Live In The Light!

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.”
                                         Genesis 1:1-4   

                                                      

God saw that the light that he had created was good. It's probably a good idea; therefore, to live life in the light.

 

God's Peace and have a blessed day!

Pr. J

Live in the Light

"Arise, shine; for your light has come,    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you."

Isaiah 60:1

There are some days when the day is over I feel as though nothing was accomplished; like an entire day has been wasted. I may be up and about; but, I feel like I may as well have been sleeping the day away. This doing nothing is a bad habit to get in to. Before we know it our days on earth will have come to an end and we will have spent them as though we were asleep.

Get up! Live life! Let the light of Christ shine on, in, and through you. Live the fleeting moments that God has given us here on earth. He gave them for a purpose and living in the darkness was not it.

Have a blessed day!

God's Peace - Pr. J

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!

New Day

"So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!" 2 Cor 5:17 NRSV

Who doesn't need start fresh every now and then? 2015 is behind us. A whole new day; a whole new year is before us.

We all make mistakes. We all sin. We all hurt others wittingly and unwittingly. We often carry this baggage with us. Guilty consciences often affect our relationships with God and with one another. In spite of the fact that we know that God forgives us all of our sins; sometimes, we have a difficult time forgiving ourselves.  Today is a new day. Receive the forgiveness that Christ so willing purchased for you on the cross that you might be reconciled to God and to one another. Let not this gift given at the cost of Jesus' blood be given in vain. Receive it! Rejoice! For in Christ, everything, including you, has become new.

God's Peace - Pr. J

 

Vacations

The Hammock Goes Unused Even On Vacation

 

Vacations are nice; but, don't be misled. Vacations can be very busy times. In fact, mine are usually so busy that there is rarely time to even write my morning blog!

There is a hammock in the backyard that has Spanish Moss hanging all over it. It has gone unused for years. I have thought about cleaning it up. But, then there would go any time I have to rest.... I have a feeling that my blogs throughout my vacation time will be very short.

"And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done." Genesis 2:2

God's Peace - Pr. J

Where Did Monday Go?

 

^"And He said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.'" Mark 2:27-28 NKJV

A lot of people really dislike Mondays. But, on most Mondays; lately, I have had to keep reminding myself that it is actually Monday. My Sundays have been so busy lately that by the end of the day it feels like I have completed two days and I totally want to move on into Tuesday. Although, it feels a bit awkward; it is a good thing. By Saturday, I have actually been able to take a Sabbath rest. I can spend most of the day just being in intentional communion with God; studying His Word and praying. This is a very good thing for me. It helps me to prepare for the first day of the week; which is not Monday; but, Sunday.

I do not despise this first day of the week. I do not really have much time to think about it. I just follow the daily planner and keep on moving. But, I do thank God for the day of rest that He gives me on Saturday so that I might be refreshed, so that I might be reenergized, and ready to go very early on Sunday morning. As Jesus tells us, the Sabbath was made for us. May God help you to all find time to spend solely resting in Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Dark Days and Nights

It's been quite a few days since I have seen the sun. I have never quite gotten use to living in so much darkness. The winds blew; the rain came down along with a bit of hail all day yesterday. A little before 8 p.m., the power went out. I have been living in this home long enough that I can navigate around it without any light. I figured I should take advantage of the darkness and lay down for the night.

It was so dark that whether my eyes were open or shut, it made no difference. All was dark. Yet, even in the deepest darkness there is no reason to worry or fear. God is with us. The light of Christ abides in all who believe. He will help us to navigate through the darkest of places. In Him we can live and rest in peace.

The sun is not yet up this morning and I'm not really expecting to see it today; but, the light of Son, who is Jesus the Christ will always shine. Let us rejoice and be glad for even in the darkest of nights, the Light does shine.

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
    which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
    they do not know what they stumble over.

Prov 4:18-19 NRSV

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Live in the Light

The forests come alive at night as animals seek their prey and the prey wandering in the wilderness are busy dodging the predators. This is just the way it is with the animal kingdom.

But, for humankind, most of us are fortunate enough to be able to go about the  business of living during the light of the day. Most of us are fortunate enough to do this; but, not everyone. There are many whose circumstances require them to work to feed themselves and their families by working midnight shifts.

But, the lions are not the only ones who choose the cover of darkness to stalk their prey. There are also those among humankind who, rather than work in fruitful employment, choose to prey upon others for their livelihoods. They often come out at night. Fortunately the children of light prefer not to be out at night and are not as easy targets as the night-stalking predators might like. The children of light rest during the hours of darkness in preparedness and anticipation of the coming day. 

Moral of this story: rest when the night comes; live life in the light of the day; live life in Jesus Christ who is the light of the world.

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

You Snooze; You Lose

It seems that on Sunday mornings my snooze alarm gets hit more often than on any other day. Oh, I still get up before six; but, it is a temptation. Fortunately, I have a snooze alarm so that when I hit the button, I get a second and third chance if it's needed.

God provides us with many chances or opportunities to love, to worship, and to serve Him as well as to love and serve our neighbors. There comes a time; though, in each of our loves that the opportunities will come to an end. We do not know the day or hour when we will breath our last breath. .

When our children and grandchildren were young and didn't want to get up and moving so that they could participate in some activity, my husband would often tell them: "You snooze; you lose."

Wake up, sleeper. God gives us many opportunities to live life in Christ. We are told that He delays His coming so that we all have the opportunity to turn to Him. But, don't delay. The time is now, not tomorrow. Who knows if there will be a tomorrow, here on earth, for any one of us?

May God help us to grab hold of the opportunities to love and serve the Lord with all our hearts, and souls, and minds; even now.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Remember the Sabbath Day

The Third Commandment.

Thou shalt sanctify the holy-day.

What does this mean?--Answer.
We should fear and love God that we may not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred, and gladly hear and learn it.

http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php#tencommandments

 

My husband and sons were logging. Logging can be a pretty expensive business. We sometimes joked that it was just a hobby as it often felt like they were paying to work rather than earn livings since equipment breakdowns can get pretty expensive. On occasion, they would decide that they needed to work on Sunday morning rather than worship in order to make up for time lost due to the weather or equipment breakdowns. Every time they decided to do this they would have another piece of equipment break down on that Sunday morning. Do I think that God was punishing them for working on Sunday? No. I think that because they did not heed His word to rest on the seventh day that they were exhausted and when we work tired and troubled; accidents; problems occur. God does not give us the commandments so that He can punish us. The commandments are for our own good.

 

It has been many decades since I realized what this holy-day of rest meant for me. I can get pretty cranky at times. During a particularly trying period of my life I came to realize that if I did not attend worship on Sunday (or maybe Saturday evening) I was pretty difficult to live with the rest of the week. By Friday, nobody, including myself, wanted to be around me. I need to receive the means of grace, the Word and Sacrament of Holy Communion, in order for me to be a bit more graceful towards others. I need to be able to find rest in Christ in order to be refreshed for the upcoming days.

 

Thanks be to God, He has given us the gift of the holy-day to gather with the saints and hear His sacred Word.

 

God desires good for you. Receive the good gifts of His Word and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. These gifts are available freely for you every Sunday at your local place of worship. Do yourself and your family and friends a favor; go and listen to Him; receive His Word; receive the Lord in the Sacrament of Holy Communion! Join others in worship every seventh day, no matter which day that happens to fall on.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 6:1-8 The Four Horses

Rev 6:1-8 NIV
The white, red, black, and pale horse are sometimes referred to as the four horses of the apocalypse. The four horses and their riders signify conquest, war, famine, death. Some would say that these four horses and their riders will lead the charge at Armageddon at a great and final battle just prior to the day of the Lord. It will be a most horrific day.

I am a bit more cautious about considering this to be just a future event as I am well aware that we are already in a battle with the forces of evil. The desires to control others for our own purposes (conquest), wars, famines, and death have been very present with us for a very long time. We may feel relatively safe here in the United States. There are of these horsemen all around us; but, until it directly affects the individual; sometimes, the eyes are closed to what others are living.

Open your eyes and see. See how the world strives to control others; see the wars; see the famine; and see the death. If we cannot see the pain that others are suffering; then, maybe, as a teacher friend use to remind her students often, "If you're not part of the solution; you're a part of the problem." See the suffering and then see what you can do to help those who are in need. Fight the good fight, while staying firm in your faith. Don't wait 'till that final day of judgment to help those who are suffering or Jesus might say to you, "...Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." (Matt 25:41-46)

God's Peace - Pr. J 

2 Peter 3 Scoffers Abound

2 Peter 3 NIV
Scoffers abound! Peter wrote: "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare." (vs 10) The disciples expected an almost immediate return of the Lord. 2000 years later, we are still waiting and watching for the final judgment on the world. It's a fairy-tale, a fable, a myth, I am told. Just because you do not believe; that does not make it an untruth. "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (vss 8-9)

Scoffers abound! I'm not sure if people have forgotten that the Lord will come again or maybe they just don't believe. The world lives as though they have eternity to live for their own pleasure. Some might even live under the delusion that they can repent on their death beds and they will be saved. That is true, if one truly turns to the Lord. But, one never knows when our final moments will come. It would be wise to be prepared before that day comes. He will come like a thief, without warning, except for the word which we already have.

Be prepared and be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of the lawless. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to the glory of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 Now is the Time!

2 Corinthians 6:1-2
"And Immediately!" That is the title of my sermon for Sunday. I am a little later than usual getting this blog written, because I felt the urge to work on Sunday's sermon immediately upon waking this morning, while the focus of where I was to be going with it was still fresh in my mind. When God calls us to do something, let's do it immediately. Don't wait until the football game is over. Don't wait until you retire. Don't wait. Do it now! When God gives you a gift, receive it now. He has given you the gift of salvation. Receive it now! Don't be trying to wait until the day of your death or later!

After writing the sermon, imagine my joy when I read the lesson for today's blog. Paul wrote: "I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation."

It is now. It is today. It is not tomorrow. It is not after we die and are buried in the ground. Salvation has come to you through Jesus Christ, our Lord. The Kingdom of God has already come. Quit waiting around to live in that Kingdom. Quit waiting around to live in His presence. Quit waiting around to serve the Lord. Quit waiting to share the Good News! Do it now! Do it immediately! Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Couldn't help all the exclamation marks, it is imperative that we receive His grace now in order to truly live life! Quit procrastinating! What are you waiting for? Live life in Him now!

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Good News

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 NIV
I check the local news every morning at http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/. Some mornings the news is usually just lists of scores from sporting events. I am probably one of the few in this country who does not consider sporting events as news. Those things worthy of news should be those things that happen on a very infrequent basis or is a one of a kind event. Sporting events just don't fit into the category of unique. 

It would be good if we could get as excited over the "Good News" as we do when our favorite team makes it to the Super Bowl. Where's the enthusiasm for the new of Jesus Christ? Where's the enthusiasm when we hear or share the news "...of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep." (vs 3-6)

Jesus died for you and yet he lives! Because he lives so shall all who believe in him! Do you really believe it? And, if we do believe; is it not enough to get us up from our couches and share this marvelous news; this news of first importance, with others?

Get excited! There is no other news of more importance. Jesus lives for you! He has won the race! He has triumphed! He has done this all for you!

May the grace of God that is within you share the news that He loves the world so much that He was willing to die that we might live.

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 United With The Mind of Christ

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 NIV
Others may not have a clue to the mysteries that we have comprehended and sometimes we may forget that they don't. We expect them to understand what we might even call "common sense." But, it is not common sense that leads us to follow Jesus and to discern God's will for us. It is the Spirit of God who does this.

By the Spirit of God we are united in Christ. We are one. We who are of the Body of Christ have the mind of Christ. He is our head. Is it any wonder that we should be able to discern the things that come from God?

My prayer this New Year's Day is that God would open eyes, ears, hearts, and minds that all whom we love would be able to discern God's gracious and loving will for them and for all people.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Romans 15:14-21 NIV Make It Your Ambition To Proclaim the Good News

Romans 15:14-21 NIV
I woke up this morning, mistakenly, thinking that it was Christmas morning. You see, I have a few services to attend today and for me, Christmas day is the day to celebrate Christ's birth. It just seems natural to me to celebrate his birth on Christmas Day. I've never quite adjusted to these early Christmas Eve Services. Something about them just doesn't seem quite right. For one; those who are traveling on Christmas Eve often don't get the opportunity to worship if there are no Christmas Day services. Being the wife of a retired Marine, I, remember many Christmas Eve's traveling and missing out on many Christmas Worship Services because there were none on Christmas Day. Secondly, I've always had the fear that Christmas has become so secularized that people would rather not spend the actual holiday as a Holy Day; but, more in line with the expectations of the world. I've kind of thought that maybe Jesus was taking a backseat on Christmas day.

I, personally, feel like I'm slacking by not sharing the Good News on Christmas Day. For years, I insisted on both an eve and a day service. However, due to lack of attendance; (the organist, usher, and me showed up), I finally acquiesced. Now, I go out and try to visit all of our shut-ins on Christmas Day, so that I am still able to proclaim:

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:6,7

 

I also insisted that we put in a midnight service to replace the service that had been deleted the following morning. We celebrate Christ's birth at Zion, not only at 6 pm on Christmas Eve; but, also at 11 pm. I have a notion that 11 pm might be closer to the time of Christ's actual birth and the service tends to last into the first minutes of Christmas morning.

Despite my personal preferences, it most probably does not really matter when we actually gather to commemorate Christ's birth. We should all be gathering often not only to commemorate his birth, but his life, his death, his resurrection, and his ascension into the Kingdom that he has prepared for us. In every season and in every place, we should, as St. Paul did, make it our ambition to proclaim the Good News so that those who have never heard will hear and understand. Jesus the Christ was born and lived and died and lives again for you! Enter into his peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. As for me, I will celebrate Christ's birth in community today and tomorrow with those who cannot be with us in community this evening. I hope those of you who will gather as community to worship today, will consider doing the same. Merry Christmas!

Acts 28:1-10 Paul on Malta

Acts 28:1-10 NIV
Snakes have never bothered me, too much. When my sons were young, they were always bringing home different sorts of creatures to care for. They were usually allowed to keep and care for them when my husband was deployed. He wasn't too big on creatures in the house. I felt it was good for them to learn about God's other creatures. My eldest son brought home a slew of baby water moccasins when he was in Jr. High. We kept them for a while in a covered bowl on the kitchen table; at least, until the day I came home from work and they had all escaped. I rounded them up and released them into the National Forest behind our home. No more snakes. I also drew the line at the bats he tried to bring into the house... But, most other creatures, slimy, scaly, feathered, or furry were welcome.

The people on Malta figured that Paul was as good as dead when a snake latched onto his hand. But, no. Paul merely shook it off into the fire and he was unharmed. Opinions change. The people then wonder if he is a god. How much more they must have thought that when he prayed and laid hands on Publius' father and the man was healed. No, Paul was not a god. But, God was with him on Malta as He led him to Rome to stand trial. The power of God continued to minister to others through Paul to the day of his death.

Paul was not afraid. He was calm as he shook the snake off his hand. He did God's will without hesitation as he prayed for and healed the sick man. May God help us to serve Him and His people, one day at a time, one step at a time, wherever he will lead us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 6:8-15 Here is Stephen

Acts 6:8-15 NIV
Here is Stephen; one of the faithful men who had been appointed to ensure that the whole community had food to eat. Here is Stephen; full of grace and power, doing great wonders and signs among the people. Here is Stephen; his enemies bearing false witness against him. Here is Stephen; tirelessly proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. Here is Stephen; persecuted; yet his judges behold a Stephen with a face like an angel.

In the midst of it all, Stephen maintains his composure. He is at peace because he knows he speaks the truth. He is at peace because he has confidence in the promises of our Lord, Jesus the Christ.

May God grant that we should be able to stand, by the power of the Spirit, in the day of trial, composed and ready to speak the truth for the good of all people and for the glory of God. Amen.

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

Zechariah 14 - Judgment and Mercy

     On that day... On the Day of the LORD... there will be both judgment and mercy. It will be an awesome day for those who worship the LORD. It will not be so good for those who reject Him. It will be a day of destruction, but it will also be a day to rejoice in the LORD.
     I pray often (daily) for the lost. Their suffering and pain is so extreme. Yet, there is nothing that I can do to help them; except, to pray for them and continue to encourage them to turn the LORD for He is our only Help and Salvation.
      Do not think that because all is not perfect in the world; that He does not exist. He is there with you. He sees all that we do; whether we worship and serve in His Way or not. We continue to try to assist those who are suffering. We hope that their hearts will be opened so that they might receive the love of God and truly live. Yet, many will not and we grieve. It is most grievous to witness the suffering that exists because hard hearts will not let the love of God live in or through them.
     On the Day of the LORD there will be both judgment and mercy. May God be merciful to you and grant you His peace.

God's peace - Pr. J