Endure All Things With Hope

Romans 8:18-27 KJV; 8th Sunday after Pentecost: No matter what we endure we have hope and we continue in the mission of the church that others may also have the same hope in Jesus Christ.

Our Hope To See Him

John 15:15-22 KJV

Reaping What We Sow

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Gal 6:7 KJV)

Yesterday, I wrote about enduring persecutions. As I thought about it throughout the day, I considered that there are many who may feel like they are being persecuted when in reality they are really suffering the consequences of their own poor choices. Often these poor choices or sins involved persecuting others in the first place.

If we break a law, we are not being persecuted if we end up ticketed or arrested. We are suffering the consequences that come with breaking the law. If we end up in divorce court facing huge child support payments because of such things as abuse or infidelity it is because of our own sinful behavior. 

When we suffer because of our own poor choices we don't get to claim victimhood. In many cases we need to recognize that our choices actually harmed others whether it was directly or indirectly. We need to recognize our sin and our need to repent. We need to change our ways and live lives that don't persecute others. 

If we choose to do what is not right and teach others to do the same we need to accept that we shall reap what we have sown.

However, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

May God grant us new and clean hearts that we might live in peace in His loving presence. Amen

God's Peace - Pr. J.

His Word Does Not Change; It Endures Forever

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For,

“All people are like grass,
    and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
    but the word of the Lord endures forever.”

And this is the word that was preached to you.

                                         (1 Peter 1:23-25 NIV)

The word of the Lord endures forever. It doesn't change to suit the whims of the people. It is the same yesterday and today and it will remain tomorrow.

Over the ages various interpretations of scripture have been used to suit the desires of those who would misuse God's word to validate their sins. It is no secret that people have used and still use scripture, taken way out of context, to validate their own personal desires and agendas.

I would remind those who tell me that times have changed that even though the times may change the word of the Lord has not changed. His word endures forever. Hold fast to that word that you might live life more fully in this world and eternally in the Kingdom of God. Living according to the world's standards is not becoming to one who has been born again through the living and enduring word of God, who is Jesus the Christ. It is not becoming nor is it wise or safe. Jesus came to reconcile us to God and to one another in His Kingdom. Let us rejoice in our salvation and not preach another gospel.

Our glory may fade even as the flowers of the field will fade. But, the glory of the Lord will never fade. It will endure forever.

Remember the word that was preached to you. May God grant us the discernment to live according to His word and His will for us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

His Light Leads Us

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,    along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
    and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
    I will not forsake them. 
                                                       Isaiah 42: 16

Through the trees we could see the lights exploding in the darkness. Last night most of our neighbors were celebrating Independence Day, a day early, with fireworks. The light put off by fireworks is sometimes very bright; but, it is also very momentary. They might give enough light for you to see to take a few more steps in the darkness. But, the light is not enduring. God's light never burns out. It is there always to lead you on unfamiliar paths; to lead you through dark valleys.

May God help us to walk in the way of his light that He has set before us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Have a joyful Independence Day!