We Are Family

"But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matt 12:48-50 NRSV

Following worship this morning, we will all sit down to a ham dinner. We will sit down together as family; as brothers and sisters in Christ to enjoy a simple; but, delicious meal at Christ Lutheran Church. 

I realize that in today's world "family" is not what it use to be. Many rarely sit down for a meal together. Many families never take the time to talk to one another; to listen to their loved ones. These are people we love. Why don't we take the time to fellowship with our families; both inside and outside of the church? 

When you were baptized into Christ; you became a child of God. All who were baptized into the Body of Christ are members of God's family; brothers and sisters; children of our heavenly Father. Let us not neglect to actually be; to live like family, in more than name only. 

"And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Heb 10:24-25

God's Peace - Pr. J

Gather To Worship

"And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Heb 10:24-25

With Ash Wednesday behind us, we have begun our journey through the Lenten Season to the cross which will culminate at the empty tomb. Who will make this journey with us? Who will gather with us at worship as we struggle with our own crosses as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus to Calvary?

St. Paul admonished the Hebrews, even as we are admonished to not neglect coming together as a community of saints. During Lent many congregations gather together more often (here at Christ Lutheran on Wednesdays as well as Sundays) to hear God's Word and to worship Him.

May God plant in the hearts of all who would bear the name of Christ the desire to gather more often to worship Him and glorify His Holy Name.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Wicked Cannot Keep Still

But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest,

    whose waves cast up mire and mud.

“There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”

Isaiah 57:20-21 NIV

Those who spend so much time trying to stir up trouble for others should not be surprised when they can find no peace within themselves. Stirring up trouble for others; almost always leaves one in a state of trouble themselves. They have to spend a lot of time covering their own tracks in order not to be caught in their deceptions. They cannot rest as they toss about trying to figure out the best way to make their next move without getting caught in the traps they set. As they cast mud upon others, it is inevitable that some of that mud will be seen on their hands as evidence. They spend countless hours trying to figure out which lies will best justify their own actions and cast doubt upon the innocent. There is no peace for them. But, for those who live in Christ, they will know peace no matter what kind of mud is slung at them. They will know peace because they know the one who is our peace, Jesus the Christ.

May God help us all live to keep in step with the Spirit of Christ. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other that we might live in His peace. (Gal 5:22-26)

God's Peace - Pr. J.