What Was Herod Thinking!

For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;

And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.

And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.

And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.

And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.

And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.
                                                                                                 (Mark 6:20-28 KJV)

This enquiring mind would like to know exactly how much did King Herod have to drink when he promised that he would give Herodias anything she wanted for her daughter to dance for him even up to half of his kingdom?  Or, maybe he was just a pedophile?  Or both?

John the Baptist for sure had exposed his sin of marrying his brother's wife; but, Herod still heard John gladly. He respected John as a holy man. So, when he was asked to behead John the Baptist it grieved him greatly. But, he had promised that he would give anything and had done so publicly. In order to save face he had to do it.

We must be careful of the oaths we make to others. It is much better to promise to try than to promise to do. One never knows what actually lies in the hearts and minds of others; if they are laying a trap to turn us away from the Lord and his will.

Let us always be wary of falling into the pit that comes with making promises to others that go against the will of God. Rather, seek the Lord and to do his will  that we may do good to others and cause them no harm for God is the God and Father of all.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Do Not Fear The Dead

And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.

But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.

For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.

For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:

For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. 

                                                                                                          (Mark 6:14-20 KJV)

John the Baptist had made Herod just a bit anxious.  Herod had married his brother's wife and John had called him out for it. His wife, Herodias, wanted John killed. But, Herod would not kill. He did; however, through him into prison. Eventually Herodias tricked Herod into beheading John.  So when King Herod heard about Jesus he got nervous as he thought it was possible that John that Baptist may have risen from the dead. He know that John had been a just and holy man and was most probably anxious that this holy man had come back to trouble him some more about his illegitimate wife.

John did not come back from the dead to torment anyone. But, Jesus who was crucified for our sakes did. He did not come back to torture us but to save us. By his death and resurrection it has been confirmed that all who believe in him will not perish but have everlasting life. 

No one who believes that Jesus died and lives again should ever fear the dead. Jesus came to save you. He has risen from the dead! 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Promise; Our Inheritance

 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. 

                                                                            (Eph 1:7-14 KJV)

Forgiven and redeemed by the grace of God through the blood of Jesus the Christ; for what? According to St. Paul is it so that we might be gathered together as one in Christ and not just we but all things in heaven on earth. The inheritance; the purpose, is that we might be reconciled to one another; that we might be reconciled to God.

Thanks be to God through Jesus the Christ we have been redeemed to live united in peace. That is the promise. Although that promise has not yet fully come. Our hope is that in the dispensation of the fulness of time we will fully realize that unity; that peace. That hope gives us the ability to endure all things even today.

God grant us the hope to believe the promise of unity in Christ and to live as though that promise has already been fulfilled.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

He Has Chosen Us! Praise Be To God!

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."

                                                                                        (Eph 1:3-6 KJV)

In a nutshell:  God chose us. We did not choose him. Without his grace given to us through Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit we would totally reject him. After all, his way are not our ways. His ways are not the ways of the world and we really like to fit in. 

In spite of our sinfulness, God still chose us because of his love for us.  I have said it more than a few times lately.  "We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19 KJV) It is God's love for us and not the fear of hell that moves us to love and serve him. Perfect love casts our fear. So, if it is the fear of hell that motivates you then you probably don't have a real loving relationship with God. It is more than likely that what you're doing is pretending in order to try to hedge your bet, just in case...

Open up your Bibles and may God open up your hearts and minds so that you may have a loving relationship with your God who loves you enough to die for you.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

He Calls Shepherds; Fruit Gatherers, And Fishermen

He call shepherds to lead his people;
Fruit gatherers to be fruitful and
to gather the fruit;
Fishermen to fish for people.

"Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:

And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel." 

                                       (Amos 7:14-15 KJV)

God calls whom he will call to be his voice; to share the words of his promises and warnings to the world. He called Amos, a shepherd of sheep, to shepherd his people. God call Amos, a fruit gatherer in the orchards, to be fruitful by sharing his words of both promise and warning. Amos was not of the nobility. He was not highly esteemed. Yet, God chose Amos. 

God chose King David who was once a mere shepherd boy to rule his people. From a shepherd of sheep to a shepherd of God's people.

God has a long history of calling those that many would consider to be mere laborers to serve him fruitfully by serving and shepherding his people. He calls whom he will call and not as the world would call. He most often calls those who the rest of the world would consider unfit. He calls those whom he knows will bear fruit for the kingdom. 

"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." (John 15:16)

God calls fruit gathers to be fruitful and to gather the fruits for the Kingdom. He calls shepherds to gather his flock and to protect and to lead them. He called fishermen to be fruitful by fishing for people.

"And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

And they straightway left their nets, and followed him."

                                                                                        (Matt 4:18-20)

If God is calling you to serve him in a particular way, don't let anyone talk you out of it. Let no one cause you to think that you are not qualified to do what God is sending you to do. God would not send you out without preparing you. He would not send you out without going with you. 

Go in peace. Serve the Lord. 

Pr. J.

Rejoice In The Lord's Mercy

PSALM 85

Lord, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.

Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.

Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger.

Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease.

Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?

Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation.

I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.

Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.

Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

 Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.

Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.

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He has forgiven us. He spoken peace to us in that he has reconciled us to himself by the sacrifice of his only begotten Son for our sins. We have been revived; given the opportunity to dwell in his glorious presence. Let us rejoice in our salvation!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

A1A Flagler beach, Florida, Harley Ride

Freed To Love And Serve

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. (Psalm 33:12 KJV)

I am reminded this Fourth of July morning of Ninevah who after Jonah finally got around to warning them of God's impending judgment repented. They changed their ways and God changed his mind about their destruction.

"And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not." (Jonah 3:10 KJV)

We celebrate our independence from England today. We celebrate our freedoms. Sadly, we do not always understand that our freedoms should not inflict pain and suffering on others. As Christians we are not free to abuse others so that we can get our way.

As we contemplate our freedom today may we all remember that the freedoms that we do have are not to be abused rather they should be used to love and serve God; to love and serve others. Do good! Not evil! Everything that we do does affect others either negatively or positively. We do not live in a vacuum. We live in communities.

Remember the words of our Savior: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:1) We are not all called to actually physically die in someone else's place or to free others. But, many have given their lives. Jesus did. He died so that we might be reconciled to God and to one another. May God help us to live that life of reconciliation in Christ Jesus. We can do that by remembering that everyone has certain freedoms in this country not just you or me. We cannot use our personal perceived freedoms if they are going to harm others in anyway. But, we certainly can use them to make sacrifices of our own egos for the betterment of our neighbors; the country; and the world.

We are free to love and serve God. We are free to love and serve others as Jesus did and as so many others have. What a wonderful world this would be if we could only remember that. As we celebrate Independence Day may God bless us with ears to hear so that we might better understand what changes we might make to make this country and the world an even better place to live for all people.

God grant you safety as you celebrate this weekend.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Righteous And Peace

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. (Prov 14:13 KJV)

Whether we like to confess it or not sin affects the world around us. It brings negativity to many. Righteousness also affects the world around us. It brings positivity. It brings peace.

May God help us to live in peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Rise! Walk In The Light!

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

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.

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Eph 5:8-17 KJV)

The days can be both evil and very short. There really is no time to throw away. Every single minute is of value. Once it is gone it is gone for good. You cannot get that moment back. You do not get a retake so make the best of every moment. Live life and live it in Christ where the light shines on all things. 

Rise dear sleeper from the dead! Walk as a child of the light understanding the will of the Lord and then do the best you can to keep from turning away from his good will. Turn to him. Turn to the light and you will see the way out of the darkness that sinful desires would trap us in. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

We Are All Called According To Our Gifts

Pr. John Henry (United Methodist) sharing the Good News
Pr. Jimalee Jones (my mentor and friend)
and Bp. Alex Malasusa 
(Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania)
at my ordination.

"And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. 

And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them."                                                                                                                                                             (Mark 6:1-13 KJV)

Today we find many smaller communities without anyone to preach the word; to share the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. Congregations find themselves wondering what are they to do without a pastor. How are people supposed to come to faith if there is no one to share it with them? (Rom 10:17)

St. Paul Lutheran Seminary has come up with one potential solution. That is to train lay people from individuals congregations. It is not easy to preach in one's own congregation as even Jesus had a hard time in his home town. But, sometimes there seems to be no alternative. We, as those first disciples were sent out, are all called and sent out to share the great news that through Christ we are reconciled to our Father in heaven and to one another. We are called to minister to those who need assistance of any sort. "We have no pastor" is not an excuse. Call one from the Body of Christ, from your own congregation. Even considering this can be scary. What if people reject me? Guess what? Some will. They will reject Jesus. They will reject you. Shake the dust off your feet and move on. Others will not reject Christ! They will gratefully hear this Good News that you share with them. Those few who will receive the Word with joy and thanksgiving are well worth the bit of trouble others might try to cause you. And, you will also rejoice in the presence of the angels!

Jesus said, "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." (Luke 15:10)

St. Paul Lutheran Seminary is in the process of setting up a six-week online preaching course for laity so that worship can continue in places where ordained clergy have not answered the call to serve yet. Over the years, I have heard from a lot of people that they could not possibly stand up and preach in front of a congregation. The truth is: many cannot. Some will simply freeze up and not be able to speak. Not everyone has been given the gift or the call to do this. But, many who have been gifted and called are ignoring the call. I, myself, ignored mine for many years. Since that time I have also trained others to go out and share their love of God and what Christ has done for them in nursing homes and senior housing. The call to share the Good News is not limited to a church building. The Great Commission is given to everyone whether it is one on one with a neighbor or someone you meet in the grocery store; within the context of a congregation,  a house church, senior housing, a nursing home, or a park. Prepare and go and tell!

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matt 28:18-20)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

It All Glorifies God

It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 

                                                                                                           (2 Cor 12:1-10 KJV)

Thanks be to God for both the awesome experience of visions in the heavenly realms as well as the suffering that we endure for Christ's sake in this world.

St. Paul said that he knew a man who visited the heavenly realms. Whether it was physically or spiritually as in a vision he was not sure. He claims it was not him who had this glorious experience and he would be a fool to claim otherwise. However, as this event is related it revealed to us the awesome things that God can do and how He can speak to us in anyway He chooses. In the telling of this event the glory of God is revealed to us. 

St. Paul's personal  experience of God's glory was experienced in some sort of infirmity which called a "thorn in his flesh." His experience of God's glory was found in trusting that God was with him in his infirmity, in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ's sake for when he was weakened God helped him through and made him strong to endure all things. It is not we; but, the abiding presence of Christ in us that gives us strength resulting in giving glory to God.

Therefore we take pleasure in our weaknesses because our ability to overcome by the power of the Spirit of Christ glorifies our Father in heaven and to Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Listen!

And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.

And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me.

And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.

For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God.

And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.

                                                                              (Ezekiel 2:1-5 KJV)

There have been prophets who not just relay the promises of God; but, also warning. The speak the truth. They speak what the Lord God tells them to speak. But, not everyone will listen. They hear; but, they do not listen. Those prophets first spoke to the Israelites. Since God love the world so much they now speak the Word of God to all people. The Word of God is Jesus the Christ. He is as he said "...the way, the truth, and the life..." (John 14:6) His words speak to us. They warn us even as they promise us reconciliation with our Father in heaven through him. 

Even though they may hear the truth not everyone actually desires reconciliation with the follow. They will not accept the truth that Jesus has imparted to us. They will  not follow in the way he has prepared for us. They refuse to live in his light. He said, "I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness." (John 12:46)

Jesus is the true Word of life. That Word has come into the world as a light. But, so many prefer the darkness and refuse to step into his marvelous light. They refuse to live life in the peace that comes with basking in that marvelous light.

"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3:19-21)

It is difficult to fathom that anyone who prefer the darkness. But, many do. 

May God open ears so that the world might both hear and listen entering into to the light of Christ that life in the presence of God for all of eternity might be experienced by all people.  

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Look To The One Who Dwells In The Heavens

Psalm 123 KJV

Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.

Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us.

Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.

Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.

+++

Look to the One who created you in the time of trouble. Look to the One who created all things in times of peace. Look to the one who dwells in the heavens. He has shown us mercy. He will have mercy upon us. Wait upon Him. Trust not  in the world or anything else in the heavens or on earth to rescue you. God is with you. He can. He will rescue you.

Thanks be to God for through faith in Christ we have been saved!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Grow Up

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 

                                                                                           (Eph 4:11-16 KJV)

Each and every individual, it does not matter who you are or where you are from, have gifts; have abilities, to serve God and humankind. These God-given gifts are not meant to serve you alone or to enable you to lift yourself up over others. They are given so that as you use these gifts the Body of Christ, the whole people of God, are lifted up and united. By the loving use of the gifts that God has given us through Jesus the Christ we are edified and grow up as members of one Body in Christ.

May God help us to love as He loves so that we might truly grow up united and work together for the good of all people.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Love Your Neighbors

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord. (Lev 19:18 KJV)

Love your neighbor as yourself. According to Jesus this is the greatest commandment following love the Lord with all your heart. 

"Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." 

                                                                                     (Matt 22:35-40)

Just because we feel slighted does not necessarily mean that our neighbor meant to offend us. Feeling offended does not mean we get to offend our neighbor by causing them undue harm. There are systems of justice both in this world and in the spiritual realms. If the rulers of this world cannot take care of the injustice; God, surely will. That justice may not always be to our liking. But, be assured it will taken care of according to God's will. He knows exactly what needs to be done for the good of all people.

There would be a whole lot less injustice in the world if we could only remember to love the Lord with all of our hearts and with all our souls and with all of our minds. If we did that we would also love our neighbors as ourselves and not take vengeance into our own hands for they too are the children of God, created in his image. His will is that we love one another and not  do harm to those who might make us feel uncomfortable.

Love the Lord and all of His creation that we might live in peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Get Up and Go Share The Light Of Christ

And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?

As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

"And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.

And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment."

                                                                                          (Mark 5:22-24, 35-42 KJV)

Arise!  The ruler's daughter was ill even to the point of death. Everyone around her thought she was dead. But, then Jesus took her by the hand and bid her to rise. Immediately, she rose and she walked.

Are you dead? Are you sleeping? Is your bed or your couch where you spend your days? Are you not fruitful that the Lord that the glory of the Lord might be seen by others?  Rise and go forth sharing the Good News of the Kingdom of God for all people through Jesus Christ.

"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." (Isaiah 60:1-2)

The light, who is Jesus the Christ, has come to all people. But, not everyone sees it.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matt 5:16)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Made Whole By Faith Alone

And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,

And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?

And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.

But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.

And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

                                                                                                            (Mark 5:25-34 KJV)

Every now and then I receive an offer from (using the term very loosely) some evangelist letting me know that for a price his ministry will send me a piece of cloth for a price. If I send in the offering all I have to do is touch the cloth and I will be healed!

For sure the woman with the issue of blood touched the hem of his garment and was healed. But, it was not the cloth that made her whole. According to Jesus it was her faith that made her whole. We do not need ritual performances to make us whole. We need Jesus. There is no piece of cloth or any sort of icon or idol that we might touch that will make us whole. We are saved; we are made whole, by faith alone in the healing power of Christ alone. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Give Generously

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

                                                                                                                  (2 Cor 8:1-9 KJV)

Because of their faith in Christ who gave himself for all people, the Corinthians gave generously. 

That is the Christian duty. It is not the Christian duty to delegate generosity to others no matter how rich or poor the others might be. It is the individuals and the churches duty to give generously to those in need. It is not our place to decide whether someone is too sinful for us to help. We don't get to question whether they really deserve it or not. We just get to assist the saints in need. However, we must always remember that Jesus did not question whether we deserve his gift of life for us through the giving of his life. He gave his very life even though we most clearly did not deserve it. This, of course does not mean we should send the scam artist on the telephone or internet thousands of dollars. We do need to be careful not to allow them to steal from us so that we have nothing to give to those in genuine need. Be very careful that robbers do not take what should be used to help the poor.

Give generously. The law will, when able, according to the limited abilities of the law will hold those who take advantage of your generosity accountable. Unfortunately, the law is very fallible. The law is not perfect; but, God is. God whose abilities are unlimited will judge and hold accountable those who would lie in order to steal from the mouths of others by abusing your generosity to a point that you have nothing left to give to those in genuine need.

May God help us to love and care for his people. Give generously.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Hungry Souls

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.

It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.

He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.

He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope.

He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.

For the Lord will not cast off for ever:

But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.

For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.

                                                                                                (Lam 3:22-33 KJV)

The very sad thing is that humankind should find themselves in just despair that they sit alone. But, that is a reality. Humankind tends to think only of themselves without considering how they affect the people around them and so the whole world suffers.

There is one place we can go when our souls hunger. That place is to our Father in heaven. In Him we have hope through our Lord Jesus the Christ. Seek His presence. In Him you will find peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Psalm 30

PSALM 30 KJV

I will extol thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.

O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.

O Lord, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy
cometh in the morning.

And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.

Lord, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.

I cried to thee, O Lord; and unto the Lord I made supplication.

What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?

Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper.

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

+++

A good night's sleep can indeed make everything look a little brighter in the morning. But, nothing help's the disposition more than a trusting relationship with God. He is our helper. He is our provider. Let us not be silent but give Him thanks and praise for His never ending love and mercy. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Storms Come

Will You Lose Your Soul?

"And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
 

                                                                                  (Mark 8:34-38 KJV)

What indeed will it profit you if you gain riches beyond measure; even if you gain the whole world, but lose your soul? What will it have profited you if in the end you lose it all including your soul?

Christ lost his very human life in order that we might live eternally in the presence of God our Father. He was willing to give it all for us. Would we turn our backs on this precious gift and grab for the pleasures of this world in exchange for a life of peace and of joy in the presence of Almighty God?

Consider carefully what or whom you will serve!  

"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

Do not fear the losses you might endure in this world as you serve the Lord; but, rejoice for the Lord has promised you life in his presence through the gift of Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Therefore; let us "Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing." (Psalm 100:2)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

We Get To Serve The Lord!

O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.

Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee! 

                                                                             (Psalm 71:17-19 KJV)

It has been about thirty-two years since I asked God to allow me to serve Him and to teach me how He would have me serve Him. I did not care what would happen to me so long as He opened doors that I might serve Him. My own stubbornness has made me veer from this path on more than one occasion. I have failed to do His will too many times. It has been an awesome journey. But, despite my advancing age I am convinced that He is not finished with me yet. He will continue to show me the way; opening doors and empowering me to do His will; to share with others the great things that He has done.

I retired from pastoral ministry a few years ago. Retirement for me was a mistake. Since that time I have wandered about feeling lost without the many opportunities to serve Him. Fortunately, He has opened a few doors. I am most fortunate for having the privilege to serve Him on the board of Sola Publishing this past year. Recently the opportunity opened up for me to serve Him further working with St. Paul Lutheran Seminary. As my hair grows grayer with each birthday and I am not as agile as I once was there are always opportunities to tell others; to teach others about the great and awesome things that God has done for us.

Thanks be to God for the privilege of serving Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J.