He Provides His Kingdom

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

                                                                                    (Luke 12:27-34 KJV)

Where is your heart? Where is your treasure? Is your every waking minute spent worrying about getting ahead in this world? Do you not know that even as God provides so that they flowers might grow; it is God who provides for your needs.

Yes, work; but, find pleasure in the work that God has provided you with. And; yes, enjoy all of the gifts that God has given you in this world. But, seek first the Kingdom of God. Seek His presence and you will know treasures beyond what can be found in this world. Seek His Kingdom and you will know the peace that surpasses all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)

God's Peace - Pr. J

My Redeemer Lives

"For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:" (Job 19:25 KJV)

What comfort those words from Job can bring! When life feels desolate; when peace seems like a distant dream, we can look forward with hope to the day when there will be no more suffering and pain because we know that our Redeemer lives! We can look to the latter day when every knee shall bow before the Lord. We can look to the day when we see Jesus in full glory.

May God grant you hope for a future of joy and peace in His presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Get Rid Of False Gods

And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the Lord thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. (Deut 8:19)

I sometimes cannot do anything but shake my head when I consider the many worthless idols that people around me worship. I know that they know better. It is very sad to know that rather than God, people fall into the trap of worshiping these inanimate objects. Even sadder is the fact that they don't seem to realize that they are even doing it; so there is no repentance. There is no change other than sinking deeper into despair as they continue in the worship of the false gods.

I have been told more times than I can count: "I believe. That is enough." But, what do you believe? Do you believe that the money you're trying to win gambling online is going to save you? It's more likely to bury you. And... even if you do win; will it really bring you happiness? Why do you waste the hours, the days, the life that God has given you to such worthless pursuits? Do you really believe that the drugs (even if they are legal prescriptions) and the alcohol are going to bring you peace? What's up with that, anyway? Has all sense departed this world?

Or, do you believe that Jesus truly came to give you life? Do you know? Do you believe that he suffered on the cross so that you could live reconciled to the one true God? If you believe it, destroy those false gods and bow before for the one who was willing to die so that you might live life in his presence now and forever.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Finder

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10 KJV)

We have a competition around the house; that is to see who is the "Finder." We just happen to lose a lot of stuff. Tools get lost on a daily basis. So does  a lot of paperwork. No one ever seems to have a clue where stuff was left. I lose my keys daily. In fact, I just had to have a key made for the car as it fell out of the fob somewhere during my daily running around. Very, very frequently, I have to have Jimmy call my cell phone when I'm at the church so that I can find it, hoping that I forgot to turn it off or down during worship so that I can hear it ring. I have finally figured out that when I lose the phone at home, I can just go on my alternate Messenger and call my own phone.

We take turns being the "Finder" at home. But, the reality is that there is no better "Finder" than Jesus. It was not just things that were lost. He did not come to find inanimate objects. He came to find the lost so that we could live in his presence. We were the lost and without Jesus we would remain lost. He came to find the lost. Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Dressing The Garden

  

And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. (Gen 2:15 KJV)

There are all kinds of gardens. Being on vacation, I've been able to work a little bit in the garden I've been attempting to create for the young girl who lives next door.  In order to put their home on the land, a lot of trees had to be cut and consequently there were a lot of stumps! Many of the stumps were removed; but, it's not an easy chore getting rid of them so I decided to do something with a few of them. There are a few mushrooms in the garden made out of stumps and round bottom bowls. There are also a few fairies and gnomes. We're getting to the flowers slowly but surely.

After school she usually takes a peek in the garden to see if anything new has appeared. She likes her garden. I enjoy working in it, as well. I cannot think of anything much more pleasant to do than to dress the garden for the little girl next door on my vacation . 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Faithful Promise

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

                                                                                 (Heb 10:22-23 KJV)

We have been given a beautiful world to live in; friends; family. We have received many gifts in this world. Sometimes; though, things can get a bit dreary. Sometimes, things can get really rough. There can be a lot of challenges and a lot of trials in this world. Sin, sometimes, takes a stronger hold of our lives than we'd like.

But, we are not without hope. All is not lost. In Christ we have received forgiveness of sin. In Christ, we have had our hearts sprinkled from evil consciences. In Christ, we have been redeemed. We have been reconciled to God our Father and have been made whole. We have received the fruit of God's promise though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

His Name Is Praised

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised. (Psalm 113:3 KJV)

When asked if you believe in Jesus, what do you say? Do you say "I believe" and leave it at that? Seems to me a whole lot of people say they believe; but, what do they believe? Do they believe that God is the creator of all of heaven and earth? Do they believe that the Lord is our only salvation? Do they trust him for with their futures and their very lives? 

To say that one believes that their is one God really isn't saying all that much about in who or what you place your faith. According to James: "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19) 

When one truly believes and trusts in God; their appreciation for what the Lord has done for them would show not in seeking things of this world; but, in praising and worshiping him alone.

The Lord's name is praised above all others; all things by those whose trust is in him and who love him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Greatest Treasure

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

                                                                               (Matt 6:20-21 KJV)

What is it that is the most valuable to you? And, what would you give to have it? There are treasures much more valuable than things that you purchase with money. Family and friends are among the most valuable. But, the greatest gift of all was given to us when God sacrificed His only begotten Son on the cross so that we might be reconciled to Him and to one another in His Kingdom.

May you dwell in the Kingdom of God now and forever.

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Is Risen!

What a Relief! He is Risen!

Have a blessed Easter!

God's Peace - Pr. J

And... The Cock Crowed

Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

                                                (Matt 26:74-75 KJV)

For years my congregations have observed Good Friday with a Tenebrae Service. There is a monologue given as if it were the eye witness account of St. Peter. It is a moving account of how much our Lord was willing to suffer for us. He was willing to endure torture and death for we who would continue to betray him even as Peter betrayed him. 

When I hear the account of St. Peter's betrayal, I am shaken to the core for I know that St. Peter is not the only betrayer. Here is our Lord giving his life that we might live and here we are living our own lives to fulfill our own selfish purposes; to protect ourselves. We can tell ourselves the Lord expects us to have everything we want to enjoy our lives, and I do believe he wants us to enjoy life; but, at what cost? Is the cost putting the love of self; the love of the world above the love of God? Do we realize that in turning to our desires that we are turning away from the one who loves us so much that he would die for us? Do we truly love the one who loved us enough to die for us above our own selfish desires? 

When Jesus rose from the grave he told Peter that if he loved him then he should feed his sheep. (John 21:15-17) If we truly love him, we would be caring for others even as Jesus cares for us. We would not be the first priority.

Tomorrow is the day that we celebrate his resurrection. But; remember, there would have been no rising from the dead if there had been no death in the first place. You cannot have Easter morning without Good Friday. We too, must die to ourselves in order to live in Christ.

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

                                                                                     (Luke 9:23-26)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Thicker Than Blood

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

                                                                        (John 19:25-30 KJV)

The world was changed when Jesus hung on that cross and died for us. Of course, there are many things that have not changed. There are still some really ugly things going on in the world. But, when Jesus hung on that cross and died, we received the possibility of being reconciled to God. We who were not His children became His children. We are family. 

On very rare occasions I will refer to brothers and sisters in Christ as "friends" because they are. I don't use that term often; though, because more than friends, we are family. We are children of the most high God; brothers and sisters in Christ. When Jesus hung on the cross he told John, "Behold thy mother" and to his mother Mary he said, "Behold thy son." John was to care for Mary as a son would. Mary was to love John as a mother would. When, through faith, we are made to be children of God, we become family. We are to love and care for one another as our Father in heaven cares for all of us. 

As you gather with your brothers and sisters this Good Friday to remember what Christ has done for us; remember that the person sitting in the pew or chair next to you is your brother or sister in Christ and that together you remember and grieve that Jesus had to suffer and die for the both of you. There is a blood that is thicker than blood. It is the blood of Christ that was shed for you and for all people.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Maundy Thursday

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

                                                                                (1 Cor 11:23-26 KJV)

On the night in which he was betrayed the Lord delivered to us the promise of life. Life was delivered to us when his body was broken and his blood shed on the cross. In the Sacrament of Holy Communion we receive his body and his blood. In the eating and drinking we receive him into ourselves. We do not receive death. We receive life. We receive the living God in this Holy Sacrament. As we remember his betrayal, his persecution, and his death, many we also remember that he rose from the grave and lives. As he lives, so shall we!

Please, join your local congregation this Maundy Thursday and remember what Christ has done for you; to remember his journey to the cross for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Live Joyfully With Your Spouse

Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. (Eccl 9:9 KJV)

It is a good thing to have someone to share and enjoy one's life with. 

Over the years as I have done pre-marital counseling I have often found myself advising couples that if their marriage is going to last and last peaceably they probably need to find time to be together and things to do together. It seems as though many young people think that marriage should afford each partner time to do what it is that they like to do. Sometimes, they expect an awful lot of time to be who they were before marriage. Playing cards with the guys every Saturday night or in the bar for a few (few too many) drinks with your gal pals can cause more than a few problems. It can take the joy right out of a marriage. 

Hanging with your old friends or at your old haunts on a way too regular basis is nothing short of adultery. Just as putting anything or anyone before God is idolatry; putting anything or anyone before your spouse is adultery. Of course, there will be times when that might need to happen. You may have to help a friend in need instead of going out to dinner with your spouse. But, a God-fearing and loving spouse would support you in that. 

Marriage is about a lot of things. It is about sharing things, including your time. It is about commitment to the one you love enough to have married in the first place. Your spouse comes before the things and/or people who were in your life prior to Holy Matrimony. It is about sacrifice. Sometimes you both might have to sacrifice some of those things that gave you pleasure prior to making the commitment to love and care for and respect each other.

Marriage is not always easy. In fact, it can be pretty tough. But, if you want to live joyfully with the one whom you love then set aside your vanity and put that person before all other things of this world. 

Marriage may be hard at times; but, it is not a ball and chain. It is not a death sentence. It is a gift from God so that you might have someone to enjoy life with and to grow old with.

God's Peace - Pr. J

His Passion

And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

                                                                            (Matt 21:8-9 KJV)

Today we enter Holy Week. On this Palm Sunday we also celebrate Passion Sunday during worship. I will narrate the whole story; from Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem with palm branches waving to his burial. We do this in order so that as many people as possible can hear the passion story. We will not have as many at worship as we will on Easter Sunday; but, we will have some who will not be with us on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday to hear the story. They will be there to hear of his rising from the grave on Easter morning; but, they will not be there to hear of the actual sacrifice that he made that precipitated his resurrection. Without death there can be no resurrection. Without Good Friday; without the events of Holy Week, there can be no Easter Sunday. Therefore; on Palm Sunday we also remember his passion for us. We remember that because he loves us he was willing to go to Jerusalem to be tried and crucified for us. 

Join us at Christ Lutheran or your local congregation this morning and throughout Holy Week as we remember all that our Lord has done for us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Trust God; Not Man

While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.

                                                                                Psalm 146:2-3 KJV

Who can save a congregation? When I first came to my present congregation, they were already in trouble. The last two pastors had left unexpectedly. The one prior to that had helped to start the church and then retired. He chose to stay in the congregation. I had been told that there were over 100 members; but, when I got here, I found that there were much less than that and still on the decline. The budget was very, very tight as there were some major financial commitments outside of staff that had to be kept. I was actually asked by another pastor if God had sent me here to see the church grow or to help close it as a hospice chaplain to the congregation. My response was: "I do not know. Only God knows that." Those outstanding debts of the congregation are still there and many of the founding members have moved away to live closer to their children. We have new members and we have a seminary student in training. But, the question remains: "does God intend for this congregation to grow or to close?"

I wonder often how many of the people who worship here trust and praise the Lord for all things. Do they trust the Lord or do they trust their pastor and other servant/leaders to keep the doors open? I know that we do have some who are totally committed to the Lord. I am unsure how many. If anyone has trusted me  or the servant/leadership here, they have put their trust in the wrong place. If anyone thinks that their new pastor can save them and if the new pastor thinks he can save them, they have put their trust in the wrong place. Salvation comes only from the Lord. Do not trust anyone before the Lord. However, it is good and right to trust Christ working in and through those whom he has called to serve. 

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Gal 2:20)

When I was very young I trusted just about everyone and I was burned an awful lot. I came to trust no one. But, as I came to know the Lord more intimately, I came to a place of trust again. I could trust again because I trust that God has a plan. It's not man's plan; but, His plan. I still get burned now and then. But, I am confident that Christ is at work in and through me, no matter how bad I might feel that I am being burned. As Paul wrote: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:28) 

I know that I can trust that God's good will is being done. Whether any particular congregation or community opens their doors or shuts them it is according to God's plan. Individual congregations may come and go; but, the Church will continue to grow and go out into the world to share the Good News. I have no doubt about that.

The Israelites and their backsliding is a history we should all remember. When they started trusting in themselves or their rules or laws or anything else, God would work some work to convince them to turn back to him; like having them wander in the wilderness for forty plus years. 

May all of God's people remember to faithfully serve and praise the Lord and not  some person or a building and just maybe God will decide to keep the doors open.

God's Peace - Pr. J

To Prosper

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
                                                                             Psalm 1:1-3 KJV

This word prosper is an interesting word with more than one meaning. Most often people think of it in relation to be physical wealth; financial success. But, it also means to grow. That growing can mean to get physically strong and healthy or even spiritually strong and healthy. 

Prosperity is not just about having things; but, also about what you are able and willing to give. It is a state of being; whether you are rich in things or not. Some of those who have the most are often the poorest for inside they are empty of any of the gifts of God. They lack genuine love for others. They lack empathy. Always seeking more they lack the peace and joy that only God can give. 

The photo above was taken at a congregation in Michigan. Of what they had, they gave to those in need both generously and cheerfully. They worked together to help and to prosper others; to provide for those in need that others might be comfortable and content and that they might also grow spiritually. I am confident that as they worked to prosper others they also grew in spirit.

May God bless the work of all of our hands that others may also prosper in the Kingdom of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Sincere Milk of the Word

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (1 Peter 2:2-3 KJV) 

As of the eighth of this month, I am a great-great aunt for the first time. Saylor will, as all newborns, desire the milk that will nourish her and help her to grow. Likewise, the first letter that is attributed to St. Peter encourages newborn Christians to desire the sincere milk of the word.

It is not just newborn Christians who need take to heart this admonition; but, all Christians. So often, once we have received the love of God, we think that alone will sustain us. But, we must consider that the world is feeding us a lot of garbage, as well. In order to be nourished and to grow in Christ we must continue to drink in the milk of the word.

Do not believe every word you hear from so called "spiritual" people on the radio or television or even in your neighborhood. If what you are hearing cannot be backed up by scripture then what you are hearing is not the word that will nourish you.  

Read the word daily. Drink it in. Every Sunday morning, somewhere, in some congregation, you can hear the word read aloud. Attend worship with the fellowship of believers and hear the promises of God for you. St. Paul wrote to the Romans:  "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:17) 

Hear the Word of God speak to you; drink in the word; believe and know that the Lord is good.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Where Is The Love?

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:6-8 KJV)

Many men and women do indeed die for the sake of their countries; to protect the freedoms and rights for the people as a whole and for the generations to come. But, as to dying for specific individuals, even for those that we claim to love, that is not so common. Self-preservation takes hold of us. Many will step forward to help others if their lives or their ways of life will not be jeopardized. But, many will also ignore the needs, the lives of others if it makes them uncomfortable or inconveniences them in the least. Where is the grace? Where is the love when we look after our own self-interests before the very lives of others?

But, not so with God. Even while we were yet sinners, Jesus died for us that we might be reconciled to him now and forever. He was willing to be persecuted, suffer, and die for our sakes. Thanks be to God for the love of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Brightness Of His Glory

 

"Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:" (Hebrews 1:3 KJV)

The morning sunrise and evening sunset are both beautiful. But, nothing in this world can compare to the brightness of the glory of our savior, Jesus the Christ. He is the light that shines even in the darkest of our days. He, alone, is the reason for our hope.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;

The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. 

                                                            (Song of Solomon 2:12-13a)

The grass is growing in most of the yard. The flowers are blooming. The birds are singing. I drank my first cup of coffee outside in the dark this morning listening to the birds sing. I love it out here. 

We turned the keys to our last home over to the new owners yesterdays and have just about finished moving into the RV. The RV, in our son's yard, will be where we stay when we are in Florida.

I have been working on a butterfly/fairy/gnome garden for Paige and myself. The photo above is the very beginning of it. There is a long way to go. It will be a work in progress for awhile. 

Nine months ago this chunk of land was completely wooded. It is now a home. God has blessed us richly. May God bless you, as well.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Dead to Self

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Gal 2:20 KJV)

Although I should live by this scripture daily, every now and then I have to remind myself that it is not I who lives and serves for the I in me has been crucified with Christ and it is he who lives and serves through me. 

Whenever we start thinking that we can do anything worthwhile under our own knowledge or strength we are living to our fleshly desires and our self-serving egos. We must give it all up to God and trust that Christ will work in and through us for the good of all people.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Serve God! Enjoy Life!

Howard - Photo by John Arthur Photography

"What gain have the workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live..." Eccl 3:9-12

Live life!  I can't even begin to count how many times I have told people to live life; enjoy life! 

Well, working on yet another move. Howard has been retired for a few years. It is my turn and the time is getting close. There is only a couple of more weeks before I install the new pastor and leave my present congregation. We closed on the sale of our home in Flagler Beach yesterday and have almost completed the move into the RV which will be our winter home.  It is being accomplished so quickly thanks to family and some really awesome neighbors at Bulow Village.

Just because I am retiring from the position of pastor does not in any way mean that I will stop working. I will be finished at Christ Lutheran. But, as a pastor I am well aware that it does not mean I am finished serving the Lord. Service to God never ends. The call to serve is a life-style and not a job. Serving the Lord should be and is a joy. Through rough times and good times, it is a joy to know that I get to serve him because of the blood of Christ that was shed for me and not just for me; but, for all people. If it were not for Jesus, I would not qualify.

I look forward to this new phase in life. I will hopefully get to spend more time in private conversation with the Lord and more time serving according to his will.

What makes me happy? Serving the Lord!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Righteous Flourish

"He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch." (Prov 11:28 KJV)

Who are these who will flourish like a branch? According to the proverbs, it is the righteous who shall flourish. The problem with that is that none of us can be found righteous by our own merit; our own good deeds. Paul wrote to the Romans, "What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Rom 3:9-10)

But, God provided us a way to be found righteous in His sight. He sent His only begotten Son to die for us; for our sins; upon the cross. This was for all people.

We are not found righteous by the works of our own hands; but, by faith in the one who died for us. Thanks be to God we are found righteous because of Jesus' work on the cross and will flourish in the Kingdom of God, now and forever. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Reverence And Godly Fear

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:28-29 KJV)

With reverence and godly fear; what a concept! God is who He is and He is much more than is often apparent when observing the life of the church. We forget that He gives life and He can take it away. (Job 1:21) He gave us the kingdom through the further gift of His Son. But, do we really want it? Or, is it the world that we desire? So often, the way things are done are done merely for expediency or to please individuals we think might benefit us or even the church. 

No one can benefit us as God has done! God gives us all things. Some of those things we may not appreciate as much as others; at least, not until He takes them away. Then they are missed. We ought not consider any gift from God as a trifling thing. The greatest gift that God has given us is the life of His Son through whom we have received God's grace; through whom we have received the kingdom. There is nothing more important in our lives than that. Will we respect and honor the gifts of God? Or, will we continue to strive after things of this world disrespecting the one true God who has given us so much? 

Saying, I believe, and not worshiping God with reverence and godly fear is no more than the devils do. (James 2:19) We should so fear and love God. What does this mean? It means we should honor him in all that we say and think and do. And, just because no man is capable of doing that perfectly; that does not mean that we should not live our lives striving to honor Him and glorify His name. 

God has given us so much. He can also take it away. He is God. Set aside the false gods. Let your ego die that Christ might live in and through you that our Father in heaven is served with reverence, love, and godly fear.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Following Jesus To Death And To Life

And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again. (Matt 20:17-19 KJV)

Today, I am heading to my death. I'm going to walk right into the camp of those who want to kill me and you're coming with me. That's what Jesus told his disciples. And, they went. They followed him to Jerusalem. Only one, Judas, was not willing to participate as a possible victim. Once inside of Jerusalem, he went to the other camp. He regretted his actions and ended up in death before all of the others.

Sometimes, it is easier to take the other side. Sometimes, it might feel safer to ignore those who blaspheme the name of Jesus. Sometimes, we switch the subject and go another way instead of being willing to take up our cross and follow Jesus. 

But, is it really easier to go another way and stray from God's side? Is it really easier to lay down your cross and walk away? For the most part, the disciples did not see an option. They only knew that they wanted to follow their beloved Jesus. Yes, they all faltered at times in fear for their lives. But, in the end, all but one, picked their crosses back up and followed Jesus through the gateway of death into eternal life.

We all may get weary and afraid from time to time as we recognize that we might also become the persecuted. But, we must persevere in faithful witness to the life, death, and life of as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J

A Lesson From Sodom And Gomorrah

And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.

And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.

The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.

Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven;

And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.

But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

                                                                           (Gen 19:15-17, 22-26 KJV)

Escape for your life! There are many lessons in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. One that is often over-looked is that Lot and his daughters escaped with their lives. But, his wife did not. They were told not to look back. She did. She looked back toward the home she left behind and was destroyed.

There are times and situations in all of our lives where we end up stuck in muck and mire and it pulls us down whether we always realize it or not. We need to take notice of what is happening in our lives. Even if our intentions are good and good for the people around us as well; there are times we need to walk away, shake the dust off of our feet, and not look back lest we get pulled into the pits of destruction with those who are determined to go that way; lest we get led away from the path which we should be on. 

Yes, of course, we should (and must) be willing to go into all places to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus. However, if rather than share the good news we end up sucked into a lifestyle that is turning us away from God we must leave that place; that situation. If you find yourself surrounded by people who refuse to hear, then it is best to leave so that your breath nor your life will be wasted. There is a whole world starving for real hope and for those who know Jesus you have something to offer. You have Jesus to offer. Share him with those who are willing to hear. 

We have hope in the kingdom to come; the kingdom that has already broken into this world. That kingdom is our true home. We look forward; not backwards. We look to life in our Father's house. Straying from the path and settling for and accepting a life-style that will bring only destruction is not the way that is good for any of us.

Share the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus with all people. But, make sure you that the light is shining in you. Be careful that the situations you allow yourself to be in is not dimming or snuffing out the light of Christ in you. 

A lesson from Sodom and Gomorrah is that there are times we must walk away and not look back; for our sakes; for the sake of the Gospel; for the sake of those whom we love.

God's Peace - Pr. J