His Way; His Thoughts

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."  Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

It would be easy to give up and let the world have it's way with us. But, the Word of the LORD reminds us to seek Him and His Way. God's ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. Following in the way our ego would tell us go will only prove to be devastating to our lives and the world around us.  Our way would put ourselves before God. Our way would put ourselves before others. Our way would have us take advantage of others in order to gain what we want. That is not God's Way.

Our thoughts and our ways are not always what is best for us or anyone else. They often bring devastation to the world around us. But remember, that no matter how bad things may seem to get, God is still in charge. He can turn the greatest tragedy into the most marvelous triumph. From the most troubled time, He will lead us out in joy and lead us forth in peace, if only we would follow in His Way.

Seek the LORD and come to the One who knows the Way; to the One who is The Way. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Deeds of Darkness Exposed

"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light." Eph 5:11-13 NIV

It is not in anyone's best interest to consider that they might involve themselves in any deeds of darkness and keep it a secret. The truth will come to light eventually. Even as the deeds of darkness are being considered the truth is often known to the people around them. Those who live in the light know when the evil one approaches to secretly do harm. No, they may not be able to prove it; but, they will know it.

I have been asked on many occasions throughout my life when dark secrets are finally brought into the light: "How did you know?" I can and many others can know, as well, because we have lived many years. Some of that darkness we have entered into ourselves in our younger years. We have been there, done that, don't want to go there again, and we don't want you to go there, either. We have witnessed the lies before and we have seen the devastation that has come from the fruitless deeds done in secret. These fruitless deeds of darkness are not something new to us or to the world. Sin came into the world long before any of us. It has been around since the beginning of time. We have seen it and some of us have learned from it.

Those who know the Word of God can usually recognize the difference between good and evil. We can usually know the difference between the darkness and light; although the devil will attempt to fool us disguised as an angel of light. St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians to be aware of those who masquerade as Christians. "For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. (2 Cor 11:13-15)

Paul warns us to be aware and because he does we know that it is possible to be able to discern whether the light that we see is a masquerade or if it is the true light, who is Jesus the Christ, abiding in others as well as ourselves.

It is said that darkness does not actually exist; that darkness is merely the absence of light. If the abiding light of Christ does not shine through you; then, there is only darkness. There is nothing but an empty shell striving to be filled with something. That striving often leads us into even darker places where we would very wise to avoid at all costs.

The deeds of darkness are destructive not only to oneself; but, to all whom we think we might care about or love. Compounded they are destructive to the world.

It can be most difficult to step out into the light where your deeds might be known by others. It might be embarrassing. But, the consequences will last only for a short while as those who walk in the light have eternal life! 

May God help you to see the light and enter into His precious presence for all of eternity. Live life!

God's Peace - Pr. J

How Majestic Is Name Of The One Who Created All Things!

Psalm 8:1-9

Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory
    in the heavens.
Through the praise of children and infants
    you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
    to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?

You have made them a little lower than the angels
    and crowned them with glory and honor.
You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
    you put everything under their feet:
all flocks and herds,
    and the animals of the wild,
the birds in the sky,
    and the fish in the sea,
    all that swim the paths of the seas.

Lord, our Lord,

    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

As I wandered around the Village in awe of the devastation cause by the wind and water of Hurricane Matthew, I was acutely aware of God's creation around me. Stately magnolia trees were overturned; snapped like twigs. The alligators are no where to be seen. I am not sure where they have evacuated to. And, the fish.... there have been huge swarms of fish swimming together in the creek since the storm has passed. (Okay, they're called schools; but, I like the word swarm better). Much like those fish hanging out together; were the many people God has created. Neighbors were helping neighbors as they gathered together to clean up yards or share meals cooked on a grill. It is quite amazing how God manages to pull his creation together in community in the worst of times.

God has truly created an awesome world. All things to working together for His glory. How majestic is His name in all the earth!

God's Peace - Pr. J