We Do Not Abuse Family

Romans 8:12-17; Romans12:18; KJV As member of earthly families as well as adopted members of the family of God we support one another that God might be glorified.

Think On Good Things

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)

I have not been able to watch the news lately for two reasons. 

1. The news has been way too negative.  2. The news stations don't report much news. 

I watch, maybe, one hour of television a day. That figure is on the high side. So, I really do not know who all of these actors are and I really don't care, either. The news stations apparently think we care and maybe some of you do so a lot of the news that they publish is about what these actors are doing in their private lives and what their political opinions are. Again, knowing what the various sports, music, and actors are up to on any particular day is not high up on my list of priorities. What is put forward as news regarding them is definitely not a focus on positive things in life. It is gossip.

As for reporting regarding politics and politicians; most of what I hear from reporters is hearsay; innuendo; personal opinions; more gossip. These are not positive things. They are things that stress and divide people. 

Paul says we are to think on positive things. Focus on what is good in your life and the lives of those around you. Don't let the devil and his minions drag you into the depths of anger or hate or depression. That is not to say that you shouldn't defend others when they are being maliciously slandered; only that it is not helpful to bury yourself in the hearing of the slander and gossip day after day. Sometimes, we just need to shut off the news.

Think on what is good. Read and hear the Word of God. Focus on the good that God has planned for you and for the people around you. Praise him not your favorite earthly idol. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Ask The Right Person; Ask Our Father

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

                                                                                          (Matt 7:7-11 KJV)

We do not live in vacuums. There are people around us and there is God our Father who is with us and for us. When things go terribly wrong life just seems like it is not worth it, maybe we should consider who we are depending on; who we are trusting, to walk with us through this life. Are they helping or hindering? Are we trusting someone to be there for us when they are not even there for themselves? 

Are you looking for peace in your life? There is one who can help us. That is God our Father who was willing to give us the most precious gifts of life and salvation through the sacrifice on the cross of His only begotten Son. When we are in dire need of help, ask Him. Ask our Father who loves you that much. He can and He will help you on the path to a life of peace.

Most of our earthly fathers would help us according to their abilities. That is what love is. How much more will our heavenly Father help us in our hour of need!

When in need, it would behoove us to ask the right person for help. Turn to Him and find relief; find peace; find joy in His eternal loving presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Genuine Love

"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4:9-10

It can be quite frustrating to love someone and not be loved in return. You can give your life for someone and have that love and you treated like it was worthless. But, the one who truly loves does not stop loving. They will continue to love even as they ache inside. Most of us probably have probably known the feeling of loving someone and not being loved in return. It appears to me to be a very common human condition.

But, do not despair. We are loved by our Father in heaven. He loves us so much He was willing to have His one and only Son suffer and die for us. His Son, Jesus the Christ, loves us so much he was willing to do his Father's will for us. What will our response be? Will we love because he first loved us? Or will we turn our backs on genuine love and seek the earthly desires of our hearts?

God's Peace - Pr. J