Our Own Way

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isa 53:5-6 KJV)

Yup! That's what we like. We prefer to do things our own way. For some reason we have tendency to think our way is better than God's way. It is not. According to the Gospel of St. John: "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)

When we follow in our own ways, we often end up in a heap of trouble. We end up on some really dangerous paths. But, when we follow in the way that Jesus has set before us the path leads to reconciliation and peace with our Father in heaven.

Jesus was sent to us so that we who had turned our backs on our Father could be reconciled to him and live in his eternal presence. It was not a mission that any of us could complete. This innocent man was punished for our sins. He was tortured and executed for the sins that we commit. Simply put: he died that we might live.

Let us live life in thanksgiving for all that he has done and continues to do for us. Let us be wise enough to follow in the way that he would have us go.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Inhumanity At Jamestown And In The Present

Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:

Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:

That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.

They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?

They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.

But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.

Psalm 64:1-7 KJV

Has humankind become more humane over the generations or just better at justifying our inhumanity before others? We must always remember that no matter how we attempt to justify our own inhumanity, we cannot justify it. We are only justified by faith in the blood of Christ shed for us. St. Paul wrote to the Romans: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." (Rom 5:8-9)

I spent a lot of time the other day trying to hook my husband up with PBS Passport so that he could watch the "Jamestown" series. Oye! Oye! Oye! I have been attempting to spend more time with him so have been trying to watch at least some of it with him. "Some of it" being the key phrase. I cannot stay in the room to witness the inhumane words and actions of so many in "Jamestown." The misuse and abuse of others: the Naturals (Native Americans); the African Slaves; the White Indentured Servants; even each other; is just overwhelming. It makes me just a bit crazy to watch such injustice for the sake of wealth and power. Since, I know the outcome of Jamestown, even though I know the series is fiction, I do not doubt that much of what is portrayed in the series is indicative of what actually went on in Jamestown. And, these people of Jamestown, for the most part, claimed to be Christian.

What about today? Around the world people are being imprisoned unjustly. They are being tortured, beheaded, and killed in so many ways so that others may  continue their pursuit of power or wealth or both. How many in this country are unjustly accused and persecuted? For the most part, innocent men and women are not imprisoned or killed here. But, it does happen and it happens with the facade of justice. This too makes me very weary to witness. 

Jesus once told the Pharisees (and ultimately us) "...Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (Luke 16:15)

There is a better way to live than to climb up any ladders on the backs of others. According to the prophet Micah: "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8)

May God help us to live more justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly following  in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus the Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Show Mercy As We Have Been Shown Mercy

Psalm 130 KJV

Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.

Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.

Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

I woke up this morning after a dream that included major flashbacks of my life. It was not good! When I look back on my life there are definitely things that were done or said that I still can't help but wonder what in the world I was thinking. It was nothing fruitful, that is for sure!

As I grow older memories like this seem to still infiltrate my thinking. It would be very nice if they would go away. But, then I consider that maybe God gives these memories to me to remind me to show mercy to others who make the same stupid mistakes. 

He reminds me that if he had not sent his only begotten son to take away my sins; if he continued to count my iniquities against me, I would surely fall. 

We are all sinners. Without the love and mercy of God given to us through Christ Jesus there would be no hope in this world. 

Let us all hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is mercy and plenteous redemption. He has redeemed us from all of our sins. Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Pray For Your Enemies

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.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 

                              (1 Tim 2:1-4 KJV)

There are more than one reason to pray for your enemies. Since humankind tends to be a bit self-centered there among those reasons is a very good; albeit, maybe a bit selfish reason to pray for those who hate us. It is so that as they come to know the Lord Jesus, we too might live in peace rather than stuck in chaos and drama. 

Jesus said:

"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 

                                                                                    (Matt 5:44-45 KJV)

Life on earth is so short. Why waste it on anger and vengeance? If you are the one who persecutes others than please repent so that you might live in peace. Be kind! And, if you are the one who is persecuted pray for your persecutor to repent and to live life in Christ so that you too might live in peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Pork Is Unclean

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

                                                                                   (John 21:15-17 KJV)

Most of us are fully aware that many in our government have no clue about the hardships a vast number of people in this country suffer with. There appears to be a major disconnect between our government officials and the people they serve. A few at least appear to think that if a household makes less than 150,000 a year you are dirt poor. Way too many have no clue that people actually struggle and survive with way less and many consider themselves most comfortable with 40 or 50,000 a year. I know lots of people who are living on much less than that. Many are happy that they have a roof over their heads and food for their families. 

I have wondered and prayed about the homeless every day since we started self-quarantining and in some states mandatory quarantining. How do the homeless self-quarantine? How do they eat when there is no one on the streets to donate to their daily needs? And, if they are able to scrape enough money up to eat how do they purchase it? Can you walk through a drive thru window to get a muffin and coffee? 

According to the Department of Homeland Security, as of January 2020, there were estimated to be somewhere around three and one half million people who were homeless; that is actually living on the street or in shelters. That estimate does not include people who live with others because they cannot afford housing on their own. 

The CDC reported over 48,000 suicides in 2018. We have a serious mental health crisis in this country. Resources are very limited. Those in crisis who are seeking help could wait months for any real psychiatric help, if they ever get it. As a pastor, I have buried too many suicide victims who might still be alive had help been more available. Most of them were young and had no clue where to turn. I have attempted to get help for more than a few who had serious mental health problems.

One particular person who I attempted to get help for had PTSD. He was a former law enforcement officer who had served in a pretty rough area of the country. He was involved in at least one "suicide by cop." No, I could not find him any help for his PTSD. 

I attempted to find another young man assistance for his mental health illnesses. He had been previously diagnosed with such a slew of Acronymns that beyond the Schitzophrenia, Bi-Polar, ADHD, and OCD, I could not recall all the others that he had been diagnosed with. His medication had run out and so had his Medicaid as he was not able to manage these things on his own. He found himself without a home of his own and living with friends and family. I attempted to help him straighten it out and get him assistance to no avail. Here was a man with serious mental health problems and the state mental health people would not talk to me. They would only talk to  this very confused young man in crisis. I listened as they asked him if he was suicidal at the moment. No, he said, not at the moment. He received no assistance. He did not qualify to see a counselor in person. The phone interviewer disqualified him. A few months later he was dead.

According to the CDC, this flu seasons (October thru Mar 19) there has been an estimated 23,000 deaths from influenza in the United States; of which 149 of them were pediatric deaths. Medical science has not been able to figure out any way to prevent this. 

As to COVID 19... It appears that we will overcome it for this season. But, the threat is still there and now that it is loose on the world, it will probably always be there until our scientists figure out a permanent fix. Will they figure it out or will it be figured out only as well as the influenza virus has been figured out?

My question and frustration this morning is: Where should our government be allocating our tax dollars? To help those in need? I realize that millions for arts and humanities is but a drop in the bucket for millionaire and billionaire public officials; but, I cannot fathom why all those drops in the bucket are not being directed towards helping those in dire need. Directing our tax dollars towards the humanities rather assisting those in dire need reveals the lack of humanity in our elected officials. 

Pork is an unclean meat. Many people, including myself, have a real hard time digesting it. Some simply cannot and/or do not eat it. Maybe it should be gotten rid of it from bills and resolutions put forth by Congress and the Senate, as well.

Peter turned his back on Jesus when he was standing trial. Now, Jesus tells Peter and tells us if we love him we are to feed his sheep!" 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

In His Time

Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.

                                                                                       (John 11:1,3-7 KJV)

Jesus did not run to keep his friend Lazarus from dying. He took his time so that God might be glorified. He takes his time so that the power of God will be revealed. 

One of the most interesting parts of the story for me is found in the two words of verse 35: "Jesus wept." Jesus surely did not weep for Lazarus as he knew Lazarus would be rising from the dead when he called to him in the grave. Jesus was weeping for those who grieved; whose hearts were breaking over the loss of their loved one. They were the ones suffering. They were the ones living in the shadow of the valley of death (Psalm 23:4 KJV). Jesus cares for them. 

He loves them and He loves you. He does not wish to see in you in sorrow or pain. This does not mean that you will not suffer in this world. But, when you do, trust him for in God's time, he will raise you up, again, for the glory of God our Father. 

Just as knew all about what was going on with Lazarus, he knows exactly what is going on in your lives and he has a good plan for your future. Listen to him. When he calls you out of darkness, listen to him! Follow him and live life!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Confession

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 

                                                                                   (1 John 1:6-10 KJV)

I watched parts of the "Irishman" yesterday with my husband. I watched only parts because I have a hard time watching television. I am not able to focus well on stuff that I know is fiction; especially stuff where lives are getting snuffed out. But, since my husband is spending most of his time in the recliner as he heals from surgery, I have been trying to at least sit with him.

Frank Sheeran was an official in the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the president of Local 326, and an alleged Mafia member and hitman. Now, I am pretty sure that there is no priest who would reveal the contents of a confession so I count it as fiction; but, at the very end of the movie we see Frank Sheeran making his confession. He made his confession without any remorse. In the movie he did not appear to actually be able to fully recognize that he was a sinner. I hope that this was totally fictional for effect. I do not know. Only God knows the hearts of man.

Over the years, I have had way too many people confess their sins as they sought absolution. Not everyone showed any signs of real repentance or remorse for the damage they had caused. Those that did not were usually sorry because they got caught in their sins. If you are one of those who asks for forgiveness; but, has no remorse over hurting others or turning your back on God, maybe you ought to ask yourself if you truly repented.

We are all sinners and if we say that we are not; then we are lying to ourselves. But, we cannot lie to God because He knows everything that we say and think and do. As sinful human beings we continue to turn our backs on God and one another. But, as Christians we will strive not to. We will recognize our sinful natures and we will repent because the light shines on us and the truth of our sinful ways is revealed to us. 

And, so we give thanks to God for sending His Son to suffer the penalty for our sins so that all who believe in him will not perish; but, receive everlasting life in the presence of Almighty God.

Repent and step out of the darkness that the light of Christ may shine on you.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Eternal Life Is A Gift

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 6:23 KJV)

No, not a one of us is without sin. We have sinned against God and one another over and over again. Each and everyone of us have earned the penalty of death. But, thanks be to God for the sacrifice made on our behalf by our Lord, Jesus the Christ! "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

That everlasting or eternal life is not just life after physical death. All who have been raised up by faith into the family of God live in that everlasting kingdom even now. That kingdom is a life of joy and peace no matter what obstacles we might face. 

St. Paul wrote to the Romans: "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Rom 14:17)

We live in this world; yet, the kingdom of God is here, as well. When Jesus was questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God would come, he replied: "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:21)

Live life and live it abundantly in the presence of God; in His Kingdom even now!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Dry Bones Wake Up!

The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD. So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them. Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.

                                                                                       (Ezek 37:1-10 KJV)

Live life! 

Are you going through life like you have no life? Are you walking around like the walking dead; putting one foot in front of the other simply because you must?

Christ came that we might have life and have it abundantly. God's will is not for us to go around walking as though we are dead. We are to live in the light of Christ so that we might have life. By the very breath of God we have been given life. 

Hear the word of the Lord. Listen to him! 

"Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light." (Eph 5:14)

It is time to wake up and rise from the dead! Be filled with the Spirit of Christ! Rise up and live life!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

He Is Home! Thanks Be To God!

Rejoice evermore.

Pray without ceasing.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

                                                                             (1 Thess 5:16-18 KJV)

Giving thanks this morning that my husband was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon. He is home! Thanks be to God!

We are so thankful for the staff at Advent Health in Palm Coast and Daytona Beach. The doctors on staff did not send him home when at first they did not find anything serious. They kept looking until they found the cause and took steps to fix it. 

I am thankful that he was able to be released yesterday. When I got to Daytona Beach yesterday, the hospital was on lockdown for about an hour. Visiting hours were restricted to 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and only for those who had medical authority for the patients. Those restrictions will probably tighten up in the near future. 

There is a lot of trouble in the world today. But, good people with integrity  also abound. Let us consider the good that is all around us. Let us give thanks to Almighty God as we live in the hope of God's good will concerning all of us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Fear Not

"Fear not: for I am with thee..." (Isa 43:5a KJV) 

How often we need to hear those words! Do not be afraid. God is with you. We often find ourselves in bondage to a variety of issues we are struggling to figure and work out for ourselves or someone we love. Maybe it's financial difficulties or relationship issues that are causing anxiety. The Corona Virus today has an untold number of people today in a state of fear. The level of panic in so many today absolutely astounds me. There is definitely reason to be cautious. But, caution and fear are not the same thing. Being cautious and taking precautions is the wise thing to do. Panicking only causes more problems.

There are times when we may feel overwhelmed with fear; as though we are lost in a thick forest with no clue how to find our way out. We might find ourselves journeying through the wilderness and feeling like we are making that journey quite alone. But, fear not. You are not alone. The LORD, who created and redeemed you has not deserted you. He is with you. The word of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior, promises this.

Fear not for God is with you. May God grant you the peace that only He can give.  

God's Peace - Pr. J

We All Need To Grow

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

                             1 Peter 2:2-3 KJV

It is not just babies who need good nutrition to grow so does everyone who has lived for decades. All kinds of ailments attack bodies that do not feed themselves properly.

As Christians grow older, all too often they do not feel the need to read or hear the word of God. I have heard on more than one occasion that someone does not need to read the scriptures because they learned it in Sunday School or Confirmation classes. That is totally absurd! No one can know it all. Even most pastors know that they need to continue reading and studying the word in order to grow in faith as well as in love.

The small catechism that we use to teach children and new members was written by Martin Luther for parents to use to teach their children because he found that pastors in his day really did not have a clue about the word of God.

Have a clue! Many churches have closed due to the corona virus. Start a new habit. Open your Bibles and read the word. Hold a daily Bible Study with your family and grow in faith!

In times like this we worry about our physical health. Let us not neglect to care about our spiritual health. Stay in the word. Crave and seek the spiritual milk of the word of God so that you may know the grace of God through our Lord Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

No Law

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 

                                                                             (Gal 5:18 - 23 KJV

There is no law against being nice. There is no law against caring for others. But, there are both God given laws and man-made laws about doing otherwise. 

Some not so joyful or peaceful consequences often follow breaking these laws. 

It is just so much easier to be nice and do what is right; do what is good for you and for others and we will all experience a whole lot less turmoil and drama in our lives for it.

May God help us all not to spitefully use or abuse others in any way. And, may His love, joy, and peace be with us always!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Hope Rather Than Panic

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

                                                                                    Romans 15:13 KJV

There is a whole lot of panic going around. Panic is usually fueled by fear. What are we afraid of? Nothing in this world is greater or stronger than the power of the Holy Spirit that can bring to us joy and peace in the midst of the worst tempests.

Trust that the Spirit of Christ is with you; with us all, for our good no matter what it may look or feel like to us at the moment. God is the God of hope. Trust Him and go on doing the good that He would have us do; helping our neighbors and living in peace! 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

How To Pray

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

(Matt 6:9-13 KJV)

Surgery Today!

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

                                                                           (James 1:13-16 KJV)

Well, today is the day for my husband's heart surgery. He is scheduled for a triple by-pass this afternoon. There has been a lot of praying going on around here. When I left him the other night, I asked him if the chaplain had come by to see him. Of course, he had! Howard is at Advent Health, a faith based health system. On just about every wall in their hospitals are quotes from scripture that remind us that the Lord is with us and for us.

I am just a little anxious; probably being a bit selfish, as I really do not care to be left in this world without him. But, I have confidence that the Lord will be working through the surgeon.

I also, sometimes feel a bit guilty. We have been married for 49 years this year. I have been his pastor for about 25 of those years. I am not sure if it's all that fair to spouses to have their wife or husband as their pastor. While I do not have a problem giving pastoral care to others in times of need as I volunteered as a home health care and hospice chaplain for many years; I'm not so sure that I am doing or saying all that I should or could for my own family. So, thanks be to God for chaplains! Thanks be to God for faith based health care systems!

All of your prayers for him are very much appreciated! Thank you for your prayers!

God's Peace - Pr. J. 

Fear Is Not Loving Or Healing

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. (Mal 4:2 KJV)

There are a whole lot of people suffering from illnesses in the world today; many besides those who have contracted the Corona Virus. As the world panics over this virus, I cannot help but wonder why we do not have cures for some of them. Why no cure for cancer, yet? It has been around for a long time. Why no cure for the influenza that comes and goes or the more permanent diseases like multiple sclerosis or cystic fibrosis or the many other diseases that afflict the human race? It is a sad thing that so many suffer. All of our scientists and specialists have not been able to figure out how to cure these diseases. What is left for us to do; but, to depend on the Lord our God to see us through?

The faithful trust him to see us through our illnesses until the day he brings us home. There is suffering in this world. But the children of God know that the Son of God has risen and we shall go forth growing in faith and trust that in him all things are for the good of those who love him.

While Jesus walked the earth he instructed his followers to have no fear. Listen to him! Fear will stop a person in their tracks. It will destroy the love that we ought to have for one another and for God. It will destroy our concerns for those in greater need than ourselves. 

With the panic over the Corona Virus, I cannot help but wonder about the people who live paycheck to paycheck to put food on their families' tables. The grocery store shelves were empty in so many stores yesterday due to people stockpiling and hoarding. When payday comes and those who can only afford to purchase food when their check comes and there is no food in the grocery stores to purchase what happens to them? How many have thought of the homeless and hungry when they overfill their carts? Love of God and for our neighbors seems to have gone out the window....!!! Will greed and self-preservation send our neighbors home hungry?

There is nothing to fear for in the end the God whom we love and who loves us has come and is here with us even now. 

My daily morning prayers always include this prayer of affirmation against all fears. Either we believe it or we don't. As for me, I prefer to believe it and trust in the Lord.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

(Psalm 23)

Fear does not bring love. It brings devastation. Trust the Lord and be His helping hand. Feed his sheep even if it is in such a little thing like not emptying the shelves in the grocery story so that your neighbors can also purchase sustenance for their families. Consider your neighbors and do all that you can to help them, for in them your Lord abides. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Trials; Patience; It's All For The Good

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

                                              (James 2-4 KJV)

I am thinking God may be thinking that he needs to work patience in me or maybe it my husband he's working patience in. It has been a week (month - many months) full of trials and I am barely able to keep up with my day to day routines like doing the dishes! It's not because I'm depressed. It's just that there doesn't seem to be enough time to get things done. Among other things, with age, we tend to slow down a bit.

Monday was full of appointments for my granddaughter and my husband. Tuesday, I had a lumpectomy and was told not to do anything for at least a week - no repetitive motions with my right arm (no vacuuming) - no lifting anything over ten pounds. I can walk and rest. Wednesday, the surgeon called to let me know that there were no cancer cells. So any worries over that are over.

Wednesday evening about 9:30 my husband informed me that his blood pressure was sky high and had been experiencing severe chest pain for a couple of hours. He insisted I drive him to the ER rather than call an ambulance. He can be stubborn about things like that. So, I sat in the ER with him until about 1:30 am Thursday when they admitted him for observation. He had a stress test that didn't turn out so good on Thursday so they scheduled a heart catheterization for Friday. The prognosis was that he needs a triple by-pass and would be transferred to Advent Health in Daytona Beach within a few hours for surgery. There were no beds available in Daytona Beach. My guess is that it might be due to "Bike Week." During "Bike Week" there can be quite a few emergencies. So, today we will wait as patiently as we can for a bed so he can get his heart fixed.

There's been a lot going on and it's hard to keep up. I don't feel like I'm running out of patience because to tell you the truth I am too tired to feel tired and a few things out of the normal have been and are being taken care of. There are positives that have come out of this week. 

We purchased a repossessed home a couple of months ago. This repossession  needed a lot of repairs which have not all been completed yet. A lot has been done; but, there are still many smaller projects to get done. On Thursday, my granddaughter and her boyfriend painted a good size section of our fence that we hadn't had time to get to. Yesterday, my son's girlfriend and her two children finished painting it. That is one more project that we no longer have to think about! 

It was a relief (especially to my husband) to find out for sure that I do not have cancer. 

At least one of my husband's health problems is being taken care of. He has been suffering with health issues for quite awhile. It may take a while for him to recover from this; but, I am convinced that he will recover and have in the end a fuller life. I am grateful for his cardiologist at Advent Health who insisted on tests and more tests to get to the bottom of why he would have chest pains. All those tests require a bit of patience waiting for results.

As I sat in my husband's room yesterday waiting for the transfer that didn't happen, I realized that even in that there was a blessing. I have been working on cleaning out the pond in our yard and sitting with him was keeping me from the  temptation to pick up the rake which I should not be touching right now!

Trials come and with trials patience. But, in the end God works all things for the good of those who love him. (Rom 8:28) Trust the Lord in times of trial. Trust that he is working things out for you.

So, this may be more than you care to know about; but, the bottom line is that no matter what happens trust the Lord for He is good and His mercy endures forever!.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Help Us To Be Fruitful

"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)

We are saved by God's grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ; yet, Peter reminds us that we should support that faith with such things as goodness and knowledge. It makes no sense whatsoever for us to have received this precious gift of faith if we do not live by that faith. We are to be fruitful laborers in that which He has called us.

God bless the works of our hands, the words of our lips and the meditations of our hearts and minds that all that we say and think and do will be acceptable in His sight and glorify Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Confession and Forgivenss

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

                                                                                  (Col 2:10-15 KJV)

The list of sins that I recall during confession every day can get pretty long at times. Sometimes, it is a lone sin that plagues me to the point where it is most difficult to rid myself of the feelings of guilt because I know the potential damage that the words of my lips or my actions can cause unless God will intercede on the behalf of others. There is nothing I can do about it once something is said or done; except to repent and ask God to protect others from my sinful words or actions. I cannot go back and undo the damage I have done. I can go back and apologize and ask forgiveness. I can trust that God is with those whom I might harm (intentionally or unintentionally) and accept that on the cross my sins were forgiven.

Our sins are forgiven. They are washed away by the blood of Christ. However, in spite of this awesome gift from God, we continue to sin. Martin Luther was well aware of this war within us. That old sinful man keeps rearing its ugly head in spite of the fact that we have life in the body of Christ. Martin encouraged us to daily repentance and renewal. In the Small Catechism Martin Luther answers the question:

"What does Baptism mean for daily living?"

It means that our sinful self, with all its evil deeds and desires, should be drowned through daily repentance; and that day after day a new self should arise to live with God in righteousness and purity forever.

St. Paul writes in Romans 6: "We were buried therefore with him by Baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Rom 6:4)

None of us are without sin. May God help us to remember that it is not just others who might be in need of daily repentance; but, each of us should recognize what our sinful natures are capable of; repent; and be renewed by faith in the one who lived and died and yet lives for and through us.

When your sins plague you with feelings of guilt; remember that Jesus died so that your sins might be forgiven. Remember that as you have been buried with him in baptism you have also risen with him through faith. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

His Love Endures Forever

Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; (Deut 7:9 KJV)

To a thousand generations; he keeps the promises of his covenant. How awesome is that! Those promises that he made thousands of years ago to have mercy on us and to save those who love Him the Lord keeps. 

The covenant He made through the blood of Jesus were not meant just for the people of that generation; but, to you and me and to our children and to their children. His love for His children will endure forever.   

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

                                                                                            (Rom 8:35-39)

Do not neglect to tell the generations; your children and their children that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus; not any troubles and especially not time, because His love for them endures forever.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Getting Old

The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. (Prov 16:31 KJV)

All is well with my soul and pretty much my body! What can you expect when you begin to age 😊 For some reason I don't have a lot of gray hair yet. Both of my sons have at least as much if not more. But, I am aging. My doctor is quite diligent in making sure I am healthy. My annual check ups usually include a lot of follow up tests!

I was on the road at 4 a.m. this morning. And, that is why I am so late writing this. Howard drove since I was having a minor surgery that I had to be put to sleep for and I was not able to drive afterwards. Everything went as expected. The surgeon let Howard know that "all is well." I figured it was. God has been very good to me. I don't always take too good care of myself; though, so along with my gray hairs my body inevitably is slowly but sure deteriorating - just as we all do.

I won't be doing much for the next couple of weeks. Every time I've gone out in the yard this afternoon, I've wanted to pick up the rake and clean the pond. Oh... it is so hard not to be doing something!

Hopefully, tomorrow morning I will get hot and get a blog done in a half way decent hour - like the early morning 😊

Don't worry about those gray hairs! Each gray hair; each day brings us closer to seeing the full glory of our Lord!

God's Peace - Pr. J.