Remain In His Love

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 

                                                                                    (John 15:9 -12 KJV)

Love each other. Love fulfills the law. It is as simple as that. If we have love; then we will do all that we can in order to not do anything to hurt the people around us. If we have love; we don't need to know and memorize every minute detail of every law; because the law is written upon our hearts. (Psalm 37:31, Jer 31:33, Heb 8:10, Heb 10:15)

In giving his life for us, Jesus showed us how much he truly loves each of us. If we remain in his love we will love even as he loves. Love isn't going to worry about who is going to make it in first at anything. Love tells us it is not only good to be the last in line; the last to receive; sometimes, it is way more preferable for all of our sakes.

Be a friend. Be a good neighbor. Do nothing that might cause any harm or danger to come to others. Do no harm. Do all things for the good of others that God might be glorified. Love each other. This is the command of Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Abide In His Love, Joy, And Peace

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

                                                                                      (John 14:4-12 KJV)

I do believe that fruitful means a whole lot of different things to those who abide in Christ and those who do not. 

In this world fruitful appears to me to mean how fast we can destroy our enemies; how much havoc we can create for others even if it means lying and cheating to get our personal agendas fulfilled. But, to those who abide in Christ it means something more like bringing the good news of the Kingdom of God to all people that we might all live life in love, joy and in the peace that only the abiding presence of Christ can bring. 

To those who abide in Christ, it is not our personal agendas; but, the will of God that produces good fruit. Abiding in Christ and he in us produces much fruit.

May the abiding presence of our Lord Jesus the Christ bring you much peace!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Our Father's Good Will

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. (Psalm 143:10 KJV)

The Lord's will is intended for the good of all. If only we could desire and do His will we would know much more peace. If only we would fully trust the Spirit of Christ to lead us.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matt 6:9-13 KJV)

May God fill us with the Holy Spirit that we might be led to do His good will!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

A Light Unto My Path

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

                                            (Psalm 119:105 KJV)

It is imperative for the Christian to hear and to study the word! The word and the Word who is Jesus the Christ will show us the way we are to go. Of course then, as I have recently been reminded that God has given us free will. That is true. We can choose not to go to the Father. We can choose to not accept that free gift of eternal life in His presence. We can choose to deny God. But, for those who desire to live in the eternal joy and peace found in the presence of God hear the words of Jesus given to Thomas and to you:

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." 

                                                                                                (John 14:1-6)

Thanks be to God that the light, who is Jesus the Christ, has come to show us the way to our Father's house, to his presence!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Avoiding the Mire

Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters. (Psalm 69:14)

There is small spot on one of the islands in front of my home of sinking sand. It is a little over a foot wide; yet, it's a bit unnerving to accidentally step into it. As one's ankles and then calves become engulfed in sand you will not tarry. You will step out of it quickly and change your course just as fast. I do not know how much of a person it would swallow if one chose to test the sand. I have never desired to find out.

Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. We go in ways that are dangerous to ourselves and may even be active in leading others in the wrong way, as well. We stray from the path that Jesus prepared for us and purposefully attempt to travel the path of the unrighteous. There are many dangers on this path that leads away from our Father's house and His will. Sinking in mucky, uncharted swamps is only one of them.

When we find ourselves in danger of sinking in the mire it is time to change course. It is time, to ask for God's help to get back on the path that He has prepared for us.

If you find yourself alone and sinking fast know there is one who can rescue you. There is only one who can save you. Ask and He will lead you on the path of eternal life in His Kingdom. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Let Us Kneel Before The Lord

Philippians 2:10

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. 

                                                                                   (Psalm 95:6-7a KJV)

We can worship all the superstars in this world that we want; but, in the end it will do us no good. In fact, it may well be our undoing. We can follow where they lead us; but, it will get us to no place good.

There is only one Good Shepherd and only he can lead us to the peace that is so desired and is found in his pastures; his kingdom.

We can worship whatever or whomever we desire in this world; but, in the end when Christ returns in full glory, every unbeliever will drop to their knees with every believer in awe of the presence of our Lord and King.

We are going to do it anyway so why wait until there is no choice but to kneel before our Lord? Let us bow down and worship and kneel before him now so that our Father's will is done on earth as it is in heaven, even today.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Why Would I Want To Go To Heaven?

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

We love him, because he first loved us.

                                                                                   (1 John 13:18-19 KJV)

"Why would I want to go to heaven?" That question was asked me by one of my confirmation youth. Prior to that, I had  never been asked that question and I haven't been asked since, either. But, I wonder what we might be actually teaching and preaching about heaven?

Are young people (and old) being taught out of a theology of fear? Are we evangelizing by attempting to steer others to the promise of heaven out of fear that they might end up with the alternative: ending up in hell? If we say we are saved out of fear of hell; then those words are probably pretty empty. The promise of eternal life in the Kingdom of God; in heaven, is for those who believe and those who believe, love God. We know what he has done out of his great love for us so that we might be reconciled to him. We love Jesus because he first loved us.

Are we evangelizing by promising others that they will get to be reunited with their loved ones after death? I know more than a few people who desire to see their loved ones take a whole higher precedence than their desire to live in the presence of the Lord. Is that the promise that they are clinging to?

We can see from St. Paul's letter to the Philippians that his primary hope was to be reunited with Christ in the heavenly kingdom. St. Paul wrote: "But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you." (Phil 1:22-24) His desire was to be with Christ. But, he was willing to live here in this world, as long as the Lord desired, so that others too might know the hope of being reconciled to God in the Kingdom of God.

Indeed, why do we want to go to heaven? What motivates those who profess to be Christian? Is it the love of God or is it the fear of death and the other alternative that we have been taught? 

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:"

                                                                                (Col 1:20-22)

Our Father's intention was that we might live in his presence. Because of sin, the gate to that kingdom was closed. In short... we were kicked out of heaven. But; in Christ, by his blood that was shed on the cross for us, we have been reconciled to our Father. He made peace with the Father for us by giving himself for us. Because of this act of love, through faith, we are able to live in the Kingdom of God, in his presence, not just after death; but, even today. To live in our Father's presence, in his kingdom, in his love is the ultimate hope.

The desire to live in the love of the Father, in His presence is the ultimate desire.  Fear will not motivate us to be truly reconciled to God our Father through Christ Jesus. Only love will do that. We love because he first loved us.

I just don't see any sense in desiring to end up in the Kingdom of God, if one doesn't desire to actually live in Christ, in our Father's presence. I don't see any sense in desiring to inherit eternal life in heaven if the only thing that motivates us is the fear of death and hell.

Fear can cause us to do a lot of things. Most of those things are not good. Love can motivate us to do even greater things. Just think about the great thing that was done on the cross for us because of Jesus' great love for us!

God's Peace - Pr. J

By Faith; Not By Good Works

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. 

                                                                                     (Eph 2:8-9 NIV)

John F. Kennedy in his inaugural address said: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” Indeed, we should be wondering what we can do for others and not be asking what others can do for us. That is basic to Christian ethics. However; that being said, when we are sharing the Good News with others, what they can do for others has nothing to do with their salvation. What we do for others is important; but, it is not the Good News! The Good News is what Jesus has done for us so that we might inherit eternal life in our Father's presence; in the Kingdom of God.

Nobody is going to be saved by their good works. It is only by faith in the life-giving sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus the Christ, that we are saved. To be sure, good works will follow that faith. But, those good works are the fruit of our faith. It is not by our works that we are saved. 

If someone has fallen out of a boat into the great stormy sea will it do them any good for you to tell them to swim harder? Or, would it bring them more relief to throw out, on a rope, a life preserver so that they will not drown? 

Jesus is our life preserver. He and only he can save us from drowning in our sinful ways. The Good News is not about how much we do. The good news is what Jesus has done and continues to do for us. Jesus saves us from the stormy seas; stormy seas often of our own making.

May God grant you faith in Jesus Christ our Lord who has done all for you; even giving his life for you on the cross at Calvary. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Troubled Hearts

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:1-3 NRSV

Sometimes not allowing your heart to be troubled is a whole lot easier said than done. I spend a whole lot of time in prayer so that I can be reassured by God's presence that He is actually with me and with those whom I love. I spend a lot of time in the word so that I might be reassured of God's promise of eternal reconciliation with the One who loves me and the whole world enough to die for us.

As I consider what most troubles my heart, I find that it is concern for those who have not accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord. My heart is most often troubled with concern for those who do not follow in "The Way." My concern is that their hearts will be indefinitely troubled. My concern is that they might never know Jesus and I know that there can be no healing for their broken hearts except in Jesus the Christ.

I can do nothing except to pray and continue to encourage, with the word, those who do not follow Jesus to turn around and follow him.

Our hearts may be troubled for others. It is perfectly right that we should have hope that our loved ones would come to know Jesus. Yet, even while we are concerned for others we can know peace in the promise that Jesus has prepared a place in his Father's house for us; for all who believe. We can be confident that he will take us safely home.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Sinking Sand

"Rescue me from the mire,
    do not let me sink;
deliver me from those who hate me,
    from the deep waters." 
                    Psalm 69:14 NIV

There is small spot of sinking sand on one of the islands in front of our home in Aura. This spot of sinking sand is only a little over a foot wide; yet, it's a bit unnerving to accidentally step into it. As one's ankles and then calves become quickly engulfed in sand you will not tarry. You will step out of it quickly and change your course as fast you can. I do not know how deep this sandy hole is or how much of a person it would swallow if one chose to test it by staying in it. I have never desired to find out.

Yet, how often do we decide to linger when we know full well that we are sinking in a mire of sin? Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. We go in ways that are dangerous to ourselves and may even be active in leading others in the wrong way, as well. We stray from the path that Jesus prepared for us and purposefully attempt to travel the path of the unrighteous. There are many dangers on this path that leads away from our Father's house. Sinking in mucky, uncharted swamps is only one of them.

When we find ourselves in danger of sinking in the mire it is time to change course. It is time to quit following in the way the devil is leading you. It is time, to ask for God's help to get back on the path that He has prepared for us.

If you find yourself alone and sinking fast know that there is one who can rescue you. There is only one who can save you. Ask and He will lead you on the path of eternal life in His Kingdom. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Guarding The Gate To Paradise

Vernon Weand 1938-2017

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."   (John 14:1-3 NIV)

I have been preparing a funeral service for one of the many faithful members of Christ Lutheran Church this morning. Vernon was also a Marine. It has been many years since Vern actively served as a Marine. But, the Marine Corps has a saying "once a Marine, always a Marine" so today we are commending into the hands of Almighty God a U.S. Marine.

There is this rumor that says that U.S. Marines guard the gates to paradise; to our heavenly home. But, I assure you that it is just a rumor. I do not think that God would make any Marine who believe in Him guard His gates while the rest of us are inside walking around and talking with Jesus. Marines usually don't mind a celebration and I am also pretty positive that they will be at the great banquet feast in our Father's house; rather than outside guarding the doors. 

Jesus told his followers that he was going to prepare a place for them in our Father's house. He has and he returns for all who believe to take us to our heavenly home.

May God grant comfort and peace in the knowledge that all who believe; even though they die; yet, shall live.

God's Peace - Pr. J

A Blood Thicker Than Blood

"While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”
     He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”" (Matt 12:46-50 NIV)

What is family? Jesus knew that family went beyond mere blood lines. We were not; after all, born into the family of Abraham, the family of promise. But, we were adopted into that family, by faith, through the blood that Jesus shed for us.

There is a blood that is thicker than blood. It is the blood of Christ that was shed for you. Because he was willing to die for us, we are willing to follow Him, doing our Father's will. We can say "Our Father" because through Jesus we have been made children of God. We have been adopted into the family of God.

When Jesus pointed to the disciples claiming them as family, Jesus was not disavowing his mother. He loved his mother; for, even as he suffered on the cross, he appointed John to look after Mary. He was making the point that those who believe and follow are his family. Thus, we have the Church; the family of God.

There is the blood that is thicker than blood. It binds us together, forever. It is the blood of Jesus shed for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Children Belong In Our Father's House

  

Brothers and sisters of all ages together in our Father's House of Worship.

   After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

   “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:43-49 NIV)

Mary and Joseph left for home and didn't even realize that they had left Jesus behind in Jerusalem. Like most parents, they were probably pretty panicked when they realized He was not with them. They rushed back to find Him in the temple. Mary was probably relieved; but, still a bit a bit upset as any mother would be. "Why would you do something like this to us? Why would you make us worry like that? Jesus' reply was a question. He asked, "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"

Didn't you know? Didn't you know that the children belong in our Father's house so that they can be loved and nurtured and taught by the community of saints that gathers there? After all, shouldn't all of God children be in house where they can learn of and know and feel our Father's love for them?  Shouldn't they be there not just for special required festivals, but as often as they can? Our Father's house is a place where children can learn to be accepted and loved unconditionally (at least I am hoping everyone accepts all children unconditionally). It is a place where they should be able to learn to accept others and love them unconditionally, as well. Our Father's house is a place where they will learn that when they become adults, they will have a place, a family, to go to when they are all alone, no matter where in the world they might find themselves. May God grant that not only will children be welcomed into every Christian congregation, but that their parents would desire to join them in our Father's house.

May all of the children of God desire to spend much time with their brothers and sister in Christ as we gather together to worship and learn and sing songs of praise in our Father's house.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Power of Death Is Put To Death

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 15:55-47 NIV)

Christ Lutheran is preparing for two funerals this week. Often, I hear families say that they would like these services to be celebrations of life rather than funeral. I wonder what they mean when they request this. Are we celebrating the life they lived here on earth or are we celebrating the fact that through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ they have eternal life or both?

Death is a fearful thing for most people; but, not for all. There are those whose faith is so strong that they look at death as the beginning of a most incredible life with our Father in heaven; with our Lord Jesus Christ. They know that death comes to us all. But, they also know that death does not have the final word. Jesus destroyed the power of death. He destroyed the power of sin, the power of death, and the power of the devil when he died for us and rose again and then ascended to the right hand of God where he rules over all things. Jesus has the final word as he was victorious over death for all who would believe.

This week, as we prepare to commend our brothers into the hands into Almighty God let us give thanks that nothing can separate them from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

May God be with us as we grieve our loved ones and celebrate their eternal life in the house that our Lord has prepared for them and us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Take Up Your Cross

Christ Lutheran Church, Bunnell, FL

   But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
   Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.                                                   (Matt 16:23-25  NIV)

Years ago, I was serving as a missionary to remote areas of Upper Michigan where there was no or very little church presence.  I led Bible studies at 3 different sites and led Worship at up to 6 sites any given week.  The worship sites included a state park, house church, an historic Lutheran church, an historic Episcopal church, a community center, a youth correctional facility, and sometimes my home.  The area I covered was about 45 miles north and south and 20 miles east and west.  Yes, it was what would be considered in today's world - wilderness.  I carted everything needed for worship between sites.  Packing and unpacking - setting up and tearing down - the same stuff over and over again. We had one of those big gold crosses for the altar, which was included in the stuff I needed to carry with me from worship site to worship site.  On one Ash Wednesday afternoon as I was rushing between Worship sites about 25 miles apart when I panicked thinking that I had left the altar cross at the last site.  So driving down the road while reaching in the back seat to see if I could feel it back there someplace, I heard myself say:  "I am so sick and tired of having to carry that cross with me all the time."  Fortunately, I said it out loud so that the impact of what I had said hit me full on.  What about the cross that Jesus bore for me?  And... this little cross was a bother to me?  If I couldn't carry this little altar cross, what kind of cross was I really willing to carry?  As a reminder to myself of my own hard heartedness and of what Jesus was willing to do for me, throughout that Lent I carried that cross on the seat next to me; not just between worship sites, but every day, every where I went.  While driving from place to place, that cross would remind me of my weakness, of my sin, and I would take hold of it, confessing my sins and thanking God for the cross he bore for me.  For I know full well that the cross I have been called to carry is nothing compared to the one he bore for me.  And I cannot even carry the little one without the help of God.  

Taking up our crosses and following Jesus is not easy. It will mean that our own will may have to be crucified in order for our Father's will to be done through us. May God help each of us to take up our cross to follow him wherever he would lead us.

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

We Are Not Just Mere Humans

Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ.I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 1 Cor 3:1-4 NIV

Paul rebukes the Corinthians telling them that they are acting like mere humans. Well, were they not mere humans? Are we not mere humans? No, we are not! We are children of the most high God. We are children of the heavenly Kingdom and children must grow up sometime. Jealousy and quarrels over things of the world are inspired not by God; but, of the world and of the evil one. They keep us from living life fully as residents of our Father's home.

Let us put aside all jealousy and quarreling as we seek to do our Father's will that peace may prevail.

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

The Journey Home

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. (Luke 2:1, 4-5 NIV)

Traveling to Bethlehem because of a government ordered decree to participate in the census had to have been a hardship on Mary who was very near her time to give birth. But, Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem because it was required by the emperor. Joseph and Mary were not the only families traveling to the home of the heads of their households; to the home of the lineage of the father. When they got to Bethlehem there was not even a room in the inn for them let alone a home. There were multitudes who had to make such a journey. It was surely a major inconvenience for them to drop any plans they had for their own immediate futures and make this journey. They were; after all, settled in various places throughout the land. But, they did it to fulfill the law of the land.

Christians, who are born again into the household of God, are also making their journeys home. We live in various places throughout the world; sometimes moving about, sometimes not. But, for all who believe, our journey will end in our Father's house in the heavenly realms. This journey home is not a requirement of law. It is a journey made by faith in the promise of a home prepared for us by Jesus. The journey will include some inconveniences. It will include some hardships. But, the promise of living in the presence of our Father in heaven every minute of every hour for all eternity is well worth the journey.

May God help us to stay on the road that will take us to our heavenly home.

God's Peace - Pr. J