Pray For Peace Among The Elected

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

                                                                                        (Phil 1:9-11 KJV)

Here is my daily prayer (at least one of them): I pray that our elected officials might abound in loving judgment; that they would worry less about attacking each other and calling each other and supporters of their opponents names and get on with the business they were elected for. 

I am just very tired of the news again this morning. It is so devastatingly unrighteous and hurtful to the unity of this county.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Living In Darkness

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

                                                                                       (John 3:19-21 KJV)

I understand that there is this place called the dark web. I don't know where it's at. I have never searched for it. Because of my limited computer skills, I probably could not find it if I tried. In that place you can purchase things like illegal weapons, stolen credit cards, drugs, to name just a few things. It is a place of such darkness that I have no inclination to go there. Yet, many do. I also understand that many legitimate things are there as well. But, mostly not. The legitimate things might make it sound like it is not such a bad place, after all. The legitimate things are used to justify what is darkness.

The dark web is not the only place where the good helps to legitimize the darkness of our hearts. Humankind likes to cover what is dark within it with some outward appearances of goodness. Mostly these outward appearances are lies. Lies are used so that the light of truth cannot shine on the real intents.

This morning, I started to read the news online. I could not. There are so many contradictory stories out there about everything, it is quite apparent that some  (who knows? maybe all?) of them are covering up something. It seems impossible to actually read or watch real news. Everything seems to be so editorialized it causes me to wonder what darkness is being hidden under what is being offered as the truth. And, when public figures or the media are caught in the lies, it seems as though they delve deeper into the darkness by adding more lies to the lies to try to justify the deceptions. They refuse to allow the truth to be brought into the light. Rather the lies are covered up with more lies from the dark side.

It is not so different in our personal lives. We like to pretend that the lies about who we really are or what we do are truth. We like to pretend that darkness is light. But, it is not. Darkness will destroy a person, a community, a country, even the world.

We all fall prey to hiding in the darkness from time to time. We are all sinners. However, the Christian knows better and tries to avoid it. We know that in order to follow Jesus we have to come out into the light. We cannot retreat into the darkness in order to hide our sins. We want them forgiven not hidden.

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Only The Spirit Knows

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor 2:14 KJV)

We too often view the world with the natural eyes; with what makes sense to us, without considering what it is that God might want for the world. As humankind struggles to try to find peace with what is going on around us, we forget that God has a plan. Through all of the struggles that we encounter, God is at work showing us the way in which He would have us go.

That Way is Jesus the Christ. He would have us follow Jesus to the cross and to eternal life in His presence. But, it cannot happen for us as individuals if we continue to cling to our own egos; to our own self-righteousness. We must see as Christ sees, with love for humankind and most of all for our Father in heaven within our hearts. We must be willing to give our lives for the sake of others. To give up our petty differences and strive to come to understand what others may be going through. This does not happen through lies or gossip. It does not come through assaulting those who have done nothing to us or anyone else just so that we can prosper. 

Reconciliation with God and with one another by any means, especially by the love of God through Jesus Christ, is foolishness to those who put their worldly desires before anything or anyone else. 

As carnal human beings we cannot know the mind of God. But, the Spirit of Christ, that abides in those who believe, knows all things. Listen to the Spirit of God so that you might know reconciliation with the Father and that you might know His peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Clothe Yourself With Good Things

  

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

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

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." 

                                                                                         (Col 3:12-15 KJV)

We are not to be doormats. We are to stand firmly on the truth, which is the Word of God. Jesus, and in the end his disciples, did not back down from the truth. They stood firmly on God's Word and on His promises.

But, neither are we to be bullies asserting our rights over the rights of others. Paul encourages the Colossians to treat one another with compassion and kindness. We are to try to have empathy for others; to, as the saying goes: "walk a mile in the shoes of others." We are to listen to all sides with humility; humbling ourselves so that we do not put our needs over the needs of others, and with empathy so that we can act with compassion and kindness to those who are suffering.

May God reconcile us to Himself and to one another, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

God's Peace - Pr. J

Vengeance is God's

For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Heb 10:30-32 KJV)

Judgment at the hands of the living God is something that we should not take too lightly. I sometimes wonder if all the "wolves in sheep's clothing" actually realize that they are devouring God's sheep; His children. Way too often, we find dissension and division within congregations. Way too often, the division is caused by people who want to have more power because they have no real power and they do not recognize the sovereignty of God. Jesus is a fairy tale to them. They do not take the judgment or the grace of God seriously. The church, to those who would usurp authority that does not belong to them, is nothing more than a place where they can have their own egos fed. Since they do not truly believe the power of God, they have no clue that they are devouring God's sheep. If they do realize it; they seem not to care.

Jesus came to reconcile us to our Father in heaven. Those who encourage division among God's people ought to take seriously that judgment will not come at the hands of humankind; but, at the hand of the living and all powerful God. Vengeance is His! We ought to take that seriously and thank Him for the grace that He has bestowed upon all who believe through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Sin Not

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

                                                                                      (1 John 2:1-2 KJV)

It would be best for us all if we do not sin. Sadly, we are sinners and we will continue to sin until our dying breaths. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." (1 John 1:18) Our sins have separated us from God and from one another. They bring much division.

Yet, there is hope. For Christ came to unite us. On the night in which he was betrayed, Jesus prayed this prayer: "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." (John 17:21-23)

So that we might be forgiven our sins and reconciled to our Father and to one another, Jesus offered his own life up for our sins. He died for us and not just for you and me. He died for all who would believe in his life giving sacrifice for them. He loves us that much and because he does; he stands between us and judgment declaring us innocent. He is our advocate, for it is by his blood that we are saved. 

We are sinners. That is a fact. There is nothing we can do to save ourselves. Only Jesus can save us. Trust in him for it is by his blood that our sins are washed away.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Circle Of The Earth

"Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?

It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:"

                                                                                    (Isaiah 40:21-22 KJV)

The night sky in the Upper Peninsula is absolutely awesome! Sparkling stars to numerous to count appear so close to the earth that one can imagine planes flying overhead have the ability to fly around them. Like a curtain the star studded sky fills the heavens from horizon to horizon whose shadows are seen by the brilliant light of the moon and the stars. 

Like the stars, the hills on the horizon appear very close giving the impression that one is standing on the top of a very small globe; upon the circle of the earth. We are. No matter where we are. We are at the top of the world and the Creator stands with us beside us and before us. The Creator is there and yet He is above all things created.

The earth in comparison to the universe; in comparison to the galaxies of God's creation is very small. Those heavens He created are so immense that we cannot even begin to fathom them. Like grasshoppers, we are in comparison to the Creator who stretched the heavens as a curtain so immense that we cannot  even begin to comprehend it. 

No, we cannot understand how or why He has done all that He has done. We just look at the sun and the moon and the stars. We gaze out at the horizon and know that even as he created the circle of the earth, He created all things. He created us.

All glory belongs to the One who created the heavens and the earth!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Temptations and Faith

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

                                             (Romans 5:1-5 KJV)

To be honest, I do not always glory in tribulations.  They can be pretty tough. Tribulations have definitely given me more patience though. They have given me a lot of experience and overall they have taught me that there is hope in the love of God for us. There is  also hope in what God's love can do through us.

I get a lot of prayer requests. Whenever anyone asks me to pray for them to have patience, I ask them if they are sure they want God to answer that prayer. Patience does not come without tribulation. God works patience in us through trials. 

I have a friend who, when her children were teenagers, was having a tough time with their choices and life styles. She confessed that she had asked God for patience and everything went really south for her. She has had quite a challenging life. Today, she is the epitome of patience. But, that patience did not come without a lot of tears.

God answers prayers. Go ahead. Ask him to give you patience. But, at the same time remember to ask him for the strength, the courage, and the wisdom to meet the days ahead. Ask him to grant you faith in that he will be with you and your loved ones no matter what might assail you.

God does answer prayers. Ask wisely for the gifts you desire. Patience is worked through much tribulation. But; with faith, you will know the peace that comes from living in Christ no matter how tough life gets.

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (Matt 21:22)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rejoicing and Weeping

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

When I accepted my first call to pastoral ministry my husband asked me how I was ever going to be able to officiate at funerals. You see... I tend to get emotional. I cry a lot. I cry for joy at weddings. I weep to see such grief at funerals. 

Growing up, as some of you were taught, I was taught that tears show weakness. That is a fallacy. Among other things, they show empathy. St. Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans that we are to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. At the death of Lazarus "Jesus wept." He did not weep for Lazarus. Jesus knew that in short order he would be commanding Lazarus to rise and come forth from the grave. Jesus wept to see such sorrow and grief among those who loved Lazarus. (John 11:1-44)

We usually associate grief with the loss of a loved one. But, any sort of loss can bring us grief. 

There is another kind of loss that burdens the heart and brings the strongest of men and women to their knees in tears. That loss occurs when we recognize that we or those whom we love may have turned their backs on God to worship other gods. The loss of faith and or faithfulness when recognized hopefully turns to contrition and that humble contrition will bring us to tears of repentance and ultimately rejoicing with tears of joy in the forgiveness that we receive through the sacrifice of Jesus our Savior and Lord.

Weeping with and for others is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of empathy. It is witness of love. Do not be ashamed of your tears. Rejoice that you are able to feel or bear the pain with others. There are way too many in this world who are not able to feel the strength of love that walks beside not only those who rejoice; but, those who grieve, as well. It is a strength, it is a gift from God to be able to love and to walk alongside others in their griefs and in their joys. Be not ashamed of Christ who abides and loves so greatly through you.

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ."

                                                                                               (2 Cor 1:3-5)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

A Time To Embrace

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 KJV

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

As a young person, I often suffered from periods of deep depression. It was in those times that I often turned to the author of Ecclesiastes to commiserate with. "Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity." (Eccl 1:2) I could not have agreed with him more that everything was vanity and probably a really big waste of time; even life. Somehow the reality of everything being vanity got me through to a point where I realized that whatever I do amounts to not much more than survival. In order to really live, I had to trust in God and to live my life in Christ. 

We can never really figure out God's whole plan for us. We might think we know it and then whoosh... something happens and the plan changes just like that! What we thought was His plan for us is not. 

Today, I will lead the service at the funeral of a friend. He leaves behind a teen-age son. His wife, the son's mother, died years ago. It is a very sad time. It is a time to weep. As I consider the words of the preacher, I know that with the bad times; times of sadness; times of depression; God will also provide times of relief; but, in His time. God provides times of peace; times of love, times to build up; and times of embracing. 

Today is a time to weep; but, it is at the same time a time to love and a time to embrace one another. 

Whatever sorrow you may be enduring today remember the love of God in Christ Jesus for you and allow him to love you through others. And, don't forget to love others as Jesus loves you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Are Strangers Really Welcome At Your Table?

And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. (Luke 15:2 KJV)

I grew up in an area steeped in the Finnish-American culture. Finns like to feed people. One never went for coffee anywhere without having the table heaped with goodies, if not a full meal. My mother was an awesome hostess. She was a great cook. She often invited friends and strangers into our home. She and my dad would meet strangers as they wandered around the countryside. She would invite them to come and visit. Many did visit and when they came, she would welcome them like they were royalty.

Whenever I travel, I try to find a place to worship; a house of God where my brothers and sisters in Christ will welcome me as well as all strangers. There is usually a multitude of choices. Maybe because of the culture I grew up in, I am acutely aware of whether or not I am really welcome to eat at the Lord's Table or even be there. Many congregations do not provide this meal to nourish the traveler or stranger. Others make it painfully obvious that strangers are not welcome at their table. They appear to be afraid that our sins are too great to allow us to partake of the food which will nourish our souls. They would keep us from the very Body of Christ that was given for our salvation.

May God help us to welcome both neighbor and stranger to receive the good gifts that God has provided us through His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Peace Be With You

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. 

                                                                               (John 20:19-23 KJV)

"Peace be with you!" "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 

Jesus was sent into a broken world; a world full of sin, of anger, hatred, violence and self-centeredness. He came into the world so that by his sacrifice the world might receive forgiveness and might be reconciled to one another and to God the Father through him. Jesus was sent into the world to proclaim this Good News of the Kingdom for all who would believe in him. 

And, so He sends us, promising us peace, breathing on us the Holy Spirit, that we might go forth proclaiming the Good News of reconciliation with God and with one another. This will not be without hardship. It will not be without pain. Jesus suffered much in order that we should know our Father in heaven; so shall we suffer if our brothers and sisters are to know and love Him. But, knowing that God can and will work all things for the good of His Kingdom gives us the peace of heart and mind to be able to continue in His way.

May you be blessed with the Holy Spirit, with the Spirit of peace and of love.

God's Peace -Pr. J

Help Them!

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (Phil 2:3-4 KJV)

I often hear that we have to take care of ourselves first to justify not helping our neighbors. We, of course, have to take care of our families' needs. They, too, are our neighbors. But, I do not think that worrying about getting all the trinkets that we desire before making sure our neighbors are eating or worrying about "keeping up with the Jones'" is any where near God's plan for humankind. 

A reminder from excerpts from the Ten Commandments and what they mean from Luther's Small Catechism:  

The Seventh Commandment

You shall not steal.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor’s money or possessions, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions and income.

The Eighth Commandment

You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.

The Ninth Commandment

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not scheme to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house, or get it in a way which only appears right, but help and be of service to him in keeping it.

The Tenth Commandment

You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbor’s wife, workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do their duty.

We are not called just to look out for our own desires. As children of God we are called to look out for our neighbors' needs and that doesn't mean just refraining of taking what is theirs; but, helping them to keep what they have.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 13:34)

God's Peace - Pr. J

I Am Still Here!

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

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 1:20-24 KJV)

Have you ever woke up and thought, "Oh, I am still here!" Life is a privilege, indeed! We get to live and to love. For the most part, we get to enjoy life. We get to enjoy the world around us. But, we also know that there is something even better and that is to be with Christ in his full glory. And... that is a promise to all who believe in him.

St. Paul loved the Lord. Although he had once despised Jesus and persecuted his followers; once he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, his whole life turned around and he desired to live life with Christ. So it is with many who love Jesus today. We long to be with Jesus! We long to be with the one who loves us so much that he was willing to suffer horribly and die so that we might be forgiven all of our sins and live in his presence.

The good news is that we do not have to wait until death to this world to live with him. He is with you now. He will be with you always. We can live in his peace no matter what this world throws at us. 

It would be very nice. It would be absolutely awesome to depart and to be with him even as St. Paul desired to be with him. But, it is also pretty awesome to abide in the flesh in this world and to also be able to abide in him. It is also a privilege to be able to bring the good news to those who do not know Jesus. It is a privilege and it is needful for followers to make more followers of Jesus so that all may look to the day when they will depart to be with Christ in the fullness of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Curses Produce Rotten Fruit

Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

                                                                                     (James 3:20-13 KJV)

What kind of fruit do you bear? If our hearts are full of anger and bitterness, our lips will provide anger and bitterness to the people around us. Our own lives will bear rotten fruit. We will know no peace.

If we curse those who love us then we will find ourselves living within the very evil that we have wished upon others. But, if we bless others, we will find ourselves among the blessed. If we want to live in peace then it is wisdom to allow others to live in peace. Do not curse; but bless them. Be very careful about what flows from your mouth because it does affect you.

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. (Luke 6:31)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Confess and Follow Christ Alone

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

                                                                                      (1 John 4-2-4 KJV)

There are so many false gods in this world that one cannot even begin to count them. There are so many spirits that are not of Christ that I cannot begin to fathom the number.

I have come to a point in my life that I have become weary of telling people that they must stay away from tarot cards, horoscopes, fortune tellers, and calling upon the dead to guide them. This is very dangerous business. When we call upon any other entity to guide us we are simply asking for trouble. When we do not trust the one true God to guide and protect us; to show us the way, we will end up on the path that leads to destruction. Do not listen to anyone who would encourage these things. Do not listen to anyone that would tells you that there are many paths to heaven. Jesus, himself, tells 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)

There is only one Spirit that will lead you on the path of Christ and that is the Spirit of God. When we confess that Jesus is the Christ sent by God; we profess our faith; our trust, in his spirit to lead us on the path that he has set before us.

May God help us to not waiver from following on that path.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

How Great Is His Love

 

When Israel was a child, I loved him,

and out of Egypt I called my son.

But the more they were called,

the more they went away from me.

They sacrificed to the Baals 

and they burned incense to images.

(Hosea 11:1-2 NIV)

I'm thinking that there are a lot of parents (and grandparents) who can relate to this. Sometimes, the more you love a child, the more they pull away. It's as though they honestly don't want to be loved. I don't get it. But, sometimes, it seems, that is the way it is. They wander off seeking love from those who do not, cannot, or will not love them instead of living in the warmth and love that is being freely given to them.

God loves us and calls us to be His children. So what is so difficult about living in His love?

May God help each and everyone of us to realize the great love He has for us. Open our eyes, Lord! Open our hearts, LORD! Help us to receive the love you have given us through Jesus Christ, our LORD. Amen.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Get Up! Live Life!

"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee."  (Isaiah 60:1 KJV)

There are some days when the day is over and I feel as though nothing was accomplished; like an entire day has been wasted. I may be up and about; but, I feel like I may as well have been sleeping the day away. This doing nothing is a bad habit to get in to. Before we know it our days on earth will have come to an end and we will have spent them as though we were asleep.

Get up! Live life! Let the light of Christ shine on, in, and through you. Live the fleeting moments that God has given us here on earth. He gave them for a purpose and living in the darkness was not it.

Have a blessed day!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

                                                               Phil 4:4 KJV

St. Paul reminds us, as he did the Philippians, to rejoice in the Lord always! St. Paul endured trial after trial; yet, he continued to stand fast and rejoiced in the Lord. 

Think for just a moment about the problems you have encountered through life. Did God not see you through them all? Was He not with you? Those problems are now nothing more than a memory. Rejoice then that any trials and tribulations you may be encountering today will also pass for God is with you through every trial and tribulation. Continue on in the way of the Lord. "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." (Phil 4:6-7)

Trust in the Lord, in times that appear good and those times that seem bad. Focus on the fact that he loves you so much that he was willing to die for you. Rejoice, for the God of all creation is for you and not against you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Will Help

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

(Psalm 121:1-2 KJV)

Since retiring this spring, I have had a lot more opportunity to pray. In fact, I find that I've had a tremendous amount of need to go before the Lord and ask for help.  This retirement stuff seems pretty fruitless. I feel restless and at times pretty useless. I spend a lot of time asking the Lord to help me to know what it is that He would have me do. It has only been a few months so I continue to wait patiently for the Lord to open the doors and show me the way in which He would have me go to serve Him. 

This is definitely not the first time I've waited for Him to let me know what He would have me do; how He would have me serve. If you've been wondering, lift up your eyes and pray and with patience wait for it. Your help, our help, comes from the Lord. Sometimes, we have to wait awhile for answers. But, no matter what is causing you frustrations and confusion, He will answer all who earnestly ask for help; for direction.

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. (Psalm 27:14)

Live Without False Gods

Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast.

They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.

Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:

And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

                                                                                 (Isaiah 46:1-4 KJV)

When things get too heavy for us to carry any longer; too rough for us to handle, then it's probably time to get rid of the false gods we keep stooping to carry. Get rid of the excess baggage and worship the one true God. He has promised to carry us. He will deliver us.

So, why is it that over and over false gods which are nothing but a burden are chosen over the One who will carry us? It just doesn't make sense. Give up your false gods and worship Him!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Do What Might Bring Peace

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. 

                                                                                          (Titus 2:1-8 KJV)

All I have to say about these verses from Titus is that it would be so nice if this actually happened. I cannot even begin to imagine how peaceful life would be.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Birds Have Nests

Birds Have Nests

"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." (Luke 9:58 KJV)

Humankind's desire for more; for bigger and better, can sometimes be insatiable. But, what good is it if you strive to have the largest, finest homes and as you age, they become empty? What good is it to work long hours, every day of the year just to have the most and the best if in the end you leave it all behind and if you do not have time to actually live life? It seems to me that we spend a lot of time worrying about what we have and way too little time appreciating who we have. We (most of us) have family and friends. We also have Jesus. Are fancy houses better than a relationship with Jesus? Yes, we must work if we are to have a place to lay our heads. We must work to eat. (See 2 Thess 3:10-12)

Jesus did not have a fancy house. In fact, he tells us he did not even have a place to lay his head. He did not own a home of his own. His home was greater than a brick and mortar or a straw or a wooden house. His home is the entire Kingdom of God. 

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

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

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

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

                                                                                        (Luke 12:29-31)

God's Peace - Pr. J

His Thoughts; His Way

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

                                        (Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV) 

It would be easy to give up and let the world have it's way with you. But, the Word of the LORD reminds us to seek Him and His Way. God's ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. Following in the way our ego would have us go will only prove to be devastating to our lives and the world around us. 

And... it may also be a good thing to remember that no matter how bad things get, God is still in charge. He can turn the greatest tragedy into the most marvelous triumph. From the most troubled times, He will lead us out in joy and lead us forth in peace; the peace that only He can give. 

Seek the LORD and come to the One who knows the way; who is The Way. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Just Will Live By Faith

                                                                                      

Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.  (Habakkuk 2:4 KJV)

Wisdom sometimes comes with age (but, not always). It never ceases to amaze me how some of our eldest brothers and sisters in Christ are able to humble themselves and confess their sins. These sins that they confess seem to pale in comparison to some of the sins that others do not confess.

The ability to understand that all sin no matter whether we consider them big or small sins are an abomination before God. It is understood that none of us are without sin; that we are made righteous only be faith in the Son of God who died for us. There is nothing that we can do to save ourselves. There is nothing that we can do or avoid doing in order to stand before God and be proclaimed innocent.

We are saved by faith alone in Christ alone. Sometimes, it just takes years of being humbled in order to be humble enough to know that we are indeed sinners and are saved by faith alone. This is a gift of God. (Eph 2:8)

God's Peace - Pr. J