Acts 12:1-19 Free Indeed!

Acts 12:1-19 NIV
The church had been earnestly praying for Peter. Peter could hardly believe it. He thought he was dreaming. But, it was no dream or vision. An angel of the Lord released him from prison.

When Peter showed up at Mary's doorstep they could hardly believe it. Believe it! God can open the chains that bind us. He can unlock the doors that keep us locked up no matter whether those doors are physical or spiritual. "When the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!" (John 8:36)

You will be free; just as Peter was, to go and tell the world what the Lord has done for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ezekiel 39 - Deliverance

God has promised deliverance. He has promised Israel deliverance from Gog and Magog. He will cause so much carnage to the invaders that the remains are declared a great feast for the birds and wild animals.

Through Jesus Christ, God has promised all who would believe in His Son deliverance from the hand of the enemy. Indeed it has already been accomplished for us, as His Son died on the cross and overcame the power of sin, death, and the devil. There are no enemies greater than these. "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36 NIV)

God has promised deliverance. He has freed you so that you can freely love and serve Him and your neighbor as yourself.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Proverbs 19 - He is Risen!

Whoa!  Some really hard hitting advise this morning. Basically, Proverbs 19 reminds us to walk in integrity, to be loyal, and to work hard.  Listen to wisdom and her words and you will live.

But, it is 4 a.m. on Easter morning and instead of focusing on the shoulds and the should nots of life... we should focus on the Good News! In a couple of hours it will be sunrise. I will have egg-bakes in the oven for breakfast at church. Then, we will gather together to give thanks to God for the one who is loyal to us, the one who walked this earth in integrity, died, but now lives.  He is risen!  He is risen, indeed!

Proverbs 19 begins with the word "better."  It is indeed better for us if we listen to wisdom and follow in the way that she advises. But, in all reality, there is only one who can do these things, perfectly and absolutely. We can try. It is better for us, in this world if we do. But, we cannot. Only Jesus could do what was good and right all of the time. And... it is His life that we celebrate this morning. He, who willing gave His life for us, lives. Because, He lives, so shall we. Thanks be to God!

A word of wisdom:  Gather together with others, this Resurrection Sunday, as it is the better thing to do this morning. Do not be lazy (as Proverbs 19 warns), but get up and out to rejoice with your fellow believers, with your brothers and sisters in Christ, and proclaim, not just today, but every day:
He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!

God's Peace - Pr. J