God Will Deliver You

"And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you." (Isa 46:4 KJV)

Thanks be to God that He who created us is with us and delivers us. There are times when sorrows are so deep that we might wonder how He will deliver us. There are times when it feels as though the world around us has gone absolutely mad as everyone looks to their own interests and cannot recognize that the good of others is in their best interest. It is in their best interest to live in peace with one another and with God.

Yet, without the love of God, we are not capable of living in that peace. Without the blood of Christ shed for us there would be no reconciliation with our Father in heaven. There would be no peace.

According to St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians Jesus is our peace.

"For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh." (Eph 2:14-17)

In Christ we are one body. We are the family of God created and delivered to live in peace with one another. Do not fear. It is the great "I Am" who has created and delivered you. He is with you now and always even as he promised.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matt 28:18-20)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Live Without False Gods

Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast.

They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.

Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:

And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

                                                                                 (Isaiah 46:1-4 KJV)

When things get too heavy for us to carry any longer; too rough for us to handle, then it's probably time to get rid of the false gods we keep stooping to carry. Get rid of the excess baggage and worship the one true God. He has promised to carry us. He will deliver us.

So, why is it that over and over false gods which are nothing but a burden are chosen over the One who will carry us? It just doesn't make sense. Give up your false gods and worship Him!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Feed My Sheep

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

                                                                               (John 21:15-18 KJV)

When Jesus was being questioned and tortured; when he was being tried; Peter had denied knowing him three times. Now, Peter is called to affirm that he truly does love Jesus the same number of times that he had denied him. What is more, Jesus tells him to feed his flock; show the world that he is his follower by feeding his lambs, feeding his sheep. He is to go forth, following in Jesus' footsteps, doing the things that he has done. He is to feed his people both physically and spiritually. He is to follow Jesus and take up his cross, even to death and Peter will die for following and proclaiming the Good News that Jesus died and yet lives.. 

We too, have denied Jesus in many ways and for many more times than Peter did. What will we do to show the world that we truly love the one who was willing to die for the sins of all people? How will we testify to this great love? Will we take up our cross? Will we follow? Will we feed his sheep along the way?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Called To Serve? Count The Cost!

And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 

                                        (Luke 14:27-28 KJV)

I have been concerned of late, to the rising number of newly ordained clergy who do not seem to quite grasp what it means to follow Jesus. There are a few too many who seem to not have counted the cost of answering the call to follow Jesus.

There are those who think pastors are dearly loved by all. Think again! There will be some who love you. But, there will also be those who will not and they will come against you. 

Even if you are called as a part-time pastor you are on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The congregation may pay you for part-time hours; but, Jesus calls you to feed his sheep and that doesn't mean once you have your hours in for the week you get to sleep or party or whatever it is that you like to do in your off hours. Certainly there will be time to socialize as you share the Good News in word and deed with both your family and friends (the Church). But, when the sheep need you, as a disciple of Jesus, you will be there for them no matter what time of the day or night it happens to be. So, if you have a family make sure that they are prepared for you to pick up and go whenever and wherever you are called. If they cannot be then maybe the call that you think you have isn't as legitimate as you might think.

My eldest granddaughter spent much of her growing up years with me. When a call came in the middle of the night, she would wake up and begin getting dressed while I was still on the phone. As soon as I got off the phone, she would typically ask, "Who died?" I would then drop her off with her grandfather who worked nights at our adult foster care or with her dad on my way to whatever crisis I was on my way to. She never complained. She was just as concerned about those who were in crisis as I was. 

There is a cost to being in ministry. The cost is to leave behind our cares and go and care for others, sharing with them the love of God, whether it is in word or deed.

The call of the ordained minister is not to go out and make everyone happy. It is not to go out and tell jokes, especially not off color jokes. It is to share the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ. 

If you happen to be in the midst of discerning whether God is calling you to ordained ministry, count the cost. 

And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

                                                                                   (Luke 9:57-62 KJV)

Jesus left everything behind him to do his Father's will and his Father's will was for Jesus to die so that we might be forgiven and live reconciled to God. He loves us so much he was willing to give up everything. He was willing to live a life in which he would be loved by some and hated by many. He had no home to call his own. He was willing to sacrifice every creature comfort for our sake. He was willing to give his life for us.

"Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first." 

                                                                                     (Matt 19:27, 29-30)

Jesus became a servant to all; willing to suffer and give his life on the cross for all. His personal needs came last. He is now first in his Kingdom. He is the King of Kings! As a pastor, you need to consider if you are really willing to be last. Are you willing to put the rest of God's children before yourself? 

If you are considering a call into the ministry consider two things: 1. Is God really calling you to the ministry? 2. Have you counted the cost to yourself and to your family? 

One last reminder of what it might cost:

"While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.

But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?

And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."

                                                                                                        (Matt 12:46-50) 

As a pastor, your family will be greatly enlarged. The joys will be increased and so will the number of sorrows. The Christian brother who is in need of spiritual care takes priority over your spouse for his moment of need. You get to leave the picnic and go! The family who is grieving the death of a child takes precedence over your own children. 

It is a privilege to serve the Lord and his people, are you really ready for a privilege like dropping your personal life to go and share the Good News? Count the cost!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Christians: Participants or Observers

Live Life! Live as an active member
of the Body of Christ.

This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,  making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Eph 5:14 NIV)

There is a huge difference between a member of a team and an observer. A team member takes some risks; now unless you are betting on your favorite team (which is really poor stewardship of what the Lord has provided you with!) fans or observers really don't take any risks. They sit in the stands or on their couches and watch. They watch as others are busy running the race or carrying the ball. Observers do not participate in life. They prefer to stay in lala land; half or fast asleep. In reality, that is what often happens to the person who lies on the couch for hours watching television; they fall asleep. They are dead to the real world around them. They are safe from having to participate; from having to live life.

And, so it is with way too many Christians. They are observers. They may be fans of Jesus. But, they are not members of the team. They are not players. They do not actually participate in the game. They are not members of the team. They are merely bystanders. In reality they are mere observers or fans of Jesus and not members of the team. They are not members of the Body of Christ.  Members work together as a team. They don't sit back and watch the team. They do not sleep when the light is shining upon them. They do not hide in the darkness of their own dreams.

In Christ, we become one Body. But, it seems that some of the parts of the Body are missing in action. Your local congregation misses you. Jesus calls you to worship and serve the Lord as a member of the community of saints.

Members of the Body work and play as a team, with one purpose, because they are one. If you would be a follower of Jesus then get off of the couch, take up your cross, and follow him, participating in a life of worship and service to God and in service to one another. Wake up sleeper, rise from the dead and live life in Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Consider the Cost of Following Jesus

Billboard of Former Parish

"Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it?" Luke 14:27-28

We can either follow Jesus or we can follow someone or something else. But, know this: following Jesus is not always going to be a walk in the park. Following Jesus requires taking up the cross, an instrument of torture and death. Being a follower, a disciple, of Jesus requires a bit of self-discipline. It is not easy going against the grain of society. It is not easy putting aside our own desires to follow in Jesus' footsteps doing the will of our Father in heaven; but, that is exactly what Jesus tells those who are considering following him must do. 

God does not force anyone. But, he does want everyone to follow his only begotten Son into His Kingdom. The way is not easy. It was certainly not easy for Jesus to blaze that path before us. It will not be easy for us to follow him on that path. There will be trials and temptations. There will be persecution. The way is not always easy and many will try to entice us to go in another, easier and less costly, way. There is no other way if our desire is to be reconciled with our Father in His Kingdom.  

"Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

God's Peace - Pr. J

Take Up Your Cross

Christ Lutheran Church, Bunnell, FL

   But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
   Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.                                                   (Matt 16:23-25  NIV)

Years ago, I was serving as a missionary to remote areas of Upper Michigan where there was no or very little church presence.  I led Bible studies at 3 different sites and led Worship at up to 6 sites any given week.  The worship sites included a state park, house church, an historic Lutheran church, an historic Episcopal church, a community center, a youth correctional facility, and sometimes my home.  The area I covered was about 45 miles north and south and 20 miles east and west.  Yes, it was what would be considered in today's world - wilderness.  I carted everything needed for worship between sites.  Packing and unpacking - setting up and tearing down - the same stuff over and over again. We had one of those big gold crosses for the altar, which was included in the stuff I needed to carry with me from worship site to worship site.  On one Ash Wednesday afternoon as I was rushing between Worship sites about 25 miles apart when I panicked thinking that I had left the altar cross at the last site.  So driving down the road while reaching in the back seat to see if I could feel it back there someplace, I heard myself say:  "I am so sick and tired of having to carry that cross with me all the time."  Fortunately, I said it out loud so that the impact of what I had said hit me full on.  What about the cross that Jesus bore for me?  And... this little cross was a bother to me?  If I couldn't carry this little altar cross, what kind of cross was I really willing to carry?  As a reminder to myself of my own hard heartedness and of what Jesus was willing to do for me, throughout that Lent I carried that cross on the seat next to me; not just between worship sites, but every day, every where I went.  While driving from place to place, that cross would remind me of my weakness, of my sin, and I would take hold of it, confessing my sins and thanking God for the cross he bore for me.  For I know full well that the cross I have been called to carry is nothing compared to the one he bore for me.  And I cannot even carry the little one without the help of God.  

Taking up our crosses and following Jesus is not easy. It will mean that our own will may have to be crucified in order for our Father's will to be done through us. May God help each of us to take up our cross to follow him wherever he would lead us.

God's Peace - Pr. Judy