He Is Risen!

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19

The sheer insanity of it all! Can you imagine what it would have been like to have witnessed your beloved friend and teacher put to death. How gut-wrenchingly horrific to watch the agony of this one you love. This man that you followed around the countryside; who taught you; who ate with you; who healed the sick and cast out demons before your very eyes is gone. He is dead.

Now, here he is. Alive! Standing before you! Just as he promised, He lives! Watching the movie "Risen" yesterday, it struck me that once the disciples witnessed him alive, they had no alternative; but, to go and share this good news. Who wouldn't? Sure they could've tried to kept their lips sealed to protect themselves. They did not have to tell anyone about this miraculous return of their beloved friend from the dead. But, how would one keep such a secret. Impossible! It is just too marvelous! The news must be shared. And, it was shared. Like mad men; yet, not mad; filled with the Spirit, those first followers of Jesus went out and shared the marvelous news of his death, his resurrection, and his ascension. The good news is that because he is risen and so shall we!

I hear often about churches dying. I wonder why; how can this be? How can a church die when they have such good news to share. Maybe, because the good news isn't being shared. Think about it for a minute. Those who witnessed Jesus alive have his death were few. Yet, from those few the good news has spread  around the world. Even in the smallest of congregations there are at least a dozen who worship God. Don't keep him in the sanctuary. Don't hide your love of God. Go out and tell the world that; although, he was hung a cross until dead, he is risen!

He lives!

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Tradition would tell me this blog would be best for Easter. But, it is good news for every day! I doubt those first disciples quit telling the story during the forty days. One never knows when someone who has not heard the story needs to hear it.

My Kingdom Is Not Of This World

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”  John 18:36 NRSV

The Lutheran denomination that I was a member of was in a state of political unrest at the time of my ordination. Yes, I said "political" unrest. It seemed that we were debating and voting on anything and everything to the detriment of the Gospel being proclaimed and heard. I had wanted all hints of worldly politics left out of the ordination sermon so asked a dear friend, Pr. John Henry, a United Methodist Pastor, to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus the Christ. And.. yes, I did let him know that was what I wanted to hear from the pulpit when I asked him. I had known and served in various capacities with him for years. I had heard him preach the Good News on many occasions and was confident that he would proclaim the Kingdom of God through Christ alone. Thankfully, he was willing and able. The Gospel was proclaimed! I have been called to proclaim this same gospel. Although, I am interested in secular politics; I am careful to not use the gospel to promote my particular political agenda. I believe strongly that through the regular hearing of the Word, the Holy Spirit will speak to each of us; lead us, and empower us to use the gifts that God has given us to serve in whatever manner we, as individuals, have been called. We have been given various gifts. It would behoove us to learn to work together using those individual gifts to glorify God.

I have been called to proclaim the Good News to all people so that all who would believe the Word will be reconciled to God our Father and our Lord, Jesus the Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. In my congregation there are men and women whom I would call lobbyists. They have secular "causes" that they support locally, state-wide, and even nationally from time to time. I truly believe that these secular "causes" are based on their faith and the gifts that God has given each of them. I do not particularly endorse or support all of these causes. Nor, do I chastise them for their political beliefs. None of them have done anything or supported anything that could be viewed as blasphemy.

We are no longer members of the denomination that voted regularly on secular political agendas. We are now free to serve God according to the calls we have received; revealed in His Word; and empowered by the Holy Spirit. As for me, I will keep praying; praising God; and proclaiming the Kingdom of God through Jesus the Christ, our Savior and King.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Hebrews 7 - Redeemed by the High Priest

Hebrews 7 NIV 
Jesus is not just the King. He is thee High Priest. He has paid for our sins and through him we have been reconciled to God our Father. Do we get that? Do we understand the implications? We have been reconciled to God our Father. That is the goal of one who would follow Jesus. Being reconciled to God, our Father, through the sacrifice of the great High Priest, Jesus, by the awesome power of the Holy Spirit, is the goal. Is there anything more awesome than that?

It appears (from watching televangelism) that not everyone is aware of the goal nor of the gospel (good news of the Kingdom). There are many other goals. One of the most abhorrent goal is that of doing good works, supposedly godly works, so that one might become wealthy in this world. It is a counterfeit faith. It tells us that if we do this or that, God will bless us with riches, million dollar homes, expensive cars, airplanes, etc.. That is law; albeit counterfeit law. It is not the gospel. When did riches in this world become the first goal, the focus, of a Christian?

By his blood we are set free from bondage to the world. The pursuit of this world through the law over the kingdom throws us right back into bondage to things of this world. Any priest or pastor who teaches that Jesus came to make us rich in this world is not one we should be listening to.

Please, excuse my rampage this morning. I cannot count the times just in the past month I've encouraged people to be more discerning in what televangelists they're watching; even to just skip those channels altogether. And... then last night I found myself watching one. I did not sleep well because of the blasphemous things I heard.

I am not saying that it is a sin to be rich. There are many wealthy Christians. But, it is definitely wrong to promise that God will make someone rich if you send them your money. By doing that, the only one you're making rich in this world is the televangelist. The gifts of God cannot be bought.

Remember this, you were purchased with the precious blood of Jesus, not with silver or gold.

God's Peace - Pr. J

TItus 1:2 - He is Risen

Titus 1:2 NIV
We are to be eager to live lives that reflect our faith. "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." (vs 11-13)

He is risen! It is Easter morning. I am looking forward to seeing so many at worship this morning. Lent and especially the Great Three Days can be particularly difficult. Throughout the season I am reminded how unworthy we actually are. This Jesus the Christ suffered greatly for us; yet, over and over again we deny him. We turn our backs on him. We find better things to do than worship and praise him; to proclaim the good news. 

Without his death, we would be lost. We would be doomed for all eternity. Yet, do we remember the death? Do we remember the suffering? Or do we remember him only on Easter morning. He is risen! But, in order to be risen, he first had to die. He could have turned his back on us and not faced the persecution and execution. He could have gone the other way. But, he didn't. He did what was good for you and me. He died. And... yet, he lives and because he lives so shall we!

May God bless us with open ears, hearts, and minds so that we might begin to comprehend all that He has done for us and turn, living lives that will reflect our faith in the one who died and yet lives for us.

He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ephesians 3 Prayer and Proclamation

Ephesians 3 NIV
St. Paul's ministry was mainly to those who were not God's children, but now through faith became God's children. Paul, a Roman and Jew, had been called and sent by God to brings the good news to the gentiles. Even in his suffering he continued to encourage them; reminding them and us that they and we are heirs of the one true God. They and we are members of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Paul uses many words, both spoken and written, to remind others of God's love for them just as today we should be diligent in proclaiming this good news to those who are both near and far.

But, there is more... Paul not only preaches the good news to those whom he has been called to serve; he prays for them. I have found that sometimes prayer is more effective than all the words I can possibly spit out. Without God, all the words in the world will have no effect on anyone. And... so as pastors and ministers of the Gospel we pray for those we have been called to proclaim the good news to. We pray "that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (vs 16-19)

May God grant this unto us all that His name be glorified in the church and in Christ Jesus.

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 2:1-5 Paul's Ego

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 NIV
Paul was not an uneducated man. Yet, he resolved to know nothing when he was with the people except crucified. His focus, his thought, his talk was on nothing other than Jesus the Christ. He did not allow the fact that he was indeed a man of learning and of some status to get in the way of proclaiming the one thing that mattered: Jesus Christ and him crucified. Nothing else mattered. His utmost concern was proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus.

May it be that in all of God's church on earth that whatever we say and do, it is done by the power of God's Spirit and not because we think that we are so important that it is we who can accomplish these things. Paul set his ego aside so that the Spirit might work through him. May it be so with all of us, as well.

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 28:11-22 Accepted or Rejected

Acts 28:11-22 NIV
Forever and ever... It seems like there were always be those who support the servants of God and there will also always be those who will do anything and everything to subvert the message brought by God's servants.

Paul has finally made it to Rome under guard. The believers from the area went to meet him when they heard that he was there. The local Jewish leaders also want to hear from him. But, they want to hear because they have heard only bad things about this Christian sect. Whether it is accepted or rejected, Paul, the prisoner, is still  provided opportunities by God to proclaim the message of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ to many people.

Sometimes, we will share the Good News with people whom we think might be open to it. At other times, we will keep our lips closed for fear that the message (and we) will be rejected. This was not the way that Paul followed. It was definitely not The Way of Jesus. The Good News is for all people. Do not be afraid to share it.

We are called and sent to share the message of forgiveness and reconciliation in the Kingdom through the sacrifice of Jesus. Maybe we should ask ourselves what news it is that we share most often with others. Is that message about our favorite sports team or politician or maybe television star or musician? Or maybe what we talk about is the latest blow-out or party favor (the illegal kind)? Hmmm... We humans tend to place a lot of emphasis on false gods. What about sharing the message of peace - the peace that is received in the knowledge of what Christ has done for us? For the Christian, there can be no greater focus than on sharing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord with those who do not know him. Do not be afraid to do that! Whether the message is accepted or rejected, it is still the message that saves lives. Give them a chance to know it and know Him!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 23:12-35 Oaths

Acts 23:12-35 NIV
Wow! What a good example to not go making vows that you're not going to be able to keep!

Some Jews formed a conspiracy to have Paul killed. They vowed not to eat or drink until he was dead. Their plot was thwarted by the Roman guard as Paul was transferred to Caesarea to protect him. A few years actually transpired from the day they made these oaths until Paul's death. Although, I cannot see where scripture says they broke this oath; I have a strong feeling that they broke it not too long after they made it.

God had plans for Paul. Even as a prisoner, he would continue to share the Good News with others. No one can know all the plans of God. It is really not in our best interest to make oaths that are contrary to His will.

"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." (Matt 5:33-37)

May God help each of us to refrain from making oaths or promises that we will not be able to keep. May He guide us so that we refrain from persecuting those whom He has called and sent. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 20:1-6 Mission Field Is Large

Acts 20:1-6 NIV
The mission field is large. It is where you are. It is all around you. It is world-wide. There was an awful lot of area for those first disciples to cover; a lot of people to reach. Paul spent his ministry trying to reach all of them with the Good News of the Kingdom. After encouraging the disciples who served with him in Ephesus, he left them and set out to encourage others with the Good News of the Kingdom.

I was in a small group not long ago when the question was asked what we should do if our attempts to share God's peace with someone are rebuffed. Here is the answer that I hear from scripture: shake the dust off of your feet; shake the dust out of your clothes (Mark 6:10-12, Acts 18:6); and thank God that for the blessing of peace that has returned to you (Matthew 10:12-14) even as you move on to share the Good News with someone who needs and will hear it. The mission field is; after all, quite large. Sharing the Good News is a win/win for those who share it. If it is received, we have gained a brother or sister. If it is not, we have the peace of God which we have tried to bless others with. Do not fear to share the Good News. Do not be afraid to be rebuffed. The Lord is with you. His peace is a blessing to you.

The mission field is large. There are still a lot of people to reach. Our mission is not something that happens just in the sanctuary of our churches where we feel safe. Our mission will take us out into the world sharing the Good News of the Kingdom in Christ Jesus and encouraging others in the faith.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 17:10-15 Agitators

Acts 17:10-15 NIV
It appears that no matter where Paul went the agitators, against him and more importantly against the Word, showed up. He spent a bit of time in prison because of them. Sometimes, he simply left the area.

In Paul's case, it was probably necessary for him to flee so that he could cover as much area as he could with the Good News before his death. I'm not so sure that in this day and age leaving the area is always the best option. In the U.S., we can't be thrown into prison or beaten or flogged for sharing the truth about the Kingdom through Jesus Christ. Yet, we see many pastors who flee the community that they have been called to serve in because of the agitators. Sometimes, it may be necessary because the agitators (antagonists) have managed to switch the focus from Jesus to things of much less importance; in fact, things that cause division and not unity, like egos. Sometimes, pastors simply find it almost impossible to preach the Gospel due to this conflict and leave to go to a community that is willing to hear and then willing to serve the living God rather then their own egos.

Where am I going with this? Well, if your congregation is one that is having to look for a new pastor every two or three years; maybe, it is time to find out if there is someone(s) running these pastors out of the area and if the congregation somehow is supporting this person or persons by ignoring the agitation that they are causing; allowing them to switch the focus away from the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ. It may not always be the best choice to flee an area; but, on the other hand as we are called to proclaim the Gospel; sometimes, we need to go where people will hear it.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Acts 16:16-40 Truth In Prison

Acts 16:16-40 NIV
Paul appears not to dislike prison all that much. If there are times when speaking the truth encourages the possibility of persecution or prison; then Paul definitely encourages it. He does not care that he is going to offend a rich slave owner. He evicts the evil spirit from the slave-girl who is busy making money for the rich man. Paul is not afraid to witness to his jailer. He is not afraid of invading the comfort zones of others when he knows that they are wrong in what they do or say or think. He is not afraid. God is with him. God releases him from his prison; yet, he will not leave until those who had him jailed in the first place admit that they were wrong in the first place.

Paul was imprisoned for speaking the truth. This did not deter him. He was not afraid, even in prison, or after being released to continue to speaking the truth about Jesus.

May God help us all to be so bold in proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom and in encouraging others to believe in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 14:8-20 Do Not Be Swayed

Acts 14:8-20 NIV
Human beings can be swayed so easily. Paul and Barnabas enter Lystra proclaiming the Good News and performing miracles. The pagans are so impressed they want to worship Paul and Barnabas; which, of course, Paul and Barnabas object to vehemently. But, the next thing you know some Jews enter the picture and sway the people to reject what Paul and Barnabas have to say about Jesus. The people drag Paul out of the city and stone him. Paul lives to go and proclaim the Good News to other people. God is with him. God has a purpose and a plan for him.

May God be with each of us so that we might not be swayed by human opinions or any false gods. May we stand firmly on the Word of God so that even if we face death for the name of Jesus, we will face it with faith and hope in the eternal Kingdom promised through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 14:1-7 Move On

Acts 14:1-7 NIV
Paul and Barnabas have just left Pisidian Antioch because of the trouble stirred up against them. They left shaking the dust off of their feet as a warning to them. (Acts 13:51, Matt 10:14) Today, we find them proclaiming the Good News and performing signs and wonders in Iconium. Many came to believe because of their testimony; but, again many did not. As in Pisidian Antioch, those who refused to believe stirred up trouble against them. They left Iconium, as well, to go to Lystra and Derbe where they continued to preach the Gospel.

Sometimes, it is necessary to shake the dust off of our feet and move on. There may come a time when persecution by a few becomes so prevalent that proclaiming the Gospel becomes secondary to thwarting attacks. It may be that in times like these that it becomes necessary to move on to those who are willing to hear what God has done and is doing for us. As we waste countless hours thwarting attacks by the enemies of God, we should consider how many people we are not reaching with the Gospel. It is a work of the devil to keep us from joyously sharing this Good News.

There are times when it might be necessary to shake the dust off of our feet and move on. May God grant us the wisdom to know when to persevere in one place and when to move on for the sake of the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 13:13-52 Old Testament; Our History

Acts 13:13-52 NIV
Every Sunday, the Sunday School Youth assist in leading the prayers of the church. Before we do this, I usually pause during the service to see what they learned during Sunday School. (I don't do children's sermons well - so I don't do them.) This past Sunday, I was just a little surprised when I asked them what they had learned and the response was that they had learning about Absalom. They actually knew the whole story including how he had turned on his father, David. I wondered how many of our adult members knew the story of Absalom. (I didn't ask for a show of hands.) Knowing our history is very important to help us know who we are and where we are going. That history can be found in the pages of Holy Scripture which definitely includes the Old Testament.

Each Sunday we begin the readings from scripture with the old testament. I have been questioned (a few times) about doing things the same old way every single Sunday and have been told that following this order of service tends to be boring. As we read Acts 13 we can see that this order is not exactly something new that the Lutheran church or any other has just made up out of thin air. There is a purpose to it all.

When Paul proclaimed the Good News in the synagogues, he began by reminding the people of their history. He began by reminding them why they need the Good News of Jesus Christ in the first place. We need to be reminded of all that God has done and will do for His people. We need to be reminded of the reasons God sent His Son to be our salvation. We need to remember our history, for it is indeed our history - the history of the church - and so we begin with an old testament reading every Sunday.

God's Peace - Pastor Judy

Acts 11:1-18 Account for Actions

Acts 11:1-18 NIV
There are times when we all have to account for our actions. It helps to dispel rumors and gossip. It helps us to have credibility so that we might continue our mission; rather, than spending time putting out "fires." Of course, there are some who like to start problems and keep us from doing what God calls us to do in spite of the fact that the truth has been told. There is nothing we can do about that except pray and continue to speak the truth.

Peter was called on the carpet by the other believers for visiting that Gentile, Cornelius. He explained to them that it was God who brought them together so that they might hear the message through which they would be saved. Peter's answer was enough. They understood that God intended that the message of salvation was for even the Gentiles.

The message of salvation is indeed for all people. Sometimes, we need to account for our actions so that we might dispel any rumors that might distract us from it. Hopefully, we need only account for our actions once so that we might get on with the mission of proclaiming the Good News to all people.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Acts 9:32-43 Peter Gets Around

Acts 9:32-43 NIV

Every now and then, I go up to the Bishop Baraga Shrine to pray. It is situated on a hill at the head of the bay between Baraga and L'Anse. From this vantage point, I can see much of the area that I have been called to serve; but very little of the area that Bishop Baraga served. He was a mover. He covered a goodly portion of Michigan by foot, snowshoe (that's why he's called the Snowshoe Priest) and canoe. When a family summoned him because a loved one was sick or dying; he was there no matter what the distance was.

Peter was a mover, as well. He was moving freely about between communities. He was busy healing people and at bedsides with those who were grieving. His ministry was not confined to a specific place. He, as we all are, was sent to proclaim the Good News to all people.

I am most fortunate to serve with a congregation that understands that my call is not merely as a chaplain to members; but, to minister to all people in the community who are in need. I am most fortunate that I am free to pray with the sick, bury the dead, proclaim the Good News to all people whether they are a member of this congregation or not; even if they have never even visited the congregation.

I spend very few hours in the office and most of those hours are either in the wee hours of the morning or late in the evening. My time is spent within the community, freely moving about and going wherever there is a need for healing and hope; wherever there is a need for the Good News of the Kingdom of Christ Jesus to be proclaimed. I thank God for the people of Skanee who have called me to serve not just them; but, anyone who is in need.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 4:23-31 Hindrances To Proclamation

Acts 4:23-31 NIV
Why, indeed, do the people plot in vain; rising up against the LORD and His Anointed One? 
 
At times, it can be very difficult proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom. The world seems to have set up obstacles all around. There seems to be way too many times when the proclamation that would bring comfort to the people is hindered simply because the time is being spent on distractions caused by dissension. (Rom 16:17-20)

Peter and John had been jailed for proclaiming the Good News for the healing of the lame man. But, they did not allow this distraction to hinder them. They continued to pray and to trust that the LORD would enable them, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to speak His word with great boldness. They prayed that the LORD would stretch out His hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the Jesus.

Do not let the world stand in the way of proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom for all people. Know that God is with you with, guiding and empowering you by the Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ, our LORD.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 20:24-29 You Don't Have To See It To Believe It

John 20:24-29 NIV
Well, some people really have to see it to believe it. You can warn them; you can advise them; you can give them the Good News, but until they see it with their own eyes, unless they can touch it or taste it or hear it; unless they can experience something with one of their bodily senses, they simply will not believe it.

Sadly, today we do not have the opportunity as Thomas did to see the nail marks in Jesus' hand. We cannot see Jesus as Thomas did on that day so long ago. But, we can see him. We can see him and experience him in our neighbor, in all who abide in him and he in they. We don't need to see Jesus face to face as Thomas did in order to believe. We have the witness of many who saw him risen from the grave. Hear the Good News so that you, too, might believe and be saved.

"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)

God's Peace - Pr. J