent in what we say and do so that we might be able to serve God and all of His people more faithfully, to the glory of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Where Does My Help Come From?

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

Today is one of those historical days that will not be forgotten. The tragedy of 9-11 shook this country. It was a day when many of us realized how vulnerable we actually are. There were changes in security protocol every where we went. Security was analyzed and assessed in all parts of our government. Those changes probably helped avert more attacks like this one. But, we must confess that no matter what we do, we cannot stop the evil that threatens. We can try and we must try because the evil one will keep on trying, as well. We must all be diligent and we must be able to trust our governing officials to also be diligent in their desire to safeguard the security of the people of this county. 

Even as we wondered how such a thing could happen; how no one in the government could foresee the events of that tragic day; many turned to the only One who can bring about real peace. Churches saw an increase in attendance following this horrific day as they recognized the need to trust God for help. He and only He can ultimately save us.

And.. then, with time, those visitors began to withdraw, once again, from worship. The reality is: we face evil every single day. Where will our help come from? It comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Let us rejoice and give Him all honor and praise.

May our heavenly Father guide our leaders to put the interests and safety of all the people before their own interests and may all of the people of God put their trust in Him for He alone can save us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Walk In The Light

"Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."  Eph 5:10-11

You're in a bind, again?! We all get in binds sometimes. We can step right into traps without even considering where we're placing our feet. Sometimes we step into those dark places on purpose thinking that we're not going to get lost or trapped.

Here's a suggestion from St Paul. "Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord." Quit working so hard at trying to please the world. You will just find yourself in darkness. Seek the Lord while he may be found. Seek out what will be pleasing to the Lord and you just might find yourself walking in the light and participating in His life; real life.

May God guide you in His light.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Teach Us To Teach By Example

Psalm 119:30

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance." Titus 2:2 NIV

The Bible verse for the day from Bible Gateway is from Titus 2:2. I'm not trying to pick on older men. But, I wanted to remind all of us, men and women, who especially fall into the "senior" category and claim to have known Jesus for most, if not all of our lives, that we are to be examples to younger persons and newborn Christians.

So, I am using this verse to teach us all and to remind us that through not just our words; but, our actions, as well, we teach others what it truly means to take up our cross and follow Jesus.

May God help us to live lives worthy of God, who calls us into His kingdom and glory. (1 Thess 2:12)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Fill Us Up, Lord!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. Rom 15:13-14 NIV

More than a few times over the last few decades, I have heard the lament that congregations are aging and there are just too few people to do the ministry of the church. Hogwash! I don't buy that excuse for not joyfully participating in the ministry that we have been called to. I am just not accepting of that story.

Of course, we are all aging. Everybody ages. But, that does not mean that the Spirit of Christ cannot continue to minister through us. Even the five-year old is aging. As we age; as we mature, we may receive different gifts to serve. No matter what age, we can all still serve in various ways. It might be as a prayer warrior in your recliner at home or as an usher or reader at worship. It might be that we are called to visit shut-ins. There are just an infinite number of ways in which God might call and empower us to minister to others. When I hear things like we can't do this or that because there are too few of us willing to serve and we're all too old, it brings be great pause; because in fact it is not we who does the work of God; but, Christ who abides in us who does these things. And, we ought not be thinking that there are too few of us. There are many. But, we need to acknowledge that Christ works through others as well as ourselves and be very careful about building up walls that might hinder the ministry of others within the church. It does not matter how old or young we are. It doesn't matter where we come from. The Spirit of Christ abides in us and we in him. How can we do anything but serve the Lord and the people around us?

If we're busy trying to sustain the congregation or church on earth under our own power, we are all in trouble. We cannot do it and deep down in our hearts we know that. We become afraid that because of our own inabilities the church on earth is on a decline.

Do not be afraid! It is not in decline! Jesus began the church on earth with twelve men and one of them a traitor. Do we really believe that what started with twelve disciples and in 2000 plus years has grown to what it is today, through the shedding of much blood and many tears, that God would let the church fold? We must remember, though, that those first disciples did not go out into the world until they received the promised Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit they could do nothing. But, with the Holy Spirit they were empowered to go forth to bring the Good News to all people. They were filled with hope no matter what adversity they faced.

May God fill us with the Holy Spirit and with His power that we might continue with hope to that which we are called; to instruct others in The Way of Jesus the Christ, that they everyone might enter into our Father's presence in His Kingdom.

Fill us up, Lord!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Jesus Is The One We Proclaim

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. Col 1:28 NIV

Is he? Is Jesus the one we proclaim as the Christ? We cannot have any other gods. We cannot lift up anyone or anything else above him. As a church; as members of the Body of Christ, we can proclaim only Jesus as our savior. No one and nothing else can save us from ourselves or from any other power that comes to deceive and destroy us. Without the Messiah, we are lost.

It is only in Christ that we have real life. May God help us to teach and to learn with all due diligence and wisdom so that together we may fully mature in Christ.

Put away your teachings of false gods so that everyone may grow into the fullness of Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

His Home Is With You

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." Matt 14:23 NIV

It would be good, indeed, if we could obey every one of Jesus' teachings. This can be most difficult as he teaches us to love our Father in heaven above all things and our neighbor as ourselves. He teaches us to turn the other cheek. Human nature takes over and sometimes (no, often) our egos take over. We all fall short of following his teachings. We know this and daily go to him, asking our Father's forgiveness, being renewed by his promise of love and faithfulness, even in our feeble attempts to obey his teaching to love even as he loves us.

Because he loves us so much that he was willing to die for us; we love to listen to his teachings and strive to follow them even as we are reassured that the Lord is with us to guide and help us. If he was for us at Calvary, he is for us even now.

Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him,
    we will also live with him;
if we are faithless,
    he remains faithful,
    for he cannot disown himself.

2 Tim 2:11, 13

He is faithful! Thanks be to God for He has come to make his home with us and is with us now and always, even to the end of the age!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Live Life In The Light

“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;    I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
    to be a covenant for the people
    and a light for the Gentiles,
to open eyes that are blind,
    to free captives from prison
    and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness."

Isaiah 42:6-7 NIV

One does not have to be sentenced to prison in a dungeon in some far off corner of the world to be sitting in darkness. There are so many ways in which the world chooses to cloak itself in darkness. When eyes are closed to the hurtful things that are done to others; when hearts are closed to seeking justice; we choose to live in the darkness of unrighteousness.

Isaiah prophesied that one would come bringing a light into the world; opening our eyes to see, freeing us from life in perpetual darkness. He has come.

"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us." 1 John 1:5-10

Live life! Live in the light of Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Light Has Dawned

My son's family at sunrise on Flagler Beach, FL

"Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
    the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan,
    Galilee of the Gentiles—

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."

 Matt 4:15-16

What better way to start a new day than by celebrating the light of the sun as it comes up over the horizon? Maybe, to celebrate the light of Christ that has dawned upon the whole world?

All around us is darkness. Step out and into the light! "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." Isaiah 60:1

Have a blessed day.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Our Father Will Direct Our Ways

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. John 48:17

God indeed will direct us in the way that we should go. If only we would listen to Him! 

When I left home at a very early age my father cried. That was not the path he would have chosen for me. Young people often follow in ways that their parents would not choose for them. Sometimes, it turns out for the good; sometimes it doesn't. Parents are human and they make mistakes, too. They do not always know what is best for their children. But, most of them do want their children's lives to turn out well; for their children to live in peace and in safety and even prosperity. The intentions of most parents are good; but, not always.

We have a Father in heaven who actually does know what is best for us. He directs us in the way that we should go. Listen to Him! Follow in the way that He directs you to go so that all may be well with your soul.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Spirit Goes Where It Goes

"You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:7-8 NIV

Well, it is raining. The wind is blowing. Who knows when the winds of "Hermine" will end? She's been tracked for a while now and no one has been sure where she would actually go until she went.

So, it is with those of us who have been born of the Spirit. Not even we know where the Spirit will take us from day to day or hour to hour. I had plans today. I was to teach a class on preaching. I'm thinking since we are in a tropical storm warning and all the state offices and schools are closed in the county; it's probably not a good idea to ask others to be driving today.

But, of this I am sure: It's all good! The Spirit will lead us wherever the Spirit of Christ wants us to go.

May God help us to follow.

God' Peace - Pr. J

Smooth Talk And Itching Ears

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. Rom 16:17-19 NIV

We've all heard them; those who, with smooth talk, teach and preach a false gospel. It is not any different today than in what it was in St. Paul's day. There is one way to tell if something proclaimed to you is the truth; know the scriptures: read them, study them, and hear them. The message proclaimed to us through the prophets is found in them. The fulfillment is found in them. Do not let your itching ears lead you to believe smooth talkers whose aim is not to glorify God; but their own egos. It is neither wise nor safe to accept any doctrine that cannot be supported by scripture; scripture supports scripture.

Read your Bibles daily and have a blessed day; a blessed life in Christ Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

P.S. Join us as we hear the Word at worship at Christ Lutheran every Sunday morning at 10 a.m.. However, we do begin our day at 8:45 for Adult Sunday School. We are presently studying the book of Romans. You are welcome to join us!