Empires Built On Sand Will Fall

And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.

And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:

And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.

Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.

And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.

And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.

And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came, and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

                                                                        (1 Sam 17:33-39,48-49 KJV)

At the hand of the shepherd David, Goliath the giant Philistine fell! 

I do not recall what circumstances inspired my mother to say it; but, I do recall her pretty often saying: "The bigger they are the harder they fall." She was a very petite woman. She may have been five feet tall and I'm pretty sure she never weighed more than one hundred pounds. As petite as she was, she could be pretty feisty. She was never afraid to speak her mind regardless of the consequences. It was not always the most judicious thing to do but she spoke it anyway. She ended up in a few scraps. There were times when she lost the battle; but, not too often. 

It seems as though there will always be a battle to fight; a giant to take down. David had only one giant to slay. Today we face many giants. Most of us may not even be aware of who they are. But; be aware, they would control the world if they could. However, their empires are built on the shifting sand of lies and deceit; on corruption and greed. They will fall... eventually...

Jesus told this parable warning us to make sure that our houses are built on a rock and not sinking sand. That rock is Jesus the Christ. (1 Cor 10:4)

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

                                                                                     (Matt 7:24-27 KJV)

Do not despair! The bigger they are, the harder they will fall and how great will be the fall for those who have built their empires on sand. 

May God help you to always build and stand upon the rock who is Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Kingdom Of God; Our Ultimate Concern

We should have no other gods!

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 

                                                                  (Matt 6:20-21 KJV)

Money is a necessity. We need it in this world today to eat; to have shelter; to have medical care. We even need it to find a job in order to have enough money to take care of these necessities as we may need gas for a vehicle or enough cash for Uber, appropriate clothes for the position, water for bathing before the interview, and the list goes on.

But, in Matthew we hear Jesus tell us not to set our hearts on these things. He is not telling us that we do not need them or should not have them. We do need them and we should trust God to provide these things. Of course, we don't get to sit at home doing nothing but watching television or playing video games in order to have these necessities. They are not going to drop from the sky like the manna fell for Moses' clan. St. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians:  

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. (2 Thess 3:10-12)

Yes, there is a need to focus on taking care of those things to sustain physical life while we live and breathe here on earth. But, money and things cannot be our  only focus or our ultimate concern. We are not only physical beings with expiration dates; we are also spiritual beings and all who believe in Jesus belong to that eternal Kingdom of God.

What Jesus is reminding us in the verses from Matthew is that we must be careful. As we amass earthly treasures, things like greed can sink into our hearts and the treasures we seek can easily become false gods taking over our whole lives. It is a reminder that the one true God and His Kingdom should be our ultimate concern. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Evil For Good; Darkness For Light

 

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isa 5:20 KJV)

Why one might ask would anyone call evil good!

I have seen evil called good in so many seemingly innocuous places and ways that it boggles the mind. Humankind excuses evil for many reasons. Evil becomes acceptable when we ignore it because we have been told to live and let live; do not judge others. Yet, the word of the Lord clearly tells us that we are to discern between what is good and what is not and we are to refrain from what is not good. We are to steer clear of the evil; not engage in it nor condone it with our silence just to be polite; in order to be liked. 

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. (Eph 5:11-12)

Evil is not good no matter what false idol claims it to be. Evil does not become good no matter how many times we are told that it is. Those who call evil for good would have you think that they are enlightened. But, they do not live in the light. They dwell in the darkness. Yet, even in the darkness God sees their evil intents and deeds. They may be able to fool some of the people around them; but, they cannot fool God.

The darkness of evil would threaten to engulf us. But, it cannot. We stand on the word of God and no matter what might happen in the world around us we will continue to live in the light of Christ. 

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor 4:6)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Christmas; Epiphany; Three Kings

They followed a star.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. 

                                                                               (Matt 2:1-2, 7-11 KJV)

The season of Christmas ended yesterday with the observance of Epiphany or as known to some Three Kings Day. My little tree will hopefully come down today although it will be a very busy day. I have banana trees to move before some landscaping begins today. There is an online grocery order to pick up. And, I have to go shopping for a new washing machine. Mine quit! Yesterday was even busier; therefore, the tree is still lighting up the living room this morning.

The reading from Matthew tells us that the wise men traveled far to meet this king and to bring him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. I've always kind of thought me that if we are going to give gifts at all why not give them on the day that we celebrate the gift-giving wise men rather than Christmas. Christmas, when celebrated, I believe, should be focused solely on the precious gift that was given to us with his birth. Many churches don't even have a Christmas Day service so that families can be together, children can play with their toys, and moms and grandmoms can start cooking.  

However, despite the questionable background of our Christmas traditions, the season prior to Christmas does give us greater opportunity to remind the world that Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world, came into this world as a fully human baby, lived among us, and then died for us. What great gift could we possibly receive.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Jesus Is The King Over All Kings

Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
Psalm 72:11

Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.

He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.

The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.

He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.

They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.

He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.

In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.

He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.

They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.

The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.

For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.

He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.

He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.

(Psalm 72:1-14 KJV)

+++

There is one King and on King alone that can save us. His name is Jesus the Christ!

For some unknown reason many have deluded themselves into thinking that the government can help us. We even think that the government is going to make sure we are fed. The government will make sure that we have a roof over our heads. Look around. That has not happened. It has not happened in capitalist or socialist countries. 

The governments around the world are made up of fallible human beings who have their own agendas. However, this King Jesus who abides in all who love him helps those in need through you. His agenda that is to love you.

After Jesus had risen from the grave he asked Peter, who had denied him three times at his trial, if he loved him. When Peter said that he did, Jesus told him three times that if he did he would go and feed his sheep.

"He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep." (John 21:17)

Jesus didn't tell governments to go and feed his sheep. He told you. He told us to. 

At one of the parishes that I previously served; I not only had local people stop by the parsonage for assistance with their needs, I often had travelers stop by my home (usually near midnight) who needed assistance. Some needed gas or a ticket home; some needed shelter (motel for the night); some needed food. Many of the travelers seemed to be coming from Canada. In fact there were so many coming from Canada, I finally asked one of the travelers how he found me since neither the church or the parsonage were on the main highway. I jokingly asked if there was a sign at the Canadian border in Sault Ste. Marie with my address for anyone needing help. He laughed, as well, and told me that he had stopped by the State Police and they gave him my address. 

I cannot help but wonder with all the shut-downs due to COVID-19 how many people in need knocking on church doors to seek assistance are finding the churches closed and no one to help. I am assuming that not too many Police Departments are handing out pastors' addresses so those in need can knock at their homes. 

The governments of the world cannot; do not; and will not help everyone in need and sometimes when they do attempt to they actually cause more hunger and homelessness with their rules and regulations that go along with the assistance. We have been witness to that. 

But, the King of all creation can help. He helps through you. He helps through everyone of his followers who hear his call to "feed his sheep."

There is only one King who can save us. His name is Jesus!

God's Peace - Pr. J. 

Life Isn't Always Fair; Do Not Despair

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 

                                (Isa 60:1-2 KJV)

Life is just not fair. After all; was it fair that Jesus would have to be tortured and die for our sins?

Life isn't always fair. Yet, those who live in the light of the Lord have hope because they know that the darkness has been overcome.

Do not despair. The light who is Jesus the Christ has come into the world. Rise up and live life in the light of Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Share The Story Of Jesus-Lord Of The Dance

"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." (Phil 4:10 KJV)

I love to hear and tell the story of Jesus; of what he has done for us! The hearing of the good news lifts my spirit. Is that not what the good news is supposed to do but to lift our spirits and cause us to rejoice?

I often think of Sylvia, who due mostly to her age, was a shut-in. I so enjoyed visiting her because she always wanted our visit to be about Jesus. I would greet her. We would receive the Sacrament of Communion of our Lord together and then she would say with her Finnish accent: "OK. Now what we should talk about Jesus?"

I love to hear and tell the story of Jesus. Most often I hear it in worship; but, not always. As a retired Lutheran pastor, I have been church shopping and for now I am settled down at Westside Baptist Church in Bunnell. They do not presently have a pastor; but, the guest preachers have been very faithful in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Everything that occurs in a worship service should point to Jesus and remind us of what he has done. Worship is not about you or me. I start getting real uncomfortable when the preaching ends up being stories about the pastor or sports figures or other known or unknown individuals. I am very uncomfortable when individuals are lifted up during the sermon and I kind of freeze up when the sermons are filled with unrelated bad jokes. Not that telling a joke or a brief story are always bad things. They sometimes are very helpful. But, don't make the sermon about them. I want to hear about Jesus!

I also want to sing songs and hymns about Jesus. I am a horrible singer; but, I love to sing anyway. The video above was made during worship a few years ago on the third Sunday of Advent; the Sunday of Joy. It is the Gospel in song. It may be familiar to most of you. I sang it on the Sunday of Joy because not only is a joyful rendition of the story of Jesus; but, when I sing, it brings smiles to many faces, mostly because the hearers are usually to polite to laugh out loud. So listen and smile!

"We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised." (1 Cor 4:10)

The Gospel should bring us joy and we should not be afraid to open our mouths and share the great news of the kingdom for you through the sacrifice of our savior, Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Crucified With Christ

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Gal 2:20 KJV)

We do not have to fear death; neither the death of the body or the death of our egos. For, when we die there is still life; there is new life. When our bodies die we shall yet live eternally. And, when our egos die we will still live; yet not us, but Christ lives in and through us. 

Do not fear for all who believe in Jesus as Christ shall live no matter what death may befall them. All who believe in Jesus as Christ shall live fuller lives than they can even begin to imagine in him.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Time Is Short

Time Passes Quicker Than You Would Think
Make The Most Of The Time You Have!

The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. 

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. 

                                                                                (Psalm 90:10,12 KJV)

Teach us to number our days, dear Lord! Teach us to make each day count! 

So many people appear to be rejoicing that 2020 is over. For some reason they  seem to think that 2021 is going to be a much better year. Yet, the passing of another year brings us closer to that threescore and ten.

Whether our years are fruitful or not is up to us. The Lord blesses us but we often miss the blessings because we are busy pouting over minor stuff instead of rejoicing in the gifts that he has given us. 

Time passes quite quickly. One day we are young. Very soon after we are not. While we have time here on earth we ought to make good use of that time and not fritter it away feeling sorry for ourselves or wasting our days angry with others. 

Thanks be to God, Jesus the Christ came so that through his blood we might be reconciled to God and to one another. Living as though we are not reconciled to one another is a horrible way to squander away the days we have here on earth.

Let us live as children of God making the best of the days that God has given us to dwell on this earth.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Nothing New?

The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?

One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.

The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.

The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.

All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.

All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.

                                                                                    (Eccl 1:1-9 KJV)

I have seen a few posts on Facebook this morning that ask us what we learned during the year 2020. To be honest: I cannot think of one thing that I learned that was new. Some of the things that I already knew were reinforced this last year. But, there really is nothing new under the sun. It's been pretty much the same stuff since the beginning of time. 

As I look back over the year 2020, unlike a lot of people, I do not see a horrible year. I have had many that could be considered much worse and most of you probably did too if you look back further than 2020. The corrupt politicians have always been there. Being lied to by the government, the media, as well as others seems to have gotten a bit worse; but, then again maybe it's just because our eyes have seen enough of it and finally recognize it for what it is and always has been. Greed, selfishness, anger, hate, disrespect, slothfulness, lack of integrity, lack of empathy: they have also always been here. Disease has always been here, as well, and the earth keeps spinning.

But, in 2020, there was also the other side of the coin. There was love. There was generosity. There was self-sacrifice by many. These are good things. 2020 wasn't really so bad and if we expect 2021 to be much different than we are probably in for a shock. There is nothing new under the sun. There are good things and things that are not so good under the sun. 

As we sit around complaining about our lot in life, remember that we were never promised that life would be without tribulations. We were never promised a rose garden. We were promised the Kingdom of God. Trials and tribulations exist here on earth. They always have. They always will until the Lord comes to take us home. In him alone lies our hope. In Christ alone is our peace. Through him we are heirs of salvation. We can and should be rejoicing in that!

"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

                                                                                    (Romans 8:16-18)

The sufferings of this time are really not enough for us to dwell in darkness, in the closed closets of our mind. For "....ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." (1 Pet 2:9)

Have a blessed new year and rejoice for every day that the Lord has provided you with! Rejoice and live life in the light of Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

A New Year; A New Day, Is Dawning

Psalm 139:9-10

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jer 29:11 KJV)

I believe that God has a plan. Humankind also seems to have a plan and the powers that be don't always seem to have a very good plan for us. It does not really matter in the larger scheme of things. 

No matter what we think about the hand that we were dealt in 2020 we do not have to continue to live in the darkness nor the isolation that the past year so many people experienced. Go and stretch your wings. Every day in Christ is a new day. Every day in Christ is an opportunity to live life! 

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Cor 5:17)

Yesterday is gone. We cannot get it back. But, we can begin again this day and tomorrow and the day after. Step out of the darkness and live in his marvelous light.  Darkness is death and life is the light of Christ. As a new year dawns live life according to the good and gracious plan of God!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Be Of Good Cheer

"Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
                                                                                      (John 16:32-22 KJV)

Jesus was never alone nor are we. No matter how many people might give us up our Father in heaven never does. He is always with us. No matter what kind of tribulations that might be occurring there is one thing that is constant. That one thing is the presence of God our Father. Do not be afraid. In the knowledge of His presence and in the knowledge that Jesus has overcome the world we can be of good cheer. We can know peace. 

"Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love." (2 John 1:3)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

A Perverse Or Wholesome Tongue?

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. 

                                                                                     (Prov 15:1-4, 7 KJV)

God does see both the physical and mental abuse that goes on in this world. Nasty tones and attitudes do indeed stir up anger. They stir up hatred. They stir up division. 

It is human nature to become angry when offended. It is more Christ-like not to act upon that anger. It is best to walk away for your sake and everyone else around you. If an angry person is in need of aid help if you can and if they are willing to let you. But, do not become so involved in their lives that you risk the chance of becoming a person filled with anger yourself. Nothing good will come of it. The book of Proverbs reminds us: 

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. (Prov 22:24-25)

The world is full of anger and hate. But, we do not have to be. In Christ we have been born again. We do not have to live the old life that included so much anger. We can live in peace with joyful spirits when Christ abides in us and we in him.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Gal 5:22-23)

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. (2 Cor 13:13)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Bear Their Pain

"O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.

Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." 

                                                                             (Psalm 139:1-10 KJV)

I was looking at all of the homes and other buildings as we were driving down the road last night and it occurred to me that God knows and loves each and every one of the people inside of those places. He created them. He knows them. He knows every word they say; every thought they think; every emotion that they feel. He knows all of this and yet he cares deeply for them all. 

Only God is capable of this and just maybe that is why humans tend to be so clannish. To know what God knows about us would be overwhelming. To know the joys and sorrows, the pains and the suffering of every single individual in the world would be overwhelming for us mere mortals.  It is difficult to watch the people around us suffer. But, to know, to really know, what everyone in the whole world is going through; to feel their suffering is way beyond our ability. We would crumble under that kind of emotion. 

How amazing it is that our Lord loves us so much that he can know and completely understand what we are going through. He is there for us. He is right there with us through thick and thin; through every second of the day. He can understand and no matter who we are or what we may have done he still love us. He can bear all things for us. He can handle the joys of the world and he can handle the suffering of the world. He did in fact take all of our sins upon himself. 

I cannot imagine bearing the weight of all things for all people. But, on the cross our Lord Jesus bore the sins of the world. 

"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." 

                                                                                        (1 Pet 2:21-24)

As humans we may find that there are times that we tend to isolate ourselves to protect ourselves from experiencing the pain and suffering of others. To know and feel the pain of so many might be overbearing. But, to follow in the steps of Christ means to love. It means putting yourself out there to know and understand not just the joys; but, the sorrows of others as well.

If Jesus loves each and every person so much that he was willing to give his life for us and if we really desire to follow in his footsteps we ought to at least try to love others no matter who they are. 

God's peace be with you all - Pr. J.

Bless The Lord

Youth Is Renewed Like An Eagle

Bless the Lord O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The Lord executeth righteous: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Psalm 103:1-6 KJV

If we took the time to consider what a mess we really can be; if we considered what we really deserve we would thank the Lord with our whole hearts. He has been most gracious to those of us who show so little grace. He has been so loving to those of us who can be so unloving. When we are down, He lifts us up.

Count the blessings! Give thanks to the Lord for His mercy is great and His love endures forever!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Waiting For Him

Wait And Watch

And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

                                                                        (Luke 2:22-32 KJV)

Can we say that when Simeon, saw the baby Jesus in the temple that he was ecstatic? He had finally seen the Lord's Christ as the Holy Spirit had previously revealed to him that he would see. This child he beheld was the light unto the Gentiles; the glory of God's people. This child he had seen would be the one to bring salvation to the face of all people. 

Although he is with us now, we often fail to recognize his presence. Rest assured we will all see him whether one believes or not. We will all see him. And... when we do may we all be able to say with joy: "I am ready to depart in peace with you."

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. (Rev 1:7)

We may be through the season of waiting and watching for the year; the season of Advent. Although Christ has come; he is here; and he will come again. Wait and watch for him even as Simeon did.

God's Peace - Pr. J. 

The Glory Of God - Merry Christmas!

Luke 2:7-19 KJV

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

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May this day as you celebrate the birth of our Saviour be truly blessed.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Together We Celebrate The Birth

Gather to Worship
(Heb 10:24-25)

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (Luke 2:16-20 KJV)

Unlike the shepherds we don't have to get off our couches to celebrate the birth of Christ this year. There doesn't have to be any traveling. We don't have to go to far. Thanks to COVID restrictions many will be making haste to their computer screens this evening and/or tomorrow morning to watch the celebration of the birth of Christ, the one who has made us free to live as children of God. They will be watching. But, there will be no live participation; no interaction. Maybe some will join in the hymns of praise from their living rooms; but, probably not many. 

Many, more fortunate, will also be celebrating the birth of the Son of God in the traditional manner; within congregations, as they glorify and sing praises in the company of other Christians. St. Paul encouraged us to gather together often: "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Heb 10:24-25) 

If you can, go and gather with others to celebrate the birth of our King! But, I hope that no matter where you are observing the birth of our savior from, like the shepherds, you will go and make known to others the good news of this miracle by praising and giving glorify to God in word and deed. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

We Have A King!

Psalm 2 KJV

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,

Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

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One of my beliefs that has been reinforced this year is that we should:  "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish." (Psalm 146:3-4)

There is only one leader, one Lord, that is faithful to the people and he is the King of Creation; the same king that so many of our earthly leaders would abolish. His name is Jesus!

Be strong in the Lord! 

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

                                           

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." 

                                                                                         (Eph 6:10-13)

Let the heathens rage. In the end it will do them no good for a bit over 2000 years our king was born into this world. In him we trust for our salvation!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."

                                                                                          (Isa 9:6-7)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Till Death Parts Us

But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;

And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.

What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 

                                                     (Mark 10:6-7 KJV)

Forty-nine years ago today we repeated the traditional vows: "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part." There were days that we both were ready to throw in the towel; but, we remembered our promises and kept on. I've often warned couples preparing to be married that there would be days that you do not feel any love for each other. That doesn't matter. Marriage is about commitment to each other. It is about caring for the other person just as you care about yourself. The command that Jesus gave us to love one another applies to marriage as well as to the rest of the world. (John 15:17) Love is not just a feeling. It is also an action. If you love someone you take action and treat them as you would like to be treated. (Matt 7:12)

When God joins two people together in marriage you are joined forever. Yes, you may end up separated or divorces. It happens. Sometimes abusive marriages are so damaging that one must leave to save their very lives and to preserve their physical, spiritual, or mental health. But; regardless of the separation, you will always be connected forever for better or for worse... 

Marriage works out best when we strive to make it for better and I do mean strive. Marriage is not always easy. It is not even good for everyone to be married. Some are called to stay single so that they are not distracted by a spouse and can better grow in and serve the Lord.

Although marriage can be a bit tough at times, it is most often worth it. Two people with different gifts coming together and actually working as one can accomplish much more than trying to do everything alone if they are actually serving with like minds. They will (usually) have someone to turn to in sickness and in health. The Preacher who wrote Ecclesiastes surmised that two are better than one. When times get rough remember what he had to say.

"There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?

And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

                                                                                         (Eccl 4:8-12)

I have been married for most of my life. I often wonder how it is can be that we have been married this long. Forty-nine years is a long time and I do not feel like I'm  old enough to have been married for that long. But... I am!

God's Peace - Pr. J.