Not Likeminded Christians

2nd Sunday in Advent; Romans 15:4-13; Wouldn't it be awesome if Christians were likeminded!

Render To God and Caesar?

Matthew 22:15-22 KJV; 21st Sunday after Pentecost; Matthew 22:35-40; Should Christians serve in public office? Should they be allowed to speak what is on their mind and in their hearts? Just because there are those in the world who would refuse us, we ought to speak out for what is just; what is right.

His Chosen

Deuteronomy 7:6-9 KJV; 9th Sunday after Pentecost; His chosen people...

Persecuted For Speaking The Word Of The Lord

Jeremiah 20:7-13; John 15:18-20 KJV; Jeremiah was persecuted for speaking the Word of the Lord; Jesus was persecuted for speaking the truth; shall we be any different?

Fence Sitters

Revelation 3:14-22 KJV You who are lukewarm; get off the fence and proclaim the Good News of salvation through Jesus the Christ.

Let Your Light Shine!

Matthew 5:14-16 KJV Do not fear what others might think of you; but, let the light of Christ shine before others.

Unworthy

Serve Together In Love

Love one another; serve in unity

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 

                                                                                        (Eph 4:11-16 KJV)

Do we ever really grow up?  To truly grow up can take a lifetime and usually a lot of heartache. Society, today, gives us about eighteen years to help our children grow up and then we turn them loose on the society. As Christians, we do our best to teach our children who Jesus is and what he has done for us and why. We pray that they will follow him. But, the devil prowls and not everyone would have our children go in "The Way" that they should go for their own good and for the good of society. But, with the help of God, we do what we can and then continue to pray for them until the day we die.

It would be most helpful for our children and for society if we could all work together using the gifts that God has given each of us to help all of our children grow up into him who is the head; who is Jesus the Christ. 

I have been following an interesting and energetic young Christian man who has established a school for teens in Albany, GA. He has just turned 22 years of age yet has accomplished amazing things. His group is known as "the X for Boys."  King Randell is intent on not only making sure that they complete their High School educations; but,  to also prepare them for their futures teaching them life skills as well. A couple of the projects they've been working on are automotive repair and carpentry. 

He uses his God-given gifts to help (not hinder) his community as a whole as he teaches these young men to grow up in Christ and to use their gifts to help themselves and others. What a wonderful world this would be if we would all use our gifts to serve the whole community in love.

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

Get Out Of Your Safe Space; Seek Other Seas

And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

                                                                                                           (Mark 6:45-51 KJV)

"If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat" is a book written by John Ortman. I've never read it; but, I do like the title.

That doesn't mean that you should step out of your boat and try to walk on water as Jesus did. That would be a bad idea especially if you cannot swim. But, if we want to follow Jesus we need to get out of our small boats; our safe spaces, that isolate us from the rest of the world and as the lyrics of one of my favorite hymns tells us with Jesus we will seek other seas.

What does that mean? Not all professed Christians are followers of Jesus. They are merely church goers. Many consider that one or two hours a week is enough to qualify as Christians. Some think that may be too much and make it for Christmas and or Easter Worship. Some do not even do that. It is, of course, important to regularly attend worship to hear the word of God and to receive the Sacrament. By these means of grace God strengthens our faith. But, we are not saved by attending church. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Rituals are fine when they help to restore us and build up our faith. However, Jesus does call us to follow him and he does send us to share the Good News that we have heard with others. In order to do that when we leave the church building; when we leave our small boats, we are to seek others sees. We are to seek the lost.

Do not be afraid to share this Good News. Even though there will be many who reject the Good News and probably you, Jesus is with you even as he was with the disciples on the stormy sea. And... what happened when Jesus got into the boat with the disciples? The wind and tumultuous seas were calmed.

Do not be afraid to get out of your small boat to share the Good News in other seas. Christ is with you no matter how troubled the waters might get.

The hymn I referred to in this blog is "Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore" written by Monseñor Cesáreo Gabaráin. For those who have never heard it and for those who love it the first verse and refrain are as follows:

You have come down to the lakeshore
Seeking neither the wise nor the wealthy,
But only asking for me to follow.

Sweet Lord, you have looked into my eyes,
Kindly smiling, you've called out my name.
On the sand I've abandoned my small boat;
Now with you, I will seak other seas.

God grant us all the courage to step out of our small boats and to follow Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Ashamed of the Gospel?

 

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Rom 1:16 KJV)

I am not ashamed to say that I believe that I have been reconciled to God by the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus my Savior and Lord. I do not always display that reality for which I am most sorry for. There are times that I slip. There are times that we all slip and don't represent Jesus as we could.

In one of my small recovery groups that I led for teen-age boys who had been convicted of felonies, one of the young men, who professed to be a Christian, shared a story about how he ended up fighting with someone following a worship service at his home church. He had worn the colors of his gang to the church service. In other words, he represented someone other than Jesus when he entered that building and it irritated (to put it mildly) a rival gang member who was also there.

It is one thing to profess that we are Christians. It is much more difficult to be representatives of Christ. False gods abound and the majority of us can be led astray; deceived, by them to some extent. 

God help us to recognize these false gods. Help us to be of good courage so that we might share the Good News of the one died on the cross for the salvation of all who would believe in him.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Freed To Love And Serve

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. (Psalm 33:12 KJV)

I am reminded this Fourth of July morning of Ninevah who after Jonah finally got around to warning them of God's impending judgment repented. They changed their ways and God changed his mind about their destruction.

"And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not." (Jonah 3:10 KJV)

We celebrate our independence from England today. We celebrate our freedoms. Sadly, we do not always understand that our freedoms should not inflict pain and suffering on others. As Christians we are not free to abuse others so that we can get our way.

As we contemplate our freedom today may we all remember that the freedoms that we do have are not to be abused rather they should be used to love and serve God; to love and serve others. Do good! Not evil! Everything that we do does affect others either negatively or positively. We do not live in a vacuum. We live in communities.

Remember the words of our Savior: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:1) We are not all called to actually physically die in someone else's place or to free others. But, many have given their lives. Jesus did. He died so that we might be reconciled to God and to one another. May God help us to live that life of reconciliation in Christ Jesus. We can do that by remembering that everyone has certain freedoms in this country not just you or me. We cannot use our personal perceived freedoms if they are going to harm others in anyway. But, we certainly can use them to make sacrifices of our own egos for the betterment of our neighbors; the country; and the world.

We are free to love and serve God. We are free to love and serve others as Jesus did and as so many others have. What a wonderful world this would be if we could only remember that. As we celebrate Independence Day may God bless us with ears to hear so that we might better understand what changes we might make to make this country and the world an even better place to live for all people.

God grant you safety as you celebrate this weekend.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

We Cannot See It; Yet We Believe It

Romans 8:28

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

                                                                         (Heb 11:1, 3-8, 11 KJV)

Faith is seen in the ability to believe what we do not see. It is a gift from God. (Eph 2:8) 

Our forefathers believed God even though they could not and some never did see the promises that God fulfilled. It didn't matter. God was and is God and they believed His word. They trusted Him. Life was not always easy for them. But, they had faith that God would fulfill His promises and they knew that God was with them always.

There are days when even Christians today wonder if they will ever see the promises that we have heard but have not seen fulfilled. But, we remember that Abraham did have so many descendents that none but God can count. Sara did have a child in her old age.  And... well... the promise that we read and hear throughout the old testament of a savior; a kind; that too has been fulfilled.  

"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."

                                                                                       (Gal 4:4-7)

This Son has fulfilled the law for us. This Son is the one in whom our faith lies for he has redeemed us and made us to be children of God; that we should inherit our places in the Kingdom of God living in the peaceful presence of God. Although, this Kingdom is not visible; we have faith. We believe the testimony of those who witnessed his life; his death, and his resurrection. We have faith; we know in our hearts and minds that we have received the promises of God through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Assemble Together

 

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 

                                                                                       (Heb 10:22-25 KJV)

It is Sunday morning. It is the day that many Christians gather together to hear the word of God and to worship God. In this time of COVID-19 many have been subjected to mandatory stay at home orders and have followed them. During this past year some Pastors have ended up arrested for not following those orders. Many congregations have cancelled the Sacrament of Communion for the duration. Others are only singing one verse of any hymns or songs they sing to avoid spreading the virus. That, in spite of the fact that they are all wearing masks and sitting six feet apart. 

Over this past year we have also seen a distancing of people from one another. There have been many mandated separations depending on which state you live in. Families haven't been able to visit one another; but, for some reason it's okay to go to one of those big retail stores. Senior citizens have been locked down in long term cares and nursing homes without the benefit of close contact with family whom they love. Depression and suicide have been on the rise. It is difficult to thrive without the love and support of others. I am not sure how one is expected to maintain unity with others when we do not gather together often as family and as the family of God.

It has been a horrific year for many. My prayer is that those who have been avoiding worship for the sake of their health do not stay away once their local congregations are fully open as over the years I have seen that once someone gets out of the routine of gathering together to worship God staying away become the new routine.

I am fortunate enough that closest congregation to where I live has not closed down at all. It's definitely a plus that the preaching has been very good. I am even getting used to sermons that can last around forty minutes!

St. Paul wrote to the Romans:  "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:17)

I pray that each of you are able to find a place to worship. It does not matter the denomination; but, remember to gather with others to hear God's word and to worship Him if you are able. If you are not able please check out online worship from a local congregation; a congregation that you could possibly connect with when you are able to worship in person again. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Spare The People, O Lord

"Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the Lord your God?

Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:

Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?

Then will the Lord be jealous for his land, and pity his people.

Yea, the Lord will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen" 

                                                                                  (Joel 1:12-19 KJV)

"Spare the people, O Lord."  I have and a lot of people that I know have been praying for help for the people around them and for the whole country especially during this past year.  It seems very true that hardship will soften the hearts of many. When we sink so low in the muck and mire there is only one place to go to for help and that is the Lord God, creator of heaven and earth.

Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. It is the beginning of Lent. This season is when we follow Jesus to the cross; recognizing the life he lived for us; the hardships he endured for us; the death he suffered for us. It is a rough journey to the cross as we recognize our sinful selves. Yet, we have hope because we know, evidenced by his resurrection, that because he lives we shall live also. 

Lent is a time to examine ourselves; to recognize our sinful selves and to repent of our own parts in the hardships that humankind suffers. How will you observe Lent? Will you take just a little more time to understand what Jesus actually did for you? That he loves all of humankind enough to die for us?

Lent is also a time when Christians have traditionally given up something for the season. Some fast from certain foods or habits. Others might give up a bit more of their time to study God's word or to worship.  Others might give up a bit more of their time to volunteer in some worthwhile project that will help others. Jesus' sacrifice was a blessing for us? Will you be a blessing to others this season?

There are many ways to fast. What will you be fasting this season? The little that we give up can in no way compare to what Jesus gave for us. So put a smile on your face and serve the Lord and his children with joy and gladness.

May God grant that we should all turn to the Lord with our whole hearts, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Open our hearts that we might turn to you Heavenly Father for you are both merciful and kind.  

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Rewriting Truth; Changing History

"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour." 

                                                                                        (Psalm 8:3-5 KJV)

"For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.

But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him?

Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."

                                                                                     (Heb 2:5-9)

How can we know that what others are telling and teaching us as the truth is the genuine truth?  

I have someone close to me who has been insisting that the history of the world bogus. Much of it he claims is made up and we have been teaching lies for generations. History has been rewritten for whatever odd reason.

I use to just smile when he told me this. I am no longer so confident that our history has not been rewritten. Over the last year I have witnessed the rewriting of current events on a massive scale. The rewriting of current events will one day be a false representation of history taught to generations to come. I witnessed "peaceful riots" on television with fires burning in the background, private and government property being destroyed, and people abused and attacked. These things are being written into our history by the media as mostly peaceful demonstrations. I have too often heard from mainstream media as well as in social media how politicians have said or done this or that horrible thing. But, when I go back to watch and hear the actual footage of what that politician actually said, I find that it is not at all what he or she actually said.  It boils down to slander. It boils down to lies. It comes down to rewriting history as it happens. It would be most prudent for us before we slander anyone to go and look for that footage or pull up the proposed legislation and read them before we buy into and perpetuate the rewriting of what is actually being done.

Facts have a way of being changed by people telling the story. It's been going on for generations; probably even since the world began. We need to be careful though that while in search of the truth that we don't buy into another lie.

One of the Biblical truths that has been changed over time and causes me to be most uncomfortable is a false narrative that so many Christians consider to be the truth. Quite a few Christians suppose that when we die we become angels. I have not found scripture to back this up. I am not really sure where this idea came from since angels and humans are two different created beings. Scripture tells us that man was created lower than the angels. And, then in 1 Corinthians 6:3 we are told that man will judge the angels. We simply do not become angels when we die.  I wonder why angels can be so glorified in our mind that we so desire to be like them; to be them. Although Jesus came to earth as true man, lower than the angels (Heb 2:7) through his suffering of death for us he was glorified. (Heb 2:9) And, how awesome is it that according to St. Paul our bodies will be glorified like that of Jesus'! 

"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." (Phil 3-20-21)

Is that not enough for us? 

I have often pointed to a children's fiction book that was published in the 1960's and later became a movie as one example of the false narrative. There have been many others since and probably many before then that I am not aware of. This particular piece of fiction was titled "The Littlest Angel." Some of you might even find this book in the children's section of your church library. In this story a little boy dies and he goes to heaven. In heaven he has become an angel and gifts to the newborn baby Jesus a little box of his treasures. It's a lovely story told to children and unless someone tells them otherwise it instills in them the idea that we will all become angels when we die. It seems to me that we have been indoctrinating others into believing fiction at a very early age without even being aware of it.   

The point of my blog today is a reminder that we ought to be careful what stories we tell or repeat. Not everything you read or hear on television, no matter how widely acclaimed the source is, is the truth. Who can tell what consequences the world might suffer when we revise the truth and our history to fit our personal agendas? 

We were not created to be angels; not in this world or the next. We are human beings who make mistakes and who sin often. As Christians it would be incumbent upon us to seek the truth in all things.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Will You Follow?

Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him. (Mark 1:16-20 KJV)

They immediately followed him! The disciples did not tell Jesus that he'd have to wait for them to follow him till after they retired from fishing. They didn't make any excuses not to follow him. They dropped everything and followed him. It was not as if James and John left their father without help. He had hired laborers to assist him in continuing on his business. They were not irreplaceable as fishermen.

I have heard a lot of excuses from those who profess to be Christians for not actually following him. There always seems to be an excuse to do the Lord's will at a later date. The world seems to take precedence an awful lot in a lot of peoples' lives. I have actually heard from more than a few that they will able to serve the Lord after they retire. In the meantime, they were busy one or two days a week with leisure activities that they were committed to. No time to worship or serve the Lord? I am not buying it. Whom then shall you serve?

The commandments that were given to us through Moses include: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3) We must ask ourselves what in our lives is keeping us from more fully following Jesus? That is the god that we put before the One Lord our God. 

Near the end of his life Joshua asked the people to reaffirm their faith and their loyalty to the God who had saved His people over and over again. He asked them to choose which god they would serve.

"Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods.." (Josh 24:14-16)

The Lord has saved you and has called you to worship and serve him above all other gods; to follow wherever he will lead you. Whom or what will you serve?

God's Peace - Pr. J.

 

Together We Celebrate The Birth

Gather to Worship
(Heb 10:24-25)

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (Luke 2:16-20 KJV)

Unlike the shepherds we don't have to get off our couches to celebrate the birth of Christ this year. There doesn't have to be any traveling. We don't have to go to far. Thanks to COVID restrictions many will be making haste to their computer screens this evening and/or tomorrow morning to watch the celebration of the birth of Christ, the one who has made us free to live as children of God. They will be watching. But, there will be no live participation; no interaction. Maybe some will join in the hymns of praise from their living rooms; but, probably not many. 

Many, more fortunate, will also be celebrating the birth of the Son of God in the traditional manner; within congregations, as they glorify and sing praises in the company of other Christians. St. Paul encouraged us to gather together often: "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Heb 10:24-25) 

If you can, go and gather with others to celebrate the birth of our King! But, I hope that no matter where you are observing the birth of our savior from, like the shepherds, you will go and make known to others the good news of this miracle by praising and giving glorify to God in word and deed. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Witness To The Light Of Christ

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor 4:6 KJV)

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

                                                                                      (John 1:6-8 KJV)

John drew in the crowds but he didn't draw them in for his own glory. He drew them in to bear witness to the Light who is Jesus the Christ. He humbled himself and pointed to the one who was coming who was greater than he; greater than all of humankind.

As Christians we are also called and sent to bear witness to the Light who is Christ. But, do we? Is that our true purpose? Are we willing to humble ourselves so that God many get the glory?

The numbers in the flock that come to hear our witness are worthless if we are only bearing witness to ourselves. Our witness, if it is true, will always point to Jesus the Christ.

May God help us all to be faithful witnesses of what Christ has done for us.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Feast Of The Ingathering

Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine: And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates. (Deut 16:13-14 KJV)

Thanksgiving is a day specifically set aside to give thanks for the bountiful blessings that we have received. Contrary to popular opinion days of thanksgiving have been set aside in the fall for thousands of years by various cultures and religions. A day of thanksgiving is celebrated in many countries throughout the world. In the United States the date of celebration has changed a few times. Originally it was thought to be celebrated in October or possibly late September as the earliest settlers celebrated it as a way to give thanks to God for the ingathering of their crops. This tradition for Christians originated from God's command to his people through Moses to observe the Feast of Tabernacles or the Feast of the Ingathering.

The tradition of giving thanks for the gathering of the fall harvest has lasted through many generations in many forms. Christians are not the only ones who set aside a day of thanks. The Jewish community continues to celebrate the Feast of the Tabernacles. Pagans, druids, witches and many others celebrated (some still do) some sort of day of thanksgiving in the fall for the blessings they have received over the year. 

Today families and communities all over the United States will gather together to celebrate a day of thanksgiving. Unfortunately, there will be many who will celebrate alone. Families have scattered around the country and the world. Gatherings in some states have been limited to ten or less people due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

Most of us do not have an ingathering today. We do not farm. We do not even have small gardens. Yet, we can give thanks to God for the farmers and the truckers and for all who ensure that we have food to eat. We can give thanks for family, for friends, for the church and especially for the gift of his Son our Savior. Although many will be alone today for this day of thanksgiving we can look with hope to the day that we will rejoice and celebrate with the whole family of God.

And in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.

And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations.

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it.

And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

                                                                                      (Isaiah 25:6-9)

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: 

The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. 

                                                                                         (Num 6:24-26)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

How Will They Know We Are Christians?

"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 KJV)

I was listening to a Christian speaker on YouTube the other night. His topic was "how can we tell if someone is a Christian other than just by them saying they are?" The first thing that came to my mind was the song "They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love." But, that was not what he was directly getting to. His response was the verse from Galatians that reminds us that if the Spirit of God dwells in us we will produce the fruit of the Spirit which does indeed include love. 

In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus tells us that we can know whether a prophet is true or not. He said, You will know them by their fruits. "Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them." (Matt 7:16-20)

Yes, in faith and in faithfulness Christians will produce good fruit. They will love. They will be joyful. They will suffer much, showing gentleness, goodness, meekness, temperance in order that all might live in peace. 

What fruits do we bear as we profess to be Christians? Can anyone tell that we are truly followers of Christ by the fruits that we bear?

God's Peace - Pr. J.