Are We Better Than Other Countries?

Amos 6:1-7; Maybe we make too many decisions for others that are not our decisions to make...

Witness To The Light Of Christ

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor 4:6 KJV)

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

                                                                                      (John 1:6-8 KJV)

John drew in the crowds but he didn't draw them in for his own glory. He drew them in to bear witness to the Light who is Jesus the Christ. He humbled himself and pointed to the one who was coming who was greater than he; greater than all of humankind.

As Christians we are also called and sent to bear witness to the Light who is Christ. But, do we? Is that our true purpose? Are we willing to humble ourselves so that God many get the glory?

The numbers in the flock that come to hear our witness are worthless if we are only bearing witness to ourselves. Our witness, if it is true, will always point to Jesus the Christ.

May God help us all to be faithful witnesses of what Christ has done for us.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Lay Down Your Life

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:12-13 KJV)

Jesus lay down his life not just for his friends; but, for all who were his enemies, as well. He lay down his life for those who rejected and refused to live in the truth.

Today is Armistice Day or more commonly known as Veteran's Day. Armistice with Germany went into effect on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Although fighting in some areas did not stop until that evening the 11th hour of that 11th day was designated to put at least a temporary end to the hostilities.

Today, we remember all Veterans of the many wars that this country has been involved in since our inception. It is for freedom's sake that our armed services generally find themselves in armed conflicts or war. It is not for their own sakes that they fight; but, for the sake of loved ones; friends; people they do not even know around the world. For the sake of others they are willing to lay down their lives.

Today and every day we give thanks that Jesus was willing to lay down his life for our sakes. We give thanks for all people who are and have been willing to lay down their lives that others might live and lively freely. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Hope Rather Than Panic

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.

                                                                                    Romans 15:13 KJV

There is a whole lot of panic going around. Panic is usually fueled by fear. What are we afraid of? Nothing in this world is greater or stronger than the power of the Holy Spirit that can bring to us joy and peace in the midst of the worst tempests.

Trust that the Spirit of Christ is with you; with us all, for our good no matter what it may look or feel like to us at the moment. God is the God of hope. Trust Him and go on doing the good that He would have us do; helping our neighbors and living in peace! 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Becoming Less

They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.”

                                                                                 (John 3:26-30 NIV)

John and Jesus are cousins; most probably friends, as well. They both are called for specific purposes to serve God and humankind. There is no jealousy between the two. There is no competition. John in no way tries to usurp Jesus' authority. When John is about to leave the service of God on earth, by nothing less than death, he is more than willing to become less so that Christ may become not just greater; but, the greatest that has ever walked and served upon the earth.

It would be so awesome if the servants of God on earth today would be so willing to step aside when their time is done so that others that God has called can do the ministry to which they also have been called. But, often they don't. Their egos get in the way.

It should be a joyful thing to see others step up to serve the Lord in faith.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Live In Love

 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. " (John 15:9-13 NIV)

Love can be pretty tough. There are ups and downs in any relationship. A lot of the downs come when we are called to give more of ourselves than we're prepared to give. We balk at the idea of sacrificing too much for the sake of others.

But, Jesus did not hesitate. He knew he was heading to a tortuous death for our sakes. His love is so great for humankind; for you and for me, that he was willing to endure anything for the sake of his love for us.

Does not a love like that deserve to be returned at least to the degree that it is humanly possible? Jesus asked us (no, commands us) to remain in his love for us. We are to live in his love; both loving him and others as he loves others. He promises that as we live in his love our joy will be complete.

May God bless you with the knowledge of his love for you and for all people. May he give you the strength, the courage, and the wisdom to strive to love even as he loves.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

God Is Bigger Than Any Giant

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

We face giants every day. The world would place obstacles before us to prevent us from doing God's will; to prevent us from following Jesus wherever He would lead us. But, those giants have no power over us because Christ lives and dwells within us. He has overcome those giants. On the cross, he overcame all that would come against his children.

Do not fear the giants in the world. God is bigger! He is greater! He has done great things for us and He will continue to be with you and in you as you face those giants.

May God grant you courage to do His will and the faith to trust that He is with you as you face whatever the world would throw at you.

God's Peace - Pr. J