The Lord Knows Our Sins

Psalm 139:23-24 KJV; It would be more comfortable if God didn't know our every thought and action. But, he does and so do we. Without that knowledge we would not turn and follow in the way everlasting.

To Prosper

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.
                                                                             Psalm 1:1-3 KJV

This word prosper is an interesting word with more than one meaning. Most often people think of it in relation to be physical wealth; financial success. But, it also means to grow. That growing can mean to get physically strong and healthy or even spiritually strong and healthy. 

Prosperity is not just about having things; but, also about what you are able and willing to give. It is a state of being; whether you are rich in things or not. Some of those who have the most are often the poorest for inside they are empty of any of the gifts of God. They lack genuine love for others. They lack empathy. Always seeking more they lack the peace and joy that only God can give. 

The photo above was taken at a congregation in Michigan. Of what they had, they gave to those in need both generously and cheerfully. They worked together to help and to prosper others; to provide for those in need that others might be comfortable and content and that they might also grow spiritually. I am confident that as they worked to prosper others they also grew in spirit.

May God bless the work of all of our hands that others may also prosper in the Kingdom of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Too Much Laughter

Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.

                                (Luke 6:25 KJV)

I am not all that comfortable being around people who laugh all of the time. I am not saying that we should never be joyful. But, it makes me very uncomfortable to be around people who think unless the outcome of a conversation is something that makes everyone laugh it has been an unfruitful conversation.

I simply do not view laughter or even happiness as the reason for being. If it were the reason for living then it would stand that those who grieve; those who are depressed would have no reason for being. That is a false narrative. In fact, I cannot help but wonder if the fact, that society wants us to believe that in order for our lives to be validated we must be happy, is the reason for so much depression today. We end up depressed because we are not as happy as the world seems to promise us we should be. 

Life is tough. Not everyone should be expected to be filled with laughter all of the time. We must give others (and ourselves) the time and opportunity to grieve; to be sad; to be contemplative. 

There is a difference (at least for me) between being happy, happy, happy, laughing all of the time and being joyful. Each and everyone of us have a purpose; a reason for being. Joy can be found in having a purpose and reaching toward fulfillment of that purpose. Joy can be found as we face challenges of the day knowing that God is with us and that in Him, His will will be accomplished. He is with us and so we can face another day and yet another challenge with peace and with joy.

Whatever we deem the purpose of life to be; I simply cannot accept that it is to make everyone laugh unless your profession is as a comedian. We cannot laugh away the troubles of the world. Troubles must be dealt with not hidden under laughter. If your neighbor needs help; help him or her as they face their trials. It does no long-term good to sit down and tell them jokes. There are times when you may have to sit beside them quietly and grieve with them. You just might have to actively do something. If your neighbor is in trouble; maybe, you just may need to assist them in some way to face the challenges of the day. 

"A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.." (Eccl 3:4) There is a time for all of these things according to the author of Ecclesiastes. We should know the difference. Laughter is not the answer to all of life's experiences. There is a time for laughter; but, it is not what we should expect of every outcome. 

I am very uncomfortable with people who think that laughter has to be the outcome of every visit; every meeting. Experience has (unfortunately) taught me not to trust those who laugh too much. And, yes, I do laugh and even smile quite a bit. But, tears also are a part of my experience. They are a part of the human experience. Grieving is a part of life's experience, as well. There is both a time to weep and a time to laugh. Let us do both as the situations we find ourselves lead us to.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Sorry for the rambling today. I am not against laughter. I am leery of those who think that we must laugh all of the time or that we are less than.

A Life For A Life

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.  (1 Peter 1:18-19 NIV)

I often wonder how many actually get that we are truly sinners. We are not so good that we're all going to go to heaven by our own merits. We all ought to know this by now; but, do we all really believe it? I would think if we really believed it we would actually try just a little harder to be thankful to the Lord for all he has done and follow in the Way he would have us go. Or, are we still going about business as usual according to the way that makes us the most comfortable; steeped in sin? 

Do not believe the lie that we are all saved and everything is good just that way it is. Do not believe it for our salvation cannot be bought or earned by anyone; but, the one who is without sin and that only one is Jesus. 

He gave his life for us. We were not bought by silver or gold. It was a life for a life. In order that we might live eternally with our Father in heaven; his only begotten Son gave his life in exchange for our sins. Jesus, an innocent man, was willing to be persecuted, tortured, and executed in the place of the guilty, in our place. He gave his sinless life for our sin-filled lives that we might live.

May God help us to love more fully the one who exchanged his life for our life; through whom all who believe in him shall receive eternal life. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

A Time To Smile And A Time To Not

There is a time for everything,    

and a season for every activity under the heavens:

    a time to weep and a time to laugh,

    a time to mourn and a time to dance...

Eccl 3:1,4

The dolphin appears to have a pleasant and peaceful disposition. Most appear to have perpetual smiles upon their faces. Even the killer whale, a species of dolphins, has a smile on its face.

I have learned over time to be just a little suspicious of those who have perpetual smiles on their faces; those who are always happy, happy, happy...  I am especially suspicious of preachers who smile and laugh all of the time.

That being said, I admit, I smile a lot. My kindergarten teacher nick-named me "Miss Sunshine." I am aware that at times it is irritating to others, especially when I smile as I am confronting someone. Yes, I confront people from time to time. It's in my job description to "comfort the afflicted and afflict the too comfortable." However, I also cry a lot. I tend to cry when I think that God was willing to sacrifice His only begotten Son for my sins; for the sins of the world. I tend to cry when I consider what he suffered for us. I tend to weep when I see the suffering that humankind would inflict upon one another.

There is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. Let us grieve our sinful natures and our inability to live lives that bring peace and reconciliation in the world around us; yet, let us rejoice that through our Lord Jesus we have been reconciled to God and one another in His Kingdom, even now.

God's Peace - Pr. J