Showing posts with label day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label day. Show all posts

Thursday, November 18, 2021

The Last Day Will Come For All People

Photo Judy Mattson
Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

"But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch."
                                                               (Mark 13:31:37 KJV)

I've heard a lot of excuses for not worshipping God and for not following Jesus as a servant to others.  I can't come to worship or fellowship on Wednesdays because that's my bowling night. Talk about a false god! There are other excuses just as poor and some even worse.

According to the Gospel of Mark, Jesus warns us to watch and pray for we can never be sure when the last day will come. The world might end tomorrow or never in our lifetimes. But, the last day will come for us all and for many of us sooner than we expect or hoped for. It is not advisable to put off worshipping God and reaching out in Christian love to the people around you. As good as the intention is that day may never come.

As professed Christians we also profess to be lovers and servants of God. Let us not be found sleeping on the job when Christ comes again in full glory. Rise up and live life according to the will of God while there is still time!

"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." 
                                                                      (Eph 5:1-2, 9-17)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Friday, November 5, 2021

His Mercy Endureth Forevev

photo by Judy Mattson

Psalm 42 KJV

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?

When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.

Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.

I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

+++

Where are you, Lord?  There are times we may feel totally deserted; completely alone. There are times when we long to feel and know His presence most fully. We may even question why God has left us. But, He has not forgotten us. He is with us and is working out good things for those who love Him. (Rom 8:28)

Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 106:1)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Whom Will You Serve

And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.

And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.

Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods;

For the Lord our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed:

And the Lord drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the Lord; for he is our God. 
                                                                                                   (Josh 24:1-2, 14-18 KJV)

The journey is over. The Israelites have been promised the land for generations. They have been led through some hard times. They have been blessed by the LORD. Joshua's days are almost over. He reminds the people of all that the LORD has done for them and tells them:

"...choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Josh 24:15)

Who indeed will you serve? Which gods? Will you revere the LORD in sincerity and in faithfulness? As Joshua encouraged the Israelites to recall their history with the LORD God, I encourage you to do the same. Who brought you out of bondage? Did any of your false gods really help you? You cannot serve two gods. Choose ye this day, whom you will you serve. And, whichever one you choose know that they will each desire faithfulness from you. Will you choose the One who first chose you, who is faithful, and has always been faithful to you? Will you choose the one who loves you so much that He was willing to die for you? Or will you choose a lesser god, a god that does not love you, one that will only take from you, a god that will take your very joy and leave you alone and helpless? Choose ye this day... And, do not be deceived there is only one God that loves you. Put away all those false gods, for you cannot serve them all and live.

God's promise to you is a for an abundant life in His Kingdom - in His very presence. Do not choose to receive a lesser gift than this. Do not turn your back on the LORD who gives you life.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Thursday, June 10, 2021

How Does The Kingdom Grow?

Photo by Pr. Judy Mattson
How Does The Garden Grow?

And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. 
                                                                                     (Mark 4:26-28 KJV)

One can never tell how one little seed of truth that they share with others will grow the kingdom by one more brother or sister in Christ. We can spread the seed; but, it is God himself who gives the growth. 

It is not by our power or wit or humor or anything else that the Kingdom grows. It is by the word of God alone by the power of the Holy Spirit that it is fruitful.

So plant those seeds until the day the harvest is come!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Friday, April 23, 2021

Bow Your Knee With Joy

Photo by Pr. Judy Mattson
"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." 
                          (Rom 14:11-12 KJV)

It is either now or later. We can acknowledge our sins and repent now or we can do it later when every knee shall bow before the Lord. We can, if we so desire, wait until the day of judgement and miss out on the joy of living in the presence of God; in communion with him today.

The question is will you be bowing in joyful worship as you come before the one who loves you and has given you his life and light or will you kneel before him uncertain of the outcome as you face him on the day of judgement? 

It is a wise person who would confess and repent of their sins and live in the light of the Christ today. Don't wait for tomorrow. Live life in his light today and rejoice.

"And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."
                                                                                      (1 John 1:4-10)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Saturday, November 21, 2020

He Seeks The Lost

Photo by Pr. Judy Mattson
He Seeks The Lost

For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. 

                                                                                    (Ezekiel 34:11-12 KJV)

The Lord God seeks his sheep to bring them into his fold. The truth is that he know where you are and what you are doing. He knows all who have been busy trying to hide from him; trying to run from him. Just maybe it's time to quit hiding and thank the Lord God that he desires to make you his own. Maybe it is time to listen to his voice and follow him to where he would have you go.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Saturday, November 14, 2020

Be Prepared!

 Photo By Pr. Judy Mattson

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 
                                                                                     (1 Thess 5:1-6 KJV)

No one can know when their last breath will be taken. As a thief in the night, the Lord will come in full glory and we cannot know when that will take place. But, we can be prepared. 

To guard against thieves in the night there are many precautions we can take. Surely, we can at least lock our doors. I prefer it to be quiet in the house so that I am easily awakened by any unusual noises. I also do not go to bed intoxicated by anything. If someone breaks in, I would like to be of sober enough mind to at least know it and be able to either defend myself and/or at least call for help. There are many other ways that we can secure our homes and ourselves against thieves who do their mischief at night.

We can also prepare for the day when the Lord comes unexpectedly like a thief in the night. Scripture tells us we will not and cannot know the day or the hour. But, we can and should prepare for that day by reading and hearing his word. We can prepare by listening to him as well as bringing our concerns to him so that he might lead us in the way he would have us go. 

There are many ways that we can prepare for his coming. Do not delay your preparations for another day, another year, another time. No one knows when that day will come. It could be today, tomorrow or a thousand years from now. It makes no difference. Watch! Wait! But, be prepared to see the Lord in full glory!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Monday, November 9, 2020

Today He Died For You

Photo by Pr. Judy Mattson
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.

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Live In The Light And Love


Photo by Pr. Judy  Mattson

Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
                                                                       (Rom 13:10-14 KJV)

I do not recall Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. protesting in the dark of night. I do not recall him marching after midnight. He marched peacefully during the light of the day. 

Peaceful protests occur during the day. Peaceful protests can encourage change. Those who protest in the dark of night may be seeking change; but, what change is that? Is destruction to private and public property; attacking law enforcement and others who are there to serve society; doing harm to people that one does not even know, going to bring about positive change?

Much of the world is in lock down due to the Corona Virus. We are told it is for our health and safety. Yet, in cities around the country and even the world people are not safe from those who choose to continue to riot and destroy that which is not theirs to destroy. 

St. Paul wrote to the Romans and ultimately to us. "Love worketh no ill to his neighbor." To live in the light is to love your neighbor and do him or her no harm or to their property. 

May God help us help us all to learn to live in His love, to live in the light, who is Jesus the Christ. Amen

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Thursday, April 23, 2020

The Season Of Spring

Magnolia Blossom 2020 Bunnell, FL

"While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." (Gen 8:22 KJV)

I have been looking forward to seeing the Magnolia trees in bloom at my most recent home this spring. Finally, one blossom has appeared! 

Every season has its own beauty. Every season has its own purpose. Depending upon where we live the seasons may appear in different forms; but, in all places there are seasons that regulate our comings and goings; that regulate what we do and how we live.

After Noah and his family got off the boat that they'd been floating around in for a season, God had promised that he would never destroy the earth by a flood like that again. He promised that as long as the earth exists there will always be seasons. There would be seasons to plant as well as to to harvest. 

Spring is upon us. For some that still means a little bit of snow and seeds will have to be started indoors. For others that means it is time to get those seeds and plants into the ground so that what we do today will produce a harvest in its own time.

What we do today will help determine how fruitful we are in the future. Do not let the season of preparedness pass you by. There is a season for everything. Spring is not the season for idleness.

Let us rejoice in the beauty of the season; the opportunities to see new growth in both creation and in our own lives. 

The world most likely will not end tomorrow or even the next day. But, it will come to an end for each of us one day. Let us not waste the days we have; but, enjoy life. Live life, taking hold of every opportunity to be fruitful and to glorify our Father in heaven.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Saturday, April 11, 2020

The Sabbath; Remain Still


Scripture is pretty silent on any human activity during the day after the crucifixion of Jesus. It is silent because it was the Sabbath. Travel was limited by law. Work was curtailed. The Sabbath was and is a time of rest. It is a time to recount all that God has done for us.
And, how much recounting there was during that Sabbbath! 
The Priests and Pharisees were still worried about the man, Jesus, that was crucified the day before. They remembered that Jesus had said he would rise from the grave on the third day so they went to Pilate to have the grace sealed, just in case...
The followers of Jesus had lost their teacher to a horrible death the day before. They were grieving this Sabbath. They were in shock and in fear for their own safety. Oh, how their minds must have been racing as they recounted the past three years following Jesus and the events of the past week. Their hearts and minds may have been racing; but, it is was the Sabbath so they remained still. According to tradition they stayed in place until they were allowed to go out again on Sunday.
Today, is the Sabbath. It is a good thing to remain still and recount the happenings of the previous week. For many people today, it is unlawful to leave their safe places unless it is absolutely essential. It is an opportunity to take the time to reflect on all that Jesus has done and continues to do for us.
God's Peace - Pr. J.    

Friday, November 8, 2019

Choose You This Day

Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
                                                                                   (Josh 24:14-15 KJV)

The journey is over. The Israelites have been promised the land for generations. They have been led through some hard times. They have been blessed by the LORD. Joshua's days are almost over. He reminds the people of all that the LORD has done for them and tells them to decide for themselves whether they will serve the LORD or false gods. 

Who indeed will you serve? Which gods? Will you revere the LORD in sincerity and in faithfulness? As Joshua encouraged the Israelites to recall their history with the LORD God, you are encouraged to do likewise. Who brought you out of bondage? Did any of your false gods really help you? You cannot serve two gods. Choose ye this day, whom you will you serve. And, whichever one you choose know that they will each desire faithfulness from you. Will you choose the One who first chose you, who is faithful, and has always been faithful to you? Will you choose the one who loves you so much that He was willing to die for you? Or will you choose to lift up a lesser god; a god that does not love you; a god that will only take from you; a god that will take your very joy and leave you alone and helpless? Choose ye this day... And, do not be deceived there is only one God that loves you. Put away all those false gods, for you cannot serve them all and live.

God's promise to you is a for an abundant life in His Kingdom; in His very presence. Do not settle for a lesser gift than this. Do not turn your back on the LORD who loves you and gives you life.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Friday, September 13, 2019

Get Up! Live Life!

"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee."  (Isaiah 60:1 KJV)


There are some days when the day is over and I feel as though nothing was accomplished; like an entire day has been wasted. I may be up and about; but, I feel like I may as well have been sleeping the day away. This doing nothing is a bad habit to get in to. Before we know it our days on earth will have come to an end and we will have spent them as though we were asleep.

Get up! Live life! Let the light of Christ shine on, in, and through you. Live the fleeting moments that God has given us here on earth. He gave them for a purpose and living in the darkness was not it.

Have a blessed day!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Sunday, August 11, 2019

He Is With You Every Day

Bayfield, WI
This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. (Psalm 119:50 KJV)

Do you find yourself depressed? Alone? Do troubles plague you so that you feel like you cannot take another step? Turn to Lord and his promises. Hear his word. He promises to love you and be with you forever. He is your good shepherd who will take you by the hand and lead you through any fires that threaten to destroy. Do not despair. The Lord is with you and for you.

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 KJV)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Sunday, July 21, 2019

In The Morning When I Rise...



It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
                                                                    (Lamentations 3:22-24 KJV)

Well, I finally figured out how to get videos from my phone to blogger! Just takes patience which I can be short of from time to time.

Have blessed day! God's Peace be with you all!  Pr. Judy

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Following Jesus To Death And To Life


And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again. (Matt 20:17-19 KJV)

Today, I am heading to my death. I'm going to walk right into the camp of those who want to kill me and you're coming with me. That's what Jesus told his disciples. And, they went. They followed him to Jerusalem. Only one, Judas, was not willing to participate as a possible victim. Once inside of Jerusalem, he went to the other camp. He regretted his actions and ended up in death before all of the others.

Sometimes, it is easier to take the other side. Sometimes, it might feel safer to ignore those who blaspheme the name of Jesus. Sometimes, we switch the subject and go another way instead of being willing to take up our cross and follow Jesus. 

But, is it really easier to go another way and stray from God's side? Is it really easier to lay down your cross and walk away? For the most part, the disciples did not see an option. They only knew that they wanted to follow their beloved Jesus. Yes, they all faltered at times in fear for their lives. But, in the end, all but one, picked their crosses back up and followed Jesus through the gateway of death into eternal life.

We all may get weary and afraid from time to time as we recognize that we might also become the persecuted. But, we must persevere in faithful witness to the life, death, and life of as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Gifts From God



But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8 NRSV)

 
God showers the earth with flowers


It is St. Valentine's Day. Flowers are a cherished gift by many. People around the world will be giving flowers, chocolates, and miscellaneous gifts today to the ones whom they love. 



But, there is one who loves us more than it is possible for any human to love. Look around and you will see the marvelous gifts that he has given us, including flowers that grow wherever he would choose. 



But, the greatest gift that he could possible give us is the gift of his Son. 



“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. (John 3:16)



May God grant that you should live in His love and His light now and forever.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Saturday, February 9, 2019

Love Increases


We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. (2 Thess 1:3 NRVS)

On the first Wednesday of every month our congregation has a special service or program followed by a soup supper. The services began this past year with me leading a prayer or healing service and has evolved into having members of the congregation leading. 

This past Wednesday the theme was on Valentine's Day and love. Phyllis did an absolutely marvelous job sharing about the love of God in Christ and about the love we have for one another. The most amazing part was not just about what she said; but, about how her love of God and for us was seen in her words and actions as she presented some really Good News. What she shared about love was shared with genuine love. It was a unifying and edifying time together. It was evident in the way in which she shared the love of God that we are family and that not only does God love us; but, she also loves God and all the brothers and sisters in Christ to whom she was speaking.

And, then... all the brothers and sisters in Christ that were present gathered in the fellowship hall to share their love for one another over some awesome soup and bread.

I thank God for the love of every one of you for one another.
God's Peace - Pr. J.

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Sing To The Lord

Christ Lutheran Cantata 2017
O sing to the Lord a new song;
   sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
   tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
   his marvelous works among all the peoples.
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
   he is to be revered above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
   but the Lord made the heavens.
Honor and majesty are before him;
   strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
   ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
   bring an offering, and come into his courts.

                                                    Psalm 88:1-6 NRSV

This afternoon, Christ Lutheran, will hold their Christmas Cantata. It will be an hour of Advent and Christmas music.  "Music," it is said, "soothes the savage beast." Indeed, it can calm a uneasy spirit if the right music is being listened to. It can also stir up in our inmost being anxiety, anger, fear.  Good or bad, music helps to embed ideas and ideals into our minds. It often glorifies the escapades of humankind. 

Christian music can be a teaching tool, as well. It tells the story of what God has done for us. Christian music glorifies God. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Election Day Peace

How very good and pleasant it is
    when kindred live together in unity!
                                    (Psalm 133:1 NRSV)

Today is election day. I am pretty sure that there will be very few, if any, who are completely pleased with the election results. When all of the ballots are in, I pray that we can accept the voice of the people who have taken the time to vote. We do have a voice in who our elected officials will be. It is expressed on election day. It can also be expressed through opinion throughout every day. However; let us do this respectfully; without bullying; without threatening; without trampling on the rights of others.  As the author of the Psalms reminds us "How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!"

Even though we may not like (not even one iota) everyone who will be elected to public office today, according to scripture we are to give them honor and respect. Yes, we can and should speak our minds about their policies, we have the freedom to do that. But, we should do it out of love for one another so that we might live in the bonds of peace. 

In the first letter of  Peter to the Christians in Asia Minor, he reminds that that: "As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil. Honor everyone. Love the family of believers. Fear God. Honor the emperor." (1 Peter 2:16-17)  He advised them to honor and respect those in authority; but, as Christians we must put God even above those whom he has placed in authority. When the two conflict; go in the way that the Lord has shown you. That way is Jesus Christ. 

We are to follow in the footsteps of the who went to the cross to bring unity to all who believe in him; to reconcile us to God and to one another. "The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." (John 17:22-23) 

Jesus was not in the habit of physically attacking people just because he did not agree with them. Rather, than threaten to kill anyone who disagreed with him, he went to his death instead. He freely died so that others might live. He did not send his followers out to threaten anyone. He sent them out with the Good News of the Kingdom of God; a Kingdom where all God's children would live in peace and harmony.

So, this election day and in the coming years; let us live in unity, respecting the voice of the people; honoring those who are elected to office whether we agree with them or not. Do continue to speak out against injustice; but, do so with justice in mind and not hateful revenge because you didn't get what you wanted. Hateful revenge is not justice. Physically attacking or threatening to attack your neighbor because they don't agree with you will not bring about any peace or unity. The bullying must stop. 

We may be unhappy with some of the results today; but, for the sake of the Body of Christ; let us be kind; listening to one another; honoring those whom God has put authority over us; that we might live in peaceful unity.

God's Peace - Pr. J