Spit; Spoke; And The Man Heard

And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.

And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.

And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. 

                                                                                 (Mark 7:31-35 KJV)

He spit and spoke and the man was healed!

I often remind everyone that it is imperative for faith to grow that we hear the word of God. We need to attend worship and Bible studies as often as we can. If we cannot be with others because we are home bound for otherwise unavailable for whatever reason then we should read the scriptures aloud to ourselves. I have often reminded you (and myself) that: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:17)

So last night I was in an online Bible Study with that beloved theologian Dr. James Nestingen who led the study on the lessons for this Sunday. As he read and then discussed this lesson from the Gospel of Mark, I could not help but smile as my head heard how Jesus spit and spoke and the man was healed; because as I heard those words my mind translated those words to water and the Word. I could not help but smile as it came to me that Jesus used both water and the Word to heal the deaf man. No, I'm not attempting to turn this into a comparison with Baptism or a major theological discussion. It just struck me as very interesting (even odd) that he would spit; that he would use this form of water, to bring about healing of this man. Knowing Jesus, I am pretty sure that he did not have to use any form of physical substance to heal the deaf man. He did not even need to put his fingers in the man's ears. All he had to do was say it or maybe even think it because after all the deaf man could not hear the words until after he was healed. But, he did use them for whatever his reason was. I do not know that what Jesus did and continues to do is because of his love of all people.

I have been told too many times that it is difficult to understand the Bible so they have given up trying to understand it. Some parts of it are really boring. Those genealogies can be pretty boring. But, the truth is that is that it can be very interesting and enlightening for those who have ears to hear. There will be times when you will be smiling a lot. Just consider what would you might do if you were sick and someone came along and spit before they laid their hands on you for healing. I am not sure if you'd be smiling if someone tried that. But, it's definitely worth a smile. Or, how would you react if your pastor told you to "Get behind me, Satan!" (Mark 8:33) I'm pretty sure you'd be quickly conspiring to get rid of him or her. Oh, yes, Jesus was a character. He was pretty radical in the things he said and did. I often wonder how many Christians would put up with him if he walked the earth today as he did 2000 years ago.

Do not put off hearing the Word of God. Get to worship! Join a Bible Study! If you cannot get there in person there are a lot of live resources online. Relax! Enjoy! Live life! Hear the Word of God!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

We Can't Know It All

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 

                                                                                  (Rom 11:32-33 KJV)

There are some things we can know and there are other things that are way beyond our capability to know. We can read scripture. We can study it and glean many things from it. We most assuredly can know that He loves us and is with us always. He has saved us from sin, death, and the power of the devil. He has saved us from ourselves by sending His Son to take our sins upon himself and die for us.

The one thing we can know for sure is that "Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so."

Search the Bible as much as you can.  From it you will gain an immense amount of knowledge and wisdom. But, be assured that you will never know the complete mind of God so don't try to second guess him. God is God. He knows what is good for those who love Him. Listen to Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Will You Share The Good News?

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

                                                                                (Rom 10:8-13 KJV)

I have heard it said too many times that "my faith is personal." Indeed it is! 

"I do not have to go to church to worship because God is near to me in creation." Indeed He is. But, we are also members of one body in Christ. That does not mean isolate from one another. But, to gather together often to hear his word and to proclaim it ourselves. We are called to confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord. That does not come about without knowing who he is and actually knowing him. We come to do this by not just reading the Bible, but by hearing the word proclaimed.

"I don't talk about my faith because everyone has their own faith and I shouldn't force anyone to believe what I believe." Indeed they do! But, is their faith life saving faith? Do we not have so little faith that we are ashamed of sharing the Good News of salvation through Jesus the Christ? Do we not love others enough to desire to see them receive the precious gift of salvation?

The Good News is for everyone. It does not matter who they; where they are from; or what they have done. All who believe that Jesus was raised from the dead for them; for us, shall be saved.

Share the Good News that others might call upon the name of the Lord and be saved!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

An Example Of Service

He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

                                                                            (John 13: 4-15 KJV)

The followers of Jesus sometimes referred to him as "teacher."  He taught not only with words but by example. 

Before they ate on the night that the disciples had their last passover meal with Jesus he knelt down and washed their feet. Peter thought that was a bit over the top. He felt that kneeling before them and taking hold of their dirty feet was beneath Jesus. Jesus disagreed. 

Jesus, the Son of God, was an example of service for the sake of others. He came to earth to serve humankind. Ultimately he served us by dying on the cross for our sake; for our sins. He saved our lives by giving his own for us.

He is the ultimate example of leading by serving others. Rulers are called to lead by serving others not themselves; not their own egos. 

      

"But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:

And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

                                                                             (Mark 10:42-45)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Thy Word

Psalm 119:9-16 KJV

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.

With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.

I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

I started another round of reading through the Bible last night. It has been a few years since the last time I read it through. Actually, I am not reading it. I am listening to it. My eyes don't function real well when I am reading up close any more.

I decided it was past time to spend more time meditating on his word as lately I have noticed that I don't feel quite as connected to God as I usually am. I am thinking that it is because I am not as involved in the life of any congregation as I once was. Bible studies have been cancelled. So other than my personal times in prayer with God throughout the day, I am not being fed much of the word except on Sunday mornings.

The world has a tendency to sneak into places in our lives and will interfere in our relationships with God if we are not careful. We must stay in the word. We need to meditate on it. We need to be reminded of what God has to say to us through the word so we do not forget it. There is life and hope found in the word and I prefer to live life than to merely exist in the world.

Let us with our whole hearts seek to hear His word and to declare it to the world around us instead of the world preaching to us.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

A Perverse Or Wholesome Tongue?

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. 

                                                                                     (Prov 15:1-4, 7 KJV)

God does see both the physical and mental abuse that goes on in this world. Nasty tones and attitudes do indeed stir up anger. They stir up hatred. They stir up division. 

It is human nature to become angry when offended. It is more Christ-like not to act upon that anger. It is best to walk away for your sake and everyone else around you. If an angry person is in need of aid help if you can and if they are willing to let you. But, do not become so involved in their lives that you risk the chance of becoming a person filled with anger yourself. Nothing good will come of it. The book of Proverbs reminds us: 

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. (Prov 22:24-25)

The world is full of anger and hate. But, we do not have to be. In Christ we have been born again. We do not have to live the old life that included so much anger. We can live in peace with joyful spirits when Christ abides in us and we in him.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Gal 5:22-23)

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. (2 Cor 13:13)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Home Based Christian Education

And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 

                         (Luke 18:15-16 KJV)

And, exactly how would we expect them to go to Jesus unless someone teaches them who he is and that they can go to him? For generations now, teaching children about Jesus has been left to the church basically on Sunday mornings for nine months of the year. Now that most of the public schools in the country are closed, parents and other guardians have figured out that they can actually  supervise the education of their own children in their homes. 

So now that you know you can; maybe, it would be wise to expand their at home education to include a Christian education as well. There is no reason that you cannot teach your children the stories from the Bible at home. There is no reason that you cannot teach them the basics of our faith. There is no reason that you cannot tell them who Jesus is and what he has done for them. There is no reason  that you cannot pray with them. 

Since so many of us are from a generation where we also did not get a steady home based Christian education, then adults that teach their children at home might receive a good refresher course at the same time. And, when Sunday School and Worship begin again this summer or fall in your local congregation; please, don't neglect to take your children so that they might worship God with the community of saints; that they might get to know Jesus more intimately.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Peace In Rough Times

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

                                                                                       (Col 3:15-16 KJV)

Some days it can be a whole lot harder to let the peace of God rule our hearts than others. Let go and let God can be a whole lot easier said than done. When troubles attack you or the people that you love so that you can think of nothing else, what can be done?

Immerse yourself in the word of Christ: turn on a YouTube sermon or just put the scriptures playing on YouTube; play some Christian music to remind you of God's grace and love; read your Bibles; but, above all pray. You can speak to God. But, remember to be still and listen for His response.

Life is not always easy. In fact, it can be pretty tough a lot of the time. When the world threatens to push the peace of God out of your hearts, remember that He loves you and is with you always. 

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28)

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Word Is God

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. (John 1:1-5 NRSV)

Many of us have a few favorite Bible verses. John 1:1-5 are ones that if you don't already know, I hope that you will remember. These verses remind us that Jesus is not a separate god from God the Father. He and the Father are one. Over the years, I have had more than one discussion with non-Trinitarians regarding the oneness of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. These opening verses of John 1 give heartache and headache to those who say that they believe in Jesus Christ; yet, deny his deity.

Let me repeat verse 1: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." 

Jesus the Christ is the Word. He is true God. He is the light of the world.

God's Peace - Pr. J.   

(Since John 1 refers back to the creation story; please, take a moment to also read and contemplate what it means for the Spirit to also have been present, hovering over the waters. (Gen 1:1-2 NIV))

Losing Friends For Living With Christ

Do good! Do what is right! 

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.                                                                                                                        1 Peter 4:1-4 NIV                

No, you won't be too popular if you leave behind those things that the pagans choose to do; but, you will be much more at peace with yourself as you begin to live in Christ.

As a former substance abuse counselor, one of the toughest things to deal with is that when someone finally decides to trust God for their recovery they lose most, if not all, of their old friends. It can be a lonely time. It takes a bit of work to realize that the only reason they hung out with you was because your substance abuse justified theirs. Once that is gone, they are out of there. "They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you." (vs 4)

But, new friends will come with time. Friends that will share in the joy of living as a member of the Body of Christ with you. In Christ you are a new creation. "So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." (1 Peter 4:19)

May the peace of the Lord be with you always! Live in his peace and ignore the drama this world would throw at you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Goal

 

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14 NIV)

So much time and energy is wasted striving after things of this world. Of course, we all need to work for basic necessities. St. Paul had written to the Thessalonians, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” (2 Thess 3:10) But, often our focus is so centered on "stuff" that we forget that we are to focus on the Kingdom of God in Christ Jesus. We think that our worship and service can be relegated to one hour per week and the rest of the week is to strive after and, yes, even worship and glorify "stuff" of the world. We lift up powerful people and even sports heroes and musicians and other such celebrities. We envy and strive to be like those who have earned much in this world; after all, they have done so much for themselves and look how happy they aren't! In this world it is a sign of success to have earned much "stuff."

But, the "stuff" that you've been striving after will not save you. "Stuff" will only drag you down. It will require your focus and energy to obtain and maintain. "Stuff" will not save you. The world will not save you. You cannot save yourselves by your own power and might. Only Jesus saves. Put, aside those things which have puffed up your ego and set a new course. Strive for the goal: life in Jesus' presence, in his Kingdom. Press on and take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of for us. Set aside egos and desires of this world. Set aside your confidence in your own flesh to earn anything worthwhile. Spending your life accumulating stuff is a waste of time and energy. Trust Jesus and live life in him!

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Pupose

Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord, my soul.
I will praise the Lord all my life;
    I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

Do not put your trust in princes,
    in human beings, who cannot save.
When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
    on that very day their plans come to nothing.
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,

    whose hope is in the Lord their God.
He is the Maker of heaven and earth,

    the sea, and everything in them—
    he remains faithful forever.
He upholds the cause of the oppressed
    and gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets prisoners free,
    the Lord gives sight to the blind,

    the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,
    the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the foreigner
    and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
    but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
The Lord reigns forever,

    your God, O Zion, for all generations.

                                               (Psalm 146 NIV)

I woke up this morning wondering, again, what the purpose of life really is. We are born. We live. We die. Life, here on earth, is so short! And... there is so much pain and suffering here in this world. The truth is the pain and suffering is mostly brought on by our own desires to be more than we are. It is brought on by our desire to be our own gods. We have a tendency to thing that we can actually achieve something worthwhile. The reality is, without God, there is nothing. Our plans will come to nothing. But, God has a plan... He has a plan because He loves you. We can't always know what that plan is. But, we can trust that He has one. He created us for a reason. We may not know what the reason is; but, we can be sure that whatever it is, He will not be deviating from the reason or the plan.  He will be faithful to it and to us.

Those who trust in His plans and not our own, praise the LORD all the days of their lives. They will find peace in the midst of the most confounded times. Praise the LORD! Praising the Lord is enough purpose for any of us. Praise the LORD; sing His praises as long as you shall live!

 God's Peace - Pr. J

We See Dimly

"When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinth 13:11-13 NRSV

What a glorious day it will be when we shall see the Lord face to face. But, for now we have faith, hope and love as we wait for the day when the shadow is gone; the shroud is removed, and the fog is lifted so that we will see His full glory as we stand before Him.

No matter how dimly we might see now; it is better than not seeing or knowing Him at all. May God open our eyes that we might see and know Him more clearly each and every day.


God's Peace - Pr. J

All You Need Is Love

 

"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:34-36

Some of you may remember the Beatles song "All You Need Is Love." Love, love, love... Is that all we need? The truth is that we do need love. But, we do not need the kind of love that says I'm with you today and tomorrow when you really need love, I will be gone. Genuine love provides for more than just one's emotional needs. Love is great; but, when someone is left hungry or without shelter or heat where is the love? When we love one another, we will strive to make sure that all of our neighbors' needs for daily life are met. We will not let them go hungry, or without shelter, or without warmth, or without any of the necessities to sustain physical life.

Jesus had just humbly knelt to wash the feet of his beloved disciples; Judas had just left to betray the one who loved him; when Jesus gave the command to love another even as he loved them. Love, in this sense, is not just a noun. It is a verb. We are to humble ourselves and to actively love and show care and concern for the people around us; indeed, even around the whole world, even as Jesus went forth and died for the world.

This is his commandment: that we are to love one another.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Take Up Your Cross

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.  (Mark 8:34)

Ash Wednesday is less than a week away followed by the season that we call Lent. During Lent it is traditional to give up something that we enjoy. We will fast. We will not, with the help of God, break that fast until Easter Sunday.

In these days before Lent begins I would ask you to consider what indulgence you might give up. Many give up certain foods. Others attempt to give up bad habits. How about giving up some of you personal time to serve others; maybe to spend more time at worship or in Bible study with others. Or, how about taking an extra hour or two each day to spend that time in prayer for the church and for all of God's creation?

But, no matter what it is that we give up for Lent, we ought not think of it as a sacrifice. There is nothing that can compare to the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for us.

But; after all our plans are made, if we are honest with ourselves, we will say, "I cannot even pick up my own cross and follow Jesus to his cross." May God help me! And, he will. And, he has. He will be with you no matter how large or small your cross is.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-30_

God's Peace - Pr. J 

I Saw You

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!”  Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” John 1:47-49 NRSV

Some of us take a long time before we make the move to get to know Jesus. It is sometimes even longer before we begin to actually follow him. It was not so with the first disciples. They pretty much dropped everything immediately to get to know him and to follow him. Nathanael was amazed that Jesus knew who he was before he met him. This knowledge was enough to get Nathanael to want to know Jesus.

It might take us some time to even begin to get an inkling as to who this Jesus is. But, it takes no time for Jesus to get to know us. Whether we know him or not, he knows us. He has always known us. He is always with us. He knows what we are doing even before we do it. He is the Son of God, after all! May God help us all to get to know more fully the King of Israel; the King of Kings?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Speaking The Truth

  The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.”  Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story: 
  “Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house. He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.’
  As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”
  When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”                    (Acts 11:1-4,11-18 NIV)

Peter was called on the carpet by the other believers for visiting the gentile, Cornelius, and the three other men who were also visiting Cornelius. He explained to the circumcised believers that it was God who had brought them together so that they might hear the message through which they would be saved. Peter's answer was enough. They understood that God intended that the message of salvation was for even the Gentiles.

The message of salvation is indeed for all people. Christians often get called on the carpet for sharing this message. People do not always want to hear the truth. There are those who assume we should think in one way; their way. Usually, those accusers have only read "choice" parts of the Bible, if any at all. Sometimes, the only place that they've received any teachings about Christ has been from television and I think we all probably recognize that what we hear and see on the television is not always the truth.

We are sometimes questioned as Peter and many others before us have been. Unlike Peter's answer to the other believers; sometimes, our answers aren't good enough for others. Sometimes, they have other agendas that do not agree with God's agenda; God's will, and they close their ears to hearing the truth. They will not accept what you have to say because if they accept the truth they will also have to accept that what they, themselves, have been presenting as the truth was not the truth. They have been lying and leading others astray. If they accept the truth; they know that they will have to change the way in which things are being done. They way in which they teach and live themselves.

Those who genuinely seeks to please God, will listen to the truth and they will change so that one who loves them so much that he willingly died for them did not die in vain.

God's Peace - Pr. J.