Babylon The Great

Revelation 17:3-5; Don't be worrying about who or what is Babylon the Great; just turn and stay away from all false Gods. Turn to Jesus for life and salvation in His Kingdom.

When Will He Drink Of Fruit Of The Vine Again?

The Cup Of Salvation

Who Betrays Him?

For The Good Of The Body

Beside Still Waters

Fish in Bulow Creek

PSALM 23 KJV

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

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There are few things in this world that restores me better than sitting beside or on still water. The water whether it is still or rough reminds me of the awesomeness of God. It can be very rough at times reminding me of the troubled times that come to us all and then peace makes its entrance with the calming of the waves.

Water is a reminder of our baptisms into Christ; into his death and into his resurrection. Our old selves are drowned in the waters of baptism and come out totally new; totally cleansed. Water is not only a spiritual life-giving gift from God; but, a precious gift that is essential to our life and physical well-being here on earth. We would well to protect it.

We may walk through proverbial shadows of death as day after day we encounter obstacles that would turn us away from God; but, we should not fear. God is with us and he leads us through those dark valleys on a path of righteousness beside still waters and will give us rest in luscious green pastures of his making and his choosing.

God bless you with goodness and mercy all the days of your life!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Covenants With God

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.

Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.

"And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.

And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her."

                                                                              (Gen 17:1-7, 15-16 KJV)

They were very, very elderly! And... God blessed Abraham and Sarah. God promised Abraham that he would make him exceeding fruitful. He also promised Sarah that she would be fruitful and bear a son even in her old age.

God has since made a covenant which included those of us who were not of Abraham's tribe. He has promised us eternal life in His Kingdom.  He has blessed us mightily by giving to us His only begotten Son, Jesus the Christ, who sealed a new covenant between God and humankind with his blood.

"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you." 

                                                                             (Luke 22:19-20)

This new covenant has been sealed for all who would believe in the one who shed his blood for us.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

A Good Shepherd; A Great King

He Leadeth Me Beside Still Waters

Psalm 23 KJV

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

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What's so good about having a king that knows how to lead their flock? Everything! The ability to lead others even through the darkest shadows of the valley of death is a very important trait for someone who would be king, a president, or anyone who holds a public office. The ability to protect and comfort the people rather than instill further fear in them when times are troubling is an awesome trait for a ruler. 

David, the author of the Psalms, was a good shepherd and a great king. But, we have one who is even greater. Jesus is the King of Kings. He looks after us as only a good shepherd can. He will reign forever over us.

What's so good about a king who is also an experienced shepherd? Everything!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Good Shepherd Lead Me

He leadeth me beside the still waters.

 

Psalm 23 KJV

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Tomorrow is the fourth Sunday of Easter and the psalm for the day is the Shepherd's Psalm. How many Christians have not heard this psalm? How many have not memorized it? It is a psalm of comfort and of promise. It is a reminder that God, our shepherd, is with us. He is with us and for us. He will guide and protect us. His goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives and we will dwell in his presence for all of eternity. 

May you always dwell in his peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Shepherd Is Near

He leadeth me beside the still waters

Psalm 23 KJV

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Amen!

The Shepherd's Psalm is a favorite among many. Over the years it has become a prayer of affirmation for me. Praying it daily I am reminded that I am living in the presence of God and that, for me, is most comforting and reassuring. The very thought of being in God's presence brings me peace.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want" because God is with me. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters." I know with this affirmation that He does it because He is present in my life. God does all of these things as affirmed in the Shepherd's Psalm because He is present in our lives. He is not a God far off. He is very near.  

We get to live in His presence today. We get to dwell in His presence, in His house, in His Kingdom for ever. Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus who gave His life that we might live in His presence now and forever!

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

What A Gift!

Silver River, Aura, MI

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: 

he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: 

he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: 

thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: 

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23 KJV

What a way to begin to my birthday. I'm not into big birthday celebrations. But, I am into waking up to such a beautiful morning. I slept in until about 7:30. that has not happened in a very long time! This is such a peaceful and relaxing place. I have always affirmed that it was a gift from God to me.

When we first purchased the place, only two people affirmed that it was a wise choice. Pete and Jean Suomela said that they thought it fit me perfectly. Even my husband was not thrilled. The mobile home was condemned. But, I was convinced we could fix it up. After all, we had time. We were living nearby and this place was meant to be a retreat for me. 

When Pete and Jean said it fit me they were not looking at the house. They were looking at the river and the woods surrounding it. They were sensing the peace that I sensed here in this place. Over the years, the mobile home has been renovated. Due to zoning laws and since we are so close to the river, tearing it down and rebuilding was not an option. 

The house was remodeled and we lived in it for quite a few years. It has once again become a retreat for our retirement. Winters where we don't have to shovel snow and freeze. Summers here in this place. 

I thank God for this beautiful morning and for another birthday to enjoy His gifts.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Maundy Thursday

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

                                                                                (1 Cor 11:23-26 KJV)

On the night in which he was betrayed the Lord delivered to us the promise of life. Life was delivered to us when his body was broken and his blood shed on the cross. In the Sacrament of Holy Communion we receive his body and his blood. In the eating and drinking we receive him into ourselves. We do not receive death. We receive life. We receive the living God in this Holy Sacrament. As we remember his betrayal, his persecution, and his death, many we also remember that he rose from the grave and lives. As he lives, so shall we!

Please, join your local congregation this Maundy Thursday and remember what Christ has done for you; to remember his journey to the cross for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Leads Me

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
    for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I 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 overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
  all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
 my whole life long.

Psalm 23 NRSV

 

May your day be richly blessed with God's peace.  Pr. J

 

Babylon The Great

  Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. The name written on her forehead was a mystery:

    babylon the great
    the mother of prostitutes
    and of the abominations of the earth.

  I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished.

                                                           Rev 17:3-5

Who is Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth? I have heard many theories. Some say that it is Iraq; others have said Rome; and others I've heard say that it is either New York or Washington D.C.. There are many theories. The angel; though, does make it clear that kings and indeed people from all over the world will follow Babylon, the great harlot. They will not worship the Lord. The followers of this harlot will join her in persecuting those who worship the one true God.

All the surmising over who or what Babylon the Great is will not bring anyone closer to God. It will only detract us from what we are called to do. We are called; not to debate the days or the times. We are not called to debate where or when the Lord will return; but, to proclaim the Kingdom of God through the shedding of his blood for all who would believe in him. We are called to give testimony to Jesus and to his Kingdom.

Worship the Lord your God and do not bow your knee to any false god, no matter what kind of riches or pleasures they might promise you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Spirit Willing; But, Flesh Is Weak

  Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
  Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
  Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt 26:36-41 NIV)

We were having a prayer vigil. Individuals and families volunteered to come to the sanctuary to pray for one hour during the hours following the Maundy Thursday Service until the Good Friday Service. I had volunteered for three hours, from 3 a.m. until 6 a.m.. I lived next door to the church and I thought it would be easier for me than others who would have to drive to the church at such early hours.

I began my hours praying, kneeling in front of the altar, next to the baptismal font. I was awakened by the couple, who was to follow me, to find them kneeling and praying at the altar. They had come in quietly and didn't want to disturb me. I had fallen asleep, on my knees, leaning against the baptismal font. Apparently, it is not only those first disciples who cannot keep watch, stay awake, and pray for "one hour."

The spirit is willing, but so often the flesh is weak.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Troll Has Received His Promise

Troll with one of the classes he prepared for their first Communion

as they receive their first Communion.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
    He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
    he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
   for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
   I 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 overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    my whole life long.

                                      Psalm 23 NRSV

No matter how dark the valleys may get, those who believe in Jesus the Christ know that Jesus is with them guiding us; comforting us. My dear friend Troll (Michael) died last night. Troll joined Zion Lutheran Church in Skanee a number of years ago. He quickly became very active; teaching our children in Sunday School and preparing them for their first Communion. The children loved him. We all loved him. I do not recall ever seeing him at the church without his Bible in hand and when I visited him after he fell ill; there was the Bible and the church directory beside his bed. He never left home without them.

Troll's journey through life was not always easy. He suffered even before the strokes with PTSD. He had served as a medic stateside during Vietnam, trying to minister to those who had come back wounded. His retirement came after years of service as a police officer in lower Michigan, which also lends itself to having to experience major traumatic incidents on an ongoing basis. But, through the darkest of valleys, his faith did not leave him. Sometimes, he felt as though his faith was buried too deep within him. After he retired he searched hard for more faith. That more faith came to him as a gift from God. Today, even as I remember him and grieve our loss, I am confident that goodness and mercy has followed his life on earth and he dwells in the house of the Lord for all of eternity.

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Is Your Shepherd

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
     He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
     he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
    for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
    I 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 overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    my whole life long.

What a comfort this Psalm has been to me. It is not a prayer only for times when we lost a loved one. This prayer, I pray daily and not just for me; but, for all of you, as well. No matter what day it is we will meet challenges of some sort. Whether those challenges be enemies or temptations to stray from the path we can know that Jesus, who is the Good Shepherd, is with us always, leading us on right paths.

May God grant each of you comfort and peace in the knowledge of the Lord's presence with you today and always.

Pr. J