The Spirit Is Still Young

2 Corinth 4:16; The Spirit within us is still young. It is renewed day by day no matter how decrepit our bodies may become.

As Family Gather Together Often!

Matthew 12:48-50; Hebrews 10:24-25; Whether birth families or families of God it is needful to gather together often.

What Was Herod Thinking!

For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;

And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.

And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.

And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.

And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.

And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.
                                                                                                 (Mark 6:20-28 KJV)

This enquiring mind would like to know exactly how much did King Herod have to drink when he promised that he would give Herodias anything she wanted for her daughter to dance for him even up to half of his kingdom?  Or, maybe he was just a pedophile?  Or both?

John the Baptist for sure had exposed his sin of marrying his brother's wife; but, Herod still heard John gladly. He respected John as a holy man. So, when he was asked to behead John the Baptist it grieved him greatly. But, he had promised that he would give anything and had done so publicly. In order to save face he had to do it.

We must be careful of the oaths we make to others. It is much better to promise to try than to promise to do. One never knows what actually lies in the hearts and minds of others; if they are laying a trap to turn us away from the Lord and his will.

Let us always be wary of falling into the pit that comes with making promises to others that go against the will of God. Rather, seek the Lord and to do his will  that we may do good to others and cause them no harm for God is the God and Father of all.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Fear and Joy; A Savior Born!

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  (Luke 2:8-11 KJV)

I would be most probably be sore afraid too if an angel of the Lord showed up and the glory of the Lord shone around me. This is not a little thing. It would be a shock and awe moment. A bit of fear and a whole lot of awe.

But, this angel who brought fear to the hearts of the shepherd also brought good news; very good news of great joy. Their Savior was born. He lives! 

The shock and awe of Christ's birth seems to have worn off a little in these days. Now, it's not so much about celebrating the birth of a Savior and King; but, about personal celebrations of a holiday; not so much a holy day.

May the wonderment of a child born in a barn for the sole purpose of saving us from our own sinful ways be with you this Christmas season.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Birth of Warriors

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

                                                                                   (Eph 6:11-13 KJV)

On November 10, 1775 the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines. Last night we celebrated the birthday with other Marines and their families. We heard the Commandant's message and observed the cake cutting ceremony. It was overall a very informal and relaxed birthday party. 

Today, even as I honor the birth of the United States Marine Corps, I thank God for the birth of another mighty warrior: Martin Luther. His battle was against false teachings prevalent in the church at the time. There remains false teachings in the church on earth today. Let down your guard and the devil sneaks the lies right back in. The battle continues; the battle against forces that would dilute or change the word of God to the harm of all whom God has called; to the harm of all who unknowingly follow false teachers and prophets.

"A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he amid the flood

of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe

doth seek to work us woe;

his craft and power are great,

and armed with cruel hate,

on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,

our striving would be losing,

were not the right man on our side,

the man of God's own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is he;

Lord Sabaoth, his name,

from age to age the same,

and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,

should threaten to undo us,

we will not fear, for God hath willed

his truth to triumph through us.

The Prince of Darkness grim,

we tremble not for him;

his rage we can endure,

for lo, his doom is sure;

one little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers,

no thanks to them, abideth;

the Spirit and the gifts are ours,

thru him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go,

this mortal life also;

the body they may kill;

God's truth abideth still;

his kingdom is forever."

                        Martin Luther

It seems that it never ends. The battles for what is right and true; the battles to release people from bondage continue to be fought on air, land, sea, as well as in the spiritual realms. May God bless the warriors who fight for right and freedom. May God bless us all with the courage to stand on the Word.

Happy Birthday! 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

What A Gift!

Silver River, Aura, MI

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: 

he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: 

he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: 

thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: 

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23 KJV

What a way to begin to my birthday. I'm not into big birthday celebrations. But, I am into waking up to such a beautiful morning. I slept in until about 7:30. that has not happened in a very long time! This is such a peaceful and relaxing place. I have always affirmed that it was a gift from God to me.

When we first purchased the place, only two people affirmed that it was a wise choice. Pete and Jean Suomela said that they thought it fit me perfectly. Even my husband was not thrilled. The mobile home was condemned. But, I was convinced we could fix it up. After all, we had time. We were living nearby and this place was meant to be a retreat for me. 

When Pete and Jean said it fit me they were not looking at the house. They were looking at the river and the woods surrounding it. They were sensing the peace that I sensed here in this place. Over the years, the mobile home has been renovated. Due to zoning laws and since we are so close to the river, tearing it down and rebuilding was not an option. 

The house was remodeled and we lived in it for quite a few years. It has once again become a retreat for our retirement. Winters where we don't have to shovel snow and freeze. Summers here in this place. 

I thank God for this beautiful morning and for another birthday to enjoy His gifts.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Happy Birthday U.S. Marine Corps!

Happy Birthday, U.S. Marine Corps!
Live life; but, please, stay out of trouble!

"What gain have the workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live..." Eccl 3:9-12
Live life!  I can't even begin to count how many times I have told people to live life; enjoy life! I believe some think, "who is she kidding? She's a Christian and a pastor. What can she know about fun?"  My fun may not be like a lot of people's idea of fun; but, I do know about enjoying life; about enjoying the numberless gifts that God has given me.

My husband has retired twice now. He tried to keep working; but, found life can be pretty boring without work so he is still working. I will retire next summer; but, I have a feeling that I will also continue to work at something.

Howard's first career was as a United States Marine.  Recently, we have been spending the Marine Corps Birthday at our son, John's house, as he also served in the U.S.M.C.. The Marine Corps Birthday brings both joys and sorrows. The sorrows comes in remembering the past and so many lost friends as well as the loss of a lifestyle. The Marine Corps was and is truly a family to those who have served and to their families. The joys also comes in remembering all those people of the and all of the good times shared with them as well as opportunities from time to time to see them once again. I will always be thankful for the years spent as a part of the Marine Corps family.

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.." Eccl 3:1

Happy Birthday, United States Marines! Life live; enjoy it to it's fullest!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Happy Birthday USMC & Martin Luther!

Marine Corps Birthday Party; Palm Coast, FL, 2016

Today, my husband and I celebrate two birthdays.

For 46 years, since my husband first joined the United States Marine Corps, we have been observing the birth of United States Marine Corps. Even though he is retired, we still continue to celebrate this birthday in some way with other Marines and their families.

Today, even as I honor my husband and the birth of the United States Marine Corps today, I thank God for the birth of another mighty warrior, Martin Luther. His battle was against the devil and all of Satan's minions.. It was against the false teachings that the devil had introduced to the church at the time. There remains false teachings in the church on earth today. Let down your guard and the devil sneaks them right back in. The battle continues; the battle against forces that would dilute or change the word of God to the harm of all whom God has called; to the harm of all who unknowingly follow false teachers and prophets.

There is a battle being waged in two kingdoms: in this world and in the spiritual realms. Although the battles are waged in different kingdoms and are waged in very different manners; they are not totally separate, for the devil has chosen to bring the spiritual battle to the world around us in order to destroy our love for and our faith in the one true God; in order to destroy our love for humankind. Each of us must choose his battle or if he or she will even fight. May God be with, protect, and bless each and every warrior.

Happy Birthday!

God's Peace - Pr. J.