Do You Want To See Jesus?

In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus!

And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.  (Luke 19:2-6 KJV)

In the morning, when I rise give me Jesus. The words to that song have been running through my head a lot lately. It may be because I have been rising early and sitting on the deck watching the sunrise. The beauty of the sunrise reminds how beautiful and glorious is our Lord. 

Zacchaeus "sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature." Zacchaeus was of little stature not only in physical height; but, in social stature as well. He was a tax collector and had made himself wealthy by cheating his own people. Therefore, he was not a popular fellow. No one in the crowd that day was going to move out of his way so that he could see Jesus so he climbed a tree to get a look from a distance. Jesus knew of his desire to see him and so he arranged to make it up front and personal. He told Zacchaeus: "Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house." 

Do you want to see Jesus? If you want to see Jesus, just climb down from whatever perch that you've chosen to watch Jesus from afar and welcome Him into your life. Let him in! Today, (and every day) Jesus wants to be welcomed into your home, into your life. 

In the Revelation of John, we hear Jesus' invitation to us: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Rev 3:20)

Open the door and let him in... He is there for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Flowers Fade

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of God shall stand forever. (Isaiah 40:8 KJV)

I spent the night at the hunting camp. A few years ago we had it logged. It seems naked in some areas where it has not fully grown back yet. But, the wildflowers are abundant this year.

It is a little past mid-summer. The weather is warm. But, it will not be for long. Soon the leaves will begin to change color and the flowers will fade. Winter will come and snow will cover what is left of the grass and the flowers.

There is a season for everything. The cycle of life: birth, life, and death. But, the word of the Lord endures forever. In him there is life even after our bodies fade away and die.? 

Thanks be to God for the life given to us by the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Get Off The Fence

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Get off the fence! The warning to the church in Laodicea is that they are lukewarm. They are sitting on the fence. They are neither hot nor cold and will be spit out of the mouth of God. This message needed to be heard by the people in Laodicea and it needs to be heard today by those who claim to be members of the the Body of Christ. Not everyone is on fire for the Lord. Yet, while not on fire; neither are they completely cold toward him. They will profess to love the Lord when pressed on the subject. 

Thanks be to God that not all who profess to be Christians are lukewarm and so the Good News of God Kingdom through Jesus Christ and what he has done so that we might be citizens of that kingdom does get shared. The time is now for all who profess to the love the Lord to get hot! Get off the fence! 

He stands at the door and knocks. Don't be talking to him through a crack in a slightly opened door. Open the door all of the way and let him in and you will no longer be able to continue a lukewarm life. He will set your heart on fire. Open the door and let him in!

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

Free To Not Devour Others

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.      
                                                                                      (Gal 5:1, 13-15 KJV)

We are free to love; to stand up for one another; to defend and help those who need defending and help. Jesus did not die so that we can attack others to get an edge up over others. He came that we might be reconciled to our Father and to one another. Snarling at others; biting and attempting to devour each other has nothing to do with our Father's good will for humankind. 

I watched about two minutes of the Democratic Presidential debate last night and had to shut it off. Maybe it was the worst two minutes of the debate. But, oh my! How rude they were to each other in those two minutes. That seems to be indicative of all political debates no matter who is involved and that will not reconcile anyone to one another. The same goes for each of us in our daily lives. Reconciliation does not come by spitting at each other. 

The sacrifice made by Christ for all humankind has made us free to love and serve one another. Fighting and attempting to degrade those one might actually agree with for personal power or recognition is not freedom; but, bondage to worldly desires. Christ has set us free to love not to destroy our neighbor.

St. Paul wrote to the Galatians: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. (Gal 5:22-26)

It would be nice if when we disagree with others we could all learn not to belittle and degrade them.

God's Peace - Pr. J

In Sheer Silence

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

                                                                             (1 Kings 19:11-13 KJV)

What indeed was Elijah doing at Mount Horeb? Was he merely running from Jezebel? Was he frustrated, confused or tired and needed to leave behind his call as a prophet for awhile? After all, all that he had done didn't seem to have any kind of lasting effect on the people. Or, was he simply in need of direction; maybe just a single word, from the Lord? 

We all need direction. We all need to hear from the Lord. We may know that we need it and even want it. But, take a lesson from Elijah. You're not likely to hear His voice in chaos. It may be there; but, you're probably not going to hear it in the deafening roar of noise. You will be too distracted to listen. You are more likely to hear it as a whisper when you take the time to be still and listen for it. Be still, slow down, and listen for it.

You are more likely to hear it as you worship in the sanctuary when the only thing that you hear is the reading of the word or the preaching of the sermon when no one or nothing else is making a racket. You are more likely to hear it as you are quietly contemplating your morning devotions. 

Shut off the television. Shut off the music. Look away from your social media for a bit. Meditate on the word and listen so that you might hear the slightest whisper of the Lord. In the midst of sheer silence you just might hear the words you need to give you the direction that you desire that will remove your frustration and confusion. It is the word of God that will refresh your soul and bring joy once again to your heart and mind.

God's Peace - Pr. J

No Looking Back

And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:57-62 KJV)

Following Jesus is not what many make it out to be. We do not follow him so life will be easier here in this world. We know that life is not going to hand us all the luxuries that humankind desires just because we say we believe in Jesus.

In fact, Jesus promises that it will not be an easy journey. Jesus had no real home of his own. He traveled a lot so that he could bring the good news to many; not just a few in his home territory. He did not have a soft bed and big screen televisions (of course no one did in that day!). He did not have a private airplane so he could commune with our Father. When he wanted to be alone with our Father to talk to Him and listen to Him he went out into the wilderness. He told his disciples that if they were to follow him they were going to have to do without the comforts of home and family in order to get out there and do as he was doing: proclaiming the Good News; the kingdom of God. 

In short; in order to follow Jesus, we must die to our own egos and desires. They must be put aside so that the will of God is done. St. Paul wrote to the Galatians: 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)

Once you begin to follow Jesus; if you are truly following Jesus, there is no going back. In fact, if you are truly following him, you will not want to go back to the way you once lived. He is the way, and the truth and the life! (John 14:6) "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Spirit Moves!

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. (Psalm 51:10-12 KJV)

The Holy Spirit was busy moving! Yesterday, I worshiped at Zion Lutheran, Skanee, MI in the morning and then at the Word and Song Festival at Bethany Lutheran, Covington, MI. I have to admit I really didn't feel like attending two services yesterday; but, I went anyway and I am so glad that I did. The Holy Spirit was busy moving! The music was outstanding as everyone sang as if they meant it and from knowing the people, I am quite sure that they did. There were guest preachers at both services and both proclaimed the Good News. Being Lutheran they also reminded us why we need the Gospel. It is because we are sinners. We fall short. We are pretty ungrateful children and turn our backs on Him over and over again. But, God loves us anyway. He loves us enough to have sent His only begotten Son to be tried, brutally beaten, and executed for our sins. That is a loving God.

The Spirit of Christ spoke through His messengers in these places and opened ears and eyes and hearts and minds of those who were present so that we could rejoice in our salvation because of the precious gift of life given for us through Jesus Christ our Lord.

When I served these congregations, the Holy Spirit was moving in mighty ways. The Holy Spirit continues to move among the people of God and always will! Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Storms Will Come; Prepare

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (Matt 7:24-27 KJV)

Open your eyes and see. See what you have built your house upon. Is your spiritual house built upon the rock who is Jesus the Christ? Or is it built upon the sand that will eventually crumble and leave you without shelter or comfort? What condition is your house in? Do you say you believe; but, do you do nothing that keeps that house intact? Are you straying from that solid foundation, which is the word of God? 

Open your eyes and see. See where you have put your treasures. You may have acquired lots of "stuff." But, what condition is it in? Have you taken the time to maintain it? Or, are you sitting back and watching it fall apart because you are  too busy doing other things that are more pleasurable at the moment? What good is it to work to have lots of "stuff" if we are only going to let it rot away or get blown away in a storm. 

Open your eyes and see. Look around you and see where your responsibilities lie. When storms come; whether they are physical or spiritual, you cannot blame God for the storms because you have not taken the time to prepare for the storms. He has given us eyes to see what needs done. He has given us minds to know how to prepare. He has given us hands to do the work. If we want to hang on to the things that God has given us, we need to own the responsibility to take care of them.

Storms will come. They are inevitable. Prepare wisely. Open your eyes and see what needs shoring up before chaos comes. 

God grant us open eyes to see and the desire and energy to care for all that He has given us. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Not I, but Christ

"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)

Before bed, I usually listen to some YouTube speakers or preachers on my phone. If they start off with long introductions and a litany of the preachers credentials, I usually find someone else to listen to. I do not care about their credentials. Credential are of no importance to me. What I want and need to hear is about who God is and what He has done and what He continues to do. All glory belongs to God!

Years ago my congregation hosted a Suomi Conference Word and Song Festival. As host, I was expected to greet everyone and according to the president introduce myself with some details of who I am, what I have done. Honestly, that makes me a whole lot uncomfortable. Because the only "I am" that is important is the one whose name is "I Am" and everything good that has been accomplished in my life has been done by Him. The glory goes to God!

So, instead of talking about the details of what I may or may not have done or where I come from or have been, I greeted everyone and introduced myself with: "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) All glory belongs to God!

What a relief it should be to hear these words: "I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."  He willingly took all of our sins to the cross. He lovingly bore our sins and the punishment for our sins on that cross. He suffered and died for us. He did this so that all who believe in him would be reconciled to our Father in heaven and live eternally in the presence of God. 

In baptism, we receive a new life in Christ. The old man and all of our sins are wiped out and we live, yet not we, but it is Christ who lives in us. 

Without the abiding presence of Christ, we can do no good thing. Jesus said, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:4-5)

All glory belongs to the one who loves us and died for us and yet lives. By the shedding of the blood of Jesus, you are forgiven your sins. May he live in you and you in him.

God's Peace - Pr. J                                                    

Depression Flees Under His Wings

He who dwells 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 I will trust.”
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;

But it shall not come near you.

                                            Psalm 91:1-7 KJV

Depression and anxiety afflicts us all from time to time. As a young person, it hit me a lot. I still get depressed from time to time. When I do I focus on the Lord, not on myself. What does the Lord want me to do? Love others? Help others? Or, focus on my pain and suffering? When I ask myself these questions, the answer is easy. It is to focus on others and on the good gifts that God has given me. The blessings are beyond counting and life is good because God is good. The gifts that He has given me are not just for my sake; but, to be used for the sake of others around me.

The verses from Psalm 91 were always a great help to bring me out of the darkness of depression. I read them often and prayed them often. They are a reminder that God is with us and for us. We can dwell in His shelter or we can step out of that shelter into depression, fear, and the anxiety that are brought on by insisting on doing what we want and finding out that what we want is not right nor good for us or for anyone around us. 

Take refuge in the Lord and He shall cover you with His loving and protective feathers. You will find peace that you cannot even imagine right now as you rest in His shelter. Trust in the Lord and in His truth and you will know peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

We All Must Die

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Heb 9:27-28 KJV)

We all must die. These old tents that we live in deteriorate and will finally give out. But, thanks be to God who sent His Son to be a sin offering for us, all who believe in him will not perish but will live eternally in His presence.

The question that often enters my mind is why would anyone think that it will be awesome to live eternally in His presence after their bodies wear out and die, if they have no desire to live in His presence today. Eternity means for all time and all time includes today. 

Our fate is decided by the grace of God of through faith in the one who lived and died and lives again for us. 

When Martha was grieving the death of her brother Lazarus, "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." (John 11:25-27)

Yes, our bodies will wear out. We will all die. Yet, the one who lives by faith in Jesus, will be judged sinless by the power of the blood of Jesus on the day when he returns for us and we shall live for all eternity in the presence of Almighty God.  Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

What A Gift!

Silver River, Aura, MI

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

What a way to begin to my birthday. I'm not into big birthday celebrations. But, I am into waking up to such a beautiful morning. I slept in until about 7:30. that has not happened in a very long time! This is such a peaceful and relaxing place. I have always affirmed that it was a gift from God to me.

When we first purchased the place, only two people affirmed that it was a wise choice. Pete and Jean Suomela said that they thought it fit me perfectly. Even my husband was not thrilled. The mobile home was condemned. But, I was convinced we could fix it up. After all, we had time. We were living nearby and this place was meant to be a retreat for me. 

When Pete and Jean said it fit me they were not looking at the house. They were looking at the river and the woods surrounding it. They were sensing the peace that I sensed here in this place. Over the years, the mobile home has been renovated. Due to zoning laws and since we are so close to the river, tearing it down and rebuilding was not an option. 

The house was remodeled and we lived in it for quite a few years. It has once again become a retreat for our retirement. Winters where we don't have to shovel snow and freeze. Summers here in this place. 

I thank God for this beautiful morning and for another birthday to enjoy His gifts.

God's Peace - Pr. J

See Dimly Now

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.                                                                                           (1 Cor 13:12-13 KJV)

There is no way that, as humans, we can acquire the complete knowledge of who God is. Our egos just get in the way. We tend to recreate God in our imagine. But, we can and do know Him dimly. Faith and hope allow us to see Him as though through a glass, dimly. We know He is there on the other side; but, we cannot see Him completely.

So within us abides hope and faith in the God who loves us so much He was willing to sacrifice His only begotten Son for our sakes. Because of this great love for us; we love in return whether we can see Him fully or not. Because of faith and hope, we can love others and help them in their every need. These three things: faith, hope, and charity are, in themselves, gifts from God.

Thanks be to God that even though we see and know Him dimly now, one day we will know Him fully as we see Him face to face.

God's Peace - Pr. J

JK

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (1 Cor 13:11 KJV)

My question for the morning: Are jokes that disrespect others actually funny? They appear to be funny; at least to those who still insist on thinking like children. Disrespectful jokes have been my pet peeve for a good many years.

I enjoy a good joke as much as the next person. I use to enjoy watching comedies. Not so much any more. All too often the expected laughter is derived from watching someone be hurt or bullied or just flat out disrespected. Our children see this bullying of others and often emulate it. 

I don't know how many times I've heard a young person say something really inappropriate and when giving them the "eye" or flat out calling them on it they would quickly say "jk," "just kidding," "can't you take a joke?" or something very similar in order to justify the fact that they just debased someone. They told a lie about someone by trying to turn it into a joke. Most of the time, that does not work. It just sounds childish.

It is not just children who tell off-color jokes. After all, they learn this stuff from somewhere. As the only female clergy at a lunch meeting with a group of male clergy, I once listened to anti-feminist (sexual in nature) jokes for about five minutes before I finally asked the male pastor how old he was. He told me (a few years younger than me) and asked me why I wanted to know. I told him that I was wondering if maybe he was going through male menopause since he was so focused on telling inappropriate jokes. The jokes stopped for that day any way. 

Speaking of pastors, there was also that pastor who thought it was a joke to slap me on the backside as he walked by. That is not a joke. That is called sexual harassment. That was over fifteen years ago. I have not spoken to him since.

I am not saying that all jokes are bad. I do like to laugh, myself. Sometimes comedy is used to point out injustices rather than invoke them. That can be a very good thing. Comedians and satirists and just regular people can sometimes best tell the truth about a matter using comedy. But, when comedy is used, it would really be nice if behind the joke there is actually truth. 

Sometimes it is best to "shut up and grow up!" or just "grow up."  Not every joke is funny. Many are hurtful. There are times when we really need to consider whether it might be time to put away childish things. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Peace Like A River

Peace Like A River - At Home For The Summer

This is what the Lord says—

your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:

“I am the Lord your God,

who teaches you what is best for you,

who directs you in the way you should go.

If only you had paid attention to my commands             

your peace would have been like a river,

your well-being like the waves of the sea.” 

                                    (Isa 48:17-18 NIV)

The hymn "When Peace Like a River" or "All Is Well With My Soul" is a favorite among many. It is one of my favorite hymns. It was written by Horatio G. Spafford in 1873. Not long before he wrote it; his four daughters had died in a collision with another ship as they crossed the Atlantic. His wife survived and sent him this message, "Saved alone." Later, as he, himself, crossed the Atlantic and neared the spot where his daughters had died, he was inspired to write this hymn. The LORD, in His mercy has taught us that no matter what befalls us, it can be well with our soul. All who abide in Christ will know the peace that only He can give.

We have returned to Aura for the summer. It is my peaceful place. I do not recall a day that I have been here that I have not thanked God for landing me in this awesome place. I still haven't figured out what I'm going to be doing in my retirement; but, I know that many of those days will be spent in peace.  Since Lake Superior and it's bays appear to be at an all time high water level, I will be able to launch my kayak right from the back door! I will not have to navigate around anything to get out into the bay; no dragging it through the marsh. Smooth sailing! Peaceful paddling.

Thanks be to God for all that He has given us!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Integrity Still Lives

He Did What Was Right For Us

The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. (Prov 11:3 KJV)

Those of you who know me personally, know that I cannot find my "stuff" on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis. I spend a lot of time searching things like keys, purse, phone, money, etc.. I am fortunate that there is usually someone around who can help me. In the last few days, I have forgotten my purse on a tram and set money down and forgotten to pick it back up when I left. In the first place an older gentleman ran after me to return it. In the latter case, a security guard found me about ten minutes later and returned the money. I have misplaced or lost many things over the years. Most everything has either been found or returned.

One of the loss and found incidents that I will never forget happened at the youth correctional facility. For some reason, I had a one hundred dollar bill in my pocket. I had the radio hooked to my pocket and when I took it off the money fell out. One of the youth saw it and immediately returned it. I was very impressed as one of our main objectives was to try to instill a sense of integrity in these young men. 

Integrity is doing what is right even when no one is looking. It is doing what is right for others even if it might not seem like it's in your best interest at the moment. Jesus suffered for doing what was necessary for the benefit of the world. He did what was right for us. 

If any of these people had decided not to return what I had lost, I would not have realized that I had lost it until they were long gone. There is much dishonesty and disrespect in this world. But, it is very comforting to know that integrity is still alive and well in so very many people.

Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Fiery Plagues

Rev 9:13-21 KJV

The sixth trumpet sounds and what is this army that God sends that it would have no impact on the hearts of humankind? John sees a powerful image of hundreds of thousands of mounted troops to destroy one third of mankind by three plagues of fire that come out of the mouths of the horses. What a fearsome site that would be! 

Now, most people have a little fear of fire or at least a little respect of it. Once burned by fire, it would be wise to learn from that lesson and play games with fire. We change the way we do things so that we do not get burned again. But everyone learns. Not everyone in John's vision learned. The plagues of fire that God sends do not change the hearts or minds of any of those who were not believers before the great army of mounted riders came. Those who are not killed still cannot comprehend that God is Almighty; that He is God, and He alone is to be worshiped. They do not repent. They continue to worship demons and all sorts of false man-made idols. They do not repent of any of the things they have been doing to disrespect and sin against God or humankind. 

May God open our hearts and minds so that we can comprehend that once burned we ought to quit playing around so we do not get burned. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Good Gifts for Children

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:13 KJV)

Not every parent gives good gifts to their children. There are those parents who are so self-absorbed that their children are neglected and/or abused in order to satisfy their own egos; their own desires. Years ago I was doing substance abuse assessments on new intakes at a youth correctional facility. One young man told me how his uncle who was his guardian beat him with an electric cord when he didn't live up to his uncle's expectation. I asked for an example of what would get him a beating. This teen was expected to keep the house clean. On his knees, he used a scrub brush and rags to clean the floors. Of course, this is not unheard of. Many of us still do this. However, if his uncle found the job to be unsatisfactory, the boy would bare his back and the uncle would beat him with an electric cord. I asked to see his back.  His dark skin was covered in stark white and fresh pink scars; too many scars to even count. I cannot comprehend how anyone could hurt anyone like this. I do not recall why this child was in the correctional facility. However, the atrocities that were committed against him by someone who should have been caring for him are burned into my mind.

Not all parents or guardians know how to give good gifts to their children. But, it is not so with our heavenly Father. Whether we live up to all of the standards the world would set for us; our Father in heaven loves us and cares for us.  Every now and then I cannot help but give thanks in wonder at why He should bless me so richly. 

Let us give thanks to God for our life and our breath and for His loving presence with us always. May He also put a spirit of unconditional love into the hearts of all who are in positions to care for children. And, we all are!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Victory Over Death

Arlington Cemetery

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 15:50-57 KJV)

 

Headstone after headstone after headstone! To see so many graves in one place is mind-boggling. But, death of the corruptible flesh is a reality for us all. It can be an uncomfortable part of life. But, thanks be to God that through our Lord Jesus Christ even though we die; we shall live. Death has no victory over those who trust in the life giving sacrifice of Jesus our Savior and Lord.

 

Our mortal flesh will disappear; but, we are not just flesh and blood. We shall put on immortality and live in the presence of our loving Father for all of eternity. Death has no victory. Jesus is the Victory. Thank be to God!

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

So Very Young To Die!

Display at Marine Corps National Museum - Vietnam

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

I am attempting to enjoy life in retirement. Yesterday, my husband and I spent over four hours looking at displays at the National Marine Corps Museum in Quanitco. The history displayed begins in 1775. There were displays that I had to walk by real quick lest I start crying. 

Although; Howard was very young when he joined the Marine Corps, as a retired person it is difficult when I see these young Marines walking around knowing the training they have to go through is so they can put their lives on the line for us and for people all around the world. They look so young! They are very young! Yet, they look so strong and determined. 

The history of this country and the whole world has been so violent. Unfortunately because of the violence and injustice inflicted upon people, armed forces are necessary to protect those who cannot protect themselves. But, how sad it is to know that so many young men and women will not be able to live life because they have to give their lives so other may live. How sad it is that so many have no clue what is being sacrificed so that they can live life.

One day, may we all live in peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Our Aim Is To Forgive

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (Col 3:13 KJV)

Now, that is a tall order! All we can do is remember that Christ forgave us and forgives us for turning out back on him even though he died for us. All we can do is remember that and try to live, love, and forgive as he did. 

We sometimes also need to discern if it is actually the other person that needs forgiveness or if it was us who sinned against others. Our perceptions of what others have done to us can be skewed. Our own egos can very easily con us into thinking that we are the ones who have been offended when in reality we offended others by putting our desires before theirs.

We are humans. We are not perfect. We are not God. But, because He loves us so much, we aim towards loving forgiving others as He loves and forgives us. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Community

He created all creatures; big and small

O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts. (Psalm 104:24-25 KJV)

I like swamps. I like salt water marshes. I enjoy walking among these tiny crustaceans. They hang out and move about in herds. As  you walk among them they part their ways to make way for you. It is a protective measure. It keeps them from being trampled under someone's feet.

I have found that humans usually do that as well. We like our space and other than domestic animals we also generally tend to stay away from other creatures including other people. We like our space, as well. We like to feel safe. Sometimes; however, we really need to adjust to being with other people and other creatures. Safe spaces don't protect you or prosper you; they isolate you and limit your opportunities.  

If you fear or simply dislike other people, it would be very beneficial to get over it. Adjust! They may fear and dislike you as well. But, humankind was created for community; for family. Just maybe those little crabs realize that living in community is beneficial to their survival.

Let's learn to live together! And; sometimes, that just might mean we have to step aside to let someone else find their way through. Everyone does not get their own way all of the time.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Teaching Sin

Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. 

                                               (Luke 17:1-4 KJV)

Only four verses and so much in them! 

Jesus warns the disciples and us that we are to be very cautious on how we treat others. We are not to cause any one to sin. In other words, don't be teaching others to sin, either by word or example. And, if someone sins against you, forgive them. 

Read again what Jesus says is: “If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.”  

Please note that Jesus does not tell us that we are to accept everything that everybody does. Everything is not OK or beneficial. Sin needs to be addressed in order for others to not stumble; in order for us to not stumble. Christians sometimes get accused of not being very Christ-like because they will not accept sin simply as an alternative and acceptable way to be. There is only "One Way" for the Christian. Jesus is "The Way." To teach or approve of any other way is to set up a stumbling block. To close our eyes to sin or say that there is no sin is setting up a stumbling block for ourselves as well as for others. The consequences will be devastating. But, if a brother sins against a Christian, the Christian will bring it to their attention and when they repent will forgive them in order that neither of them will suffer consequences worse than having a millstone tied around their necks and thrown into the sea.

Forgive generously; but, love others enough to teach them that although sin is forgivable because of Jesus' great love and sacrifice for us, it is not an acceptable path to willfully choose.

God's Peace - Pr. J