Immediately Or Not?

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.

And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. 

                                                                             (Mark 1:27-31 KJV)

And, immediately....  Things seem to happen with Jesus pretty quickly. In fact they happen immediately. When he heals the sick they are healed immediately. When he casts out demons they are cast out immediately. The one story that stands out for me that tells of Jesus procrastinating is the raising of Lazarus from the dead.  

"When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him."

                                                                             (John 11:6, 14-15)

Jesus procrastinated and did not rush to heal Lazarus before he died so that he would be able to raise him from the dead and increase the faith of his followers.

I often procrastinate. I am not always pleased with myself when I do it. Sometimes when obstacles are thrown in my way I realize that maybe God does not particularly want me to have something or do something; that I must wait or not proceed at all. At other times, I accept the challenge and act immediately to overcome the obstacle. 

There is a time to act and a time to refrain from acting.  "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." (Eccl: 3:1) How can we know the difference? Knowing the answer to that is a challenge in itself. 

The only answer that I am aware of to that question is to stay in the word and listen to it; to pray often; and to trust the Lord as you abide in Him and He in you. If you're not attempting to do that now then maybe you should begin immediately!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Fear Not

"Fear not: for I am with thee..." (Isa 43:5a KJV) 

How often we need to hear those words! Do not be afraid. God is with you. We often find ourselves in bondage to a variety of issues we are struggling to figure and work out for ourselves or someone we love. Maybe it's financial difficulties or relationship issues that are causing anxiety. The Corona Virus today has an untold number of people today in a state of fear. The level of panic in so many today absolutely astounds me. There is definitely reason to be cautious. But, caution and fear are not the same thing. Being cautious and taking precautions is the wise thing to do. Panicking only causes more problems.

There are times when we may feel overwhelmed with fear; as though we are lost in a thick forest with no clue how to find our way out. We might find ourselves journeying through the wilderness and feeling like we are making that journey quite alone. But, fear not. You are not alone. The LORD, who created and redeemed you has not deserted you. He is with you. The word of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior, promises this.

Fear not for God is with you. May God grant you the peace that only He can give.  

God's Peace - Pr. J

Sin Not

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

                                                                                      (1 John 2:1-2 KJV)

It would be best for us all if we do not sin. Sadly, we are sinners and we will continue to sin until our dying breaths. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." (1 John 1:18) Our sins have separated us from God and from one another. They bring much division.

Yet, there is hope. For Christ came to unite us. On the night in which he was betrayed, Jesus prayed this prayer: "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." (John 17:21-23)

So that we might be forgiven our sins and reconciled to our Father and to one another, Jesus offered his own life up for our sins. He died for us and not just for you and me. He died for all who would believe in his life giving sacrifice for them. He loves us that much and because he does; he stands between us and judgment declaring us innocent. He is our advocate, for it is by his blood that we are saved. 

We are sinners. That is a fact. There is nothing we can do to save ourselves. Only Jesus can save us. Trust in him for it is by his blood that our sins are washed away.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Do Not Fear; Your Father Is With You

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7 NIV)

At times it feels like we are all alone with no one where to turn. The "not knowing what to do next" can cause a lot of anxiety. Thoughts of what might happen to us and to the people that we love run rampant through our minds causing our hearts to leap in fear. 

When we get in these tight spots it is good to recall the words of Jesus, "Don't be afraid." Indeed, God loves you. He loves you so much that He knows everything single thing about you. He even knows how many hairs that you have on your head; even how many you have lost today. He values your life and will be with you to guide you in all of your ways. Trust Him and follow wherever he leads you through good times and hard times. Do not fear. Trust that your Father in Heaven has a good plan; the best plan for you. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.