Deliver Me

Psalm 27; Romans 8:28; Deliver me for in you only is our hope and our salvation. Help me to see your goodness!

God Is Our Help In Times of Trouble

Psalm 46:1-3 KJV with brief meditation. There is no need to fear. God is with you.

Arise And Shine

"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee."  Isaiah 60:1

There are some days when evening comes that I feel as though nothing was accomplished. I feel as though an entire day has been wasted. I may have been up and about; but, I feel like I may as well have slept the day away. This doing nothing is a bad habit to get in to. Before we know it our days on earth will have come to an end and we will have spent them as though we were fast asleep.

Get up! Live life! Let the light of Christ shine on, in, and through you. Live the fleeting moments that God has given you here on earth. He gave them for a purpose and living in the darkness was not it.

Live in the light and have a very blessed day!

God's Peace - Pr. J

In God We Trust

Psalm 118 KJV

I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.

+++

There is one whom you can trust 100% to be on your side. That one is the Lord God; the creator of heaven and earth. No matter what the world may throw at you he is there for his children. You may suffer for a bit of time; but, be assured that God has a plan for you. He is merciful  and will not have you suffer eternally. Trust him above all other for he has a great plan for you. 

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)

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 118:29)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Taxed

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 

                                                           (Luke 2:1,3-7 KJV)

It is that time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Unfortunately, it is also that time of year when it's time to start thinking about paying income taxes.  It can be a taxing time for many. It is not unheard of to receive a letter after paying your taxes that you need to send another check because the IRS has decided that you owe more taxes and unless  you have a lot of time to find all the paperwork you need and the money to pay for a tax lawyer you really are going to have to pay it whether you owe it or not or you could end up having even your home taken from you. I remember hearing something about an unfair tax on tea before this country was born. It ended up in a party known as the Boston Tea Party. 

Joseph and very pregnant Mary traveled to Bethlehem to be taxed. Caesar had declared that the whole world had to go to their hometowns to be taxed. That sounds like madness to me. But, God had another plan.  Jesus was born during that tax paying journey in Bethlehem as had been prophesied. God turned a bad thing into a good thing.

During this season and everyday let us rejoice for the good things that God has given us in confidence that no matter what happens God has a good plan for you.

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)

Trust the Lord!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

You Are Wonderfully Made

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." (Psalm 139:14 KJV)

God does not create garbage. We are not garbage. We do; however, tend to create garbage ourselves. Many even attempt to make garbage out of themselves. This cannot; this should never happen. God did not create you that way. You do not have to live that way. Always remember that you are a marvelous creation of God and so are all of the people around you. You are a child of God; created in His image. (John 1:12; Genesis 1:27)

Remember that and know that God created you for a good purpose. He also gives you the gifts to fulfill that purpose. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jer 29:11)  Hear the word of the Lord and do not let anyone convince you otherwise!  

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Eph 1:10)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Grief

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

                                                                                 (Eccl 3:1-2,4 KJV)

As much as I sometimes regret retiring from parish ministry, this week I was once again reminded of one of the reasons to retire. I spent many years serving one particular congregation and got very close to them. They were and are still like family. I had the good pleasure of being there at births, at graduations, of baptizing them, marrying them, of being there to celebrate for a lot of very special occasions. There was much laughing and singing and dancing over the years.

But, I was also there to witness much grief. I was there for sickness, for losses of employment, and for divorces as well as many other rough times. I buried hundreds, many who were very close to me, witnessing and grieving with their loved ones. The closer I got to any of them during their lives the harder is was for me to preside at their funerals. I no longer could refrain from weeping during the sermons as I looked into the eyes of the family sitting in front of me. I did not weep for the deceased. I had hope in the promise that all who people have eternal life. I wept for the families. I wept to see such pain. 

During most of this time I was also the home health care and hospice chaplain for the local hospital. One would think that I would have grown used to death. Death is inevitable. For the faithful death is not the end. We have hope. Yet, when someone is ripped from our lives grief is also inevitable. As we hear from the preacher in Ecclesiastes there is a time to weep and a time to mourn. 

This past week, a young friend died; a father of young children died. His parents were neighbors and also friends. It saddens me greatly to even think about the grief his family is enduring. It grieves me to think of his young children growing up without their father. 

Over a year ago, after I had retired, I had been asked to preside at the funeral of another man much younger than myself. He was survived by a teenage son whom I had known since birth.  The boys mother, who had been a friend, had died some time before. To see such a beloved child of God in so much grief and pain I could not refrain from weeping as I proclaimed the Gospel. It was a very tough sermon to get through. It was the last funeral I presided at. 

It was a reminder of how close I had gotten to the community (not just the congregation) that I had served in and that I no longer was able to control my own emotions as I witnessed the grief experienced by others. 

I have reminded myself over the years as I wept with those who grieved that even Jesus wept when he met Lazarus' sisters after Lazarus' death and saw them in so much pain. Pastors grieve too. Pastors are allowed to shed tears. But, today I find that grief overwhelms me too often as I witness the grief of others and that is one of the reasons it was best that I retire from parish ministry. That doesn't mean I quit serving God. It will just be in other ways. 

May God grant all who grieve peace of heart and mind in the assurance of everlasting life for all who believe.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

A Good Purpose In Trials

 

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 KJV)

We are in the midst of Lent. I have found Lent to be a most challenging time, at least for me. Of all the seasons of the year it seems to me that the devil gets a whole lot busier attacking those who love God during Lent. During this time of reflection and repentance; during this time when we are reminded reminded of Jesus' admonition that we are to take up our crosses and follow him; we know full well that we will fall short. We can try to follow in his footsteps. But, we are not Jesus. We are not gods. We cannot do what Jesus did for us. We can do nothing. But, God can and He does. We can take up our crosses and follow the best that we can; but, it must be with the help of God. We cannot stand or walk alone.

No matter what obstacles are set before you; no matter what trials you are enduring, know that God works in and through all of these trials for the good of those who love Him. God is with you through your tribulations. He will show you the way and walk with you on your journey as you carry your cross to the cross of Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

God Worketh In You

 

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 

                                                                                     (Phil 2:13-16 KJV)

God has a plan for us; a good plan. He does not leave us alone to do it. He works in and through his children that his will be done on earth as it is in heaven. But, often we object to his plan and purpose. We rebel and complain that we should have to assist others in their time of need. We complain because we have to be responsible children of God serving Him and others.

God has a plan for us. His desire was to reconcile us to Himself even though we rebelled against Him. He sent His only begotten Son to suffer and die for our sins that we might receive forgiveness and be reconciled to Him. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Jesus did not complain about the work he did for us on the cross. "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth." (Isa 53:7)

Let the world around you complain and argue with one another about what they should or should not be doing instead of doing what they ought to do or refraining from doing what they ought not do. The world tends to be overrun with too many talkers who do not know what it means to actually do. Followers of Jesus have better things to do than to complain about what they already know within themselves is good and right. We are to be the light to the people around us doing what God has called us to do; yet, it is not us who do these things, but, Christ who does all things through us. (see Gal 2:20; John 15:4,5)

Quit complaining and "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matt 5:16)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

He Has The Best Plan!

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

                                                                        (Luke 1:26-31 KJV)

That ought to be enough to knock your socks off! What a sight! Can you even begin to imagine how you might react if an angel suddenly appeared before you? And... then tells you; although you are a virgin, that you are going to have a child by someone other than you are about to marry.

But, the angel tells her not to be afraid. This coming child may not be in Mary's plans; but, it is in God's plan for her and the world. It is a good plan. It is the best plan ever! Likewise; when things are happening in our lives that have nothing to do with what we have planned for ourselves, we need not fear; but, trust that God has a good purpose for those who love Him. 

"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)

Do not fear! Have faith that God has a good plan for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Don't Let Fear Corral You!

 

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jer 29:11 KJV)

The evil in the world is worse than it has ever been! The world is falling apart! The world will end if so and so is elected! Not! I do not believe a word of it. It is time to quit listening to the fear and hate mongering media!

Evil has been in the world since the dawn of time. The world will end when God decides it is time for it to end and not a second before. There is no reason to fear for those who trust the Word of God. The end that God has in mind for all who believe is an unexpected and good end. It is not an end that we should fear. After all; Jesus reminded his followers over and over again not to fear; not to be afraid.

According to St. Paul: "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 8:18)

Hate and fear mongering has corralled many into dark places. It is time. It is past time to step out into the light and live life! Trust that God has a good plan for you!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

By Faith We Move Forward

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went."

                                                                                   (Heb 11:6-8 KJV)

Fear can easily coerce us into doing absolutely nothing or running in the opposite direction. Yet, Noah and Abraham, as well as many others who trusted God before us, moved forward. They did what God asked of them because they trusted Him. 

Believing an unseen God and building an ark so that he and his family might live was a major change in Noah's life. It may have seemed foolish to the world around him. But, the results proved that it was not.

Abraham left his birth family; his home country, to be led by God through the wilderness to a land promised to him and his descendants was a major undertaking. It all rested on his trust in God. 

Moses, too, believed the words of God and led the Israelites out of captivity to journey to a promised land. The journey was long and hard, made harder by the many trust issues along the way among the Israelites. Moses actually never got to enter that promised land; but, he was able to lead the people of God to it because he trusted in the Lord and followed Him.

Hardships are encountered daily by the human race. There are wars and rumors of wars. There are natural disasters and diseases that threaten to take us down. But, fear should never be allowed to keep us from moving forward to receive the promises of God. If fear can do anything positive, it should move us to hear the word of the Lord and listen attentively to it so that we might know the way in which to go.

Faith overcomes fear of things that might stand in our way of moving forward. Remember, the promises of the Lord and keep in mind what St. Paul wrote to the Romans: "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) Walk in faith. God has a good purpose for you. Do not let the fear that permeates the world around you stop you from receiving the good plans He has for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Strangers We Meet

And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.

And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

                                       (Luke 24:13-15 KJV)

As rumors swirled around about Jesus being killed and then rising from the dead, two men were on their way to Emmaus. Along the road they met Jesus; but, they did not know who he was. They talked with him and eventually invited him to come and eat with them. 

In today's world, strangers don't talk to one another much. At least, not unless they have to! How often do we avert our eyes when meeting someone on the sidewalk or in a store rather than greet them?

Every now and then I will strike up a conversation with a stranger in a check out line or some other such place. But, no where near as often as conversations occurred even ten years ago. It use to drive my grandchildren crazy when I would stop and talk to strangers that we met. They thought is was a waste of time; that there was no purpose in talking to strangers. Today, the art of communing with strangers (and even acquaintances) seems to have become a lost art. 

Growing up, my parents talked to everyone they met! If the conversations went especially well my mother would invite them over for a meal. They met a lot of wonderful people that way. 

These two men, on their way to Emmaus, met a stranger on the road. They struck up a conversation and then invited him to eat with him. The stranger turned out to be the risen Lord. One can never tell who we will meet on our journeys. Be kind! Treat them as you would treat the Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Prayers of Distress and Praise

"In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me." (Psalm 120:1 KJV)

The truth is that it has been a really long time since I've cried tears of distress. I do still weep to witness the hurt and suffering that others go through. I cry tears of joy from time to time. But, as I've gotten older, for some reason, things that really would have bowled me over in past years just do not affect me as they once did.

I believe it's probably because I now know that no matter what happens God knows exactly what is going on and He is with us in those distressing times. He knows and He hears our prayers before we even pray them. He hears our prayers and He answers.

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

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 8:26-28)

Call upon the Lord in good times and in bad times. The Lord is with you and hears you. He hears your pleas for help. He hears your prayers of praise and thanksgiving. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Thoughts Of Peace For You

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jer 29:11-13 KJV)

We want to be loved. We want a peaceful and good life. Unfortunately, there are way too many who do not get to experience the peaceful life. Many seek the good life in places that it cannot be found. Genuine peace; peace that encompasses us even in the times of trouble, is found only in one place. That place is in our Lord. 

The Lord who loves you has a plan for you. It is a plan of peace. No matter what assails you, know that God is with you and will remain with you. He longs for you to call upon Him for help in your time of need as well as in your times of plenty. Seek Him and you will know peace in the confidence that God will see you through these troubled times. Trust Him!

"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)

God's Peace - Pr. J

A Time To Embrace

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 KJV

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

As a young person, I often suffered from periods of deep depression. It was in those times that I often turned to the author of Ecclesiastes to commiserate with. "Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity." (Eccl 1:2) I could not have agreed with him more that everything was vanity and probably a really big waste of time; even life. Somehow the reality of everything being vanity got me through to a point where I realized that whatever I do amounts to not much more than survival. In order to really live, I had to trust in God and to live my life in Christ. 

We can never really figure out God's whole plan for us. We might think we know it and then whoosh... something happens and the plan changes just like that! What we thought was His plan for us is not. 

Today, I will lead the service at the funeral of a friend. He leaves behind a teen-age son. His wife, the son's mother, died years ago. It is a very sad time. It is a time to weep. As I consider the words of the preacher, I know that with the bad times; times of sadness; times of depression; God will also provide times of relief; but, in His time. God provides times of peace; times of love, times to build up; and times of embracing. 

Today is a time to weep; but, it is at the same time a time to love and a time to embrace one another. 

Whatever sorrow you may be enduring today remember the love of God in Christ Jesus for you and allow him to love you through others. And, don't forget to love others as Jesus loves you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Get Up! Live Life!

"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee."  (Isaiah 60:1 KJV)

There are some days when the day is over and I feel as though nothing was accomplished; like an entire day has been wasted. I may be up and about; but, I feel like I may as well have been sleeping the day away. This doing nothing is a bad habit to get in to. Before we know it our days on earth will have come to an end and we will have spent them as though we were asleep.

Get up! Live life! Let the light of Christ shine on, in, and through you. Live the fleeting moments that God has given us here on earth. He gave them for a purpose and living in the darkness was not it.

Have a blessed day!

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Is With You In Suffering

"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Rom 8:32 KJV)

Feeling a bit depressed? Maybe, a whole lot anxious or depressed. Do not give up. Turn to the Lord for help. Remember that you have a God who loves you so much that He was willing to give his only begotten Son to suffer and die for you. Think about it! If He loves you that much do you think that He would abandon you in your hour of need? 

He is with you always and He is for you. "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)

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom 8:38-39)

Do not despair! Nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Trust Him! In Him there is hope. There is peace in His love.

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

Too Much Laughter

Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.

                                (Luke 6:25 KJV)

I am not all that comfortable being around people who laugh all of the time. I am not saying that we should never be joyful. But, it makes me very uncomfortable to be around people who think unless the outcome of a conversation is something that makes everyone laugh it has been an unfruitful conversation.

I simply do not view laughter or even happiness as the reason for being. If it were the reason for living then it would stand that those who grieve; those who are depressed would have no reason for being. That is a false narrative. In fact, I cannot help but wonder if the fact, that society wants us to believe that in order for our lives to be validated we must be happy, is the reason for so much depression today. We end up depressed because we are not as happy as the world seems to promise us we should be. 

Life is tough. Not everyone should be expected to be filled with laughter all of the time. We must give others (and ourselves) the time and opportunity to grieve; to be sad; to be contemplative. 

There is a difference (at least for me) between being happy, happy, happy, laughing all of the time and being joyful. Each and everyone of us have a purpose; a reason for being. Joy can be found in having a purpose and reaching toward fulfillment of that purpose. Joy can be found as we face challenges of the day knowing that God is with us and that in Him, His will will be accomplished. He is with us and so we can face another day and yet another challenge with peace and with joy.

Whatever we deem the purpose of life to be; I simply cannot accept that it is to make everyone laugh unless your profession is as a comedian. We cannot laugh away the troubles of the world. Troubles must be dealt with not hidden under laughter. If your neighbor needs help; help him or her as they face their trials. It does no long-term good to sit down and tell them jokes. There are times when you may have to sit beside them quietly and grieve with them. You just might have to actively do something. If your neighbor is in trouble; maybe, you just may need to assist them in some way to face the challenges of the day. 

"A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.." (Eccl 3:4) There is a time for all of these things according to the author of Ecclesiastes. We should know the difference. Laughter is not the answer to all of life's experiences. There is a time for laughter; but, it is not what we should expect of every outcome. 

I am very uncomfortable with people who think that laughter has to be the outcome of every visit; every meeting. Experience has (unfortunately) taught me not to trust those who laugh too much. And, yes, I do laugh and even smile quite a bit. But, tears also are a part of my experience. They are a part of the human experience. Grieving is a part of life's experience, as well. There is both a time to weep and a time to laugh. Let us do both as the situations we find ourselves lead us to.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Sorry for the rambling today. I am not against laughter. I am leery of those who think that we must laugh all of the time or that we are less than.

According To His Purpose

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.. (Rom 8:28 NRSV)

Let's just remember that it says for those who are called according to his purpose. God does call each and everyone of us. However, we must remember that he will gifts us individually gifts to serve according to his purpose. To take on a call that we have not been called to is not in the least bit fruitful. To say no to a call that He has called us to is also not fruitful.

Many congregations are on the decline. Could it be that many who attend have chosen to ignore the call to serve? Could it be that others are answering a call that they may not be gifted for?

All things work together for good when we work together according to the gifts that God has given us according to his purpose.

Just something to consider on this glorious God-given day...

God's Peace - Pr. J