Sweet And Bitter

And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. 

And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

                                                                  (Rev 10:1-3, 8-11 KJV)

Prophecy is often a "bitter pill" to swallow. We don't like to hear that we need to make changes in our lives. We usually don't care to hear that there are consequences to everything we do. Sometimes, those consequences are good. Sometimes, they are not. A lot depends on whom or what we choose to serve.

John is told by this mighty angel eat the little scroll. He eats. The scroll tastes as sweet as honey; but, it turned his stomach sour. He has swallowed the words and it is sweet to taste; yet, bitter to stomach. It sounds good and it is good; but, with the words that were delivered to John on the scroll will come many anxious and troubling times. Events and times that will be very difficult to stomach.

John must go out and prophesy with the words that he has swallowed about peoples, nations, languages and kings. It may well be that to those who believe in the Son of God and anxiously wait for the mystery of God to be accomplished that the word is sweet; yet, a very "bitter pill" to those who reject the Lord. It will not be easy for John. With the sweet word of the Lord will come much persecution from the world to all who love Him.

May God help us to hear the word and receive it no matter what kind of changes it asks us to make in our lives.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Trust In God

In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. (Psalm 56:4 KJV)

After awhile, a person can get pretty worn out trying to do it all under their own power and might. We are just not made to confront chaos or brick walls for too many years and still be able to stand. We are human with many weaknesses. We succumb to various fears which weakens our ability to be as fruitful as we could be. 

We are not gods. Without the help of the one true God; we can do nothing. It is better to begin trusting God while we are young so that we might do His will for many years more.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Grateful For His Mercy

"But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them." (Psalm 103:17-18 KJV)

If we are grateful for His mercy, we will listen to Him. We will strive to do His will. We all fall short; but, we try because "We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19)

May all of God's children honor Him by following in the way He has shown us through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

A Time To Laugh And A Time To Weep

"Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." (Rom 12:15 KJV)

I have noticed that there seems to be a really strange idea in the world today. That is that the goal of life is that everyone must be happy, happy, happy all of the time. No. We do not have to be happy, happy, happy all of the time. Sometimes, even often, people suffer from great tragedies and there is much sadness. To think that we should go to them and make them happy is a very sad thing in itself. Nor, should we avoid them because we're uncomfortable with too much grief and we really like to be happy instead of sad. When people weep, we weep with them. We walk with them as far as is possible. 

The shortest verse in the Bible is two words. they are "Jesus wept." (John 11:35) When Jesus was greeted by Mary after her brother Lazarus, died he wept. He wept with her and probably for her loss. He knew that he would be raising Lazarus from the dead in a short while which would bring joy to all of his loved ones. But, in that moment of Mary's sadness, Jesus wept with her.

We walk beside our brothers and sisters. We "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." (Rom 12:15 KJV)

God's Peace - Pr. J

For The Sake Of Others

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."  (John 15:13 KJV)

If it is a great thing that men and women have laid down their lives that their friends might live free from tyranny; how much love do they have that have laid down their lives for strangers.  I sometimes hear that many of the wars that the U.S. has been involved in was not in anyway to protect this country and we should not have been in them.   

Jesus was once asked by a lawyer, "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. 

                                                                                  (Luke 10:25-37)

This weekend we remember all those who gave their lives so that friends and strangers around the world might have the opportunity to live in relative freedom. This may not have always proved fruitful, but, the men and women who gave their lives gave them because they cared for the well-being of the lives of others.

Oh, how the world would change if we could all truly love our friends and strangers.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Peaceful and Safe Deployment

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.  (Psalm 23 KJV)

Those still waters are awesome! I love being near the water; big or small waters. This morning my husband and I decided to attend the Beachside Community Church Worship Service on the beach in Flagler Beach. It would be the last time I would have the opportunity to worship with Pr. Christian Magnell before he is deployed. It was a beautiful morning and an inspiring service.

I would pray that God be with Pr. Chris on the deployment; but, I don't have to because I know that God will be with him. I pray though that he will know green pasture and still waters. I pray for goodness and mercy for him and his entire unit. May God grant them a peaceful and safe deployment.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Swift To Hear

Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:  For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

                                                                                  (James 1:18-22 KJV)

We hear the word; but, do we follow through with the doing of the word? Or, maybe, you sit in worship every Sunday and neglect to hear the word as your mind wanders on what you want or have to do that afternoon. Maybe, your mind is wandering around the place you'd rather be than in the sanctuary listening to the word.

Way too many "Christians" don't bother to hear the word even while they claim that they are "good" people, implying that they do the word. They are deceiving themselves. Unless we hear it; unless we read it, we can't actually know it.

The word of God imparts not just what we are or aren't to do; it imparts much more.  It imparts forgiveness. It imparts grace; unconditional grace and mercy to all who hear and believe.

May God help us all to be hearers and doers of the word. Let us be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.

God's Peace - Pr. J

God's; Not The World's Will

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Rom 12:1 KJV)

Do we really want to good or do we just want our neighbors to be good and acceptable and perfect so that we don't have any injustices inflicted upon us? 

Jesus tells us, "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." (Luke 6:31) Do we treat others as we would like them to treat us? Do we get upset if someone gets in our way a bit as they struggle with something or do we help them? Are we understanding when someone is ill and is not able to do what we'd expect of them? 

The world's way is to take care of ourselves first. Indeed, we have to take care of ourselves. But, do we include taking care of our frivolous desires as a necessary part of taking care of ourselves over and above helping our neighbor in genuine need?

Lot's of questions on my mind this morning. I pray that we would learn to be a little bit more understanding of others and begin proving what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God with both word and deed. How fruitful the world would be!

God's Peace - Pr. J

How Great He Is!

   O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
   When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
   What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
   For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
   Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
   All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
   The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
   O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

                                                                               (Psalm 8:1,3-9 KJV)

I am a little late on the blog this morning.  I was outside watering flowers and listening to the birds sing. The early mornings here in Florida are awesome. What a beautiful world our Lord created! It is such a privilege to be able to spend time observing His wondrous creation.

O Lord, our Lord, how great you are!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Need A Purpose

 

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. (2 Thess 3:10 KJV)

I had some really strange dreams last night. I was volunteering to volunteer for many things. I even volunteered to run for public office! Wah! That's not happening! The reality is that yesterday was my last "work" day at Christ Lutheran Church and I am just not used to not working. I like having a purpose for each and every day.

I was also raised to think that we should enjoy working and that stuck with me. My parents had a work ethic that they expected us to grab on to as well. 

I am not quite sure what to do with "retirement." Today, I will be looking at a new lawn mower; working in the garden (the flowers were watered before the sun came up); maybe working on a fence; but, definitely working on cleaning up the sticks in the yard. While I worked, I never really had the time to work in the yard much. It seems that now I may have lots of time! I have always enjoyed it. When I was still a child at home and it came time to mow the lawn, it was a toss up between one of my sisters and myself as to who would get to mow the lawn and who would have to wash the supper dishes. I always begged to do the lawn. In fact, prior to becoming a pastor, I ran my own cleaning and maintenance business. The majority of the business was contract work with local and state governments taking care of parks and cemeteries. I loved mowing and weed eating! I still do.  

I don't know what I'm going to be doing in the future; hopefully, a lot of the time will be spent outdoors. In the end, it is up to God to lead me wherever he wishes and wherever or whatever that is, I will go.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Walls

And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the Lord had given him rest.

Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the Lord our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered." 
                                    2 Chron 14:6-7 KJV

Walls were built around the cities in the land that God had given the Israelites. They were for their protection and it worked. Of course there were gates and entrances so that people could come and go. But, these gates and entrances provided a way for people with legitimate purposes to do so. Those who stood watch knew who entered and who left the cities. There was very little sneaking in by people who had minds to harm the inhabitants.

I have always believed that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I prefer taking precautions so that there never has to be offensive or defensive actions. As I get older, I really appreciate not having to get involved in either offensive nor defensive actions. I like peace. I like rest.

A few months ago a permit was pulled for a fence around the property we live on. It is almost completed. I think it will be finished rather quickly after yesterday. We live out in the country, with no immediate neighbors. A couple of times over the last month, I woke up in the very wee hours of the morning to find that someone is parking by our side yard on what can be barely called a street as it has grass not gravel or pavement. It is wooded between the house and the street, yet, they managed to park in the only spot that you can see the house clearly from the road. Early last evening, as I was preparing to cook a birthday supper for a nine year old on the grill, I heard a gunshot. I looked up to see a black truck parked in that "bare spot" next to the side yard. My son was heading across the yard. Very few words were exchanged. The man jumped into the truck and took off. 

I do not know what the guy was aiming at or if he was even aiming at anything. I do know that you do not stand on the street in front of someone else's house and fire guns. It just doesn't get it...

I really like peace. I have been around for a good many years and I have been around way too many fights where knives or guns were present and even used on occasion. I don't get too excited about it any more. It is more like exhausted. It is tiring having to deal with irresponsible and disrespectful people. Most of the incidents I've witnessed had something to do with someone being under the influence of something. It has made me to be as close to a prohibitionist as you can be without actually being one. 

I am also an advocate of being prepared to defend yourself and others. A fence is a good first step in being prepared. Then comes rest... 

May God grant us all peace and rest...

God's Peace - Pr. J

Glorifying God

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom 15:5-6 KJV)

Now, that is a goal to be sought after! That is; for all Christians to focus on glorifying God rather than themselves. So often our focus ends up being on our political leanings rather than leaning toward sharing, with the world, what God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, has done for us through Christ. 

What a patient God we have that He would forgive us for deserting Him and continue to love us so unconditionally.

May God help us to love Him and one another even as He loves us. May all God's people put aside their differences to glorify His Holy Name

God's Peace - Pr. J

Sing Unto The Lord

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

                          (Psalm 100:1-4 KJV)

Today I will lead worship at Christ Lutheran for the last time as their pastor. I will be installing their new pastor, John Johnson. I am not really sure how I'm supposed to feel about today. I might feel sad over that fact that I am going into retirement and not seeking another call to another congregation. However, I know that as a servant of God, I will not stop serving Him, with gladness, in any and every way that I am able.

The service today will, hopefully, be full of joy. I will be reminding everyone at Christ Lutheran what God has done for us one last time. This time, I will be proclaiming the Gospel in a little different way than I have normally proclaimed it. I will be making a joyful noise. Instead of speaking; I will be singing. For those who have heard me sing, you know that I am not a great singer. I've been told by more than one person that I sing like a man. The electric piano has to go down an octave or two for my voice. Good or bad; it will be a joyful noise unto the Lord. 

Sing unto the Lord a joyful song; giving Him thanks for all that He has done!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Red Skies

He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

                                                                        (Matt 16:2-4 KJV)

I was very young when my mother began teaching me some pretty cool things. She taught me how not to get lost in the woods when picking wildflowers by observing the position of the sun or the moon and what side the moss grows on a tree. She taught me how to track, at least well enough to follow my own trail back out of the woods. She also taught me how to forecast the weather by watching the leaves on the trees or the color of the skies. She taught me "red skies at night, sailors delight; red skies in the morning, sailors take warning." 

When the Pharisees and Sadducees asked Jesus to show them a sign from heaven he told them there would be only one sign for them. That sign would be the sign of Jonah. The prophet Jonah, you might recall, had spent three days floating around in a watery abyss in the belly of a big fish. He had thought at the time that this would be his grave; his final resting place. But, it was not. Jonah lived to serve the Lord.

The sign that Jesus was referring to was that he, himself, would repeat the sign of Jonah. But, this time it would be for the salvation of all people; for all who would believe him. Three days he spent in the grave. He descended into hell. (1 Pet 3:18-20) And... just as Jonah was spit from the mouth of the fish to go and proclaim God's message to those nasty Ninevites that they might be saved and live; on the third day Jesus rose from the grave so that all who believe him would be saved and inherit eternal life. 

God gave us many signs in creation to assist us in our daily lives. But, Jesus, is the only sign that we need for eternal life.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Where Have All The Children Gone?

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.. 

                                                                     (Psalm 127:3-5 KJV)

It is no secret that many congregations from some of the older mainline denominations are bereft of children. Young families are seen mostly at various rites of passage such as baptisms, first communions, affirmations or confirmations of baptism. It can make one wonder: "where have all the children gone?" They haven't gone any place. They are staying home.

Recently, I moved to a more rural area of Florida and yesterday I happened to get stuck behind a school bus on the way home. What joy! I purposely did not turn off and take another route home; but, followed the bus. It gave me hope. It gave me joy to see so many young people get off of the bus. Parents were waiting for their children to either walk or drive them home. The little children were excited to see them. 

What a blessing from the Lord, these little children are. Welcome them and their families into your sanctuary that you too might know the joy of their presence. Help them to grow in the way that our Lord Jesus would have them go. I am totally convinced that it takes a whole village to raise a child. Be that village. Children are not extinct. Sometimes, we just fail to take the time to see them; to be with them; and to be there for them.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Celebrate Life In Christ

Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,

Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

John 12:1-8 KJV

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

Judas was the party pooper at the party that was held in Jesus' honor. Can you imagine! Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead and Judas finds something to grumble about. Lazarus' sister, Mary, celebrated with a gift of expensive perfume poured on Jesus' feet and then let her hair down and wiped Jesus' feet with her hair. Judas was not happy. What a waste, he thought, and he let his opinion be known. Jesus has just brought a man back from the grave and rather than trust Jesus to be able to care for others, he tries to ruin the party by denigrating this gift from this woman who is rejoicing because her brother lives. Jesus excuses Mary by telling Judas to “Leave her alone, it was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” (vss. 7, 8)

On Sunday morning, many of you will be celebrating by worshiping God. You will be gathered together to celebrate the fact that even as Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave; he, too, is risen from the grave and lives. Yet, there will be grumblers. There will be those within the congregation who will complain about something. Something will not be to their liking. So, instead of celebrating the risen Christ there will be those who insist on focusing on what they consider proper worship or who should or should not even be there worshiping with them. There will be those who take that time to celebrate to focus on budgets and who does or doesn't do something instead of using that time to remember and celebrate that Jesus lives and he lives among us.

Celebrate life. Celebrate your life in the living Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Only God Knows; Listen To Him

As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. (Eccl 11:5 KJV)

I make a lot of mistakes. I am human. I am not God. None of us are. He knows all things. We do not. Therefore, it behooves us to take the time to listen to Him so that we can know the way in which we are to go. We ought to study His Word; get to know His Word so that we don't fall so far off of the path that we damage ourselves and the people around us. 

There are times when we choose the wrong way with the faulty thinking that it will not hurt us or if it does, it will only hurt ourselves and no one else. We end up suffering the consequences for not listening to the all knowing God. 

The only way we can know in which direction we should be going and that is to listen to what the Spirit of God; the Spirit of Christ, would tell us. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6 KJV) Unless you've got some place better to be than with God, then it would be very wise to listen to Jesus. Only he knows the way. He is the way. Listen to him!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Not Ugly; Beautifully Made

"For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." (Psalm 139:13-14 KJV)

I entered the ladies' room at a local restaurant on Mother's Day to see a woman looking in the mirror above the sink screaming at herself. My presence in the room did not stop her from screaming "You are ugly. You are worthless. You are ugly. Never, never forget that." I could not help but think that on Mother's Day she was or had been verbally and emotionally abused. I could not help but feel sorrow for her lot and prayed a silent prayer for her as she was not to be interrupted. I pray for her this morning; that whatever she was or is going through be relieved and that she realize how precious she is to our Father in heaven. 

Depression; anxiety; loneliness can take over our beings at times. At times like those, remember that you have been made by the hand of God. You have been made in His image. What a wonder that is! 

May God help those who have been made to feel less than realize that they have been fearfully and wonderfully made by the one true God, our Creator, who loves us more than any of His created beings can love.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Our Refuge and Fortress

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

(Psalm 91:1-12 KJV)

Whom or what shall we fear? Not a thing! For, God is our refuge and fortress. He shall deliver us from the enemy. He shall deliver us even from ourselves.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Ego Must Die

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." (James 4:10 NRSV)

Let that ego die! Let it die, now!

Jesus did not exalt himself on earth. He humbled himself. He was willing to even suffer death on the cross for our sake. Why should we think that we ought to be more exalted than the one who was willing to give his life that we might live?

St. James wrote:

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." (James 4:8-10)

It is folly to attempt to exalt ourselves. "He (Jesus) sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, 'Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.'" (Mark 9:35)

In the end, all of our vain attempts to gain recognition for ourselves will fail us. It is only God who can lift us up. We will be lifted up by His own hand. Remember, too, that when Jesus was lifted up, he was lifted up on the cross. He was exalted through death.

Let that ego die so that you might live more fully in Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Loves You

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."

                                          (Deut 6:4-5 KJV)

Lonely, frustrated, tired?

Throughout my life I have spent a lot of time alone mainly due to either my husband's or my careers. I have often been asked if it bothers me to be alone. The answer is no. I am never alone. I have lived long enough to know that there is One who loves me more than all others. He is with me always. He is there for you always.

When we find ourselves tired and weary; lonely or frustrated, there is one we can turn to. Love the Lord your God, who loves you, with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your might. He is always there beside you and for you. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Virtue

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

                                                                        (Philippians 4:6-8 KJV)

One of the prayers I've prayed over the years is that He would inspire the entire world to be honest, just, kind; just flat out decent to one another for just one minute. Can you imagine the difference it might make if the entire world could do that for just one minute? No killing, no lying, no slander, no anything that would hurt another human being for just one minute would be just awesome. 

That minute will come; I am sure. But; it will not be just for a minute, it will be for eternity. I wait for that day. I think often of what it would be like for all people to treat one another with respect. 

May God bless us all with the desire to live virtuous lives according to His will that we might all live with the peace that surpasses all understanding and that He might be glorified!

God's Peace - Pr. J

I Cannot Pray

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." (Rom 8:26 KJV)

It can be most unsettling to have so many things going down at once that you're not even sure what to pray or how. Everything comes bubbling up within your heart and mind at one time lending to confusion. At times like these it feels as though you cannot pray. 

But, thanks be to God, when we cannot pray, the Spirit knows how and what we or those we grieve for needs. The Spirit makes intercession for us in times like these.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Grace Filled And Salty Speech

"Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." (Col 4:6 KJV)

When my granddaughter was young, she could be a bit salty. Okay, she could be a lot salty. She can still be a bit over the top when she is aggravated.

Salt is a good thing in the appropriate amounts for the specific occasion. A lot of salt is needed to move a pesky ant hill. Not so much salt is needed to flavor food. Salt poured on a wound might sting; but, it helps in the healing process. It does no hurt to be a bit salty at times. Salt is necessary for life.

Grace is also necessary for life. But, "grace and only grace is no grace at all," as my former mentor and teacher, Dr. Karl Keljo, often reminded me. Being a bit salty is a good thing. But, just as only grace without a bit of salt can do damage; so can being overly salty. 

May God grant us the wisdom to know how much salt we should or should not use to season our conversations with others.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Flattering Tongue

He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue. (Prov 28:23 KJV)

There are definitely times when I ignore "stuff." I do not bother to flatter them. I do not bother to rebuke them. There is just some "stuff" that I witness that I know that it would be a waste of breath to say anything. My response is more like an eye roll or a glare and I walk away. They usually get the point. However, there is some "stuff" that I cannot help but rebuke. It's who I am. If others don't like it, they can do the eye roll and walk away.

But, when I listen to undue compliments and the flattering tongue aimed at me, I become a bit nauseous. Yes, I have learned to take a compliment now and then. But, the persistent compliments are not deserved and definitely unnecessary. 

If you're going to glorify someone, glorify God. It is He, not me, who can do all things. 

"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)

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Journey Is Both Rough and Easy

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

                                          (Matt 7:13-14 KJV)

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

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. (Luke 9:23)

If anyone thinks that following Jesus on the straight and narrow path is easy; they should think that through more thoroughly. Remember where his journey led him. It led him to the cross. It led him to his death. Yet, the good news is that gateway through death led to life for all who would follow him. So, on the rough road there is hope; there is life. 

The journey on the straight and narrow may not provide you with all of the luxuries this world has to offer. It provides something more than anything this world has. It is the way to the Father. It is the way to His Kingdom where there is no more sorrow or tears. There is peace and joy in His presence.

Those who desire life will deny themselves. They will take up their cross daily and follow Jesus. Jesus also said: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matt 11:29-30) While the road may be rough, it is easy because Jesus carried the cross first. He carried it for you and will be beside you every step of your journey.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Whippoorwill's Joyful Noise

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

                                                                          (Psalm 95:1-3 KJV)

My new home is relatively quiet. I am in the country; but, not really. It is certainly not city dwelling. There are a lot of trees and birds around. There are also a lot of sounds. There is the sound of the television, usually way too loud and very rarely joyful. Almost daily, I can hear the sound of someone target practicing in the distance. The airplanes from the airport in Daytona Beach pass over the house almost continuously and then there are the helicopters that circle overhead quite often looking for someone in need of assistance. Most of these sounds I can ignore or maybe I've already gotten so used to them that I rarely hear them.

But, the sound that is so sweet to hear is the sound of the Whippoorwills singing before the sun rises and after it sets as I wander around the yard spending some quiet time talking with God. The sound of the Whippoorwills' music is not disturbing in the least. It is the sound of joy! "Wake up and rejoice,: they sing. "A new day has come!" And, in the evening, "Rest peacefully tonight in this place that the Lord has given you."  

Let us always rejoice for the Lord is a great God and He has done marvelous things for us!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acting Humble

Flagler Beach, FL

The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. (Prov 15:33 KJV)

When we continually grovel and proclaim our own humility; when we "act" as though we are less than because we think that others will look at us and say "what a humble person he/she is;" when we use words that flatter others to exhibit our own humility, that is not humility. When we have to prove our humility so that we might receive the honor that we desire; that is not humility. That is pride. 

“True humility does not know that it is humble. If it did, it would be proud from the contemplation of so fine a virtue.”  (Martin Luther)

God's Peace - Pr. J