Fear Of The Lord

Psalm 111 KJV; The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. But, it is only the beginning.

No One Knows The Hour!

Matthew 24:36-44 KJV; Devotion for 1st Sunday in Advent. Are you as prepared for Christ to return in full glory as you are for Christmas morning?

We Cry Unto The Lord

Reading from Psalm 138 KJV - We cry to the Lord; He hears and answers. His mercy endures forever.

Desire To Do What Is Right

Psalm 119:1-8 KJV

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.

Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.

Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.

O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!

Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.

I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

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Oh, if only I could keep his statues. But, I have learned from experience that I cannot.  If it were not for the grace of God through the giving of our Lord Jesus Christ I would be; we would all be lost.

St. Paul wrote to the Romans:

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

                                                                                        (Rom 7:14-26)

We desire to do the will of the Lord with all of our hearts and minds; yet, our flesh rebels against it. Thanks be to God for through the sacrifice of Christ for us we have not been forsaken because of what we do or do not do. We have been saved by faith alone in Christ alone!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

His Way

Show Us The Way

 

Psalm 119:9-16

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.

With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.

I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

+++

Lord, let us not wander from your way!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Love As Christ Loves

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 

                                  (Eph 5:1-2 KJV)

Love others as Christ loves you. What does that mean? 

Jesus gave his very life for our sakes. He gave it because he loves us. So what exactly does it mean to love like he does?  At the very least it means that we put the well-being of others before our own selfish desires. At the very least it means that we respect others without calling them names because we disagree with them. We can disagree without being ugly to one another. It is not love that calls us to  persistently judge or persecute others because we do not agree with them.

That does not means that we should say nothing when someone sins by harming others. Saying nothing can be construed as approving of something that is most harmful. Jesus did call out people in their sins. He called out the Pharisees and Scribes. He called out the moneychangers in the temple. He called out those men who were getting ready to stone an accused adulteress. But, he did not call for their deaths. He did not plan their downfall behind their backs. What he did was sacrificed himself by dying for them just as he died for all people that whosoever would believe in him would receive forgiveness of sins and life in the eternal presence of God in the heavenly kingdom.

Real love means caring for others even if you don't like or agree with everything they think, say, or do.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Free To Serve

For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings. (1 Cor 9:19-23 NRSV)

We are free to do as we please. St. Paul chose to use his freedom to become a slave (servant) to everyone to win as many to Christ as possible. He did not lord it over others. He became like them so that they would be open to hearing the Word.

If proclaiming the gospel is truly a priority for us in this world then sometimes we have to give up a few things (die to self) in order that others might be willing to listen and hear. Those who would serve others need to be willing and able to walk, as the saying goes, a mile in the shoes of others.

We are certainly free to do as we please. But, servants of the most high God are willing to make a sacrifice or two, even die, for the sake of others. Jesus did.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Listen To Instruction

Those who ignore instruction despise themselves,
   but those who heed admonition gain understanding.

The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,
   and humility goes before honor..

                                              Prov 15:32-33 NRSV

There is no better instruction than to respect the Lord. Do not place yourself and anything else before Him. Listen closely to His Word so that you might gain understanding from the one who knows all and is all. Not listening to those who would share this wisdom will only bring us trouble.

No good will come from lifting ourselves up before Him. We must remember that He is the creator and we are the created. We are not greater than the creator. We are not greater than the redeemer.  

It is right to fear the Lord and to give Him all honor and glory. To love the Lord with all your heart is  wisdom worth listening to. There is nothing better; more pleasing than to be in a loving relationship with our creator; our redeemer; our counselor.

Humble yourself and listen to the Word. Listen to those who would help you on the Way. Do not despise them; but, listen. Listen and believe that you might gain understanding; that you might live life most fully in the presence of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Holy, Holy, Holy is God Almighty

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:1-5 NIV)

Holy, holy, holy is God Almighty! The whole earth is full of his glory! Talk about shock and awe! Can you imagine having a vision similar to Isaiah's? To come into the presence of God in such a manner; to see His full glory! I believe it would be the most earth shattering experience possible. All of a sudden we would realize that we, who can be so full of ourselves at times, are nothing. God is everything. And, that God who is everything cares about us so much He would bring us into His Holy presence.

I can only begin to imagine what it would be like to see a vision of God in this manner. But, I know that one day I won't have to imagine because I will truly experience God in this manner. One day I will see Him with my own eyes and not just with the eyes of faith and I am quite sure that I will be as awestruck as Isaiah.

Holy, holy, holy is God Almighty! When we come into the presence of God to pray; to speak with Him; and maybe even more importantly; to listen to Him, maybe we ought to more deeply consider that we are truly in the presence of Almighty God and maybe just a little more awe; a little more respect, might be called for. Just maybe we ought to remember that we are in the presence of the King of kings!

May God bless us with a greater understanding of our sinful natures and of His holiness so that we might worship Him with respect and adoration. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Do Unto Others

“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets." Matt 7:12
You have heard the saying: "what goes around, comes around." Others refer to it as karma. What really is happening is that when you treat others with disrespect they most likely will treat you in the same manner that you have treated them. It is human nature. People simply have a hard time showing respect for those who disrespect others. When people break the rules of society, there are usually consequences set in place by society as a whole. I dislike this word, karma, immensely. I think a better word for this might be justice.

"Depart from evil, and do good; so you shall abide forever. For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his faithful ones." Psalm 37:27-28

Show respect for others and they might show respect to you. Love others and you will be loved. Do good to all people that it may be well with you and them; that we might all live in harmony and peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

A Fool's Lips

Proverbs 26:5 -6; 11-19 NIV

Answer a fool according to his folly,
    or he will be wise in his own eyes.
Sending a message by the hands of a fool
    is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison.
 As a dog returns to its vomit,
    so fools repeat their folly.
Do you see a person wise in their own eyes?
    There is more hope for a fool than for them.

A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in the road,
    a fierce lion roaming the streets!”
As a door turns on its hinges,
    so a sluggard turns on his bed.
A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
    he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
    than seven people who answer discreetly.

Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears
    is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.

Like a maniac shooting
    flaming arrows of death
is one who deceives their neighbor
    and says, “I was only joking!”

Just totally disturbing to read the nasty comments about the victims of the mass shooting in Las Vegas. It is unbelievable to me that anyone could have such a lack of empathy! Yet, those comments are out there. Thankfully there are not too many of them; but, enough to realize how foolishly hateful some people are in this world.

Proverbs 26 warns us of the downfalls of being a fool, not just a fool, but a lazy fool with deceitful lips. It also warns us to be careful when it comes to trusting a person who is foolhardy. He or she should not be honored for their ways. They should not be lifted up. It would be foolish for us to enable them to continue in their ways.

What then should we do with the one who acts foolishly? "Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes." (Prov 26:5 NIV) Speak the truth, not rashly or harshly. But, with love; correct them, guide them, teach them the way in which they should go. Teach them to honor and respect others so that others may live pleasant and peaceful lives and not on edge when they are around. Teach them that it is better for everyone to live in peace than to be constantly starting quarrels. It is better to live in peace than to continue instigating division.

There are very few things that bother me more than to hear someone lying to or insulting another person and then when the person responds in a hurt manner, the first person will say "JK," just kidding.  Jokes that hurt other people are not funny. They are not jokes! "Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”  (Prov 26:18-19)

The wise person will respect others for who they are. They will be kind, not acting out of anger or revenge. But, they will also speak the truth to the one who is acting in a foolish, hurtful manner. They are unable to empathize with anyone other than those who agree with their foolhardiness. Freedom does not give us the right to hurt others. Freedom is given so that we can all live in peace, reconciled to one another. The foolish one does not comprehend this living in peace. They much prefer to cause divisiveness by feeding their foolish egos.

May God be with all the victims and families of the horrible massacre in Las Vegas. May God help us all to learn to empathize with and love one another.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Evil Begets Evil

Evil begets evil and darkness reigns.

“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets." (Matt 7:12 NIV)

You have heard the saying: "what goes around, comes around." Others refer to it as karma. What really is happening is that when you treat others with disrespect they most likely will treat you in the same manner that you have treated them. It is human nature. People simply have a hard time showing respect for those who disrespect others. When people break the rules of society, there are usually consequences set in place by society as a whole. I dislike this word, karma, immensely. I think a better word for this might be justice.

"Depart from evil, and do good; so you shall abide forever. For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his faithful ones." Psalm 37:27-28

Show respect for others and they might show respect to you. Love others and you will be loved. Do good to all people that it may be well with you and them; that we might all live in harmony and peace. And, in order for this "what goes around comes around" to stop that all might live with more peace Jesus said this: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." (Matt 5:38-39) If or when you are disrespected, when you are used, it is not necessarily as beneficial as you might think to get even with the person by doing the same to them as they have done to you. This will only perpetuate the vicious cycle of miserably dysfunctional living. Evil does produce more evil and darkness will reign. Sometimes it is necessary to stand up against evil; but, be sure that it is not vengeance that motivates you. Vengeance belongs to God.

It is wise not to get dragged into others' evil ways. Move on. Live life. Do what is right and just. Enjoy the gifts that God has given you and may He multiply your joy and your peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

A Good Name

A good name is more desirable than great riches;
    to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
                                                     Proverbs 22:1 NIV

If gaining wisdom and knowledge is the purpose of the Book of Proverbs then I am wondering how many people are actually reading this book. There was a time, a long, long, time ago, when a good name was something people worked at achieving and retaining. Retaining a good name was something that was valued. A good name was considered an asset. It did not matter how much money you had; what kind of home you lived in; or, where you lived. What mattered was your character. What counted was being there for others in need. What mattered was whether or not you lived in your integrity. In order to have a good name, we knew that one must respect the rights of others. It was important to respect and obey the laws of both God and humankind. We understood that once a good name is lost, it is pretty hard to ever gain it back.

Today the most well known names are serial killers, movie stars, other social idols, and politicians. Those who strive greatly for silver and gold and having a well-known name rather than a good name seems to be the goal for many today. There is a difference between a well-known name and a good name.  Which would you choose for yourself: a well known name because of your greed and avarice; because of your sins, or a good name because of your faithfulness to God and your love and devotion to others?

There is one name above all other names. (Phil 2:9-11) That name is Jesus the Christ. As Christians we bear the name of Christ. Let us always remember that name is far above all things in this world. It is to be esteemed better than silver or gold or anything that money can buy. Bear that name wisely and with love and integrity.

We each choose our own paths. But, in the end there is only one path; one way, to the Kingdom of God, where there is no end to peace. That way is our Lord, Jesus the Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life. There is no other.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Shepherds Will Be Accountable

Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock.  Ezekiel 34:7-10 NIV

How many times have we heard that children have no respect for adults; that there are so few with any kind of work ethic in this country; or that we have too many "entitled" people living in this country?  We blame the high crime rates and the poverty in this country on anything and everyone else; but, ourselves. We blame it on the schools. We blame it on the government. We blame it on Madeline O'Hare or maybe even Darwin. The truth is none of these are to blame for the lack of faithfulness and consequently the lack of morals or ethics in this country. The church is. The shepherds need to stand up and take accountability for the false teachings that they have promulgated.

If this country is and was actually a Christian Nation then why have Christians stood back while all these things we claim to detest become so predominant? Who was teaching and preaching the way of the Lord and his promises to those who believe in him? Who was and is standing on the Word? I don't mean the word that's been twisted around to please the itching ears of the people for that is exactly what has led to the sheep being scattered and wandering about lost in the first place.

I remember even as a teen-ager wondering why pastors taught something contrary to the word of God. Yes, even discerning teen-agers can know when a pastor is being faithful to the Word and when he or she is telling stories to ensure his or her salary; his or her pension; his or home medical insurance; and, the list goes on. This is not a new thing. It has been going on for a very long time; even before the time of Ezekiel.

The Lord reminds us over and over again throughout scripture to beware of false shepherds who have left the sheep to become food for wild animals; to become prey to a world who would overrun and destroy them.

It is not the governments fault nor even Madeline O'Hare's fault if the shepherds stood back accepting another truth and preaching the same. It is no one's fault; but, our own if the shepherds would not stand up and on the Word of God. If you're upset because the cross or nativity scene or even the ten commandments cannot be displayed in public consider this:  As a Christian are they on display in your own yard; in your own home; even at your place of worship? Christians should not expect the world to conform to traditions, or ethics, or morals, or to walk in the way that Jesus would have us go, if we, ourselves, are not willing.

If you feel that Christians are losing ground in this country; if you feel the church is diminishing, ask yourself if you are going to be part of the problem or a part of the solution. Who do you think that the Lord is going to hold accountable for leading so many astray?

May God fill not just the shepherds; but, the sheep, as well, with the Holy Spirit so that we might be empowered to stand fast on the Word of God and proclaiming it faithfully to all of the world.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Respect Civil Authorities

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. (Rom 13:1-4 NIV)

Concerning Civil Government.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For the power which exists anywhere is ordained of God. Whosoever resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Rom. 13:1-4.

Book of Concord; Luther's Small Catechism/Table of Duties

 

We see more and more disrespect for our elected officials and public servants as each year passes. Unless, it clearly goes against the word and the will of God there is no excuse for the public to persecute these men and women so unjustly. I am old enough to remember a time when whether we particularly liked our president or not, we still respected the office of the President of the United States and we showed it. It's not all that apparent today. There are peaceful means in place to replace them. If the majority wants someone out of office they will use those means. We do not have to become so ugly that we look like bullies to do it.

 

A person gets stopped because of a possible traffic violation and instead of cooperating they choose to disrespect the person stopping them by refusing to cooperate. A neighbor reports unruly behavior and instead of responding calmly to the officers or possibly protective service workers who show up at your door; they are met by all sorts of disrespectful attitudes and behavior. That is surely not God's will. Those men and women who are responding to the call are there to ensure that you and all of your household are safe and well.

 

It is not God's will that we should set ourselves in such a high place that we think that we are above the law of the land. The law of the land is not just for everyone else. It is for all people. It is not God's will that we should act like uncooperative bullies; but, to use the system that has been set in place for the good of all people. Use the system to try to change the system if it needs changing. Violence against others is not the way to get what you might want. Those who would encourage other than peaceful protests that result in harm to others as well as the property of others go against the will of God. He is the provider of all. We don't get to destroy the property of others and still say that we are doing God's will.

 

God's will is for the good of all people; not just for you; not just for the few.

 

May God help us to live peacefully in the land.

 

Pr. J

Our Hope

Our covenant is a covenant of hope in Christ Jesus, our Lord!

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV

I must confess that every now and then any semblance of gentleness and respect in me flies out the window. It doesn't happen often and I am usually sorry that I was not more gentle later. Yes, I am sorry when I correct people, not so gently. When it does happen, it is usually when their egos threaten to override anything that would glorify God. When the hope that we have in Christ Jesus becomes hope in the works of people, I get just a little frustrated. I get frustrated when "Christians" who have been "Christians" most of their lives put their own desires before the will of God; forgetting that Jesus is Lord of all; forgetting that our mission is to serve others as Jesus did and does rather than serve ourselves.

Our hope is not in what we or anyone else can do or will attempt to do. Our hope is in the life-giving sacrifice of Jesus for all people. Our hope is in the Kingdom to which Jesus opened the doors to all who would believe in him. Our hope is in Jesus. Our hearts shall revere him above all others, and most definitely above ourselves.

May God help us to be able to speak clearly and gently as we profess that Jesus (and no other) is Lord!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Honor Your Father And Mother

The Fourth Commandment.

Thou shalt honor thy father and thy mother [that it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long upon the earth].

What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we may not despise nor anger our parents and masters, but give them honor, serve, obey, and hold them in love and esteem.

(http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php)

In this fourth commandment we are told that we are to honor those who have authority over us so that it may be well with us and that we might live long upon the earth.  Think about the chaos in so many homes and our school systems because many young people; rather than honor their parents or teachers, are allowed (and sometimes encouraged by other people in authority) to be outright disrespectful; defiantly rejecting all authority. How much learning can be done in this kind of environment? How many children are being taught to disrespect and connive against our police officers who have sworn to protect us? It makes it very difficult to serve and protect or teach anyone when one is being cursed at or emotionally or even physically attacked.

God has given each of us people in our lives who are meant to teach and guide us; to care for us. Parents, police officers, teachers, doctors, employers are just a few examples of such people today. Sadly, not all of them have our best interests at heart. There are those who think that everything should be done for their glory to the detriment even of the children. Martin Luther reminds us, in the Large Catechism, that even though the Commandments do not speak directly to the duties of those in authority; scripture reminds us all that we are to love and care for one another. This applies to not just the parents; but, anyone and everyone who might have the duties to teach or care for or protect our children. If we teach our children that it is all right to disrespect others; they will also learn to disrespect us.

We should honor all in positions of authority and those in authority would be wise to guide those who they have authority over; to teach them the ways of the Lord. Do not enable them to disrespect others in authority. If honor, respect, and even integrity could make a come-back; then we would all live long and peacefully upon the earth.

God's Peace - Pr. J

President Trump; The Energizer President

Whatever may come, we now have a very non-low energy

president.

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

Yesterday, was a very tiring day for me. I was exhausted and fell asleep on the living room floor by 6:30 pm as I watched the presidential inauguration activities on television. I had skipped through my quiet time with the Lord in the morning because of my schedule which was probably the reason for my weariness. I woke up this morning thinking about our new president. President Donald Trump, who has at least ten years on me, did not appear to be weary by the time I was falling asleep last night and he still had many hours to go. I smiled to myself. President Trump is like the Energizer Bunny. He just keeps going and going. On top of all of his other attributes; I think God just may have a sense of humor.

Although I am not always too thrilled about the way he has always expressed himself in the past; but, because I trust God, I trust that President Trump has genuine hope for this country and for all of the people of this country. He began his inauguration day (as all; but, one president did since F.D. Roosevelt) by worshipping God. Maybe that was the secret of him being able to get through yesterday with so much energy.

I had laughed when he actually decided to run for president. I thought he was just throwing in the hat for something to entertain himself with. I am still smiling. I definitely would have preferred a much more gentle-spoken man for the position of leader in this country and was disheartened when my preferred candidate dropped out of the race. In the end, I must confess that I do not know the plans that God has for this country. But, I do believe that whatever they are; they are plans for the good. (Rom 8:28) 

Not everyone is going to appreciate President Trump. I have not always appreciated all of our former presidents, either. When Ronald Reagan became president, I grieved. I could not imagine an actor making a good president. But, while ranting and raving about it I heard from the Lord: "You don't have to like him. But, I have appointed him and you need to respect him." There was only one election after his that I grieved over. That one was from the Democratic party. But, I did not go out and destroy property or assault those who voted for him. Not everyone is going to like President Trump. But, we can either choose to work civilly with him and one another for the good of all the people in this country or we can go about burning cars and destroying private businesses and homes or generally trampling on the rights of others because we are dissatisfied with the results of this last election. Each individual can choose whether to work together as a country for the good of all or to divide it even further for the sake of personal agendas. That is up to the individual. Personally, I am a bit tired of the disunity (Yup, working in unity is a part of my personal agenda). Disunity has taken it's toll on the people; on this country. The disunity has diminished the hope of the people. It has made us a very weary people.

May God renew our hope so that we might live in peace and unity. May God help us to trust that He has a plan for the good of the many.

One last word according to St. Paul's letter to the Romans, chapter 13, verses 1-7:

"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." 

We may not like all of our public officials and I don't know anyone who appreciates paying taxes. But, there are peaceful means by which we can express our discontent. God has not given us the right to attack or destroy those who disagree with our personal agendas. Let us learn to work together instead of against one another.

May God renew our strength so that we will not grow weary but continue in a pursuit of good for all people. God help this country to soar as on the wings of an eagle.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Those who know me; know that I have very little musical ability. Now you know that my drawing skills are also very limited!

Submit To Authority For The Lord's Sake

Do not use your freedom to sin.

Do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil!

"Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the
supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves." 1 Peter 2:13-16 NIV

This weekend we are celebrating the holiday known as Veterans' Day, formerly known as Armistice Day. We celebrate as not just protests are breaking out across this country; but, riots. There is upheaval because not everyone is willing to accept the results of the process for elections that we have been using for a good many years. I have not always been happy with the results of presidential elections. In fact, I was near tears on a couple of occasions. One of the occasions was when a Republican that I did not care for took office. The other occasion was when a Democrat won. I was very shaken when Ronald Reagan won the election. I was so shaken that I had nightmares. One night, as I was tossing and turning, I came under conviction and I heard this message from the Lord, "Judy, you do not have to like him. But, you do need to respect him." I paid attention and with time I learned that the media had painted him in a really bad light and I had believed them. He was not who they said he was. He was not the anti-Christ and the world did not end.

We do have a democratic process in this country. For good or bad, we have a system and we, the people, have a right to vote. That right came at the expense of many good men and women who fought for our freedoms many long years ago. Our freedoms continue because many good men and women are willing to lay down their lives so that not just we; but, people around the world might live in a just society; free from tyrannical governments and free from the minority of tyrannical people who would trample on the freedoms; the rights, of others to get what they want and to get it now. These freedoms came at a price to others. Let us not take them for granted by abusing them.

We give thanks to God that every citizen of this country is granted certain freedoms and rights under the constitution. But; God, nor does the majority of the country, expect us to use our desire for personal freedom to do whatever we want or to trample on the rights of others. Let all God's people strive to do what is right and not use our freedom as an excuse to do what is wrong. We are not to use our freedom as a cover-up for evil rather we are to strive to do good. We are to strive to be reconciled to one another in Christ Jesus. It is God's will that by doing good the ignorant talk of foolish people will be silenced.

We may not always like everyone and everything; but, may God help this country to learn to love even as God loves us, to respect one another, and to realize that whether we like it or not, God is in charge. Jesus is the true King.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Teach Us To Teach By Example

Psalm 119:30

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance." Titus 2:2 NIV

The Bible verse for the day from Bible Gateway is from Titus 2:2. I'm not trying to pick on older men. But, I wanted to remind all of us, men and women, who especially fall into the "senior" category and claim to have known Jesus for most, if not all of our lives, that we are to be examples to younger persons and newborn Christians.

So, I am using this verse to teach us all and to remind us that through not just our words; but, our actions, as well, we teach others what it truly means to take up our cross and follow Jesus.

May God help us to live lives worthy of God, who calls us into His kingdom and glory. (1 Thess 2:12)

God's Peace - Pr. J