Listen And Follow For Your Own Sake

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
    and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
They are a garland to grace your head
    and a chain to adorn your neck.

My son, if sinful men entice you,
    do not give in to them.
If they say, “Come along with us;
    let’s lie in wait for innocent blood,
    let’s ambush some harmless soul;
let’s swallow them alive, like the grave,
    and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
we will get all sorts of valuable things
    and fill our houses with plunder;
cast lots with us;
    we will all share the loot —
my son, do not go along with them,
    do not set foot on their paths;
for their feet rush into evil,
    they are swift to shed blood.
How useless to spread a net
    where every bird can see it!
These men lie in wait for their own blood;
    they ambush only themselves!
Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain;
    it takes away the life of those who get it.

Proverbs 1:8-19 NIV

                                             

It is so disheartening to hear the daily news.  It is as if all regard for not just others; but, for themselves as well, has been lost to this generation. I am not speaking of just our young people. Many elderly, as well, are arrested and convicted daily of crimes against others. It is not only strangers or neighbors that they hurt. But, they throw away their own lives and hurt their families as they commit crimes in attempts to fulfill their worldly desires. I am pretty sure that at least a majority of them think that they will never be caught; that they will not end up spending their lives locked down in a cell. The paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain takes away even the life of those who get it.               

There are riches worth having. They are more pleasant than any thing found in this world. Seek the Kingdom of God. It is a free gift from God to all who would believe.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for all who believe.  (Eph 1:18-19a)

God's Peace - Pr. J.                                                                                                                                         

Shepherds Will Be Accountable

Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock.  Ezekiel 34:7-10 NIV

How many times have we heard that children have no respect for adults; that there are so few with any kind of work ethic in this country; or that we have too many "entitled" people living in this country?  We blame the high crime rates and the poverty in this country on anything and everyone else; but, ourselves. We blame it on the schools. We blame it on the government. We blame it on Madeline O'Hare or maybe even Darwin. The truth is none of these are to blame for the lack of faithfulness and consequently the lack of morals or ethics in this country. The church is. The shepherds need to stand up and take accountability for the false teachings that they have promulgated.

If this country is and was actually a Christian Nation then why have Christians stood back while all these things we claim to detest become so predominant? Who was teaching and preaching the way of the Lord and his promises to those who believe in him? Who was and is standing on the Word? I don't mean the word that's been twisted around to please the itching ears of the people for that is exactly what has led to the sheep being scattered and wandering about lost in the first place.

I remember even as a teen-ager wondering why pastors taught something contrary to the word of God. Yes, even discerning teen-agers can know when a pastor is being faithful to the Word and when he or she is telling stories to ensure his or her salary; his or her pension; his or home medical insurance; and, the list goes on. This is not a new thing. It has been going on for a very long time; even before the time of Ezekiel.

The Lord reminds us over and over again throughout scripture to beware of false shepherds who have left the sheep to become food for wild animals; to become prey to a world who would overrun and destroy them.

It is not the governments fault nor even Madeline O'Hare's fault if the shepherds stood back accepting another truth and preaching the same. It is no one's fault; but, our own if the shepherds would not stand up and on the Word of God. If you're upset because the cross or nativity scene or even the ten commandments cannot be displayed in public consider this:  As a Christian are they on display in your own yard; in your own home; even at your place of worship? Christians should not expect the world to conform to traditions, or ethics, or morals, or to walk in the way that Jesus would have us go, if we, ourselves, are not willing.

If you feel that Christians are losing ground in this country; if you feel the church is diminishing, ask yourself if you are going to be part of the problem or a part of the solution. Who do you think that the Lord is going to hold accountable for leading so many astray?

May God fill not just the shepherds; but, the sheep, as well, with the Holy Spirit so that we might be empowered to stand fast on the Word of God and proclaiming it faithfully to all of the world.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Respect Civil Authorities

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. (Rom 13:1-4 NIV)

Concerning Civil Government.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For the power which exists anywhere is ordained of God. Whosoever resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Rom. 13:1-4.

Book of Concord; Luther's Small Catechism/Table of Duties

 

We see more and more disrespect for our elected officials and public servants as each year passes. Unless, it clearly goes against the word and the will of God there is no excuse for the public to persecute these men and women so unjustly. I am old enough to remember a time when whether we particularly liked our president or not, we still respected the office of the President of the United States and we showed it. It's not all that apparent today. There are peaceful means in place to replace them. If the majority wants someone out of office they will use those means. We do not have to become so ugly that we look like bullies to do it.

 

A person gets stopped because of a possible traffic violation and instead of cooperating they choose to disrespect the person stopping them by refusing to cooperate. A neighbor reports unruly behavior and instead of responding calmly to the officers or possibly protective service workers who show up at your door; they are met by all sorts of disrespectful attitudes and behavior. That is surely not God's will. Those men and women who are responding to the call are there to ensure that you and all of your household are safe and well.

 

It is not God's will that we should set ourselves in such a high place that we think that we are above the law of the land. The law of the land is not just for everyone else. It is for all people. It is not God's will that we should act like uncooperative bullies; but, to use the system that has been set in place for the good of all people. Use the system to try to change the system if it needs changing. Violence against others is not the way to get what you might want. Those who would encourage other than peaceful protests that result in harm to others as well as the property of others go against the will of God. He is the provider of all. We don't get to destroy the property of others and still say that we are doing God's will.

 

God's will is for the good of all people; not just for you; not just for the few.

 

May God help us to live peacefully in the land.

 

Pr. J

No Idolatry; No Adultery

After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. With a mighty voice he shouted:

“‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’
    She has become a dwelling for demons
and a haunt for every impure spirit,
    a haunt for every unclean bird,
    a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.
For all the nations have drunk
    the maddening wine of her adulteries.
The kings of the earth committed adultery with her,
    and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries.

                                                                                   Revelation 18:1-3 NIV

Adultery and idolatry; what is the difference? There isn't much difference. Unfaithfulness is a hallmark of both. 

Whenever we make a commitment to someone to put them first in our lives and then place other things before that commitment, that is adultery. It does not have to be a sexual liaison for it to be adultery. Football or fishing or gold or alcohol or drugs or money or  multitude of other things sometimes edge their way into our lives causing us to be unfaithful to those whom we have committed ourselves to love and care for.

If we say we worship the one true God and then put any thing before our commitment to love and serve God, we commit idolatry.  Unfaithfulness in our committed relationships with others or with God is adultery and idolatry.

Being reconciled, through the blood of Jesus to our Father, is about being in a committed relationship. God our Father committed His only begotten Son so that we might live in and with Him. God, the Son, committed His life to death, that we might live in and with Him. God, the Holy Spirit, commits us to be our help and our strength so that we might live in the presence of this perfect Triune God for all eternity. It's a pretty one sided commitment though. God desires that we should worship Him. He is faithful to us. Yet, we are not faithful to Him. We promise to be faithful and then we go off and serve other false gods committing adultery and idolatry as lovers of Babylon the great harlot.

The angel in John's vision warns us to come out of her while there is still time; for when that final day comes neither the voice of the bride or the bridegroom will be heard in her again.  (Rev 18:4-5)

There are those who would judge that there are many and various levels of adultery and idolatry. I am pretty sure that God sees these many levels that humankind has concocted. If you dip just your foot into a cesspool you will still get dirty.

I am not aware of anyone who doesn't put themselves or others or things of this world before God from time to time. We are all idolaters and adulterers; forsaking the beautiful gift of reconciliation, life with our God, for reconciliation with the pleasures of this world. But, just because we do, doesn't mean we should. When we confess Jesus as our Savior, we make a commitment to him. We make a commitment to the one who was willing to commit his life to us. Even though we have turned our back on him; he did not turn his back on us.

Babylon the Great is sure to fall. May God help you to not fall with her.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Avoid Vengeance

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." (Lev 19:18 NIV)

Revenge is a waste of both time and energy. Avoid any thoughts of it. There is not enough time in this world to waste it on someone who is so negative that they would hurt you at any opportunity. Step away if you must. Do not give them room to hurt you. Keep your conscience clear so that you might go about enjoying the life that God has given you. Do not fill your heart or mind with those things that will rob you of your peace. Revenge only creates more drama. If you want to live in peace let the Lord who is Almighty handle your enemies. Vengeance is His. We must focus on living life in Christ.

"'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.'" Rom 12:17-19

May God give you the wisdom and courage to let go and let God take care of your enemies so that you might live in peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Sabbath Rest

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."  (Exodus 20:8-11 NIV)

I woke up this morning realizing that I actually rested on the Sabbath for a change. Over the years, I have purposely tried to keep the Sabbath; but, I there is usually work or something that needs to be done every Saturday. Yesterday, God blessed me with a day with real time to spend time with Him and in private devotion to Him. It is a good thing for us to be able to keep the Sabbath.  Sometimes, we are able to keep the Sabbath on Saturday. Sometimes, we are not able to. Whatever day we are able to rest in the Lord, it is important that we do so. God rested on the seventh day from all of His work. We need to find a time and a day to rest from our work as well.

Years ago when my husband was logging, every now and then, he would get this crazy idea that he would have to work on Sundays instead of going to our place of worship. It never failed! The equipment would break down and he'd lose even more time fixing it, as well as a whole lot of money.

When confronted by the Pharisees and the teachers of the law about healing a man and his disciples picking some heads of grain to eat on the Sabbath, he said, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” and "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." In Mark 2:27, he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

I don't believe that my husband was being punished for working on Sunday. But, the reality is that we need to find time to rest in the Lord. Working seven days a week is just not good for anyone. Things happen when we get tired and worn out. We make more mistakes than usual. God gave us a day of rest and the best place to rest is in Him.

The Sabbath is a gift to us. May God help us to be good stewards of our day of rest and use it wisely.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Quit Scheming And Live Life

Solomon's search for wisdom; his search to discover the theme of things, seems to have left him just a little depressed! "Frustration is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart." (Eccl 7:3 NIV)  From my own experience, frustration is not better than laughter. But, there is a time and a season and a place for both. Frustration, indeed, my help you to grow as you face the challenges before you; but, laughter lends itself to healing of the mind, the body, and the soul. It is good to do each in the appropriate time and place.

"Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked? When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future." (Eccl 7:13-14)

We will encounter both the good and the bad times in our journey here on earth. No one gets to be "happy, happy, happy" all the time and no one should be living their lives in constant sorrow or depression. "Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes." (Eccl 7:18b)

Solomon tested all things. With the wisdom he was allotted, he attempted to discover the scheme of all things. But, in the end here is what he found:  "...God created mankind upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes." (Eccl 7:29)

The search to figure out why humankind would work so hard their whole lives at scheming to make others so miserable is futile. Searching out the evil purposes of humankind will lead to depression. That is simply what we have chosen to do and only God can know why. God, and maybe each of us can search out our own hearts to figure out why it is we, personally, do so much scheming. We should search our hearts and our own minds, repent, and live the life that God intended for us to live, as children of His heavenly kingdom. Live life!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Renewed Strength

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 NIV

Life brings us a lot of challenges. They can seem overwhelming at times. There are even times I'd like to throw in the towel and walk away from everyone and everything. The only thing that can keep me going in times like that is faith in the unfailing and unending love of God. However, that faith must be nurtured. If I were to neglect studying and hearing God's word daily; if I did not spend many hours a day in prayer; my faith would fail me. I would surely fall. I depend on God's word and His promises for my very life.

In order to find the strength and desire to meet the day and any challenges the day might bring I turn to God's word and His presence. I need to be able to talk to him and listen to Him and trust Him. I need to be with the One who I can trust to truly lift me up above the challenges and sorrows of this world. 

We all grow weary and weak at times. Trust in and lean on the One who does not grow weak for His strength never fails Him or us. He will give us the strength to meet the challenges of the day ahead. Trust Him! 

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Are You Listening?

"Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise." Deut 6:6-7
I do a lot of teaching and preaching of both the law and the gospel both at Bible Studies and at Worship as well as out in the community and at home. But, there are times when I just have to shake my head and wonder if anyone is listening? Do they not understand that there is only one true God and that God is almighty; all powerful; all loving; all merciful? It is not wise; it is not a good thing to worship other gods; to put anyone or anything before our Creator and Redeemer. I simply have a difficult time understanding how anyone would refuse to love and serve the only God who can save them from sin, death, and the power of the devil. How could anyone not love someone who was willing to die for them?

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart." Deut 6:4-6

May our Father in heaven, forgive us for not loving Him as we ought; for not loving Him even as He loves us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 91

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
You will only observe with your eyes
    and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.

                            (Psalm 91 NIV)

May the Lord our God be with you now and always to save you from the times of trouble and deliver you to the safely to the shelter of the home that he has prepared for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

World Or Your Soul?

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

(Mark 8:36 NIV)

Life in this world is short. In Christ we have eternal life in the presence of God. I cannot help but wonder why anyone would exchange the fleeting pleasures of this world for the eternal peace found in the Kingdom of God. Are all of the false idols; all of the ill-gotten gains; all the reprobate pleasures, really worth the condemnation of your soul?

Jesus said, "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it." (Mark 8:35) What does this mean!? It means simply this: that you are willing for your desire for pleasures in this world are put to death so that you might live in the most desirable place: in the presence of God; in His Kingdom. Your ego must die in order for Christ to live in you and you in Christ. If you truly want to live life then focus on the Kingdom of God rather than the temporary pleasures (which in reality are not genuine or lasting pleasures) of this world.

Are you willing to lose your soul; are you willing to forfeit eternal life in God's presence; to gain the things that you desire in this world? The priority; the main thing; must always be Jesus the Christ and his Kingdom.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Our God; Not Idols

"Some will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’;
others will call themselves by the name of Jacob;
still others will write on their hand, ‘The Lord’s,’

and will take the name Israel.

“This is what the Lord says—
Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty:
I am the first and I am the last;

apart from me there is no God."

(Isa 44:5-6 NIV)

Herein, we find the promise of God to call people who were not his people. He will save those who belong to Him. He promises to bless them and their descendants, pouring out His Spirit upon them. 

Through the lips of Isaiah, God once again reminds us that He is God. He is the creator of all things. He reminds us again how worthless false idols are. They are fashioned, created, with the minds and hands of mere mortals. How, then can the created create something greater than God who created the world and all that is in it?  It's a puzzle, that man could delude himself so, But, he often does.

Worship the Lord Almighty, our King and Redeemer and only Him!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Armor of God

Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."  (Eph 6:11-12 NRSV)

 

Sometimes we forget that the battle is not against each other; but, against the spiritual forces that attack every one of us. We forget and when we forget we forget to pray even for our enemies that they might change (repent) and receive the peace of the Lord so that we all might live in peace; so that we all might live in the joy of His presence.

 

Yes, the evil one does manifest himself in humankind and we do find ourselves in conflicts and wars. To protect those who cannot protect themselves there are times that we must engage in physical warfare. But, even in those times the spiritual warfare must be paramount. We can never forget to wear the armor that the Lord has provided us. We are to at all times and in places wear the belt of truth, a breastplate of righteousness, shoes to help us go out and proclaim the gospel of peace, the shield of faith so that the evil one's arrows will be thwarted, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God). Even as we venture forth wearing this armor we should always and in all places remember to pray. Pray in the Spirit that we do the Lord's will and not our own. Pray that God is with us; that, the battle might be won and that the devil have no power over us or any whom God loves. 

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Crash Helmets and Cheap Grace

Grace is not cheap!

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Heb 12:28-29 NIV)

Reverence and awe; what is that? One of my favorite authors is Annie Dillard. In her book "Teaching a Stone to Talk" she wrote:

"It is madness to wear straw hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews. For the sleeping God may wake someday and take offense, or the waking God may draw us out to where we can never return."

Sometimes, I think that we have probably forgotten who God is. We forget that He is Almighty. We forget that He is the creator of all things. We forget that He who gives us life can also take it away. We seem not to be able to grasp the concept that because He is so great maybe he deserves a little more respect than we give to Him. Maybe, we should pay a little closer attention to His Word.

Over time, the church on earth, in order to grow her numbers, offered up what the German theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, called "cheap grace. " In his book "The Cost of Discipleship" he wrote:  

"Cheap grace is the grace we bestow upon ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline. Communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate."

It is a wonder to me that so often I encounter Christians who think just because Jesus died for all people that all people would be saved. This universal salvation is lie of the devil to please the itching ears of the world. It leads many down the path of destruction. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6 NIV) Universal salvation is nothing more than cheap grace. 

On the other hand, Bonhoeffer wrote:

"Costly grace confronts us as a gracious call to follow Jesus, it comes as a word of forgiveness to the broken spirit and the contrite heart. It is costly because it compels a man to submit to the yoke of Christ and follow him; it is grace because Jesus says: 'My yoke is easy and my burden is light.'"

and

"It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his Son: 'ye were bought at a price,' and what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us. Above all, it is grace because God did not reckon his Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but delivered him up for us. Costly grace is the Incarnation of God."

Yes! Yes! Rejoice for our God loves you so much He was willing to die for you. Sing praises like you mean it; because, hopefully you do mean it. But, let us also understand that we are in the presence of God at all times and in all places. We represent God here in this world. If Christians will not worship Him with reverence and awe; who will?

God is; after all, Almighty. As Lutherans we teach of the first commandment in the small catechism:  

   Thou shalt have no other gods.

   What does this mean?--Answer.

   We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.

I am well aware that many in the church today teach that we should never fear God because of His great love for us. We are taught that we shall all be saved. Yet, Jesus tells us: Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

and...

"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." (Luke 12:4-5)

Who has that authority? Only one has that authority; the one who created you and me; the one who created all things. We, who love Him, do not have to fear Him. But in reverence and awe, we are to love, trust, and; yes, worship Him. Be careful that you do not take Him for granted. Do not cheapen the grace that He has bestowed upon you for one day you will meet this One God whom you have taken for granted face to face and then it will be too late to put on a crash helmet. 

Our God is an awesome and the only Almighty God, may we always worship him with reverence and awe.

God's Peace - Pr. J

A New Day!

   You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

   Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.  (Eph 4:22-28 NIV)

St. Paul reminds the Ephesians and us that as followers of Jesus Christ we are to put off our old selves; to put away our deceitful desires. In order to live a new life in Christ; the old way of living must die.

If yesterday or many of your yesterdays did not been turn out so well for you; maybe, just maybe, it's not the world's fault. It is not God's fault. It is not anyone's fault but your own. Just maybe there is some desire or habit; call it a sin, in you that must die. Just maybe it's time for the old man or woman in you to go away to make room for the new person in Christ. If you are sinning and suffering the consequences of that sin then maybe it's time for you to stop repeating that sin. Each and every day we have another chance to live life and to enjoy life according to God's good will for us. Each and every day, hour, and minute God will forgive you your sins. Each and every day, hour, and minute you have the opportunity to start all over again.

It is a new day! Love it and live it in Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J 

No Anger And Malice!

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." (Eph 4:29-31 NIV)

As Lutherans, we learn at a young age what the eighth commandment means according to our Small Catechism:

   Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

   What does this mean?--Answer.
   We should fear and love God that we may not deceitfully belie, betray, slander, or defame our
   neighbor, but defend him, [think and] speak well of him, and put the best construction on
   everything.

Whether in government, business, the church or even our families it is way too common for unwholesome talk to be the way in which many choose to go. This unwholesome talk, this yelling at or about someone, this disrespecting others' way thinking or being only brings about division and harm. We witnessed a very good example of that yesterday on the ball field where Republican Congressmen were practicing for a game with the Democrats. Five people shot and wounded; with the shooter ending up dead. So much grief for so many. There are peaceful ways to discuss and settle differences. We also need to understand that we don't always get our way. Sometimes, there needs to be compromise. Sometimes, we just need to accept the fact that someone else is in charge for now. It also wouldn't hurt if we reminded ourselves that it is God who is actually in charge and He does have a good plan whether we like the plan or not.

Peaceful protests can be a good thing. But, speeches and protests that incite damage to others or their property or promote the murder of people whom we don't agree with is very wrong. This hatred toward others will only bring about more hatred. It will only bring about more division. It will only bring about more death. If, we as a country, do not change some of our ways we may find that we have steered ourselves into a civil war. Do we really want that for our children and grandchildren? This hate-filled speech that we keep hearing is not helpful nor is the drama that comes with it. It is most harmful. Gossip (and I have been the subject of that on more than one occasion) will only cause more problems for both the one who slanders and the one who is slandered as well as the many people around them.

Scripture tells us that we are to lift others up according to their needs. We are to get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. I grant you that this can be tough to do at times. If you find yourself ready to participate in bringing about more division with unwholesome talk, maybe take a time out for yourself? Talk to God? You might find that distancing yourself from the situation (maybe shutting the news off) for a time will help bring you back to a place where you can focus on God's will rather than your own. His will is a good will for you and all people.

I realize that there will always be trouble in this world; but, why do we have to add to it? "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, alone with every form of malice." Do what is right! Speak the truth; but, speak it in love and not anger! Live in peace!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Guarding The Gate To Paradise

Vernon Weand 1938-2017

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."   (John 14:1-3 NIV)

I have been preparing a funeral service for one of the many faithful members of Christ Lutheran Church this morning. Vernon was also a Marine. It has been many years since Vern actively served as a Marine. But, the Marine Corps has a saying "once a Marine, always a Marine" so today we are commending into the hands of Almighty God a U.S. Marine.

There is this rumor that says that U.S. Marines guard the gates to paradise; to our heavenly home. But, I assure you that it is just a rumor. I do not think that God would make any Marine who believe in Him guard His gates while the rest of us are inside walking around and talking with Jesus. Marines usually don't mind a celebration and I am also pretty positive that they will be at the great banquet feast in our Father's house; rather than outside guarding the doors. 

Jesus told his followers that he was going to prepare a place for them in our Father's house. He has and he returns for all who believe to take us to our heavenly home.

May God grant comfort and peace in the knowledge that all who believe; even though they die; yet, shall live.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Do Not Reject The Gift Of The Holy Spirit

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"                                                                                                                      (Luke 11:9-13 NIV)

I grant you that sadly there are parents in this world today who would give their children a snake instead of a fish or a scorpion instead of an egg. But, our Father in heaven, is not one of those parents. He desires good things for all of His children. He gives Holy Spirit to all who ask.

Sadly, there are also many children in this world today who ask for gifts from their parents and once they have received whatever it is they wanted; they put it on a shelf never to be used again or they throw it or give it away. They ask just for the sake of asking; then take the gift and the giver for granted.

So, it seems to go with many within the church, as well. We know that if we ask for the Holy Spirit, our Father will surely give us the Holy Spirit. We are also aware that we were anointed with the Holy Spirit at our baptisms into the Body of Christ. But, what is done with the gift of the Holy Spirit once the Spirit is given? I believe that way too often the gift of the Holy Spirit and the giver are taken for granted. Many might ask for the Holy Spirit; but, then they don't know what to do with this gift. They have their own lives and really don't have time to be following the lead of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is put on the proverbial shelf; hidden away and given no opportunity to work through the one who has received this great gift.

The Holy Spirit is a person; the third person of the Trinity. Will you hide this person in the closet like a child would throw a gift that they don't want to the closet floor?

Ask and you shall receive and after you have received do not disrespect the Holy Spirit. Do not disrespect the One who sends you the Spirit. Do not despise nor reject this great gift from our Father in heaven; but, get to know the Spirit. Get to know the Holy Spirit personally so that you might be guided and comforted and sanctified and so much more in all that you say and think and do.

Ask and you shall receive and then allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through you. Do not reject the gift of the Holy Spirit.

God's Peace - Pr. J

It Is Not Good To Be Alone

Jim and Sam - partners for and in life.

Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
                                            (Eccl 4:9-12)

At worship yesterday, on Trinity Sunday, two of our members, stood before God and the congregation as they made a commitment to be there for each other for all the days of their lives. They asked God to bless their lives together that they might serve Him even more fully. As a gift to them, I gave them the cincture that I was wearing. Fastening this cord of three strands loosely around their wrists as a symbol that they were being bound together as one and that their commitment to each other would not be broken. It would not be broken because it is not just their love and commitment to each other that will keep them together. That cord of three strands: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit will bless their lives together and will be there to help keep them together.

The commitment between a man and a woman, who love each other, to be there for each other is such a joy for me to witness. Being alone in this crazy world is not usually a good thing. It is very good for most of us to have someone to share our lives and our love with. The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Gen 2:18 NIV)

This is what marriage is about: a partnership. It is about two people being there for each other; supporting each other in good times and bad; encouraging each other; serving God and the community of saints as one; by the power of God's love.

When the rest of the world ignores you; you will have (hopefully) someone who will not.

May God bless your lives with someone to share your love and your life with on earth even as our Father in heaven loves us all. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Love Does Not Fail

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." (1 Cor 13:4-8a NIV)

One of the most often requested readings for weddings is found in 1 Corinthians 13. It is good advice for two people who are about to commit their whole earthly lives to one another. Love does not fail. However, due to our sinful natures we often fail to love. Marriages fall apart because we love ourselves or someone or something else more than the one we have committed to spend the rest of our lives with. Marriages are not the only relationships that fail due to a lack of love. Relationships with family, friends, community also fail and bring much sorrow because of a lack of love.

The greatest gifts, says St. Paul, is love. God has given us love in His Son, Jesus Christ. There is no greater love than a love that is willing die for others, as Jesus died for us. We respond to His love by sharing that love with others. The love from God does not fail. It can move mountains and crush molehills. The love of God inspires us to inspire others with His love.

Live life! Share His love!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Forgive That You Might Live Life

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Col 3:13 NIV)

Life is just way too short to spend any of it being angry at others. God intended for us to live life. We ought to put up with each other the best that we can. Sometimes, that is not so easy. Sometimes, we do have to walk away because; you see, bearing one another works both ways. We are human beings and can only endure so much persecution before we become non-functional and unfruitful. There are times in our lives when we must forgive and move on. Sometimes, that moving on means distancing ourselves from the one who would continue to have you bear them up and constantly push you down.

Jesus instructions to his disciples when he sent them out to share the Good News of his Kingdom included this:  "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet." (Matt 10:14) Do not hold a grudge. Forgive generously. But, remember that you ought to be moving forward in life and sharing the gospel. Do not allow yourselves to come to a standstill, locked in grief or anger. God gave you life to live it. Live life in Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J

In The Storm With Jesus

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

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

                                                                       (Matt 8:23-27 NIV)

It would be very nice if we encountered no storms in life. Or would it? If there were no storms how would we recognize peace? How would we know quiet? Quite often people have the mistaken idea that once a person accepts Jesus as their Lord all will be well with their lives. There will be no more storms. Everything will go smooth from here on out. That is just not so.

The story of Jesus calming the storm reminds us that the storm did not even begin until Jesus got into the boat. Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:34 that he did not come to bring peace; but a sword. Troubles will come in this world. They came to Jesus. They will come to his followers. But, we can also be assured that in the midst of those troubles we can know the peace of heart and mind that comes with trusting Jesus. St. Paul wrote to the Philippians:  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-8)

Yes, the storm began after Jesus got into the boat with the disciples. But, do not fear the storm. God hears your pleas and Christ is with you in the midst of every storm so that as you trust in him, you will know the peace that comes from being in the presence of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Peace And Joy Beside Still Waters

Baby and Adult Manatee, Bulow Creek, FL

"He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul..." (Psalm 23:2b-3a NKJV)

God has once again blessed me with a home where I can sit beside still waters and know a semblance of peace. In the midst of a small village with homes all around, I can sit on the dock in the backyard and watch wildlife. That is an activity that brings me both peace and joy.

And, what joy it can bring. I spent most of last evening, until it became too dark to see, sitting on that dock watching manatee swimming about in the canal. These huge sea creatures are so gentle and trusting. As I stood at the edge of the dock one of the adults and the baby came up to me repeatedly lifting their heads out of the water to both breathe and take a look at me. They move slowly and gracefully through the water as though they do not have a care in the world.

I noticed even the young alligator who normally come out to take a look at me stayed far away from them. There is only one real predator of the manatee and that is humankind. No, they are not hunted here in the U.S.. But, our boat propellers, discarded and tangled fishing lines, and other human sources are the main cause of death outside of natural death due to aging. The large manatee that greeted me last night is quite scarred up from boat propellers. It appears she has run been run over by more than one boat. 

In spite of the fact that humankind is the only real danger to them, it does not stop them from investigating us close up. They are not afraid. They appear to live in peace. I thank God for the reminder of peace and the joy that they bring to this sometimes fretful heart.

May God help you to find still waters.

God's Peace - Pr. J