The Message Is Found In Scripture

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

                                                                             (Rom 16:17-20 KJV)

We've all heard them; those who with smooth talk teach a false gospel. Those who tell you that God will provide you with everything you want if you would only do this thing or that thing. They neglect to tell you that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ Jesus. They neglect to tell you that there is no earthly treasure that can even begin to compare with the gift of living reconciled to God; living in relationship with Jesus.

It is no different today than it was in St. Paul's day. There is one way to tell if something proclaimed to you is the truth; know the scriptures, read them and hear them. The message proclaimed to us through the prophets is found in them. The fulfillment is found in them. Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises to us.

Do not let your itching ears lead you to believing smooth talkers whose aim is not to glorify God; but, to satisfy their own egos; their own bellies. This desire to have it our own way rather than according to the will of God will only cause dissension and divisions. It will cause much strife; much pain. It is neither wise nor safe to accept any doctrine that cannot be supported by scripture. Scripture supports scripture. 

Read your Bibles daily and have a blessed day; a blessed life in Jesus Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Let Your Light Shine!

 

 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

                                                                                     (Matt 5:14-16 KJV)

There are times when people will indeed hide their lit man-made lamps. When I was a teenager, I loved to read. But, my parents were just a little strict or maybe it was that they liked their evenings to be quiet and to themselves. Whatever the reason, I was to be in bed with lights out by 8 p.m.. My remedy to the situation was to move the lamp to the closet and sit on a box and read 'till sometimes past 10 o'clock! 

During World War II, England had "black outs." Lights were turned out or at least dimmed in order to make it more difficult for the enemy to find their targets by air or sea. Windows had to be covered to prevent any light from within the homes escaping into the streets.

Man-made lights may be dimmed and even turned off. They eventually burn out. But, the light of Christ that abides within us will never be extinguished. ..."let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt 5:16 NIV)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Why Would I Want To Go To Heaven?

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

We love him, because he first loved us.

                                                                                   (1 John 13:18-19 KJV)

"Why would I want to go to heaven?" That question was asked me by one of my confirmation youth. Prior to that, I had  never been asked that question and I haven't been asked since, either. But, I wonder what we might be actually teaching and preaching about heaven?

Are young people (and old) being taught out of a theology of fear? Are we evangelizing by attempting to steer others to the promise of heaven out of fear that they might end up with the alternative: ending up in hell? If we say we are saved out of fear of hell; then those words are probably pretty empty. The promise of eternal life in the Kingdom of God; in heaven, is for those who believe and those who believe, love God. We know what he has done out of his great love for us so that we might be reconciled to him. We love Jesus because he first loved us.

Are we evangelizing by promising others that they will get to be reunited with their loved ones after death? I know more than a few people who desire to see their loved ones take a whole higher precedence than their desire to live in the presence of the Lord. Is that the promise that they are clinging to?

We can see from St. Paul's letter to the Philippians that his primary hope was to be reunited with Christ in the heavenly kingdom. St. Paul wrote: "But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you." (Phil 1:22-24) His desire was to be with Christ. But, he was willing to live here in this world, as long as the Lord desired, so that others too might know the hope of being reconciled to God in the Kingdom of God.

Indeed, why do we want to go to heaven? What motivates those who profess to be Christian? Is it the love of God or is it the fear of death and the other alternative that we have been taught? 

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:"

                                                                                (Col 1:20-22)

Our Father's intention was that we might live in his presence. Because of sin, the gate to that kingdom was closed. In short... we were kicked out of heaven. But; in Christ, by his blood that was shed on the cross for us, we have been reconciled to our Father. He made peace with the Father for us by giving himself for us. Because of this act of love, through faith, we are able to live in the Kingdom of God, in his presence, not just after death; but, even today. To live in our Father's presence, in his kingdom, in his love is the ultimate hope.

The desire to live in the love of the Father, in His presence is the ultimate desire.  Fear will not motivate us to be truly reconciled to God our Father through Christ Jesus. Only love will do that. We love because he first loved us.

I just don't see any sense in desiring to end up in the Kingdom of God, if one doesn't desire to actually live in Christ, in our Father's presence. I don't see any sense in desiring to inherit eternal life in heaven if the only thing that motivates us is the fear of death and hell.

Fear can cause us to do a lot of things. Most of those things are not good. Love can motivate us to do even greater things. Just think about the great thing that was done on the cross for us because of Jesus' great love for us!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Basking in the Light

Sharing space while basking in the light.

My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;

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;
                                                                    (Song of Solomon 2:10-12 KJV)

Exactly what does a turtle's voice sound like? As many turtles as I've run across, I've never heard one speak. What I do know is that the season of summer is a beautiful one. The cold dark winter is past and it is time to kick off your shoes; dance in the grass with your beloved; sit back and enjoy the beauty of the land.

One of my elderly cousins once told me that we could learn a lot about how to live life by watching and listening to the creation around us. Take, for example, the turtle. They may not have voices as we have. But, if we observe we can learn from them. They appear to live pretty slow and seemingly relaxed lives. They don't have a problem getting close to each other. They take care of what they need to live; but, they do not hurry about as if the end of the world is near. They know how to bask in the light and the warmth of the sun. 

Winter is over. Summer has come. May God help us to understand how to bask in the light of His Son, Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

A Fertile Heart

In Stony Places

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

                                                                                  (Luke 8:11-15 KJV)

I thoroughly enjoy the scenery at Pte. Abbeye. I love the sound of Lake Superior crashing against the rocks; the view of the Huron Islands in the distance; the walk through the woods to get to the point. The woods is lush and green. However, the point itself is rock upon rock. Amazingly you will see grass and flowers growing in the crevices. They are few and far between. They are pretty; yet, they are very fragile. They are highly vulnerable to the elements. The waves get a little to big and they will be washed away. The sun beating on the rocks may cause them to wither and die. 

It is very difficult for anything to grow in rocky places. It is just as difficult for the word of God to flourish in a cold and stony heart or mind as it is for flowers to grow in a bed of rocks. 

If your heart has grown cold and stony, do not despair. There is nothing too hard for the Lord. He can turn that stony heart into a heart that is warm and ready to be sown with the seed that will produce much fruit. This is the Lord's promise:  A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. (Ezek 36:26)

May God bless you with a fertile heart so that the seed which he plants may flourish.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Quantum Theory: Two Kingdoms?

The Word Does Not Evolve
It Stands Forever

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.   (Heb 11:1-3 KJV) 

I have always been very intrigued by the various quantum theories. I find the possibility of two worlds existing in the same space quite riveting. However, most of what the mainstream population understands as scientific fact is merely speculation; a theory. It is only by faith in science or the scientist that we can believe many of the theories. These theories are constantly evolving. One cannot know for certain when theory becomes fact.  But, the Word of God does not change. It does not evolve as some would think. It is also by faith that we believe the Word. What word then shall we trust our lives with? The words that evolves or the One that stands forever?

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. (Isa 40:8) 

The word of our God does not evolve as mankinds' way of thinking and living might evolve. It does not evolve as science evolves. I am not saying that science is a bad thing. Knowledge is a gift from God and the knowledge that comes through science has helped us to grow in many ways. In fact, the reason that quantum theories intrigues me so much is because my faith leads me to believe that two worlds do indeed exist in the same space. There is this world which I can see with my eyes; that I can touch. But, there is also the Kingdom of heaven that has broken into this world at the death of our Lord Jesus. I cannot see it; although, I can get a glimpse of it in the loving acts of people around me. I know, by faith alone, that the Kingdom of God has come near. I live in the world; yet, I am a citizen of another. I am an heir and  a citizen of the Kingdom of God. By faith, this is my reality. 

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:20-21 KJV) 

Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:20-21 NASB)

Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.” (Luke 17:20-21 NRSV) 

Martin Luther taught and wrote in the Small Catechism regarding the second petition of the Lord's Prayer:

Thy kingdom come.

What does this mean? The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also. 

How does God’s kingdom come? God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.

I know that many atheists insist that we believe in a God far above the clouds; however, they are wrong. We believe in a God that is present here among us even today. His Kingdom has come and it will come in its fullness when Christ comes again in full glory.

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matt 24:30-31 KJV)

The Word tells us that the elect will be collected from one end of heaven to the other. It does not say from one end of earth to the other. Those who are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven (Kingdom of God) will be collected. Are you a citizen of that Kingdom?

There are two kingdoms (two worlds?). Those who believe that Jesus died so that we might live in our Father's house, reconciled to Him are citizens of that kingdom. We live in this world; but, we are not of this world. By faith alone we have inherited a kingdom of peace in Christ Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J

You Are Not Alone

"I sought the Lord, and he answered me..." (Psalm 34:4 NIV) And... He will answer you, too. 

I often hear the cries of those who feel lost and alone. They do not know where to turn for help. I only know of one place where there is genuine relief to be found. As a Marine's wife, I spent a whole lot of time alone, raising our children. We often joked that my husband spent more time on ships than many of the sailors that we knew. It wasn't really a joke, though, because he did. Where to turn when you're a young wife and mother far from home? There was, there is only one place and that is to the LORD.

I could lament the years that I have spent alone, but instead I rejoice in them. If it were not for those years, far from family, raising sons alone, taking care of a household alone, working, and going to school at night, I might not know the LORD today. I needed help, so I sought the LORD, and he answered me. God, through my family in Christ, at Calvary Lutheran in Jacksonville, NC, helped keep me going.

Seek the LORD. Knock and the door will be opened. (Matt 7:7)

"I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together." (Psalm 34:1-3)

You are not alone. God is with you in your affliction. Welcome Him as your companion and comforter.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Children Want Jesus

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

(Mark 10:13-16 KJV)

I have returned for the summer to where I served as a pastor for eighteen years. It is has been a pleasure and an eye-opener as I see young people who are strong (though at times they may feel weak) and loving adults. 

I was there when many were baptized, confirmed, and when some were married. I was there when they received their first communion. Oh! The joy I saw in so many faces as they received the Lord into themselves! They had waited for that day. They had studied for it and most of all they longed to receive the body and blood Jesus. They longed to have Jesus!

Their presence also reminds me that I am not at all young any more! They have  also aged since I first met them. They have their own families now; their own children; and, some of their children are grown children now. A couple of them even have gray hairs of their own! It gives me great pleasure to see how they have grown since I first met them. They are awesome children of God. They have grown in ways that I could only hope for them. 

Most of these young people not only learned by participating in Sunday School as children; but, helped to lead worship as they led prayers of the church, read the readings, were acoloytes, served at breakfasts and dinners. Some even participated in worship by preaching; sometimes alone; sometimes in dialogues or skits with other youth. When I first got the youth to do more than lighting the candles, I did get a little negative feed back. There were a few who said they liked seeing children in church; but, they thought that children should be silent and not heard and not really seen much, either. I am glad that my councils approved of the youth participating most fully in worship. I see the results today. It gives me great pleasure to know these young people.

Please, do not neglect to allow the children to serve the Lord in any way they might wish. If they do not have the capability at the present time; take the time to train them. Do not keep the children away. Let them learn what Jesus has done for them; how much he loves them; and, will be with them in their life's journey. Do not be a stumblingblock to them. 

And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

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

                                                                                  (Matt 18:2-6)

Those little children want Jesus! Do not stand between them and him!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Speak Gently And Walk Away From Those Who Will Not

"Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot."

                                                                                    (Prov 9:6-7 KJV)

There appears to be an awful lot of division in the world today. There are still the major conflicts between countries; but, there is also an immense amount of division between individuals who have differing opinions. 

These differing opinions often become quite hostile as each side attempts to shut down the voice of the other. This shouting will not change minds. Gentle deliberate speech will have a greater effect than berating those whose opinions differ than ours.

We must allow freedom of speech on every side. However, we do not have to accept those who stir up riots. It is not only illegal; it is totally unbiblical to cause harm to others for our own purposes. As Christians, we do not get to conduct ourselves in a way that hurts others (in word or deed) simply because we disagree with them. We are to be living in peace with one another. 

St. Paul's epistle to Titus tells us what we are to do when someone refuses to listen. We do not get angry or nasty. 

He wrote: "As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."  (Titus 3:10-11)

Yes, we must speak the truth. But, we must make every effort to do it in love and if they refuse to listen, then move on. There are others who need to hear the truth; others who may hear and repent and follow in The Way. Speak the truth loudly if you must; but, speak it with kindness, with a heart motivated to help not harm. I guarantee you that name calling will not prove fruitful. It will only cause more division.

When Jesus sent the twelve out to share the Good News of the Kingdom he gave them these instructions. "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."  (Matt 10:14-16)

If Jesus told us to walk away from those who refuse to hear the truth and the Good News of the Kingdom, I am not sure why we would think that hanging around those who do not and will not listen to matters regarding this world would be a fruitful thing to do. If they only attack you and will not give you an opportunity to speak; shake the dust off your feet and move on to someone who will listen. Move away from those who, with malice, would inflict their opinions on others. To do otherwise, only incurs more division and strife.  Yes, speak what you know to be the truth. We are fortunate that in these United States we have the freedom to speak freely. But, if you would like to be heard, speak it gently and speak it in love.

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." (Prov 15:1)

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Lord's Or The World's Way?

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

                                                                                   (Colossians 2:6-9 KJV)

I have heard often that the government tells us something is good for us and years later I hear that it is not. Some things we are told are bad and later we find out that they are actually good for us.

There are lots of stories about how certain things are good for you and others  things are okay for you to participate in. Some of these stories are akin to fake news. What seems good to the world is not necessarily good. Sometimes those things which are purported to be good are really just out there so someone can make a name for themselves; profit from it; or even justify their own sinful natures.

The voices from the world around us recommending what is good and what is bad come from many directions. They often contradict each other or themselves at a later date. Fortunately, we live in a country where we can make most of the choices for ourselves. It is imperative that as we are being told what is good for us by the world, that we listen to the word of God so that we do not end up doing that which is contrary to the word of God and hurting ourselves and others.

We do have the word of God! Listen to him! As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him!

Gift thanks for we have received a great gift! Give thanks for life in Christ!  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)

For your own sake and the sake of others, live in him! Live in His Way!

God's Peace - Pr. J

In The Morning When I Rise...

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

                                                                    (Lamentations 3:22-24 KJV)

Well, I finally figured out how to get videos from my phone to blogger! Just takes patience which I can be short of from time to time.

Have blessed day! God's Peace be with you all!  Pr. Judy

Called To Serve? Count The Cost!

And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 

                                        (Luke 14:27-28 KJV)

I have been concerned of late, to the rising number of newly ordained clergy who do not seem to quite grasp what it means to follow Jesus. There are a few too many who seem to not have counted the cost of answering the call to follow Jesus.

There are those who think pastors are dearly loved by all. Think again! There will be some who love you. But, there will also be those who will not and they will come against you. 

Even if you are called as a part-time pastor you are on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The congregation may pay you for part-time hours; but, Jesus calls you to feed his sheep and that doesn't mean once you have your hours in for the week you get to sleep or party or whatever it is that you like to do in your off hours. Certainly there will be time to socialize as you share the Good News in word and deed with both your family and friends (the Church). But, when the sheep need you, as a disciple of Jesus, you will be there for them no matter what time of the day or night it happens to be. So, if you have a family make sure that they are prepared for you to pick up and go whenever and wherever you are called. If they cannot be then maybe the call that you think you have isn't as legitimate as you might think.

My eldest granddaughter spent much of her growing up years with me. When a call came in the middle of the night, she would wake up and begin getting dressed while I was still on the phone. As soon as I got off the phone, she would typically ask, "Who died?" I would then drop her off with her grandfather who worked nights at our adult foster care or with her dad on my way to whatever crisis I was on my way to. She never complained. She was just as concerned about those who were in crisis as I was. 

There is a cost to being in ministry. The cost is to leave behind our cares and go and care for others, sharing with them the love of God, whether it is in word or deed.

The call of the ordained minister is not to go out and make everyone happy. It is not to go out and tell jokes, especially not off color jokes. It is to share the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ. 

If you happen to be in the midst of discerning whether God is calling you to ordained ministry, count the cost. 

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)

Jesus left everything behind him to do his Father's will and his Father's will was for Jesus to die so that we might be forgiven and live reconciled to God. He loves us so much he was willing to give up everything. He was willing to live a life in which he would be loved by some and hated by many. He had no home to call his own. He was willing to sacrifice every creature comfort for our sake. He was willing to give his life for us.

"Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first." 

                                                                                     (Matt 19:27, 29-30)

Jesus became a servant to all; willing to suffer and give his life on the cross for all. His personal needs came last. He is now first in his Kingdom. He is the King of Kings! As a pastor, you need to consider if you are really willing to be last. Are you willing to put the rest of God's children before yourself? 

If you are considering a call into the ministry consider two things: 1. Is God really calling you to the ministry? 2. Have you counted the cost to yourself and to your family? 

One last reminder of what it might cost:

"While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."

                                                                                                        (Matt 12:46-50) 

As a pastor, your family will be greatly enlarged. The joys will be increased and so will the number of sorrows. The Christian brother who is in need of spiritual care takes priority over your spouse for his moment of need. You get to leave the picnic and go! The family who is grieving the death of a child takes precedence over your own children. 

It is a privilege to serve the Lord and his people, are you really ready for a privilege like dropping your personal life to go and share the Good News? Count the cost!

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Spirit And Living Waters

Aguasabon Falls, Terrace Bay, Ontario, Canada

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

                                                                                  (John 7:37-39 KJV)

In faith the Good News shall go out to the world from within us. Yet; understand, that is not because of our ability that this is done. It is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, that dwells within us that refreshes the people with the promise of the Kingdom of God through Christ Jesus even as the waters of the rushing river will refreshes the land.

Without the Holy Spirit, we can do nothing. It is the Holy Spirit that will guide us and speak this Good News through us. 

It took me many, many years to grasp who the Holy Spirit is. It took me many years to figure out that without the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life and I mean active in my life that my life was pretty sedentary; literally so passive that it was as though I was one of the walking dead. There was no life in me. So, I asked. I asked the Holy Spirit to introduce himself to me... And, the Holy Spirit did. Before the Spirit's presence, life was pretty lifeless.

If the Holy Spirit is not present and active in your life. If you do not know the Holy Spirit (as many Christians including Lutherans have never been introduced to the Spirit) listen to these words of Jesus:

"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

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 11:9-10,13)

Ask and receive... that living waters might flow through you like a river, refreshing those around you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Montreal River Harbor

From Twilight Resort, Montreal River Harbor

Good morning!

I am posting this a day late. I shared it on my FB page yesterday. I was traveling and was at Twilight Resort in Montreal River Harbor, Ontario yesterday morning. There was no wifi and no television! My kind of place; quiet, except that it's really difficult for me to write a blog on my phone. The print is just too small for me to read what I wrote on the blog page. They also had really sketchy cell service so I did what I could. I am posting this from home today more or less just to see if it might be worthwhile to do a video for the blog now and then. 

Have a blessed day!

God's Peace - Pr . J

First Priority: Loving The Lord

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

                                                                        (Luke 10:39-42 KJV)

Every Christian knows that we are called to love and serve one another or at least I hope we know that. But, this story about Jesus visiting Mary and Martha reminds us that there is more to it than that. Just prior to the story about Mary and Martha, a lawyer asks Jesus what we must do to inherit eternal life. 

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. (Luke 10:27)

That is exactly what Mary was doing: loving the Lord while Martha was busy about doing good things. Don't get me wrong! Good things are good! But, living in the presence of God and loving Him is most necessary.

Sometimes, our busyness can get in the way of experiencing the joy of living in God's presence and of living in His love. Our good works can interfere with our worship of God when we spend so much time doing good works that there is no time left to experience real life with and in Christ.

Good works are good; but loving God is the first priority. Trust God; love Him and good works will follow that love. 

That lawyer didn't especially care for Jesus' answer so he wanted to know who his neighbor actually was. Jesus tells a parable about  a Samaritan who helped a man who had been beaten, robbed, and left the man who died on the side of the road. A priest and a Levite had come by before the Samaritan and had ignored the man lying there. Of course, the one who helped was the good neighbor. Out of compassion, he was willing to help.

We must be careful that our good works are truly helpful and not just busyness (excuses) that will keep us from the loving relationship that the Lord desires to have with us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Life In Or Outside of Christ

Atlantic Ocean, Flagler Beach, FL

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (Col 3:8-10 KVJ)

I am beginning to get use to retirement. I am enjoying the lack of drama that is usually created by anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy communication of the mouth. Life is just so much more pleasant and peaceful without these things.

You can live life in the old way or you can live in a new way. Try living in the new life that has been given you through Jesus Christ our Lord. That new life; each day and every new day, is a gift from God. Live it! Live life as a new person in Christ! 

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Josh 24:15)

God's Peace - Pr. J

In Communion With Him

4:30 a.m. Bayfield, WI and it is dawn!

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. (Psalm 143:7 KJV)

As I get older, I find it harder to sit still. I find it more difficult to be indoors. I long to be outdoors with no walls confining me. My husband and I decided to take a road trip yesterday. So this morning, at 4 am I found myself wandering around the grounds at a resort near Bayfield, Wisconsin in wonder of the beauty of God's creation. It was already dawn! Imagine that the light shines even at 4 am in northern Wisconsin! It was quiet! It was peaceful! 

In the early mornings when I rise, I am more able to be aware of God's presence in the world around me and with me. That is; after all, what the kingdom of God that we say we hope for is: living in His presence. In the quiet hours of the dawn, when no one is stirring and when most of the sound made by humankind is either shut off or muffled, I am able to realize a closer communion with Him. When it is quiet, I am much more able to hear the whisper of His voice and feel the comfort of His presence.

We do not have to wait until death to know God; to know our savior Jesus Christ. He is with us now and with us always. Live life! Live life in communion with Him today and know the peace that surpasses all understanding!

God's Peace - Pr. J

High Places

"The Sovereign Lord is my strength;

he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

he enables me to tread on the heights." (Hab 3:19 NIV)

"The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places." (Hab 3:19 KJV)

It has been many years since I read, "Hinds Feet On High Places," an allegory, written by Hannah Hurnard. The journey of Much-Afraid and her friends Sorrow and Suffering, as they follow Shepherd to the high places, where they will walk as on hinds' feet, takes them through many dangers. It is a long journey. They must have patience. They must have persistence. But, in the end, they (we) will dance in the presence of God. 

This is a familiar story to many of us as we journey daily through many difficult times in anticipation and in hope of the promised land.

Just as Habakkuk prayed and waited patiently for the LORD to deliver God's people from the enemy and the many dangers that surround them; we pray and wait patiently (sometimes not as patiently as at other times) for the LORD to deliver His people from the turmoil and dangers we encounter as we journey through the dark shadows of the valley of death.

The Lord is our strength. With Him we shall walk through dark valleys to the high places where the light does surely shine. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

No Peace For The Wicked

I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him.

But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.

There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked..

Isaiah 57:19-21

Always trying to stir up mud and mire; to create dirt and filth, there is no room for peace in the lives of those who plot evil. One cannot know peace if they are busy stirring up chaos.

Yet, those who pursue peace; those who assist their neighbor in the pursuit of peace; they will live in peace. Those who seek to live reconciled to God and to one another will know the peace that only He can give no matter what storms the evil doers would create for them. They will know peace because God is with them. 

God's peace be with you all. Pr. J 

We Cannot Live By Bread Alone

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Matt 4:4 KJV)  

Hungry? Thirsty? Eat, eat, eat and never get satisfied; only want for more? 

Food was meant to nourish our bodies.  It can be a pretty strong temptation to eat way more than one needs to meet their physical needs. Food might give you temporary satisfaction; but, that sense of satisfaction will be forgotten within an hour or two; maybe less. One meal; not even two or three, will not last you a lifetime. But, the Word of God will nourish you soul for all of eternity.

The tendency to give in to the temptation of momentary satisfaction can lead to all kinds of problems for us; particularly if it goes against the word of God. Temptations to depend on momentary happiness rather than the Word can lead to disasters for us.

After Jesus had fasted in the wilderness for forty days after his baptism; he, like we too often are, was tempted by the devil to turn stones into bread so that he could eat. He; unlike what we would do if we had the ability, refused. "... he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

No, most of us do not have the strength to refuse a temptation like that. If we could we would. But; then again, most of us do not have the fortitude to fast for forty days and nights, either. Our cravings are too much to attempt that. 

Heavenly Father, "... lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matt 6:13)

God's Peace - Pr. J