Harden Not Your Hearts

Psalm 95:1-9 KJV; 3rd Sunday in Lent; Harden not your hearts against the Lord; but, worship Him and rejoice that He has released you from bondage.

Pray For Healing

James 5:13-16 KJV Is anyone afflicted? Let him pray. I am home and still have a bit of healing to do. Thank you for your prayers.

Stand FIrmly On The Truth

Col 3:12-15 KJV; Stand on the Word of God; yet, do it with compassion and humbleness of mind.

God Is Our Help In Times of Trouble

Psalm 46:1-3 KJV with brief meditation. There is no need to fear. God is with you.

Harden Not Your Heart; Rejoice!

Psalm 95

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.

The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.

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. To day if ye will hear his voice,

Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:

Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.

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Harden not your heart; but, rejoice and enter into God's presence with thanksgiving. He has done great things for us. Let us look to those things that He has done instead of dwelling on the evil so often found in this world.

Do not spend so many hours looking back at would have been nor worry about what tomorrow might bring. But, live each moment that God has given you more fully and you will find a whole lot less to worry about. Harden not your heart as humankind is so prone to do; but, look around and rejoice in what God has done for you. Rejoice and live the life that God has given you.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

A Good Shepherd; A Great King

He Leadeth Me Beside Still Waters

Psalm 23 KJV

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

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What's so good about having a king that knows how to lead their flock? Everything! The ability to lead others even through the darkest shadows of the valley of death is a very important trait for someone who would be king, a president, or anyone who holds a public office. The ability to protect and comfort the people rather than instill further fear in them when times are troubling is an awesome trait for a ruler. 

David, the author of the Psalms, was a good shepherd and a great king. But, we have one who is even greater. Jesus is the King of Kings. He looks after us as only a good shepherd can. He will reign forever over us.

What's so good about a king who is also an experienced shepherd? Everything!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Depression

"I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord."

                                                                                            (Psalm 40 KJV)

Depression of some sort has touched everyone of us at some point in our lives. For some the depression may last longer than for others. It might last for years. Depression might even cling to us for our entire lifetimes. 

Depression can knock a person to the floor. Once down, it is very difficult to get back up. Depression will tell us to stay down even when we're sick and tired of being down. Most of us need some kind of hand to help us back up when we sink into the miry pit.

King David was not always a happy camper, dancing through the streets. He had times of serious depression and stress. But, David knew that his only help would come from the Lord. He turned to God to lift him up no matter how far he had fallen down. And... the Lord did.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." 

                                                                                                  (Phil 4:8-9)

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Hears And Answers

Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

The Lord is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.

Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.

                                                    (Psalm 28:6-9 KJV)

The Lord hears our prayers and answers! It may not always be the answer we anticipate or desire; but, He does answer. 

In good times and bad times the Lord is listening and watching. Way too often when things are going along quite smoothly for us, we tend to neglect communicating with God. But, when times get rough the prayer line and prayer chains get really active. 

He is our strength and our shield. He is our Savior. But, He is much more. His very presence lifts us up so that we might rejoice in His being. Do not neglect to speak to him often and to listen.

"Rejoice evermore.

Pray without ceasing.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
                                                                                    (1 Thess 5:17-18)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Sing Psalms, Hymns, And Spiritual Songs

Sometimes, it seems, we can share the Word of God and His love with all that we have in our inner being; but, it reaches deaf ears. It is met with rudeness and even anger. There are many who just do not know how to react to genuine love.

What to do about this? We are to continue sharing the Word with all who will listen. Do not be afraid of slander or any kind of vicious attacks. Rather, continue to: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God." Col 3:15 NRSV

Remember that you are a child of God and He will be with you always, no matter what befalls you.

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

The Word Will Lift You Up

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.

(Col 3:16 NRSV)

We all have our bad days. I do not know of no anyone who has never experienced depression. The best way that I have found to get out of a slump is to immerse yourself in and to give thanks by singing songs of praise and thanksgiving for the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ. There will be those who would keep working at dragging you back down.  

Don't worry! Trust in God! Christ can and will lift you up! 

Have a blessed day!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Election Day Peace

How very good and pleasant it is

    when kindred live together in unity!
                                    (Psalm 133:1 NRSV)

Today is election day. I am pretty sure that there will be very few, if any, who are completely pleased with the election results. When all of the ballots are in, I pray that we can accept the voice of the people who have taken the time to vote. We do have a voice in who our elected officials will be. It is expressed on election day. It can also be expressed through opinion throughout every day. However; let us do this respectfully; without bullying; without threatening; without trampling on the rights of others.  As the author of the Psalms reminds us "How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!"

Even though we may not like (not even one iota) everyone who will be elected to public office today, according to scripture we are to give them honor and respect. Yes, we can and should speak our minds about their policies, we have the freedom to do that. But, we should do it out of love for one another so that we might live in the bonds of peace. 

In the first letter of  Peter to the Christians in Asia Minor, he reminds that that: "As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil. Honor everyone. Love the family of believers. Fear God. Honor the emperor." (1 Peter 2:16-17)  He advised them to honor and respect those in authority; but, as Christians we must put God even above those whom he has placed in authority. When the two conflict; go in the way that the Lord has shown you. That way is Jesus Christ. 

We are to follow in the footsteps of the who went to the cross to bring unity to all who believe in him; to reconcile us to God and to one another. "The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." (John 17:22-23) 

Jesus was not in the habit of physically attacking people just because he did not agree with them. Rather, than threaten to kill anyone who disagreed with him, he went to his death instead. He freely died so that others might live. He did not send his followers out to threaten anyone. He sent them out with the Good News of the Kingdom of God; a Kingdom where all God's children would live in peace and harmony.

So, this election day and in the coming years; let us live in unity, respecting the voice of the people; honoring those who are elected to office whether we agree with them or not. Do continue to speak out against injustice; but, do so with justice in mind and not hateful revenge because you didn't get what you wanted. Hateful revenge is not justice. Physically attacking or threatening to attack your neighbor because they don't agree with you will not bring about any peace or unity. The bullying must stop. 

We may be unhappy with some of the results today; but, for the sake of the Body of Christ; let us be kind; listening to one another; honoring those whom God has put authority over us; that we might live in peaceful unity.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Praise The Lord!

    

       Praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord from the heavens;
    praise him in the heights above.
Praise him, all his angels;
    praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Praise him, sun and moon;
    praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens
    and you waters above the skies.

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
    for at his command they were created,
and he established them for ever and ever—
    he issued a decree that will never pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth,
    you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
    stormy winds that do his bidding,
you mountains and all hills,
    fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all cattle,
    small creatures and flying birds,
kings of the earth and all nations,
    you princes and all rulers on earth,
young men and women,
    old men and children.

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
    for his name alone is exalted;
    his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
And he has raised up for his people a horn,
    the praise of all his faithful servants,
    of Israel, the people close to his heart.

Praise the Lord.

                                                           Psalm 148 (NIV)

All of God's creation praises the Lord! That is what this Psalm of David's reminds us. 

There are a few things that we have in common with all of His creation. For starters, the LORD created everything upon the earth and in the heavens above the earth. We are all God's creation. With creation, we bow down and praise the LORD!  With all of earthly creation and all the heavenly host, we praise the LORD!

Thanks be to God for His whole creation!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Sing His Praise

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God." (Col 3:15 NRSV)

Sometimes, it seems, we can share the Word of God and His love with all that we have in our inner being; but, it reaches deaf ears. It is met with rudeness and even anger. There are many who just do not know how to react to genuine love.

What to do about this? We are to continue doing what we have been doing. We are to continue sharing the Word with all who will listen. Do not be afraid of slander of any kind or vicious attacks. You are a child of God and He will be with you always; no matter what befalls you.

Let us always sing songs to the Lord with joy and gratitude in our hearts for all that he has done. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Sing Songs of Thanksgiving!

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God." Col 3:15 NRSV

Sometimes, it seems that no matter how much we share the Word of God and His love it reaches deaf ears. It is often met with rudeness and even anger. There are many who just do not know how to react to genuine love.

What to do about this? We are to continue sharing the Word with all who will listen. Do not be afraid of slander or any kind of vicious attacks. Rather, continue to share the word of Christ which dwells in you richly and sing songs of thanksgiving to the Lord, our God.

Remember that you are a child of God and He will be with you always, no matter what befalls you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Fall Off The Crooked Path

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
    but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
                                                             Proverbs 10:9 NIV

When my youngest granddaughter was very young, she would sometimes attempt to blame others for things that occurred. I would simply tell her that her nose was growing in reference to the Pinocchio fairy tale. She would grab her nose and then tell me what had actually happened in an attempt to keep her nose from growing. She's not buying that story (my exaggeration and falsehood)any longer. Fortunately, I think both of my granddaughters have figured out that I can figure out when they are exaggerating to make themselves look more innocent. I cannot always prove when someone is telling me a falsehood. But, that does not mean that I don't know.

I have found that most often those who choose the crooked paths of deceits will be found out. They either fall of the path or simply loose their way and those who love them have to try to find them and bring them back even as the Good Shepherd would do and would have us do. The bringing back often involves confronting the lack of integrity; the out right lies, the gross exaggerations that were used to justify their actions and to make others look like the ones in the wrong.

It is not just children who take the crooked paths and choose to walk without integrity. They usually learn it somewhere outside of themselves. Politicians, businessmen and women, churchmen and women (and the list goes on) all have a tendency to look after themselves and if a little deceit helps our goals then that seems to be the best path at the time. But, is it? For some reason humanity just hasn't been able to figure out that those who walk without integrity will be exposed. We haven't quite figured out that no matter what we've done; trying to justify our actions or inactions with lies, only gets us more lost. We will eventually fall off that crooked path and lose even ourselves.

May God help us always to speak and act with integrity. Help us to speak the truth in love.

God's Peace - Pr. J