Friday, January 31, 2020

Lord, Have Mercy!

Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me. (Pslam 40:11 KJV)

There are days when about the only prayer that can come out of my lips is "Lord, have mercy! Christ, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!"

There are days when there are so many things to deal with that the brain is not able to slow down enough to pray much else than to beg for God's mercy and help. Dealing with government entities usually brings this state of lack of enlightenment on. But, we have a helper; a protector. We have one who knows the troubles and trials of our hearts and minds and answers our prayers whether we know what to pray or not. Trust Him!

He truly loves us and with us in every circumstance. He hears your prayers for mercy and answers.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Care For Your Children!

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." (Psalm 127:3 KJV)


For at least a couple of generations now, I have witnessed children being neglected and some abused. Sure, most, but not all, have adequate food, shelter, clothing, etc.. Most of the children are physically provided for. But, not all of them. This morning, the neglect that I'm thinking of isn't due to lack of caring for physical needs. The neglect that I'm thinking of is when love is withheld and abuse is allowed to occur. Parents will cover for each other to save face. Some children are even left to, in effect, raise their parents because their parents put themselves before all others. They put themselves before God. They put themselves before their children. Sometimes, they have a lot of fun with their children. They horse around and play with them because that makes the parents feel good for the moment and then they are off to do their own thing.

There are some who say that there are many children raising children. Sadly, in many cases it has gone beyond that. The children are raising their parents and they are not equipped. I am not saying that the whole world or all parents are being raised by their children. But, way too many are. It really is up to the parent to raise up a child in the way that they should go. It is not up to the child to take care of the parents needs and desires. It is not up to the child to take the fall for a parent who cares only about their own future.

"Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." (Eph 5:14)

Wake up, as they say, and smell the roses. Your children are a gift from God. Care for them, guide them, teach them, love them as God loves you. Do what is right by your children and love them even as they love you.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

The Servant Shall Be First

And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. (Mark 9:35 KJV

If the first are going to end up last then why try so hard to put yourself above and before everyone else? So much of the word of God is contrary to how humans think. It all seems a bit backwards and upside down. And, it is! The thoughts and ways of humankind are not naturally the thoughts and ways of God. 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." (Isa 55:8)

After all; who would consider sacrificing their child so that others might live? But, God did. He first and only begotten Son humbled himself and became a servant to all. He put himself last so that we might live.

Those who lord it over others will in the end find themselves to be last and those who are willing to put the needs of others over their own desires will be first.

May God grant that we should all have heart like that of our servant and King, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Worship In Spirit And Truth

The Samaritans worshiped God at the mountain in Samaria. The Jews worshiped Him in Jerusalem. But, Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well:

"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."
                                                (John 4:23-24 KJV)

It does not matter where we are or who we are, we are to worship God in spirit and in truth. God is bigger than the temple in Jerusalem and the mountain in Samaria. According to St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians there is: "One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Eph 4:6)

There is no place that God is not. We are to worship and give Him glory whenever and wherever we are. All things are done for His glory!

It is not about a certain place or a certain such as Sunday morning. It is not about bricks and mortar or even mountaintops. It is about worshiping Him at all times and in all places in spirit and in the truth.

May God help us to worship and to give Him glory in all that we say and think and do.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Monday, January 27, 2020

The Battle



"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 6:12-13 KJV

Life can definitely be a battle. All kinds of things come against us. There are periods of time when it seems like it's a daily struggle to stay afloat. In frustration and anger, we may want to strike back at the people that it appears to be coming from. But, there is a better way. 

We cannot overcome anything or anyone without the help of God. In order to do battle, we must put on the armor that God provides us with remembering that it is not flesh and blood that we battle with but spiritual forces in the dark realms who wish to undo you. 

The battle is real and we must engage or succumb to the enemy.

"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints..."
                                                                                      Eph 6:14-18 KJV

God's Peace - Pr. J

Sunday, January 26, 2020

The First Will Be Last


Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
                                                                                       (James 4:7-10 KJV)


Ego can be a terrible thing. Narcissism and too big of an ego go hand in hand. The ego tells us that we are way more important; that we are much more intelligent than others. It tells us that we are going in the right way even when we are terribly wrong.

When a person decides that what they desire is more important than the needs of others it will wreak havoc in families and among friends. It will separate us from God as we turn our backs on His good will for us and for all people.

The devil uses our egos to lift ourselves up. It doesn't work that way. Those who think that they are high and mighty will fall back. "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen." (Matt 20:16)

Therefore; let us resist the temptation of the devil to think that we are better than we are; that we are better than others, and humble ourselves so that God will be the one to lift us up. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Think On Good Things


Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)

I have not been able to watch the news lately for two reasons. 

1. The news has been way too negative.  2. The news stations don't report much news. 

I watch, maybe, one hour of television a day. That figure is on the high side. So, I really do not know who all of these actors are and I really don't care, either. The news stations apparently think we care and maybe some of you do so a lot of the news that they publish is about what these actors are doing in their private lives and what their political opinions are. Again, knowing what the various sports, music, and actors are up to on any particular day is not high up on my list of priorities. What is put forward as news regarding them is definitely not a focus on positive things in life. It is gossip.

As for reporting regarding politics and politicians; most of what I hear from reporters is hearsay; innuendo; personal opinions; more gossip. These are not positive things. They are things that stress and divide people. 

Paul says we are to think on positive things. Focus on what is good in your life and the lives of those around you. Don't let the devil and his minions drag you into the depths of anger or hate or depression. That is not to say that you shouldn't defend others when they are being maliciously slandered; only that it is not helpful to bury yourself in the hearing of the slander and gossip day after day. Sometimes, we just need to shut off the news.

Think on what is good. Read and hear the Word of God. Focus on the good that God has planned for you and for the people around you. Praise him not your favorite earthly idol. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Ask For Wisdom In Faith

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 
                           (James 1:5-6 KJV)

Again; this morning, my attention is turned to the journey on the wrong paths that end negative consequences. How is it that after doing the same old thing with the same old consequences that humankind does not ask for wisdom of God and follow in the path that leads to fruitfulness; to joy; to peace; to eternal life.

There is a quote which is most probably wrongly attributed to Albert Einstein. It says: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result." 

If things are continually going downhill for you, just maybe it is time to change what you are doing or the way that you are doing them. Just maybe, it is time to ask God for the wisdom to follow in a way that will be less devastating for you. Maybe, it is time to ask God what it is exactly that you might need to change in your life. 

Ask in faith for wisdom and it will be given to you. But, remember to listen when He answers.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Ask The Right Person; Ask Our Father



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.

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
                                                                                          (Matt 7:7-11 KJV)

We do not live in vacuums. There are people around us and there is God our Father who is with us and for us. When things go terribly wrong life just seems like it is not worth it, maybe we should consider who we are depending on; who we are trusting, to walk with us through this life. Are they helping or hindering? Are we trusting someone to be there for us when they are not even there for themselves? 

Are you looking for peace in your life? There is one who can help us. That is God our Father who was willing to give us the most precious gifts of life and salvation through the sacrifice on the cross of His only begotten Son. When we are in dire need of help, ask Him. Ask our Father who loves you that much. He can and He will help you on the path to a life of peace.

Most of our earthly fathers would help us according to their abilities. That is what love is. How much more will our heavenly Father help us in our hour of need!

When in need, it would behoove us to ask the right person for help. Turn to Him and find relief; find peace; find joy in His eternal loving presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Straying From The Path


For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? 
                                               (1 Cor 4:20-21 KJV)

Rod of discipline or love and gentle spirit; which would you prefer? Actually, the only thing I can think of this morning is that if we don't like the rod of discipline then maybe we ought to straighten out our lives and walk in the way that has been set before us. There are not many ways. There is one way. That way has been testified to us by the witnesses of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Let us listen to them. Let us learn the way in which we are to go and follow Him.

Beginning with those first disciples the church has come a long way. We have strayed often. We have suffered many unwelcome consequences from falling off the path. We have been disciplined often. Yet, there is always love and a gentle spirit to greet us when we return to the way in which we are to go. There is forgiveness.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Monday, January 20, 2020

Diverse Temptations and Joy


My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (James 1:2-3 KJV)

I am not all that joyful when I am confronted with temptations. I don't really have an issue saying no to temptations. I've actually gotten pretty good at it. That does not always make everyone around me happy.

Usually temptations come to me through other people; people who know where I stand. Sometimes, I can laugh it off. Other times, it is more difficult and my patience ends up getting tried and refined as I have to repeat the word "no." 

I do not feel the need for me to have to defend why I will or will not do something. My lifestyle has been worked in me for many years by the grace of God through Jesus. There were a lot of hard lessons to learn. Admittedly, I still have a long ways to go and will never get there while there is still breath in me. However; since God has taught me, by refining fires, I do know enough to say no to many diverse temptations.

I will say no to what I know is wrong. I will stand up for what is right even if others take offense to it. Years ago, in order to stay in relationship with a few people, I had to ignore the damage that they were doing to others. I stopped doing that. I lost family. I lost friends. But, in the end, a child was safe. It may seem like it would have been easier to keep my lips sealed. I tried that way and it was not. It is much easier to stand up for what is right and not yield to the temptation to cover up secrets for the sake of relationships. 

It did not bring any joy to stand up to the temptation to keep my mouth closed and cover up things that were terribly wrong. It was actually a very horrible time. However, it did give me a sense of joy and peace to know that a child would have a much brighter future for it.

One of the greatest temptations is to do nothing when something is going terribly wrong. It can be tough and resisting temptation will produce patience and in the end much joy.

May God grant us the courage and strength to say no to the temptations to do what we ought not do and to not do what we ought to do.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

One Body

Flagler Beach, FL

"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."
                                                                             (Eph 4:4-7, 11-13 KJV)

We may be many; yet, we are all one in Christ. We are united in His Body as we abide in him and he in us. We, who are members of this Body of Christ have been called and equipped for service in order that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Do you see what that means? Although our good works contributes nothing toward our salvation; we are called to serve the whole body according to the gifts that have been given to us as individuals for the edification and growth of the body of Christ, who is the Church, who is Jesus the Christ. 

We must all serve in unity, according to the will of God, with the mind of Christ, who is our head, in order for this maturity to happen. What I've witnessed all too often is that when one person tries to do it all nothing much gets accomplished. Too many frying pans in the fire at one time being handled by one person and something is liable to get left undone or burned. Many congregations and even denominations are like that. We equip only a few for service and growth. If there is any growth it is very slow. That is because some of the members of the body of Christ aren't working.

Consider the times that you may have injured an arm or a leg, maybe you had a lung infection or other illness that affected one part of your body. Did that one member of your body not slow you down; maybe, even stop you from doing anything? 

We are all members of one body, meant to work in unity and unison so that the whole body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and knowledge and Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

So lets get with it and equip all of the saints! Train the members of the body so that together we might grow in Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Saturday, January 18, 2020

For The Glory of God

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 
                                                                                    (1 Cor 10:31-33 KJV)

Yup! We do have the right to do anything; but, according to St. Paul, not everything is beneficial. We who are of the body of Christ, should think first of what is good for others and not so much for ourselves. If what we eat or drink; what we do, would be damaging to others then we ought not be doing it. It is as simple as that.

I know that the world teaches us that we have rights. But, so does everyone else around us. As we're busy thinking about our own rights to do whatever we please; let us all consider how we might be trampling on the rights and the lives of others.

We have the right to do just about anything that we want; but, is that anything that we choose to do building up others; building up the body of Christ, glorifying God?

Whatever we eat or drink or do, do for the glory of God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Friday, January 17, 2020

Follow And Serve As Jesus Serves



If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

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.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
                                                                          (Philippians 2:1-8 KJV) 

It is not easy! A war often wages within our very beings. Although we may desire to be more Christ-like, we find ourselves looking after our own interests rather than the interest of others even to the detriment of others. This world offers a lot of enticements and encouragement to be all that we can be for ourselves. But, that is not the way of the cross. That is not the path that Jesus took.

Jesus, who being in very nature God, was willing to humble himself, even to death on the cross for our sakes. He took on the nature of a servant putting our lives before his. Likewise, St. Paul reminds us that being united with Christ we are to humble ourselves and to serve one another with like minds. We are to love one another.

It is not easy, this following in the footsteps of Jesus. Our egos often get in the way. But, for his sake and for the sake of all our brothers and sisters in Christ, we ask God to help and guide us to love as He loves.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Work With Integrity

Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the Lord.

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. 
                                     (Prov 20:10-11 KJV)

One of my pet peeves is working without integrity. Someone gives you a job; then thank God that you have a job and the ability to support yourselves and your family. It is not up to anyone else to support you in perpetuity. There is help when you need help and there are many people who genuinely need help.  There are also many who can work and won't or they do such a poor job that it takes two or more people to do the job that one can do.  If you can work then work and do the best that you can for yourself and for the person who has employed you. 

I see a lot of complaints on the news and social media that minimum wage needs to be raised to fifteen dollars an hours and complaints about the self check-outs taking away job in various businesses. I personally use the self check-outs in these establishments. 

Just prior to Christmas, I was shopping for a nice tie for a young boy who likes to dress up. I had to ask three people in one store before they could direct me to them. None of the three even smiled. In fact, they acted like I was disturbing their day. When I finally found the children's ties there were no nice ones. I ended up purchasing him a necklace with a superhero logo. That took standing around at the counter for about ten minutes before anyone showed up after the call for help. That person was not friendly either. I had definitely disrupted her morning routine. Although, there was not anyone at the check-outs with cashiers, I went to the self check-out. I had no desire to have another encounter with another employee who was not happy to be doing their jobs that morning.

For the sake of yourself and others: do yourself a favor; do for your employer what is right and do the work that you have been hired to do and do it with integrity. If in any way you serve the public; serve like you actually like people and want to help them.  It may not always be easy. It may seem like an uphill battle at times; but, do it any way. Work with integrity and do what is right and good so that there might be peace in the workplace and that God might be glorified.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

The Sea Saw And Fled

Huron River at Million Dollar Bridge, Arvon Township, MI
When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language;

Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his dominion.

The sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was driven back.

The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs.

What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back?

Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams; and ye little hills, like lambs?

Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob;

Which turned the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters.
                                                                                    (Psalm 119 KJV)

I cannot help but wonder why humankind does not have enough sense to tremble at the presence of the Lord. The earth did. When Israel came out of Egypt the sea saw and fled, the river Jordan turned back, but humankind has not the foresight to know that God is God. At the hand of God, water can spring forth from a rock, but people, refuse the water. People refuse the Word that can bring eternal life; that brings real and abundant life.

It just makes no sense to me that anyone would follow after false gods. Sadly, there is nothing I can do to change that. Only God can change people. Only God can lead people out of bondage to their false gods. But, He has given you free-will. Choose ye this day, whom you will serve: the one who keeps you in bondage or the One and only One who can free you.

There is something, though, that I can do, that I am called to do. It is what the LORD calls all of His disciples to do; that is to proclaim the Good News of His Kingdom open to all people through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. So, no, even if the message offends you, I will not stop proclaiming. Just as you deem it your right to proclaim a false gospel, a path that leads to destruction; I will proclaim the truth of the Kingdom of God. There is only one way to that Kingdom. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by him. (John 14:6)

God has shaken the mountains. He has dominion over the sea. He has dominion over all things. If the earth will bow down and worship Him, then why is it so difficult for humankind to see that God is Supereme. Does a rock or a river have more sense than we?

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Jealousy Kills

  "And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?

If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him."
                                                                                 (Gen 4:4-8 KJV)

It appears that the Lord favored Abel's offering over Cain's because his offering was raised up through hard work. The Lord told Cain that if he had worked well to present this offering it would have been accepted. Cain was not happy. He was so jealous that his brother had found favor and he had not that he killed his brother.

Jealousy destroys. It kills and there are consequences for the sin. If the jealousy over how much accomplishment or honor others receive with their hard work continues it will build up within you until the consequences of the sin become very tough. Cain was exiled to become a fugitive and a vagabond. He would indeed have to work very hard just to survive. 

It is not any different today than it was in Cain and Abel's day. Jealousy will prevail if it is not put in check quickly. It will destroy your future and the future of those around you. God has given you many gifts so that you might be fruitful. There are  consequences for not even attempting to use those gifts as well as you can. The outcome and possible consequences have nothing to do with what your neighbor does. It has everything to do with what you do or do not do with the gifts of God. In the general confession we pray that God will forgive us for sins known and unknown; for things we have done and for things that we have left undone. For the sake of love for the one who lived and died and yet lives for us, it would behoove us to leave a whole lot less undone.

May we always use the gifts that God has given us so that He might be glorified.
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." (Col 3:23)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Monday, January 13, 2020

Do In Remembrance Of Me



Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”   Luke 22:19 KJV

These words of Jesus sometimes cause me to wonder if everyone at the table realize that this is more than a remembrance ritual or a memorial service. I often wonder if everyone who eats of his body and drinks of his blood realize that they are actually receiving the body of Christ into themselves.

He comes to abide in us through this Sacrament. As we eat and drink we become one in and with the living Christ. When we receive this Sacrament, we receive the living God. Jesus is not dead. He is alive. May he live in and through you so that others may also know of his loving sacrifice for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Sunday, January 12, 2020

We Are One

 

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
                                                                                  (Gal 3:26-28 KJV)

Dress down and go shopping in an exclusive store and you will find, in many  cases, eyes watching you as you wander around the shop. The way that we dress and carry ourselves often determines whether we will be targeted as a desirable or an undesirable.

Unfortunately, having served as a pastor for over twenty years, I have witnessed this occurring among some members within some congregations as well. Discrimination against brothers and sisters in Christ; discrimination against anyone is an ugly sinful attribute. 

God does not desire that we should pick and choose who is worthy. He cared enough for all of His creation to send His only begotten Son to die for all people. He loves humankind enough to sacrifice His Son that we might be reconciled to Him and to one another in the Body of Christ. 

May God help us to remember that by faith we are all children of God and are one in Christ Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

I Will Not Fear!



I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? (Psalm 118:5-6 KJV)

What, indeed, can man do to us that God cannot fix or heal or whatever needs to be done for our good!? There is nothing. We may be persecuted, hated, attacked; but, God has a plan for those who love Him. 

There have been times that my husband objected to me taking a public stand for what was right. He was afraid that I would be in danger for doing so. My response then was: what is the worst thing that can happen. Even if I am killed, God is with me. I have eternal life. If life in the eternal presence of God; in His Kingdom, sooner than I expect is the consequence for standing up for what is right, then I know that there is nothing to fear in doing His will.

We are saved by faith and not by the good that we do. Rather, we strive to do good because we have been saved by grace through faith in our most gracious God and Savior.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Friday, January 10, 2020

Faith Then Patience

Photo by Pr. Judy Mattson
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,


According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
                                                                           (2 Peter 1:2-8 KJV)

I cannot begin to imagine how much patience it took to plow fields around the Ring of Kerry.



I have to admit that there are definitely days that my self-control and patience are a bit lacking. They are both more present in me today than they were twenty or thirty years ago. But, I do still fall short. I fall short because there are times when I get so wrapped up in getting things done that I forget that God is with me and I end up doing things the way others or I would prefer that they be done. Not doing God's will; but, instead doing what pleases a few people or myself usually ends up in a disaster. And... disasters can mightily challenge our self-control and patience.

So I pray that God would grant us all faith and that in faith; virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity will follow.

God Peace - Pr. J

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Think On The One Worthy To Be Praised


"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Phil 4:8 KJV)

If our minds stay in the gutter; we will end up living our lives in the gutter. If our minds stay focused on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, then we will live in His Kingdom. The work of our hands and every step that we take will naturally gravitate toward the things that we are focused on.

Whatever or whomever it is that we trust; that we put our faith in, that is our god. Will it be the things of this world or the one who loves us so much; the one who wants us to live in His presence so much, that He was willing to die that we might be forgiven our lustful and sinful ways and be reconciled to Him?

Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matt 6:20)

By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit may God help us to treasure the one who is most worthy of praise, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

He Hears And Answers

Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

The Lord is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.

Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.
                                                    (Psalm 28:6-9 KJV)

The Lord hears our prayers and answers! It may not always be the answer we anticipate or desire; but, He does answer. 

In good times and bad times the Lord is listening and watching. Way too often when things are going along quite smoothly for us, we tend to neglect communicating with God. But, when times get rough the prayer line and prayer chains get really active. 

He is our strength and our shield. He is our Savior. But, He is much more. His very presence lifts us up so that we might rejoice in His being. Do not neglect to speak to him often and to listen.

"Rejoice evermore.

Pray without ceasing.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
                                                                                    (1 Thess 5:17-18)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

The Light Shines In The Darkness



For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 

                                                                                 (Eph 5:8-14 KJV) 

The sun has not yet begun to shine this morning. I rose a whole lot earlier than I would have liked as at 4 am I woke up to find that we had run out of propane. I curled up under an extra blanket; but, didn't stay there long. Although we live in Florida, it can get pretty chilly at night. So, I put on my robe and went and connected the other propane tank and got the heat going again. I was up so figured I may as well start moving and do something.

It may be dark outside; but, that does not mean we should hide in the darkness. Even in the dark a light always shines. There have been many times that we lived in the darkness of the world. But, it do not have to be. We do not have to cower in the darkness. The light of Christ shines at all times and in all places. The light of Christ is with us always to show us the way; to show us the way of fruitfulness to the glory of God our Father.

"Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light."

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Monday, January 6, 2020

We Are Perishing; Yet Live



For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
                                                                                    (2 Cor 4:16-18 KJV)

This morning, my outward body is reminding me that it is perishing. I have been slowly moving stuff into our new home and helping to prepare the house so that we can soon live in it. I shampooed carpets for two days and then we decided that the carpets; although they looked much better, were just too filled with dirt to remain. My husband has severe COPD. It was becoming apparent just from being in the house that the carpets had to go. Thanks be to God that our granddaughter, Ashley, has been working on pulling the old carpets up as her father has been repairing major things like water pumps and replacing drywall in a bedroom. There is a lot of work to be done there that my husband and I could do a few years ago; but, are no longer physically able. 

But, just from what I have been able to do, my body is aching. I slept for over twelve hours last night! I think that is a record for me! My body is getting a bit worn out; but, Christ who lives and dwells in me continues to strengthen me. He  renews my spirit even as my body wears out. There is always hope.

This world is not all there is. The pain and suffering; the trials and tribulations,  the light or heavy afflictions, that we might endure now in these temporal bodies will pass. Our hope lies in living in the eternal presence of God through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J