Hebrews 2 - Pay Attention; What Is Mankind?!

Hebrews 2 NIV
“What is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    a son of man that you care for him?
 You made them a little lower than the angels;
    you crowned them with glory and honor
    and put everything under their feet.” (vs 6-8)

What indeed is mankind that God would so favor us? Why would God do that? Rest assured there is nothing so great about us. We are favored simply because God chooses to favor us. He chooses to bestow His grace and mercy upon us.

He chose to send His only begotten Son, born fully human, to live among us. He chose to send Jesus to die so that we might live. It was not for His sake or even the sake of the angels that this was accomplished. It was that mankind might inherit places as children of our heavenly Father; as brothers and sisters to Christ. We have done nothing to earn this family status. In fact, we have turned our backs on our Father; our brother, Jesus; and all of our brothers and sisters in Christ a multitude of times.

He invites you to a family gathering. Come and hear the stories of all that our marvelous Father and brother have done for us. When was the last time you joined your brothers and sisters in Christ at the table our Father has set for His children? Come and eat at the table that He has prepared for us. Don't miss the family reunion at your local congregation. By His Word, He calls you to be reconciled to Himself; to live as a member of His holy family.

May we all pay attention to our heavenly Father so that we would not neglect His Word that He has given us in Jesus Christ; so that we will not reject our Father's will for us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 10:22-42 Hear and Believe

John 10:22-42 NIV
There are definitely days when I would like a little clearer direction from our Father. Maybe, I'm not paying close enough attention or just maybe I don't want to hear what He has to say to me. Either way, there are times when I would like Him to tell me "plainly" what exactly it is that He would have me do. Sometimes, I get it. Sometimes, I don't until after the fact.

I have also been told by more than a few that they just have a very difficult time understanding what scripture says or means when it is read during worship. They don't get it. At least, not yet. But, they will as long as they continue to hear the Word, they will get it for faith comes by hearing.

The Jews wanted a plain response from Jesus. His parables and the way he just generally talked about things were not easily comprehended by everyone. They didn't get it.

But, many did get it. Many do understand that the Father and the Son are one. Many hear and believe. (Romans 10:17)

Join your local congregation this morning (it is Sunday) for Worship, hear the Word, and believe.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Proverbs 4 - Listen, My Children

Wisdom will guide you all of your days...

There are times when I wonder if I should continue instructing the young. I cannot help but wonder if they are actually listening. At times, it seems like a waste of time. I am sometimes looked at like an old fuddy duddy even as I watch them follow their own paths - paths that will not lead them to fuller lives. So many seem determined to take the journey on the path of self-destruction.

But, then, again, it is my responsibility to warn them and to teach them. I do all I can to show them the way. Jesus is the way. Without Him, they shall be lost. It would, I think, behoove all parents, to raise up their children in the way that they should go. That is, if they really want their children to have the benefit, the gift, of living life to its fullest, here in this world and in the kingdom of God.

Spending time around youth of this community, I have found that the young people who have the benefit of being raised by parents who want this life in Christ for their children, listen closest to those things I would teach, as well. They actually pay attention. And.. they are the most pleasant young people to be around. They are open to new (healthy and fruitful) experiences. They think not just about their own lives, but show care and respect for those around them. Ultimately this leads to less stress, less chaos, in their own lives. They live life... much fuller. Being a Christian is not a boring life. It is one filled with adventure. There is so much to do, so much to give, so much even to receive, as we walk filled with the Spirit of Christ.

"Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding." (Prov 4:1 NIV)

God's Peace - Pr. J