A Joyful Noise In Thanksgiving

 

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.

The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.                                                                         

(Psalm 95:1-7a KJV)

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

It is way too easy to get stuck focusing on the things that we desire and on those things that we don't have and fail to appreciate the wonderful gifts the Lord of all of creation has given us. Sometimes we get so stuck feeling sorry for ourselves that we fail to see and enjoy the gifts that God has given us.

Make a list today of what you have to be grateful for and be honest with yourself. Be honest. Thank Him for the people around you; for fruitful labor; for a home;  for creation; for life; and for love. Look around and see the glorious works that God has already done for you! Look around and see the gifts that God has given you! Then give thanks making a joyful noise to the Lord our rock and salvation!

Abundant life is experienced when we can appreciate and build upon what God has already given us. Anger and depression are experienced when we only focus on tearing apart the gifts of God. Rejoice and give thanks for the life God has given you!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Wisdom; Listen For It

Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. 

                           (Prov 15:21-22 KJV)

It actually pays to listen to the experience and wisdom of others. It doesn't mean you have to accept what they say. But, something they have to say from their own experiences might help us to make right, safe, and good choices regarding the way in which we would go.

Scripture is full of wisdom. Read it, listen to it, take it to heart, that you might live a long and an abundant life.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

We Are One

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 3:27-28 KJV)

Divisions abound! But, they do not have to. According to St. Paul's letter to the Galatians all who have been baptized into Christ are one. We are not divided rather we are united. We are one!

It does not matter who you are or what you do, we are one in Christ Jesus!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Will You Lay Down Your Life For Me?

Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.

Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.

Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice. 

                                                                                  (John 13:26-38 KJV)

How will we answer the question that Jesus asked of Peter. "Will you lay down your life for me?"

We make so many commitments. We plan to do so much including share the love of God in Christ Jesus with all people. Yet, we often fall short. Peter loved Jesus. He fully intended to be a faithful follower. He wanted to. But, he was not ready to follow Jesus to his death. Not yet, anyway. This faithful follower would desert Jesus when Jesus was arrested and taken to his trial and execution. In the end though, Peter did follow Jesus as Peter was crucified on a cross for his faith thirty some years following the crucifixion of Jesus.

Jesus loves you so much that he was willing to lay down his life for you. Will you take up your cross and follow? Will you lay down your life for him?

“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

God's Peace - Pr. J

Let Us Live In Peace

Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. 

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:" 

                                                                                     (Isa 26:2-4 KJV)

More riots and destruction of private property and ultimately the destruction of people's livelihoods and lives. When will it end? Peace does not come by destroying others because we might be angry about something that has nothing to do with the persons we are bent on destroying. This destruction enshrouds the people who must endure it in darkness. Who has the right to destroy their hope; their peace.

Real peace is not produced by anger or vengeance. Real peace comes from within. It comes from trusting in the Lord Jesus the Christ who abides in us and we in him no matter what is going on around us. Yet, it not right that some would spend so much time attempting to destroy the peace of those around them in order to satisfy their own anger or vengeful hearts.

Before he departed this world Jesus told his disciples: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

And, he prayed for them and for all who believe: "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:" ( John 17:21-22)

May God help us all to recognize and empathize with the needs of others so that there will come about a bit more semblance of peace in the world around us. God grant that we should live as one honoring God and consider doing no harm to those around us. 

God help us to keep our hearts and minds centered on and trust in the Lord and the peace that he has promised  each of us through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Gifts to Edify

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

                                                                                   (Rom 12:1-13 KJV)

We are each given gifts. These gifts are not meant to hurt or to damage one another. They are to be used in an honorable and loving way that we may build up the whole body and not tear it down. 

In this time when so many people are struggling may God help us to find ways to use these gifts to reconcile us to one another.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Freedom To Serve

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. (1 Cor 10:23 KJV)

Just because something is lawful or maybe we can just get away with it does not mean it's a good thing for us or anyone else. Protests are lawful; but, when they get out of hand destroying the property of lives of others they definitely do not edify anything. They do not help us grow as a community or country. They only divide us and bring more problems.

As Christians, we know that we are free in Christ; but, we also know that by his ultimate sacrifice we have been freed to serve God and one another. As Christians, we ought to consider if our actions; although, they may serve and please us, do they help anyone else in any way or do they harm the people around us?

When Jesus died on the cross he died for us. He gave the ultimate gift of his life so that we might live life and not destroy one another.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Righteousness Sown In Peace

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3:17-18 KJV)

Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. (James 3:9-10)

The wise person does not insist that they are always right; that they are the righteous one. They slow down and listen as well as speak. Wisdom does not call for attacks against those who disagree with them. Wisdom seeks peace. Peace may not come in the form or the way that we desire it; but, it is still sought after. We will never be perfect here in this world; but, that doesn't mean we can't seek to live in peace.

How do we bless God for our own peace when we curse others and work to damage the peace of others? The beginnings of peace can only come when we are able to recognize how we might be affecting the peace of others around us. True peace will come only when we are united as one; like-minded in Christ. 

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)

Wisdom is about walking humbly with our God and doing good for others; not just for ourselves.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Rejoice!

This is the day to rejoice!

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 KJV)

This is the day the Lord has made. In fact, He has made every day. Let us rejoice and be glad for it. 

Life brings both its ups and down. It seems like this year of 2020 we've a bit more downs than usual. Darkness threatens to overwhelm many lives. That doesn't mean though that we haven't seen good and that everything that is happening won't and can't be turned around for the good. 

There is good all around us. But, sometimes we get so stuck in the media frenzies that all we can see is the chaos. Remember, out of darkness God spoke and there was light. Creation began from a void; from nothing, and it was good; even very good. Sometimes, we may just have to sit down and count our blessings in order to see how much good there really is.

Words do have power. They have the power to create as God used the Word to create all things beautiful. So, use a few words as you thank God for the blessings He has given you. Words also have the power to destroy. The lies that are spoken today in the realm of politics and elsewhere for personal agendas are creating chaos and bringing forth darkness. 

Do not worry; but, rejoice for the Lord is the Lord of light and His light shines in the darkest of night. Do not worry; but, rejoice for the Lord will have His way. "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 KJV)

This and everyday is the day that the Lord has made! Rejoice in it! The darkness has no power over you. The darkness can no overcome the light. Therefore; let the light of Christ shine in and through you that others might rejoice with you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

My Rock And Fortress

 

Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.

Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. 

                                                                  Psalm 71:3-4 KJV

Sully or Bubba as he is more often called is a huge English Mastiff. He weighs in at 210 pounds. He is becoming a bit aged and has arthritis so walking can be difficult for him at times. Yet, he remains a rock. He goes about his business with focus and determination. You can nudge him; but, unless he wants to move, it's not going to happen. Fortunately, he is a gentle giant and listens quite well. He is totally non-aggressive and most lovable. But, if he's standing by your side, most people would think twice about approaching you in any manner other than in a most amiable way. 

Jesus is our rock of refuge. He is our fortress. The unjust and cruel will not prevail over those who dwell within the walls of that fortress, which is the Body of Christ. As much as I trust that by Bubba's side I will be safe; I only see him a few times a year. But, Jesus is with me always. It is he who will save and keep us for all eternity.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Time To Live In Love

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 KJV

Each new day brings us something different. There is a time for everything. Some of us may think that we're stuck in a rut. If we are it may just be because we have not opened our eyes to see the opportunities nor the challenges that each day presents to us. We have not asked God to empower us with the Holy Spirit to help us to overcome those challenges.

None of the milestones or challenges or knowledge or even wisdom is new to the world. What we know and experience today has been experienced by others before. The world around us might feel like it's falling apart. But, others have survived. They have gotten through the rough times and have experienced some of the most precious gifts that God has given us.

Consider well if today is to be the time for love; for peace; for healing, for  embracing; for laughing and dancing. Is it the time to plant and to not only keep but use the time God has given us to do good and to not harm? 

Not sure about you; but, in this time of self-fulfillment and personal agendas, I am ready to see some reconciliation in this world. It is about time. May God help us to love even as He loves and to live in peace with one another.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Good Gifts

Called To Be Stewards Of All Gifts From God

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

                                                                    (Luke 12:42-44, 48b KJV)

God gives us many gifts. These gifts ought to be used to glorify Him. In the beginning God made us His stewards over all that He created. It is simply good stewardship to take care of the gifts that He has given us in a manner so that they might help us or our neighbors to grow. 

Therefore; we have the saying that to whomever much is given, much is required. The more that we have been given there is more to care for so that the gift does not waste away. Whether it is material or spiritual things that are given us; whether it is plant, animal, or human beings, God would have us to look over these gifts in accordance with His will in order that His Name might be glorified.

May God help us to be good stewards of all that has been given us.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Love Is The Greatest Commandment

Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 

                                                                                  (1 John 5:1-6 KJV)

We are to  "love the Lord our God with all our hearts and souls and minds." (Matt 22:37) We show this love by loving and respecting His children. We show this love in what we say and in what we do.

The world throws temptation after temptation at us. The world would tell us that other people's problems are not our problems. When God asked Cain what happened to his brother that he had murdered. Cain's response was a very unloving response "Am I my brother's keeper?" Cain ended up exiled.

According to the Christian Martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”

As Lutheran Christians we are taught that not only are we are not to covet or steal or bear false witnesses; but, we are to help and support those in need. We are to help them keep their property and their loved ones. Sometimes that means defending them against those who would harm them. Sometimes it means we may have to confront them when their own actions are putting them in peril. Sometimes, we may have to give them a helping hand. We do this not out of fear of the consequences of not obeying the law; but, out of love. We do not tear down. We help to build up.

A friend of mine once told me that she doesn't bother worrying about keeping all of the commandments. She said she just focuses on doing the loving and right thing for others. Love, she insisted is the fulfillment of the law. Of course, none of us can do this perfectly. We will all fall short. We will find all kinds of excuses to not love and do what is right for others. The only one who is and was able to fulfill this law of love completely is Jesus the Christ.

St. Paul wrote to the Romans: "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Rom 13:8-10)

"Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John 5:5) This Son of God is a gift of love to the world. Let us abide in him and live in his love now and for all of eternity!

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Fruit Of The Spirit

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 

                                                                         (Gal 6:7 KJV)

If we plant and tend a flower seed a flower will grow. If we plant and tend a thistle bush as thistle bush will grow. Inevitably we all plant something. We can plant seeds of harmony or seeds of discord. We can plants seeds of love or seeds of hate. We can seeds of truth or the seeds of lies. Whatever we plant is what we will harvest. Discord or peace; which is it that the world actually desires?

There is a war going on inside our very beings. The one side looks after ourselves. It looks after our own gratification no matter whom we might hurt in pursuing our personal desires. The other side hopes for peace and desires to sow the seeds of peace. 

In his letter to the Galatians, St. Paul warns us against sowing the seeds that gratify the flesh. He extols the fruit that comes from fruit of the Spirit.

"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

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 5:17,19-23)

We live in the flesh and that same flesh tells us to get what we want no matter who we hurt by it. But, the better way is to live by Spirit whom God has given us. The better way is not to trust what our flesh tells us we should have; but, to sow seeds that will produce fruit of the Spirit for not just ourselves but for those around us. Yet, it is not we who have the ability to do this; but, according to St. Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Gal 2:20)

May God help us to produce good fruit by the power of the Spirit of Christ that we  all might live life in peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Jesus Preached

And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.

And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee. 

                                                                            (Luke 4:42-44 KJV)

We have received so many gifts from God that we cannot even begin to count them. We give thanks to God for all of these gifts; known and unknown.

We, who were separated by our sins from God, are now reconciled to God in His Kingdom through the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for us. 

Jesus said that he was sent to preach the Kingdom of God. That is the Good News that he was sent to deliver to us. The Good News is that he not only preached it; he made it a reality for all who believe. 

Do not be deceived. This Kingdom is not just for after we die physical deaths. Life in this Kingdom, reconciled to God, is for today as well. That is the Good News! That is the Gospel of our Lord, Jesus the Christ!

The kingdom of God has come and we, by faith, in our Lord, Jesus the Christ, are residents of that kingdom. Yes, we live in this world; but, all who believe also live in the Kingdom and under the gracious rule of God our Father, the Lord Jesus the Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let us live life reconciled to God and in communion with all of our brothers and sisters in Christ now and for all of eternity! Let us share this Good News so that all might live in his presence and peace!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Small Boat

"And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him." Matt 4:18-20 KJV

Simon Peter and Andrew immediately left their nets to follow Jesus. I wonder if those who are not fishermen attached to the waters understand how difficult it would be to just leave it all behind. 

Although, I was never really good at it, I grew up fishing. My family spent a lot of time on lakes and rivers and creeks. I love the water. Today, I spend summer mornings looking out over a river. I look out over the water and am reminded of all the things that Jesus has done for me. The waters remind me of the washing and cleansing we have received through the blood of Christ. The waters remind me of my baptism into his death and resurrection. I have a kayak boat that sits off my deck; but, rarely gets used. It reminds me that I have been called to abandon my small boat and to go fish for people.

Following Jesus sometimes requires that we give up a thing or two that we love and enjoy so that we and others will know the greater joy of living in His presence. Now let's go fishing... for people. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Believe The Witnesses!

 

"Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen." Mark 16:14 KJV

The disciples did not believe that Jesus had risen because they had not yet seen him. When they did see him, he chewed them out for being so stubborn; so bullheaded. They had not really believed the witness of Mary or the others who had, in fact, testified that they had seen him alive and walking around.

That is the reason for many not believing it today, either. What they cannot see with their own eyes; what they cannot touch with their own hands, they refuse to accept as truth. In their stubbornness they will not accept what they have not witnessed themselves. Even then, some will continue in their bullheadedness. A man walking on the moon is still a fabricated myth to some. Others still believe the earth is flat. Sadly, some even deem the Holocaust during World War II as a fabrication.

How hard-headed are those who refuse to believe the testimony of those who have seen Jesus! How hard-hearted are they who would follow in their own self-centered and self-motivated ways rather than the Way that Jesus prepared for us; for all people, into the Kingdom of God. Their bullheadedness will harm only themselves in the end when before the throne of God every knee will bow.

There was a man named Job. He lost everything. Yet, his faith; his belief, in God did not waiver. He trusted the Lord. He had not seen God with his own eyes, yet. But, he was convinced that he would. He was convinced that he would see him with his own eyes and not just through the testimony of others. Job, too, was in a sense very bullheaded. Although, he suffered much; he never gave up hope in his Redeemer.

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. (Job 19:25-27)

May God help us to trust the testimony of the saints before us, as found in the Holy Scriptures, so that we might have hope in the one who died and yet lives for us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Get Off The Fence

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Rev 3:14-16 KJV)

Get off the fence! 

The warning to the church in Laodicea is that they are lukewarm and because they are neither hot nor cold, they are about to be spit out of the mouth of God. This message could and should be heard by a goodly number of those who claim to be members of the church, the Body of Christ, in North America. There are many who say that they believe; yet, they are not on fire for the Lord. Neither are they totally cold as they will profess their faith and love for the Lord when pressed on the subject. They will say they believe; but, will not stand on or stand up for the Word of God. St. James wrote: "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19)

Thanks be to God not all who profess to be Christians are lukewarm. The time is now for all who profess to the love the Lord to get hot! Get off the fence! Proclaim the Good News of God loves for all people through Jesus Christ.

He stands at the door and knocks. Don't be talking to him through a crack in a slightly opened door. Open the door all of the way and let him in and you will no longer be able to continue on lukewarm. He will set your heart on fire. Open the door and let him in!

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

Created In Christ For Good Works

"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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Eph 2:8-10 KJV)

According to St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians we are saved by faith and not by our good works. We can never do enough good works to earn our place in the Kingdom of God. However, we have been saved by faith to do good works. It is only through this gift of faith in Jesus Christ that we are able to go forth and do good works according to His will.

It is because of the great gift of faith that we are able to serve the Lord and to serve others. By faith we abide in Christ and he in us. Without him we can do nothing.

On the night that he was betrayed he told his disciples (and ultimately us): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:4-5)

Trust that by faith our Lord Jesus abides in us and we in him. By faith; a gift from God, we have been created in Christ Jesus unto good works.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Light Shines In The Darkness

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

Some days can seem pretty dark. We all face those days at some time in our lives. When we do, we need to remember that Jesus Christ is the light of the world and to look to him.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

When we wander into dark places that we do not belong, we have no need to fear. Turn to Jesus and his light will shine upon you. He is the light of our salvation. 

"The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” (Matt 4:16)

Life can be tough and sometimes we make it even tougher by retreating into the darkness. We want out of the darkness. We beg for the darkness to go away. But, we cannot seem to get out of it by our own power or strength. Do not worry for the light is coming! It is always darkest before the dawn. Do not fear! He is here! The light of Christ is with you and in you! 

May the light of Christ shine upon you and through you!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Praise Ye The Lord!

Psalm 150 KJV

Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

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There is nothing that our God cannot do. Give thanks and praise to Him for all that He has done and will do! Our God is a great God! Praise ye the Lord!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

God Is Our Help In Trouble

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

                               (Psalm 46:1-3 KJV)

Fear is a very human reaction to danger; especially when it comes upon you in an instant. However, we do not have to live in fear. When we remember "... 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) the fear will subside. 

No matter what happens, whether it be a natural or man-made disaster, God is our refuge and strength. We have no need to fear. In these times of turmoil; trust Him and live life!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Knock And The Door Will Be Opened

And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;

For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?

And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.

I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 

                                                                                  (Luke 11:5-9 KJV)

Who would not answer their door to a friend in need? Sadly, there are many who would not. They may have many reasons. Maybe, they are in bed and don't feel like getting up. Maybe they are in the middle of a game or a television show and don't feel like interrupting it. Maybe they just don't feel like helping their friend because they don't view their relationship as close as the person who is on the otherside of the door knocking. 

My parents taught me to always be there to help anyone in need and it didn't have to be a friend. I recall their door being opened to many strangers. It is what they did. It is what we do for those who may be suffering or in any kind of need.

I had to actually look up the word "importunity" from the scripture this morning in order to be sure that I knew what it meant. Importunity is when someone has to beg for help and gets that help not out of friendship or kindness or love or anything as sweet as that; but, because the person being asked finally gets annoyed enough of the begging that they give in and help the person in need.

The world today is full of fear. There are definitely dangers around us and at times might even knock at our door. Prudence and caution is a good thing when opening the doors to strangers. But; know this, even if Jesus is a stranger to you, you can knock on his door and it will be opened. He will let you into the Kingdom. You do not have to beg or be afraid to ask for his help. He already gave it to you when he suffered and died on the cross to open the door to the Kingdom for you.

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Luke 11:9) 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Hope Found In Christ

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.  (Prov 13:12 KJV)  

In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (Rev 22:2)

For the healing of friends; family; the nations; there is only one place to go. That place is our Lord, Jesus the Christ. By his stripes we are healed. (Isa 53:5) In Christ alone our hope for healing lies. 

There are time when our life's circumstances change almost instantaneously. Our hope withers and seems to all but die. Our dreams fade and we must find another. That other is Jesus. Real and lasting hope can come only from Jesus. In him alone is our hope and salvation.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Listen To Your Elders

With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding. Job (12:12 KJV)

The wisdom of our elders should not be neglected. It should be listened to. It should be heard. I admit that sometimes the wisdom of the elders is faulty; but, that, does not mean it should not be heard. I also admit that I did not listen well when I was young. Yet, it still amazes me that so many will not listen to the wisdom learned through the life's lessons of the elders. Instead, many turn to their peers or even those who are much younger and who have experienced even less than they have. I am not discounting the knowledge or the wisdom of the younger people. I am merely wondering why we would ignore what has already been proven.

Much grief could be averted if we listened to one another; especially if we listened to those who have already learned life's lessons.

May God open our ears and our hearts to hear and receive wisdom so that we might live abundant lives in righteousness.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Our Rock And Salvation; Trust Him

Psalm 28

Unto thee will I cry, O Lord my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.

Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.

Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.

Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert.

Because they regard not the works of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.

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.

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The Lord is our rock and our salvation. He hears and answers our prayers. Trust him!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Free To Assist Those In Need

Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. (Isa 1:16-17 KJV)

Living in peace does not always require passivity. There are times when we must be involved in ensuring justice. We cannot just sit by and watch others be harmed. Our in-actions; our passivity can contribute to even more harm to those who are oppressed in any way. However, actively defending those who are oppressed does not mean oppressing others unjustly either. As one defends their own freedom to not be oppressed we must be cautious not to unjustly stand in the way of the freedoms of others.

Each one must look to their own lifestyles to ensure that our activity or our passivity does not advertently or inadvertently stand in the way of freedom and justice for others; that it does not cause harm to others. Just because we can do something  or not do something doesn't mean our actions or in-actions actually promote what is good for ourselves or for those around us.

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. (1 Cor 10:23)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Release Us From These Prisons

Moreover the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying,

Thus saith the Lord the maker thereof, the Lord that formed it, to establish it; the Lord is his name;

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. 

                                                                                    (Jer 33:1-3 KJV)

There are so many prisons and types of prisons today. There are the multitudes of prisons with bars to contain the convicted. There are the victims being held by sex traffickers as well as  other types of abusers. There are also the many who find themselves isolated today due to a world-wide pandemic or afraid to leave their homes because of violence in the streets. There are those who have worked for years to build up a business to support themselves; their families; their employees to find that the government has shut them down or has completely limited their customer base and are struggling to stay alive.

Let us stand on the word of the Lord to Jeremiah: "Call unto me, and I will answer thee." (Jer 33:3) He will lead us out of this prison of hopelessness and despair. He will show us the way.

Let us pray to the one who created the heavens and the earth and all that is in them. Let us pray to the one who hears and answers: Heavenly Father, hear our prayers and release us from these prisons. Hear our prayers for peace. Hear our prayers and answer that we might know the joy of being reconciled to you and to one another. Hear our prayers and answer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Ignore Outward Appearances

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 Sam 16:17 KJV)

In many cases first impressions are the lasting impressions.

When the Lord sent Samuel out to anoint the next king of Israel he sent him out to anoint a shepherd. He sent him out to anoint the one who was not able to even present himself with his brothers before Samuel because he was in the fields working. The Lord had not chosen any of David's older brothers. He had chosen the youngest one; the ruddy looking one.

I had gone into Walmart a few years back to get some things I needed to work on an outdoor project. I was wearing the clothes I'd been wearing to work in.  I did not really clean up before I went because I would be going straight back to work after I purchased what I needed.  A clerk followed me around the store. I felt like she was watching me to make sure I wasn't stealing anything. I felt like I was being judged by my appearance. This was not the first time this has happened. People do tend to judge by appearances. 

We can never know what the circumstances are surrounding how or why someone may appear to us upon meeting them. Did they have an emergency earlier? Are they ill? Are they disheveled because they are running late or maybe they had to crunch time because someone needed their help?

There are also times when people can put a very good face on at your first meeting. This face does not always reflect what is going on in their hearts and minds. This face could very well be for show. Months or years later you finally get to realize the true intent of their hearts.

This is not to say that all people have bad intents. It is a reminder that we should not be judging people by our first impressions. What they first appear to be is not always what they are. 

Do not judge others by what they look like or even what they say. It takes time to know another's true intentions. You and I might be fooled. But, God is not. Listen to what he tells you deep within your heart. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.