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