Love Him; Worship Him

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. (Deut 6:4-5 NRSV)

What brings you to worship and serve the Lord? Is it tradition; the fear of death; or love for the Lord? 

There are many reasons to show up at a worship service. Sometimes, it is just because that is the way you were brought up. It is what you must do. But; once you get there, your ears and heart and mind are closed to the love that God has for you. Or, maybe it is the fear of death and you figure that just in case their really is a heaven and hell you're going to be buying a guarantee by making your presence known? Neither of those things will save you. Only, faith in Jesus, the one who lived and died and lives for you, saves you. That faith in him, itself, is a gift from God. 

There are various reasons for people to attend worship services. They sometimes show up to have their children baptized and then we never see them until confirmation, a wedding, a funeral or maybe Christmas Eve. I've known people who attend worship services to get political votes. I've also known people who attend worship in order to promote their businesses. There are many reasons people show up to worship at churches. Hopefully, it is the love of God that stirs them. But; if not, all people are welcome; both believers and unbelievers. Faith comes by hearing the word and if we hear it enough, even if we try not to listen, the Holy Spirit will work in us all the awesome gift of faith and love for our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Whether one believes or not; the Lord is our God. Welcome all people so that they might come to know Him and love him with all their hearts, and souls, and might.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Votes Are In

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. (1 Tim 2:1-2 NRSV)

The ballots have been cast and the results are in. Just about everyone who voted has a reason to be happy and they also probably have a reason to be not so happy. Happiness is not what elections are about. Electing leaders is what elections are about. The only thing then that is left for us to do is to pray then that our elected leaders will do what is best for the people; for the country as a whole.

Regardless; whether we appreciate the results or not, we do have some new leadership in our country. Let us pray and support our elected leaders. If we disagree with any of them or all of them, let us disagree peaceably, without false accusations or threats. Spreading gossip, lies, or making false accusations about our elected officials does not help the state of the union. Working together will.

May God grant that we should live in peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.