Our Exile

Loving and Supporting One Another 
Is Better Done At Close Range

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

                                                                            (1 Thes 5:14-15 KJV)

Warn those who are falling away; comfort those who need comforting; support those who need help of any kind; and do it all with patience. In other words, love one another. 

The powers that be have isolated us from one another to the best of their ability this past year. Humankind was not made to live in total isolation. No one can live life to even near its fullest without interaction with others. We need others to remind us when we are falling away. Written words are helpful even as Paul wrote to the many church. They are helpful. But, we need people in person to comfort us and support us. As Christians, we do not live for ourselves but for the whole Body of Christ. It is difficult for the Body of Christ to work as one when we steer so clear of one another. 

The vaccination is being widely administered quite rapidly. Whether or not it works is a question many people have. But, with faith in this vaccination  hopefully the fear of dying that so many people have will disappear to a large extent soon and we can get back to actually and actively doing doing good. Hopefully, we will get back to actually and actively loving one another. That is... if we haven't forgotten how.

Have we really been looking to God or politicians and government agencies to save us from this isolation; from this exile?  

In the end remember that no matter what happens in this world the only hope any of us truly have is hope in the promises of God through Jesus the Christ. That hope includes living reconciled to God and to one another in the Body of Christ, in the Kingdom of God. Whatever the world says do not neglect what we know to be good: to exhort one another; to support and and comfort one another, with much patience. 

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Rom 15:13)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

He Is My Refuge And Fortress

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.
                                                          (Psalm 91:1-2 NIV)

I woke up this morning wondering what life was going to be all about today; what kind of "walls" I'd run in to. I decided to not get up and move for awhile. Instead, I just thought about how comforting it is to know that no matter what happens today or any day, God is with me. I am not alone for I rest in the shadow of Almighty God. In God I an always trust.

It is a great comfort know that world is not all there is. There is so much more. But, even while here in the body we can find comfort in the knowledge that all who trust in Him are afforded the love and protection of the Most High, our Almighty God, the most magnificent that ever was, is, and ever shall be.  We are His!  Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Lean On The Rock

Sully

I love you, Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 18:1-2

Sully is my grand-puppy. He is a huge English Mastiff and as solid as a rock. He is one of the most gentle breathing creatures that I have ever known. But, it is wise to be cautious around him. He may be a comfort to be around; but, he also likes to be comforted himself. He will lean against you in order to get a bit of extra attention when you are standing and unless your feet are planted firmly on the ground you may end up on the ground yourself.

We all need someone to lean on. We need someone to run to for refuge from time to time. There is one who is always there for you. The Lord, our God, is our rock and our fortress. This Rock of our Salvation loves you. He invites you to lean on Him not only when times are hard. Lean on Him when times are good; as well, that you might know the comforting peace that can only be found in His presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Listen To God In Silence

God Speaks To Elijah In The Sheer Silence; 1 Kings 19:11-18

Elijah had gone up on the mountain in anticipation of being in the presence of God. There was a strong wind; but, Elijah heard nothing from God. There was an earthquake; but, God was not there. And... then in the sheer silence, Elijah heard the voice of God. Elijah talked to God and God spoke to him, giving him instruction. Think about it for a minute... When we are in a crowded room, with lots of people talking or sitting at home with the television blaring, how hard is it to hear someone speaking to us? Turn off the TV, the music, all of the noise and just listen. Unless, that is, of course, maybe you don't really want to hear what God has to say to you.

My new home (an RV) is not real quiet as there are three of us living in it. So, I came a little early to the church building to spend some quiet time praying. I did not come early enough as I was not quite finished talking with God before everyone started showing up for various reasons. That actually is a good thing. I would love to see the church filled with people every day! I will just have to come a little earlier from now on so that I can kneel in sheer silence and listen for the whisper of God.

May God give each of us many moments of quiet throughout the day so that we might find rest in the presence of God and just maybe hear His voice comforting and guiding us all.

God's Peace - Pr. J