Glorify God In All That You Do

For Male and Female Servants, Hired Men, and Laborers.

Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service as to the Lord, and not to men; knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. Eph. 6:5ff ; Col. 3:22.

For Masters and Mistresses.

Ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening, knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with Him. Eph. 6:9; Col. 4:1.

http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

 

Whatever it is that you do, do with all your heart. It is not man that we serve; but, God. When we commit to something, let us commit it to God, so that He might be glorified. As Christians, when we say, "Yes, I will go" or "I will do that" and then not keep that commitment because something more pleasing to ourselves comes up, we are definitely not glorifying the Lord; but, lifting up our own sinful natures. When we commit to something, we ought to do it wholeheartedly and not just well enough to get by so that we can say it is finished. We are to do it well; so that the fruits of the work of hands or the words of our lips; whatever, it is that we do, might glorify God.

 

May God help us so that whatever we do or say is done with our whole hearts to the glory of God.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ephesians 5:21-33 Marriage

Ephesians 5:21-33 NIV
Just as we are one in the body of Christ so when a man and woman marries they also become one. Each member brings gifts (talents, knowledge, wisdom, etc.) that complement the gifts of the other. In marriage, two people bring separate gifts to the union; gifts to enhance their union; gifts that are meant to glorify God.

In the beginning, God created woman to be a helper for man. (Gen 2:18) He created her to walk beside and work beside her husband. I have been married for 43 years. I can verify that marriage is not always easy. It requires much commitment on the part of both the husband and wife. We have made many mistakes and hurt each other on way more than one occasion. But, we are husband and wife. We are partners. We are help-mates. Much to my chagrin, I have found myself submitting to his authority often whether I agreed with him or not and he has continued to love me whether I was all that loveable at times or not. We both understood when we made our vows before God that marriage was a life-time commitment. There were times when remembering this commitment we made before and with God was about the only thing that held us together. When God unites two people in marriage; when He makes them one, they are one forever.

So many today do not understand the nature of this union. Yes, you can get a legal divorce in the world. Yes, there are times that divorce is even necessary. But, the two will always be connected through that bond made in Holy Matrimony. It is a mistake to enter into the relationship with the idea that if it doesn't work out; well, then, you will just get a divorce. Know that divorce only separates property and dissolves the relationship that is visible in this world. The spirit of man cannot be separated from woman once they are bound by God's promises. In years to come even though that former spouse is not physically with you, they will always be with you. For better or worse, you will continue to carry them with you. For in marriage the two become one.

Marriage takes commitment from both parties. St. Paul reminds us that it also takes love. Even as Christ loves us, we are to love one another.

And, please don't think the way out of this sometimes difficult journey is to not marry and just live with each other. Not making that commitment to love one another before God is simply that: not making the commitment to love. Do you really want to spend your life with someone who does not want to love you and is not willing to be beside you throughout your life no matter what happens? It is better to be alone than to live with someone who will not make the commitment to love you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. To parents of confirmands: This is, in part, what your children hear when I teach "Thou shall not commit adultery."

Acts 15 Division

Acts 15 NIV
There have been and always will be differences of opinion in the church. We are both saints and sinners, after all. There will be debates on what needs to be done and who needs to do it. But, we should always remember that we are not politicians. We are stewards of the Word and servants of the living God. We should always strive to listen to Him that we might follow in the Way that He would have us go.

When politicians debate the debates can get quite nasty. When Christians have debate, we need to remember that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and Christ has blessed us with his peace. Hang on to that peace; therefore, that the will of God (not our will) might be done through us.

Paul was called by God to proclaim the Good News to the gentiles. But, there were certain other disciples who felt that the gentile Christians had to comply with every aspect of Jewish law. Paul disagreed. Through debate, they came up with a final decision. The gentiles would not have to submit to circumcision.

When Barnabas wanted to take Mark on their next mission trip, Paul disagreed. He didn't think that Mark was quite up to making that commitment. Their debate was not quite so agreeable as the one they had just had with the other disciples. Paul and Barnabas parted ways. Paul taking Silas with him and Barnabas took Mark with him. They went separate ways proclaiming the Gospel.

There is a difference in the two disagreements you've just read about. One was about doctrine, which was settled amicably. The other was a personal issue. It is sad that their end up being divisions between brothers and sisters in Christ. But, know this: that no matter what happens, God can use even divisions for the good of those whom He calls. Paul and Barnabas continue in their proclamation of the Gospel to the gentiles, even though they are not together when it happens. In fact, as the two went separate ways even more people were reached with the Good News. Paul's love for Barnabas is not diminished by this separation for later he requests that Mark be brought to him because he is useful to Paul's ministry. (2 Tim. 4:11)

May God help us to avoid divisions caused by personal issues so that we are not distracted from our mission and help us to stand on those doctrinal issues that are necessary for the salvation of those whom He calls.

God's Peace  - Pr. J

John 13:36-38 Will You Lay Down Your Life For Me?

John 13:36-38 NIV
Today, we consider, for ourselves, the question that Jesus asked of Peter. "Will you lay down your life for me?"

We make so many commitments. We plan to do so much including share the love of God in Christ Jesus with all people. Yet, we often fall short. Peter loved Jesus. He fully intended to be a faithful follower. He wanted to. But, he is not ready to follow Jesus to his death. This faithful follower would desert Jesus when Jesus was arrested and taken to his trial and execution. In the end, Peter did indeed follow Jesus as Peter was crucified on a cross thirty some years following the crucifixion of Jesus.

Jesus loves you so much that he was willing to lay down his life for you. Will you take up your cross and follow. Will you lay down your life for him?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 13:10-17 Bound and Free

Luke 13:10-17 NIV
I often wonder about being in bondage. I wonder how much I should allow myself to be bound to things of this world if indeed I am free in Christ. We are indeed free in Christ to serve God and one another. However, we (most of us) are bound to something here on earth. Work schedules, bosses, family members, friends and acquaintances regulate what we do and when we do it. Not long ago, I went with a tour group to Ireland. Even the vacation regulated so that at times I felt like we were chained to a schedule. I also have to be very careful about making plans with my grandchildren. I have to give them a lot of maybes or we'll see... If I agree to do something, they expect me to do it. No matter what else might come up, they get pretty upset if the schedule ends up changed. They insist on me being bound to my word, even if it was not a promise, but a suggestion.

Now, commitments are usually good things. A commitment to worship God on Sundays (or any and everyday) is an excellent thing. But, in our parable today of Jesus healing a woman on the Sabbath, Jesus reminds us that there is more to worship and honoring God than keeping Sabbath law or traditions. When someone is in need, the schedule must be flexible enough to help them.

In Christ, we are free to be bound to love and serve. By his blood, we have been set free to worship and serve our God and to love and serve our neighbors, as well.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mark 10:1-12 Marriage/Divorce

Mark 10:1-12 NIV
Today we have a hard reading for today's society.

"He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.” (Mark 10:11-12)

Divorce is a difficult thing. When God joins two people they truly become one flesh. Then because of the hardness of our hearts, we attempt to tear apart what God has joined together. In the case of a divorce we can succeed in distancing ourselves, but we will always be a part of that other person. Whether for the good or bad we cannot ever be separated completely.

Divorce is not God's will, according to Jesus. But, because of the hardness of our hearts, Moses wrote the law allowing divorce in order that there would not be even more hardship to either person. Divorce happens. Sometimes, it may even be necessary for the safety of everyone involved. But, in today's society, it happens all too often. It is routine. Families are separated. Children grieve and suffer. The divorcees grieve and suffer. "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." (Mark 10:9)

One way to avoid divorce and the hurt it causes would be to take marriage more seriously even prior to the wedding. Marriage is a life-long commitment. It is the joining together of two people by God. Marriage is not one big reception after the wedding. The marriage can be a lot of work. It takes real commitment and most absolutely the constant and continued help of God. I'm not really sure why so many think they should commit themselves to marriage without first committing themselves to trusting God to help them.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Matthew 22:1-14 - I Cannot Come

“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come." (Matt 22:2-3 NIV)

Oh, yes, a goodly number of us want to go this banquet after we are dead and buried; but, how about today? Are we willing to sit at that table today? Maybe, there's a more enticing table set someplace for you than at the Lord's Table? Not everyone that's been invited will be at the table eating and drinking; receiving the "foretaste of the feast to come." Some will decline for a "better" offer.

On the occasions that this parable shows is our Sunday reading, our choir usually sings "I Cannot Come To The Banquet." (I could not find the author's name - possibly The Medical Mission Sisters, 1966?) 

I cannot come.
I cannot come to the banquet, don't trouble me now.
I have married a wife.
I have bought me a cow.
I have fields and commitments
That cost a pretty sum.
Pray, hold me excused,
I cannot come.

A certain man held a feast on his fine estate in town.
He laid a festive table and wore a wedding gown.
He sent invitations to his neighbors far and wide
But when the meal was ready, each of them replied:

 I cannot come.
I cannot come to the banquet, don't trouble me now.
I have married a wife.
I have bought me a cow.
I have fields and commitments
That cost a pretty sum.
Pray, hold me excused,
I cannot come.

The master rose up in anger, called his servants by name,
"Go into the town, fetch the blind and the lame,
Fetch the peasant and the pauper for this I have willed,
My banquet must be crowded, and my table must be filled."

 I cannot come.
I cannot come to the banquet, don't trouble me now.
I have married a wife.
I have bought me a cow.
I have fields and commitments
That cost a pretty sum.
Pray, hold me excused,
I cannot come.

When all the poor had assembled,
There was still room to spare,
So the master demanded: "Go search ev'rywhere,
To the highways and the byways
And force them to come in.
My table must be filled before the banquet can begin.

 I cannot come.
I cannot come to the banquet, don't trouble me now.
I have married a wife.
I have bought me a cow.
I have fields and commitments
That cost a pretty sum.
Pray, hold me excused,
I cannot come.

Yes, no? What will it be? Will you come to the banquet?

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Hope to see you at the Lord's Table.

Proverbs 5 - Adultery

Adultery appears to be the main topic of Proverbs 5. Pay attention! It is not just the woman whose lips drip like honey. Stay away from those who would entice you away from what you have committed yourself to.

I am just amazed at the young people of today. OK. It's not just the young people. Some of them can jump from relationship to relationship in a matter of days. In some cases, a matter of hours. The lack of commitment, the lack of self-discipline is just amazing. And... where does this all lead. TROUBLE! Major problems! Chaos! Hate! Anger! Even death!

Just because you think you'll never be caught, don't be deceived. God sees you. He knows everything that you say and do and think.  By the way... adultery is more than just sleeping around. Adultery happens whenever you put anyone or anything before the one you've made a commitment to be faithful to. Are you going bowling or skiing or golfing this weekend, again, while your family stays at home waiting for you? That would be adultery as you have put your love of something before the love of family.

Relationships are a good thing. They are a blessed thing. Healthy relationships will build you up. Unhealthy will tear you down. For some reason, yesterday, 1 John 4:18 kept popping up in my mind. "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

If there is fear in a relationship that you will lose the one you love; if there is fear in the relationship for any reason, then that love is not perfect. Perfect love is unconditional. Love puts your family before your own desires, before your own needs, even as Christ was willing to give His life for those whom He loves. He was willing to give it for you. Love, then, as Christ loves. He is faithful in that love. Be faithful in your love.

Do not break the covenant you have with others by seeking after momentary pleasures. Seek to stay in relationship with God your Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. Seek to stay in relationship with you family; your wife and your children. Stray not on the path that would separate you from the love of any of these. Stray not from the path that the one who loves you has set before that leads you to be fully reconciled with Him in the Kingdom of God

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ruth 4 - Marriage Is About Commitment

Most often when I counsel couples about to be married, I talk about the commitment that marriage is. It is a contract between two people to be bound together, to live together, supporting each other 'till death parts them. For what God joins together, man cannot separate. Even when divorce happens and it does at times... once they have been joined together, they will always be a part of one another.

I remind them that marriage is as much about commitment as it is about love - even more so. It is the commitment they make and keep that will help their love to stay strong and even grow. There will be days in their lives together when they may not feel like they love one another any longer. It will be in those times that they should remember the commitment they made to one another as they stood before God and the people and made a covenant to share their entire lives with each other. They will need to remember that they have committed themselves to love and to care for each other till death parts them. Marriage is about commitment. It is about faithfulness. It is about loyalty.

After such a short time of having known Ruth, Boaz cannot know if he truly loves this woman - at least not in the way that comes with caring for someone through time. But, he is committed to seeing that she and her mother-in-law are cared for. He is committed, as is Ruth and Naomi, to seeing that the family name, the inheritance of Elimelech, is passed on for another generation. He is willing to father a son, who shall be his late relative's son, who shall be the inheritor the property left behind and the son who will care for Naomi in her old age. He is committed to blessing not just Ruth, but the mother-in-law, Ruth, whom she does love. Boaz is committed to love and to care for Ruth and all whom she loves.

Marriage is a life-long contract. It is a commitment to love and care for each other, no matter what may come. There may be times when we may think that maybe we made a mistake in making that commitment, but as we work on that commitment, love will indeed grow.

To follow Jesus Christ, to become his bride, we also make a commitment. There will be many times, when life in relationship with him, may seem like it is more of a commitment than we can bear. But, as we remind ourselves of the commitment he has made to us, we will be reminded of the great love he has for us and our love for him and one another will also grow.

May the LORD give us the faith, strength, and courage needed to help us in our commitment to love the LORD with all our hearts, souls and minds and to love one another as ourselves.