Nothing Could Stop Them

Acts 5:12-20 KJV

Stop, Look, Listen

Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord.

Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised. 

                                                                          (Psalm 113:1-3 KJV)

I was up early this morning to witness the beauty of Venus and the moon set against the dawning sky. Such beauty God has created! Too many miss it. They never get to witness God awesomeness in his creation. Some miss it because they are in cities where the lights of the sky overwhelm the lights that God has placed in the skies. Others miss the beauty of creation because they are just too busy. They are so busy pursuing their own desires that they fail to see the gifts that God has already given them. Maybe, they are just sitting in a darkened room playing on electronic games.

Years ago, I brought some teenage boys from a correctional facility for a hike around Bond Falls in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They were a bit nervous about it. When I asked them what was wrong, they admitted that they were thinking that maybe I'd brought them out into the wilderness to lose them or to do them harm otherwise. They did think that maybe we were lost because they could not see the rarely used path before us. They were also very amazed. They had never seen a waterfalls in their lives. They had never been out in the woods. Now, that amazed me even as it reminded me how fortunate I was to be able to get out and explore these things.

But, it is not just the beauty of the creation found outside four walls that is often missed. We often miss the awesomeness of God's creative work in one another. Again; too busy with our own agendas to have time to stop and look and listen to one another. 

Stop, look, and listen to what all of God's creation would share with us. Stop, give thanks, and praise the Lord for all that he has given us.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Do Not Resist Arrest!

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake." 

                                                                              (Romans 13:1-5 KJV)

Message for the day: If you are asked by an officer of the law to stop; STOP. Do not attempt to flee. Do not resist arrest. Do not assault the officer in any manner; physically or verbally. Just, don't do it! It's not the way to go. It will not turn out well for you or anyone else.

There are ways to peacefully protest. Harming or attempting to harm police officers or civilians who might get in the way is definitely not the way to go. Looting or damaging the property others have worked hard to obtain or maintain is definitely not the way in which a Christian would go.

May God grant us peaceful resolutions and reconciliation. May He help us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Remember that Jesus did not raise a hand to defend himself nor would he allow his disciples to fight when he was arrested.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Be Renewed!

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Rom 12:2 KJV)

Tired of the way your're living or the way that you think life is treating you? There is a better way. Try getting to know Jesus. Ask him to empty you of all of your sins; to forgive you, and to fill you with his Spirit. You can be transformed by the Holy Spirit. Your life can be changed. Stop! Stop being in denial of a lifestyle that is bringing you down. Stop and ask Jesus to renew your life! 

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 

                                                                                             (Luke 11:9-10)

God's Peace - Pr. J