Abide Forever

Psalm 125 KJV; 9th Sunday after Pentecost; Those that trust in the Lord abide forever

Blessed Is The Nation

Reading from Psalm 33:12-22; Blessed is the nation whose God is Lord! Trust Him!

By the Spirit

Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 

                                                                                        (2 Cor 3:3-6 KJV)

We serve not because of fear of the law; but, by the indwelling spirit of God. The Holy Spirit works through us to lift up the lives of others around us. We are ministers of God serving others not because we are so good; not because we are so capable; but, because the love of God in Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit empowers us to do so.

The Spirit of God sets us free to live life to love and serve God; to love and serve others even as the Spirit of Christ loves and serves others through you. Live life in Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Living With God

Psalm 104:28-35 (KJV)

That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.

Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.

The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works.

He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.

I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.

Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord.

+++

Praise the Lord for all things!  I cannot imagine living without having a relationship the God and Creator of all things. I cannot imagine living without having a relationship with Jesus the Christ who has saved me from my own sinful self. And... I cannot imagine living life; without the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life.

I cannot imagine living without having a relationship with God. I can't imagine it and I pray that I never will live life without him. I pray that you never will have to endure a life not knowing God either.

Praise the Lord for he has done and continues to do marvelous things! Live life with him!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

He Answers Our Prayers

Psalm 116 KJV

I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.

Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.

For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:

I said in my haste, All men are liars.

What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?

I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.

I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.

I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.

I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.

In the courts of the Lord's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the Lord.

+++

We love the Lord and give him thanks and praise because he hears our prayers and he answers. We don't always receive the answer that we were expecting. But, we do receive an answer to our prayers. Whether he answers yay or nay we can be assured that he knows exactly what we really need and it is not always what we want or to our liking. Rather our prayers are answered according to his good will for all people.  

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:28)

Let us pray: Lord have mercy and deliver your children from the hands of their enemies both enemies that are seen and those that are unseen. We give you thanks Lord for in your mercy you hear our prayers and answer. Amen.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

To Whom Shall We God

 

But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

                                                                                 (John 6:64-49 KJV)

Where will we go? In times of severe trouble people sometimes stay away from their places of worship. Some are embarrassed because they think that people will  know about their problems and judge them. Others might be grieving and or depressed. There are many reasons that people use to not attend worship and hear the promises of God. But, that is exactly where we need to be when things get bad. We need to go and hear the promises of God in his Word that our faith might be strengthened (Rom 10:17) and to receive the gift of Communion with our Lord, the Son of the living God, and with one another that we might be refreshed.

When things get rough do you turn away from the Lord or do you turn to him to help you in your time of need?

When Jesus gave his followers a hard teaching, the teaching that they must partake of his body and blood, many turned away. It was too much for them. But, Peter and the other apostles would not turn away. Where would they go he had asked. After all, Jesus was the Christ. He is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Why would you turn away for anything less?

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Rainbow Of Promise And Hope

 

"And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.” Gen 9:16 KJV

I haven't seen a rainbow in a few months. I, like most people, get tired and weary at times. Every once in awhile, I would like to see a rainbow to remind me that God is with me; to remind me of his promises; to remind me of His glory. In Ezekiel's visions of God he saw the glory of God. "As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.." Ezekiel 1:28

We have many dreary days; days when we just can't see the glory of God; days when there are no rainbows. There may be no rainbows today; but, we will always have the cross. In the cross there is always hope.

May God grant you eternal hope in the victory won for you on the cross by Jesus Christ our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jesus Is Among The Living

“Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away..”  (John 20:15 KJV)

We spend a lot of time looking for something; looking for more; looking for something different to satisfy our desires. 

What or whom are you looking for? The ultimate is already here for you. He is there with you, right now. Can you not see him? If not; then, maybe, it's really not Jesus that you are looking for. Maybe it's someone or something else that you think might satisfy you. Maybe you're looking in all the wrong places. Maybe, you're looking and living among the dead when you ought to looking in places where there is life. Jesus is life. He is "the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6)

The women did not find what they were looking for in the tomb. The tomb is empty. Jesus is not among the dead. He is among the living. If you're looking goodness; if you're looking for peace; then look for Jesus and look no further than around you. Jesus is Risen! He lives with you. He lives all around you. He is with you now and will be with you always.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Thankful For Your Charity

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth..." (2 Thess 1:3 KJV)

This morning as I begin my day, I am thankful to God for the multitude of faithful men and women around the world. We do not live and serve the Lord in a vacuum. We are not alone. We have a crowd of witnesses with us who are always willing to witness to the love of the Lord by loving and serving those who are in need.

Charity, it is said, begins at home. Charity, indeed, must be exercised at home. But, it cannot stop there. Charity is inspired by our faith in the one who loves the whole world enough to die for all people. Because Jesus was willing to give even his life for us; those who love him are willing to give to others.

This morning, I thank God for all whose faith in God is strong enough to give unconditionally to those who suffer without any concerns for their own self-centered needs.

May God bless us all with faith, love, and charity that the world might know our living God.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Give Thanks To God Our Father

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (Col 3:17 KJV)

Now, isn't that just a novel idea! That is: doing everything in the name of Jesus and giving thanks to God our Father! Living with thankful hearts and minds is a  much more peaceful way to live than being angry and frustrated that you can't have or do what you want all of the time. 

It may sound cliche'; but, just maybe it's time to look around you and give thanks for what you do have and for the people in your life who actually care about you. So often, so many people gravitate towards those who feed their egos. But, when their own egos are no longer being fed by being in relationship with you, they will turn on you in the blink of an eye.

Do everything with the loving heart of Jesus and give thanks to God your Father in heaven then you will know the true joy of living! 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness or Wealth?

"As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.

A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary. 

O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters." 

                                                                                     (Jer 17:11-13 KJV)

In the seventeenth chapter of Jeremiah we find that the hearts of the people had sin engraved on them. They trusted in things of this world. They lusted after and trust in wealth. They would do anything to get it, depriving the poor, spending their very life and breath in the pursuit of wealth and happiness. 

Who can blame them? We all desire some joy and happiness in our lives. But, the truth is that these things do not come from wealth. They do not come from having "stuff." The sooner we learn that the pursuit of money does not equate with happiness, the better off we will be. In the end we will lose any and all ill-gotten gain.

Real joy comes from being in relationship with others, with God. I have always appreciated that Thomas Jefferson changed John Locke's pursuit of life, liberty, and property, in the U.S. Constitution to the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. Property does not necessarily equate with happiness. Just think about the upkeep that goes with more property.. and, the taxes! Think about what happens when greed pervades society! All kinds of sin accompanies greed. Yet, multitudes have hearts so hardened like stone that greed and envy are engraved deeply into them. And... they are miserable! They desire more, but they do not know what that more is. 

Our hard hearts are a problem for us. But, God promises that He will remove our hearts of stone so that sin will no longer be engraved on them. 

"Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 

And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." (Ezek 36:25-27)

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. 

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” 

                                                                                   (Jer 17:7-8)

There is an answer to our loneliness and sorrow. The answer is Jesus Christ, our LORD, who loves us so much that He was willing to die for us. May God bless us with hearts filled with His love for Him and for one another.

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.

Live Your Life In Jesus

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (Col 2:6-7 NRSV)

What is the sense of receiving Jesus Christ and then not living in him? If you acknowledge and receive him as your savior; they why would you turn your back on the privilege of living in him? What could possible be worth more than being united with Jesus?

The world really has nothing better to offer than Jesus. But, in Jesus, we can live life in the world in a much more peaceful place.

If he's good enough for you want to be with after death takes you from this world; then he ought to be good enough to live with and in now. Live life in Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Symbol of Hope

"When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” Gen 9:16

I haven't seen a rainbow in a few months. I am human. I get tired and weary at times. Every once in awhile, I would like to see a rainbow to remind me that God is with me; to remind me of His glory.  In Ezekiel's visions of God he saw the glory of God. "Like the bow in a cloud on a rainy day, such was the appearance of the splendor all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord."  Ezekiel 1:28

We have many dreary days; days when we just can't see the glory of God; days when there are no rainbows. There may be no rainbows today; but, we will always have the cross. In the cross there is always hope.

May God grant you eternal hope in the victory won for you on the cross, by Jesus Christ our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Living God

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matt 16:15-16 NIV)

Today is the day to rejoice for our God is a living God. He is not a god made with human hands or imaginations. He lives and he loves us. He loves us enough to send His only begotten Son to die that we might be saved from our sins. 

Believe Him. Believe in Him. Trust Him. Rejoice, for the living God loves us enough to send His only begotten Son to live and die for that we who were not His sons and daughters might be his sons and daughters. 

With Peter and all of the saints let us all confess, "Jesus is our Savior, the Son of the living God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

No Fear Of Death

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." (Philippians 1:21-24 NIV)

At a pastor's conference, years ago, the speaker informed us that everyone is afraid to die, including Christians. I was offended by this revelation. I know many Christians who are not afraid of death. St. Paul certainly was not.

As a pastor and former hospice chaplain I have sat beside more than a few who have been breathing their last breaths in this world. I have indeed witnessed the fear of death in the faces of some. But, I have also witnessed the peace and the joy of those who know that their hope to depart and to be with Christ is about to be fulfilled. In those latter times, I was reminded of St. Stephen's martyrdom. "But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 'Look,' he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.' At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Then he fell on his knees and cried out, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' When he had said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:55-60)

Stephen saw the glory of God. He saw Jesus. Up until his very last breath, Stephen followed in the footsteps of Jesus to further the gospel as he prayed, even as Jesus had prayed with his last breath, for the forgiveness of those who were putting him to death. Not long after Stephen's stoning, St. Paul, who is this same Saul who stood and watched the murder of Stephen, met the ascended Jesus on the road to Damascus. His whole life changed. He became a willing and ardent follower of Jesus; living his life as a testimony for Christ. He was not afraid of prison. He was not afraid of death. He longed to be with Jesus; yet, he was willing to do whatever God's will was for him. He was willing to be attacked and persecuted in this world if it would advance the gospel.

No, we are not all afraid of death. Those who believe that Jesus lived and died; rose from the dead; and now reigns in the Heavenly Kingdom look forward to the day when we will see the full glory of God even while we understand that it might be necessary for others that we stay here in this world a while longer. While we live we will give testimony of all that God has done for us, to His glory.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Do What Is Right!

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

                                                                                                                          1 Peter 4:1-5

 

Do good! Do what is right! "For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry." (vs 3) No, you won't be too popular if you leave behind those things; but, you will be much more at peace with yourself as you begin to live in Christ.

As a former substance abuse counselor, one of the toughest things to deal with is that when someone finally decides to trust their higher power (God) for their recovery they lose most, if not all, of their old friends. It can be a lonely time. It takes a bit of work to realize that the only reason they hung with you was because your substance abuse justified theirs. Once that is gone, they are out of there. "They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you." (vs 4)

But, new friends will come with time. Friends that will share in the joy of living as a member of the Body of Christ with you. In Christ you are a new creation. "So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." (vs 19)

May the peace of the Lord be with you always! Live in his peace and ignore the drama this world would throw at you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Water Necessary

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14

We need water to live. Anyone who has shown up in the emergency room to find out that they were dehydrated and needed much more water to be well knows the reality of our bodies need for water. One glass of water a day just doesn't do it. We need to continuously be replenishing our bodies with water.

When Jesus sat down near the well tired, the Samaritan woman had offered to draw water from the well for Jesus. (John 4:1-26) He took this opportunity to tell her that he could give her living water; water that would sustain her, not just for a few hours; but, for all of eternity.

Water, clean water, is necessary for life here on earth. But, Jesus, who provides living water, is necessary for the refreshment of our souls. This living water is necessary that we might live eternally in the presence of the very one who provides this living water.

Ask and you shall receive. Drink and you will thirst no more. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Renew Our Minds

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.." Rom 12:1-2 NIV

What does this mean? How are we to be transformed by the renewing of our minds? We cannot perform this feat. It is not within human capabilities. The Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit, renews us and regenerates our very being so that it is not we; but, Christ in us, (Gal 2:20) who transforms us so that, through us, any service that is done does not conform to the standards of the world; but, is pleasing to God and in accordance with God's good will.

Paul urges us to offer up our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. I wonder if that can really be called a sacrifice when what we receive is much greater than ourselves. For in this sacrifice, we receive the Spirit of Christ. We are transformed so that we might come into closer communion with God our Father and our Lord Jesus the Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

May God bless us all abundantly by showering us with the Spirit of Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Keep Me In Your Way

Keep me from deceitful ways;
    be gracious to me and teach me your law.
I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I have set my heart on your laws.
Psalm 119:29-30 NIV

St. Paul wrote to the Romans (7:15-20) "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it."

Even when we desire to be faithful to God, without His help, we cannot do it. Without the abiding presence of Christ, we are lost.

St. Paul continued in his letter to the Romans (7:21-25) "So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

And, so we pray:  Keep me from deceitful ways, be gracious to me and help me to follow in your way. 

God's Peace - Pr. J