Our Goodly Heritage

Psalm 16:5-9 KJV; By faith in the sacrifice of Jesus for us; we have inherited our places in the Kingdom of God as God's beloved children.

Listen To Him

Psalm 1:1-4 KJV

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

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God's will; His way, is for the good of all who listen and follow in that way. When we decide that we would rather do our own thing than listen to him things don't always go so well for us.

According to the prophet Isaiah:

"Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David."  

                                                                            (Isa 55:2-3)

And when Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus being transfigured and speaking with Moses and Elijah on the mountain they heard a voice that told them that they were to listen to him.

"While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." (Matt 17:5)

This is His beloved Son. This is our beloved brother and our savior. Listen to him for all that he has done and is doing is out of love for humankind; for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Together

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

                                                                                                      (Eph 1:5-10 KJV)

God's purpose: to unite us with him and one another through Jesus the Christ. Unfortunately, the world and the devil would see us separated from one another and have us turn our backs on God.  It's too much to attend worship and hear the word of God with those hypocrites! It's too much to share the peace with one another! We might get sick. 

What is sick is being separated from God and one another. That is not God's purpose for humankind. Thankfully a goodly part of the world is getting back together to love and serve one another; to love and  to serve God together.

It is the good will of God that we be reconciled to him and to one another. God help us to gather together in unity and in peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

He Has Chosen Us! Praise Be To God!

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."

                                                                                        (Eph 1:3-6 KJV)

In a nutshell:  God chose us. We did not choose him. Without his grace given to us through Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit we would totally reject him. After all, his way are not our ways. His ways are not the ways of the world and we really like to fit in. 

In spite of our sinfulness, God still chose us because of his love for us.  I have said it more than a few times lately.  "We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19 KJV) It is God's love for us and not the fear of hell that moves us to love and serve him. Perfect love casts our fear. So, if it is the fear of hell that motivates you then you probably don't have a real loving relationship with God. It is more than likely that what you're doing is pretending in order to try to hedge your bet, just in case...

Open up your Bibles and may God open up your hearts and minds so that you may have a loving relationship with your God who loves you enough to die for you.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

His Beloved

"The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing." 

                                                                                            (Zeph 3:17 KJV)

He has saved us. With the life of His only begotten Son, Jesus, we have been spared. 

No matter what is going on in our lives here on earth we can know that He is with us and loves us. He loves us more than is possible for any human being to love. Rejoice in Him as He rejoices in you. 

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." 

                                                                                         (1 John 3:1-2)

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!  You are His beloved child!

God's Peace - Pr. J.  

The Witness Of Peter

 

"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost."

                                                                       (Acts 10:34-45 KJV)

Here we have the witness of Peter to the Gentiles of Jesus had done for them. While hearing this witness the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word; both Jesus and Gentiles alike. The Spirit of God did not discern a difference among the people; but, touched the lives of everyone who heard.

The Jews were indeed God's children; but now because of Christ, to be a member of the family of God was open to all who heard the word and believed. Peter wrote in his first letter to the exiles of the dispersion (that is to the people living in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia):

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."

                                                                                  (1 Peter 2:9-10)

Thanks be to God for we who were not His people are now His people and not just His people; but, His children and heirs because He has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light through the gift of His Son Jesus the Christ. Thanks be to God for his mercy and grace. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Everyone Is Tempted

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Do not err, my beloved brethren.

                                                                                  (James 1:12-16 KJV)

We all fall prey to temptations from time to times. Call upon the Lord to give you the strength to resist temptations that will in the end harm you or others.

During the season of Lent many people at least attempt to fast. Most of this fasting is pretty minor. We  give up a favorite drink or food and we think that we have done well if we have been able to resist the temptation to partake of whatever it is that we're fasting from. In fact, maybe we have done well because we are so used to caving into every desire that even a little rejecting of a temptation may be a major feat.

We are all tempted to sin every single day of our lives. Every single day of our lives we do yield to some sort of temptation whether it is what we call a white lie or maybe a slanderous word against a neighbor. We sin when we do not trust the Lord to help us resist temptation.

Without trusting the Lord it is really tough to resist temptation. We need his strength to battle the temptations of our own desires. St. Paul wrote to the Ephesians to do battle with all attacks against us (temptations are truly attacks against our own welfare) we must be strong in the Lord. 

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

                                                                                     (Eph 6:10-18)

Put on the armor of God and stand firm against all attacks of temptation by the power of God's might through the Holy Spirit.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Today He Died For You

For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. (Psalm 90:4 KJV)

Was it two thousand years that our Lord Jesus suffered and died on that cross for us? Or, was it just yesterday? 

I often think that we tend to write off what Jesus has done for us as mere history from long ago; a history that is slightly relevant to our time or maybe it is not relevant at all. It has become almost a myth for many who actually profess to be Christian. 

Jesus' death and resurrection was a reality. It is a reality. It is as real today as it was two thousand years ago. It is not just ancient history. 

God's time is not our time. He does not count days like we count days. St. Peter wrote "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (2 Peter 3:8)

In your devotions today and tomorrow consider this: today is the Lord's day; everyday is the Lord's day. Today is the day that Jesus died for you. It is the day that he rose from the grave for you. It is the day that he lives for and with and through you. May God grant us all fuller appreciation of this glorious day. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Basking in the Light

Sharing space while basking in the light.

My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;
                                                                    (Song of Solomon 2:10-12 KJV)

Exactly what does a turtle's voice sound like? As many turtles as I've run across, I've never heard one speak. What I do know is that the season of summer is a beautiful one. The cold dark winter is past and it is time to kick off your shoes; dance in the grass with your beloved; sit back and enjoy the beauty of the land.

One of my elderly cousins once told me that we could learn a lot about how to live life by watching and listening to the creation around us. Take, for example, the turtle. They may not have voices as we have. But, if we observe we can learn from them. They appear to live pretty slow and seemingly relaxed lives. They don't have a problem getting close to each other. They take care of what they need to live; but, they do not hurry about as if the end of the world is near. They know how to bask in the light and the warmth of the sun. 

Winter is over. Summer has come. May God help us to understand how to bask in the light of His Son, Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Brood Of Vipers; God's Children

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance.                          (Matt 3:7-8 NRSV)

John the Baptist is one of my favorite biblical characters. Can you imagine if I went around saying to people, "...You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Well, actually I do say things similar to this at times, I just don't recall actually calling anyone a viper. Oops, I take that back, too. I do recall an occasion or two when I've let someone know that they were acting like a snake.

Here is John, baptizing with water for repentance and along comes Jesus, the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, requesting to be baptized by John.

John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matt 3:14-17)

Anointed by the Spirit of God at baptism, we hear from that same Spirit, that same God, welcome us into His family with these reconciling words, "You are my beloved child, with whom I am well pleased."

A brood of vipers, we are. Yet, by His grace, we are His children.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Gave Himself For Us

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

(Eph 5:1-2 NRSV)

What does this mean? Even as he gave his life that we might live we are to give our lives up for the sake of others. That does not necessarily mean that it is inevitable that we die physical deaths for others as Jesus did. It may mean that; but, not necessarily. It means that we love the people of God around us as Christ loves and would be willing, if necessary to die for them.

Mostly it means that we will put the needs of others before our own desires. We needed to have our sins washed away in order to be reconciled to God our Father; in order to enter the Kingdom of God. God had a plan. That plan was to make the ultimate sacrifice; a sacrifice so great that it would cover the sins of all people. That plan meant that the one without sin, Jesus Christ, would bear the sins of the world on the cross. He gave himself for us.

As followers of Jesus, we are to be imitators of him. His primary concern was not and is not for himself. Our primary concern is not for ourselves. His primary concern is following the will of our Father in heaven; loving Him; and, lovingly giving himself for the sake of others. 

May God help us to set aside our self-serving desires to do the will of our Father so that others might know of His great love for all human-kind.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

As My Beloved is Dead; So am I

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Gen 2:24 NKJV)

Over the last couple of weeks I have commended an elderly sister in Christ into the hands of Almighty God; informed her husband of her death; and attended her funeral. It was both heartbreaking and reassuring to be with her husband and to witness his love for her. The Lord's Prayer was said many times in the last week as was the Shepherd's Psalm and many other prayers, as well. Between prayers, he lamented, "I am dead." 

This man who has lived on earth for over one hundred years knew what it meant to be one, completely one, with his wife. Assuredly, he was also an individual; but, when God joined them together as husband and wife they truly became one flesh. When she died, it was as though he died. In fact, a part of him has. This woman who was joined to him as one flesh is no longer with him in this world. A huge part of him has been ripped from his life. It is not as though he wishes death for himself; although, he might desire greatly to go home to the Lord, as well. The emptiness within him feels as though there is no life left within him as is common when we lose someone that we love so deeply. The emptiness; the grief, swallows up the breath, the life from within us. It leaves behind the emptiness; the absolute aloneness, of death.

Yet, he is not alone. He has hope. He has hope that as he was joined with his wife as one flesh; through, the gift of the Spirit of Christ, he will always be joined; he will always be reconciled to God our Father, our Lord Jesus, and to all of the people of God. "....nothing shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Rom 8:38-39) In this lies our comfort and hope.

And, so we pray with him: 

        
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

                                              (Psalm 23:4-6)

God's Peace - Pr. J

God Looks At The Heart

"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" 1 Samuel 16:7

When the Lord sent Samuel to anoint the next king over Israel, Samuel saw the stature of Eliab and thought for sure this one must be the one. But, the Lord let him know that He had not chosen the next king of Israel by his outward appearance. In the end, it was Jesse's youngest son, just a shepherd in the field, who was called to be anointed to be the next king.

In the spring when the dandelions begin to bloom, my husband is always in a hurry to get rid of them. I see the yellow blossoms as doing no harm. They are a sign of spring and I enjoy their presence in my yard. We each have a different perspective on what we see or hear. We see things differently. My husband sees weeds. I see flowers; a gift from God that are, in fact, consumable.

God see things a whole lot differently than we do. So what does God see when He looks into our hearts? Our neighbors may see our hearts as dark as the night. But, what does God see? Does he see a child in pain who has not yet learned how to deal with life around him? Does he see a heart that is aching for only the peace that He can give? 

No one; but, God, can know what is truly in the heart of another person. Whether good or evil; whether a weed or a flower, only God can know for sure.

Who knows? The next weed that you try to destroy just might be a treasured flower; a beloved and chosen child of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

To Know Him Better

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better." (Eph 1:17 NIV)

With Paul, all of the saints should be praying this for all whom we know, even those whom we do not know. What an awesome gift it is to know Jesus. What could be more fulfilling than to be in relationship with God our Father and our Lord, Jesus the Christ?

I pray that God would open our ears, eyes, hearts and minds so that we would have a greater understand of His Word and His will for us at least once a day and on most days many more times. Just as getting to know someone in this world better is essential to our relationship with them; getting to know God better helps us to come into a closer relationship. We do this by hearing His Word who is Jesus the Christ and His word given to us in the Holy Scriptures. Hear him! "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." (Rom 10:17)

May God, our Father, grant us wisdom, opening our ears, and our eyes, and our hearts, and minds to know more about Him so that we can get to know our beloved even more personally and more intimately than we do today.

God Peace - Pr. J