We Are A Holy Nation

1 Peter 2:9-10 KJV; We are chosen by God; a Holy Nation!

A Holy Nation

1 Peter 2:9-10 KJV; We belong to the family of God; adopted into family to live as His children now and forever. We are a royal priesthood; an holy nation and yes.... a peculiar people.

No Discriminating For Any Reason

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 

                                                                                  (James 2:1-6 KJV)

To show favoritism to one means to discriminate against another. James warns against showing favoritism. Sadly, we see this way too often. People are discriminated against for their race, their sex, age, where they work or if they don't, how they dress. The list goes on and on.

I admit that there have been times in the past when I have purposely dressed down just to see if security would follow me around in particular stores. They usually did. In fact, I have been followed around even when I thought I was clothed all right. Not sure why; but, every now and then someone thinks that I might look suspect. On the other hand, if I wear my clergy collar, I almost always get a lot of friendly greetings no matter where I am.

Years ago, when kayaking the shores of Lake Superior, I pulled up on the shore of a town that I had visited often in the past. They had known me as a pastor and had been very friendly toward me when they had welcomed me in that capacity. This time; however, they apparently did not recognize me. I had been on the water for about a month and was wearing an old pair of Marine fatigues over my swimsuit. My hair was a ratted mess hanging out from under a baseball cap (the ratted hair is actually normal for me). I looked pretty forlorn. I needed to use a phone as there was no cell connection. I was not welcomed well. It took forever to find a pay phone as no one apparently had a phone that I could use to let my family know where I was.

When encountering others, it would do us all well to heed the words written by St. James, "If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?" (vs 3-4 NIV)

None of us like to be discriminated against. "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets" (Matt 7:12 KJV)

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen." (2 Cor 13:14 KJV)

God's Peace - Pr. J

A Peculiar People

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

                                                                                  (1 Peter 2:9-10 KJV)

I dislike having to check the box for my race as is required on so many forms. I especially dislike having to check a box if it is related to something within the church. That may be partly due to the fact that I am a "mutt." But, more than that is the fact that no matter what blood lines I have inherited through family; I am a child of God; adopted into the holy nation the blood of Jesus. If there is a blank line for other, I usually write in "Holy Nation."

Each race has it's own culture and even within the various races the culture varies depending on the geographical region. That is also true for the people of a "Holy Nation." There may be variances in the way we live and worship; but, together we make up one truly awesome spiritual house. The differences really make no difference. What is important to understand is that we belong to the spiritual house built on the precious cornerstone, who is Jesus the Christ; the one who gave himself for us.

Since, we are members of this spiritual house, this "Holy Nation", we also ought to live as members of the holy priesthood, living in reverence and loving service to the King of all kings. According to St. Peter that means to live in loving service to one another. It's not about us. It's about all of us together living in reverence to God our Father and our Lord, Jesus the Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Run The Race With Patience

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

                                                                                       (Heb 12:1-2 KJV)

What sin besets you today? Are you living with hope? Are you living so that you might be helpful to others and in the long run to yourself? Or, do you look at everything like your world is coming to an end? 

St. Paul advises us to lay aside the weight and the sin that so easily beset us. Lay aside your negativity and put one foot in front of the other so that you might continue to run the race that is set before us all. Not everyone is happy with the restrictions that have been placed upon us due to COVID-19. But, this will pass. It is a time to come together even if we cannot be together. Each of us can be fruitful by living carefully so that we might not harm any others. It will take patience as we are very social beings. It is difficult for many not to socialize frequently. Staying home may be a challenge; but, it is what is needful for the health of our neighbors. It is a little thing to do to help save our loved ones as well as our neighbors whom we may not even know. 

Do not be overcome with this weight. This, too, shall pass. Continue to run this race with patience and hope. Believe that God is with you and for you and working in and through you. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Shine Like A Star To Glorify God

Shine Like Stars In The World

Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. (Philippians 2:14-16 NRSV)

Personally, I am very tired of arguing. I'm too old and have much better things to do; like proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Arguing is unproductive and a major waste of time that could be spent gathering instead of separating. 

Reasonable debating is another thing. Sitting down with someone and actually discussing something can be very productive. But, when you don't win the "argument" to then go around and murmur (gossip) about the person you disagree with is definitely not only non-productive, it is not Christ like. 

We are to shine like stars in the world, not to be like the world. The race we are to run is not against others. It is for others. We proclaim the Good News with all the fervor that the Spirit of Christ provides us with so that others might also hear and believe.

It is not about glorifying ourselves. It is not about us winning the race against others. It is about trusting the Holy Spirit to help us to run the race and let the light of Christ shine in and through us for the sake of others, to the glory of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Soaring Above Obstacles

Let Us Soar Above All Obstacles

He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.
                             (Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV)

We all get weary at times. Sometimes, a person can get so weary that they would rather not get out of bed in the morning. It can be very wearisome dealing with hateful people so often. It is wearisome to see people publicly and viciously attacked for no other reason than they don't agree with everything they say or do; because they are not getting their own way all of the time. It is wearisome to have to take care of any of the numerous things we have to take care of in this world and trust that others who are supposed to be helping you know what they are doing. And... when you find out that they don't know what they're doing; it is wearisome to have to do the job that they are being paid for in order for you to get done what needs doing.

Life can be very wearisome; but, for those who hope in the LORD, the obstacles will not get you down. They will not put you out. Those who hope in the LORD will have their strength renewed and they will keep on going. No matter who slanders them; no matter what obstacles are put before them, those who hope in the LORD will rise up in strength and soar above all the troubles as though on the wings of an eagle.

We may feel a bit overwhelmed at times; but, we will not faint. We will rise up and run. We will win the race with the help of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Christians: Participants or Observers

Live Life! Live as an active member
of the Body of Christ.

This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,  making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Eph 5:14 NIV)

There is a huge difference between a member of a team and an observer. A team member takes some risks; now unless you are betting on your favorite team (which is really poor stewardship of what the Lord has provided you with!) fans or observers really don't take any risks. They sit in the stands or on their couches and watch. They watch as others are busy running the race or carrying the ball. Observers do not participate in life. They prefer to stay in lala land; half or fast asleep. In reality, that is what often happens to the person who lies on the couch for hours watching television; they fall asleep. They are dead to the real world around them. They are safe from having to participate; from having to live life.

And, so it is with way too many Christians. They are observers. They may be fans of Jesus. But, they are not members of the team. They are not players. They do not actually participate in the game. They are not members of the team. They are merely bystanders. In reality they are mere observers or fans of Jesus and not members of the team. They are not members of the Body of Christ.  Members work together as a team. They don't sit back and watch the team. They do not sleep when the light is shining upon them. They do not hide in the darkness of their own dreams.

In Christ, we become one Body. But, it seems that some of the parts of the Body are missing in action. Your local congregation misses you. Jesus calls you to worship and serve the Lord as a member of the community of saints.

Members of the Body work and play as a team, with one purpose, because they are one. If you would be a follower of Jesus then get off of the couch, take up your cross, and follow him, participating in a life of worship and service to God and in service to one another. Wake up sleeper, rise from the dead and live life in Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Run The Race!

"Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it.  Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one."  1 Corinth 9:23-25
Before the sun comes up, I often find myself thinking about running for exercise. I imagine myself running like the wind. This thinking about it doesn't burn me any calories; it doesn't lose me any weight. It doesn't do my body any good. When I rise, I go about morning devotions and then to work. I can usually find a few minutes to exercise in the living room a few times a week. But, I almost always put off the running 'till another day. I do not exercise a lot of self-control or discipline when it comes to physical exercise.

St. Paul compared the discipline runners employ to the discipline that we need to exercise in order to be spiritually healthy so that when we finish the race here on earth we will receive the imperishable prize that has been prepared for us. We do not want any one to procrastinate and say "I'll get to know this Jesus you talk about, later. I'll have more time to follow him after I retire. I'll have more time to serve, tomorrow." For procrastinators, tomorrow rarely comes. Tomorrow may be too late. Today is the day to get to know Jesus and to live in his presence; in his Kingdom.

Jesus died for you. He died so that all people might live in the presence of God our Father for all eternity. What are you waiting for? The time is now. The Kingdom of God is at hand.

God's Peace - Pr. J  

Run The Race!

"Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it.  Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one."  1 Cor 9:23-25

Before the sun comes up, I sometimes find myself thinking about running for exercise. Actually; lately, the thoughts tend more toward a real fast walk. This thinking about it doesn't burn me any calories though. It doesn't lose me any weight. It doesn't do my body any good. When I rise, I go about morning devotions and then to work. I can usually find a few minutes to exercise in the living room a couple of times a week. But, I always put off the running 'till another day. I do not exercise a lot of self-control or discipline when it comes to physical exercise.

St. Paul compared the discipline runners employ to the discipline that we need to exercise in order to be spiritually healthy so that when we finish the race here on earth we will receive the imperishable prize that has been prepared for us. We do not want any one to procrastinate and say "I'll get to know this Jesus you talk about, later. I'll have more time to follow him after I retire. I'll have more time to serve, tomorrow." For procrastinators, tomorrow rarely comes. Tomorrow may be too late. Today is the day to get to know Jesus and to live in his presence; in his Kingdom.

Jesus died for you. He died so that all people might live in the presence of God our Father for all eternity. What are you waiting for? The time is now. The Kingdom of God is at hand.

God's Peace - Pr. J  

Run The Race!

"Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it.  Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one."  1 Cor 9:23-25

Before the sun comes up, I often find myself thinking about running for exercise. I imagine myself running like the wind through the woods. This thinking about it doesn't burn me any calories. It does not lose me any weight. It doesn't do my body any good. When I rise, I go about morning devotions and then to work. I can usually find a few minutes to exercise in the living room a few times a week. But, I almost always put off the running 'till another day. I do not exercise a lot of self-control or discipline when it comes to physical exercise.

St. Paul compared the discipline runners employ to the discipline that we need to exercise in order to be spiritually healthy so that when we finish the race here on earth we will receive the imperishable prize that has been prepared for us. We do not want any one to procrastinate and say "I'll get to know this Jesus that you talk about, later. I'll have more time to follow him after I retire. I'll have more time to serve, tomorrow." For procrastinators, tomorrow rarely comes. Tomorrow may be too late. Today is the day to get to know Jesus and to live in his presence; in his Kingdom.

Jesus died for you. He died so that all people might live in the presence of God our Father for all eternity. What are you waiting for? The time is now. The Kingdom of God is at hand.

God's Peace - Pr. J  

The Joy Of Salvation!

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12

So the world's bogging you down? Not everything going the way you want it to?

There are more important things than the little details of every day living. Supper does not have to be on the table exactly the right time. The employee that was late may have had problems with the car; that's why she's late. Or, maybe, they had some unexpected emergency at home. Children will not always do what you want them to. Maybe you don't care for the way the presidential race is being run. Relax, you are not alone. Not many people are happy about it. In the big picture, these are all minor things. There is something more important and that is your salvation. Do not let the devil steal the joy of your salvation!

We all make mistakes. We all sin. Sometimes those sins are unintentional. Sometimes those sins are very intentional. The bottom line is: Jesus knew this when he went to the cross for us. Even though he knew that we would intentionally and unintentionally turn our backs on him and on one another, he was willing to bear the consequences of our sins, even our most grievous sins. He loves us so much that he was willing to be executed in our place so that all who believe in him might be declared innocent. The debt has been paid! Rejoice in your salvation!

May the knowledge of a love so great for you, restore in you the joy of your salvation!

God's Peace - Pr. J