Bless Those Who Curse You

“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." Luke 6:27-28 NRSV

I spent Christmas day driving. I left home about 8 a.m. and by 5 p.m. I had reached the southern portion of lower Michigan on my way to South Carolina. I was hungry and needed to gas up the truck. The only things I had eaten all day were sunflower seeds and pears. I found a gas station and asked the man at the counter if anything in town was open so that I could get something to eat. He said no. I bought a "Slim Jim" and a "Coca Cola" for supper. While I was paying for my "supper," the man was mumbling under his breath something about a woman running around looking for someplace to eat when she should be home cooking for her children. There was no one else in the gas station for him to be talking to; so, I was quite aware that the mumbling was solely for my benefit. Maybe, he was just having a bad day. Maybe, he was upset because he was working and not spending the day with his own family. But, it was a good reminder to me not to be judging people that you know nothing about. How could he know that I would be driving for two days to see my family? How could he know that my children were grown and have families of their own?  Rather than react negatively to his ramblings, I smiled and made sure I said "Merry Christmas" a multitude of times before I left. I prayed that God would bless him by opening his eyes and heart as I continued on my way.

The best way to react to those who would judge or hate you is to bless them and pray for them. Only God can change their hearts.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. The man at the toll booth at the Mackinac Bridge was awesome! His Christmas greeting was so friendly and joyous in spite of the fact that he was working on Christmas day. He was handing out candy canes to those who were crossing the bridge. A little gift like that was a huge gift for me on Christmas Day!

Give The Gift Of Love

Pre-Black Friday online shopping has begun. I spent a few minutes this morning skimming through a couple of sites. The reality is: everyone that I give gifts to has everything they need and most everything that they want. Well, maybe not everything they want; but, everything I could possibly afford to give them.

The one gift that some of them have not received is faith in Jesus the Christ. It is not that God hasn't given them this awesome gift. Jesus did; after all, die for all people. It is that some just seem to refuse the greatest gift of all; to be reconciled to God our Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

As you consider what gifts to share with others this holiday season; consider sharing the greatest gift ever given to humankind. Consider sharing the Good News that others might hear and by the power of the Spirit of Christ, receive this gift of love and life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Do not hide this gift like an unwanted fruitcake in the back of a cupboard. Share it. Give the greatest gift of love.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Revelation 1:1-20 Do Not Be Afraid

Revelation 1:1-20 NIV
“Do not be afraid." (vs 17)

In his vision, St. John sees Jesus. The vision of Jesus was so absolutely awesome that John fell at his feet as thought. It would strike a bit of fear into anyone's heart. But, Jesus tells him, "Do not be afraid."

Entering into the presence of our Lord can be a terrifying thing. He is the one with the two-edged sword coming out of his mouth. This sword is the word of God. It cuts to the heart of the matter. One side for convicting us; the other for healing our wounds.

His presence is awesome; but, do not be afraid. He loves you so much that he was willing to die for you. Believe that he is for you and live for him and in him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Corinthians 7 Do The Hard Thing Only When It's The Right Thing

2 Corinthians 7 NIV
Love sometimes calls us to do the hard thing and confront the sins of those whom we hold in our hearts. It's not a matter of being mean. (If it is; back off.) It's a matter of caring about someone so much that you desire that they should know the salvation that is theirs through Jesus the Christ. We desire that others should know the joy that comes with living reconciled to God our Father through Jesus the Christ by the awesome power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul desired that the people of Corinth would know this joy. He desired that the people of Corinth should live their lives in reverence for God so he wrote them a letter reminding them how to live in Christ. Today, in our reading, we see him rejoicing because the sorrow that they felt when they read the letter brought them to repentance. Paul had no desire to be alienated from the people of Corinth. He trusted God and did the hard thing. In the end, Paul was able to rejoice because the hard thing was the right thing.

Make room for one another in your hearts. Do the hard thing out of love for others. But, if there is no love; then... back off because it is probably not the right thing.

May God help us to glorify His Holy name in love for Him and for one another no matter how difficult it may be.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Zechariah 2 - Good News! Release! Relief!

Good news! That's what chapter 2 of Zechariah is - Good News!

As I read this chapter, I was reminded of the vision of St. Teresa of Avila and her "Interior Mansion." What an awesome place this city of God is! In Zecharia, it is pictured as a city without walls. It doesn't need a wall because God, Himself, will be a wall of fire around it and He will be its glory within. (Zech 2:4,5)

And more... for all those who are oppressed - there will be relief - there will be release!

"For this is what the Lord Almighty says: 'After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye—  I will surely raise my hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me.

Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,' declares the Lord. ^'Many nations will be joined with the Lord in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you.'" (Zech 2:8-11 NIV)

God, indeed, has sent His only Son, born in a barn, died on a cross, raised from the grave, and ascended to the right hand of our Father, so that we might be free to live in His Awesome presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ezekiel 2 - Do Not Be Afraid

Do not be afraid to speak to the people... This was God's word to Ezekiel when He called him to be his prophet. Well, I guess not! Who would be afraid of people once you have come face to face with God; once His Spirit has filled you and stood you up on your feet; when God has sent you?

Do not be afraid to tell the world of our awesome and mighty God; to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ. God is with you. In baptism, He has anointed you with the Holy Spirit. He has called you as His child and sends you to proclaim His love and His desire for all people to be, to live life, in His presence. Do not be afraid. God is with you! Proclaim the Good News!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 45 - Wedding Song

Oh, King of Kings and LORD of Lords.  Psalm 45 if is an awesome wedding song.  It stirs the heart, on many levels.  But, the level I want you to hear it at today is with Jesus as the bridegroom and the children of God as the bride. Read the description of this King of all Kings. Is He not awesome!  Who could possibly choose another?

May God fill us with the desire to "recite verses for the king" (Psalm 45:1 NIV) that all might come to know and love Him.  Love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and soul and mind; exalt His Holy Name.

God's Peace - Pr. J