The Lord Will Clothe You

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 

                                                                                        (Luke 12:27-28 KJV)

The wild roses in the photo were yellow last year. The bush has not bloomed yet; but, the buds are showing pink. I have no control over what color they will display each year. But, no matter the color, they are always beautiful.

Before I left for Florida last summer, I clipped away some of the dead branches. Other than that, I do nothing to help them grow. They are flowers so they can do nothing themselves to flourish. Likewise, there are things in this world that we do not have to interfere with in order for them to come to fruition.  There are many things that we worry about that we don't have to fret about. Our faith tells us that God will take care of them. 

God has called each of us to serve Him and our fellowmen. He has not called us to worry about things that are out of our control or things that are meant to only please our senses. There is no sense in worrying about the little things; like what we will wear. It's a lot of worry over nothing important. It's a lot of worry to satisfy our egos.

Flowers are beautiful to behold. Yet, they do nothing to add to their own beauty. God, Himself, clothes them. Trust Him to clothe you in the righteousness of Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Sin Abides In Me

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  (Rom 7:15-25a KJV)

St. Paul served tirelessly to serve the Lord. He knew that he was a wretched man; that sin dwelt within him and that sin tried very hard to direct his ways.

None of us are without sin. There is indeed a war that goes on inside of us. We may desire to do what is good; what is right; but, temptations come and sometimes we are not even aware that they are temptations. They come and we succumb.

We turn our backs on God. We turn our backs on fellowman as we strive to fulfill out own desires. But, in the end; hopefully, we know that what we have done cannot be done undone by any good works of our own. The only help that can be found is by faith in the one who was and is sinless. The only help for our souls is in faith in the one who died for us. Salvation is ours only through faith in the one who was willing to face sin, death, and the power of the devil for us, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

Prior to his relationship with Jesus, St. Paul had persecuted Jesus' followers. He had them killed. Yet, by faith in the promises of God through Christ Jesus, Paul knew that his sins were forgiven. He did not deserve to be forgiven even as we do not deserve to be forgiven. It was by faith alone in the life giving sacrifice of our Lord Jesus that he knew that he was saved and reconciled to God for all of eternity.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Eph 2:7-9)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

He Answers In His Time

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

                                                                                    (2 Peter 3:8-9 KJV)

Do not doubt that God hears and answers our prayers. He does hear them and he does answer them. They may not be answered in the way that we desire. The answer may sometimes be "no" especially if they are not in accordance with His will. His answer may also not come in the time that you desire it to come. 

 

We might like things done now and the way that we want them done. We judge time by the few years we have on this earth. God has eternity to work with!

When storms arise in your life; do not fear. Do not fret. Be at peace in the assurance that God does hear and He does answer your prayers according to His good will for all of His children. "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.

Fireflies And Stars

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

(Psalm 19:1-4 KJV)

 

It was just amazing! The stars appeared to have descended upon the earth!

 

I have heard that fireflies are in short-supply in these latter days. I have not found that to be true. whether I am at home in Florida or Michigan I have found there to be an abundance of them.

 

I enjoy being outdoors. In fact, I get a bit antsy being cooped up within four walls. I know of nothing that God has created that has square corners. I absolutely love being present in His natural creation. That is where I am most at peace. In witnessing the beauty of His creation, I am reminded of his great love for all of His creation and my hope is renewed. 

 

So last night, around 11 o'clock, I stepped outside to see what beauty God had prepared. The sky above our camp was filled with stars. The area around me right up to the edge of the horizon was filled with fireflies. The lights of the fireflies and the stars had no beginning and no end. They were one. It was awesome!

 

It can be a very renewing experience to step outside of our little boxes and experience all of God's creation. The natural creation that surrounds us as well as the people He has given us to live this life with.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Love Your Neighbors Even If They Are Your Enemies

"Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord." (Lev 19:18 KJV)

"Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."                    

                                                                                       (Matt 22:36-40)

What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? How about don't be doing to others what you would not want done to yourself! 

Vengeance is not ours. It is not ours to take the law into our own hands. We are sinners and way too often judge by our feelings and not the facts. Would we want to be judged, persecuted, and even killed because someone has a bad feeling about us based on their own bias'? 

That is exactly what happened to Jesus. The people demanded that he be executed based on the false witnesses and their personal reasons for demanding his death. The people were incited to the point of near rioting so Pilate gave him over to death to avoid more trouble. The innocent one was put to death. The guilty Barrabas was set free based on feelings and not fact. 

Jesus was not loved by everyone. He is not. We are not loved by everyone even though the command of God is to love others even as we would love ourselves. The command to love our neighbors includes even those we might consider our enemies. Yet, we do not. 

Jesus said: 

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 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. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? (Matt 5:43-46)

Being that we are sinful human beings loving our enemies can be tough. So, if we really can't act in love toward others then the loving thing to do might be to walk away from them instead of causing harm to them. Let them live life without the turmoil that we would cause them. Would we not desire that if someone hated us that they walk away from us rather than attempt to exact their own idea of vengeance or justice upon us?

"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them..." 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

No Hiding From God

The Secret Hiding Place

Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.   (Jer 23:24 KJV)

When my oldest grandchildren were young they, like most children, liked to play hide-n-seek. I would often walk with them to the ruins of an old stamp mill on the shores of Lake Superior. They would attempt to hide on me. I always found them pretty quickly as I could hear them as they went and they always tended to hide in their same secret hiding place.

As children get older some of them will try to hide what they are doing or where they are going. But, loving parents will usually have a pretty good idea of what they are up to no matter where they are. Parents will have taken the time to listen to and to observe them enough to know their habits. Even if the parents don't call them on everything they think their growing children are up to, they can  hide very little from their parents. 

Parents can get busy and miss some things; but, God is always observant of what His children are doing. There is no hiding from Him. There is no sense in pretending that you are innocent before God. He knows better. He knows you through and through. 

He is always near. He is always with us. So do not attempt to hide yourself or what you do from God. Rather, live in peace with God and with one another. and with yourself. Rejoice in the fact that He is with us and knows us and He will guide us if we would but listen. Do not try to hide from God; but, embrace Him and live life in His presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Deliver Us From Evil

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

                                             (2 Thess 3:1-3 KJV)

Pray, pray, pray, and pray some more. In these very unstable times (when have they not been unstable?) I have found myself in almost constant prayer. 

Political and religious extremists on every side insist even to the persecution of those who disagree with them that they are right. It is very disheartening to see so much division in this country and in the world. It is not right that people should be attacked and even killed for who they are and for what they believe.

And, so we must pray that the Lord will deliver those who are persecuted from unreasonable and wicked men; that the Lord will keep them from evil.

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 6:1b-13)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Mount Up With Wings As Eagles

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isa 40:31 KJV)

I am waiting! Been waiting for awhile! 

This retirement stuff is really for the birds. I have grown weary of doing and accomplishing so little. Granted, as I have grown older, I have also grown a bit slower. But, God must still have a plan. He promises that he has a good plan for those who love him. (Jer 29:11)  I am waiting to have that plan revealed.

I may never run again. But, I would at least like to walk in this world with a purpose. Yes, I can still walk physically. I walk everyday while I pray. But, something is missing without a purpose and a plan; a way, to serve that purpose.

Our ultimate goal, at least mine, is to walk in the presence of God everyday and not just for the days I live in the flesh here on earth; but, for all of eternity. In the meantime though it would be good to be a bit more fruitful.

So, I continue to wait on the Lord to show me the way that he would have me walk. I wait for the day when I will not be weary of the accomplish nothing days. I wait upon the Lord for the days when my strength will be renewed.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Lord Looks Over You

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

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

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

(Psalm 121 KJV)

Wherever I look out from my back deck, I see hills. I am surrounded by hills and forests. I am surrounded by God's creation. My home in a very real sense is a sanctuary; a safe place; a place of peace and a place of rest for me. I have always considered this home as a gift from God for in this quiet place I am able to recognize better than any where else that God is with me and He is for me. I know that He is with me always; but, here in this place I am able to sense His presence more deeply.

God is with you and He is for you, as well. He never slumbers or sleeps; but, always looks over you. Trust Him and live in peace. 

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

(Numbers 6:24-26)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

No Evil Shall Befall Thee

Psalm 91 KJV

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Planted By The Rivers Of Water

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.

Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

                                                                            (Psalm 1:1-6 KJV)

At the least disruption to life there are those who would cause so much drama that one would think the world was ending. They are like grass blowing in the wind; mowed over at the landowners earliest convenience.

But, one who loves the Lord and considers the way that He would have us go is like the tree that is firmly planted in soil beside streams of water. On the riverbanks on which I live during the summer, many of the trees have been blown about by the winds. They are old and have been bent down. But, they continue to grow with their roots connected deeply within the soil. The winds nor the waves have been able to take them down.

Such is the person who delights in the law of the Lord. They might bend from time to time. But, they will not break.

May you drink abundantly of the streams of living water provided by Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Husbands And Wives

Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it...

                                            (Eph 5:24-25 KJV)

There was a time when men used the verse from St. Paul regarding wives having to be to their own husband in every thing as justification to subjugate them. It still happens and is legal in some countries. It still happens in some households even in the United States. But, that only happens when we neglect to read the verse about husbands loving their wives as Christ loved the church. Jesus loves us enough to die for us. He loves us enough to have died for us.

Marriage is not about what you can get out of it; but, about loving and supporting one another. Wives give freely to their spouses; putting their personal desires after their desire to please their husbands and to live as one with them. Husbands love their wives in such a manner that they are willing to give completely of themselves even as Christ gave himself for all people. For many that might and most probably means dying to the desires of a self-serving ego.

After God created man and woman He said that they would be joined together and become one. When addressing the topic of divorce, Jesus said:

"But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; 

And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh." 

                                                                                      (Mark 10:6-8)

The majority of people would not willfully harm themselves so it would behoove us to remember that as we hurt our spouses we harm ourselves as God has ordained that we are one. 

Live in peace; live in love with one another.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Jesus Is The Light

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 2 Cor 11:13-14 KJV

Beware of false apostles and deceitful workers who claim to teach and preach the truth. For many who appear to be children of God are disciples of the evil one. The world is full of false gods. It is full of false teachers. They appear to know the truth; but, they have distorted it in such a way that the center of our worship is no longer God the creator of heaven and earth. As St. James warns reminds us: 

"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." James 2:19

Yes, the devils believe because they know the truth. But, believing and following are not always the same thing to everyone. Prayfully, all who know the truth would follow in the way that Jesus would lead them and teach others to do the same. But, it does not always work that way. The love of self way too often overcomes the love of God and false preachers and teachers would preach in such a way that the truth is distorted in order to cover up the fact that they prefer to live in the darkness, in bondage to sin, rather than in the light of Christ. They are afraid of the true light because it calls us to a place that is beyond ourselves; a place that we are timid about entering. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in the "Cost of Discipleship": “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” 

We are called, as followers of Jesus, to set aside or to die to our own selfish purposes and to follow in the way that the light of Christ would lead us.

And... Jesus, himself, is the light. According to the Gospel of St. John:

"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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." (John 3:16-20)

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

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Sinking In The Mire

"Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters." Psalm 69:14 

There is small spot of sinking sand on one of the islands in front of the home I stay in during the summers. It is a little over a foot wide; yet, it's a bit unnerving to accidentally step into it. As one's ankles and then calves begin to become engulfed in sand you will not tarry. You will step out of it quickly and change your course just as fast. I do not know how much of a person it would swallow if one chose to test the sand. I have never desired to find out.

Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. We go in ways that are dangerous to ourselves and may even be active in leading others in the wrong way, as well. We stray from the path that Jesus prepared for us and purposefully attempt to travel the path of the unrighteous. There are many dangers on this path that leads away from our Father's house. Sinking in mucky, uncharted swamps is only one of them.

When we find ourselves in danger of sinking in the mire it is time to change course. It is time, to ask for God's help to get back on the path that He has prepared for us.

If you find yourself alone and sinking fast know there is one who can rescue you. There is only one who can save you. Ask and He will lead you on the path of eternal life in His Kingdom. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Vision Of The Multitudes

After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

                                                                                                (Rev 7:9-12 KJV)

What a vision the multitudes praising God must have been. I cannot wait to see it for myself with my own eyes. That great multitude who have come though the tribulation and have been sealed by God are promised:

"They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." (Rev 7:16-17)

Thanks be to God for salvation belongs to our God and we will live with Him in His kingdom forever!

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Lord Looks In The Heart

"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

When the Lord sent Samuel to anoint the next king over Israel, Samuel saw the stature of Eliab and thought for sure this one must be the one. But, the Lord let him know that He had not chosen the next king of Israel by his outward appearance. In the end, it was Jesse's youngest son, just a shepherd in the field, who was called to be anointed to be the next king.

In the spring when the dandelions begin to bloom, my husband is in a hurry to get rid of them. I see the yellow blossoms as doing no harm. They are a sign of spring and I enjoy their presence in my yard. We each have a different perspective on what we see and hear. We see things differently. My husband sees weeds. I see flowers; a gift from God that are, in fact, consumable.

God see things a whole lot differently than we do. So what does God see when He looks into our hearts? Our neighbors may see our hearts as dark as the night. But, what does God see? Does he see a child in pain who has not yet learned how to deal with life around him? Does he see a heart that is aching for the peace that only He can give? 

No one; but, God, can know what is truly in the heart of another person. Whether good or evil; whether a weed or a flower, only God can know for sure.

Who knows? The next weed that you try to destroy just might be a treasured flower; a beloved and chosen child of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Storms Will Come

Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

                                                                                                    (Luke 8:22-25 KJV)

Jesus calms the disciples and the seas. He commands even the winds and the waters. They listen to him. But, there is something else we need to remember. The storm did not begin until they were out on the sea with Jesus.

Following Jesus is no guarantee that there will not be storms in your life. In fact, it might guarantee even a few more. If you truly follow Jesus you will face obstacles and opposition of all kinds. Jesus never promised that we would not have troubling or stormy times. Only that with him, we would weather them. We would live. We can live in peace knowing that the one who has power over all things is with us always.

There is no need to fear the storms. The one who commands the winds and the waves is with you and for you. But, sometimes, you will need to experience a few storms on the sea before you can reach the other side.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The End Of The Line

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matt 7:13-14 KJV)

I was not the perfect child growing up neither was I a particularly bad kid. I liked to climb trees; ride bike; go for walks; build forts... My parents had strict boundaries set for us and when we crossed them, my father would let us know: "you reached the end of the line, sister." I knew someone was in big trouble when I heard that!

A few years ago, my husband watched hours and hours of "The Walking Dead." All of the living were trying to get to Terminus. I could not figure out why they figured any place named Terminus would be a good place to go. Terminus means the end of the line. It means the final point in time or space. So why would anyone purposely go there?

But, then again some people want to do a lot of things that I can't quite figure out why they would do them. They want to get blitzed! Why? Blitzed means to be attacked and defeated. How about getting stoned? Why would anyone want to get stoned? In biblical times getting stoned was not a good thing. It also meant the end of the line. It meant death. Getting wasted also doesn't sound like something to look forward to on a Saturday night. It means physically or psychologically exhausted; debilitated. Again, near the end of the line.

So why would anyone follow a path that leads only to the end of the line; to destruction? Jesus said to, "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matt 7:13-14 NRSV) Yup! The road that leads to life can be hard. But, I'm thinking a tough road to eternal life is better than an easy one that leads to eternal destruction; to the end of the line.

As a Substance Abuse Counselor, I had taken some young men from a correctional facility hiking to see a beautiful waterfalls. About half a mile in, I realized that they were all very nervous. I asked them what the problem was. It turned out that they feared that we were lost and would be attacked by some wild animal or maybe come to the end of the line by falling off a cliff. They were from Detroit and although very street wise; they could not see the path that we were following in the wilderness. Someone has to show the way to those who cannot see the path. 

May God help us to choose wisely the path that we will follow and to guide others on the way.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Wisdom

"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.." James 1:5 KJV

Every now and then, as I attempt to fix the things that I cannot fix, I am reminded of the serenity prayer that was written by Reinhold Niebuhr. 

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.

It is difficult to watch others suffer. Sometimes we can help them. Sometimes, we cannot do anything except to pray for them. Sometimes, we lack the wisdom to know the difference so we go about spinning our wheels trying to fix that which only God can fix.

Wisdom will help us to determine what we can and should change and what we must trust to God alone. When God gives us the knowledge and the wisdom of how we are to proceed, it would be very wise indeed to follow His directions. Ignoring what God has taught or told you (whether directly through his word or by his word through others) is definitely not wise.

May God grant us all the wisdom to listen to Him and the courage to do what He asks of us and go where He would send us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

When Will It End?

And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. 

                                                                                               (Rev 6:9-11 KJV)

It is one of those mornings when I ask again, "How long, O Lord...?" How many times have we heard or even asked ourselves, "How much longer, Lord?"

As the fifth seal is opened, St. John see the multitude of souls of those who had been killed for the word of God. They want to know how much longer before their blood will be avenged. They want to know how much longer they must wait for the judgment of the inhabitants of the earth. They want an end to the pain and suffering; the persecution of God's children on earth.

They want to know and so do we. When will it end? It will end they were told when the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters in Christ, have been killed just as they had been. Persecution and unjust killing of God's children will continue until the end. No one; but, God can tell when the full number of martyrs will join those already dressed in white robes? 

When will it end? We cannot know; but, we can trust that God does. Therefore, we wait with patience and hope and faith in His promises.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Father, Son, Holy Spirit

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.   (Matt 28:16-20 KJV)

Today is Trinity Sunday. Usually, on Trinity Sunday, I focus a bit on the essence of the triune God. But, with the state of the Union as it is today I am reminded greatly of what or rather who it is that can save us. Who it is that forgives us all of our sins, reconciling us to God and to one another. God through Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit is our only real help in times like these.

We, too often, get caught up in the physical world, we forget that our battle is with spiritual forces. St. Paul wrote to the Ephesians: "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." (Eph 6:12)

Yes, we must stand up for what is right in this world. We must protect our neighbors. But, we cannot forget that what is behind the chaos are spiritual forces that aim to destroy us. We must engage in battle with these spiritual forces. We do that by doing exactly what Jesus commanded: teaching all people, baptizing in name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them everything that Jesus commanded to be taught. And, what he taught is good news for all people. We are to proclaim that Good News! We are to let people know that all power and authority has been given to Jesus in heaven and on earth. That will bring to us adversity. But, we must trust him to help us as we proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom for all who believe in him. We must rely on his (not ours, not any government's) authority and power to overcome the chaos. 

We thank God our Father this and every day that through the Son and by the power of the Holy Ghost we can stand firmly, facing all adversity, so that all people might know that freedom and the peace that God would give to us.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Caring For All Of Creation

Psalm 8

O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;

The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

When God created all things, he put man in charge of taking care of his creation; the whole creation. That means to take care of one another as well! It does not mean that we get to destroy what God has made. It means to care for it.

Life in this world is rather short. But, life does not end there. All of the material things we have amassed will be gone. What will be left? Ask yourself this: "Will I have eternal life in the presence of the creator of heaven and earth? Will I get to see and be with the one who lived and died and lives again for me and for all people?"

The way that we have often cared for one another is evidence enough that we do not deserve eternal life in His presence. We have way too often turned our backs on God and on our fellow human beings. But, by faith in Him we have eternal life, anyway. It is His gift to all who believe in Him.

How excellent is the name of the One who created all things and who saves us in spite of ourselves! May God create in us new and clean hearts that we might love and and care for one another more fully.

God's Peace - Pr. J. 

Let Us Not Be Weary

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Gal 6:9-10 KJV)

As I consider how weary are our law enforcement officers and our firemen and others who are busy trying to put out the fires that began as peaceful protests and were infiltrated by others with not so peaceful agendas, I become weary. 

But, this morning I give thanks to God for the outstanding and peaceful way that the protests here in Flagler County and next door in Putnam County, Florida were held. I am grateful that the organizers of the protests and local law enforcement were able to coordinate their efforts together and walk together, as well.  

If we take the time to talk with (not at) one another and walk together there will much less weariness. So many people have been harmed these past couple of weeks that it has become a time of grieving for much of our population.

Life in this world will never be perfect. We will never know perfect peace. But, that does not mean we should not strive for a more peaceful way to live, caring for one another; caring for all people. "...let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
                                                                              (Num 6:24-26 KJV)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

All Glory And Honor

Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. (1 Chron 29:11 KJV)

Thine is the glory, O Lord!  

It is God and God alone to whom all glory belongs. We often lift up personalities in this world as being savior-like. It is a lie to depend on any man or woman to save us. Only by faith in Christ can we be saved. He has the authority and the power to save. 

As a pastor, I was always a bit leery about lifting up any one person's good works. That is because only God is truly good. It is also because most Christians try to do the best they can to serve God and the community of saints. One individuals' attempted good works is not better than another person!  God gives each of us gifts. We serve according to His will and the gifts that He has given us. So, also, we must be careful about lifting up and showing preferential treatment to those who give materially more than others. The faithful will give according to their ability. Because someone seemingly gives much because they have much does not necessarily mean they are giving generously in proportion to the their actual ability. I refer you to the story of the widow's mite and how Jesus pointed out that though she gave little, she gave everything she had.  (Mark 12:41-44)

Our habit of lifting up individuals for special honor whether they are in the congregation or not is often done to gain personal favors or special favors for the church or other organizations. It is also a very sad form of idolatry. It is important to thank people for their service. But, we are not to be discriminatory in giving that thanks for service rendered by lifting up one individual over another when all that they have done is what they have been called to do. 

Remember, that whatever is done ought to be done for the glory of God not for our own glory and not for the glory of people we have decided to personally hold in high esteem. 

All glory and honor belongs to God. We can do nothing that deserves that glory. St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Cor 10:31) 

Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. (1 Chron 29:11 KJV)

Trust in the One who can do all things. Trust in the Lord, your Savior and King!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

A Thousand Shall Fall

PSALM 91:1-12 KJV

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

A word of comfort and of warning can be found in Psalm 91. Comfort comes to those who trust in the Lord for protection. A great fall will come to the wicked who terrorize others. 

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. (Psalm 32:10)

Be careful that you do not fall with the wicked; but, find rest with the comforted. Trust in the Lord for He is our only true refuge and fortress.

God's Peace - Pr. J.