His Thoughts; His Way

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

                                        (Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV) 

It would be easy to give up and let the world have it's way with you. But, the Word of the LORD reminds us to seek Him and His Way. God's ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. Following in the way our ego would have us go will only prove to be devastating to our lives and the world around us. 

And... it may also be a good thing to remember that no matter how bad things get, God is still in charge. He can turn the greatest tragedy into the most marvelous triumph. From the most troubled times, He will lead us out in joy and lead us forth in peace; the peace that only He can give. 

Seek the LORD and come to the One who knows the way; who is The Way. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

His Way; His Thoughts

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."  Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

It would be easy to give up and let the world have it's way with us. But, the Word of the LORD reminds us to seek Him and His Way. God's ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. Following in the way our ego would tell us go will only prove to be devastating to our lives and the world around us.  Our way would put ourselves before God. Our way would put ourselves before others. Our way would have us take advantage of others in order to gain what we want. That is not God's Way.

Our thoughts and our ways are not always what is best for us or anyone else. They often bring devastation to the world around us. But remember, that no matter how bad things may seem to get, God is still in charge. He can turn the greatest tragedy into the most marvelous triumph. From the most troubled time, He will lead us out in joy and lead us forth in peace, if only we would follow in His Way.

Seek the LORD and come to the One who knows the Way; to the One who is The Way. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Teaching Preaching

So is my word that goes out from my mouth:    It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
You will go out in joy

Isaiah 55:11 NIV

Today is the day, I begin attempt to teach laity to preach. They are preparing to bring the Good News to Senior Housing residents and Nursing Homes. Prayers are requested; especially for those who will be trying to learn from me! Although, my major was in elementary teaching, I am not much of a teacher. I find preaching much less stressful. And... yes, there is a difference between teaching and preaching, even if preaching should teach us something about the Word, the word, and God's will for us.

In Lay School, the instructor tried without success to get me to use that three point system I learned in High School for essays. I didn't feel very comfortable using the standard format for an essay to proclaim the Good News. It just seemed to be too contrived. I prefer a more relaxed style as often happens when the Spirit leads us where God would have us go. Later, in seminary at Wartburg, I was most fortunate to have Dr. Samuel Giere as my homiletics instructor. From him, I learned much! Thanks be to God working through Dr. Giere!

I don't know how these sessions on teaching preaching are going to turn out. But, God does and He promises that His word will not return to Him empty. May he bless each of us with gifts to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J