Gifts To Edify

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. (1 Cor 14:12 KJV)

Our call is to edify the church not to destroy it. The church is the Body of Christ and according to St. Paul's letter to the church we are to help the church to grow. We are to help improve the visible church here on earth.

When we shine the spotlight on someone's particular gifts and ignore the gifts of all of God's children we are endangering the fellowship of the saints in the Body of Christ. Our mission is not to glorify ourselves or anyone else within the church because of particular gifts that we might have been given. Each and everyone of us has been given gifts by God; not for our own glorification; but, so that God is glorified through every member of the church.

God help us to excel in the edifying of the church! God help us to glorify him in all that we say and think and do!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

How Does The Kingdom Grow?

How Does The Garden Grow?

And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. 

                                                                                     (Mark 4:26-28 KJV)

One can never tell how one little seed of truth that they share with others will grow the kingdom by one more brother or sister in Christ. We can spread the seed; but, it is God himself who gives the growth. 

It is not by our power or wit or humor or anything else that the Kingdom grows. It is by the word of God alone by the power of the Holy Spirit that it is fruitful.

So plant those seeds until the day the harvest is come!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

He Alone Brings Forth All Things

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. 

                                                                                        (Isa 61:10-11 KJV)

It is God alone who created the plants of the earth. The garden grow. The flowers bloom. It is He alone who causes them to bring forth the fruit of their seed. So it is He who will cause us to rejoice as righteousness not just survives but thrives for the world to see. 

Rejoice in the Lord who gives us all good things. Praise Him who saves us!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

One Body

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. (1 John 4:15 KJV)

Let us depart from the idea that we must take care of ourselves first; that we are number one. The first is God. When we abide in Christ we are members of his body joined together with all others who confess that Jesus is the Son of God. 

When Christ abides in us and we in him we are one with one mind serving the Lord and one another. Each member of the body has its particular gifts given to us by God so that the body might be edified and grow in Christ Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Water And The Word

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

                                                                               (Isa 55:9-11 KJV)

Finally, a good storm! This spring has seen very little rain. The pond in my yard is looking pretty low. The little minnows have not had much chance to grow in such little space. The trees also have been looking pretty thirsty. Way too many of the Palm trees' fronds have turned brown. But; finally, we have a good rain!

Even as the waters come down encouraging growth and life so does the word that comes from the Lord. Listen to Him and grow in your life, living each day more fully in Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Growing Up In Christ

Growing up in Christ is not easy; but it is essential.

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." 

                                                                                    (Eph 4:14-16 KJV)

To truly grow up takes a lifetime and even at the time of death we still will never be as mature as we could be. Society, today, gives us about eighteen years to help our children grow up and then we turn them loose on the society. As Christians, we do our best to teach our children who Jesus is and what he has done for us and why. We pray that they will follow him. But, the devil prowls and not everyone would have our children go in "The Way" that they should go for their own benefit and for the good of society. With the help of God, we do what we can while they are with us and then we continue to pray for them until the day that we die.

It would be most helpful for our children and for society if we could all work together to help all of our children grow up into him is the head, even as we continue to grow in Christ. May God help us to follow in "His Way."

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

JK

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (1 Cor 13:11 KJV)

My question for the morning: Are jokes that disrespect others actually funny? They appear to be funny; at least to those who still insist on thinking like children. Disrespectful jokes have been my pet peeve for a good many years.

I enjoy a good joke as much as the next person. I use to enjoy watching comedies. Not so much any more. All too often the expected laughter is derived from watching someone be hurt or bullied or just flat out disrespected. Our children see this bullying of others and often emulate it. 

I don't know how many times I've heard a young person say something really inappropriate and when giving them the "eye" or flat out calling them on it they would quickly say "jk," "just kidding," "can't you take a joke?" or something very similar in order to justify the fact that they just debased someone. They told a lie about someone by trying to turn it into a joke. Most of the time, that does not work. It just sounds childish.

It is not just children who tell off-color jokes. After all, they learn this stuff from somewhere. As the only female clergy at a lunch meeting with a group of male clergy, I once listened to anti-feminist (sexual in nature) jokes for about five minutes before I finally asked the male pastor how old he was. He told me (a few years younger than me) and asked me why I wanted to know. I told him that I was wondering if maybe he was going through male menopause since he was so focused on telling inappropriate jokes. The jokes stopped for that day any way. 

Speaking of pastors, there was also that pastor who thought it was a joke to slap me on the backside as he walked by. That is not a joke. That is called sexual harassment. That was over fifteen years ago. I have not spoken to him since.

I am not saying that all jokes are bad. I do like to laugh, myself. Sometimes comedy is used to point out injustices rather than invoke them. That can be a very good thing. Comedians and satirists and just regular people can sometimes best tell the truth about a matter using comedy. But, when comedy is used, it would really be nice if behind the joke there is actually truth. 

Sometimes it is best to "shut up and grow up!" or just "grow up."  Not every joke is funny. Many are hurtful. There are times when we really need to consider whether it might be time to put away childish things. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Sincere Milk of the Word

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (1 Peter 2:2-3 KJV) 

As of the eighth of this month, I am a great-great aunt for the first time. Saylor will, as all newborns, desire the milk that will nourish her and help her to grow. Likewise, the first letter that is attributed to St. Peter encourages newborn Christians to desire the sincere milk of the word.

It is not just newborn Christians who need take to heart this admonition; but, all Christians. So often, once we have received the love of God, we think that alone will sustain us. But, we must consider that the world is feeding us a lot of garbage, as well. In order to be nourished and to grow in Christ we must continue to drink in the milk of the word.

Do not believe every word you hear from so called "spiritual" people on the radio or television or even in your neighborhood. If what you are hearing cannot be backed up by scripture then what you are hearing is not the word that will nourish you.  

Read the word daily. Drink it in. Every Sunday morning, somewhere, in some congregation, you can hear the word read aloud. Attend worship with the fellowship of believers and hear the promises of God for you. St. Paul wrote to the Romans:  "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:17) 

Hear the Word of God speak to you; drink in the word; believe and know that the Lord is good.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Whatever Happens; God Is With You

My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4 NRSV) 

Growing in Christ does mean that we will face trials. There was a time when I could actually smile at those trials that I would face, knowing that it would be a learning and growing experience. Then, I would just get to it. Today, I am more likely to find myself weary of facing one trial after the next. Maybe, it's more like I've learned to simply endure them. I look out into the world and see all the trials that people endure simply because of our sinful natures, I get tired of seeing so much unnecessary suffering. I know that trials produce endurance so that we might mature and grow in Christ. However, it saddens me to know that those trials are often born out of disrespect for the world; for the people around us; and, for God.

Sadly; to live in this world, we do need endurance and endurance comes from facing and overcoming trials. But, we are not alone. We are never alone. God is with us and we will prevail. We will grow  and mature in Christ. We can rejoice in that knowledge.

God grant that we should have joyful spirits as we face the trials before us, in the knowledge that God is with us and for us. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Lord Provides!

“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!" (Luke 12:27-28)

The Lord provides! He finds many ways and many people to do this. Sometimes, it is through grandparents. Sometimes, it is through others. But, for those of us with even a little faith, He does provide.

It has always kind of amazed me that often those with very little feel abundantly blessed and those with an abundance sometimes feel and act like they live in poverty. They do not recognize the gifts that God has already given them. They do not treasure what they already have.

Jesus reminds us that God clothes even the grass of the feel with beautiful flowers; He will also clothe us - we who have such little faith. Trust in the Lord and give thanks for all that He has done!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Trust In The Lord And Live Life!

"In that day people will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel. They will not look to the altars, the work of their hands, and they will have no regard for the Asherah poles and the incense altars their fingers have made. (Isa 17:7-8 NIV)

Does is really have to get that bad before people will look to their Maker, the Holy One of Israel? It just amazes me that we have to face destruction, even live through it, before we give up trusting in the work of our own hands, before we turn and trust the LORD. 

Isaiah prophecies that the people will plant and they will grow, yet the harvest will be worthless. The work of their hands will come to nothing. They will be hungry. He prophecies against those who rage like the stormy sea. "In the evening, sudden terror! Before the morning, they are gone! This is the portion of those who loot us, the lot of those who plunder us." (vs 14)

Woe to those who rage against others. Woe to those who plot secretly to destroy them. Do you not know that you will not prevail? Do you not know that you are bringing an end to yourself? Leave off trusting in your own ability to prevail. You are not a god. Leave off trusting in your false gods.

Return to the LORD, look to your Maker, and rejoice for our Father has mercy on all who hear His Word and believe. Live life justly!

God's Peace - Pr. J

One Body; Many Members; Many Gifts

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. (1 Cor 12:12-13 NIV)

Well, there you have it. We have all been baptized into the one body. If you read Paul's firsts letter to the Corinthians you will find that he advises that the Body of Christ which is the Church needs every part of the body to continue it's mission to proclaim the Gospel; to grow and edify the church. There is not one member of the church on earth that is greater than another. God gives to each of us gifts to be used for His glory. We use them in unison. It does not matter what God has called you to do. Whether you clean the church, type the bulletins, assist at worship, teach Sunday School, sing in the choir, serve on the council; whatever it is that God has called you to do, it is important to the health of the congregation; to the health of the church. Each of these callings contribute greatly to the growth and health of the local congregation. If the bathrooms are a mess it will not matter how awesome the music is. If the greeters ignore visitors it will not matter what the preacher is preaching. If the members of a local congregation of the church on earth do not work in unison with the one mind of Christ it will fail or at the most struggle to survive in the mission to which we are called.

Every individual member in a congregation is important to the life and health of that congregation. There is nothing and no one too small to be unimportant. One of the most common laments that I hear from those who are very elderly is that they can no longer actively serve as they once did. They loved serving God and others through the church on earth and they miss it. But, the truth is "Yes, you can continue serving." You can continue serving by continuing to pray for the congregation and the whole Body of Christ. You can share your love of God with others around you by testifying to the great love you have for Jesus the Christ and for them. After all, St. Paul reminds us that love is the greatest gift of all. (1 Cor 13:13)  You can share the vision that God had inspired within you for your congregation; for your community, with your pastor and with the other members of the Body of Christ. There are many things you can continue in. Not everything has to be or should be visible to the whole congregation. Some things are done quietly; unbeknownst to the majority.

Every single member of the church on earth; every single member of every congregation is an important part of the Body of Christ. None are more important or less important than another. No gifts are less or greater than another. We must strive to work together according to the gifts that God has given to each of us that God may be glorified in all that we say and do.

God's Peace - Pr. J

It Is God Who Makes The Flowers Bloom

"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." Matt 6:27-29 NIV

The flowers do not labor or spin and when it comes to growing a flower garden; neither do I do much work. My life has been so full of other things that I do not spend a lot of time gardening. I enjoy seeing the flowers grow and come to full bloom. But, other than planting the seeds and a little watering when it is needed, I do not do much. I leave the scattered seeds in God's hands. Most often, they grow to beautiful flowers most haphazardly positioned. Sometimes, they don't.

It is the same with planting the seeds for the Kingdom.  "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how." (Mark 4:26-27) All we can do is plant the seed and maybe do a little fertilizing and watering.

Do not worry about whether the work of your hands will flower and bloom. All that we can do is scatter the seeds and trust God to provide the growth. Whether it will grow or not or how it will grow is up to the Spirit of Christ.

St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians (1 Cor 3:6-7) "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."

Even as St. Paul and the many saints before us planted many seeds and watered them, may the abiding Christ scatter many seeds through us as we trust Him to provide the growth for all in His Kingdom.

God's Peace - Pr. J