The Weary Will Rise Up With Wings Like Eagles

Even youths will faint and be weary,

and the young will fall exhausted;

³¹ 

but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.

(Isaiah 40:30-31 NRSV)

I am no longer a youth. There are days that cause me to wonder why I have not fallen completely exhausted. There are days when I would like to. But, for those who are called by the Lord to serve, we do not fall. We might lie down for a bit; but, we do not crumble to the ground. We may have to wait a bit until the Lord has completely renewed our strength. We do not give up because we know that if we wait upon him, he will surely lift us up.  

While kayaking along the shore of Lake Superior, years ago, I got caught in a storm. There were no roads; no towns; not even houses for many, many miles. I had my cell phone on me; but, there was no cell service along that stretch of the shore. I kept paddling for as long as I could because my husband was waiting for me about ten miles down the shore with lunch and I knew he would be panicking when he didn't hear from me. The going was very slow. It finally got so rough that I finally had to pull onto a sandy beach. I was hesitant in doing so because I knew although the landing would go okay; I wasn't sure how I'd launch again if the wind and waves did not calm down.

I pulled the kayak up under a tree and ate lunch. I lay down to watch the water. It didn't take me long to fall asleep. When I opened my eyes, I was looking into the eyes of a bald eagle. He was sitting in the branches above me, watching me. He was so close that I could see every single wet feather on his head. He, too, had taken a break from the storm. When he finally flew back out over the water, I knew that I had rested on that shore long enough. Although the winds had not slowed down much, my strength had been renewed. I was ready. As expected, I got pretty wet launching the kayak and it took twice the time it should have to get to where my husband was waiting and worrying. But, I was ready to go.

According to the prophet Isaiah: even youth will grow weary; but those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength and we shall mount up with wings like eagles. 

May you be granted the peace that comes with knowing that God is with you and no matter what the storm, the Lord will lift you up.

God's Peace - Pr. J

I Am Not Always Patient Or Gentle

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Eph 4:2 NIV)

I have to confess that I am not always gentle or patient. My patience flies out the window when I end up listening to someone explaining why they don't thnk what they did was a sin rather than just confess them. My gentleness disappears when I see or hear anyone using or abusing others to make themselves feel or look better. I am neither gentle or patient when the word of the Lord takes second place to one's own opinions; their egos; their personal goals. I am not very gentle when man's will becomes a priority over God's will within the church on earth.

I am often accused of not being Christ-like when I lose my patience or my gentleness. Paul reminds us in his letter to Ephesians that we need to be. I wonder though, was it a reminder to himself as well? He, too, could lose his patience. He also could come across as a bit unkind. He did not sit back and let people trample on the rights of others. He was not quiet when others were teaching falsehoods about Jesus.

Jesus, himself, did not take kindly to his Father's being used as a mean to get rich. He was not pleased when he entered the temple and witnessed the shysters making a profit, it appears that he lost his patience with them and was not very gentle. "Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, 'Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!' His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”  (John 2:15-17)

I confess. I am not always patient or gentle. You can accuse me all that you want of not being Christ-like; but, I will stand up for those who are being used or abused. I will not placate anyone by saying a sin is not a sin. I will be quite blunt with those who would subvert the will of God and proclaim their will rather than the will of the One who sent His only begotten Son to die for us. 

May God fill us with zeal for Him and for the whole Body of Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Last Of All

“Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” (Mark 9:35-37 NRSV)

So who exactly does the world want to welcome: Jesus, God the Father. the little child? 

For a whole lot of the world, these words from Jesus are absolutely worthless. A large part of the world thinks more of themselves than any of these. Believing and following Jesus calls us to be last in the world. Following Jesus means to open our arms to all and that includes the little children. Our comfort; our convenience does not come before serving others according to their needs. 

Jesus was a servant to all. He healed those who were sick. He raised them from the dead. He fed the hungry. He washed his followers' feet. Our Lord, was willing to die that we might live. Our Lord and our King; was willing and even desirous of serving humankind that we might be welcomed by our Father into His presence; not just for life after death; but, so that we could live in His glorious presence even today.

The firstborn of creation; the firstborn from the dead (Col 1:15, 18) became last; the servant of all for all of God's children.  

May God help us to put the lives of all God's children, young and old, before our own comfort and convenience.

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Is With You!

"I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

(Joshua 1:9 NRSV)

The servant of the Lord told Joshua to be courageous; the Lord is with you wherever He sends you and no matter what He asks you to do. We are reminded that we too should be courageous in doing the Lord's will. Things will happen along the way; things that don't always feel so good. That should be expected. But, God has a plan. "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:28)

Do not worry. Trust the Lord for He is with you wherever you go; wherever he sends you.

God's Peace -Pr. J

Pride And Your Fall

A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,
    but an accurate weight is his delight.
² When pride comes, then comes disgrace;
    but wisdom is with the humble.
³ The integrity of the upright guides them,
    but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.
⁴ Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
    but righteousness delivers from death.
⁵ The righteousness of the blameless keeps their ways straight,
    but the wicked fall by their own wickedness.
                                            (Prov 11:1-5 NRSV)

Pride, lack of integrity, self-righteousness; these things will all cause a person to fall. Their true nature will be found out and they will be shunned by the very people they have attempted to use and abuse for their own gains.

It is most unfortunate that there are so many people in the world who think that their unrighteousness is not visible to the world around them. Do they seriously think that their lies are not known? Have they considered that trying to justify their lack of integrity with very lame excuses is actually quite obvious to the people they are trying to bamboozle? 

In at least some of the instances, I would guess that it is their very self-centered pride that causes them to be so deceptive. They think so highly of themselves that they think that everyone around them is blind to their attempts at manipulation. And... in the end, they will fall into the very same trap that they have attempted to lay for others. They will find themselves separated from the people around them. 

Manipulation and lies, stemming from pride, to make oneself look better than their neighbors will not profit anyone in the long run. They will ruin you and separate you from the rest of humanity. 

On the other hand, humility will unite you with your neighbor. Washington Allston said: "Humility is also a healing virtue; it will cicatrize a thousand wounds, which pride would keep for ever open."  This I believe is most certainly true! 

God's Peace - Pr. J

If The Lord Wishes

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money.” Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15 NRSV)

When I was first married, my husband insisted on not making long term plans. At least, if we did, he did not want anyone knowing about them. He didn't want anyone thinking that we failed at doing what we planned to do.

Forty some years later, he likes to plan. I suppose I would like to, as well. The problem is that I really don't know what I want to do and is what I want to do even feasible. We are not getting any younger. I am at retirement age and I'd like to do some traveling and enjoy some time together. But, the reality is that I have been working for 50 years and as much as I think I'd enjoy retirement, I think I would be pretty bored not having something that I am absolutely committed to do every day. Howard has retired twice and now works part-time just for something to do.

So, we have been making plans for what we ought to do beginning this summer. Is it time to do some traveling around this country? Or, should we just stay put? Who can tell! We don't even know what tomorrow will bring, let alone a day six months from now.

As my husband would say, "Whatever happens, happens." All we can really do is love the Lord and one another and live the life that God has given us one day at a time. God has a plan; a good plan.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Do What Is Right

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8 NRSV)

Sometimes, a whole lot of things going on in the world around us do not seem the least bit honorable or just. It can be difficult to switch our focus to good things; to things worthy of praise when children are being attacked for political purposes; and, when elected representatives smile as they sign the bill to kill babies. And... there is much worse going on in the world. It seems the devil has taken way more than a foothold in this world. 

There is much good in the world. God has made it that way. But, the devil is working pretty hard at making it not so. Think on and focus on the good things and fight the good fight for the good of all people.  

Yes, it is most necessary for Christians to engage in the battle against evil speaking the truth for the good of all people. But, we must also always remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood. It is against the devil and his minions. The battle can be horrific. But, it must be fought. It will be fought with words and hopefully those words are based on the Word of God. If not, we will lose our part of the battle. We must trust Him to be with us throughout the battle. He will arm us so that we might do His will, doing what is honorable and just in the face of much adversity.   

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 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. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 

Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.

                                                                                   (Eph 6:10-18)

The battle cannot be won without much prayer. Think and pray and act on those good things that please the Lord. Ask and we shall receive the wisdom, the strength, and the courage to proclaim the truth, act justly, to do what is pleasing in His sight so that He will be glorified and praised in all the world. It is not easy. But, it is right. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Sacrificing Children

But as for you, come here,
    you children of a sorceress,
    you offspring of an adulterer and a whore.
Whom are you mocking?
    Against whom do you open your mouth wide
    and stick out your tongue?
Are you not children of transgression,
    the offspring of deceit—
 you that burn with lust among the oaks,
    under every green tree;
you that slaughter your children in the valleys,
    under the clefts of the rocks?
Among the smooth stones of the valley is your portion;
    they, they, are your lot;
to them you have poured out a drink offering,
    you have brought a grain offering.
    Shall I be appeased for these things?
Upon a high and lofty mountain
    you have set your bed,
    and there you went up to offer sacrifice.
Behind the door and the doorpost
    you have set up your symbol;
for, in deserting me, you have uncovered your bed,
    you have gone up to it,
    you have made it wide;
and you have made a bargain for yourself with them,
    you have loved their bed,
    you have gazed on their nakedness.
You journeyed to Molech with oil,
    and multiplied your perfumes;
you sent your envoys far away,
    and sent down even to Sheol.
You grew weary from your many wanderings,
    but you did not say, “It is useless.”
You found your desire rekindled,
    and so you did not weaken.

Whom did you dread and fear
    so that you lied,
and did not remember me
    or give me a thought?
Have I not kept silent and closed my eyes,
    and so you do not fear me?

 I will concede your righteousness and your works,
    but they will not help you.
 When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you!
    The wind will carry them off,
    a breath will take them away.
But whoever takes refuge in me shall possess the land
    and inherit my holy mountain

                    Isaiah 57:3-5, 7-13 (NRSV)

During Isaiah's time, children were sacrificed to false gods and idols for the benefit of the parent. Parents were willing to kill their children in order to live the lives they wanted to live. 

There are so many false gods; so many idols that parents worship today. How many lives of children have been taken to reap the imagined benefits of worshipping these idols today? It is a very sad thing that the leading cause of death today is abortion. It is not just sad. It is abhorrent!

Promiscuity is a common and acceptable thing today. But, with sleeping around in the hopes of some kind of pleasure or benefit there are many risks. However; whether in a committed relationship or not; pregnancy is only one of the consequences of sexual relationships. Unfortunately, today it appears that the natural consequence of having a sexual relationship is not all that acceptable to the parent(s). But, killing the child that is conceived so that one can go on living in a life style that is pleasing to the parent is.

Being a parent is not highly revered today. But, enjoying one's life to its fullest seems to be no matter who might die in the interim. So many women (especially young women) have been duped by the media and by health care professionals as well as others and have regretted their decisions after the fact. There are consequences that often come with abortions; physical, emotional, and mental consequences. The people of this country (and many churches that claim to profess Christ) really ought to quit lying to themselves by saying that killing children is acceptable. Our personal pleasures; our dreams; our personal goals are not more important than life itself! They are not more important than the life of a child.

So what or who is it that you worship? Do you worship the one true God who created you and redeemed you?  Do you worship yourself?

If you say that you are a Christian than please read the Holy Scriptures! There is only one God and we are not Him! May God have mercy upon our souls.

God's Peace – Pr. J

Ask For Wisdom

If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. (James 1:5 NRSV)

This verse from James came to my mind as I was reading the news and some social media this morning. 

Here is a major problem: If someone lacks wisdom, will they be wise enough to ask for wisdom?  Sometimes, it just does not seem like that will happen for some. There are those whose eyes nor their ears nor their hearts nor their minds are open to the truth. So, we must ask for wisdom for others as well as for ourselves.

God grant that we should receive the wisdom and the courage to accept the truth of His Word.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Listen To The Word

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

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

God's Peace - Pr. J.

I Believe That I Cannot Believe

"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you."

                                                                                    John 14:26 NRSV

 

No photos today as I am at a theological conference on the Holy Spirit and have limited resources; a very old laptop that does not cooperate.  Speaking of cooperating.... Here's a very sticky thing for people to grasp:  The Holy Spirit calls and gathers us. We don't go to Christ alone. We don't do it. We can do nothing without God. We can not even believe without the Holy Spirit. We cannot even call Jesus, Savior and Lord, without the Holy  Spirit. But, we like to claim credit, anyway. So, we use words like let him into our hearts; we cooperate with him. These are all ways to glorify ourselves; like we somehow have done something good for ourselves. That is our ego talking. God gets the glory! If it is us we are trying to lift up; then we are committing idolatry, lifting ourselves up to be god.

 

A refresher from Luther's Small Catechism (CPH) for those who may have forgotten that God the Holy Spirit brings us to and keeps us in the faith. We do not. 

The Third Article: Sanctification

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

 

What does this mean? I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.

 

This is most certainly true.

 

It would be a good idea to quit worrying about what you have to do to be a more faithful Christian. The Holy Spirit is busy bringing you to it!

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

 

Whatever Happens; God Is With You

My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4 NRSV) 

Growing in Christ does mean that we will face trials. There was a time when I could actually smile at those trials that I would face, knowing that it would be a learning and growing experience. Then, I would just get to it. Today, I am more likely to find myself weary of facing one trial after the next. Maybe, it's more like I've learned to simply endure them. I look out into the world and see all the trials that people endure simply because of our sinful natures, I get tired of seeing so much unnecessary suffering. I know that trials produce endurance so that we might mature and grow in Christ. However, it saddens me to know that those trials are often born out of disrespect for the world; for the people around us; and, for God.

Sadly; to live in this world, we do need endurance and endurance comes from facing and overcoming trials. But, we are not alone. We are never alone. God is with us and we will prevail. We will grow  and mature in Christ. We can rejoice in that knowledge.

God grant that we should have joyful spirits as we face the trials before us, in the knowledge that God is with us and for us. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Built Upon A Solid Foundation

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!” (Matt 7:24-27 NRSV)

This past year I've questioned the wisdom of the powers that be that determine construction codes. Years ago, we put a mobile home on a piece of property in Gay, Michigan; a little town on Lake Superior. To prepare the spot we used concrete runners under the mobile home so that it would not sink or shift. Our son, just put a mobile home on land in Flagler County. Here in Florida the pad that the mobile home will sit on is made of sand. There is no concrete slab or runners under the home. I am sure that the engineers and others more knowledgeable about building in Florida know what they are doing. Yes; of course, there are some really good tie downs and concrete blocks securing and leveling the house. But, when I first heard that there must be a pad of sand laid first, I was a bit confused. But; then again, we don't normally put a slab of concrete under a wood home, either. Blocks are usually used to hold it up and level it and that has worked for a very long time. 

So, houses are normally built on something solid; like concrete slabs or blocks. There has to be a sturdy base to keep the home from crumbling down. Likewise; our faith must be built on something solid. The foundation of our faith is the truth, who is Jesus Christ. Jesus is the cornerstone that holds the house of God together. If the house of God, if the church, is built on anything less than Jesus; if it is built on egos or greed or upon our own self-righteousness; then it will surely fall.

Paul wrote to the Ephesians:  "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God." (Eph 2:19-22)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Tested Beyond Our Strength?

No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. (1 Cor 10:13 NRSV)

Life can be pretty rough at times. There are times when we really think that we are so near the edge of what we can endure that we are likely to go over the cliff. But, Paul is convinced that God will be with us and supporting us as we are tested. He reminds us that God will not test us beyond what we are capable of handling. 

Life is rough. There will be much pain. There will be much grief. But, our hope is not in this world. Our hope is in the promises of God through Christ Jesus.

May God help "...us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful."  (Heb 10:23) Do not fear the trials or temptations that assail you for God is with you and for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Shine Like A Star To Glorify God

Shine Like Stars In The World

Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. (Philippians 2:14-16 NRSV)

Personally, I am very tired of arguing. I'm too old and have much better things to do; like proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Arguing is unproductive and a major waste of time that could be spent gathering instead of separating. 

Reasonable debating is another thing. Sitting down with someone and actually discussing something can be very productive. But, when you don't win the "argument" to then go around and murmur (gossip) about the person you disagree with is definitely not only non-productive, it is not Christ like. 

We are to shine like stars in the world, not to be like the world. The race we are to run is not against others. It is for others. We proclaim the Good News with all the fervor that the Spirit of Christ provides us with so that others might also hear and believe.

It is not about glorifying ourselves. It is not about us winning the race against others. It is about trusting the Holy Spirit to help us to run the race and let the light of Christ shine in and through us for the sake of others, to the glory of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Seek The Presence Of The Lord; Live By The Spirit

Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Gal 5:16 NRSV)

I hear this scripture all too often for my liking. It's not that I don't agree with it. I do. It's that I am tired of hearing it preached by people who don't live by it. It is not just the prosperity preachers who promote gratifying their flesh by their actions. It is also a lot of other clergy and lay people who would judge the prosperity preachers. The way we live; our actions, should at least come close to what preachers tell others they must do. If the Spirit of Christ abides in us, we will be more concerned about seeking the kingdom of God rather than seeking things. 

Those who insist on saying that others must live by the Spirit and not gratify the flesh; then it would beneficial for them to examine themselves. If getting your car detailed is more important than serving or supporting others then I'd say you ought not be telling others to be living by the Spirit. If you have hours to spend shopping for that perfect, very expensive, dress for the weekend while insisting that you are spiritual, then I'd say your actions do not coincide with the words of your mouth. 

Whether you live by the Spirit or the desires of the flesh is up to you. But; please, do not pretend that you love the Lord while you are busy trying to satisfy your self-gratifying desires.

Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. (Gal 6:7-8)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Brood Of Vipers; God's Children

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance.                          (Matt 3:7-8 NRSV)

John the Baptist is one of my favorite biblical characters. Can you imagine if I went around saying to people, "...You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Well, actually I do say things similar to this at times, I just don't recall actually calling anyone a viper. Oops, I take that back, too. I do recall an occasion or two when I've let someone know that they were acting like a snake.

Here is John, baptizing with water for repentance and along comes Jesus, the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, requesting to be baptized by John.

John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matt 3:14-17)

Anointed by the Spirit of God at baptism, we hear from that same Spirit, that same God, welcome us into His family with these reconciling words, "You are my beloved child, with whom I am well pleased."

A brood of vipers, we are. Yet, by His grace, we are His children.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Wipe The Dismal Look Off Of Your Face, Please!

“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."                                                                             (Matthew 6:1, 16-18 NRSV)

The look of the dismally pious has a tendency to make me wonder who they think they are fooling. Do they not understand that when many of us see pious, dismal looking Christians we do wonder whom they are truly serving? Are they serving God or themselves? Witnessing people serving the Lord, with love, usually brings a smile to my face and joy in my heart because those who are truly serving the Lord and not doing works to get the approval of humankind or trying to win their way in to heaven are very grateful to have the opportunity to serve Him. Whether we are serving the Lord out of love for him or out of self-righteousness is usually visible on our faces; in our very demeanor.

I am not saying that you should be walking around happy, happy, happy all of the time. I am simply saying that if you never find joy in your Sunday routine of worshipping the Lord simply because it is nothing more than a routine for you; if you never find joy in helping your neighbor or visiting a sick friend in the hospital; if you never find joy in serving the Lord by serving others then there is a problem. 

Worshipping and serving the Lord is not a mere ritual that will keep you from the fires of hell. Worshipping and serving the Lord is an act of love. Because he first loved us, we love him. And, as the song goes, "They will know we are Christians by our love." (John 13:34-35)

As you follow in the footsteps of Jesus, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites; but, rejoice for in him for you have been reconciled to God our Father. Rejoice, for you who were not his children are now his children! The gates to paradise have been opened for you. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Free To Serve

For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings. (1 Cor 9:19-23 NRSV)

We are free to do as we please. St. Paul chose to use his freedom to become a slave (servant) to everyone to win as many to Christ as possible. He did not lord it over others. He became like them so that they would be open to hearing the Word.

If proclaiming the gospel is truly a priority for us in this world then sometimes we have to give up a few things (die to self) in order that others might be willing to listen and hear. Those who would serve others need to be willing and able to walk, as the saying goes, a mile in the shoes of others.

We are certainly free to do as we please. But, servants of the most high God are willing to make a sacrifice or two, even die, for the sake of others. Jesus did.

God's Peace - Pr. J

If The World Hates You

 

"If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘Servants are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me." (John 15:18-21 NRSV)

Being hated or persecuted when you have done nothing wrong can be very tiring. But, there is a consolation in it. We are hated because we belong to the Kingdom of God and not the world. The world rejects Jesus. Those who follow in worldly ways have rejected "The Way" that Jesus would have us go. The world has rejected our Father in heaven. The world will persecute; the world hate the followers of Jesus. That is just the way it is. That may be hurtful at times. But, it is also a reason to rejoice for we know that the world hated Jesus first.

It we are to be hated; then let us rejoice that the reason we are despised (even feared) is on account of the name of Jesus.  Let us rejoice; also, that there are multitudes of brothers and sisters in Christ who do not reject or hate us because they do, in fact, love Jesus. They do not reject the Good News that we would share with others. They do not reject our word; because our word is the Word given to us, Jesus Christ our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J