It All Glorifies God

It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 

                                                                                                           (2 Cor 12:1-10 KJV)

Thanks be to God for both the awesome experience of visions in the heavenly realms as well as the suffering that we endure for Christ's sake in this world.

St. Paul said that he knew a man who visited the heavenly realms. Whether it was physically or spiritually as in a vision he was not sure. He claims it was not him who had this glorious experience and he would be a fool to claim otherwise. However, as this event is related it revealed to us the awesome things that God can do and how He can speak to us in anyway He chooses. In the telling of this event the glory of God is revealed to us. 

St. Paul's personal  experience of God's glory was experienced in some sort of infirmity which called a "thorn in his flesh." His experience of God's glory was found in trusting that God was with him in his infirmity, in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ's sake for when he was weakened God helped him through and made him strong to endure all things. It is not we; but, the abiding presence of Christ in us that gives us strength resulting in giving glory to God.

Therefore we take pleasure in our weaknesses because our ability to overcome by the power of the Spirit of Christ glorifies our Father in heaven and to Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Listen!

And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.

And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me.

And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.

For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God.

And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.

                                                                              (Ezekiel 2:1-5 KJV)

There have been prophets who not just relay the promises of God; but, also warning. The speak the truth. They speak what the Lord God tells them to speak. But, not everyone will listen. They hear; but, they do not listen. Those prophets first spoke to the Israelites. Since God love the world so much they now speak the Word of God to all people. The Word of God is Jesus the Christ. He is as he said "...the way, the truth, and the life..." (John 14:6) His words speak to us. They warn us even as they promise us reconciliation with our Father in heaven through him. 

Even though they may hear the truth not everyone actually desires reconciliation with the follow. They will not accept the truth that Jesus has imparted to us. They will  not follow in the way he has prepared for us. They refuse to live in his light. He said, "I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness." (John 12:46)

Jesus is the true Word of life. That Word has come into the world as a light. But, so many prefer the darkness and refuse to step into his marvelous light. They refuse to live life in the peace that comes with basking in that marvelous light.

"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. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3:19-21)

It is difficult to fathom that anyone who prefer the darkness. But, many do. 

May God open ears so that the world might both hear and listen entering into to the light of Christ that life in the presence of God for all of eternity might be experienced by all people.  

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Look To The One Who Dwells In The Heavens

Psalm 123 KJV

Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.

Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us.

Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.

Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.

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Look to the One who created you in the time of trouble. Look to the One who created all things in times of peace. Look to the one who dwells in the heavens. He has shown us mercy. He will have mercy upon us. Wait upon Him. Trust not  in the world or anything else in the heavens or on earth to rescue you. God is with you. He can. He will rescue you.

Thanks be to God for through faith in Christ we have been saved!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Grow Up

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

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

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

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

                                                                                           (Eph 4:11-16 KJV)

Each and every individual, it does not matter who you are or where you are from, have gifts; have abilities, to serve God and humankind. These God-given gifts are not meant to serve you alone or to enable you to lift yourself up over others. They are given so that as you use these gifts the Body of Christ, the whole people of God, are lifted up and united. By the loving use of the gifts that God has given us through Jesus the Christ we are edified and grow up as members of one Body in Christ.

May God help us to love as He loves so that we might truly grow up united and work together for the good of all people.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Love Your Neighbors

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)

Love your neighbor as yourself. According to Jesus this is the greatest commandment following love the Lord with all your heart. 

"Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 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 22:35-40)

Just because we feel slighted does not necessarily mean that our neighbor meant to offend us. Feeling offended does not mean we get to offend our neighbor by causing them undue harm. There are systems of justice both in this world and in the spiritual realms. If the rulers of this world cannot take care of the injustice; God, surely will. That justice may not always be to our liking. But, be assured it will taken care of according to God's will. He knows exactly what needs to be done for the good of all people.

There would be a whole lot less injustice in the world if we could only remember to love the Lord with all of our hearts and with all our souls and with all of our minds. If we did that we would also love our neighbors as ourselves and not take vengeance into our own hands for they too are the children of God, created in his image. His will is that we love one another and not  do harm to those who might make us feel uncomfortable.

Love the Lord and all of His creation that we might live in peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Get Up and Go Share The Light Of Christ

And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?

As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

"And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.

And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment."

                                                                                          (Mark 5:22-24, 35-42 KJV)

Arise!  The ruler's daughter was ill even to the point of death. Everyone around her thought she was dead. But, then Jesus took her by the hand and bid her to rise. Immediately, she rose and she walked.

Are you dead? Are you sleeping? Is your bed or your couch where you spend your days? Are you not fruitful that the Lord that the glory of the Lord might be seen by others?  Rise and go forth sharing the Good News of the Kingdom of God for all people through Jesus Christ.

"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee." (Isaiah 60:1-2)

The light, who is Jesus the Christ, has come to all people. But, not everyone sees it.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matt 5:16)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Made Whole By Faith Alone

And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,

And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?

And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.

But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.

And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

                                                                                                            (Mark 5:25-34 KJV)

Every now and then I receive an offer from (using the term very loosely) some evangelist letting me know that for a price his ministry will send me a piece of cloth for a price. If I send in the offering all I have to do is touch the cloth and I will be healed!

For sure the woman with the issue of blood touched the hem of his garment and was healed. But, it was not the cloth that made her whole. According to Jesus it was her faith that made her whole. We do not need ritual performances to make us whole. We need Jesus. There is no piece of cloth or any sort of icon or idol that we might touch that will make us whole. We are saved; we are made whole, by faith alone in the healing power of Christ alone. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Give Generously

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

                                                                                                                  (2 Cor 8:1-9 KJV)

Because of their faith in Christ who gave himself for all people, the Corinthians gave generously. 

That is the Christian duty. It is not the Christian duty to delegate generosity to others no matter how rich or poor the others might be. It is the individuals and the churches duty to give generously to those in need. It is not our place to decide whether someone is too sinful for us to help. We don't get to question whether they really deserve it or not. We just get to assist the saints in need. However, we must always remember that Jesus did not question whether we deserve his gift of life for us through the giving of his life. He gave his very life even though we most clearly did not deserve it. This, of course does not mean we should send the scam artist on the telephone or internet thousands of dollars. We do need to be careful not to allow them to steal from us so that we have nothing to give to those in genuine need. Be very careful that robbers do not take what should be used to help the poor.

Give generously. The law will, when able, according to the limited abilities of the law will hold those who take advantage of your generosity accountable. Unfortunately, the law is very fallible. The law is not perfect; but, God is. God whose abilities are unlimited will judge and hold accountable those who would lie in order to steal from the mouths of others by abusing your generosity to a point that you have nothing left to give to those in genuine need.

May God help us to love and care for his people. Give generously.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Hungry Souls

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.

It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.

He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.

He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope.

He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.

For the Lord will not cast off for ever:

But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.

For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.

                                                                                                (Lam 3:22-33 KJV)

The very sad thing is that humankind should find themselves in just despair that they sit alone. But, that is a reality. Humankind tends to think only of themselves without considering how they affect the people around them and so the whole world suffers.

There is one place we can go when our souls hunger. That place is to our Father in heaven. In Him we have hope through our Lord Jesus the Christ. Seek His presence. In Him you will find peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Psalm 30

PSALM 30 KJV

I will extol thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.

O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.

O Lord, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy
cometh in the morning.

And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.

Lord, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.

I cried to thee, O Lord; and unto the Lord I made supplication.

What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?

Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper.

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

+++

A good night's sleep can indeed make everything look a little brighter in the morning. But, nothing help's the disposition more than a trusting relationship with God. He is our helper. He is our provider. Let us not be silent but give Him thanks and praise for His never ending love and mercy. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Storms Come

Will You Lose Your Soul?

"And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
 

                                                                                  (Mark 8:34-38 KJV)

What indeed will it profit you if you gain riches beyond measure; even if you gain the whole world, but lose your soul? What will it have profited you if in the end you lose it all including your soul?

Christ lost his very human life in order that we might live eternally in the presence of God our Father. He was willing to give it all for us. Would we turn our backs on this precious gift and grab for the pleasures of this world in exchange for a life of peace and of joy in the presence of Almighty God?

Consider carefully what or whom you will serve!  

"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

Do not fear the losses you might endure in this world as you serve the Lord; but, rejoice for the Lord has promised you life in his presence through the gift of Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Therefore; let us "Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing." (Psalm 100:2)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

We Get To Serve The Lord!

O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.

Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee! 

                                                                             (Psalm 71:17-19 KJV)

It has been about thirty-two years since I asked God to allow me to serve Him and to teach me how He would have me serve Him. I did not care what would happen to me so long as He opened doors that I might serve Him. My own stubbornness has made me veer from this path on more than one occasion. I have failed to do His will too many times. It has been an awesome journey. But, despite my advancing age I am convinced that He is not finished with me yet. He will continue to show me the way; opening doors and empowering me to do His will; to share with others the great things that He has done.

I retired from pastoral ministry a few years ago. Retirement for me was a mistake. Since that time I have wandered about feeling lost without the many opportunities to serve Him. Fortunately, He has opened a few doors. I am most fortunate for having the privilege to serve Him on the board of Sola Publishing this past year. Recently the opportunity opened up for me to serve Him further working with St. Paul Lutheran Seminary. As my hair grows grayer with each birthday and I am not as agile as I once was there are always opportunities to tell others; to teach others about the great and awesome things that God has done for us.

Thanks be to God for the privilege of serving Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

We Are One

Valaam Monastery, Russian Karelia

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

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

One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

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

                                                                                        (Eph 4:1-6 KJV)

It does not matter where you live geographically; if we live within the Body of Christ, we are members of the same body. We are not separate; but, one in Christ.

Very many years ago, I visited Russian Karelia on a mission trip. I found the region to be very much like the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where I lived at the time. I also found the people to be very much like the people that lived around me. They were struggling with very much the same issues; except that their poverty level was much greater than ours at the time.

It saddens me that as countries and their leaders battle for political supremacy it seems that we often forget about the people in these foreign countries. It is as if foreign countries are inanimate objects; without flesh and blood or the Spirit. We sometimes seem to forget the many faithful brothers and sisters that live throughout the world. The Body of Christ is beyond comprehension. The members are spread throughout the world. They are in: Syria; Russia; Cuba; Iran; Iraq; Africa; India... They are everywhere; and, yes, even here in the United States. There is only One Body. So let us not forget in our prayers the many members of that body who suffer persecution. As we form our personal political agendas; let love and concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ; as well as for all people, guide our hearts, minds, and our actions.

Jesus died so that all who would believe; might have eternal life in His Kingdom. As Christians, may God help us to remember "all lives" that live in every country and kingdom even here on earth.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Sing To God

Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, and rejoice before him. A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. (Psalm 68:4-5 KJV)

It never hurts to sings praises. But, it does hurt to be negative all of the time and refrain from singing songs of praise and thanksgiving.

When we think we have nothing; we have something. When we think we have no one. We have someone. We have our Father in heaven who will cover the hurts of those who call upon him that we may rejoice and sing to God songs of praise and thanksgiving. We have Jesus the Christ who has come to save us from our sins. Praise the Lord!

Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 106:1)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

With Jesus There Will Be Storms

And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

                                                                               (Mark 4:35-41 KJV)

When Jesus got into the boat a tremendous storm arose. Expect it! Expect storms if you are a follower of Jesus. His journey on this earth was not an easy one nor should we expect ours to be. There were many in cahoots to destroy him. He was persecuted and put to death in spite of being totally innocent.

Jesus told his followers and he tells us:  "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also." (John 15:18-20)

Do not be surprised if the world is against you for your faith in Christ. Do not be surprised when other berate you for your faith in Christ for when we step into that boat as a follower of Jesus we are promised that storms will arise.

But, the good news is that even when those storms arise and they will, the Christ is with you. He can calm the storm. He will save you. He will bless you with peace. Have faith. Trust him!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Where Were You?

Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,

Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?

Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.

Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?

Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;

When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?
                                                                                   (Job 38:1-8 KJV)

Where were we when the Lord did all these things? Were we there advising God? Were we even there to witness it? Of course not! We were not there. He is the creator and we are his creation. Who are we to question his motives? Who are we to consider that we might have more insight; more knowledge; more wisdom than God? Who are we to judge God? Who are we to be making decisions that clearly go against his will for humankind? 

The Lord is our God. He is the only true God, the creator of all of the heavens and earth. Listen to him! 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Saved From The Snare

Psalm 124 KJV

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say;

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us:

Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:

Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:

Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.

Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.

Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

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The Israelites escaped by the hand of God way more times than once. Even as they finally were given permission to escape from their servitude in Egypt the pharaoh changed his mind and send his army after them to bring them back. But, God's favor was with them. He opened the waters so that they could walk through on dry land. But, he swallowed their enemies with the waters as the seas crashed down upon them. 

The Israelites had a tendency to do what they wanted. They often turned their backs on God. As they put their trust in other things; in false gods; in themselves they would find themselves trapped by their own misdirection and in need of God's saving help again. Of course, God would step in and help them to get on the right path. He would save them over and over again.

When we find ourselves trapped because we have been going in the direction and have fallen prey to the enemy it is most advisable to turn to the Lord and call upon his name for help. He breaks the snare that entraps us and we escape. We are free. The Lord will save us. The Lord has saved us by the blood of Jesus the Christ. 

"Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth."

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Ask And Receive The Holy Spirit

Luke 11:9-10 KJV

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:13 KJV)

What a great gift we receive when we receive the Holy Spirit!  The Holy Spirit comes to us as a free gift from God. According to Luther's Small Catechism the third article of the Apostle's Creed affirms that even our faith is dependent upon the Holy Spirit. 

3rd Article

Of Sanctification.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; one holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

What does this mean? — Answer.

I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith; even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith; in which Christian Church He forgives daily and richly all sins to me and all believers, and at the last day will raise up me and all the dead, and will give to me and to all believers in Christ everlasting life. This is most certainly true.

Ask and you shall receive the Holy Spirit! Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Let The Words Of Our Lips Glorify God

PSALM 19 KJV

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,

Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

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There is no place that God is not. He is "...above all, and through all, and in you all." (Eph 4:6)

He sees all things. He knows all things. It is truly good and right for us to declare the glory of the Lord even as the heavens and all the rest of his creation declares his glory.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Leviathans

Isaiah 17:12-13 KJV

There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast ma koide to play therein.                                                                                    (Psalm 104:26 KJV)

It is wise to give heed to the creatures of the seas and not just of the seas but all bodies of waters, even swamps.

One of my very few hobbies is kayaking. My first adventure in a kayak was a week long retreat kayaking a portion of the southern shore of Lake Superior. The water was pretty rough. On a couple of the days we were actually paddling during small craft warnings. It was awesome!  Pr. Peter sang hymns as he bobbed about in the waves a bit in front of me. We did have a couple of people fall out and get rides in vehicles to our following destinations. They were not comfortable and when you are not comfortable on the water you should probably get off of it. The winds and waves on the Great Lakes are another kind of Leviathan that can play pretty rough with small and large craft. It can be dangerous and the winds and the waves need to be respected. Know what you are doing if you are going to go out paddling on any body of water.

Lately, my kayaking is done in waters in Florida; mostly swamp lands and murky creeks. The leviathans that can be seen there are mostly snakes and alligators. They too need to be respected and kept a safe distance away. When I first started kayaking I did some internet searching to find out what to do if an alligator attacks your kayak. The state web-site says something to the effect of just hit it sharply on the snout with your paddle.  Thankfully, I have not had to try that!

There are Leviathans on land as well. They can be of the human kind. What they think is just fun or funny can often be dangerous to themselves and to others. The playfulness of these Leviathans does not always seem to be so playful to the victims of these Leviathans. It can be quite frightening. Hitting them on the snout with a paddle doesn't do much good. In times like that we trust in the ways of the Lord. We trust and we put our hope in Him because He, as He implied to Job  (Job 41 KJV), is the only one that can manage a Leviathan.

May God keep you from all danger and harm.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

How Does The Kingdom Grow?

How Does The Garden Grow?

And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. 

                                                                                     (Mark 4:26-28 KJV)

One can never tell how one little seed of truth that they share with others will grow the kingdom by one more brother or sister in Christ. We can spread the seed; but, it is God himself who gives the growth. 

It is not by our power or wit or humor or anything else that the Kingdom grows. It is by the word of God alone by the power of the Holy Spirit that it is fruitful.

So plant those seeds until the day the harvest is come!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Not For The Fear Of Hell

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 

                           (John 1:12-13 KJV)

I was reminded this week of something a confirmation student once asked me. That question was:  "Why do I want to go to heaven?"  Why indeed!?  What brought this to mind was something I heard this week. Not a direct quote; but, what I understood this person to imply strongly was: "We need to repent so that we do not go to hell." 

Hmmm....  Still knots in my stomach, days later, over that one! That reasoning is really hard for me to grasp for it certainly is not my reason for wanting "to go to heaven."  You see, I am a child of God. We have a tremendous Father in heaven who truly loves us. By faith alone in Christ alone we have been reconciled to our Father in heaven. I love Him and I want to be in his presence every moment of every day. That why I want to abide in heaven.

On the night in which he was betrayed Jesus told the disciples that he would be leaving them; but, that they should not be worried. He was going to prepare a place for them in his Father's house; our Father's house. He told them:

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                                    (John 14:1-6)

The truth is humankind was kicked out of paradise for despising God's word. They did not listen to him. What a great loss that was! Humankind could no longer walk with God in the place he had prepared for humankind. But, through the sacrifice that Jesus made for us we can now live with God in paradise; in the heavenly kingdom. 

It is not for the fear of hell that we should desire to go to heaven. It is for the opportunity to live in our loving Father's presence for all of eternity. After all, who doesn't want to love and be loved?

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Dance On Slippery Slopes

Hinds' Feet In High Places

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

                                                                                (Habakkuk 3:18-19 KJV)

Life can really get a person down and keep us down. That is if we do not rely on the Lord to pick us back up. The Lord is the strength that will pick us. He will help us to not only walk; but, to run and dance on treacherously slippery slopes where once we could barely stand.

Rejoice in the Lord for he is our strength and salvation!  

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. (Isa 12:2)

God's Peace - Pr. J.