Strengthened By Christ

Philippians 4:8-13 KJV; 20th Sunday After Pentecost; We are strengthened by the abiding presence of Christ.

Wisdom Of The World Or God?

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 KJV; 4th Sunday after Epiphany; the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing; but, salvation to those who believe.

Give; Share the Good News Of Jesus

Our Exile

Loving and Supporting One Another 
Is Better Done At Close Range

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

                                                                            (1 Thes 5:14-15 KJV)

Warn those who are falling away; comfort those who need comforting; support those who need help of any kind; and do it all with patience. In other words, love one another. 

The powers that be have isolated us from one another to the best of their ability this past year. Humankind was not made to live in total isolation. No one can live life to even near its fullest without interaction with others. We need others to remind us when we are falling away. Written words are helpful even as Paul wrote to the many church. They are helpful. But, we need people in person to comfort us and support us. As Christians, we do not live for ourselves but for the whole Body of Christ. It is difficult for the Body of Christ to work as one when we steer so clear of one another. 

The vaccination is being widely administered quite rapidly. Whether or not it works is a question many people have. But, with faith in this vaccination  hopefully the fear of dying that so many people have will disappear to a large extent soon and we can get back to actually and actively doing doing good. Hopefully, we will get back to actually and actively loving one another. That is... if we haven't forgotten how.

Have we really been looking to God or politicians and government agencies to save us from this isolation; from this exile?  

In the end remember that no matter what happens in this world the only hope any of us truly have is hope in the promises of God through Jesus the Christ. That hope includes living reconciled to God and to one another in the Body of Christ, in the Kingdom of God. Whatever the world says do not neglect what we know to be good: to exhort one another; to support and and comfort one another, with much patience. 

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Rom 15:13)

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

Renewed Strength

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 40:30-31 NIV

Life brings us a lot of challenges. They can seem overwhelming at times. There are even times I'd like to throw in the towel and walk away from everyone and everything. The only thing that can keep me going in times like that is faith in the unfailing and unending love of God. However, that faith must be nurtured. If I were to neglect studying and hearing God's word daily; if I did not spend many hours a day in prayer; my faith would fail me. I would surely fall. I depend on God's word and His promises for my very life.

In order to find the strength and desire to meet the day and any challenges the day might bring I turn to God's word and His presence. I need to be able to talk to him and listen to Him and trust Him. I need to be with the One who I can trust to truly lift me up above the challenges and sorrows of this world. 

We all grow weary and weak at times. Trust in and lean on the One who does not grow weak for His strength never fails Him or us. He will give us the strength to meet the challenges of the day ahead. Trust Him! 

God's Peace - Pr. J