Sacrifice At Least A Little For Others!

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

                                                                                  (1 John 3:16-17 KJV)

In these last few days of Lent we continue to be called to make just a little sacrifice so that others may stay safe and well. It may seem difficult for some. But, it really is just a little thing if we consider what others have given and continue to give so that we might live in safety and with well-being. It is a little thing if we consider what Jesus gave so that we might live and dwell in our Father's house; in his presence, for all of eternity.

So, please, out of compassion and love for others stay at home as much as you can. Do not go to visit your friends or even your family simply because you are bored. Do not go mingle with friends at the beach or a park. Do not take your children shopping or into public places unless you simply must because you have no one to care for them while you are picking up essentials. Use the pick-up stations and windows or home delivery with stores that have them. If you still have work or you go out for anything (like maybe check on or deliver groceries to a neighbor who can't get out), maintain a decent social distance. Have compassion for others and do what you must to keep others and yourself safe. It is just a little thing to be cautious. It is not a major sacrifice.

There are a lot of "do nots" in my blog today. There is also one great "do." Do love your neighbor and have consideration for their well-being. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Peace Like A River

This is what the Lord says—
    your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
    who teaches you what is best for you,
    who directs you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to my commands,
    your peace would have been like a river,
    your well-being like the waves of the sea.

                                    (Isaiah 48:17-18 NIV)

 

Indeed, the Lord does know what is best for us! But, we often think that we know better than God. We often choose the wrong paths and find ourselves in chaotic messes trying to figure out what went wrong and how in the world we are going to find some semblance of peace. What went wrong sometimes just happens to be is that we rejected the Word of the Lord; we have rejected those things that our Father in heaven has sought to teach us. We have rejected the good gifts that He desires us to have. We have chosen to follow in the ways of the world and we ultimately find ourselves wallowing in the depths of despair.

 

The world is a mess. We have helped to make it that way. But, no matter what kind of mess we find ourselves in we can know peace. We can know the peace that only God can give to us. In the midst of the storms, we can know peace that flows forever like a river. We can know peace as refreshing as the cool waters of a gently flowing river.

 

Do not fear! Do not despair! God is with you. Listen to Him and know the peace that only He can give. 

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Peace and Well-being

Pier at Flagler Beach

This is what the Lord says—
    your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
    who teaches you what is best for you,
    who directs you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to my commands,
    your peace would have been like a river,
    your well-being like the waves of the sea.

Isaiah 48:17-18 NIV

I admit it. I do not always go in the direction that the Lord would have me go. I intend to; but, sometimes I stray mostly because there are times that I just don't take enough time to really listen to Him. This is not a good idea. It ends up bad when I take my own advice.

Each day, for our own sakes and for the sake of others, we must take the time to pray; to really communicate with our Father in heaven. The time we spend with our Father should not be spent just asking for stuff or even in thanking Him. We ought to do these things; but, we must also listen to Him. It doesn't do us any good if we ask Him to show us the way and then don't listen or take His advice. 

Real peace and well-being will be much more abundant in our lives when we follow in His way. He knows what is truly good for us. Our ways don't turn so well.

May God help us to pay attention so that we might follow in His Way.

God's Peace - Pr. J