Trust The Lord Before All Others

Psalm 146 KJV; We can trust others because we trust the Lord first. We trust that the Lord will care for us and has a good plan for us no matter what the plan of others is for us; whether good or bad..

No One Knows The Hour!

Matthew 24:36-44 KJV; Devotion for 1st Sunday in Advent. Are you as prepared for Christ to return in full glory as you are for Christmas morning?

We Are Sinners

1 John 2:1-2, 8; John 17:21-23; We are sinner; yet, are saints by faith in Christ who shed his blood as a sacrifice for our sins.

A Tree Planted by Water

PSALM 1

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Justice Will Come On the Day Of The Lord

 

The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see.

O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!

Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.

Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth. 

                                                                                       (Hab 1:1-4 KJV)

Habbakuk wants to know of the Lord why evil persists raising up strife and contentions.  We ask this same thing today. Why do we find ourselves being grieved by the very people who have sworn to protect us? Rather than protect they subjugate the population that does not agree with them. They actually sujugate the whole population; but, many have eyes that do not see; ears that do not hear. Laws upon laws, mandates upon mandates are made and change so regularly that it is impossible to keep up with what the newest rules are. Taxes are added on top of taxes; fines on top of fines and those sometimes without the people's consent. Where is the justice? When will it come?

It will come in the day of the Lord. We can know peace even in the times of trouble today because we know that although our governments make many wrongful judgments, the Lord has a plan; a good plan, for those who love him. (Rom 8:28) His people may endure hardships for a time; but, in the end we will know peace in the presence of Almighty God. 

"The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.

For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low..." 

                                                                                           (Isa 2:11-12)

We wait patiently (sometimes not so patiently) for the day of the Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

No Discriminating For Any Reason

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?

But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 

                                                                                  (James 2:1-6 KJV)

To show favoritism to one means to discriminate against another. James warns against showing favoritism. Sadly, we see this way too often. People are discriminated against for their race, their sex, age, where they work or if they don't, how they dress. The list goes on and on.

I admit that there have been times in the past when I have purposely dressed down just to see if security would follow me around in particular stores. They usually did. In fact, I have been followed around even when I thought I was clothed all right. Not sure why; but, every now and then someone thinks that I might look suspect. On the other hand, if I wear my clergy collar, I almost always get a lot of friendly greetings no matter where I am.

Years ago, when kayaking the shores of Lake Superior, I pulled up on the shore of a town that I had visited often in the past. They had known me as a pastor and had been very friendly toward me when they had welcomed me in that capacity. This time; however, they apparently did not recognize me. I had been on the water for about a month and was wearing an old pair of Marine fatigues over my swimsuit. My hair was a ratted mess hanging out from under a baseball cap (the ratted hair is actually normal for me). I looked pretty forlorn. I needed to use a phone as there was no cell connection. I was not welcomed well. It took forever to find a pay phone as no one apparently had a phone that I could use to let my family know where I was.

When encountering others, it would do us all well to heed the words written by St. James, "If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?" (vs 3-4 NIV)

None of us like to be discriminated against. "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets" (Matt 7:12 KJV)

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen." (2 Cor 13:14 KJV)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Put Not Your Trust In Princes

Psalm 146 KJV

Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul.

While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.

His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.

Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God:

Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:

Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners:

The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous:

The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.

The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the Lord.

+++

Put not your trust in princes! What a reminder these last few weeks have been of that! Our rulers too often do what they think will get them elected or reelected or keep their prestigious appointments with no mind paid toward those who will suffer because of their decisions.

May God be with and have mercy on all who have been left behind because of the decisions of our leaders! May God have mercy on all of us.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Who Is Righteous?

PSALM 1 KJV

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

I remember as a very young person learning that we are not saved by our good works; rather, that because we are saved we do good works. Also, our good works are not counted toward our righteousness for no man is righteous according to the law. We all sin. We are found righteous only by faith in the only one who is righteous, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Those who have been forgiven much love much. They love enough to serve the Lord and one another to the utmost of their ability which will also fall short of perfection. Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ who died that through faith in him and his sacrifice we might be found righteous.

"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead." (Phil 3:8-11)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Bow Your Knee With Joy

"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." 

                          (Rom 14:11-12 KJV)

It is either now or later. We can acknowledge our sins and repent now or we can do it later when every knee shall bow before the Lord. We can, if we so desire, wait until the day of judgement and miss out on the joy of living in the presence of God; in communion with him today.

The question is will you be bowing in joyful worship as you come before the one who loves you and has given you his life and light or will you kneel before him uncertain of the outcome as you face him on the day of judgement? 

It is a wise person who would confess and repent of their sins and live in the light of the Christ today. Don't wait for tomorrow. Live life in his light today and rejoice.

"And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

                                                                                      (1 John 1:4-10)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Transgressions Increase

                                             

When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. (Prov 29:16 KJV)

Whenever I consider how wicked the world can be today, I think about how evil it has been in the past and I don't see the world quite as awful today as we would portray it in our own minds.

Yes, there is injustice. It seems rampant at times. If we read world news we will see that in some parts of the world there is much more wickedness than here in the U.S.A.. 

Yes, there is wickedness in the world and transgressions do seem to be multiplying. But, it would be rather wise not to participate in the evil; rather, do harm to no one for the righteous will see the fall of those who harm others for their own purposes. It may take awhile. But, have patience. Justice is the Lord's. 

St. Paul wrote to the Romans: "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord." (Rom 12:19)

This does not mean that we should not protect ourselves or our neighbors. We should assist all people in time of need; in times of persecution. We should stand with them fearlessly for if we are damaged in the process, we can be assured that God will provide the justice.

In the meantime may the Lord fill us with the Spirit of love, with the Holy Spirit that you might: "... cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. (Isaiah 1:16-17)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

A Fearsome And Awesome God

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 

                                                                                 (Rev 14:6-7 KJV)

When is the hour of judgment to come? Is it here even now? Does it come at the hour of death? Is there a final day when we will be judged together? There are a lot of different theories. I personally don't think it really matters. There is something more important to concern ourselves with and that is as long as we breathe here on earth we ought to be proclaiming the Kingdom of God and glorifying His Holy Name.

Jesus said: 

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." 

                                                                                     (Matt 24:35-39)

Only God knows when the hour will come when Jesus will return or when that day of judgment will come upon us. Noah believed God and so prepared for the flood as he was instructed. Do we really believe God and are we prepared?

We are all sinners and deserve no mercy. But, this awesome and fearsome God is a God of mercy. On that fearful day when we must face judgment we can say with faith, my sins have been wiped clean by the blood of the innocent lamb who is my lord and savior, Jesus the Christ, and who has already suffered the consequences of my sins.  

Our God is a fearsome God. He says: "See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand." (Deut:32-36) He is also a merciful God. "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)" (Eph 2:4-5)

God is God! All honor and power and glory belong to him alone. The power that he wields is worthy to be feared. Yet, he is loving and merciful and desires only good for all that he has created.

When will that final day come? Only God knows. In the meantime: live life trusting him for your salvation, loving him, and giving him all glory!

God's Peace - Pr. J. 

Free To Assist Those In Need

Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. (Isa 1:16-17 KJV)

Living in peace does not always require passivity. There are times when we must be involved in ensuring justice. We cannot just sit by and watch others be harmed. Our in-actions; our passivity can contribute to even more harm to those who are oppressed in any way. However, actively defending those who are oppressed does not mean oppressing others unjustly either. As one defends their own freedom to not be oppressed we must be cautious not to unjustly stand in the way of the freedoms of others.

Each one must look to their own lifestyles to ensure that our activity or our passivity does not advertently or inadvertently stand in the way of freedom and justice for others; that it does not cause harm to others. Just because we can do something  or not do something doesn't mean our actions or in-actions actually promote what is good for ourselves or for those around us.

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. (1 Cor 10:23)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Word; A Two-Edged Sword

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb 4:12 KJV)

For the past twenty plus years I have preached the Sermon on the Mount at least annually. I do not edit it. I do not preach anything other than the exact words according to St. Matthew (usually the NIV). The first year that I did this was at a youth correctional facility. The congregation was made up of teen-age felons mainly from Wayne County, MI. The next day I was called into the head office. It had been reported that I had said that one of the youths' mothers was going to hell. I had said no such thing. 

The Sermon on the Mount for the most part; at least the Beatitudes, has always seemed to me to be comforting. However, there are parts of Jesus' sermon that will strike at a guilty conscience quite severely. It is not as though Jesus pointed a finger at any specific person. He merely points at what is right and at what is wrong. 

The word of God is like a two edged sword. The two edged sword is swift to destroy with both sharp sides. But, the sword can be used for two purposes on the battlefield. The first, most obviously, is to destroy. The second, with today's modern warfare, is not so obvious. When heated, the metal  blade of the sword was used to cicatrize wounds; to seal open blood vessels as well as other wounds. 

On the one-hand the word of God can bring us quickly to our knees as our spirits discern the judgment we have brought upon ourselves by daring to stand against the word of God. But, the word of God has a much more gracious purpose. Once wounded by the word, we are healed by the same word of God who desires nothing less than the good for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Vengeance is God's

For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Heb 10:30-32 KJV)

Judgment at the hands of the living God is something that we should not take too lightly. I sometimes wonder if all the "wolves in sheep's clothing" actually realize that they are devouring God's sheep; His children. Way too often, we find dissension and division within congregations. Way too often, the division is caused by people who want to have more power because they have no real power and they do not recognize the sovereignty of God. Jesus is a fairy tale to them. They do not take the judgment or the grace of God seriously. The church, to those who would usurp authority that does not belong to them, is nothing more than a place where they can have their own egos fed. Since they do not truly believe the power of God, they have no clue that they are devouring God's sheep. If they do realize it; they seem not to care.

Jesus came to reconcile us to our Father in heaven. Those who encourage division among God's people ought to take seriously that judgment will not come at the hands of humankind; but, at the hand of the living and all powerful God. Vengeance is His! We ought to take that seriously and thank Him for the grace that He has bestowed upon all who believe through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Jesus Welcomes Sinners

Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table.

                                                                               Luke 22:17-21 NRSV

Jesus is known for welcoming everyone. He is most well known for dying for all people. He reaches out to everyone; that all who believe him might be saved.

I have been excluded from more than one communion table. Lately, I have heard from others who also have been. I must admit that there have definitely been times when I considered excluding someone from the Lord's Table. But, I did not. I knew that if I did, it would probably have been because of my bias and desire to just not see that person receive the gift of forgiveness and reconciliation with the Body of Christ, at least not at that time. But, the Sacrament of Holy Communion is not mine to impart or withhold. It is a gift from God. 

I also find it a bit of problem with inviting all who believe and are baptized to the table (as is the tradition of my denomination) then tell them publicly once they arrive at the table that the invitation didn't include them. Who; after all, am I to judge them? 

St. Paul instructed the people at Corinth to discern for themselves whether they were worthy or not. He wrote: "Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For all who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink judgment against themselves. For this reason many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world." (1 Cor 11:28-32) 

St. Paul was not just addressing people who did not recognize the real presence of Jesus. He was also addressing the inability of the people to recognize all of the members of the Body of Christ. They did not wait for others before they ate. They thought only of themselves. They judged themselves to be better than the others and did not consider that they should have to wait to eat and drink with them. St. Paul encouraged them to examine themselves and we should do this and not just before partaking of the Lord's Supper; but, daily. St. Paul did not encourage them to examine others. He did not encourage them to confess anyone's short-comings; their lack of faith; their sins; but, their own. (If, in fact, I felt someone was grievously harming themselves by partaking of this Holy Meal, I would invite them to discuss it; but, in private.)

According to the Gospel of St. Luke, Jesus shared the meal which he declared was his body and blood with all of the twelve and one of them he knew full well would betray him.

Jesus welcomed sinners and still does. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Angels

Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. 

                                                                                  (Col 2:18-19 NIV)

So what about angels? Every now and then I am jolted by the reality that someone I know depends on angels more than they depend on Jesus. They pray to the angels to protect them. Why ask the angels? Why not ask the Lord to send his angels to protect you. God is in charge of angels. He directs them. He sends them out.

Just because something or someone exists in the spiritual realms does not mean that we should worship them or put our trust in them. Angels are created beings. We do not worship the creature. Rather, we worship and put our trust in the one who has charge over the spiritual realms; the one who created the spiritual realms; the one who created all things.

Angels have many purposes. Some are messengers. Some have been deliverers of God judgment. Some are ministering spirits. Angels ministered to Jesus after his temptations by the devil in the wilderness. Angels are beings created by God to serve according to God's will not our will.

Do I believe that angels exist? Of course, I believe that. But, I do not put my faith in them. We cannot serve two gods. Angels are not creators. They are created beings. Angels did not die for you. Jesus did. By worshipping and honoring angels; by lifting them up and trusting in them more than we do Christ, we lose the connection we have with the head, from whom the whole body grows, who is Jesus the Christ. We are to worship the one who has charge over angels and not the angels.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Making Disciples

Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and

teaching them everything he has commanded us.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:18-20 NIV)

Go and tell! What stories do you share with others? Those of us who have children or grandchildren often talk about what they've been up to; their antics, their successes, the joy that they give to us. Sometimes we talk about our favorite hobbies or our careers. Way too often we find ourselves talking about nothing more than the weather. Day in and day out we muse about the weather! It's too hot. It's too cold. I wish the rain would stop already! But, how often do we talk about what Jesus has done for us?

So many "Christians" are so out of the habit of talking about the greatest love of our lives, Jesus the Christ, that they really don't even know how to begin to talk about him with others. Yet, Jesus gave us a command. Yes, it is a command and not a go ahead and do this if you feel like it suggestion. We have been given a commission to go and baptize people of all nations as we share everything that he has taught us, with both his words and his deeds. We share these things so that others will turn and follow him and ultimately also share the good news.

This command was followed by the first disciples and succeeding generations. The church on earth has grown because of the faithful witness of his followers. What part do you play in growing the church? Are you willing to share the good news that Jesus died for all people? He was crucified so that our sins might be forgiven and that we might be reconciled to God our Father for all eternity. So many who profess to be Christians do not wish to offend their neighbors by sharing this good news. But, we rarely consider the consequences for those who do not hear and believe. How offended are they going to be on judgment day when they stand before the Lord and he says, "I never knew you." 

Growing a church; making disciples is not about inviting people to a social club. Social clubs abound in our society and they come and go. Yes, we are social; but, the church is not a club, for a particular type of people. Everyone is welcome! As soon as someone is bored or unhappy with a social club they move on. But, the church will endure forever. The church is made of Christ's followers. It is made up of disciples who are willing to make more disciples by sharing the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

May God give us the courage to share the Good News of the Kingdom given to all who believe through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Only One God!

    Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?
   Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,
   And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them.
   She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not her's: her labour is in vain without fear;
   Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.
   What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider.
   Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?

   Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.

   Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?
   Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?
   Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty.
   Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him.
   Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.
   Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret.
   Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee.

                                                                  Job 39:13-19, 40:8-14 KJV

When I was young, one of my supervisors critiqued me for answering the majority of his questions (which were usually personal and none of his business) with a question. This is how the Lord answered forlorn Job. 

Job had lost everything and everyone. His grief is beyond comprehension. He wants to know why this has happened; after all he is a just man. The Lord answers Job with questions. Who gave wings to the peacock and the ostrich? What do they know? Have they wisdom enough not to let their eggs be trampled by man? Who are you, man, to disavow my judgments? Who are you to make me look unrighteous so that you might look righteous? 

Go ahead and try Job. Go ahead and try, humankind. Do you think that you can do what God can do? Do you think that you can save yourself? Know this: there is only one God and we are not Him! 

Trust the Lord your God above all things!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Every Knee Will Bow!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:9-11 NIV)

Every knee should bow at the name of Jesus today; but, every knee does not. But, there will come a day when every will bow. St. Paul wrote to the Romans (14:11-12): It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

There will be knees will be bowed in complete adoration and genuine gratefulness for all that he has done for us. There will also be knees bowed in fear and trembling for not having acknowledged nor loved Jesus before they faced the day of judgment. 

Do not delay! It is not too late. Today is the day to give all praise to the Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

God's Peace - Pr. J

All Things

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."  Rom 12:3 NIV

Have you ever been around someone who is always right?  Yes, I know you have. It can be a terribly tiring ordeal to always be wrong because someone else is always right. Those who think that they are always right and since they are everything must be done according to the way they say it must be done. That causes just a bit of conflict and discord. Generally, others like to stay away from those who are so arrogant that they think they are so perfect.

Prayerfully you are not one of those who correct everything that everyone one else says and does. Prayerfully we should all take the time to listen to others opinions and ideas and plans and dreams for the greater good. Prayerfully, one day we will all learn to listen and to lean on one another not thinking so highly of ourselves that we think we can do anything and all things. 

Only God can know all things, listen to Him. Only God has accomplished all things for us through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen!

God's Peace - Pr. J