He Will Give You Rest

Matthew 11:25-30  KJV; 6th Sunday after Pentecost; Jesus will give you what the world cannot give. He will give you rest for your soul.

Liberty Is For Serving One Another

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

                                                                                                   (Gal 5:13-14, 25-26 KJV)

It is Independence Day! We remember and celebrate our freedoms. However, there are many who though set free from bondage continue to cry that they are still in bondage. That is true. Many are still in bondage. We are in bondage because we look to the law rather than love to set us free. If we look to the law and governments to give us what we want we will remain in bondage. It is only love that can set us free from self-inflicted bondage; from self-pity; from self-aggrandizement. It is necessary to take care of oneself so that we are able to love others. But, we must be careful that caring for ourselves does not mean stepping on the liberty of others. Often, our elected representatives listen to lobbyists that can benefit them and their particular concerns putting forth agendas that might make some people or groups free to do a little more of what they want even while they restrict the freedom and rights of others. In other words, many of our elected officials would indulge some while putting others under a yoke of bondage. Those law are not about loving all of the people of this country. They are about worrying about themselves and how they're going to get elected the next time around. Those laws are created solely out of concern for themselves.

Jesus cared enough about others; about us, enough to free us from bondage; particularly from the bondage of sin that separates us from God and one another. 

He died to set us free and he tells us that we are to follow in his footsteps. His footsteps lead us to a place where we are willing to even die so that others might live with liberty.  

Today we celebrate that men and women were willing to give everything: their property and their lives, risking even their families lives, so that generations to come would not live under the tyranny of a dictatorship; a government without representation.

Thanks to their sacrifices, today we live in a country where everyone has a voice. Some do not use that voice. Others use that voice for self-serving purposes. Even others use that voice to spew hatred rather than love.

We celebrate today, that the blood of many has given us and preserved for us liberty from countries and governments that would take away our freedoms. Let us not forget that the blood of Christ has set us free to live free from the bondage of sin, death, and the power of the devil. Let us live in love for even our enemies. Let us live in peace. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Journey Is Both Rough and Easy

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)

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (Luke 9:23)

If anyone thinks that following Jesus on the straight and narrow path is easy; they should think that through more thoroughly. Remember where his journey led him. It led him to the cross. It led him to his death. Yet, the good news is that gateway through death led to life for all who would follow him. So, on the rough road there is hope; there is life. 

The journey on the straight and narrow may not provide you with all of the luxuries this world has to offer. It provides something more than anything this world has. It is the way to the Father. It is the way to His Kingdom where there is no more sorrow or tears. There is peace and joy in His presence.

Those who desire life will deny themselves. They will take up their cross daily and follow Jesus. Jesus also said: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matt 11:29-30) While the road may be rough, it is easy because Jesus carried the cross first. He carried it for you and will be beside you every step of your journey.

God's Peace - Pr. J