Vengeange Is The Lords

Psalm 118:1-6; Romans 12:18-20 KJV; 11th Sunday after Pentecost; Leave vengeance to the Lord and strive to get along even with your enemies.

Wherever He Goes; We Go

And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.

And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,

And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

                                                                                                                   (Mark 6:53-56)

They ran out into the desert to hear him. They ran to the other side of the lake. The people know a good thing when they hear it. They know that there is something super special about Jesus. They believe; they know that Jesus can heal them. Jesus can make them whole again. And, so they follow him. Wherever he goes they are right behind him; seeking him so that they may be made whole physically or spiritually. 

As soon as Jesus got out of the boat the people recognized him and went to him. How about you? Do you follow him? Do you recognize him? Maybe it's time to get to know Jesus a lot better and then follow wherever he will lead you.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Feed Them

And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.

And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:

Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.

He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?

He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.

And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.

And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.

And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.

And they did all eat, and were filled.

                                                                                                         (Mark 6:33-42 KJV)

Multitudes followed Jesus out into the desert to hear him speak. So he fed them with the word. They were listening to him for so long that he knew that they not only needed to be fed spiritually with the word but that they also needed to be fed physically. 

The disciples were reluctant to feed them even as so many pastors and congregations are often wary about feeding people who knock on their church doors. They are wary for many reasons. Maybe the visitor will use the financial assistance they are given for alcohol or drugs. Maybe they are just con men or women who make their only living by knocking on church doors. Maybe that person knocking on our church door is here to attack the secretary or maybe even the whole congregation or set fire to the church. But, Jesus, the Good Shepherd,  did not question the multitudes need to eat. He told the disciples to feed them. That ought to remind us that we too are to feed the hungry both spiritually and physically. After all, if someone is starving for sustenance for their bodies they will more than likely be focused on their stomach and not able to hear Good News of eternal life in God's Kingdom; his presence, that we would share with them. 

How good is the Good News if we ignore the fact that those we preach to go without food for physical survival?

God help us to feed your sheep!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Open Our Eyes To See

Help me to see; illumine me!

And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.

And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.

And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?

They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.

So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

                                        (Matt 20:30-34 KJV)

Open our eyes Lord that we might see all that you would have us see! Help us to see your truth so that we might follow in your way.

There are more ways than one to be blind. When one is spiritually blind we cannot see the plight of others. We look only to our own well-being. The spiritually blind  cannot see that their quest for more for themselves is only taking them further into the darkness. They cannot recognize the truth.  

The blind men begged Jesus to open their eyes! And, he did! They had walked in darkness long enough and Jesus was willing and able to make them see. May God open our eyes so that we might see the way, the truth, and the light, who is Jesus the Christ.

             Open my eyes, that I may see
             Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
             Place in my hands the wonderful key
             That shall unclasp and set me free. 
              Silently now I wait for Thee,
              Ready my God, Thy will to see,
              Open my eyes, illumine me,
              Spirit divine!

•                       Clara H. Scott, 1895

God's Peace - Pr. J. 

Good Gifts

Called To Be Stewards Of All Gifts From God

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

                                                                    (Luke 12:42-44, 48b KJV)

God gives us many gifts. These gifts ought to be used to glorify Him. In the beginning God made us His stewards over all that He created. It is simply good stewardship to take care of the gifts that He has given us in a manner so that they might help us or our neighbors to grow. 

Therefore; we have the saying that to whomever much is given, much is required. The more that we have been given there is more to care for so that the gift does not waste away. Whether it is material or spiritual things that are given us; whether it is plant, animal, or human beings, God would have us to look over these gifts in accordance with His will in order that His Name might be glorified.

May God help us to be good stewards of all that has been given us.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Vengeance Does Not Save

I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.                                                                                                                                                                                 (Psalm 18:1-3 KJV)

Most of us have enemies; people who would do us harm. Turning to vengeance ourselves is not real helpful. The Lord will take care of you.

Spending time and energy to avenge ourselves can be like a boomerang. It could very well fly back and hit us in the face. Vengeance can cause all sorts of legal ramifications for us. And, living in anger will take away our peace. It can make us ill: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Leave the vengeance to the Lord. Trust Him for He is your rock, your fortress, deliverer, and strength. 

According to St. Paul: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. (Rom 12:18-20)

Vengeance is God's. Trust Him and live life in peace!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

 

Count The Cost This New Year

And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

                                                 (Luke 14:27-28 KJV)

It is a tradition as each new year arrives to look back a bit and evaluate what was good and also what may have been better in our lives. Then we sit down and make a few plans for the upcoming year(s). As we plan for any future changes in our lives it is only wise to count the cost of those changes we desire. Are they feasible? Can we afford them financially, physically, emotionally, spiritually? 

This year we sold one home and bought yet another. It required a lot of praying for direction as the home we purchased had been foreclosed on by HUD. The financial cost was doable. However, this morning my body is aching pretty good. As with many foreclosed homes there is a lot of damage and a lot of work to be done. After a couples of weeks we finally got hot water into the house yesterday so my granddaughter Ashley and I started shampooing carpets and washing walls last night. My shoulders did not care at all for all that reaching up to get the cobwebs out of the corners! After a couple more days of cleaning, I do believe my body will adjust. 

As Ashley and I were digging a trench for wiring last week, she wanted to know why anyone would buy a home if you had to dig trenches before you could live in it. I am so accustomed to having to repair homes that we've purchased that I never considered that digging trenches would be out of the norm! But, her question made me think about whether young people today have a grasp of what it means to be willing to pay the whole price for anything. When they say they are going to get something that they want have they truly counted the cost? There is indeed a cost for the decisions we make because there are consequences, either good or bad, for both what we choose to do or choose not to do. 

As young people plan for their futures after High School are they figuring in their ability to accomplish what they are planning? Many school counselors have pushed for everyone to go to college and to set as many youth on a college bound track for quite a few years now. However, not all students have the gifts needed or even the desire to go for a four or more year degree. Many are more suited to a particular trade which can be accomplished through trade or technical schools.

Other youth might plan to join the Armed Services. I have reminded many young people that they need to count those costs. Not everyone is equipped to served in the military. Military service requires not just physical endurance; but, mental and emotional well being as well. 

Prayer (communication with God) and planning go hand in hand. With His help we can much better grasp what our gifts are and if we can pay the price of whatever it is that we are about to commit to.

Prayer (communication with God) will also help us to know how to take up our cross and follow Jesus. The gift of life and salvation are free gifts from God. But, when you decide to follow Jesus there is a cost. The path; the way of Christ, you follow will not be understood by everyone. Some will even despise you for taking up your cross and following the path that Jesus leads you on. It will not be easy. But, Christ is with you as you journey on the path that he has prepared for you. 

May the peace of the Lord be with you as you journey with him through this and future new years.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

To Prosper

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
                                                                             Psalm 1:1-3 KJV

This word prosper is an interesting word with more than one meaning. Most often people think of it in relation to be physical wealth; financial success. But, it also means to grow. That growing can mean to get physically strong and healthy or even spiritually strong and healthy. 

Prosperity is not just about having things; but, also about what you are able and willing to give. It is a state of being; whether you are rich in things or not. Some of those who have the most are often the poorest for inside they are empty of any of the gifts of God. They lack genuine love for others. They lack empathy. Always seeking more they lack the peace and joy that only God can give. 

The photo above was taken at a congregation in Michigan. Of what they had, they gave to those in need both generously and cheerfully. They worked together to help and to prosper others; to provide for those in need that others might be comfortable and content and that they might also grow spiritually. I am confident that as they worked to prosper others they also grew in spirit.

May God bless the work of all of our hands that others may also prosper in the Kingdom of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Built Upon A Solid Foundation

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!” (Matt 7:24-27 NRSV)

This past year I've questioned the wisdom of the powers that be that determine construction codes. Years ago, we put a mobile home on a piece of property in Gay, Michigan; a little town on Lake Superior. To prepare the spot we used concrete runners under the mobile home so that it would not sink or shift. Our son, just put a mobile home on land in Flagler County. Here in Florida the pad that the mobile home will sit on is made of sand. There is no concrete slab or runners under the home. I am sure that the engineers and others more knowledgeable about building in Florida know what they are doing. Yes; of course, there are some really good tie downs and concrete blocks securing and leveling the house. But, when I first heard that there must be a pad of sand laid first, I was a bit confused. But; then again, we don't normally put a slab of concrete under a wood home, either. Blocks are usually used to hold it up and level it and that has worked for a very long time. 

So, houses are normally built on something solid; like concrete slabs or blocks. There has to be a sturdy base to keep the home from crumbling down. Likewise; our faith must be built on something solid. The foundation of our faith is the truth, who is Jesus Christ. Jesus is the cornerstone that holds the house of God together. If the house of God, if the church, is built on anything less than Jesus; if it is built on egos or greed or upon our own self-righteousness; then it will surely fall.

Paul wrote to the Ephesians:  "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God." (Eph 2:19-22)

God's Peace - Pr. J

No Adultery

The Sixth Commandment.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

What does this mean?--Answer.
We should fear and love God that we may lead a chaste and decent life in words and deeds, and each love and honor his spouse.

http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php



What has been done cannot be undone. How hard I try to impress upon our young people (and older) that one can certainly be forgiven their sins; but, we cannot erase our past relationships! They will always be with us emotionally and spiritually. No one except your previous partner and you may ever even know about these liaisons; but, that does not negate the fact that you were joined to one another, if only for a few minutes. And... once joined; you will never be completely unjoined. No matter how hard you try to erase the memories, they will be permanently imbedded in your mind, coming to the forefront when you least expect it.

God did not create this commandment because he doesn't want you to enjoy life. In fact, he wants you to have an abundant and, yes, even a joyful life. Marriage and family can truly be a blessing from God. The children will come and go to raise their own families. But, how wonderful it is to have one person to share your entire life with. The less our lives are encumbered with old lovers making entrance into this new relationship; the less encumbered our lives are with carrying old baggage; the more pleasant and peaceful our lives will be.

There are those who have the mistaken idea that adultery only applies to those who are in a committed relationship: that it does not apply to those who are not married or living together. This is false. Adultery includes having sexual relations (doesn't necessarily even have to include sexual relations) with anyone that you are not bound to, in marriage, for life. Any and all sins can be forgiven by God. However, in this world there are most often consequences for our sins. Adultery has many adverse effects on self and on family. The harmful effects of parents' multiple relationships on children has been well documented. Adultery and the inability to be faithful to those whom we claim to love harms the whole family as well as society around us.

This commandment was not given to benefit God; but, to benefit humankind. If you desire a peaceful life, remain faithful; first to God, and then to one another.

May God help us to be faithful to those whom He loves.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Enter His Rest

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matt 11:28 NIV

There are some days when I need more rest than on others. The older I get the more this seems to happen. It is not just physical rest. I need more and more spiritual rest as time passes. The troubles of the world can drag us down; not just physically, but, spiritually, as well. The longer we live; the more troubles we have seen and the more rest and times of refreshment are necessary to live fruitful lives. 

Consequently, I must spend much more time in prayer. I must spend more time in intimate communion with our Lord in order to find the rest that I need and to be refreshed so that I can enter into each new day with a servant's heart. I need this time in the Lord in order to be fruitful for the Kingdom of God. If I do not abide with and in Christ and Christ abide in me, I become a most weary and burdened creature. But, with and in Christ, all things are possible.

I enjoy serving God's people; but, forgive me if I enjoy being in the presence of God even more. It is necessary to be able to come into his rest.

May all whom God has called enter into his rest.

God's Peace - Pr. J