The Glory Of The Lord

Exodus 24:8-18 KJV; Transfiguration Sunday; What would be thinking; feeling, to see the glory of the Lord?

By the Spirit

Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 

                                                                                        (2 Cor 3:3-6 KJV)

We serve not because of fear of the law; but, by the indwelling spirit of God. The Holy Spirit works through us to lift up the lives of others around us. We are ministers of God serving others not because we are so good; not because we are so capable; but, because the love of God in Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit empowers us to do so.

The Spirit of God sets us free to live life to love and serve God; to love and serve others even as the Spirit of Christ loves and serves others through you. Live life in Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Unity Cannot Be Legislated

 

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 

                                                                                    (Acts 4:31-33 KJV)

Everyone being with one heart and of one soul! Imagine that! How can that be possible? 

It is fallacy to think that we can legislate peace. Dictatorships do not bring about harmony among the people. Ordering people to think and act of one accord will only  bring about opposition and dissension. 

Our God is not a dictator. Yes, he gave us rules to follow. But, he also gave us the freedom to choose whether we do or not. He gave us the freedom to serve Him or reject Him. Dictators do not give the people that choice.

The early followers of Jesus were of one mind not because of any legislation. They were empowered by the Holy Spirit. They were cleansed by the blood of Christ and became new men and women in him by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

The Holy Spirit empowered them to live together with one heart and one soul with a desire to share the word of God with boldness so that others also might know the great grace bestowed upon us through the life and death and resurrection of  Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

"Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:"

                                                                                               (2 Cor 3:2-4)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Fear Is Not Loving Or Healing

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. (Mal 4:2 KJV)

There are a whole lot of people suffering from illnesses in the world today; many besides those who have contracted the Corona Virus. As the world panics over this virus, I cannot help but wonder why we do not have cures for some of them. Why no cure for cancer, yet? It has been around for a long time. Why no cure for the influenza that comes and goes or the more permanent diseases like multiple sclerosis or cystic fibrosis or the many other diseases that afflict the human race? It is a sad thing that so many suffer. All of our scientists and specialists have not been able to figure out how to cure these diseases. What is left for us to do; but, to depend on the Lord our God to see us through?

The faithful trust him to see us through our illnesses until the day he brings us home. There is suffering in this world. But the children of God know that the Son of God has risen and we shall go forth growing in faith and trust that in him all things are for the good of those who love him.

While Jesus walked the earth he instructed his followers to have no fear. Listen to him! Fear will stop a person in their tracks. It will destroy the love that we ought to have for one another and for God. It will destroy our concerns for those in greater need than ourselves. 

With the panic over the Corona Virus, I cannot help but wonder about the people who live paycheck to paycheck to put food on their families' tables. The grocery store shelves were empty in so many stores yesterday due to people stockpiling and hoarding. When payday comes and those who can only afford to purchase food when their check comes and there is no food in the grocery stores to purchase what happens to them? How many have thought of the homeless and hungry when they overfill their carts? Love of God and for our neighbors seems to have gone out the window....!!! Will greed and self-preservation send our neighbors home hungry?

There is nothing to fear for in the end the God whom we love and who loves us has come and is here with us even now. 

My daily morning prayers always include this prayer of affirmation against all fears. Either we believe it or we don't. As for me, I prefer to believe it and trust in the Lord.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

(Psalm 23)

Fear does not bring love. It brings devastation. Trust the Lord and be His helping hand. Feed his sheep even if it is in such a little thing like not emptying the shelves in the grocery story so that your neighbors can also purchase sustenance for their families. Consider your neighbors and do all that you can to help them, for in them your Lord abides. 

God's Peace - Pr. J