Dressing The Garden

  

And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. (Gen 2:15 KJV)

There are all kinds of gardens. Being on vacation, I've been able to work a little bit in the garden I've been attempting to create for the young girl who lives next door.  In order to put their home on the land, a lot of trees had to be cut and consequently there were a lot of stumps! Many of the stumps were removed; but, it's not an easy chore getting rid of them so I decided to do something with a few of them. There are a few mushrooms in the garden made out of stumps and round bottom bowls. There are also a few fairies and gnomes. We're getting to the flowers slowly but surely.

After school she usually takes a peek in the garden to see if anything new has appeared. She likes her garden. I enjoy working in it, as well. I cannot think of anything much more pleasant to do than to dress the garden for the little girl next door on my vacation . 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Where Is The Love?

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:6-8 KJV)

Many men and women do indeed die for the sake of their countries; to protect the freedoms and rights for the people as a whole and for the generations to come. But, as to dying for specific individuals, even for those that we claim to love, that is not so common. Self-preservation takes hold of us. Many will step forward to help others if their lives or their ways of life will not be jeopardized. But, many will also ignore the needs, the lives of others if it makes them uncomfortable or inconveniences them in the least. Where is the grace? Where is the love when we look after our own self-interests before the very lives of others?

But, not so with God. Even while we were yet sinners, Jesus died for us that we might be reconciled to him now and forever. He was willing to be persecuted, suffer, and die for our sakes. Thanks be to God for the love of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Brightness Of His Glory

 

"Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:" (Hebrews 1:3 KJV)

The morning sunrise and evening sunset are both beautiful. But, nothing in this world can compare to the brightness of the glory of our savior, Jesus the Christ. He is the light that shines even in the darkest of our days. He, alone, is the reason for our hope.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Dead to Sin; Live Life!

So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. 

                                                                            (Rom 6:11-14 NRSV)

Just cut it out! 

The reality is that we are all sinners. We will continue to sin in many ways and way too much of the time. But, our sinful natures are not excuses for us to purposely live in sin. There are times when we have way more than enough time to say no to sin. We do not have to follow in every which way the world would have us go.

Know this, the One True God is not a far away god. He is with you now. He is with you no matter where you go. He knows exactly what you do minute by minute. Imagine that God is standing or sitting there next to you because He is. No matter what you are doing; He is all seeing, all knowing and He knows when you are ignoring or disrespecting Him. He also knows when He is being worshipped and praised. 

We do not have to live according to the hate filled chaos of the world around us. That is not living. That is death. But, by the blood of Christ you have been brought from death to life. By the grace of God, we can live knowing His loving presence every minute of every day even now. Walk with Him. Live with Him, now! Live life!  

God's grace and peace be with you all!
Pr. J

The Light of the World

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." (Matt 5:14-16 NRSV)

Can you tell if someone is a Christian or not when you first meet them? Do you see the light shine in and through them? My guess is that it probably doesn't happen all that often. 

I have met more than a few people that I have been able to recognize almost immediately as people who truly love Jesus. There have been a few; but, not near as many as the number of those who claim to be Christians.

Jesus tell us that we are the light to the world. If that light is not shining, is it not natural to suspect that there is no light in us?

Let your light shine so that our Father in heaven might be glorified!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Needing Some Peace?

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom 15:13 NRSV)

He is the God of hope. There is no true eternal hope found outside of him. There is no real joy or peace outside of Him. You may feel them for awhile. But, they will not last as you walk on path that is not the path that He prepared for you.

There is so much turmoil in the world. There is so much turmoil within individuals. There is way too much turmoil even within the church on earth. 

Wanting for peace? Wanting for joy? Need hope? Live life in Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J

According To His Purpose

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.. (Rom 8:28 NRSV)

Let's just remember that it says for those who are called according to his purpose. God does call each and everyone of us. However, we must remember that he will gifts us individually gifts to serve according to his purpose. To take on a call that we have not been called to is not in the least bit fruitful. To say no to a call that He has called us to is also not fruitful.

Many congregations are on the decline. Could it be that many who attend have chosen to ignore the call to serve? Could it be that others are answering a call that they may not be gifted for?

All things work together for good when we work together according to the gifts that God has given us according to his purpose.

Just something to consider on this glorious God-given day...

God's Peace - Pr. J  

Don't Fret About The Mockers

"Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning." (Prov 9:7-9 NIV)

Believe me, I have received my share of insults by those who prefer not to walk on the straight path. I have learned, over time, that there are definitely times when it makes no sense to correct someone. If they are corrected they will only argue or throw a temper tantrum. There are times when it seems that it is best just to walk away, say nothing. It is better to keep right on walking rather than ending up in a dispute that you will not win and then end up carrying the ill feelings that you gained during that discussion out into the rest of the world. The rest of the world doesn't deserve that.

There is a whole world out there that needs and desires to hear the Good News. Why allow a mocker or a wicked one, who refuses to hear, to steal the time that could be better used to help those who are wise enough not to refuse help?

I am not saying that there is never a time to correct a mocker or rebuke the wicked. Jesus certainly incurred insults. As Christians, we turn will incur insults. We should not be afraid to share the Good News because we do not like to be insulted for our faith. But, there are times when even the mocker should be corrected and the wicked rebuked. If there is danger to others, it definitely needs doing. These things must be done from time to time. Wisdom will help you know when the time is right. 

What I am trying to say is that focusing on one who mocks the LORD, trying to drag them onto the path of righteousness should never become the center of your life. Do not allow scoffers to drag you down and off the path the LORD has prepared for you. That would not be wise. If they will not hear the truth, it may be that you should simply walk away, whether it is family, friend, or foe. You can help no one, if your whole life is spent trying to help one whose whole goal is to drag you down into the muck and mire with them.

According to St. Matthew (10:14 NIV), Jesus said, "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet."

There is a whole world out that there that is yearning for some Good News; multitudes that need healing and actually desire it, that will listen and be made whole. Go... and proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ, our LORD. Go and proclaim the Good News to all people. But, remember it is the Word, who is Jesus the Christ, that saves not you or me. Once the Word has been shared, there is not much you can do for the mocker, but continue to pray for them and trust the Spirit of God to do what the Spirit does. Be careful that you do not become embroiled in thinking that you are going to save them no matter what! Wisdom will guide you as your remember that it is only Jesus who saves.

God's Peace -Pr. J

Rise Up and Live Life!

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”.”
                                                                 (Mark 2:5, 9-12 NRSV)

We've all been there: feeling down; feeling sick; feeling sin sick. The guilt that can come with knowing that you have sinned; knowing that you have damaged another human being can drag a person down not just spiritually, but physically as well. When times like this present themselves; there is nothing more healing than hearing these words, "You are forgiven." Your sins are forgiven. The debt is erased. Get up and live life!

Such few words, but for the sin-sick soul they bring such relief; such healing; such wholeness. Your sins are forgiven you! Rise up and walk! Rise up and live the life that God has given you through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Choosing The Wrong Way

The clever see danger and hide;

but the simple go on, and suffer for it. 

(Proverbs 22:3 NRSV)

We are free to do as we please. We are free to do what is good for us as well as what is not good for us. But, we must understand that whatever it is that we choose to do there will be consequences. Every action that we take moves us forward in a specific direction. Sometimes, that direction is good for us and for the people around us. Sometimes, that direction takes us to places we would not choose to go and we suffer for it.

There is so much suffering in this world. Some, of which, we cannot avoid. Some, of which, we could avoid by going in the other direction to avoid danger; to avoid the suffering. 

A lot of our suffering and trouble could be avoided if we would but follow in the way that the Spirit of Christ shows us.

May God bless you with the wisdom to recognize and the courage to follow in His Way.

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Speaks And It Is So

O Lord, how manifold are your works!
    In wisdom you have made them all;
    the earth is full of your creatures.
                     (Psalm 104:24 NRSV)

God has created all things. By His Word all things came into being. He said, "Let there be..." and there it was.

In the beginning whatever God desired, it was. Just because it is so many years later that has not changed. God's will will be done. We can fight Him all we want. We can go against His will. But, he is still God and will be for all of eternity. Quit fighting Him! Quit rebelling and it will go a whole lot easier on us all!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Love Increases

We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. (2 Thess 1:3 NRVS)

On the first Wednesday of every month our congregation has a special service or program followed by a soup supper. The services began this past year with me leading a prayer or healing service and has evolved into having members of the congregation leading. 

This past Wednesday the theme was on Valentine's Day and love. Phyllis did an absolutely marvelous job sharing about the love of God in Christ and about the love we have for one another. The most amazing part was not just about what she said; but, about how her love of God and for us was seen in her words and actions as she presented some really Good News. What she shared about love was shared with genuine love. It was a unifying and edifying time together. It was evident in the way in which she shared the love of God that we are family and that not only does God love us; but, she also loves God and all the brothers and sisters in Christ to whom she was speaking.

And, then... all the brothers and sisters in Christ that were present gathered in the fellowship hall to share their love for one another over some awesome soup and bread.

I thank God for the love of every one of you for one another.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Live Life In The Kingdom

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:14-15 NIV)

The good news, the gospel that Jesus proclaimed, is this: "The kingdom of God has come near." It has come near for you. It is at hand. It is not some far away place. It is at hand!

We pray, "Thy Kingdom come... Thy will be done... on earth as it is in heaven." What does this mean for us? The Kingdom of God is at hand and it can be seen as we reach out, with the love of God, in the will of God, to love and serve our neighbors and to love and serve our God. 

Following his baptism by John and temptations by Satan, Jesus began his ministry proclaiming this good news of the Kingdom. He goes out to call others into life (into service) with him; proclaiming the good news and then as a member of that kingdom (as chief member) he goes out and heals the sick and drives out impure spirits so that others might live life.

Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God and then he proceeded to show us God's will for our lives in that kingdom as he reached out to make whole the people he encountered; to give them life; to help them live life on earth as it is in heaven.

May you live life in the Kingdom of God, even today. May His will be done on earth, even as it is in heaven.

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Is With You!

"I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

(Joshua 1:9 NRSV)

The servant of the Lord told Joshua to be courageous; the Lord is with you wherever He sends you and no matter what He asks you to do. We are reminded that we too should be courageous in doing the Lord's will. Things will happen along the way; things that don't always feel so good. That should be expected. But, God has a plan. "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:28)

Do not worry. Trust the Lord for He is with you wherever you go; wherever he sends you.

God's Peace -Pr. J

Ask For Wisdom

If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. (James 1:5 NRSV)

This verse from James came to my mind as I was reading the news and some social media this morning. 

Here is a major problem: If someone lacks wisdom, will they be wise enough to ask for wisdom?  Sometimes, it just does not seem like that will happen for some. There are those whose eyes nor their ears nor their hearts nor their minds are open to the truth. So, we must ask for wisdom for others as well as for ourselves.

God grant that we should receive the wisdom and the courage to accept the truth of His Word.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Tested Beyond Our Strength?

No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. (1 Cor 10:13 NRSV)

Life can be pretty rough at times. There are times when we really think that we are so near the edge of what we can endure that we are likely to go over the cliff. But, Paul is convinced that God will be with us and supporting us as we are tested. He reminds us that God will not test us beyond what we are capable of handling. 

Life is rough. There will be much pain. There will be much grief. But, our hope is not in this world. Our hope is in the promises of God through Christ Jesus.

May God help "...us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful."  (Heb 10:23) Do not fear the trials or temptations that assail you for God is with you and for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Free To Serve

For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings. (1 Cor 9:19-23 NRSV)

We are free to do as we please. St. Paul chose to use his freedom to become a slave (servant) to everyone to win as many to Christ as possible. He did not lord it over others. He became like them so that they would be open to hearing the Word.

If proclaiming the gospel is truly a priority for us in this world then sometimes we have to give up a few things (die to self) in order that others might be willing to listen and hear. Those who would serve others need to be willing and able to walk, as the saying goes, a mile in the shoes of others.

We are certainly free to do as we please. But, servants of the most high God are willing to make a sacrifice or two, even die, for the sake of others. Jesus did.

God's Peace - Pr. J

If The World Hates You

 

"If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘Servants are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me." (John 15:18-21 NRSV)

Being hated or persecuted when you have done nothing wrong can be very tiring. But, there is a consolation in it. We are hated because we belong to the Kingdom of God and not the world. The world rejects Jesus. Those who follow in worldly ways have rejected "The Way" that Jesus would have us go. The world has rejected our Father in heaven. The world will persecute; the world hate the followers of Jesus. That is just the way it is. That may be hurtful at times. But, it is also a reason to rejoice for we know that the world hated Jesus first.

It we are to be hated; then let us rejoice that the reason we are despised (even feared) is on account of the name of Jesus.  Let us rejoice; also, that there are multitudes of brothers and sisters in Christ who do not reject or hate us because they do, in fact, love Jesus. They do not reject the Good News that we would share with others. They do not reject our word; because our word is the Word given to us, Jesus Christ our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Knows

If you faint in the day of adversity,
   your strength being small;
if you hold back from rescuing those taken away    to death,
   those who go staggering to the slaughter;
if you say, “Look, we did not know this”—
   does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?

Does not he who keeps watch over your soul 

   know it?

   And will he not repay all according to their 

   deeds?

                                  Proverbs 24:10-12 NRSV

He does indeed keep watch over us and knows all things. He knows whether we have protected the innocent or supported our neighbors. He knows if we have turned our backs on others in order to protect ourselves; in order to keep our own lives safe and prosperous.

God knows what is in our hearts and minds. He knows if, rather an trust Him to be with us in the day of adversity we hold back from rescuing others. He knows when we see calamity fall on others and we pretend that we do not see in order to go on with our own self-serving lives.

He knows whether we are about serving others or ourselves.

May God help us to have the strength and the courage to stand beside the innocent who are being attacked in any manner.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Walking Humbly With God

He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
   and what does the Lord require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness, 

   and to walk humbly with your God?

                                   (Micah 6:8 NRSV)

What does the Lord require of us? Does he require that we make a daily sacrifice? Does he require that we do any specific good works or follow the traditions of our churches or cultures? 

No, what he would have us do is to do good to one another. He would have us love our neighbors; by treating them with justice and kindness. He would have us understand that we are not better than our neighbors. No matter what circumstances our neighbors may find themselves in, not one of us has been created better than another by the hands of God. Just maybe, God is waiting to see if you will treat them justly; with kindness; as you walk humbly with Him.

He would have us love and serve Him above all things. He would have us recognize that He is God and we are not. He would have us know that we are not in control of everything. He is! We do not know everything. He does!

He would have us to do justice and love kindness. May God ever remind us to walk humbly with Him. He; after all, is God. We are not.

God's Peace - Pr. J.