The Way

"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." (Psalm 37:5 KJV)

Last week, I was asked by a friend for directions to my house from Jacksonville. I told her to put my address into the GPS on her phone as I had no clue where in Jacksonville she was and no idea how to get to my home from where she was. I always use a GPS when traveling. Other than Highway 95, I really couldn't name any of the other roads that one might need to travel on. 

I was also in Jacksonville yesterday. Although, I've been to the exact location many times over the last few years, I still use my GPS. I know my way to where I was going and I know my way home from there. But, I still use my GPS because one can never know when there might be a detour due to construction or an accident. I trust it to show me the way to where I am going. But, I also know the GPS system is not 100% reliable. I have been led to a few dead ends and wrong addresses over the years. 

There is one though who can lead us faithfully through deserts and wildernesses. He will lead us through dark valleys and over high mountains. He will lead us on the way because he is the way. We can trust Jesus to show us the way 100% of the time. Listen to him and follow him in the way that he has shown you.

"And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." 

                                                                                          (John 14:4-6)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Riches

Treasure at the end of a rainbow?

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

                                                                                (Matt 13:44-46 NRSV)

It is has been said that one cannot reach the end of the rainbow. I beg to differ. Years ago, I was driving along U.S. 45 in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and to my great surprise and delight witnessed the end  of a rainbow resting in a farmer's field. My heart was filled with joy at the sight of this occurrence which I had heard was impossible. 

Of course, being a wee bit Irish, I immediately thought of the mythical leprechauns who bury their pots of gold at the ends of rainbows and I smiled. But, what brought real joy to my heart was the gift of seeing this rainbow that God had promised up so close. It was a reminder to me of a treasure much greater than any silver or gold. It was a reminder that God is with us now and always. It was a reminder that, through the blood of Jesus, I and all who believe are heirs of the kingdom of heaven; a treasure much greater than anything that can be found here on earth.

Why seek riches in this world when we are already heirs of even greater riches? "So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." (Col 3:1)  Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness... (Matt 6:33)

The kingdom of heaven is the treasure to be sought after. Yet, there is nothing that we can or have to do to receive it. There is nothing to dig up. There is no good work that we can do to gain this treasure. It rightfully belongs to all who believe that our beloved Lord sacrificed, himself on the cross, for us, that we might live in the kingdom of our God for all of eternity.

Rejoice then for the greatest treasure is ours; purchased through the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Love Never Fails

One of the most often requested readings for weddings is from 1 Corinthians. 

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails." 

                                                       (1 Cor 13:4-8a NIV)

This is good advice for two people who are about to commit their whole earthly lives to one another. Love does not fail. However, due to our sinful natures we often fail to love. Marriages fall apart because we love ourselves or someone or something else more than the one we have committed to spend the rest of our lives with. Other relationships fail; as well, because of a lack of love.

The greatest gifts, says St. Paul, is love. God has given us love in His Son, Jesus Christ. There is no greater love than a love that is willing die for others, as Jesus died for us. (John 15:13) We respond to His love by sharing his love with others. The love that is rooted in the loved of God does not fail. It can move mountains and crush molehills. The love of God inspires us to inspire others with His love.

As a friend of mine often says: "Share the love!"

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Real Love Never Ends

"Love never ends..." (Corinthians 13:8)

Young people have enough trouble growing up without having to endure the heartache of multiple broken relationships. It seems that teens and young adults (as well as way too many older adults) today fall in and out of love as fast you can blink an eye. At least, they will tell you that they were in love. It would be helpful to avoid these heartaches when beginning a new relationship to ask whether it is love or lust. Lust goes away after a time; sometimes after one night. Love never ends.

It breaks my heart to see so many young hearts broken because of the misperception that love and sex are the same thing. This is being subversively taught, not just by the media; but, by many adults who ought to know better as their own hearts have been broken many times by this mistaken line of thinking.

Love never ends. Even in many marriages that have ended up in divorce; the cause is not always that they fell out of love. They fell out of like. It is indeed possible to love someone even though you no longer like everything about the way someone has chosen to live. You may dislike (hate) the life that you have been caught up in so much that you see no other way to live except to separate. You may still love someone who uses and abuses you; but, you do not and should not love the abuse. It is possible to love the sinner and hate the sin. Real love never ends. But, if they are dragging you down; causing you to sin; causing you to turn away from living a fuller life in Christ, you ought to turn around quickly and go down the path that Jesus would have you go and not further on the path into the darkness.

There is One who will not take His love from you. He will not use or abuse you. He will give His all to you. Turn to the Lord for His love is everlasting. He does hate the sin; but, He loves you enough to die for you.

Ask yourself the next time you think you're in love. Would I die for this person? Do they love me enough to die for me? If you would take the time to do this for yourself; you may find that your heart is broken less often.

"I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the wild does: do not stir up or awaken love until it is ready!" (Song of Solomon 2:7 NRSV)

Real love never ends.

God's Peace - Pr. J