Adorn Yourself With A Gentle Spirit

 Do not adorn yourselves outwardly by braiding your hair, and by wearing gold ornaments or fine clothing; rather, let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:2-4 NRSV

Although, it keeps commerce going, I have never quite understood why someone would need to have so many piercings or wear so much make-up that it distracts from the person that they are within. I am not saying that I think women shouldn't wear any make-up. But, I would think that the purpose for make-up would be to enhance one's features and not an attempt to mask who you are. 

God has made everyone and every one is precious in God's sight. Let the world see the person God created you to be. It does not matter what you look like on the outside. Appearances can be very deceiving. There is nothing more beautiful than a child of God who exudes the loving and gentle spirit that comes from knowing that they are a child of God. 

May God help each of us to cherish the lasting beauty of the gentle and quiet spirit of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Straying From The Path

For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? 

                                               (1 Cor 4:20-21 KJV)

Rod of discipline or love and gentle spirit; which would you prefer? Actually, the only thing I can think of this morning is that if we don't like the rod of discipline then maybe we ought to straighten out our lives and walk in the way that has been set before us. There are not many ways. There is one way. That way has been testified to us by the witnesses of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Let us listen to them. Let us learn the way in which we are to go and follow Him.

Beginning with those first disciples the church has come a long way. We have strayed often. We have suffered many unwelcome consequences from falling off the path. We have been disciplined often. Yet, there is always love and a gentle spirit to greet us when we return to the way in which we are to go. There is forgiveness.

God's Peace - Pr. J

No Masks

Do not adorn yourselves outwardly by braiding your hair, and by wearing gold ornaments or fine clothing; rather, let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight.                                                                             (1 Peter 3:2-4 NRSV)


Although, it keeps commerce going and we need commerce, I have never quite understood the need for anyone to have major amounts of piercings or to change the color of one's hair every few weeks or the wearing of someone else's name on you clothing. It makes me think that the person is not comfortable with who they are. I can't quite get why someone would need to wear make-up that would disguise the person that God made them to be. I'm not saying that I think women shouldn't wear any. But, I would think the purpose for make-up would be to enhance one's features and not to mask them.

God has made everyone and every one is precious in God's sight. Let the world see the person God created you to be. There is nothing more beautiful than a child of God who exudes the loving and gentle spirit that comes from knowing that you are a child of God.

 

You don't need a mask! Be for real! Let the world see and know who God created you to be both inside and out.

May God help each of us to cherish the lasting beauty of the gentle and quiet spirit of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Speak Gently And Walk Away From Those Who Will Not

"Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot."

                                                                                    (Prov 9:6-7 KJV)

There appears to be an awful lot of division in the world today. There are still the major conflicts between countries; but, there is also an immense amount of division between individuals who have differing opinions. 

These differing opinions often become quite hostile as each side attempts to shut down the voice of the other. This shouting will not change minds. Gentle deliberate speech will have a greater effect than berating those whose opinions differ than ours.

We must allow freedom of speech on every side. However, we do not have to accept those who stir up riots. It is not only illegal; it is totally unbiblical to cause harm to others for our own purposes. As Christians, we do not get to conduct ourselves in a way that hurts others (in word or deed) simply because we disagree with them. We are to be living in peace with one another. 

St. Paul's epistle to Titus tells us what we are to do when someone refuses to listen. We do not get angry or nasty. 

He wrote: "As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."  (Titus 3:10-11)

Yes, we must speak the truth. But, we must make every effort to do it in love and if they refuse to listen, then move on. There are others who need to hear the truth; others who may hear and repent and follow in The Way. Speak the truth loudly if you must; but, speak it with kindness, with a heart motivated to help not harm. I guarantee you that name calling will not prove fruitful. It will only cause more division.

When Jesus sent the twelve out to share the Good News of the Kingdom he gave them these instructions. "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."  (Matt 10:14-16)

If Jesus told us to walk away from those who refuse to hear the truth and the Good News of the Kingdom, I am not sure why we would think that hanging around those who do not and will not listen to matters regarding this world would be a fruitful thing to do. If they only attack you and will not give you an opportunity to speak; shake the dust off your feet and move on to someone who will listen. Move away from those who, with malice, would inflict their opinions on others. To do otherwise, only incurs more division and strife.  Yes, speak what you know to be the truth. We are fortunate that in these United States we have the freedom to speak freely. But, if you would like to be heard, speak it gently and speak it in love.

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." (Prov 15:1)

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Rock

Be to me a rock of refuge,
    a strong fortress, to save me,
    for you are my rock and my fortress.

Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
    from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.

                                            Psalm 71:3-4 NRSV

 

Sully is a huge English Mastiff. He is a rock. He goes about his business steady and sure. You can nudge him; but, unless he wants to move, it's not going to happen. Fortunately, he is a gentle giant and listens quite well. He is totally non-aggressive; but, if he's standing by your side, most people would think twice about approaching you in any manner other than in a most amiable way. 

 

Jesus is our rock of refuge. He is our fortress. The unjust and cruel will not prevail over those who dwell within the walls of that fortress, which is the Body of Christ. As much as I trust that by Sully's side I will be safe; I only see him a few times a year. But, Jesus is with me always. It is he who will save and keep us for all eternity.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J 

The Tongue

"All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." (James 3:7-8 NIV)

I visited the Jacksonville Zoo this week. The variety of animals that God has created is just mind-boggling. Some of them I had never heard of before seeing them.

The giraffe is such a graceful animal and apparently gentle as well. There was a long line of children waiting patiently to feed the giraffes. The giraffes would quickly and gently stick out their tongues and take the leafy food that the children were offering them. 

Human tongues are not also as graceful (grace-filled) or gentle. The human tongue can be as deadly as a poisonous snake as it can strike without warning to take anyone or anything that gets in its way down.

The human tongue is often used to lie, deceive, coerce, steal, and a multitude of other sins to get what the owner of that tongue wants. It is a very sad thing when we use what God has given us to destroy rather than to build up others. 

May God help us to use our tongues; the lips that He has given us to proclaim Good News to all people and to glorify His Holy Name.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Gentle Words

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Prov 15:1 NIV)                                                                                                                                           Humanity really seems to enjoy arguments, divisions, even wars. Maybe that is not so true. Maybe it is only that we like to have be the ones who are always right; always better than the next person; always the one to have the last word. Are we as a species addicted to living in drama? Because being number one all of the time leads to just that: drama!

Sometimes, it is necessary to not even disagree with someone that you know is totally off the planet wrong; but, to keep your lips zipped. Don't say a word. Smile. Walk away. Let things calm down before you attempt to resume the conversation if ever you even need to resume the conversation.

It is not necessary to belittle others with harsh words. It is more necessary to get along or walk away for your sake and for the sake of everyone around you. 

Harsh words stir up anger. Anger stirs up hate and contempt. Hate and contempt kills not just bodies; but, the soul as well.

May God grant us gentle tongues and gentle spirits.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Slow To Speak; Slow To Anger

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." (James 1:19-21 NIV)

Slow to become angry or never become angry? James does not tell us that we should never become angry. There are times when we should be very displeased (angry) over events. Righteous anger will motivate us to seek a way to help in a bad situation; not make it worse. An example of righteous anger is when we see someone being bullied or assaulted or otherwise pushed down and we step up to befriend and help that person instead of only being angry at the bully. Righteous anger will stir us to help others; not harm anyone.

Anger tends to beget more anger and nothing fruitful comes out of people attacking each other. We ought, as James advises, to be very slow to speak and very slow to become angry. The words of angry lips can be like a sword in battle causing much damage to lives and to relationships. That damage that can be most permanent.

Rather than anger that seems so prevalent in this day; may the Word of God planted in you, fill you with his peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J  

A Gentle Tongue Is A Tree Of Life

I know that I have been guilty of having spoken wrongly or too quickly on more than one occasion resulting in hurting the spirit of others.  However, I usually realize I have done so as soon as I've done it and can attempt to rectify it or at least apologize.

I have difficulty understanding why some people do not understand how badly they have hurt someone with their witty comments. Maybe don't realize how damaging their tongues can be to the spirits; the lives of the ones who bear the brunt of their wit. Sarcasm really is not that funny. It is hurtful. Intentional sarcasm breaks the spirit.

May God help us to speak with gentle tongues that we will do no harm to the spirits of others.

God Peace - Pr. J

A Rock And Fortress

Be to me a rock of refuge,
    a strong fortress, to save me,
    for you are my rock and my fortress.

Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the

    wicked,
    from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.

                                            Psalm 71:3-4 NRSV

Sully is a huge English Mastiff. He is a rock. He goes about his business steady and sure. You can nudge him; but, unless he wants to move, it's not going to happen. Fortunately, he is a gentle giant and listens quite well. He is totally non-aggressive; but, if he's standing by your side, most people would think twice about approaching you in any manner other than in a most amiable way. 

Jesus is our rock of refuge. He is our fortress. The unjust and cruel will not prevail over those who dwell within the walls of the fortress, which is the Body of Christ. As much as I trust that by Sully's side I will be safe; I only get to be with him a few times a year. But, Jesus is with me always. It is he who will save and keep us for all eternity.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Speak Life

A gentle answer turns away wrath, 
   but a harsh word stirs up anger.

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,

    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,
    keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit

Prov 15:1-4

I know that I have been guilty of having spoken wrongly or too quickly on more than one occasion resulting hurting the spirit of others.  However, I usually realize I have done so as soon as I've done it just by the look on the face of the person I've offended and can attempt to rectify it or at least apologize.

But, I have difficulty understanding why some people do not understand how badly they can hurt someone with their continuous witty and condescending comments. Maybe they don't realize how truly damaging their tongues can be to the spirits; to the lives of the ones who bear the brunt of their wit. Maybe they don't understand how badly they are damaging their own relationship with the person they are being sarcastic with as well as with others around them who hear and cringe at the ungodliness of it all.

Sarcasm really is not that funny. It is hurtful. Intentional sarcasm breaks the spirit. It destroys relationships. It destroys life. However, a gentle tongue helps to build others up. It brings life to the spirit.

May God help us to speak with gentle tongues that will do no harm to others.

God Peace - Pr. J

Masks

Do not adorn yourselves outwardly by braiding your hair, and by wearing gold ornaments or fine clothing; rather, let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:2-4 NRSV

Although, it keeps commerce going, I have never quite understood the need for anyone to have major amounts of piercings or to change the color of one's hair every few weeks or the wearing of someone else's name on your clothing. It makes me think that the person is not comfortable with who they are. I can't quite get why someone would need to wear make-up that would disguise the person that God made them to be. I'm not saying that I think women shouldn't wear any. But, I would think the purpose for make-up would be to enhance one's features and not to mask them.

God has made every one and every one is precious in God's sight. Let the world see the person God created you to be. There is nothing more beautiful than a child of God who exudes the loving and gentle spirit that comes from knowing that you are a child of God.  

May God help each of us to cherish the lasting beauty of the gentle and quiet spirit of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J