Works Without Faith Is Dead

The Lord says:

“These people come near to me with their mouth
and honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me
is based on merely human rules they have been taught.
Therefore once more I will astound these people
with wonder upon wonder;
the wisdom of the wise will perish,
the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish.”
Woe to those who go to great depths
to hide their plans from the Lord,
who do their work in darkness and think,
“Who sees us? Who will know?" (Isa 29:13-15)
 

Sunday morning rituals and then the rest of the week what do we do? On Sunday mornings we praise the LORD with our lips, but how much honor do we give the LORD during the rest of the week? Some of the saddest moments of my life are when I realize someone worships on Sunday morning purely out of ritual or because they think this "act" is the good work that will grant them eternal life. Or, maybe, it's to enhance their political or business life. I assure you; any works without faith is totally useless.

James tells us "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder." (James 2:17-19)

It is useless to call yourself Christian if you have no faith. It is useless to pretend that you know Jesus if you do not. You may fool some of the people; but, you can never fool God.

We are not and cannot be saved by any good works including showing up for worship. But, by hearing the Word during worship, faith just may be fired up inside of you by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is by faith alone in Christ that we are saved. He did the good work for us!

God's Peace – Pr. J

In God I Trust

In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? (Psalm 56:4 NIV)

There was a time when I was accused of being too trusting. Of course, in doing that I was hurt and disappointed way too many times. I learned the very hard way not to trust everyone and came to trust very, very few. That didn't work out so well, either. Not trusting anyone tends to isolate you and people are not meant to live in isolation. 

Not trusting anyone was not working too well for me so I turned to the one that I had trusted as a child. I turned back to God. That works quite well for me. Because I trust Him, I am able to do His will in spite of the fact that others might use me. I can reach out to strangers because I trust that God is with me. Because I trust Him, I do not fear what might or might not happen to me here in this world. I know that in the end, no matter what happens, I will live in His house, in His Presence, for all eternity. I am not and will not be alone.

Life is much easier when we trust Him!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Flowers Fade

The life of mortals is like grass,

they flourish like a flower of the field;

the wind blows over it and it is gone,

and its place remembers it no more.
But from everlasting to everlasting

the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,

and his righteousness with their children’s children—

with those who keep his covenant

and remember to obey his precepts.

Psalm 103:15-18

It is always nice to be reminded of death. Not! Most people would probably prefer to think that they have decades and decades upon decades of life left here on earth. Considering that we are dust and to dust we will one day return or like flowers in a field that fade away is not something that is generally a mood pleaser. But, it is reality. We must make the most of our days here on earth for the time here is very short.

But; for those who fear and love the Lord, we know that this world is not all there is. There is more. His love will abide with us for all eternity and we will abide in His love from everlasting to everlasting.

The grass withers and flowers fade; but, love lasts for all eternity. God's love will keep us close forever. 

God's Peace – Pr. J

Free To Do What Is Right

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. 1 Cor 15:33-34 NIV

Watching a television show the other night about the Civil War, I wondered if there were any women left with character like that of Harriet Tubman. Jeopardizing her own freedom, she helped to secure the freedom of multitudes. Of course, there are many women today who like her are willing to sacrifice their own lives so that others might have the opportunity to live freely and in peace. I even know some of them. But, I would be most comforted in seeing many more. So many, many people dedicated and continue to dedicate their whole lives so that all people might live in freedom. Yet, those sacrifices are often taken for granted by the very people who have received freedom through their efforts. The freedom that we have received is often frittered away on momentary sensual pleasures. It is wasted on worrying more about what makes one happy without any consideration that what we do may have devastating consequences for others.

Yes, we are free to do whatever we choose. But, why would anyone choose to become slaves to sin? Why would we choose to live lives that will only lead others astray? There are many who do!

But, we are free to be the  children of the most high God by the blood of Christ shed for us. He gives to us good and gracious gifts. We enjoy many freedoms in this world; in this country, because of the sacrifices others made for us. Would we throw it all back in the face of God and in the faces of those who gave their lives for our sake? 

Why choose slavery to sin, for the sake of some few worldly pleasures? Our freedom to be children of God cost Jesus his life. Our freedoms, including the freedom to worship God publicly, cost many men and women their lives.

May God help us to not be the bad company that helps to corrupts character; but, the light that shines in the darkness of night to lead God's children home.

God's Peace – Pr. J

Go And Tell!

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. (Acts 20:24 NIV)

Are we ever finished with completing the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace?  Paul, like many Christians today, was looking forward to going home to be with the Lord. But, he was aware that he would not be going until the Lord called him home. 

Life, here on earth, is nothing in comparison to entering into our Father's presence most completely and eternally. But, there is much to be done here. There are so many who have no idea of who our awesome loving God is. It is our task to tell them. It is our privilege to share this Good News! Let us all go and tell!

May God empower us to testify to the good news of His grace through Jesus Christ our Lord that all may come to know Him!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Love God; Love His Children

"This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands."

                                                                                       1 John 5:2 NIV 

There are times when I cannot help but shake my head in wonder as I witness the absolute disregard of our Father's will to love God and others; by those who would call themselves Christian. I understand that our human nature is difficult at times. There are many times that we slip and we aren't even really aware we're slipping until we are caught. But, those who love the Lord will at least attempt to not be stealing or lying or in any way disrespecting their brothers and sisters in Christ.

We are to love the Lord our God with all our hearts and souls and minds. We show this love by loving and respecting all of His children. (Luke 10:27)

The world throws temptation after temptation at us. The world would tell us we have to look out for ourselves first. "Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." (1 John 5:5)

May God bless us with faith and a desire to do His will; loving and respecting Him and all of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Climb Down From Your Tree

Climb down from your tree

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

                                                                                     (Luke 19:16 NIV)

"Zacchaeus was a wee little man." I cannot even begin to count the number of children I have taught the words of this song to. 

Personally, I prefer the translation from the KJV over the NIV, "And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature." (19:6) They King James describes Zacchaeus more fully than the NIV does. Zacchaeus was of little stature not only in physical height; but, in social stature as well. He was a tax collector and had made himself wealthy by cheating his own people. He was not a popular fellow. No one in the crowd that day was going to move out of his way so that a man like him could see Jesus. In order to get a glimpse of Jesus he climbed a tree to get a look at him from a distance. Jesus knew of Zacchaeus' desire to see him and so he arranged to make it up front and personal for him. He told Zacchaeus: "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." 

Today, (and every day) Jesus wants to be welcomed into your home. He does not care what the world thinks about you. He does not care what you may or may not have done. He wants to be welcomed into your home. 

If you want to see Jesus; if you truly want to get to know him more personally, just climb down from whatever tree that you've chosen to watch Jesus from afar from and welcome Him into your life.

May God help you to see Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Secrets

There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs. (Luke 12:2-3 NIV)

I am pretty sure that everyone has secrets. Some may seem very trivial. Some not so trivial. Some are good. Some are bad. Some are just pure gossip that really are not secrets at all. They're not secrets because they are spread from household to household, behind closed doors, presumably in the dark, so no one else will know. But, everyone knows what lies that they have told while attempting to live and speak in secret; in the darkness.

Here's the kicker: the secret does not remain secret. It will eventually be revealed by the light. Sooner or later the door will open and the light will shine on the dark places. The truth will be known. We can try to keep as many secrets as we want; but, remember that God knows all the secrets that we try to hide from the world. .

Speak with integrity. Speak with truth. Live in the light of Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Holy, Holy, Holy is God Almighty

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:1-5 NIV)

Holy, holy, holy is God Almighty! The whole earth is full of his glory! Talk about shock and awe! Can you imagine having a vision similar to Isaiah's? To come into the presence of God in such a manner; to see His full glory! I believe it would be the most earth shattering experience possible. All of a sudden we would realize that we, who can be so full of ourselves at times, are nothing. God is everything. And, that God who is everything cares about us so much He would bring us into His Holy presence.

I can only begin to imagine what it would be like to see a vision of God in this manner. But, I know that one day I won't have to imagine because I will truly experience God in this manner. One day I will see Him with my own eyes and not just with the eyes of faith and I am quite sure that I will be as awestruck as Isaiah.

Holy, holy, holy is God Almighty! When we come into the presence of God to pray; to speak with Him; and maybe even more importantly; to listen to Him, maybe we ought to more deeply consider that we are truly in the presence of Almighty God and maybe just a little more awe; a little more respect, might be called for. Just maybe we ought to remember that we are in the presence of the King of kings!

May God bless us with a greater understanding of our sinful natures and of His holiness so that we might worship Him with respect and adoration. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Free To Serve

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
                             (Gal 5:1, 13 NIV)

When we are children we can barely wait to be free from our parents' watchful eyes and their control. Family can be a burden and so often divorces happen because one or both partners blame the other for the lack of personal freedom that they have. If we find ourselves working in a position that we really do not enjoy; we cannot wait to find another one and be free from the burdens and restrictions of the present one. There are so many things in this world that we would like to be free from. 

Sadly, many times the reason we want to be free from parents or other responsibilities is because we want to indulge our own personal desires; so-called pleasures of the world, and we simply cannot fully indulge them when we have commitments to others.

St. Paul reminds us that we have indeed been set free in Christ. We have been set free to be a child of God. As a child of God, we would truly desire to serve God, our Father, even as Jesus did. We will not use our freedom to indulge our weaknesses; our self-serving desires. We will use our freedom to freely serve one another humbly in love. 

May God help us to use our freedom to more fully love Him and one another.

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

Message of the Cross

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:

                   “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;

                   the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

                                                                              (1 Corinth 1:18-19 NIV)

For those who do not know Christ it is impossible to believe that through death on the cross eternal life is available to all people. It is impossible to believe that in order to live we must die. But, that is exactly what has happened. Christ was put to death to atone for our sins and yet he lives and because he lives, we live. This is foolishness to those who put their hope in the knowledge of the world. Yet, it is most certainly true.

I have not found the wisdom of the world to bring much comfort or peace. The ways of the world cannot save us no matter how wise we might think we are. Only Jesus can save us. Hear the message of the cross: the Good News that Jesus was crucified on the cross that we might live and live life abundantly in the presence of Almighty God for all of eternity. Foolishness? The world may say it is. But; I prefer to live, so I will trust in the message that we are saved by faith in Jesus and his life giving sacrifice for you and for me.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Attitude Like Christ

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom 15:5-6 NIV)

Jesus did not die for just you or just me. He did not put himself before us when he was tried and crucified. He could have left the area. Instead, he went to Jerusalem knowing what would happen. He could have tried to defend himself. But, he did not. He was not acting to protect himself. He was acting to save us.

Likewise, Paul encourages the Christians in Rome and us to have the same attitude of mind that Christ Jesus had for others; for us.

May God help us to always consider the good of others before our own personal desires so that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified.

God's Peace - Pr. J

It Is Wise To Live In Peace

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.  (James 3:17-18 NIV)

I wonder what life on earth would really be like if the wisdom from heaven actually abided in the followers of Christ. What would it be like if, at least, the majority of Christendom had pure intentions; was truly peace-loving; considerate of others, submissive to the will of God, full of mercy and good fruit; did not make decisions according to personal bias'; but, sincerely sought the good of all people? What would life be like if we truly sought after peace rather than building ourselves up at the expense of others with the consequences of lives full of strife?

Instead of living according to our own desires; out of our own knowledge; let us give the wisdom of God a real opportunity to work through us that we might live in peace.

May God grant us His Wisdom.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Promises

When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. (Hebrews 6:13-15 NIV)

There are times when we feel like we stuck a whirlwind of chaos. We may wonder if there is any real purpose to anything; if we'll ever see the sunlight again; if there is any good for us in the future. But, God has promised us an awesome life in His presence for all eternity. There are days when we may not feel like He's any where around. But, God keeps His promises. It took some time for Abraham to see the fulfillment of the promise of descendants. But, he waited patiently and received the promise.

Trust in the Lord. He promises "that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) Have patience and wait on the Lord and you will see all His promises fulfilled.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Wisdom and Knowledge

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! (Rom 11:33 NIV)

Knowledge and wisdom are certainly worthy riches. It would be so nice to be able to have both without having to gain them the hard way. Unfortunately, as humans, we don't like to learn too much from the mistakes of others. We have to gain wisdom and knowledge with a lot of study, with a lot of work; and, with a lot of very hard lessons.

We really cannot have all the wisdom and knowledge of God. We cannot know everything. We are not God. But, He is willing to advise and lead and show us the way that He would have us go if we would only ask and listen to Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

A Mighty Warrior

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

A might fortress is our God! The Might Warrior is He!

It never ceases to amaze me how God will protect us and bless us in so many ways. There are days when I have to actually laugh out loud as I witness the work of His hands. Yes, there are days that things don't seem like they are going so good. But, in the end; in the following days we can normally see how God worked the good for us as it is promised. (Romans 8:28)

Those who trust in the Lord to save them will see the salvation that He has promised; we will see the good that He has promised.

May the peace of the Lord be with you always! Pr. J

Celebrate Life!

   "Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
   But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
   “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
                                                                                                                             John 12:2-8 NIV

You are celebrating with friends. You are having a very pleasant time and suddenly someone begins to complain about something - maybe it's because you are having too much fun - maybe they are a bit jealous. Who knows? There seems to always be someone who wants to insert a bit of drama into the party so that it is not so enjoyable for others. 

Judas was the kill joy at the party that was held in Jesus' honor. Can you imagine! Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead and Judas finds something to grumble about! Lazarus' sister, Mary, celebrated with a gift of expensive perfume poured on Jesus' feet and then she let her hair down and wiped Jesus' feet with her hair. Judas was not happy and let his opinion be known. What a extravagant and wasteful gesture on the part of this woman! Jesus tells Judas to “Leave her alone, it was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

As the writer from Ecclesiastes wrote:
    "There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

    a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
    a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
    a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
    a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
    a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
    a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
    a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace." (Eccl 3:1-8)

There is a time to weep and a time to laugh. There is a time to rejoice and to dance. There is a time to tear down and a time to build things up. Just because we may feel like it's time to tear things apart, doesn't necessarily make it so. Put a clamp on the desire to destroy the joy of LORD that others experience. Let those who rejoice in the LORD, continue rejoicing. Do not let jealousy or greed get in the way of others rejoicing in the gifts of God; namely, the gift of life. We who were once dead in our sins, now live!

Let us worship that Lord with joy and thanksgiving for the opportunity; the privilege, to live life in His presence. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Flower Or A Weed?

"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" 1 Samuel 16:7

When the Lord sent Samuel to anoint the next king over Israel, Samuel saw the stature of Eliab and thought for sure this one must be the one. But, the Lord let him know that He had not chosen the next king of Israel by his outward appearance. In the end, it was Jesse's youngest son, David, just a shepherd in the field, who was called to be anointed to be the next king.

In the spring when the dandelions begin to bloom, my husband is always in a hurry to get rid of them. I see the yellow blossoms as wonderful signs of spring and I am grateful that they and spring have arrived. We each have a different perspective on what we see or hear. We see things differently. My husband sees weeds. I see flowers.

God see things a whole lot differently than we do. So what does God see when He looks into our hearts? Our neighbors may see our hearts as dark as the night. But, what does God see? Does he see a child in pain who has not yet learned how to deal with life around him? Does he see a heart that is aching for only the peace that He can give?

No one; but, God, can know what is truly in the heart of another person. Whether good or evil; whether a weed or a flower, only God can know for sure.

Who knows? The next weed that you try to destroy just might be a treasured flower; a beloved and chosen child of God.

Pr. J

Blessings on Mother's Day

"The grass withers and the flowers fall,
   but the word of our God endures forever.”
                                                Isaiah 40:8 NIV

Many women will receive flowers day in thanks for their loving service as mothers. I am not sure how we came up with holidays like Mother's and Father's day; but, we have them just the same. Holidays come and go. Just like the flowers that fall; one day the holiday is here and the next day it is gone and nothing more than a fleeting memory. 

Most of the people that I have previously served probably remember that I have never really felt inclined to observe secular holidays in the church. Unless, someone reminds me that they are coming up, I usually do not even consider them. I do not remember them. My number one and only priority in the pulpit is to proclaim the word of God; to feed the sheep with the food (the Word of God) that will sustain their souls. 

May God bless all Mother's this day; but, let us not forget that we too are like the grass that withers and the flowers that fall without the word of our God. The word of God will endure forever as will all who believe that our Lord and Savior died for us that we might live eternally in the presence of God our Father. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Flowers are an awesome gift for mothers. But, what most Christian mothers would really like to see is her children worshipping the God whose word endures forever.

One Church

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”

Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

                                                                                                                       1 Corinthians 1:10-17 NIV

Reminders for the day:  

1. There is only one Church. We are all united by Christ, in Christ. We are all baptized into the Body of Christ.

2. We don't need to and should not be worried about who in this world we follow. We shouldn't be following anyone here on earth. There is only one Body of Christ. There is only one Church. There are better ways to spend our time than with divisive discussions about who we follow or which denomination we are members of. It is past time to get down to the business at hand and that is proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ, our Lord..

3. It is time to follow Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J.