Spirit Filled; Spirit Led Worship

Acts 1:1-11 KJV

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

Homeless?

The thought of my affliction and my homelessness

   is wormwood and gall!
My soul continually thinks of it
   and is bowed down within me.
But this I call to mind,
   and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
   his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
   “therefore I will hope in him.”
                       Lamentations 3:19-24 NRSV

I realized last night that my husband and I are about to become homeless. But, not like the truly homeless. We have an offer on our home in Florida and plan to be living most of the year in an RV. According to state standards, that would make us homeless. Truth be told, this does not make me in the least bit unhappy. It is a planned way of life that many people have chosen. I find it to be a kind of unshackling; to do with less stuff to care for. Managing less stuff will hopefully give us time to enjoy more life and to spend more time in service of God. That, to me, is not homelessness. It is not wormwood and gall. That is freedom. 

Unfortunately, state and local standards often cause many to be truly homeless. They live on the streets or in parks without benefit of any shelter. Some are able to cover themselves with blue plastic tarps. The more fortunate ones may find an abandoned building to sleep in. They wash up in public restrooms and beg in order to eat. After all, who will hire them when they have no clean clothes; no means to bathe; and no way to get to work? Where is the hope for those who find themselves without a home to lay their head at night? It is the same as for all of us. Genuine hope can only be found in God. Many people are generous and will help a bit. But, is a bit enough? There are so many things to overcome.  

Building codes, zoning laws, taxes, high rents and interest rates, and the list goes on all can contribute to the difficulty, if not impossibility of finding adequate shelter for those who may suddenly find themselves homeless. I read an article not long ago that gave me hope for the homeless in Jacksonville, FL. A Tiny House Village was being built for homeless Veterans there. At the same time, I could not help but wonder how many zoning laws around this country would prohibit this. 

Recently, a local city was preparing to move all of its homeless population to a very remote state park. How does that help? Out of sight; out of mind? I have often lamented that Christians from the United States send missionaries to third world countries not so much to share with them the Good News of the Kingdom of God or to give them what they need to thrive; but, what we think they need according to our standards of living. Our standards of living may be what we think is best and it may be for people here in this country. But, is that necessarily so for people of other cultures in other lands? It may not even be the standards that everyone in this country considers necessary. Yet, we've made law upon law so that instead of helping people up we push them down in attempts to exile them to places where we do not have to see that there are truly people in need. 

The state park idea did not work out as a place to exile the homeless in this county. Thanks be to God! When people are suffering we do not exile them so that we do not have to be reminded of the pain and poverty they are enduring. When people are suffering, Christians are called to give them a hand up, not out. Jesus tells us that if we truly love him then we are to "feed his sheep."  

Lamentations says:  "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end." In the caring for his sheep; that steadfast love is shared with others, his people will have hope, and God will be glorified. It is not up to the Christian to depend on the government to care for their neighbors. It is up to the Christian who would follow Jesus to love and care for all in need. 

I am looking forward to living in an RV even if it is considered by many, including the state, as being a state of homelessness. I am grateful to God that I will not be truly homeless. May God open our ears, eyes, and our hearts to a greater understanding of his love for all people so that all people might come to hope in Him. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Meaningless Without God

Remember him—before the silver cord is severed,
   and the golden bowl is broken;
before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,
   and the wheel broken at the well,
and the dust returns to the ground it came from,

   and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

⁸ “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.

   “Everything is meaningless!”

                                                  (Eccl 12:6-8 NIV)

Remember the Lord your God. Get to know Him while there is still time. You can have all the silver and gold in the world; but, without God you have nothing. Everything is totally meaningless without the love of God. 

Who has not wondered what the purpose of life is? Life here on earth is so very short. One day we are here and the next day we may not be. When we are young we begin to fritter it away and before we know it most of our years are behind us. And, what becomes of what we have done? The world changes. Times change. Accomplishments, even people, of the past are forgotten. So many lives are as if they never existed. It is as if nothing has ever existed. Yet, by the love of God everything exists. It is in Him and because of Him that we have eternal life; a life filled with peace and joy only because we exist in His loving presence. 

How meaningless are the things of this world. How wonderful is the love of God through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Have Faith?

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Heb 11:6 NIV)

What does it mean to really have faith? Faith must mean more than just believing that God exists somewhere out there. As James wrote: "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder." (James 2:19) Genuine faith seeks God. It seeks to be closer to God. It trusts Him to be with you and to be there for you. Genuine faith and genuine loved goes hand in hand. Without genuine faith; without genuine love for God; it is truly impossible to please Him.

May God help us to believe and trust in Him that we might be blessed with His presence for all eternity.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

We Do Not Serve Alone

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6 NIV

There are times when we can get very weary. I may seem that we are serving the Lord alone and to very little avail. Paul was alone in a prison cell when he wrote the letter to the Philippians. But, he knew that although separated from the Christians at Philippi; separated from the world outside of the prison, he was not alone. As a Christian, he was in a partnership with every other Christian in the world doing the work that Lord had begun in each of them.  

Paul served faithfully, in and out of prison; but, he did not serve alone. We do not serve alone, either. Though we may not always see it with our eyes, we know that God works in and through every member of the Body of Christ to complete the good work that He has begun in all of us. No matter what kind of bondage the world would put us in; whether in prison or out; we will serve the Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

God's Will And Ways; Not Ours

To humans belong the plans of the heart,
    but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.

All a person’s ways seem pure to them,

    but motives are weighed by the Lord.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
        and he will establish your plans.
The Lord works out everything to its proper end—

    even the wicked for a day of disaster.

                                        Proverbs 16:1-4 NIV

It seems like a good thing; even a wise thing, not to let our emotions control us. So often, I can feel my emotions rise to the surface. It takes a bit of self-discipline to slow them down, ignore my emotions and listen to what the LORD would have me do. Sometimes, my first instinct is to react rather than listen to God. That first instinct of listening to my heart and reacting has sometimes gotten me into a bit of trouble.

Most of us, at one time or another, have though that we needed to fix something for someone that we love as we see them hurting. Sometimes, we need to let well enough alone and let God fix them in His own way and His own time. Sometimes, we need to be quiet. Sometimes, we ought not do a thing except to pray that God's will be done and be there to listen to them and to God. And, when He tells us to do something, do it.

When responding or reacting to any given situation, it is wise to slow down and ask ourselves if our response is coming from the pride within our hearts or is it from our knowledge and/or wisdom of the LORD's will for us and others.

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 you go. He sends us and no matter what He might ask us to do He is there with us. Be courageous then in doing the Lord's will.

Things will happen along the way; things that don't always feel so good. 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, He is there.

God's Peace -Pr. J

The Lord Is Our God

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might."

Deut 6:4-5

Lonely, frustrated, tired?

Throughout my life, I have spent a lot of time alone mainly due to either my husband's or my careers. I have often been asked if it bothers me to be alone. The answer is no. I am never alone. I have lived long enough to know that there is One who loves me more than all others. He is with me always. He is there for you always.

When we find ourselves tired and weary; lonely or frustrated, there is one we can turn to. Love the Lord your God, who loves you, with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your might even when you think you don't need him. That is when you really need Him the most.

May the Lord bless and keep you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Greatest Treasure Is God Himself!

What greater treasures is there than being

reconciled to God through Jesus the Christ?

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matt 6:19-21 NRSV 

Where do you invest your time; your talents; all the treasures that God has given you? Are you using them for the glory of God? Are you using them, not only to take care of your own needs; but, for the betterment of people around you. Some things are necessary: food, shelter, heat, clothing. Others things are not. They are luxuries. They can be excess baggage that steal away our time and our opportunity to be in a caring and loving relationship with God and with others.. 

The greatest treasure of God is being able to live in relationship with God and our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Kingdom of God. May God help us all to seek His Kingdom that we might know what a treasure living in His presence really is.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Pray Without Ceasing!

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thess 5:16-18 NRSV

There is so much to be thankful for. The reasons to rejoice never end because "we know that all things work together for good for those who love God." (Rom 8:28) Yet, we know that there among those whom we love who do not love God and so we pray without ceasing. We pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that they may be strengthened in their inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith, as they are being rooted and grounded in love. We pray that they may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that they may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Eph 3:16-19)

Because we love even those who do not love or know God, we will never stop praying for them. We will joyfully give thanks for we know that God hears our prayers and answers, according to His good will.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Growing Up In Christ

"We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love." Eph 4:14-16

To truly grow up takes a lifetime. Society, today, gives us about eighteen years to help our children grow up and then we turn them loose on 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 and for the benefit of society. 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 to help all of our children grow in the Body of Christ. May God help us to follow in "His Way."

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

Sing Praises!

Christ Lutheran Church, Bunnell, FL; Choir

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; 
   I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
    I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
                                                            Psalm 9:1-3 NIV

I attended a wonderful concert at Christ Lutheran Church in Bunnell, FL yesterday afternoon. The choir; the choir director, Larissa Bredley; and the accompanist, Vladamir Bredley, did a marvelous job in praising the Lord with song. In addition to singing praises to God; we were also able to help a wonderful charitable organization in Bunnell. Free-will offerings were given to support the Flagler Country Free Clinic. The Clinic provides medical and dental needs to those who do not have insurance. Yes, indeed; even with the mandatory provisions of Affordable Health Care Act (Obamacare) there are still multitudes in this country who cannot afford health insurance. They also cannot afford the tax that is imposed upon them if they cannot afford the insurance. Thanks be to God for serving those who need assistance through the Flagler County Free Clinic!

It is in God that the people must trust. In Him we rejoice. May all God's people praise His Holy Name. May all God's people reach out to assist those in need.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Go and See; Then, Go And Tell!

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:16-20 NIV

When the Shepherds heard the Good News from the angel, they rushed off to witness it for themselves. I'm praying, today, that the multitudes will rush off like those hopeful shepherds to go and see; to go and hear the Good News that will be proclaimed in congregations around the world this Christmas Eve and Christmas morning.  And, after they heard the message, after they went to the manger; then, they went and told other about what they had seen and heard.

Let us do likewise so that the whole world will know; unto us a Savior was born!

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

P.S. Worship at Christ Lutheran, 2323 N. State St., Bunnell, FL is at 5 pm today and 10 am on Christmas morn.

Hidden Treasure Revealed

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.  Matt 13:44-46 NIV

Last night, my husband and I had a very nice, quiet dinner at a little place called "Hidden Treasure." It is located under the bridge on the intra-coastal waterway off of Moody Blvd in Flagler Beach. One can eat indoors or out. The fish fry was good and so was the service. We will most definitely go back, again. It is, indeed, a little hidden treasure.

On Sunday afternoon, we had dinner at Christ Lutheran Church, Bunnell, FL. That meal was better than good. It was great! As wonderful as the food was, the company was even better. We had invited the Baruch HaShem congregation, that meets for worship in our facilities on Saturdays, to join us for dinner. Wow! Just wow! The treasure was not hidden as we gathered with our brothers and sisters in Christ. The entire conversation was about Jesus! Imagine that? Christians sharing their love of the Lord for over an hour! There was no talk about the economy or presidential elections or football. It was all about Jesus! There was only rejoicing in what he has done for us. They have found the hidden treasure, the pearl of great price and truly want the world to know about this Kingdom of God given for all through the blood of Jesus.

There is no greater treasure than the love of God through Jesus the Christ; for through him we have received life in the presence of God, in His Kingdom forever. The knowledge of that treasure is not to be hidden. Share that treasure with those you love. Share it with the stranger and all whom you encounter.

Rejoice and share the Good News of the Kingdom. It's not suppose to be a great secret hidden from the world; but, revealed to the world for the salvation of all of God's children.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Greet The New Day

Sunrise on Flagler Beach, FL.

The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;

    where morning dawns, where evening fades,

    you call forth songs of joy.  Psalm 65:8

I'm a little bit late today. I was on Flagler Beach greeting the new day at sunrise with my granddaughter, who turned eighteen today. She is very excited about becoming a legal adult. A new day, a new era, has dawned for her so it was fitting that she should be up at 5:30 am so that she could begin her day celebrating with the rising of the sun.

My prayer for her is that she will always, every minute of every day, rejoice in the Risen Son, as well.

Let us all thank God for the new day that He has given to us through His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Happy Birthday, Cassie!