Forces of Spiritual Wickedness

Ephesians 6:10-13 KJV; The forces of spiritual wickedness are not only active in government; but, in the church as well.

Iniquities Prevail

Psalm 65:1-8 KJV; 7th Sunday after Pentecost; Iniquities prevail; atrocities are committed. Lord, have mercy upon us and forgive us our sins.

The Fake Lights Would Destroy Hope

Psalm 16:1-9 KJV

Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.

O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;

But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.

The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

+++

In these dark days it can be difficult to have hope. I have found myself reminding myself that I need to pray for the safety of multitude of civilians of many nations that have been left behind in Afghanistan. I have to remind myself because to tell you the truth I find that I have fallen into the trap of having little hope that they will all or even the majority be able to get out of Afghanistan safely.

Yet, without hope we cannot move forward to secure their escape. Hope keeps us moving and doing.  Hope will not leave us destitute and depressed. Hope will lead us to action. 

Our hope is misplaced when we it is based on any one or group of persons in government leadership.  They are not our saviors. There is only one savior. His name is Jesus. In him our hope must lie.

The world can be a very dark place. But, a light has come into the world. Sadly, too many prefer the dark and will not come into the marvelous light of Christ.

Years ago, I had a vision that I will never forget while at a Renewel In Missouri Conference. That vision was of a candle with a great light surrounded by a circle of smaller candles with very dim lights. One would think that those smaller candles were attracted to the great light. But, no. The candles with dim lights were surrounding the great light in the attempt to put it out so that their own lights could shine. So goes the world today. Egos of so many world leaders as well as others attempt to outshine the rest. They do not listen to the counsel of God. They are guided and guide others by a false light that is not of Christ but of their own imaginations. 

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (2 Cor 11:13-14)

We can never put out the light of Christ even as many who profess to be Christians; profess to love; profess to care; try as they might to snuff out the light of Christ so that their own fake lights might shine.

Again... there is only one light that can be trusted. That light is the light that has come into the world for the sake of all of humankind. His name is Jesus the Christ. In him alone our hope must lie.

Let us pray: Lord God, have mercy upon us. Have mercy on all who are in harms way in Afghanistan and around the world. Have mercy on us filling us with faith, hope, and love through the power of the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus the Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Our Exile

Loving and Supporting One Another 
Is Better Done At Close Range

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

                                                                            (1 Thes 5:14-15 KJV)

Warn those who are falling away; comfort those who need comforting; support those who need help of any kind; and do it all with patience. In other words, love one another. 

The powers that be have isolated us from one another to the best of their ability this past year. Humankind was not made to live in total isolation. No one can live life to even near its fullest without interaction with others. We need others to remind us when we are falling away. Written words are helpful even as Paul wrote to the many church. They are helpful. But, we need people in person to comfort us and support us. As Christians, we do not live for ourselves but for the whole Body of Christ. It is difficult for the Body of Christ to work as one when we steer so clear of one another. 

The vaccination is being widely administered quite rapidly. Whether or not it works is a question many people have. But, with faith in this vaccination  hopefully the fear of dying that so many people have will disappear to a large extent soon and we can get back to actually and actively doing doing good. Hopefully, we will get back to actually and actively loving one another. That is... if we haven't forgotten how.

Have we really been looking to God or politicians and government agencies to save us from this isolation; from this exile?  

In the end remember that no matter what happens in this world the only hope any of us truly have is hope in the promises of God through Jesus the Christ. That hope includes living reconciled to God and to one another in the Body of Christ, in the Kingdom of God. Whatever the world says do not neglect what we know to be good: to exhort one another; to support and and comfort one another, with much patience. 

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Rom 15:13)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Ask How You Can Serve Others

And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.

And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

                                                                                 (Mark 9:33-35 KJV)

Who is more important? Who is more highly esteemed? Whether we like it or not; whether we're willing to fully acknowledge it or not there is a class system in the country; even in the whole world. Some people are put up on pedestals and others are ignored so completely that the world barely acknowledges their presence.  

St. James wrote:

"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?"                                                                                           (James 2:1-5)

The actor or the sports star is more highly esteemed than the janitor or even the doctor or nurse.  Many people who live in fine houses and wear expensive name brand clothes look down on those who live in ordinary homes and who dress for comfort and work. The politician for some really strange reason often thinks that they are more important than the security guards and the others that protect them. They forget that they are servants of the people and it's not the other way around. And, the people... so many people want the government to serve them; to give them everything that they want. 

In his inaugural speech, President John F. Kennedy said:  “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” What happened to that idea? Of course, not everyone was thrilled with that idea of his. He barely got the popular vote and he was assassinated during his term in office.

So many seem to have either forgotten, never heard, or just don't care that Jesus said "If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all." Not everyone is willing to serve others and so the class system will live on. We can put all the laws on the books that we want. But, the law will not change the hearts of men. It may change a few as it will force them to conform to the rule of law. But, even as the people are forced to conform to the law, the hearts of many will only be hardened.  

Service to others is born out of love not the law. Christ died on that cross because he loves us. He willingly went to the cross for our sakes so that we might reconciled to our Father in heaven and to one another. 

"For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Release Us From These Prisons

Moreover the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying,

Thus saith the Lord the maker thereof, the Lord that formed it, to establish it; the Lord is his name;

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. 

                                                                                    (Jer 33:1-3 KJV)

There are so many prisons and types of prisons today. There are the multitudes of prisons with bars to contain the convicted. There are the victims being held by sex traffickers as well as  other types of abusers. There are also the many who find themselves isolated today due to a world-wide pandemic or afraid to leave their homes because of violence in the streets. There are those who have worked for years to build up a business to support themselves; their families; their employees to find that the government has shut them down or has completely limited their customer base and are struggling to stay alive.

Let us stand on the word of the Lord to Jeremiah: "Call unto me, and I will answer thee." (Jer 33:3) He will lead us out of this prison of hopelessness and despair. He will show us the way.

Let us pray to the one who created the heavens and the earth and all that is in them. Let us pray to the one who hears and answers: Heavenly Father, hear our prayers and release us from these prisons. Hear our prayers for peace. Hear our prayers and answer that we might know the joy of being reconciled to you and to one another. Hear our prayers and answer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Church and State

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

                                                                                     (Matt 7:15-21 KJV)

I have been spending a lot of time outside during the "stay home, stay safe" guidelines. My husband, who had open heart surgery last month, is still spending a lot of time inside in his chair watching television. I try to spend time watching with him so that we can be together. We are almost to the sixth wife of "The Tudors." I have had to leave the room often! I leave the room for beheadings, dis-embowlments, adultery and other activity that clearly is going to be too sexual in nature. A central theme of this historical fiction is religious persecution from all all sides. It is about the church and state in such a close relationship that evil has become most rampant in the church and in the state. I have missed a whole lot of this series due to having to leave the room; but, I have not missed much because as someone who enjoys history I know what's coming next and I can leave the room before the really disgusting stuff happens.

This past week, my husband also watched a documentary on the government forced assimilation of Native children into boarding schools. Children in North America were forcibly taken out of their homes and away from their parents to live in these orphanage type homes; most of which were run by churches. Many of these children were horribly abused while in the care of the government and the church. My husband was stunned at the extent of the abuse that had gone on. I am not sure why he was as we have friends who were subjected to these abuses at the hands of the government and the church. But, then again, it is shocking to be reminded of the atrocities that have been committed that were (are) supposedly for the good of people.

The list of atrocities that have occurred over the many generation when the church and state have acted together is too long to list. I do not write this blog today to condemn the church on earth as a whole or the government overall or even Christians who hold government posts. I write it to remind us that there will be false prophets who are like ravening wolves within the church and the governments. Those false prophets will work to divide the church and the state as they seek to satisfy their own political  and secular and even personal religious agendas. 

May God help us to discern what is good and right; what is His will. May God give us the courage and strength to do His will in spite of the direction our secular leaders might steer us in. May God help us to follow in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus the Christ that we might not do harm to those who do not think or worship or live as we do.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Lord, Have Mercy!

Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me. (Pslam 40:11 KJV)

There are days when about the only prayer that can come out of my lips is "Lord, have mercy! Christ, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!"

There are days when there are so many things to deal with that the brain is not able to slow down enough to pray much else than to beg for God's mercy and help. Dealing with government entities usually brings this state of lack of enlightenment on. But, we have a helper; a protector. We have one who knows the troubles and trials of our hearts and minds and answers our prayers whether we know what to pray or not. Trust Him!

He truly loves us and with us in every circumstance. He hears your prayers for mercy and answers.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Respect Civil Authorities

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. (Rom 13:1-4 NIV)

Concerning Civil Government.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For the power which exists anywhere is ordained of God. Whosoever resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Rom. 13:1-4.

Book of Concord; Luther's Small Catechism/Table of Duties

 

We see more and more disrespect for our elected officials and public servants as each year passes. Unless, it clearly goes against the word and the will of God there is no excuse for the public to persecute these men and women so unjustly. I am old enough to remember a time when whether we particularly liked our president or not, we still respected the office of the President of the United States and we showed it. It's not all that apparent today. There are peaceful means in place to replace them. If the majority wants someone out of office they will use those means. We do not have to become so ugly that we look like bullies to do it.

 

A person gets stopped because of a possible traffic violation and instead of cooperating they choose to disrespect the person stopping them by refusing to cooperate. A neighbor reports unruly behavior and instead of responding calmly to the officers or possibly protective service workers who show up at your door; they are met by all sorts of disrespectful attitudes and behavior. That is surely not God's will. Those men and women who are responding to the call are there to ensure that you and all of your household are safe and well.

 

It is not God's will that we should set ourselves in such a high place that we think that we are above the law of the land. The law of the land is not just for everyone else. It is for all people. It is not God's will that we should act like uncooperative bullies; but, to use the system that has been set in place for the good of all people. Use the system to try to change the system if it needs changing. Violence against others is not the way to get what you might want. Those who would encourage other than peaceful protests that result in harm to others as well as the property of others go against the will of God. He is the provider of all. We don't get to destroy the property of others and still say that we are doing God's will.

 

God's will is for the good of all people; not just for you; not just for the few.

 

May God help us to live peacefully in the land.

 

Pr. J

Taxes

     Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?”
     But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
     “Caesar’s,” they replied.
     Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 
                                                          Matthew 22:17-21

The income tax season is almost over and I am just getting to it. Tax season spans about one third of the year. Then, there are those summer property taxes due as well and can't forget quarterly estimated taxes, either. It does not bother me all that much to pay taxes. I am just not thrilled with the filing of the income and estimated taxes. I do not like having to think so hard about money. I am prone to procrastination when it comes to getting them done.

Jesus was asked by the Pharisees if it was lawful to pay taxes to an emperor. This was a trick question. In reality, if he said yes, the Pharisees would probably construe it to mean that it was okay to pay homage to someone other than God. If he said no, he would be denying the authority of the emperor to rule in this world. They were confounding the two kingdoms. Jesus responded by asking who's face was on the coin that the they paid this tax with. They brought forth a coin with Caesar's face. Then pay to Caesar what is Caesar's he told them.

We may find discomfort in parting with our savings to pay the taxes the government requests or demands. But, do not worry. You are a child of the Kingdom of God. God will provide and because He provides so well for us, we remember to love and serve Him above all things. Honor him by doing what is right for this world and most of all so that He might be glorified in all that we say and think and do. Pay to Caesar what is Caesar's; but, do not neglect to give to God what is God's.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Kingdom where all debts have been paid for us by the blood of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Mary's Song; Our Song

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. Luke 1:46-47, 49 NIV 

Mary's song ought to be our song. He hears our prayers and He answers. But, He has done and continues to do so much more than we can even imagine or ask for.

Mary was indeed blessed to be chosen to be the mother of God. What a fearsome and awesome gift that must have been. Yet, we are also greatly blessed in that God is with us always. That gift to Mary is also a gift to us.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this."
                                    (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Let us rejoice and be glad for our Savior has come and his Kingdom shall never end. May all of our souls glorify the Lord and our spirits rejoice in God our Savior and King!

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Sunday of Hope

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV

Long before Jesus was born as a mere baby in a barn, the people of Israel trusted that he would come. They believed God's promises long before anyone saw it come to fruition with their own eyes. The people of Israel had hope.

Today is the first Sunday in Advent. It is the Sunday of hope. The celebration of Messiah's birthday is but a few weeks away. We look for the celebration of his birth even as we wait in hope for him to come again. If the Israelites could wait for generations with confidence in God's promise that he would come to reign over them, we who have been made aware that he has come, ought to be able to live our lives in the confidence; in the hope that he has come, he is here, he will come again.

May God grant us all hope that God is even know accomplishing all things for the good of those who love Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Live Thankful Lives In Christ

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Col 2:6-7 NIV

God has blessed the people of the United States as well as many other countries with many opportunities to serve Him and to serve others all around the globe. He has given us opportunities to grow in the Body of Christ. Our government has set aside a day to recognize that and to give thanks to God for all of His blessings. Today is not "turkey day." It is a day of thanksgiving for all the blessings that we have received. Let us remember that. Today is meant to remember and give glory and thanksgiving to the God who created us and then, after we fell through our own sinful natures, recreated us through Jesus Christ our Lord.

May God strengthen our faith so that we may more fully live our lives in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Where Does My Help Come From?

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

Today is one of those historical days that will not be forgotten. The tragedy of 9-11 shook this country. It was a day when many of us realized how vulnerable we actually are. There were changes in security protocol every where we went. Security was analyzed and assessed in all parts of our government. Those changes probably helped avert more attacks like this one. But, we must confess that no matter what we do, we cannot stop the evil that threatens. We can try and we must try because the evil one will keep on trying, as well. We must all be diligent and we must be able to trust our governing officials to also be diligent in their desire to safeguard the security of the people of this county. 

Even as we wondered how such a thing could happen; how no one in the government could foresee the events of that tragic day; many turned to the only One who can bring about real peace. Churches saw an increase in attendance following this horrific day as they recognized the need to trust God for help. He and only He can ultimately save us.

And.. then, with time, those visitors began to withdraw, once again, from worship. The reality is: we face evil every single day. Where will our help come from? It comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Let us rejoice and give Him all honor and praise.

May our heavenly Father guide our leaders to put the interests and safety of all the people before their own interests and may all of the people of God put their trust in Him for He alone can save us.

God's Peace - Pr. J