Going Forward

Thus saith the Lord, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. (Isa 43:16, 18-19 KJV)

The Lord has made a way forward for those who would follow in the path He has set for us. It would behoove us to move forward instead of clinging to the past and our old ways. That is at least if we truly want peace instead of chaos; if we truly want joy rather than sorrow.

Doing the same things over and over again that got you no where before and will get you no where now is not the way to go. 

There is a way laid out before us in the wilderness of this world. That way is Jesus. Follow him and know the peace and joy of God's eternal presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Christ Is Our Peace

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 15:33 KJV)

I realize that I blog a lot about peace. That's because the world is full of trouble and tribulation. The world will do its' best to work against you while Christ has done a good work for you.

Even as Christ overcame tribulations directed at him as true man; he also has overcome the world for you. In him we can know the peace that our hearts so long for. Read and hear the Word. Trust in that Word and you too will know peace no matter what the world throws at you. The Word who is Jesus the Christ is our peace!

God's Peace be with you! Pr. J.

Fear Not: The Kingdom Is At Hand

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:1-3 KJV)

Yesterday, I attended the memorial service for a very lovely and faithful woman. She was quite elderly. Her hope lay in the promise to be received into the heavenly Kingdom as she passed through the gateway called death. 

She is indeed dead to this world. But, in Christ, death has no power over us. All who believe that our Lord Jesus died so that we might be reconciled to God our Father for all of eternity have this hope.

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  (Romans 8:38-39) 

As we look for that day when we see God face to face with our own eyes, let us also remember that God is with us now as well. There is no sense in waiting to be reconciled to Him, to be in a relationship with him. The Kingdom of God is at hand. It is at hand today! 

As I listened to the sermon yesterday, my mind wandered to the life of Brother Lawrence and his endeavors to practice the presence of God in his daily life. We lie and cheat ourselves when we look to those mansions Jesus spoke about as a gift after death for good works we think that we may have done here on earth. We cheat ourselves out of the Kingdom both now and for all eternity.

We walk in Christ Jesus only by faith in the one who died for us; today, tomorrow, and for all eternity.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Rest For The Weary

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.                                                                                                  (Matt 11:28 KJV)

Everyone gets weary from time to time. As I get older, it seems that I am more heavy laden than in years before. It may not seem like much to others. In fact, others may even say some of the things I take on are not mine to take on. 

The problem with that is that as a Christian I feel compelled to help those who are in need and so I take on more. I hope that when people are alone, I will be able to recognize that and be there for them. Yes, there are times when I may be taken advantage of. But, those rare times are not worth the giving up on others. And, who can tell if, even in being taken advantage of, others may come to know Jesus through you? 

When I am weary; I find rest; I find peace, in knowing that Christ is with me and inspiring me to do what I can for others.

There is rest for the weary. It comes with a relationship with Jesus.

May we always abide in Christ and Christ in us.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

With Wings Like Eagles

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

                                             Isaiah 40:30-31 KJV

We all get weary from time to time. Physical weariness can sometimes be quite satisfying when it comes from a long, hard day of work. 

The dark days of winter often bring another kind of weariness. Emotional, mental, or spiritual weariness often settles on us during these days of less light. This kind of weariness is never satisfying. It is a struggle for many to overcome this type of weariness that is often accompanied by deep depression. 

This kind of weariness is not overcome alone. We must trust that the  Lord will renew our strength. He will shine light on the darkness of our hearts and minds. He will send His Spirit upon us so that we might once again soar like an eagle through the trials of the day. 

In Christ, we shall run and not be weary.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Christmas Love And Peace!

May we all live in peace and love not just on Christmas; but,
every day!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  

(Isaiah 9:6 KJV)

Merry Christmas!

I am running real late today on my blog. We are with two of our grandchildren in S.C.. There has been a lot of present opening and playing with gifts going on; plus a nap, too!

Christmas is a very special day and not just for the family get togethers and for the children excited over their gifts. It is most special because it a very major reminder of the humility of our Savior, Jesus Christ. True God, he came to us a true man, as a baby born in a most humble setting; in a barn. Born not to nobility; but, to a simple young woman wedded to a carpenter. 

Today is a reminder to the world; to all who would follow him, that it's not about things, it's about love for humanity. As this baby grew up and was willing to humble himself on the cross that we might live in God's gracious presence for all eternity; we too ought to be able to humble ourselves to at least attempt to love others as he loves no matter who they are.

May the love and peace of God be with us always.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

What's To Become Of The Child?

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.   (Luke 2:16-20 KJV)

Mary pondered this miracle birth; this miracle baby in heart. That's what mothers tend to do. Ponder the lives of their children in their hearts. They wonder if they will raise their children to grow up in the way they wish them to grow. They wonder if they have it in them to be good mothers. They wonder what their child will grow up to do or to be. Mothers who love their children ponder these things in their hearts. They love their children. They worry about them. They pray for them.

What sadness Mary would have known if she had known what would become of this beautiful baby boy cradled in her arms. He would grow up to be hanged on a cross for her sake and for the sake of all people. He would live very few years into adulthood and be executed for the crimes; the sins, of others.

While the shepherds shared the news of this birth of our Savior, Mary pondered these things within her heart. During this Christmas Holy Day may we all ponder the wonderful things that God in Christ Jesus has done for us!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Man or God Pleasers?

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

                                                                                     (Gal 1:6-10 KJV)

Since retirement last spring I have been church shopping in Florida since  it is not appropriate for Lutheran clergy to stay within the congregation that they served at. Yes, we might very well interfere. 

I have not found that looking for a new congregation to worship with to be an easy thing. I have attended a few and I am saddened to say that I was pretty uncomfortable in most. In some, I have heard only the law. In others I heard a  whole lot of forgiveness without any call to repentance. I have witnessed some pretty heretical things going on and being said during worship. The Word and the explanation of the Sacraments get watered down to make it more comfortable for the people in the pews. 

Regarding what we believe, Article VII (Of the Church) of the Augsburg Confession states: "Also they teach that one holy Church is to continue forever. The Church is the congregation of saints, in which the Gospel is rightly taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered."

I am well aware that there are more than a few who would not wish to see me in their congregations. At the same time I am still looking for a congregation where worship is about pleasing God and not man.

God help us to be servants of Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Fear and Joy; A Savior Born!

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  (Luke 2:8-11 KJV)

I would be most probably be sore afraid too if an angel of the Lord showed up and the glory of the Lord shone around me. This is not a little thing. It would be a shock and awe moment. A bit of fear and a whole lot of awe.

But, this angel who brought fear to the hearts of the shepherd also brought good news; very good news of great joy. Their Savior was born. He lives! 

The shock and awe of Christ's birth seems to have worn off a little in these days. Now, it's not so much about celebrating the birth of a Savior and King; but, about personal celebrations of a holiday; not so much a holy day.

May the wonderment of a child born in a barn for the sole purpose of saving us from our own sinful ways be with you this Christmas season.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Do Not Fear To Move Forward

"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" (Matt 6:25-27 KJV)

There have been times in my life when I have been quite confrontational when it comes to injustice. Where others were shrinking back and warning me that I should too for safety's sake, I have advanced. I did indeed consider the worst case scenarios before I advanced. What is the worst thing that could happen to me? What is there to fear? Nothing, not even death. By the grace of God, I have eternal life.

When considering a new venture; whether it be a new job or investing in a project or a person or whatever challenge the day might bring; again, the same question. What have I to fear? Nothing. Life in this world is temporary. It will all pass. I have eternal life.

Jesus knowingly went forward to the cross; to his death, that we might live. He could have gone in the other direction. He could have. But, he did not. He did not shrink back from saving the world; even though much of the world would reject him. He did not pretend that everything in the world was okay. He was willing to give even his life because the world was not okay.

Do not fear. Our Father in heaven loves you. Believe this and and you will be much more able to attempt to make radical changes within yourself and in the world around you with the knowledge that God is with you and for you. The world may abandon you. You may even lose many things in this world that you now treasure. But, there is nothing to fear. By faith, you have received eternal life.

May God help us to always stand in His truth; in His Way, no matter what possible dangers may lay before us. May He help us to remember that we have nothing to fear for through God's own Son, Jesus the Christ, we have eternal life.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Taxes

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. (Luke 2:1, 4-5 KJV)

Thanks be to God that we don't have to travel far distances to be taxed! Taxes are an inevitable part of life. There are property taxes, sales taxes, income taxes and all sorts of other sundry taxes. They cause can stress and worry for  people.

Income tax season is fast approaching. Along with the season comes the concern whether you are going to have enough money to be able to pay the income tax on April 15th when the income taxes come due. Then, there is always the question as to whether they were done accurately and if you might end up talking to the tax collectors. 

Taxes are as inevitable as life and death to this world. However, thanks be to God for all who believe death has no power of us. In Christ Jesus we have eternal life. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Do Not Resist Arrest!

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; 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.

Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake." 

                                                                              (Romans 13:1-5 KJV)

Message for the day: If you are asked by an officer of the law to stop; STOP. Do not attempt to flee. Do not resist arrest. Do not assault the officer in any manner; physically or verbally. Just, don't do it! It's not the way to go. It will not turn out well for you or anyone else.

There are ways to peacefully protest. Harming or attempting to harm police officers or civilians who might get in the way is definitely not the way to go. Looting or damaging the property others have worked hard to obtain or maintain is definitely not the way in which a Christian would go.

May God grant us peaceful resolutions and reconciliation. May He help us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Remember that Jesus did not raise a hand to defend himself nor would he allow his disciples to fight when he was arrested.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Children Are A Joy

Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.

And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.

And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.

And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.

And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.

And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.

And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.

And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

                                                                        (Luke 1:57-66 KJV)

So much excitement over the birth of John the Baptist! His father, Zacharias, praised the Lord at his circumcision.

Reading these verses this morning caused me to think about the joyless pregnancies we hear about today. What if Elizabeth or Mary had opted to terminate the pregnancies? Of course, Elizabeth would never have. She and Zacharias had for so long wanted a child. Mary, so young, was in a pretty inconvenient position when she became pregnant, though. But, the mothers of both John and Jesus loved their children and would have done them no harm; neither before or after birth.

Times were not easy in Zacharias' and Elizabeth's day nor are they for everyone today. But, the thought of having a child brought joy to them. If only it were so for those who find themselves with child today. 

I thank God for the birth of John and most especially for Jesus. I do not even want to consider what the world would be like today without their ministries and mission.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Fear Not For God Has A Plan

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Matt 1:20-21 KJV)

Joseph hears that his fiancee' is pregnant and not by him! Yet, the angel tells him not to be afraid to take Mary for his wife. God has a plan. It is a good plan.

Today, many men will marry a woman who is pregnant for another's child. They are not afraid to raise the child as their own. But, it was not so in the days of Joseph and Mary. Mary could have been stoned for carrying the child. Joseph did the right thing. He listened to the angel of the Lord and took Mary to be his wife and Jesus to be his son.

The faithful need not worry when things get rough. We do not have to be afraid. I know. It is natural to worry when things go awry. But, we don't have to. No matter what happens we can trust that God has a plan; a good plan for all who love him. (Rom 8:28)

May God bless you with the knowledge of His great love for you evidenced by the life and death of our Savior Jesus the Christ. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rejoice In God Our Saviour!

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

                       Luke 1:46-47, 49 KJV

What great things has God done for you? So often we focus on the negative allowing them to override any joy or thankfulness for the wonderful things that God has done for us.

God has done great things for us. The greatest of these is loving us so much; desiring to be have us reconciled to Himself in spite of our propensity to turn away from Him by sending His own Son to live and die for us.

Begin with that gift and then consider all of the marvelous gifts that He has given you. Look around and see opportunities to live life and share life with those around you. 

May all of our souls rejoice in God our Savior and for the gift of salvation that we have received in him!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Our Lord Reigns

"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."  Luke 1:30-33 KJV

What can I say more? The Word of the Lord and it is so!

Thanks be to God for our Lord Jesus the Christ, born of a virgin, reigns!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Highly Favored

"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women."     Luke 1:26-28 KJV

During the Advent season our thoughts turn to the upcoming celebration of Christ's birth. There is wonder in the fact that God chose a young virgin to give birth to His only begotten Son. Mary was truly highly favored. But, let us not forget that we are all favored as well. For this child of God grew to be a man who would give his life so that we, who are sinners, might receive forgiveness of sins and be reconciled to God now and forever. Because of this we are so favored that all who would believe in him have received eternal life.

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  Romans 5:8

How favored is that!

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." 1 Peter 2:8-10

God's Peace - Pr. J

Destroying the Children

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

                                                                              (Matt 2:4-8 KJV)

Herod was not in the least bit interested in worshiping this child born in Bethlehem. He wanted to find him so that he could get rid of him.

Why exactly would Herod be so afraid of a child? Could there have any other reason than that Herod believed the prophecy about Jesus? He was afraid. He was afraid that Jesus would replace him. He was afraid that he no longer would be the center; that he would lose his own power and authority; his prestige. It would not be one bit convenient for Herod this baby to grow up. 

After Jesus was born, Herod had ordered all of the children under the age of two years in and around Bethlehem murdered. Fortunately, Joseph had been warned of this in a dream and the family escaped Herod's wrath. Herod's fear of this child was great!

I cannot help but wonder if that is so like the reason so many parents today would rather destroy their children than raise them up in the way that they should go. Are they afraid that the children will grow up and the evil ways of those around them will be exposed and they will no longer have power or authority over the child? Are they afraid that when they are exposed they will no longer be lifted up in anyone else's minds? Are they afraid that the child will be protected by others and grow in the way they should actually be going rather in the self-centered way that the adults around them would have them go.

It is a sad thing when children are neglected and even persecuted so that the adult can look good. A very sad thing, indeed! Adults ought to be protecting them not destroying them for their own convenience and ego's sake.

May God protect the children from adults with their own personal agendas which have very little to do with the children's welfare.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Children of a Heavenly Father

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

                                                                                        (Gal 4:4-6 KJV)

Children are an awesome blessing. They can be a lot of work, though. Our attempts to bring them up in the way they should be going doesn't always work the way that we planned.

We have a Father in heaven. We have been adopted as His own children; redeemed by His only begotten Son to be His children. I have often wondered what God, my Father, thought when I really did stuff that were not in His plans. Does he get as frustrated as I do when the children I care about are straying? I am sure that He is not all that pleased when we do things to the detriment of others; when we do not love as He loves us. As children of God we try to please Him even as our own children try to please us. We all fall short. We don't always do what we ought to be doing. We don't and our children don't. But, we keep on loving even as our heavenly Father loves us.

All who believe in His Son, Jesus the Christ, are the children of God. May He help us to follow in His Way.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Witness To The Light

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

                                          John 1:6-8 KJV

As I live in a land and in a time where egos reign, I often think about the faithfulness of St. John the Baptist. His mission was to be a witness to testify to the light that was coming into the dark world. That light was Jesus the Christ. John was a humble man. That is not to say that he was timid. Rather, he was quite bold in his proclamation and did not worry that he might offend anyone with his words. He did not brag about himself. He did not worry about his daily or his future needs; after all, he was a wandering missionary, whose meals came from the wild and whose clothes were made of camel hair. His only concern was to announce the coming of the Savior into the world.

May God help us all to remember that our main concern is (or should be) the proclamation of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ our LORD, which was purchased for us by the shedding of his blood.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Vengeance Is God's

"God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth; the Lord revengeth, and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.

The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet." 

                                                                          (Nahum 1:2-3 KJV)

Nahum prophesies against Nineveh. He warns that His enemies (in this case the people of Nineveh) will not go unpunished. 

In reading some of these prophesies it sounds awfully vengeful and hurtful. Understand that vengeance is the LORD's to take and while it may appear to be really bad news to those who worship false idols and persecute those who worship the LORD, it is good news to the people of God. Those who find themselves attacked and persecuted by God's enemies have no other place to turn for hope and salvation except to the LORD and to His promise that He will deliver them from the hands of their enemies.

He will deliver us! It is the LORD who saves! Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Who or What Abides In You?

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." (John 15:5,8 KJV)

It is only in Christ that the Father is glorified. All power and authority resides in him. His disciples are those who abide in him, that they might bear much fruit. The works of Christ's disciples will always glorify our Father in heaven and not themselves. 

There are three tall (about 100 feet tall), beautiful pine trees in my backyard. At least, last summer they were beautiful. Something bad abides in them. They are called tree beetles. The trees are dying. There is nothing left to do. They are so huge that there is no pesticide that can heal them. They will one day fall to the ground unless we have them removed before then. We have protected the other trees in the yard with pesticides that will protect them from the beetles. The three though were noticed after the beetles had already invaded them and began abiding in them.

Be careful then what you allow to abide in you. May Christ abide in you and you in him that you might have life!

"Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."

                                                                                   (Matt 7:19-21)

May the fruit that is produced be produced by the abiding presence of Christ for it is by him that the Father is glorified. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Justice For God's Children

O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.

And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.

Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.

                                                                              (Isaiah 54:11-15 KJV) 

Here is the word of God that I stand on today for the sake of all of God's children who are oppressed; for the sake of all who desire peace and justice in the face of injustice.

May God grant them justice and peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Jesus Is Empathetic

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing."
Eccl 3:4-5

"Jesus wept."    (John 11:35 KJV)

When Jesus' friend Lazarus died, Jesus wept. He surely would not have wept because Larzarus died for he knew full well that he would be raising his friend from the dead in short order. Jesus wept when he spoke with Lazarus' sisters. He wept to see them suffering so much sorrow and grief. 

This is called empathy. It is being aware of how others might be feeling or what they are actually experiencing. Empathy comes when we actually care about others. It appears to be lacking in way too many people these days. For many acts of sympathy are merely for the purposes of acting in a way that the people around you expect you to act. Acts of sympathy and genuine empathy are not the same thing.

Years ago, I had a secretary in my substance abuse office at a youth correctional facility. He was a resident there for shooting his step-father. His step-father did live. However, this secretary was unable to show any empathy for the victim. This young man had been horribly abused by him for many years and one day he broke. The other teens harassed him for not having any empathy since acquiring empathy was one of his treatment goals. One afternoon, I overheard another of my secretaries laughing at him for probably never getting out because he had no empathy. I believe this second secretary was there for armed robbery which also shows a lack of empathy for others. It was like the pot calling the kettle black. He  was not just pointing out that if he wanted to ever be released it would be helpful to work on understanding what others are going through and what they might feel. It was belittling him for having a mental health problem. I reminded this second teen that he also was not showing any empathy for the suffering that the secretary had gone through since he was a little boy. I reminded him that he was also unable to empathize with his suffering whether it be legitimate from anyone's viewpoint or not. I corrected him in order to remind him that this first teen was not the only one who needed to learn empathy before they would advance in their treatment programs. Belittling others for their mental health problems is not empathetic and does not help them in their healing. That does not mean that those in authority do not confront the issues. It means that there is a proper way to deal with their illness and that does not mean emotionally or mentally abusing them further.

I check the incarceration databases every now and then to verify that some of the young men that I treated and those who worked for me have not been re-incarcerated. Neither of these two young men, who are now in their 30's, have been. Thanks be to God!

True empathy comes when from loving others and wanting them to know the joy and peace and the love that comes from God through Jesus the Christ.

Learn to love as Jesus loves. Ask God to give you empathy for your fellowman so that all might live in peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Love As The Good Shepherd Loves

"I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep." (John 10:14-15 KJV)

What greater love can there possibly be than to willingly lay down your life for another? That is exactly what Jesus did. He died that all who believe in him would have eternal life.

The very sad thing is that this kind of love seems to be unfathomable to so many today. They do not know Jesus nor do they have his kind of love even for their family; even for their own children. Vengeance seems to be the norm for even the slightest infractions even among people who pretend to love one another. This narcissistic kind of attitude and behavior just drives everyone involved deeper into darkness. 

There is a way out of the darkness. Follow the good shepherd on a better path. Turn aside from the anger that envelopes you and do what is right; do the loving thing.

Take care that you do not persecute anyone for our Father in heaven loves them and watches over them. 

"But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." (Matt 18:6)

Love one another as the good shepherd loves you!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Serenity, Courage, Wisdom

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5 KJV

Every now and then, as I attempt to fix the things that I cannot fix, I am reminded of the Serenity Prayer that was written by Reinhold Niebuhr. 

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.

It is difficult to watch others suffer. Sometimes we can help them. Sometimes, we cannot do anything except to pray for them. Sometimes, we lack the wisdom to know the difference so we go about spinning our wheels trying to fix that which only God can fix.

Wisdom will help us to determine what we can and should change and what we must trust to God alone. When God gives us the knowledge and the wisdom of how we are to proceed, it would be very wise indeed to follow His directions. Ignoring what God has taught or told you (whether directly or through others) is definitely not wise.

May God grant us all the wisdom to listen to Him and the courage to do what He asks of us and go where He would send us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Light of Life

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

                                John 8:12 KJV

The world can be a very dark place especially for those who find themselves deep in the throes of depression. Depression  and other forms of mental illness can cause a person to act irresponsibly toward themselves as well as others. Floundering around in the darkness can cause many more catastrophes. Imagine walking through a mine shaft in the dark of night without even a peep of light coming from the shaft's entrance. You might fall into a pit which you can never get out. You might die without ever seeing the light of day again.

You may be so far in the dark that you need help to get back into the light. Do not neglect to get help from specialists who can lead you out of that dark place into the light. And, please, remember that the only light that is eternal and will never leave you in the dark is the light of Christ. His light never goes out. As the saying goes, "Wise men seek him."  He is the light that shines in whatever darkness you may find yourself in. If you find yourself imprisoned in darkness, Jesus can and will shine a light on you and release you. He is the light of life.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Bread Of Life

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (John 6:35 KJV)

There are those in this world who are always hungering for more: for more things, for more status, for more power; for more of everything. They run after this more. They spend their lives reaching for more. Yet, they are never satisfied no matter how much more they get. They are so busy chasing after the wind that they do not have time to get to know the one who can satisfy their hunger and thirst.

For all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will know that they already are heirs of the greatest gift ever possible. They are heirs of the Kingdom of God blessed to live in the presence of Almighty God now and for all eternity. 

Live in God's presence and you will find that you will no longer be hungering and thirsting after things of this world; but, will be satisfied in the knowledge that Jesus is the bread that gives you joy and peace with what you have in this world whether it is a little or a lot. There is so much more than things of this world. This world will come to an end for all of us. But, life in God's presence will not end for those who believe.

Partake of the bread of life and live life!

God's Peace - Pr. J.