His Plan In His Time

2 Peter 3:8-9 KJV; We may want things to move faster; but, we must have patience as God has a good plan to be executed in his time, not ours.

Trust That God Is In Charge

Job 37:1-7 KJV; God is in charge of the wind and rain. He is in charge of the snow. We do not control them. He does. Trust him in and through all storms of life for he loves you and does all things for the good of those who love him.

Jesus Is The Christ

13th Sun after Pentecost:; Matthew 16:13-20 KJV; The confession of the faithful is that Jesus is the Son of God. He is the Christ!

His Way Is Perfect

Psalm 18:30-38 KJV: No matter how good or bad life may feel at any given moment know that God is with you and His good and perfect will is done.

What Is Evil Is Not Good

Psalm 97:10; Isaiah 5:20-21; Micah 6:8; We go down a path of destruction when we call what is evil good.

Hope, Peace, and Joy

Romans 13:15; Romans 5:1-5 KJV; May the God of hope fill us with joy and peace through faith.

Nothing Is Too Hard For The Lord

Genesis 18:10-14 KJV Sarah bore a son in her very old age; nothing is too hard for the Lord. Keep on praying. Keeping on waiting on the Lord.

Do Good To Others

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Gal 6:7-10 KJV)

Do good! Be careful in what you say and do for whatever you put out there you will likely come back to you whether it is a good thing or a bad thing. If you are hateful toward others you will be despised. What you do to others will inevitably come back to you as they seek revenge. 

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. (Luke 6:31)

Support one another without great concern about your fleshly needs because God will provide for you and he desires to provide for others through you. Love one another as he loves you. 

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

In God We Trust

Psalm 118 KJV

I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.

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There is one whom you can trust 100% to be on your side. That one is the Lord God; the creator of heaven and earth. No matter what the world may throw at you he is there for his children. You may suffer for a bit of time; but, be assured that God has a plan for you. He is merciful  and will not have you suffer eternally. Trust him above all other for he has a great plan for you. 

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28)

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 118:29)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Walk In His Ways

Psalm 128 KJV

Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways.

For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.

Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.

Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord.

The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.

Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.

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The Psalm today sounds a lot like "IF" you do this the Lord will bless you. The plain truth is that the Lord has shown us a fruitful way to live. Do good! Doing what is contrary to the way that God has shown you to live will lead you into trouble of your own making. 

He has shown us the way to live lives of peace. Dwell in his Word. Abide in Christ and follow in the way. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Walk Humbly With God

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8 KJV)

Do Good! Do what is just! 

The word of the Lord unto Micah was that what he wanted out of humankind was for us to humble ourselves and treat each other with loving mercy. 

The world is full of people who try to do just that. But, often our egos take over and we do not even recognize how we may be harming others. We become so engaged in seeking happiness for ourselves that in the end happiness and any semblance of peace end up eluding us because  we have not recognized that the injustice and lack of love that we have for others is engulfing us in a blanket of darkness.  

Why choose the darkness when you can be engulfed in the light of Jesus the Christ? Walking in the light of Christ we will be following in his very steps. As we walk in his light we will do for others as he did for us; humbly and lovingly putting the needs of others before our own desires;  doing justice; doing what is right; doing what is good. 

The light who is Jesus the Christ has come into the world to show us the way. That same light will guide us if we would but follow wherever he will lead us.

"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." (Isa 60:1)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Taxed

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 

                                                           (Luke 2:1,3-7 KJV)

It is that time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Unfortunately, it is also that time of year when it's time to start thinking about paying income taxes.  It can be a taxing time for many. It is not unheard of to receive a letter after paying your taxes that you need to send another check because the IRS has decided that you owe more taxes and unless  you have a lot of time to find all the paperwork you need and the money to pay for a tax lawyer you really are going to have to pay it whether you owe it or not or you could end up having even your home taken from you. I remember hearing something about an unfair tax on tea before this country was born. It ended up in a party known as the Boston Tea Party. 

Joseph and very pregnant Mary traveled to Bethlehem to be taxed. Caesar had declared that the whole world had to go to their hometowns to be taxed. That sounds like madness to me. But, God had another plan.  Jesus was born during that tax paying journey in Bethlehem as had been prophesied. God turned a bad thing into a good thing.

During this season and everyday let us rejoice for the good things that God has given us in confidence that no matter what happens God has a good plan for you.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28)

Trust the Lord!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Stand On What Is Right And Good

"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?." 

                                                                       Matt 6:25-27 KJV

There have been more than a few times that I have been quite confrontational when it comes to injustice. When others were shrinking back and warning me that I should too for safety's sake, I advanced. I did indeed consider the worst case scenarios before I advanced. What is the worst thing that could happen to me? What is there to fear? Nothing, not even death. There is so much more to life than what we see or hear or feel in this world. I have eternal life.

When considering a new venture; whether it be a new job or investing in a project or a person or whatever challenge the day might bring; again, the same question: "What have I to fear?" Nothing. Life in this world is temporary. It will all pass. I have eternal life.

Jesus knowingly went forward to the cross; to his death, that we might live. He could have gone in the other direction. He could have. But, he did not. He did not shrink back from saving the world; even though much of the world would reject him. He did not pretend that everything in the world was okay. He was willing to give his life because the world was not okay.

Do not fear. Our Father in heaven loves you. Believe this. Know that you too have nothing to fear. You will be much more able to attempt to make radical changes within yourself and in the world around you with the knowledge that God is with you and for you. The world may abandon you. You may even lose many things in this world that you now treasure. But, there is nothing to fear. By faith, you have received eternal life! By faith in Christ you have inherited your place in the Kingdom of God.

May God help us to always stand in His truth; in His Way, no matter what possible dangers may lay before us. Following in the "Way" means to stand on the truth; doing justice out of love for others. Micah reminds us:  "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8)

May God help us to always remember that we have nothing to fear in doing what is right for through God's own Son, Jesus the Christ, we have eternal life.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The One Good Shepherd

Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 

                                                                      (John 10:7-14 KJV)

Are you still wondering when that abundant life is going to be yours?  Have you considered that just maybe you are following the wrong shepherd?

Even in times of trouble those who follow the good shepherd, who is Jesus the Christ, will know peace. They will know peace because they know that Jesus is with them and no matter what dark valleys they travel through he will bring them to lie in green pastures and beside still waters. Jesus will restore our souls.

There is only one good shepherd. Follow him and live life in an abundance of peace!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

His Mercy Endureth Forevev

Psalm 42 KJV

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?

When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.

Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.

I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

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Where are you, Lord?  There are times we may feel totally deserted; completely alone. There are times when we long to feel and know His presence most fully. We may even question why God has left us. But, He has not forgotten us. He is with us and is working out good things for those who love Him. (Rom 8:28)

Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 106:1)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Do Good; Live In Peace

Psalm 37:1-11

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.

For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

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Do not fret! Do not be angry or jealous of those who appear to have more or be happier than you are! The Lord will provide for you. Those who live life focusing on the good gifts of God will delight in an abundance of peace.

So much time is spent feeling sorry for oneself; for lamenting their perceived trials and troubles. There are real troubles in this world and then there are also those that are contrived in one's head. That is not to say that we should not strive to help those in real trouble. But, sometimes it might be good to recognize that others have much more serious problems than our own.

When Jesus died he gave it all for us. He gave his life for us and then he rose from the dead to reign in the Kingdom that we hope for. That old addage that says it is better to give than to receive is not wrong. He gave it all! What would we be willing to give? 

It does not do any good to complain about our lives. Take a look at the world around you and consider what you might do, following in the footsteps of Jesus, to do good for others. If and when you do this you will find that your own perceived troubles will begin to disappear. You will not have time to fret about your life. Those things that once bothered you will mean very little to you.

Do not fret! Trust in the Lord! He will provide for you.

God's Peace - Judy

No One Is Good

And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

                                                                        ( Mark 10:17-22 KJV)

No one is good. No, not one. We cannot do enough good things to save ourselves. If we do any good things is because of the Spirit of Christ that abides in us and guides us. His love inspires us to follow him reaching out and helping others.

What then is required to inherit eternal life? To give everything for the sake of others?  To put others before yourself? That's what Jesus himself did. He was willing to give even his last breath on earth that we might be reconciled to our Father in heaven for all of eternity.

There will come a day when we will realize that the possessions we have on earth count for nothing as we stand before the King of Creation. There will come a day when in humility we understand the lust for power was misplaced.  

It is in the giving of ourselves and all that we are to others that we are lifted up even as Christ was lifted up on the cross that all who would believe in him would inherit eternal life.

We are saved by faith alone in Christ alone.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Walk In His Way; Do His Will

Psalm 128:1-6 KJV

Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways.

For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.

Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.

Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord.

The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.

Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.

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It is a good thing to walk in the ways of the Lord; to do His will.  God did not make rules just to punish us. The law reminds us what can and cannot do if we would live peaceably with God and with one another. After all the essence of the commandments can be summed up in one word: love. We are to love God and our neighbors.

When the Israelites listened to God things went pretty smoothly. But, the Israelites, like us, had a tendency to do their own will; make their own rules, rather than listen to God. They often fell away as we do.

Blessed is the one that walks in the ways of the Lord!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Lord Is Your Helper

Psalm 54 KJV

Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.

Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.

For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.

Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.

He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.

I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O Lord; for it is good.

For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.

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It doesn't matter what you face, the Lord will not leave your side. He is with you and for you. He is your helper and the helper of all who would support those who love him.

Trust him for he will deliver you out of all of your troubles. He will bring down those who unjustly persecute others.

May the Lord bless you and keep you all the days of your life.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

By Grace Through Faith In Christ

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.

For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. 

                                                                                       (Gal 2:16-21 KJV)

Forgiveness of sin is a free gift from God. It was given to us through the sacrifice of his Son Jesus the Christ. So, if you have any notion that just because you think you are a good person; just because you think your good works outweighs your sin; think again... We are all sinners forgiven by God's grace alone.

"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Rom 3:10)

"And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God." (Luke 18:19)

Christians live; they love God as Christ loves them. It is the abiding presence of Christ in us that loves and through us it is he would does good works. Without Christ we would be lost. Without Christ any good works would be worthless. Without Christ it is we who live in vain.

Do not frustrate the grace of God. He has sent his only begotten Son to die that we might receive forgiveness of sins and so that we might live life in his eternal presence; in his kingdom. If we could, which we can't, do enough good works to earn these things by our good works, Christ has died in vain. For those who live by faith he did not die for nothing. 

We live life by faith in the Son of God who loves us and gave himself for us.

Please think again if you think somehow we have earned God's grace; that we have earned life in his presence! We have eternal life by God's grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone!

God's Peace - Pr. J.