Afraid To Go To Jerusalem

Mark 10:32-34 KJV; 5th Sunday of Lent; They walked toward Jerusalem with Jesus with fear because of what Jesus was telling them.

God's Promises To All Who Believe

Romans 11:1-2a, 13-15, 28-32 KJV; 12th Sunday after Pentecost; God shows mercy to all who trust Him; who trust His Word.

He Did Not Turn Away

Isaiah 50:4-9 KJV; Palm Sunday; He did not turn away; but, faced his persecutors.

Sin Liveth In Me!

Hebrews 10:14-18; Romans 7:14-25; I do not do what I want to do for sin lives in me. Yet, it is by Christ's sacrifice on the cross that I am forgiven my sin.

Pray For All People

1 Timothy 2:1-6; 15th Sunday after Pentecost; pray for all people even our enemies that we might live peaceful and quiet lives.

He Was Dead Yet Lives

Revelation 1:4-18 KJV

The Grass Withers

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (1 Peter 1:24-25 KJV)

We don't get to live forever here on earth. In the end all things must die. But, thanks be to God even as the grass withers and dies it will usually come back and live in the spring. Our hope rests in the spring that God has promised us. It rests in the good news that although we are sinners and deserve nothing but death we will live.  Christ died that we might be made righteous by his work on the cross. We cannot be made righteous no matter how good; how godly we attempt to be. We will all fall short. But, Jesus did not. He was tempted and overcame every temptation including the temptation to not go to the cross for us.  

As the grass withers and springs back to life so shall who believe in the saving grace of God through Jesus the Christ. Our flesh will die; but, we will live. Because he lives so shall we!

God's Peace  - Pr. J.

Once Was Enough

And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:

But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. 

                                                                                                   (Heb 7:23-28 KJV)

Pastors come and go. They do not live to serve the world forever. We live. We die. But, Jesus lives!. He is risen! He is ascended! He is with you now and always!

The ancient priests interceded for humankind. Prayers and blood offerings were made on the behalf of the people. There is no more bargaining with God. We can't buy Him off because Jesus paid for the price for our sins. He was the ultimate sacrifice. The only begotten Son suffered and died for us and that was enough.

We are saved by God's grace through faith in the one who lived and died and lives again for us!

Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Give Their Lives For Others

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)

Veteran's Day is set aside to remember the many who have fallen in support of this country and for the freedom of others around the world. 

Last summer my husband and I visited the Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington is such a quiet and peaceful place unlike it's neighbor next door, Washington, DC. It was a time of reflection as well as awe at the reminder of how many have been willing to give their lives for the sake of others.

As I remember the fallen, I am pained also by the knowledge of why so many died to protect others; why so many wars were fought in the first place. If it had not been for so many greedy and power hungry rulers and people; who were willing to persecute; to destroy people who did not agree with them or follow and worship them there would have been no reason to have to defend others by giving their lives. In other words if there were no sin; there would be no wars.

This past year due to Covid-19 I have watched a lot of television. Most of the shows were either documentaries or fictional stories based on history. It has been gut-wrenching at times to recognize the atrocities that humankind would inflict upon one another. I have had to walk out of the room many times to avoid watching or hearing about the most grievous atrocities. It grieves me to know that so much, if not most, of the violence was brought on by either political or religious beliefs or both. Over the years I have been questioned by some as as to why I believe so strongly in separation of church and state. It is because history tells me that when they get together really bad things happen to people who don't agree with the decision makers and rulers. Wars happen! Persecution and even murder continue to happen all over the world even today as countries decide one religion must dictate the law or when the governments say that there can be no religion at all.

The loss of lives over the centuries; from the beginning of time, due to wars is astronomical. We grieve those losses. We remember today and are most grateful for those who were willing and continue to be willing to give their lives in the hope of giving others better lives.

It is way past time to stop persecuting others for either their political or their religious beliefs. I am not saying stop evangelizing. We can continue evangelizing with peaceful and loving hearts. I am saying stop destroying people just because they don't believe what you believe. Don't persecute them. Pray for them.

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" (Matt 5:44)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

He Is Risen - Easter Sunday 2021

Not I, But Christ Who Lives In Me

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Gal 2:20 KJV)

I have not listened to much music over the last few years. I am not big on noise. I thoroughly enjoy quiet. Recently, though, I have come across a couple of different groups that I do enjoy listening to. I woke up this morning to my Youtube channel on Casting Crowns singing "Nobody."

The lyrics include:

"Cause I'm just a nobody

Trying to tell everybody

All about Somebody

Who saved my soul

Ever since You rescued me

You gave my heart a song to sing

I'm living for the world to see

Nobody but Jesus"

This song is a good reminder to me during this Lenten season that we are nothing without Christ. We can accomplish nothing good without Jesus for it is not we but Christ who abides in us who can and does all things. It is Christ alone who strengthens us to do our Father's will.

One of the greatest congregation killers that I've witnessed is ego. When one or a handful of people begin to credit themselves for church growth or keeping the budget intact; when the focus of committees and councils is all about numbers whether its counting people or money, you can expect at least a few members to start church hunting. They will fall away because most people (not all) actually attend worship to hear about the one who rescued them. They want to hear about the one who can and has saved us. They are there to hear about Jesus. They are there to celebrate what the Lord has done for us.

I remember one particular congregation I was a member of. I was a pretty young Christian at the time. The pastor preached the word faithfully. My heart was stirred when I heard his sermons. Yes, there were times I felt convicted; but, it was always filled with joy for the love that Jesus Christ has for us when I heard what he had done for us. At fellowship afterwards I would want to hear more and talk about what I had heard. But, the conversations never really went there. They seemed to be a lot of talk about football or fishing. I often wondered why nobody was talking about Jesus. If he is our first love why aren't we telling everybody about him?

I was nourished with those sermons. But, I heard no words about anyone's love for Jesus or his love for us once we left the sanctuary and gathered together in fellowship. 

As he abides in us he will speak through us. He reaches out to the world through those who love him. He is the one we proclaim. He is the one we praise. So why are our voices so often silent? Is the world; are our own egos and our agendas crowding out Jesus?

We have a song to sing. Let us sing to the world that Jesus the Christ is Lord!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Truth Is?

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 

                                                                                       (John 8:31-32 KJV)

What is truth? Seems like in the world today it is acceptable to have many versions of the truth. But, can there really be many versions? 

I had a few rough moments when I was going through seminary. One particular professor wanted me gone. I had dared to debate him publicly over something he said. He professed that there could be two completely opposing interpretations of scripture and both interpretations be perfectly valid. I disagreed. I viewed this as sacrificing truth for unity. 

The truth should never be sacrificed. Whether it has to do with spiritual truth or truth that pertains to the world it should never be sacrificed for then we will function according to the lies that we perpetuate. We will be in bondage to these lies. When it is then distortion of the truth; out right lies becomes accepted as truth. When we hear calls for unity we must ask ourselves if these calls to unity require us to accept as truth what is not the truth? Are we willing to accept lies for the sake of unity? Are we willing to live our lives miserable and drowning in the lies that we have been told and accept for the sake of unity?

St. Paul suggested otherwise. It does our neighbor no good to speak lies to him or her. Deception will not bring us together. Only the truth can unite us. If we are to be one, we ought to be truthful. "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another." (Eph 4:25)

Neither freedom nor unity come from lies. Half truths and gross exaggerations are lies. Lies only lead to more bondage; bondage to the lies themselves and to the ones who taught us the lies and who we believed. 

Know the highest and best truth of all. Know that Jesus the Christ is the truth who lived and died and lives for you. He is the only truth that can truly set you free!

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

Perfect Peace

 

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 

Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength: 

                                                                                             (Isa 26:3-4 KJV)

I would love to say that my life has been lived in perfect peace. It hasn't. That is  probably why so many of my blogs are focused on peace. I have had a lot of garbage thrown at me over the years. It has been very rough at times. Yet, I know that my Redeemer lives. I know that I am loved by God. I know that Jesus died for me and as I stay focused on living in his presence, I can know peace. I can be at peace no matter what kind of turmoil is going on around me.

Sometimes, it is more difficult than at other times to stay focused on Jesus and the peace of mind that only he can give. It is more difficult; but, it is not impossible. After all; when things seem to go from bad to worse where else do we have to turn except to our God who gives His all for us?

Live in Christ! Live in peace!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Brother's Keeper

"Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?  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 7:9-12 KJV)

"And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?" (Gen 4:9) 

After killing his brother, Cain would not answer the Lord directly when asked where his brother was. His retort was "Am I my bother's keeper?" Consider today if you are your brother's keeper. And, are you your brother's children's keeper? I hope that you are answering in the affirmative.

Our lives can be full of chaos and not just ours. Everyone has down times. Let us not be the ones to bring those down times to others. Let us not harm those close to us by considering our own desires above the needs of others. May God help us to remember to look out for not only our needs but for the needs of those around us as well.

Yes, you are your brother's keeper. If you, yourself, are a child of God then you would respond in the affirmative when it comes to helping those around you. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

I Live By Faith

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Gal 2:20 KJV)

There you have it. How great is that!? We don't have to fret about whether we are doing what we must do or not; what laws we must abide by. By faith, Christ lives in and through all who believe. The one who lived and died and lives again for you is with you. He abides in you. He abides in all who believe. It is not by the law; but, by faith that he brings forth much fruit through you.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:4-5)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Fear and Joy; A Savior Born!

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  (Luke 2:8-11 KJV)

I would be most probably be sore afraid too if an angel of the Lord showed up and the glory of the Lord shone around me. This is not a little thing. It would be a shock and awe moment. A bit of fear and a whole lot of awe.

But, this angel who brought fear to the hearts of the shepherd also brought good news; very good news of great joy. Their Savior was born. He lives! 

The shock and awe of Christ's birth seems to have worn off a little in these days. Now, it's not so much about celebrating the birth of a Savior and King; but, about personal celebrations of a holiday; not so much a holy day.

May the wonderment of a child born in a barn for the sole purpose of saving us from our own sinful ways be with you this Christmas season.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Dead to Self

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Gal 2:20 KJV)

Although I should live by this scripture daily, every now and then I have to remind myself that it is not I who lives and serves for the I in me has been crucified with Christ and it is he who lives and serves through me. 

Whenever we start thinking that we can do anything worthwhile under our own knowledge or strength we are living to our fleshly desires and our self-serving egos. We must give it all up to God and trust that Christ will work in and through us for the good of all people.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Impossible Without God

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."  (Eph 3:20-21 NIV)

It is absolutely impossible for me to accomplish anything without the help of God. I must throw myself at his feet daily just to be able to do what little I am able to get done each done. 

I must confess that, unlike Paul who boasted in his weakness, I am not quite so ready to delight in my weaknesses even if I know that it in the end it will glorify God. (2 Cor 12:9-10) 

I know that in order to be fruitful that it must be Christ working within me. I cannot by own wisdom or strength accomplish that which needs to be accomplished. Yet, God often has to remind me that it is not I; but, Christ who lives in me (Gal 2:20) who does what needs to be done, glorifying our Father in heaven.

Consider how the persecuted gets through each day, each year, each decade. Around the world for as long as Christians have spread the gospel, followers of Jesus have been threatened with torture, prison, and even death. How have they continued to live trusting in the one who lived and died for them? They have continued in faith by trusting in the one who lives again for them and within them by the power of the Holy Spirit.  

And, so we pray and thank God that even though we are weak we will continue to trust that he is able to do so much more than we can ever ask or imagine according to His power within us. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rejoice!

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess 5:16-18 NIV)

There are days when rejoicing seems to be the farthest thing from our minds. Yet, if in the midst of trouble we take the time to slow down and get with God in prayer; if we take the time to consider all that God has blessed us with; we will find ourselves giving thanks and rejoicing.

Yes, bad things do seem to happen to good people. But, there are way more good things that happen if we would bother to take the time to consider them and count our blessings. The truth though is that none of us are truly good people; none of us deserve the blessings that we have been granted. We receive them only by the mercy of a God who loves us so much that He was willing to give His only begotten Son for us. Herein lies our blessings. Rejoice for the Son of God who died for us is risen for us! As the Son died and yet lives; so shall all who believe in him.

May God bless your day with abundant peace and joy.

God's Peace - Pr. J