Luke 12:57-59 Court

Luke 12:57-59 NIV
   "Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right?" Jesus addresses the use of courts to settle disputes. Do what is right and you won't be dragged off to court. Take care of your problems before you end up in court where there is a good chance you will lose not just your money; but, your reputation as well. Not ending up in the court system just might require a little change. It might require repentance. It might even require cooperating with others. Now, is that not a novel idea! Work together for the good of everyone!
   Part of the over worked justice system's problem may be that there just aren't that many people who really know what is right any longer. Everyone is out for themselves without any concern; without empathy for their neighbor or their neighbor's children. 
   Nobody likes being dragged off to court. So why not do what is right in the first place? Give to your neighbor's what is your neighbors whether it be property, space, respect. Do not withhold those things that belong to them and give generously to those in need. 
   "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matt 7:12)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 12:54-56 The Time Is At Hand

Luke 12:54-56 NIV                                                       
I learned many helpful things about the earth and sky from my mother; things like how not to get lost in the woods and how to discern what the weather is going to be like from watching the birds and other animals or the wind and the sky. She taught me this little saying: "Red sky at night; sailors delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning." Knowing what the weather is going to be like helps one prepare for the day or days ahead.

Jesus told the crowd, "Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?" (vs 56) We have made ourselves wise to the ways of natural science so that we can be prepared for whatever may come; whether blessings or disasters. However, we fail to discern the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. For some (for those who can discern his presence) it is a blessing for others (those who cannot recognize his presence) it can be a disaster.

May God help us to understand the signs of the time so that we might be prepared for his coming again. He has come. He is present. He will come again. Don't wait to be prepared. The time is at hand.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 12:49-53 Not Peace; But, Division

Luke 12:49-53 NRSV
We often pray for peace on earth. But, Jesus says it was not peace that he was bringing to humankind. Rather, his coming brought division. Sounds a little contradictory when we remember that he also prays for unity and says on more than one occasion: "Peace, be with you."

His coming brought division between those who would follow Him and those who would not follow. I would say the division is between those who believe and those who do not; but, there are an awful lot of people who say they believe; yet, do not follow.

"And he said to them, 'Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.'”  (Luke 18:29-30)

And.... so, the two edged sword, who is the Word of God, who is Jesus the Christ, divides even earthly families. The family of God is not divided. We are united. We are reconciled to God and one another by the blood of Jesus Christ. Peace within the family of God; even when we are walking through fiery trials here on earth.

God' Peace - Pr. J

Luke 12:35-48 Be Prepared!

Luke 12:35-48 NIV
Be prepared! The LORD has called you to be His own. Will you? Or... are you busy preparing for the next party? The next sports game? The next bowling tournament? The next whatever. And, you know that I mean the "parties" that are associated with the other things not the sports themselves.  You know that all of these things can be included in your life. The LORD wants us to enjoy life and all that gifts He's given us. But, are they the number one priorities in your life? If given a choice, what will you choose: the Kingdom of God for all eternity or immediate pleasure and gratification? Will you choose to sleep through life or will you be prepared for the return of the Master?

"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning." (vs 36)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 12:22-34 God Provides

Luke 12:22-34
It has been a long winter, but I believe it's finally over for a few months. The birds have returned and they are busy living life. The geese and ducks are busy saying good morning outside my back door. Quite a bit of music they make in the mornings. Robins had returned before the snow had even left the ground this year. I would have thought they might have starved to death with no ground to eat from. Yet, they survived. God somehow managed to provide for them.

Jesus told his disciples that they are not to worry about their lives. They are to trust their Father to provide for their earthly needs. They are to seek his kingdom and the things they need will be provided. He said, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (vs 32-34)

Where is your heart today? Is it focused on things of this world or the Kingdom of God that has been promised to you by the shedding of our Saviour's blood? Our Father has blessed us abundantly in this world; what more could we want than to live in His presence; singing his praises with even the geese and the ducks?

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. This is a link to the songs of joy I heard last night :) A pleasure to hear! Creation sings for joy. Summer is finally here! (You will have to view in full screen if you want to see as well as hear.)
 

Luke 12:13-21 Serving Junk!

Luke 12:13-21 NIV
Last Friday, my husband, grandchildren, and I went out to gather wild mushrooms. We found a few bags full; enough for a few meals. This was a rare occasion. We got to do something that I enjoy doing, together. I was surprised. The grandkids loved it. Of course, that may be because the mushrooms, this year, were in abundance and they were real easy picking.

Usually, family outings mean shopping. They all love to spend money. I have never enjoyed shopping; but, if I want to do something with them, I usually get out-voted on what to do. No one cares for hiking or kayaking or visiting waterfalls just to take a few photos. Shopping or nothing. Well, that's not exactly correct. I do hear that they would like to go on cruises or to expensive waterparks (not the inexpensive "cheap" ones).

When I think back to all the money that was spent on stuff that wasn't needed or even wanted, it makes me a bit sad. So many hours spent working for stuff that made no difference to us or anyone else. I can no longer remember all of the cars we've owned, or living room sets. I definitely cannot remember how many computers we've purchased in our lives or even ATV's! Sooner or later, everything ends up in the junk pile. A lifetime working and serving junk!

“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:18-21 NIV)

Seek first the Kingdom of God....! (Matt 6:33)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 12:1-12 What You Have Said In The Dark

Luke 12:1-12 NIV
I'm figuring that everyone has secrets. Some are good. Some are bad. Some are just pure gossip that really are not secrets at all. They're not secrets because they are spread from household to household, behind closed doors, presumably in the dark, so no one else will know. But, everyone knows the lies that have been told; the damage one attempted to cause while living in the darkness.

Here's the kicker: the secret does not remain secret. It will eventually be revealed by the light. Sooner or later the door opens and the sun comes out. The truth is known. One day, all will know the secret. But, for now, it is enough to know that God knows.

Speak with integrity. Speak with truth. Live in the light of Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 11:37-54

Luke 11:37-54 NIV
Woe to the Pharisees who heap law upon law; who hold to their traditions and have no real comprehension of justice or the love of God.

I am late writing this today as I spent the night at "the shack" in the town I grew up in so that I could get flowers on the graves. This is Memorial Day weekend and "fixing" the graves is somewhat of a tradition. I did not get to the graves of all my ancestors in the area this year; only about seventeen of them. I did not even know some of them as they died decades before I was born. I am not even sure where a couple of them are in the Paynesville Cemetery; except that they are under a lilac bush. The twins are in unmarked graves. A few years ago, I noticed that no one took care of them any longer, so I started to. It is a reminder to me that we are not islands in the midst of the sea. We are attached to the people around us, as well as those who have gone before us and those will come after us. We are a part of something much greater than ourselves. It is a reminder to me that because we are connected; we should live according to the love of God doing justice; not harm to those around us.

Woe to those who cannot show love or do justice to others.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. No time to not serve, love, and do justice this weekend. One graveside funeral on Friday and five burials after worship tomorrow. Memorial Day weekend provides no less opportunities to love and do justice than any other day :)

Luke 11:33-36 Hiding the Light

Luke 11:33-36 NIV

“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light."  (vs 33)

Some people do. Some people have very valid reasons for hiding the light of man-made lamps.


When I was a teenager, I loved to read. But, my parents were just a little strict or maybe it was that they liked their evenings to themselves. Whatever the reason, I was to be in bed with lights out by 8 p.m.. My remedy was to move the lamp to the closet and sit on a box and read 'till sometimes past 10 o'clock!

During World War II, England had "black outs." Lights were turned out or at least dimmed in order  to make it more difficult for the enemy to navigate to targets by air or sea.

Man-made lights may be dimmed and even turned off. They eventually burn out. But, the light of Christ that abides within us will never be extinguished. ..."let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt 5:16 NIV)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 11:29-32 - Greatest Miracle

Luke 11:29-32 NIV
Everyone wants a sign. Everyone wants a miraculous sign before they will believe and follow in the footsteps of Jesus. One has already been given.

Just as Jonah was in the belly of the big fish for three days and was spit out to continue that mission to which the LORD had sent him on; the Son of Man was given up to the grave for three days. He rose from the dead and continues His mission of bringing the Good News of the Kingdom for all people; but, now through you. The greatest miracle is the resurrection to life eternal in that Kingdom through the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ.

No matter how many miracles an unbeliever will experience or see they will not be able to comprehend them as miracles. But, with the eyes of faith, we see all things miraculously achieved by the hand of God.

Believe, follow in His footsteps to eternal life in His presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 11:14-28 The House Will Fall

Luke 11:14-28 NIV
"A house divided will fall.." (vs 17)

There are times, many times, that people in a family, a church, or a community will disagree with one another. But, that disagreement should not necessarily lead to division. Divisions detract us from our purpose; our mission. We are so busy worrying about how to get our way that we forget to proclaim the Kingdom of God. We forget to share the love of God in Christ Jesus with others.

Sometimes separation is inevitable as Jesus reminds us that if someone will not hear or receive the Word of God we should depart and find someone who will. (Luke 9:5) But, often it is just the devil that divides us by stirring up things like greed or envy or maybe self-righteousness.

So the next time you don't care for the color of the carpet that the committee picked or the janitor they hired, remember that a house divided will fall. I know it's probably not the intent of any within the local churches to have it fail; but, when we switch our focus from Jesus to how we're going to get our own way in the church over material things in the church that is exactly where we are heading.

Whoever is not with him is against him, and whoever does not gather with him scatters.

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 11:1-13 Teach Us

Luke 11:1-13 NIV
Lord, teach us to pray... Teach us...

The disciples ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. So, he does. He gives them what we call the Lord's Prayer. It is a simple prayer. With this prayer, there is no one who cannot say that they do not know how to pray. Just pray this prayer the Lord gave us. It covers it all.

Verse 11 has caused me a little uneasiness in preaching on occasion. Jesus asks, "Which of you fathers, if your sons asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?" Sadly, I've run across more than a few parents who would give their children a snake instead of fish; fear instead of peace; sorrow instead of joy.

But, by coming into a closer relationship with our Lord, through prayer, we will learn; come to realize and know that our Father in heaven, gives good things to those who ask.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 10:38-42 Martha, Live Life!

Luke 10:38-42 NIV
I am married to a Martha. No, he doesn't busy himself preparing meals for me. But, he does prepare them for the residents at our Adult Foster Care. His Martha traits show when he is so busy taking care of little stuff (some of which does not ever have to be done) that he forgets to sit down and enjoy the people around him. He sometimes gets so busy doing "stuff" that he forgets to enjoy the gifts of the day. It's a learned trait, I believe. He had at least one aunt who was always doing busy work herself and finding busy work for him just so he would make an extra visit or two. His granddaughters have picked up on at least part of his habits. It seem like I am forever telling them to "live life" - "carpe diem" - "seize the day!"

Yes, there is an abundance of things to do and some of it is quite needful. But, there is nothing more needful than living in the presence of God. You can realize His presence by truly living in the presence of those around you and experiencing life with them.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 10:25-37 Who's Your Neighbor?

Luke 10:25-37 NIV
I have moved around a lot! I have a had a lot of neighbors; some good, some not so helpful. By what degree do I discern whether a neighbor is good or not? Basically, it comes down to a motherly instinct. It comes down to whether my neighbors treated my children or grandchildren fairly.

If you want to irritate me quickly, go up against a child (not just mine, any child). That does not mean that I will not care for you and pray for you. It simply means I will protect those who cannot protect themselves (children, seniors, handicapped, etc..). I think that most mothers are like that and fathers, too. To be a good neighbor treat your neighbor's children with compassion and mercy. Do not hinder them; but, help them.

Love not just your neighbor as yourself; but, your neighbor's children, as well. Remember, it takes a whole community to raise up a child in the way they should go.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 10:1-24 Go and Tell

Luke 10:1-24 NIV
Jesus had appointed seventy-two others and sent them out two by two to go ahead of him to the various towns. The harvest, he said, was plentiful but the workers are few. (vs 1-2) Their goal, it appears, is to be gathering the people for the Kingdom.

In this country, as well as many others, the church appears to be in decline. This can be attributed to many factors, including a lack of faith. Faith will inspire us to walk miles to do what it is that we believe we are called to do. Yet, multitudes in congregations around the globe do not feel that they are called to share the Good News with anyone. It is a private matter, I hear. Are our neighbors not worth saving. How can they be saved unless they believe? How can they believe unless they hear? Who will go and tell? Who will participate in the harvesting?

Pastors sometimes become chaplains to their little flocks. They focus only on their little flock; neglecting the needs of the people who are outside the sheepfold. They neglect the telling of the story to; except to the little flock that gathers on Sunday mornings (sometimes they neglect to even tell them). Not going outside of the circle (or box) and sharing the peace, sharing the story of what God has done for us is devastating to the visible church. Without the story of Jesus' great love for all people; what is left? Not much; except for maybe a museum to the traditions of the generations that have lived here before us. Without Jesus, there is nothing.

So, let us all go and share the peace of God; share the story of His great love for us through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 9:48-62 Friends and Followers

Luke 9:48-62 NIV
According to Jesus, his friends and followers were not necessarily those who others would consider to be his friends. He didn't always act in the way that we would expect. Little children were the greatest. People who did not welcome him, he simply left alone and went elsewhere where he might be welcomed; where his message would be heard. Those who wanted to follow him were called to leave everything, everyone behind.

Jesus had a mission. He was focused. He expects those who would be his friend or follower to be focused as well; focused on the Kingdom and the work of the Kingdom. The road is not always easy. There will be times when we might want to do what the world expects. But, we are not of this world. We live in it. Yet, the Kingdom, for you, is not of this world. Jesus' Kingdom was not of this world. (John 18:36)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 9:43b-48 Children Greatest

Luke 9:43-48 NIV
Jesus told his disciples, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest." (v. 48) So there you go...

Think about your daily life. Do you have children; grandchildren; nieces and nephews? How about children in your neighborhood; do children live next door to you? In thinking about your daily routine, are their needs a priority in your life or are you too busy thinking about yourself? I have seen, all too often, parents who are so engrossed in their "thing" that they push their own children to the side, to the bottom of their list rather than welcome them into their lives, into their daily activities. When this is done; not only are the children being pushed aside; but, Jesus is as well. Remember, that the one who is least is the greatest. Children are one of the greatest gifts of God. Welcome them. Love them. Care for and protect them.

What are you priorities? Who is your God? Do you love the little children even as He loves them?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 9:37-43a Jesus Does It

Luke 9:37-43


The disciples had not been able to deliver this boy from the demon; but, Jesus could and did. Without laying even a hand on him the boy was delivered.

Sometimes when we are not able to accomplish something that we really thought we ought to be able to do we get frustrated with our inabilities. And... that may just be the reason our endeavor failed. We attempted to accomplish it with our own power rather than trust (believe wholeheartedly) that Jesus would accomplish it through us. It is not we, but Christ in us, who does all things.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 9:28-36 Mountain Top Transfiguration

Luke 9:28-36 NIV
I've read the Holy Bible a few times now. Each reading brings more questions. One I'd like to ask about the mountain top experience of Peter, James and John is how they knew that the two men talking with Jesus were Moses and Elijah. There were no photographs in those days. Maybe, Jesus called them by name? That's just a question that runs through my mind every now and then...

Anyway, Peter, James, and John are pretty excited to see Jesus, Moses and Elijah talking together and to be there with them. They really don't know what to do. Peter wants to know if they should put up shelters for them - busy work, I guess. But, then "While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.  A voice came from the cloud, saying, 'This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.'" (vss 34-35)

Listen to him! Listen to the Word of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Luke 9:18-27 - Follow the Messiah

Luke 9:18-27 NIV
Who is this Jesus? Peter confessed that He is God's Messiah. Do you believe this? If you do, what are you going to do about it? Will you follow Him? Will you be His disciple?

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." (vss. 23-26).

Not an easy road. But, Christ went before you and is with you. I'm thinking following Him is the best journey to undertake. He is after all, the Messiah!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 9:10-17 Feed 5000

Luke 9:10-17 NIV
The apostles had been busy healing the sick and kicking out demons. Yet, when the crowd of 5000 men (plus) were hungry after following Jesus and listening to him, the apostles didn't have a clue. Jesus tells them to feed them. But, how? How are we going to feed them? We have nothing to feed them with!

Power to drive out demons, but not the ability to feed the hungry? That doesn't compute! Jesus takes the little that they have: five loaves of bread and two fish, gives thanks to God, gives it to the disciples to distribute, and they feed everyone, with leftovers, to boot.
The power of God to care for His people should never be underestimated. The apostles were a bit slow in understanding this; but, I think that we might even be slower.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 9:1-9 The Kingdom is the Proclamation!

Luke 9:1-9 NIV
You know it! I just love it - another chance to remind you of what Jesus sent his followers out to proclaim!

"When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick." (vs 1-2)

You know it! He calls and he sends us out to do lots of good stuff. But, the proclamation of the Good News is this: The Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God for you. Don't be deceived. There is no other good news than Jesus died so that, by faith, you might receive your inheritance, which is the Kingdom of God - life in His eternal presence. Living in His presence, of course means, that you will desire to do His will. You will desire and be empowered to minister to others according to their needs and God's will.

Thanks be to God!
God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 8:40-56 Fear and faith

Luke 8:40-56 NIV
What does fear have to do with faith?

Today we have the stories of two separate healings. The first; a woman who was healed by merely touching the edge of his cloak, feared admitting that she, a woman, had touched him. But, Jesus knew. He had felt the power go out of him when she touched him and he commended her for her faith. "Then he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.'" (vs 48)

Jairus, a leader in the synagogue, came and humbled himself at the feet of Jesus, begging him to come and heal his daughter who was dying. On their way to Jairus' home, they were informed that they needn't bother Jesus as she had already died. "Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, 'Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.'” (vs 50) And... she was. Jesus went to the home, told her to get up and she did.

Do not fear, your faith has made who whole. Go in peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 8:26-39 Swine or Demons

Luke 8:26-39 NIV
Yup, that's how one should react when their neighbor who has been suffering for years has been healed - ask the healer to leave. Jesus kicked the legion of demons, that had been torturing the man for years, out. Rather than destroy them, he allowed them to enter into a herd of unclean animals, which subsequently drowned themselves. Obviously, (I hope it's obvious) the owners of the swine were not Jews; but, gentiles or they would not have been raising unclean animals. They were attached to their livelihood and were understandably upset. But, what would we give to have our neighbors healed - to be made whole?

Jesus ultimately gave His life.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 8:22-25 Squalls

Luke 8:22-25 NIV
Ever wonder if maybe God has deserted you. In tough times we might sometimes wonder if that is indeed the case or maybe it's that we've left His side. Whenever I am tempted to start doubting His presence with me, I think about the story of Jesus calming the storm according to St. Luke. Read it. You will see that the squall did not come upon them until after Jesus got into the boat with them and set out on their journey.

Expect some squalls and a variety of other storms. God is with you. He will calm the storms. He will also ride them out with you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 8:20-21 A Blood Thicker Than Blood

Luke 8:20-21 NIV
Who are your mother and brothers? According to Jesus, they are those who hear God's word and put it into practice.

I have read a few articles lately that say we need to change our thinking; that we need to quit thinking about church as family since families tend to be dysfunctional. I'm just not getting that. Of course, we can be dysfunctional. We are not just saints; but, sinners as well. We trample on others. We trample on Jesus. But, we are still family. We have become children of our heavenly Father through the shedding of our brother's blood on the cross. And, because he first loved us; we love him and all our brothers and sister in Him. We are not perfect as He is perfect. But, we keep on trying, with the help of God to love God and one another. We are family!

There is a blood that is thicker than blood. It is the blood of Christ that was shed for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 8:16-18 Light of Christ

Luke 8:16-18 NIV
Okay... so here's the deal. If we say we are Christian, then we have the light of Christ in us. Why aren't more lights shining? Why isn't the whole world lit up with the light and the love of Christ? If the light of Christ in you; then, let it shine.

The light reveals all things. The darkness cannot hide our indiscretions, for the light overcomes darkness. "For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open."

May the light of Christ shine in and through you always.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 8:1-15 Planting for the Kingdom

Luke 8:1-15 NIV
As Jesus is traveling about the region proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God, he tells a parable about a farmer sowing seeds. Not everyone is getting what he's talking about. They're a bit lost. He tells them, “'Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.' His disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, 'The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, “‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'""(vs 8-9)

Do you get it, yet? It's about the kingdom. It's about how and why it grows. It's all about the Kingdom of God for you and for all who would hear and believe. Faith, after all comes by hearing. (Rom 10:17) Jesus' proclamation was about the Kingdom of God. Those things that he did and taught, they were so that the Kingdom would grow and be edified. They were so that you and I would know life in the Kingdom; life in His presence for all eternity.

God's Peace - Pr. J


P.S. I'm afraid I sometimes give up on putting in the right quote marks in the right place at the right time - so for those of you who know grammar well; forgive me.

Luke 7:36-50 Forgiven and Loved

Luke 36-50 NIV
We all have problems with people we love. (At least I'm pretty sure we all do) It can tear a person apart not being united with the one(s) they love. But, when we forgive and are forgiven; peace reigns both in the world and within our hearts. When we are forgiven by the one whom we have offended; it is a though we have been anointed with oil; love has been poured over us.


And, so it was with the woman who anointed Jesus feet with her tears and perfume. Her sins were forgiven - her love for Jesus was great evidenced by her bold and loving actions. The one who has been forgiven much cannot help but show their relief and appreciation. The one who has not repented has a hard time understanding how anyone could love so much.


God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 7:18-35 Testimony

Luke 7:18-35 NIV
John the Baptist wants to know if Jesus is the One so he sends two of his disciples to ask him.  Jesus l tells them to report back to John what they have seen and heard. He tells them to share with John what they have witnessed.

What have you seen? What have you heard? Just because you may be a Lutheran does not mean that you cannot give your testimony! Has he healed your body? Has he healed your sin-sick soul? Go tell - share what He has done for and through you.
God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 7:1-17 - Authority Over All Things

Luke 7:1-17 NIV
What authority Jesus has!  He heals the sick and dying and doesn't even have to be present! He raises the dead! He Himself is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!

Who would not share the stories of Jesus' power; of His authority over even death? Who would not? Many don't. It appears to me that many "Christians" this is a small thing; so trivial that they think it not something worth sharing. Maybe, they think others will laugh at them. Maybe, they don't believe it themselves. Maybe, they just think it a myth or a nice story.

We talk about the power (or lack of) of our presidents, kings and queens all of the time. Well, Jesus has power even over them. Spread the word... Jesus has power and authority even over death. He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. If you believe this, confess it with your lips.
God's Peace - Pr. J