By The Spirit's Power

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 NIV
Paul was not an uneducated man. Yet, he resolved to know nothing when he was with the people except Jesus Christ. 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: Jesus Christ and him crucified. Nothing else mattered. His utmost concern was proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus.

As we enter into a new year; may it be in all of God's church on earth, that whatever we say and do is done by the power of God's Spirit and not because we think that we are so important that it is we who can accomplish these things. Paul set his ego aside so that the Spirit might work through him. May it be so with all of us, as well.

Enter into His serve with a humble heart.

God's Peace - Pr. J

A New Day; A New Year Comes

"Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:16, 18-19

2017 begins in a couple of days. The days preceding the coming of the new year is typically a time to take stock of the previous year and plan for a new and better year ahead. It can be a good thing to remember where we have been and what we have done. We can give thanks for the good things and resolve not to repeat the bad things. Remembering the past can help us with the future. But, it is not always such a wise thing to cling to the past. Forget it. Forgive yourself and others. It is time to move forward. The Lord has a new life in store for all who may have lost their way this past year.

May God help us to follow in His way in this new year that we might celebrate life in Him.


God's Peace - Pr. J

Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:1-3 NRSV
Sometimes not allowing your heart to be troubled is a whole lot easier said than done. I spend a whole lot of time in prayer so that I can be reassured by God's presence that He is actually with me and with those whom I love. I spend a lot of time in the word so that I might be reassured of God's promise of eternal reconciliation with the One who loves me and the whole world enough to die for us.

As I consider what most troubles my heart, I find that it is concern for those who have not accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord. My heart is most often troubled with concern for those who do not follow in the Way. My concern is that their hearts will be indefinitely troubled. My concern is that they might never know Jesus as I know that there is no healing for the broken heart except in Jesus the Christ.

I can do nothing except for pray and continue to encourage, with the Word, those who do not follow Jesus to turn around and follow him.

My heart is troubled. Yet, there is still peace to be found in the promise of eternal peace in the home that Jesus has prepared for all who believe.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Enter His Rest

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matt 11:28 NIV

There are some days when I need more rest than on others. The older I get the more this seems to happen. It is not just physical rest. I need more and more spiritual rest as time passes. The troubles of the world can drag us down; not just physically, but, spiritually, as well. The longer we live; the more troubles we have seen and the more rest and times of refreshment are necessary to live fruitful lives. 

Consequently, I must spend much more time in prayer. I must spend more time in intimate communion with our Lord in order to find the rest that I need and to be refreshed so that I can enter into each new day with a servant's heart. I need this time in the Lord in order to be fruitful for the Kingdom of God. If I do not abide with and in Christ and Christ abide in me, I become a most weary and burdened creature. But, with and in Christ, all things are possible.

I enjoy serving God's people; but, forgive me if I enjoy being in the presence of God even more. It is necessary to be able to come into his rest.

May all whom God has called enter into his rest.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Water Necessary

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14

We need water to live. Anyone who has shown up in the emergency room to find out that they were dehydrated and needed much more water to be well knows the reality of our bodies need for water. One glass of water a day just doesn't do it. We need to continuously be replenishing our bodies with water.

When Jesus sat down near the well tired, the Samaritan woman had offered to draw water from the well for Jesus. (John 4:1-26) He took this opportunity to tell her that he could give her living water; water that would sustain her, not just for a few hours; but, for all of eternity.

Water, clean water, is necessary for life here on earth. But, Jesus, who provides living water, is necessary for the refreshment of our souls. This living water is necessary that we might live eternally in the presence of the very one who provides this living water.

Ask and you shall receive. Drink and you will thirst no more. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

My Eyes See Salvation

Mine Eyes Have Salvation In The Coming Of The Lord

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”  Luke 2:28-32 NIV

The struggle is over. Simeon's hopeful wait to see the promised Messiah was over when he held the baby Jesus in his arms. With his own eyes, he beheld the Lord. With his own arms, he held Jesus the Christ. His wait was over. Salvation had come. He was ready to depart this world in God's peace.

With the entrance of God incarnate into this world as a mere baby, salvation has indeed come to the world. I wait, many of us wait, for the day when all eyes will be opened to see the promised light that has already come into this dark world. He has come. Yet, many refuse to open their eyes, or their ears, or their hearts to the greater understanding that there is more. There is peace to those who see him. There is peace for those who hear him. There is peace for those who receive him into their lives.

For many faithful Christians, our struggles will be over, when all whom we care about can see with their own eyes the great love that God has for them and enter into his peace.

May God open the eyes of all who find themselves in darkness this day, that they might see and take hold of the salvation that has come to them in our Lord, Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Merry Christmas!

Christ Lutheran Choir

photo by: Al Blanks

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Today, we celebrate God incarnate! Today, we celebrate that the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince Peace has come to us, born into this world as a baby in a barn.

As you celebrate the birth of our Savior, remember that he is the only reason for the celebration. All that we are and all that we have are only thanks to the God who loves us so much that He would humble himself enough to walk with us, live with us, and not just for those years that he lived on earth as true man; but, eternally as our one and only true God.

Today we celebrate the Lord our God as we should every day!

Merry Christmas and may the peace of the Lord be with you always!

Pr. J

Go and See; Then, Go And Tell!

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:16-20 NIV

When the Shepherds heard the Good News from the angel, they rushed off to witness it for themselves. I'm praying, today, that the multitudes will rush off like those hopeful shepherds to go and see; to go and hear the Good News that will be proclaimed in congregations around the world this Christmas Eve and Christmas morning.  And, after they heard the message, after they went to the manger; then, they went and told other about what they had seen and heard.

Let us do likewise so that the whole world will know; unto us a Savior was born!

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

P.S. Worship at Christ Lutheran, 2323 N. State St., Bunnell, FL is at 5 pm today and 10 am on Christmas morn.

Listen To The Word!

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. Heb 1:1-2 NRSV I am always amazed by the number of people who rely on astrology or fortunetellers for a positive look at their personal futures. Sometimes, they are surprised that according to these false prophets their futures are not so bright. But, the Christian does not depend on reading the stars or listening to people who speak to the dead as these are forbidden by God. The Christian trusts in the word of God. He or she reads the word as found in the Holy Scriptures. The Christian listens to the Word who is Jesus the Christ.

In these latter days, God has spoken to us through His Son, Jesus the Christ, who is the Word made flesh. We know that in him and only in him do we have a future of hope.

If you are not worshipping with a community of believers; please, as a new year's resolution for yourself, find a local congregation to worship with so that you might hear the word of the only one who truly knows what the future will bring. He is the Word!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Be Not Afraid!

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11 NIV)

Fear not! Don't be afraid! We read an awful lot in scripture that we are not to fear. We are not to be anxious about anything. Angels showing up and bringing you a message of peace actually would probably cause a little anxiety just in the fact that angels have shown themselves to you.

Yet, in the midst of anxious times, we can have peace. The angels proclaimed to the shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2: 14) This peace that God brings is kind of amazing. As we grow in the LORD, we will find that we do know a sense of peace no matter what kind of chaos is around us. It may still be troubling, but we can be at peace knowing that God has a good plan for it all.

The point is sometimes things happen in our lives that might cause us a little anxiety; but, we should know that God is with us and in that knowledge we can know peace no matter what is going on in our lives. Can you imagine a pregnant young woman and the man she was engaged to traveling cross country to sign up to pay taxes? When they get to their destination there is no place for them to stay so they stay in a barn where the baby is born. Can you imagine sitting in a field with the guys watching the sheep settle in for the night and you have this heavenly host singing in the heavens? I'm thinking it was probably, at least, a little unsettling. Yet, the shepherds listen to the angel and go and see this baby that is to bring peace to the world.

Anxiety and peace - sometimes you can have them almost simultaneously. Being anxious about something is human nature; yet, in the midst of unsettling times, we can know that God is with us and we can His peace that surpasses all understanding. Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Why Is There No Room In The Inn?

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:6-7 NIV

What does this mean? What does this mean for you?

Traveling, Joseph and Mary found themselves without a place to sleep. In labor, Mary had no place to give birth except for in a barn.

When I first began traveling cross country alone so many years ago, I would just pull into a road side park, lock the car doors, and sleep when I became tired. I did not see a need to find an inn as I would only be sleeping for a few hours at the most. Today, this is not something that I would do. Today, I find an inn and sleep for a good five to six hours before I travel again. I do this not just because I'm aging and know that I need more than a couple of hours of sleep before I'm rested enough to drive; but, because today, it is much more dangerous to be sleeping alone in a roadside park. It's just not a good idea. It is also illegal in many areas of the country.

In the midst of the winter, when temperatures drop, my sense of what the homeless endure is heightened. What can be done for the homeless? In the north, where temperatures tend toward freezing and below, there are many towns and small cities without even one homeless shelter. There are no "inns" for them. Larger cities don't appreciate the homeless sleeping in tents or in makeshift shelters in their midst. Some even take away their tents or destroy their shelters. I get frustrated at the naivety of posts on social media that suggest we could build decent looking tiny, tiny houses for the homeless. That's a great idea. But, most of these suggested tiny shelters have no running water and would not be allowed in most of the country because of local zoning laws. We need to do more!

What is a world to do to help those who have no place to lay their heads at night? Why is there no room in the inn?

God's Peace - Pr. J 

The Journey Home

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. (Luke 2:1, 4-5 NIV)

Traveling to Bethlehem because of a government ordered decree to participate in the census had to have been a hardship on Mary who was very near her time to give birth. But, Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem because it was required by the emperor. Joseph and Mary were not the only families traveling to the home of the heads of their households; to the home of the lineage of the father. When they got to Bethlehem there was not even a room in the inn for them let alone a home. There were multitudes who had to make such a journey. It was surely a major inconvenience for them to drop any plans they had for their own immediate futures and make this journey. They were; after all, settled in various places throughout the land. But, they did it to fulfill the law of the land.

Christians, who are born again into the household of God, are also making their journeys home. We live in various places throughout the world; sometimes moving about, sometimes not. But, for all who believe, our journey will end in our Father's house in the heavenly realms. This journey home is not a requirement of law. It is a journey made by faith in the promise of a home prepared for us by Jesus. The journey will include some inconveniences. It will include some hardships. But, the promise of living in the presence of our Father in heaven every minute of every hour for all eternity is well worth the journey.

May God help us to stay on the road that will take us to our heavenly home.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Confession And Forgiveness

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.  (1 John 1:8-9 NIV)

Pretending that we have not sinned when we clearly have is a sin in itself. The inability to admit that we have sinned separates us from God and from one another. Reconciliation happens when we confess our sins and desire to be forgiven.

Willingly communicating that we are sorry for harming others opens the doors to the reconciliation that God desires for His children. It can be hard to acknowledge our part in bringing hurt to others. But, that is a first healing step for the ones we have harmed and for ourselves.

May God move us toward confession so that we might receive the forgiveness of sins and be made whole in the sight of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Realm Of the Spirit; The Abiding Presence of Christ

Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.  (Rom 8:8-10 NIV)

We often hear that someone is going to heaven because they are such good people. The reality is that without Jesus none of us are good. We are only made righteous because of his sacrifice on the cross for us. Without faith in him and in the power of his blood, we cannot be made righteous. 

No matter how many good works one might strive to do, unless Christ abides in you, your good works will not please God. The Spirit of Christ is knocking at the door of your heart. God does not desire for anyone to be lost. Open the door! Let him in! Let the Spirit of Christ abide in you that the whole world might know of his love and his peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Do Not Be Afraid To Do His Will

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  Matt 1:20-21 NIV

Joseph was quite concerned about what he should do about Mary. Should he put her away quietly? Should he expose the infidelity that surely must have occurred in order for her to be with child? He was concerned. He was worried. He was fearful. What to do? Joseph did what the angel of the Lord directed him to do. He took Mary home as his wife, believing that what was conceived in her was God's will. He was not afraid to do the will of God.

Are we afraid to do His will? Are we afraid that we might become publically humiliated if we confess the name of Jesus to those who do not profess the same faith? Are we afraid that we might fail? Do not be afraid. God has a plan for the good of all who love Him. He is with us always and He will see that His will is done.

Do not be afraid to do His will. Do not be afraid to share the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, for God is with you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mary's Song; Our Song

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. Luke 1:46-47, 49 NIV 

Mary's song ought to be our song. He hears our prayers and He answers. But, He has done and continues to do so much more than we can even imagine or ask for.

Mary was indeed blessed to be chosen to be the mother of God. What a fearsome and awesome gift that must have been. Yet, we are also greatly blessed in that God is with us always. That gift to Mary is also a gift to us.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this."
                                    (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Let us rejoice and be glad for our Savior has come and his Kingdom shall never end. May all of our souls glorify the Lord and our spirits rejoice in God our Savior and King!

God's Peace - Pr. J

We Will Soar on Wings Like Eagles

Even youths grow tired and weary,    
    and young men stumble and fall;
    but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

                           Isaiah 40:30-31

Advent can be a very busy time; a time to prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior. It has also become a very secular season as people rush to purchase gifts or plan get-togethers with family, friends, even strangers. But, it is also a season where many people find themselves grieving over the loss of a  loved one who is not there to celebrate the Advent or Christmas seasons with them. Advent can bring much weariness to both the body and the spirit.

But, for those who actually believe in the Lord, Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate, there is hope. There is much hope in him. As we place our lives, our futures, in his hands, our strength is renewed. He will pick us up; fill us with the Holy Spirit that we might soar on wings like eagles.

God grant you peace and joy this Advent and Christmas season in the knowledge that God is with you and for you in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mary Listened!

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:26-28

Mary was a bit astounded; but, she believed the angel. When an angel went to Joseph with the news; he was more than a bit astonished; but, he listened and he believed the good news. A virgin shall bear shall bear the son of God. Hmmm....

Can you imagine an angel showing up and delivering such a message of good news! Would we recognize the messenger as an angel? Would we believe the good news? The reality is that God sends us messages of good news all the time. We can read it in the Holy Scriptures. We can hear it during worship. Oh, yes, your pastor and many of your friends, even strangers, probably deliver the message of good news to you all the time. Do you take the time to listen or do you shut the door on the good news for you? And, if you listen do you believe?

Open our ears Lord that we might hear the Good News of the Kingdom. Open our hearts, Lord, that we might joyfully receive the Good News that we have heard.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Standing Inside The Fire

Cassie Standing Inside The Fire
Photo by Uncle "John Arthur Photography"

"And I will put this third into the fire,    
    refine them as one refines silver,
    and test them as gold is tested.
They will call on my name,
    and I will answer them.
I will say, 'They are my people';
    and they will say, 'The Lord is our God.'” Zech 13:9

When she was younger, I called her Sassy Cassie. She can still be a bit sassy. She, as most of us do, has fought the refining process as well as she could. Thankfully, God is patient and loves all of his children continuing always to soften our hearts toward Him that we might live abundant lives in Him. The refining is not easy on the person that is being refined or on anyone around them. But, it is better to withstand the fiery ordeal of refining then never to step inside those refining fires. It is better to withstand the refining process while young so that as we grow old, we can joyfully say, "The Lord is my God."

For most of her life, I have reminded Cassie to "live life." Life is much more pleasant when we get up and actually experience the awesome life and all the gifts that God has given us. Focus on truly living life in Christ and you will know joy and peace.

Garth Brooks reminds us in his song:
     Standing outside the fire 
     Standing outside the fire 
     Life is not tried it is merely survived 
     If you're standing outside the fire

Do not fear the refining fires. God is with you even in those fires. Live life!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Where's The Cave?

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them." Luke 2:6-7

It has been snowing in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It appears they are getting lots of snow for Christmas. Will I be missing the white Christmas? No! I just had a cup of coffee in the Florida room and am wearing a sun dress. I do not miss the cold. What I do miss is some of the symbolism that is to be found in the older Lutheran Churches. I am especially missing the cave!

Christ Lutheran, Bunnell, FL is a relatively new congregation; a little more than ten years old. We have a lovely sanctuary not quite as old as the congregation is. It was designed to give more space as most of the new church spaces are created to provide space to move around in. But, I miss the cave. You know, the cave; the arched doorway that stands before the altar in many of the older churches. This arched entrance may have many meanings to many people. It may simply be beautiful architecture to some. But, for me this doorway has always been a symbol of how Jesus came into the world. As true man, it has been suggested that, he was born in a cave used as barn. It has also been a symbol of how Jesus left this world as true man. He was buried in a cave that was used as a tomb. His body was laid on a shelf. His sacrificial body was laid on that altar. Yet, he did not stay there. The cave could not hold him. He lives! That is Good News! I am missing those symbols that remind me of that Good News this Advent Season.

The Christmas tree is lovely. There are some awesome chrismons that remind us of who Christ was and what he did for us on the tree in Christ Lutheran's sanctuary. But, most trees in the community, are quite secular in nature and just don't have the essence of what Christmas really is celebrated for. There are blow-up Santas and reindeer in yards. They really don't add to the meaning of Christmas for me. I have to dig really hard to find any Christmas cards that even refer to Christ. Christmas is about Christ. It is not about us so much as it is about what Christ has done for us. God was willing to come into this world in humble fashion to live as one of us and then to die for us. Christmas is not about glitz and glitter, tinsel and toys. It is about the greatest gift given to humankind, Jesus the Christ. His mother did not have a private room in a private hospital. His mother had the floor of a barn. In humble fashion Jesus came into this world as true man and in even more humility he left it.

We have a beautiful sanctuary. But, I confess that every now and then I miss the comforting humility of the cave, knowing that the light of Christ shines brightly in that darkness. Where did the cave go and why is it gone?

God's Peace - Pr. J

I Am Is Who He Is

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." Isa 7:14

The incarnation of God, as foretold by Isaiah, as foretold by Isaiah is not such a great mystery as some would make it out to be. Jesus; after all, is God. God can do what He pleases. He created the heavens and the earth with His Word. He confused the language of the people at Babel. He brought the Israelites out of bondage to Egypt. The list of the awesome works of God goes on and on.

God can do whatever He wants when He wants. He is God! He wanted to save the whole world from ourselves so He came to earth, born as a baby in a barn, so that He could walk in our shoes. As true man, He faced the same temptations as we face and overcame them. For about thirty-three years, He lived life as one of us so that when He was killed by us, He might also save us by His death and by His resurrection.

Many say this is a great mystery. But, just because we can't comprehend every detail of the incarnation of God does not mean it is a great mystery. A mystery is something that we have to figure out. We don't have to figure anything out. It is as plain as the noses on our faces. God is God. He is who He is. He can do anything and all things. That is not a mystery. It is also not supposed to be a secret. So, go and tell. Go and tell the world that our Savior, Jesus the Christ, who is God incarnate, has come to set us free to be His own beloved children.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Listen

"The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him." Deut 18:15 NIV

I am not always sure of what congregations expect of a Pastor in today's world. I celebrated the 20th anniversary of ministry to Lutheran congregations this year. One of my first mentors, that many years ago, informed me that included in my unwritten job description was this: "comfort the afflicted and afflict the too comfortable." Comfort the afflicting meant sometimes sharing the message of God would not be taken so kindly by everyone.

Now, prophecy in this context is not about being able to read fortunes or someone's future. Prophets of old were men (and sometimes women) who most often warned people that they needed to change their ways and live according to God's good will for them. Prophets of old did not speak to please the "itching ears." (2 Tim 4:3) They spoke to please God and in doing so to help others to be in a right relationship with God.

Afflicting the too comfortable is simply warning people when they begin to lift up their own abilities to maintain a viable congregation or their own status above trusting the Lord to grow His church. And, that is a major point. It is His church, not ours. We are members of it; but, the church and we as members of it belong to Him. Afflicting the too comfortable happens when pastors and other shepherds remind the flock or members of it that they are worshipping false gods. Sometimes, the false gods end up being the church building. Sometimes, they are our own egos, as we stand back and look and say: "See what I (or we) have done. Isn't it marvelous!" forgetting that without God we can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Sadly, too often, those who are too comfortable are too comfortable in the affliction they bring causing others to be uncomfortable. Yes, I am talking about bullying; I am talking about persecution even within the church.

Pastors are called to point out harm that is being done to others; to the Body of Christ, within faith communities, so that the church on earth might serve God and all of God's people, in unity and in peace. It is not optional for a shepherd to step aside while the sheep are being hunted down by wolves in sheep's clothing. (Matt 7:15)

May Almighty God open the ears of all His children so that we might know His good will for all people and empower us by the Spirit of Christ to follow in His Way.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Remain In Christ To The Glory Of God

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:5,8 NIV

Apart from Jesus we can do nothing. One of the first questions we might want to ask ourselves is what it is that we want to do? Jesus did the will of our Father in heaven, opening his arms on the cross; opening the Kingdom to all who would believe in him. Is our purpose to further the Kingdom of God or our own little kingdoms that surround us. Is the purpose of what we would do to glorify ourselves or to glorify God? If it is to glorify God then we must remember that without Jesus we can do nothing. We must abide in him so that he through us might continue to bear fruit, serving our Father by reaching out to a world in desperate need of being reconciled to our Father and one another that we might live in his peace.

Jesus said that he is the vine and we are the branches. A branch that is cut off from the vine will lie on the ground, dry up, and die. It will be good for nothing except to be burned in the fire.

May God help us to remain in Christ and Christ in us that we might bear much fruit bringing glory to God for without him all of our good works are like the branch that has fallen from the vine, good for nothing.

God's Peace - Pr. J

One Way

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

There is only one way to the Father. There is only one way to be reconciled to God. We who are steeped in sin are not worthy to be children of God. Yet, God loved us so much that He was willing to give His only begotten Son to die for our sins. Our sins have forgiven by the blood of Jesus. They are forgiven and we who were estranged from God are now reconciled to God through the sacrifice of Jesus for us.

Thanks be to God that there is a way to the Father. Thanks be to God that Jesus was willing to suffer and die that we might be children of our heavenly Father.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Lord Prevails

But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.  2 Tim 4:17-19 NIV

As Christians; as followers of Jesus, our primary mission here on earth is to proclaim the Kingdom of God in Jesus the Christ. The devil doesn't care for that mission much. He will do anything and everything to thwart those attempts. He will attack individuals. He will attack congregations. He will attack entire communities and countries. But, the devil, with all of his minions, will not prevail. The Lord stands at our side and gives us strength so that through us the message might be fully proclaimed giving all people the opportunity to hear it and rejoice in the Lord our God to whom belongs all glory for ever and ever. 

The devil may attack us through many means. But, no matter what the means, the devil will not prevail. Do not fear. The Lord will rescue his children from every evil attack and bring us safely to his heavenly kingdom.

Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Clothe Yourself With Good Things

"As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." Col 3:12 NRSV

We are not to be doormats. We are to stand firmly on the truth, which is the Word of God. Jesus, and in the end his disciples, did not back down from the truth. They stood firmly on God's Word and on His promises.

But, neither are we to be bullies asserting our personal rights over the rights of others. Paul encourages the Colossians to treat one another with compassion and kindness. We are to try to have empathy for others; to, as the saying goes: "walk a mile in the shoes of others." We are to listen to all sides with humility; humbling ourselves so that we do not put our needs over the needs of others, and with empathy so that we can act with compassion and kindness to those who are suffering.

May God reconcile us to Himself and to one another, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Gate To The Kingdom

Jesus is the only way through the gate into the Kingdom of God.

He is the gate.

Live life in the Kingdom. Live life in Christ.

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 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 7:9-10

So who are you going to listen to? Whom will you follow? The thief or the one and only one who can give you abundant and eternal life. Jesus is that only one.

I find it very wearisome to have to keep explaining to the same lost sheep over and over again that they have been and are following a thief; a false shepherd, rather than the one who will lead them to our Father's home. These thieves; these false shepherds, that scatter the flock are nothing more than false gods. False gods cannot help you. There is only one God who can lead you into the Kingdom where you will know true peace and joy. You will know it in His presence.

I may find proclaiming the same message; the same warnings, to the same people, for decades wearisome. Yet, I will not let up for I know that the only way for them to truly experience life to it's fullest is to experience it in Christ. They must enter the Kingdom through the gate, who is Jesus the Christ, in order to truly live life.

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deut 6:4-7 NIV

Do not let the thief come in to steal you away from your place in God's Kingdom. May God grant you the discernment to know who would lead you astray and ultimately destroy your life.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Lift The Veil!

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 2 Cor 4:3-5 NIV

It is sad thing when loved ones cannot see the light of Jesus the Christ; when they cannot catch a glimpse of his glory. I am often asked, "why?" Why can they not hear? Why can they not see? If only they could know the joy that comes with knowing our Lord and Savior! We yearn for our loved ones to know the love of God through Jesus the Christ. Yet, it does not happen. The god of this age; the world, itself, seems to have blinded their minds and we hope and we pray that God would open their eyes, their ears, their hearts, and their minds.

Be persistent in prayer for those who live in darkness and proclaim the gospel that reveals the glory of Christ. I have heard way too many sermons that preach about the preacher's life. That is not to say we cannot talk about the journey that God has brought us on. But, our proclamation can never be about us. It must be about what God has done for us and for you. When we preach about our own works we hide the work of Christ with a veil so that others cannot see the true light who is Jesus the Christ. When we proclaim our own good works; others will see only our egos, which only enshrouds the truth with darkness.

We are not the light; although, the light (hopefully) shines through us as we are the servants of God. Jesus Christ is the light and it is him alone whom we are to proclaim. No one can go to the light if they do not see it. Pray for those who live in darkness and do not hesitate to proclaim the Kingdom of God through Jesus the Christ that the veil might be lifted and all might live in the light and the glory of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Bread Of Life

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 NIV

There are an awful lot of people in this world who are hungry and thirsty. It is not just for food or water that sustains the body that they are in need of; but, for the bread of life, who is Jesus the Christ. They are spiritually hungry and thirsty. Yet, they are not sure what it is that will satisfy this hunger or thirst.

It is up to those who believe to bring to them not only bread and water that will sustain their bodies; but, that which will satisfy their hungry hearts and souls. It is up to us to share the Good News of the Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ that their spirits might be refreshed for all eternity. 

The Kingdom of God is not just for those who believe today; but, for all who would believe.  And, how shall they believe if they have not heard this Good News? According to St. Paul, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." (Rom 8:17)

May God help us to feed all who are hungry, whether it be for physical or spiritual food, that they might turn and believe and live life most fully in Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Stay Away From Temptations!

On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. Matt 14:6-12

Herod was just a little worried (maybe a lot worried) that John the Baptist spoke the truth when John condemned Herod's divorce from one woman and his subsequent marriage to Herodias, the ex-wife of his half-brother. Herod was afraid that John was indeed a prophet and servant of God. Although, Herod wanted to keep John from stirring up trouble against him, he did not want him executed. But, carried away with excitement over watching his step-daughter dance for him, Herod promised to give her whatever her heart desired. Her heart's desire, was her mother's heart's desire: the execution of John the Baptist.

We need to be careful as to how impressed and excited we get with the things of this world. Before we know it, desires of the heart may have carried us to a place that we never intended or wanted to go. We can get caught up with temptation without even realizing it until it is too late and what we would not desire to do has already been done.

The best way out of these situations is to not enter into situations that will tempt us in the first place. Do what is right because it is the right thing to do. Do what is right because it will glorify God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Advent And Hope In The Good Shepherd

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep." John 10:14-15 NRSV

Advent is a time for waiting; for watching; for preparing. However, the secular world has made Advent into a time when everyone is suppose to be happy. I have nothing against people being happy or celebrating. But, for many of our brothers and sisters, happiness is not a major part of the Advent season. In fact, for many, it is just the opposite. Advent is a time when many are drawn to thoughts of loved ones who are no longer with them. The empty chair at the table draws them into even deeper sadness. Many families will take out "Christmas" loans, if they can get one, in order to provide their children with gifts, simply because this is the tradition of the world. They do not want to disappoint their children and so they will go even deeper into debt so as not to disappoint them on Christmas morning. Did I mention the parties? No? Hmmm.... Well, the trouble that comes from all that "Christmas Cheer" speaks for itself. More trouble... More depression... More loneliness... More divorces... More deaths and empty chairs to grieve over during the next Advent and Christmas seasons.

Advent can be a very lonely and depressing time for many. The world thinks we should be happy, happy, happy; so smiles mask the emptiness and sadness; because that is what is expected, by the world around us.

Advent; though, is indeed a time for hope. But, there is little hope if we expect the world to give us the answers. The only hope to be found is in the good shepherd. He is humble and he is kind. He is not full of things of this world. His concern is for you. He will care for you. While the world is busy worrying about "things," Jesus is there for  you. He is with you; watching over you. He loves you enough to lay down his life for you. What greater gift can there be than having someone love you so much they would give their all; even their life, for you?

May God help us to see as the Good Shepherd sees and to live as he lives caring for others enough to be with those who are hurting; those who are alone; those who are in any need, not just this Advent season; but, all year round.

God's Peace - Pr. J