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

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

It Is All Good

Moose snuggling in Aura

And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good. Gen 1:24-25

One of the perks of living in the woods is getting to experience the wildlife around me. I have lived in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for more than half of my life; but, up until yesterday I had never had the opportunity to see a moose in its natural habitat. Early yesterday morning, I saw two; both a bull and a cow. They were hanging out a little ways form my home. They looked very much at peace with one another and the world around them. My presence certainly didn't bother them. I was able to take many photographs as they ambled from the river's edge toward the clear-cut they've been hanging out in. They were in no hurry as they stopped to snuggle together every step or two. It was very good.

It wouldn't hurt to take a lesson or two from them. Even though they can move quite quickly when necessary; they usually move at a slow and steady pace, at peace with one another and the world around them. 

It's all good.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Am I my Brother's Children's Keeper?

Zion Youth Choir sing at concert to help children
in Baraga County.

"Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets." Matt 7:9-12 NRSV

"Am I my brother's keeper." (Gen 4:9) This was Cain's response when God asked him where his brother was after he had killed Abel. Are you your brother's keeper? Are you your brother's children's keeper? I hope that you are answering in the affirmative.

I have been working on the advertising for Zion's Annual Toys for Tots Concert. The concert kicks off the local Marine campaign for Toys for Tots in Baraga County. We have a very high unemployment rate and the medium income is very low in the county. There is a great need to help our brother and sister's children during the holiday season as well as all year long.

Where ever you are; whether in Baraga County, remember the children in need. Yes, you are your brother's keeper. If you, yourself, are a child of God you would respond in the affirmative when it comes to helping the youngest among us. 

God's Peace - Pr. J 

P.S. Hope to see all of you who are local at the concert!

Rev 22:1-5 Tree of Life

Rev 22:1-5 NIV

In the beginning humankind had access to the tree of life. The book of Genesis tells us that rather than eat from this tree of life, they ate of the tree which would guarantee their deaths; the tree that God told them not to eat from. As a consequence they were kicked out of the garden in which it grew so that they would no longer have the opportunity to eat the fruit from the tree of life. (Gen 3:22-24)

Those first people made an awful decision when they chose to listen to the serpent rather than God. The world has not changed much. We long for eternal life; yet, our sinful natures continue to steer us toward the very things that will bring us death. We often listen to the world rather than God.

In this last chapter and book of the Holy Scriptures we once again see the tree of life. All who believe; all whose names are written in the book of life are granted access to this fruit which will heal the nations. Thanks be to God for life in His eternal presence; for His eternal peace.

God's Peace be with you all. 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."