Enjoy Work!

"Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established." (Proverbs 16:3 KJV)

I have always attempted to teach my children and grandchildren to enjoy the work that they do. Work is inevitable. We must work to eat, to have shelter, to have warm clothing; and, if you really must want a lot of nice things, you must really put a lot of effort into earning that "stuff." We spend a huge portion of our lives working so we may as well enjoy it. Making a game of doing house or yard chores and doing it together helps it to me more fun.

As young people begin planning for what kind of life-long career they would like to pursue, they ought to consider what it is that they will enjoy doing. Do you enjoy helping people? How about computers or working with animals? There are so many career choices in the world today, it is impossible to comprehend them all. Whatever it you love to do; whatever talents that God has gifted you with; follow that path.

God has a plan for you. He calls you to serve him according to the gifts He gives you. Whether it is a talent and desire to be a doctor or a hostess; God provides the opportunities to be trained in the way He would have you go. And... don't forget to commit your work to the Lord. Do all things that they might glorify your Father in heaven and you will not only do them well; but, enjoy doing them.

God's Peace - Pr. J

His Thoughts; His Ways

"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 worldly 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 time, 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

Give Thanks!

Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

                                                                                  1 Chronicles 16:8 KJV

Thanksgiving isn't a religious holiday! I hear that every year from certain family and friends. My reply always is something to the effect of then who are are we giving thanks to on Thanksgiving if not to God. God has given us all things. To Him we give thanks and praise for that He has done for us. Count your blessings this and every day and give thanks to the Lord for them.

May you all have a blessed day of giving thanks to the Lord!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Accepted or Rejected

And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.

But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

                                                                                Acts 28:16-22 KJV

There were always be those who support the servants of God and there will also always be those who will do anything and everything to subvert the message brought by God's servants.

Paul had finally made it to Rome under guard. The believers from the area went to meet him when they heard that he was there. The local Jewish leaders also wanted to hear from him. But, they wanted to hear because they have heard only bad things about this Christian sect. Whether it is accepted or rejected; Paul, the prisoner, was still provided opportunities by God to proclaim the message of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ to many people.

Sometimes, we will share the Good News with people whom we think might be open to it. At other times, we will keep our lips closed for fear that the message (and we) will be rejected. This was not the way that Paul followed. It was definitely not The Way of Jesus. The Good News is for all people. Do not be afraid to share it.

We are called and sent to share the message of forgiveness and reconciliation in the Kingdom through the sacrifice of Jesus. Maybe we should ask ourselves what news it is that we share most often with others. Is that message about our favorite sports team or politician or maybe television star or musician? 

Hmmm... We humans tend to place a lot of emphasis on false gods. What about sharing the message of peace; the peace that is received in the knowledge of what Christ has done for us? For the Christian, there can be no greater focus than on sharing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord with those who do not know him. Do not be afraid to do that! Whether the message is accepted or rejected, it is still the message that saves lives. Give them a chance to know it and to know Him!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Receiving A Kingdom

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

                                                                              Hebrews 12:28 KJV

If it weren't for the hope of the kingdom, I would find this world much more difficult to endure. By acknowledging that the kingdom of God is my inheritance by the grace of God, I can stand and keep on keeping on. It's not always easy as my sinful nature likes to creep in and tell me otherwise.

But, in the end, it is the love that I know that God has for me that wins out. I can rejoice in that knowledge.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

                                                                                     Romans 8:16-18

God's Peace - Pr. J

Give Thanks To God Our Father

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Col 3:17 KJV)

Now, isn't that just a novel idea! That is: doing everything in the name of Jesus and giving thanks to God our Father! Living with thankful hearts and minds is a  much more peaceful way to live than being angry and frustrated that you can't have or do what you want all of the time. 

It may sound cliche'; but, just maybe it's time to look around you and give thanks for what you do have and for the people in your life who actually care about you. So often, so many people gravitate towards those who feed their egos. But, when their own egos are no longer being fed by being in relationship with you, they will turn on you in the blink of an eye.

Do everything with the loving heart of Jesus and give thanks to God your Father in heaven then you will know the true joy of living! 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Repent and Seek the Lord

"Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired;

Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lord's anger come upon you.

Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.." 

                                                   (Zephaniah 2:1-3 KJV)

The LORD has given His children of Judah many, many, opportunities to repent and seek Him and to do His will. They appear to be more than just a little slow in the repentance department. But, here's one more call to repent; for them to seek righteousness, humility; to seek the LORD before the day of the LORD's anger falls upon them.

We are all given more than enough opportunities to seek the LORD. How many chances do we really think we deserve? I guarantee you the LORD has already given us more than we deserve. If not for His Son, who suffered on the cross for us, we would all be destined to fall on the day of His anger.

Thanks be to God, for He has been gracious and merciful to us. Let us live lives seeking justice for all people.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Be Filled With The Spirit; Not spirits

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;." 

                                                                                        (Eph 5:15-20 KJV)

Another way that I can say it is this, "Choose this day whom you will serve." (Joshua 24:15) Will you serve the spirits of alcohol and other drugs? Have these mind altering chemicals taken over your life so that you, who were not well in the first place, have now become dependent on them to "cope" with life; so much so that you can no longer even work or play unless you are high or drunk? I am not saying that alcohol and even the legitimate use of marijuana don't have their place. But, sadly, these two drugs, as well as a multitude of other illegal drugs, have become the gods that way too many people live for. These false gods are succeeding at destroying families; destroying communities; and are even pretty successful at causing problems within the visible church on earth. Choose ye this day whom you will serve.

Addiction is a serious ailment in itself. It cannot be cured by the use of other or more drugs. In fact, there are those who say it cannot be cured at all. But, there is relief for those who suffer this sickness. The Lord can make you whole. Turn to Him; for He is your helper. Be filled with the Spirit and sing songs of joy to the Lord, for He alone can save you from the false gods that hold you captive.

I live for the day when in the Kingdom of God all knees will bow; all voices will be lifted up in songs of praise to our God and King. I wait for the day when everyone I know will be filled with the Spirit of God; filled with the Spirit of love and compassion for one another. Mind altering chemicals do not make room for the Spirit of Christ. 

Sing songs of praise to the Lord! Do away with those false gods! Be filled with the Holy Spirit and truly live life!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Peace In Rough Times

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

                                                                                       (Col 3:15-16 KJV)

Some days it can be a whole lot harder to let the peace of God rule our hearts than others. Let go and let God can be a whole lot easier said than done. When troubles attack you or the people that you love so that you can think of nothing else, what can be done?

Immerse yourself in the word of Christ: turn on a YouTube sermon or just put the scriptures playing on YouTube; play some Christian music to remind you of God's grace and love; read your Bibles; but, above all pray. You can speak to God. But, remember to be still and listen for His response.

Life is not always easy. In fact, it can be pretty tough a lot of the time. When the world threatens to push the peace of God out of your hearts, remember that He loves you and is with you always. 

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Preaching of the Cross

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (1 Cor 1:18 KJV)

We preach the cross, a symbol of death so that we might live. Those who love their lives in this world though, steer clear of the cross. They are unable to understand that it is only by the sacrifice our dear lord Jesus made for us on that cross that we have been freed from the power of death. We have been freed from the power that the world, that evil, that sin had over us. 

Those who consider the cross as a symbol of foolishness will perish. It is wisdom to preach the cross and to cling to it for in the cross of Christ we have eternal life in the presence of Almighty God.

God's Peace - Pr. J. 

Treasures

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

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

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

                                                  (Matt 6:19-21 KJV)

Where do you invest your time; your talents; all the gifts that God has given you? Do you enjoy those gifts? There is only one place where you will find real joy. That place is in relationship with Jesus Christ and with others around you. Some things are necessary: food, shelter, heat, clothing. Other things are not. They are luxuries. They can be excess baggage that steal away our time and our opportunity to be in caring and loving relationships. 

The greatest treasure of God is being able to live in relationship with God and our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Kingdom of God. May God help us to seek His Kingdom that we might know what a treasure living in His presence really is.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Show Us The Fruitful Way

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

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

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

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

                                                                                        (Psalm 1:1-4 KJV)

It is really a good idea to follow the path that Jesus has set before you. Following in the way of the ungodly will only bring you to disaster. 

I listened to a YouTube video featuring Ben Carson (Secretary of HUD) last night. His strong faith has kept him on a path that has produced much fruit in all that he has done. Overcoming much adversity, he has prospered in many ways. On his faith journey, with the help of God, he has helped many people to  live fuller lives. He helped many to live! When he was asked if he did anything to prepare for such intricate surgeries as separating conjoined twins, his answer was that he did the same thing to prepare for the difficult surgeries as he did for the easier ones. He prayed.  He asked God for wisdom and guidance.

May God grant us wisdom and guidance to follow in the Way that He would have us go that we too may produce good fruit.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Upset By The Truth

"And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?

Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome."

                                                                                   Acts 23:1-11 KJV

The truth has a tendency to upset people who insist on living their own truth, which is no truth at all; but, a justification for our sinful beliefs and lifestyles. They will rebel and this will attack those who speak the truth in attempts to make themselves look good and right.

With much turmoil, Paul testified to the resurrection of the dead in Jerusalem. The uproar that accompanied it was so horrific that the troops had to get Paul out of there for his own safety. "The following night the Lord stood near Paul and told said, 'Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.'” (vs 11) And, so he will. Under guard Paul will be taken to Rome to testify to the truth in Jesus Christ again. He will witness to the resurrection and eternal life in Christ even as he makes that journey.

Where is our journey taking us? Along "The Way," will we be witnesses of the love of God in Christ Jesus; regardless, of how many might attack us because their lives are upset by the truth? How many lives will be changed by hearing the Word?

God's Peace - Pr. J

A Light Unto My Path

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

                                            (Psalm 119:105 KJV)

It is imperative for the Christian to hear and to study the word! The word and the Word who is Jesus the Christ will show us the way we are to go. Of course then, as I have recently been reminded that God has given us free will. That is true. We can choose not to go to the Father. We can choose to not accept that free gift of eternal life in His presence. We can choose to deny God. But, for those who desire to live in the eternal joy and peace found in the presence of God hear the words of Jesus given to Thomas and to you:

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." 

                                                                                                (John 14:1-6)

Thanks be to God that the light, who is Jesus the Christ, has come to show us the way to our Father's house, to his presence!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Good News! Release! Relief!

For thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me.

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord.

And many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto thee.

                                                                                       (Zech 2:8-11 KJV)

Good news! That's what chapter 2 of Zechariah is: Good News!

As I read this second chapter of Zechariah, I was reminded of the vision of St. Teresa of Avila and her "Interior Mansion." What an awesome place this city of God is! In Zechariah, it is pictured as a city without walls. It doesn't need a wall because God, Himself, will be a wall of fire around it and He will be its glory within. (Zech 2:4,5)

And more... for all those who are oppressed - there will be relief - there will be release!

God, has sent His only Son, born in a barn, died on a cross, raised from the grave, and ascended to the right hand of our Father, so that we might be free to live in His Awesome presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Growing Up In Christ

Growing up in Christ is not easy; but it is essential.

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." 

                                                                                    (Eph 4:14-16 KJV)

To truly grow up takes a lifetime and even at the time of death we still will never be as mature as we could be. Society, today, gives us about eighteen years to help our children grow up and then we turn them loose on the society. As Christians, we do our best to teach our children who Jesus is and what he has done for us and why. We pray that they will follow him. But, the devil prowls and not everyone would have our children go in "The Way" that they should go for their own benefit and for the good of society. With the help of God, we do what we can while they are with us and then we continue to pray for them until the day that we die.

It would be most helpful for our children and for society if we could all work together to help all of our children grow up into him is the head, even as we continue to grow in Christ. May God help us to follow in "His Way."

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

Pray For Your Oppressor

"Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:" 

                                                                               (1 Peter 3:16-18 KJV)

I have had my share of having others speak evil about me. We all have. It seems to be human nature to tear other people down and it is what Jesus said would happen to those who follow him. He said:

"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also."

                                                                                (John 15:18-20)

When assaulted do not repay evil with evil; rather pray for your oppressor. Paul wrote to the Romans:

 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."

                                                                                 (Romans 18:21)

Loving and praying for those who persecute and revile you is not an easy thing to do. But, it is the right thing for them and for you. 

For:

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

                                                                                      (Matt 5:11-12)

May we all live in the blessed peace of God's eternal presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Be Still And Know The Great "I Am"

The Lord of Hosts is with you!

"He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah."

                       (Psalm 46:9-11 KJV)

In the midst of the darkest days and the most tumultuous nights; when we find ourselves restless; and wandering aimlessly; let us remember that the God of peace, the great "I AM" is with us. 

We can have peace of heart and mind in the knowledge that no matter what is going on around us the Lord of hosts is with us. Through every storm and battle, God has a plan. It is a plan for good. It is a plan for peace. Even while the battle yet rages, we can know the peace of heart and mind that surpasses all understanding. Be still in His presence; trusting that He will make the battle cease, break the bow, and shatter the spear. He is our refuge and strength!

When your heart and soul become restless; find stillness in the presence of the Lord and in the knowledge that the great "I AM" is God and He is with you and He is for you. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Knowledge Of His Will

"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;" 

                                                                                               (Col 1:9 KJV)

There you have it: a prayer not only for the people that surround us; but, a prayer that will give us all more peace.

Wouldn't it be so nice if everyone could have the mind of God, to know His good will, that all dissensions would just disappear? I hope; I pray, for this so often. But, there will always be those who reject God's Word and His will. There will always be those who prefer their false gods and so life will continue on with challenges and troubles of every sort. But, that should not stop us from praying that others might know the love and the will of God. Who knows what miracles God might bring about!

"Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. "

                                                                                            (Rom 15:5-8)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Faith, Hope, Love

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 13:13 KJV)

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor 13:13 NIV)

Faith, hope, charity or love for one another that we might be most charitable in word and deed to those around us are most important to living life most fully. 

Where faith is there will also grow in us the seeds of hope and love. Without faith we not will not even be able to see as though we are looking through a glass, darkly and when we cannot hope will not survive and love will expire.

When hope dies our faith in the one who loves us and desires that we live with and in him also dies. When hope dies, faith and love will soon follow suit.

When love dies there will be no charitable acts of kindness toward others. We will consider only our own selfish desires. 

When love dies both hope and faith will also go. We will become like the walking dead, dried out old bones if we leave behind faith, hope, and charitable acts born out of love. Without faith, hope, and love there is nothing; but, emptiness.

May God keep you in his Word that you might know these greatest gifts of faith, hope, and charity.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Birth of Warriors

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

                                                                                   (Eph 6:11-13 KJV)

On November 10, 1775 the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines. Last night we celebrated the birthday with other Marines and their families. We heard the Commandant's message and observed the cake cutting ceremony. It was overall a very informal and relaxed birthday party. 

Today, even as I honor the birth of the United States Marine Corps, I thank God for the birth of another mighty warrior: Martin Luther. His battle was against false teachings prevalent in the church at the time. There remains false teachings in the church on earth today. Let down your guard and the devil sneaks the lies right back in. The battle continues; the battle against forces that would dilute or change the word of God to the harm of all whom God has called; to the harm of all who unknowingly follow false teachers and prophets.

"A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood

of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe

doth seek to work us woe;

his craft and power are great,

and armed with cruel hate,

on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,

our striving would be losing,

were not the right man on our side,

the man of God's own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is he;

Lord Sabaoth, his name,

from age to age the same,

and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,

should threaten to undo us,

we will not fear, for God hath willed

his truth to triumph through us.

The Prince of Darkness grim,

we tremble not for him;

his rage we can endure,

for lo, his doom is sure;

one little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers,

no thanks to them, abideth;

the Spirit and the gifts are ours,

thru him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go,

this mortal life also;

the body they may kill;

God's truth abideth still;

his kingdom is forever."

                        Martin Luther

It seems that it never ends. The battles for what is right and true; the battles to release people from bondage continue to be fought on air, land, sea, as well as in the spiritual realms. May God bless the warriors who fight for right and freedom. May God bless us all with the courage to stand on the Word.

Happy Birthday! 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Scarlet or White?

though your sins be as scarlet
they shall be as white as snow

Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.

Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

                                                                              (Isaiah 1:2-5 KJV)

Who do you worship? Who or what is your god? Do you really love the Lord enough to repent of your sinful ways? Do you understand that he died to make the unrighteous righteous? 

The Lord's warning through Isaiah to Israel is to be heard by all of us of these generations as well. Is your life laden with iniquity? Iniquity begets more trouble in our lives than anyone needs. However, following in the way of the Lord will be peace to your troubled and angry souls.

There is a promise in this first chapter of Isaiah along with the warning. It is: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isa 1:18)

The guilt of our sins stand out for everyone. Red as crimson they catch the eye of those around us. But, by the red blood of Jesus they are washed away by faith in his life giving sacrifice for us. The unrighteous become righteous by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. 

Step aside from the path of iniquity; turn your life around and follow in the footsteps of Jesus that you and your neighbors might live in peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Choose You This Day

Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.

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 24:14-15 KJV)

The journey is over. The Israelites have been promised the land for generations. They have been led through some hard times. They have been blessed by the LORD. Joshua's days are almost over. He reminds the people of all that the LORD has done for them and tells them to decide for themselves whether they will serve the LORD or false gods. 

Who indeed will you serve? Which gods? Will you revere the LORD in sincerity and in faithfulness? As Joshua encouraged the Israelites to recall their history with the LORD God, you are encouraged to do likewise. Who brought you out of bondage? Did any of your false gods really help you? You cannot serve two gods. Choose ye this day, whom you will you serve. And, whichever one you choose know that they will each desire faithfulness from you. Will you choose the One who first chose you, who is faithful, and has always been faithful to you? Will you choose the one who loves you so much that He was willing to die for you? Or will you choose to lift up a lesser god; a god that does not love you; a god that will only take from you; a god that will take your very joy and leave you alone and helpless? Choose ye this day... And, do not be deceived there is only one God that loves you. Put away all those false gods, for you cannot serve them all and live.

God's promise to you is a for an abundant life in His Kingdom; in His very presence. Do not settle for a lesser gift than this. Do not turn your back on the LORD who loves you and gives you life.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Pray For Kings And Live In Peace

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (Tim 2:1-2 KJV)

Those of us who live in the United States really are privileged to live in such a great country. But, there are those who bring a lot of disharmony to the people. Rather than pray for our leaders that they might first know and have a desire for peace; violence is incited against anyone they disagree with and way too many of our elected leaders actually support the violence. Slander and malice abound. Rather than listen to and pray for one another, even our leaders spew hateful rhetoric at and about each other. 

Maybe it is God's will that this country be torn apart. Maybe it is His will that the greed; the slander; the lies, the extortions; the sacrificing of His children both young and old; the false gods; the egos all be brought to end. I do not know. But, I know this: God wants us to pray for our leaders and not destroy them. He wants us to worship Him in Spirit and truth. 

Let there be peace. Let us pray for all in authority!

God's peace - Pr. J

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness or Wealth?

"As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.

A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary. 

O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters." 

                                                                                     (Jer 17:11-13 KJV)

In the seventeenth chapter of Jeremiah we find that the hearts of the people had sin engraved on them. They trusted in things of this world. They lusted after and trust in wealth. They would do anything to get it, depriving the poor, spending their very life and breath in the pursuit of wealth and happiness. 

Who can blame them? We all desire some joy and happiness in our lives. But, the truth is that these things do not come from wealth. They do not come from having "stuff." The sooner we learn that the pursuit of money does not equate with happiness, the better off we will be. In the end we will lose any and all ill-gotten gain.

Real joy comes from being in relationship with others, with God. I have always appreciated that Thomas Jefferson changed John Locke's pursuit of life, liberty, and property, in the U.S. Constitution to the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. Property does not necessarily equate with happiness. Just think about the upkeep that goes with more property.. and, the taxes! Think about what happens when greed pervades society! All kinds of sin accompanies greed. Yet, multitudes have hearts so hardened like stone that greed and envy are engraved deeply into them. And... they are miserable! They desire more, but they do not know what that more is. 

Our hard hearts are a problem for us. But, God promises that He will remove our hearts of stone so that sin will no longer be engraved on them. 

"Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 

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. 

And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." (Ezek 36:25-27)

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. 

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” 

                                                                                   (Jer 17:7-8)

There is an answer to our loneliness and sorrow. The answer is Jesus Christ, our LORD, who loves us so much that He was willing to die for us. May God bless us with hearts filled with His love for Him and for one another.

God's Peace - Pr. J