Freed From Bondage; We Rejoice!

Psalm 126 KJV ; 3rd Sunday in Advent; We rejoice because by faith in Jesus the Christ we have been freed from bondage to sin, death, and the power of the devil.

We Do Not Suffer Alone

1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV; The adversary attacks not just you; but, all of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Jesus Is The Truth

John 8:31-36 KJV; Reformation Sunday; Jesus Is the truth; He is the Word that sets us free.

Make Us Whole!

Matthew 15:21-28; Luke 11:9-10 KJV; Jesus made the Canaanite woman's daughter whole. He can do he same for you.

Bread Of Life

Matthew 4:1-4 KJV; "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." 

Be Sober; Be Vigilant!

1 Peter 5:6-11 KJV; 7th Sunday of Easter;  Be aware of what is going on for the devil is always aware of what you are doing and will catch you up if you are not paying attention.

The Cross Was The Plan Of God

Jeremiah 29:11-13; Romans 8:26; Trust God's plan for you even if you're not sure what it is.

Be Sober; Be Vigilant

1 Peter 5:6-11 KJV; Be sober; be vigilant for your adversary the devil seeks to devour you. Have faith that the Lord will give you strength and lift you up!

Do Not Lie About Others!

Reading from Proverbs 16:28-29 KJV - Defend your neighbor against lies. 

The Devil Was Evicted

A reading from Luke 8:26-39 KJV for the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost

The demons and the people were afraid of Jesus; but, the man who was given a new life was not.

Before Abraham Was, I Am

Trinity Sunday reading from John 8:48-59 KJV and brief message. They attacked Jesus because he said before Abraham was, I am.

Jesus Said No

Devil And Earthly Lusts Depart

"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." 

                                                              (Gal 5:13-17 KJV)

Desires of the world infiltrate our lives. But, they do no have to take over our lives.  Jesus said:

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matt 6:24)

The lusts of our flesh and the Spirit within fight against one another as the devil is always in conflict with the Spirit of God. It can be a major battle especially for those with addiction problems. The Good News is that the Spirit of Christ will help us to flee from the temptations of the devil and overcome any worldly lusts that we may have. The Spirit of Christ will teach us how to put behind us our own earthly desires so that we might live empowered by the Spirit loving one another.

Jesus is the ultimate example of how to love one another as he gave his whole life for you. Focus on him and walk in the Spirit commanding that the evil spirits, that would lead you to a self-centered way neglecting to love and care for others, would flee in the name of Jesus.  

Love one another and live in peace!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Jesus Is Lord

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

                                                                                        (1 Pet 5:6-11 KJV)

We are not gods. Maybe, lords of our households; but, not the King of the Universe!  But, even as lords of our households we can really mess up and cause problems for ourselves and those who live with us. The devil is aware of that and uses it to his advantage as he seeks to devour everything and everyone around us. It behooves us to trust God to open our eyes to see the evil that the devil purposes to use us for and to fight against it. We fight not with our own power; but, with the power of the Spirit of Christ in us. Jesus is the only one who has been able to resist his power. We must humble ourselves and trust in that power. He is after all the King of all kings and has authority over everything and everyone.

Let not the devil use us to devour those around us. God help us to not empower the devil by falling into the trap of judging others and causing more division. But, by the grace of God who has called us to His eternal glory through Jesus Christ, strengthen us so that we may stand against the wiles of the evil ones. For, he is like a wolf in sheep's clothing creeping up on those who are unaware to steal the peace that only God can bring to us.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

                                                                                      (Eph 6:10-12)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Miracles Happen

And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.

For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:

The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.

But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.

And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.

And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.

And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.                                                                                                                                                                     (Mark 7:24-30 KJV)

Even in a land of gentiles, Jesus is sought after for miracles. And... a miracle happens. 

The removal of an evil spirit from a young girl did not require her to be physically present with Jesus. All it took was a mother to ask Jesus to help her daughter and yes with a little uncomfortable conversation it happened. The devil left her daughter.

When seeking help if you were confronted with a reminder that you are nothing to the person you are seeking help from, would you stay around and continue to argue for help?  This woman trusted that Jesus could help her daughter. She loved her daughter and her only hope for her daughter's healing was Jesus. She had so much faith in him that she did not leave upon being rebuffed. She hung in there for her daughter's sake.  

We cannot see Jesus as this woman did. But, we know that he is with us now and always. We know that he hears our prayers.  God help us to trust in his healing power.  God fill us with an abundance of faith!

God's Peace- Pr. J.

The Fight Is Against The Devil (Not Your Neighbor)

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" 

                                                                                                              (Eph 6:10-18 KJV)

The lockdowns around the country this past year put a curtail on a lot of Christian gatherings whether for worship or for fellowship. There were many congregations who refused to shut down their worship services. There were also many who completely closed there doors; some opting to do virtual worship on the world wide web. This had it advantages as it reached many people who were not attending worship prior to the lockdowns. It also had many disadvantages. 

As congregations are attempting to get back to worship and fellowship as it was prior to March of 2020 many are finding that the devil had his way in separating us from one another and even turning us away from God to focus on lesser things. These lesser things for some congregations sadly are about numbers. When someone gets out of the weekly habit of worshiping it is not so easy to get back into the habit of regularly gathering for worship and fellowship.  Attendance goes down and consequently so do the offerings. When finances are hit divisiveness often follows. It's got to be someone's fault; must be the pastor's! Could be that person in the back pew that offended your neighbor. Who knows. Lots of excuses and finger pointing arise when the budget isn't being met.

In the pursuit of raising those numbers the word can end up being compromised in order to appease the itching ears and bring back the numbers. When we focus on entertaining people in order to bring back the attendance and offerings we tend to lose the focus on what worship is about. It is about worshiping God and about hearing His word. It is not about making the congregation feel good about themselves. It is, of course, a relief to know that God has forgiven our sins and made us to be His children by faith in our reconciliation to Him through the Good News of Jesus the Christ.  The faith that we have that we have been saved is found solely in the work of the Christ for us. It has nothing to do with any decisions we have made or any good things we have done. We cannot earn our salvation; therefore, worship is about worshiping the one who earned it for us. It is not to enflame the egos of the congregation. It is not to please "itching ears!"

These are all tricks of the devil to diminish our faith. This is not the time to point fingers or blame others for the state of your congregation rather stand firm against the wiles of the devil.  Do not attack your brother of sister in Christ. If you're going to point fingers then point them at the devil and stand firm, wearing the  whole armour of God:  gird your loins with truth, put on the breastplate of righteousness; shod your feet with the gospel of peace; take the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God and pray... As a warrior for Christ put on the armour of God and pray; pray in Jesus' name that the devil depart and leave you, your loved ones, and your congregation alone. Defeat the wiles of the devil. Attacking your brothers or sisters in Christ only empowers the devil and his minions. He is smiling as he undermines your commitment to sharing the Gospel of peace in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

We Can't Know It All

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 

                                                                                  (Rom 11:32-33 KJV)

There are some things we can know and there are other things that are way beyond our capability to know. We can read scripture. We can study it and glean many things from it. We most assuredly can know that He loves us and is with us always. He has saved us from sin, death, and the power of the devil. He has saved us from ourselves by sending His Son to take our sins upon himself and die for us.

The one thing we can know for sure is that "Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so."

Search the Bible as much as you can.  From it you will gain an immense amount of knowledge and wisdom. But, be assured that you will never know the complete mind of God so don't try to second guess him. God is God. He knows what is good for those who love Him. Listen to Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Witness Of Peter

 

"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost."

                                                                       (Acts 10:34-45 KJV)

Here we have the witness of Peter to the Gentiles of Jesus had done for them. While hearing this witness the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word; both Jesus and Gentiles alike. The Spirit of God did not discern a difference among the people; but, touched the lives of everyone who heard.

The Jews were indeed God's children; but now because of Christ, to be a member of the family of God was open to all who heard the word and believed. Peter wrote in his first letter to the exiles of the dispersion (that is to the people living in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia):

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."

                                                                                  (1 Peter 2:9-10)

Thanks be to God for we who were not His people are now His people and not just His people; but, His children and heirs because He has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light through the gift of His Son Jesus the Christ. Thanks be to God for his mercy and grace. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

A Good Purpose In Trials

 

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28 KJV)

We are in the midst of Lent. I have found Lent to be a most challenging time, at least for me. Of all the seasons of the year it seems to me that the devil gets a whole lot busier attacking those who love God during Lent. During this time of reflection and repentance; during this time when we are reminded reminded of Jesus' admonition that we are to take up our crosses and follow him; we know full well that we will fall short. We can try to follow in his footsteps. But, we are not Jesus. We are not gods. We cannot do what Jesus did for us. We can do nothing. But, God can and He does. We can take up our crosses and follow the best that we can; but, it must be with the help of God. We cannot stand or walk alone.

No matter what obstacles are set before you; no matter what trials you are enduring, know that God works in and through all of these trials for the good of those who love Him. God is with you through your tribulations. He will show you the way and walk with you on your journey as you carry your cross to the cross of Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Lent 1 2021 Anointed By The Holy Spirit