The Wind Blows

Flagler Beach, Florida

"The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”  John 3:8 NRSV

I was at the beach at sunset last night. The winds and the waves were really moving. The wind has been blowing pretty heavily since Hurricane Irma went through three weeks ago. There was no swimming or surfing in the Atlantic last night; but, it felt just fine. The wind will blow where and when it chooses.

And, so it is with the Spirit. The Spirit moves in unexpected ways when and where we least expect it. There are two things that humankind cannot control: the blowing of the wind and the movement of the Spirit of God. All that we can do is go with it, making the best of the experience. Regardless of the turbulence we might encounter as we ride with the winds; we know that wherever the wind blows or the Spirit moves; God has a plan; a good plan for you.

May God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit guide you in His way.

God's Peace - Pr. J

What A Journey!

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Prov 27:1

Life has been quite a journey. God brings us to places that we never imagined we would go. He has brought me to places that I never dreamed of. He has been very good. There have been many struggles and there continues to be. But; in spite of any hardships I know that whatever and wherever He guides me it is for the good.

When those first disciples dropped everything to follow Jesus they had no clue how much their lives would change and how they would be used to change the lives of others; indeed, change even the

world.

No matter what is going on in your life; if you will listen to Him and follow in His Way you can be assured that God has a plan; a very good plan.

May God grant you the wisdom and courage to follow in The Way.

God's Peace - Pr. J

An Unexpected Journey

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. Mark 1:16-19

I watched The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey again last night. It was probably the third or fourth time I've seen it. I can't remember, for sure, how many times it's been. In fact, I didn't remember many of the scenes, so it was like watching it for the first time all over again. I first read the book forty-two years ago - a little strange that I can remember that!

I love that little hobbit, who took a chance; left his family and friends; left the comfort and safety of his home (most unlike a hobbit) to go on a very unexpected journey with some very strange traveling companions.

My life has been a strange and unexpected journey. By the time, I was thirty-five years old my life had been more full than I could ever have imagined it could be. I was ready to go home to my Father's house. But, the journey goes on. Yes, I have had to leave behind family and friends on more than one occasion. But, wherever I have been, I have found people to love and who care about me.

I have also had to face much adversity, including more than a few proverbial monsters. Adversity comes with the territory. Facing dragons and orcs happens; confronting evil happens, when one is in the company of Jesus. But, do not be afraid! God is with you! What can be more awesome than that?

It's been quite a journey! A journey that has not quite ended and never will as long as I stay in Jesus' company. Won't you come with me? Won't you walk with Jesus? I promise the journey with him is far more exciting than walking alone or staying at home where there is a perceived comfort and safety in this world. With him, you will know real peace regardless of the turmoil around you.

When Jesus called those first disciples, they didn't say, I have to do this or that first. They didn't say I have other obligations. They left everything and everyone behind to begin a very unexpected journey. There lives did not become peaches and cream. But, they were definitely action packed as they learned how to fish for people.

God's Peace - Pr. J