We Shall See Him!

1 John 3:1-3; Jeremiah 23:23-24; Ephesians 7:4-6 KJV God is omnipresent; so omnipresent that we cannot fathom it. But, the children of God look for the day when we shall see Him face to face.

Do What Is Right And Live Life In Peace

1 Peter 3:8-12 KJV; Do what is right and live life in a more peaceful manner.

Speak Gently And Walk Away From Those Who Will Not

"Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot."

                                                                                    (Prov 9:6-7 KJV)

There appears to be an awful lot of division in the world today. There are still the major conflicts between countries; but, there is also an immense amount of division between individuals who have differing opinions. 

These differing opinions often become quite hostile as each side attempts to shut down the voice of the other. This shouting will not change minds. Gentle deliberate speech will have a greater effect than berating those whose opinions differ than ours.

We must allow freedom of speech on every side. However, we do not have to accept those who stir up riots. It is not only illegal; it is totally unbiblical to cause harm to others for our own purposes. As Christians, we do not get to conduct ourselves in a way that hurts others (in word or deed) simply because we disagree with them. We are to be living in peace with one another. 

St. Paul's epistle to Titus tells us what we are to do when someone refuses to listen. We do not get angry or nasty. 

He wrote: "As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."  (Titus 3:10-11)

Yes, we must speak the truth. But, we must make every effort to do it in love and if they refuse to listen, then move on. There are others who need to hear the truth; others who may hear and repent and follow in The Way. Speak the truth loudly if you must; but, speak it with kindness, with a heart motivated to help not harm. I guarantee you that name calling will not prove fruitful. It will only cause more division.

When Jesus sent the twelve out to share the Good News of the Kingdom he gave them these instructions. "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."  (Matt 10:14-16)

If Jesus told us to walk away from those who refuse to hear the truth and the Good News of the Kingdom, I am not sure why we would think that hanging around those who do not and will not listen to matters regarding this world would be a fruitful thing to do. If they only attack you and will not give you an opportunity to speak; shake the dust off your feet and move on to someone who will listen. Move away from those who, with malice, would inflict their opinions on others. To do otherwise, only incurs more division and strife.  Yes, speak what you know to be the truth. We are fortunate that in these United States we have the freedom to speak freely. But, if you would like to be heard, speak it gently and speak it in love.

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." (Prov 15:1)

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Word Is Truth

"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."  (John 17:17 NRSV)

So how exactly does the Word of God say we are to be sanctified? We are sanctified in the truth which is in the word of God. To know the truth means we must immerse ourselves in his word. We are to read it daily. We are to hear it often. We are to think on his words. 

Half asleep in the pew on Sunday morning is not exactly hearing anything, let alone the truth. Rise up and hear the word of God. Be filled with his truth, not your truth; but, God's truth. And, please don't be presenting your opinions as truth. There is really no such think as your truth or my truth. What we represent to be our truths are really only our opinions of the truth. Jesus is the only truth. He is "...the way, and the truth, and the life." (John 14:6)  Listen to him and follow in his way.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Truth

An honest answer
    is like a kiss on the lips.

Prov 24:26 NIV

Well, the 2016 Presidential Elections are over. It has left the pundits shaking their heads in wonder. What did the American people see in Mr. Trump? Why him? Mr. Trump can be very crass. But, then again, if you listened closely, so were the words of his opponent. She just did it more politically correctly.

I am not sure why the country so strongly got behind Mr. Trump. There are many opinions flying around about that. But, I have a feeling it had something to do with honesty. He did more trash talking than was necessary. He was really crass at times; but, he appeared to speak what he thought to be the truth. He spoke what was on his heart and in his mind. He didn't cover up his ideas or his feelings in order to be politically correct. Maybe, the whole country could learn a lesson from this. The truth sometimes hurts. But, it can also be a wake up call to the genuine needs of others that may ultimately bring about a change necessary for the good of more people than the elite few. We shall see... Only God knows what is actually in store for us.

I have seen more than a few elections. In the end, what I know is that we ought not fear the changes that might come and they will come regardless of who our earthly leaders are. Do not worry. This world is not all that there is. Ultimately, it is God who is in charge in this world as well as in the eternal Kingdom that Jesus prepared for you. And, so we have hope.

It is so very good to have the elections and all the trash talk behind us. The people have chosen a new President and Commander in Chief. Mr. Trump is definitely a different sort of politician. And, yes! I would think that becoming the incumbent president confirms his status as a politician. May God help him to always speak the truth and even a little more gently.

God's Peace - Pr. J