Live In The Light

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He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (John 3:18-21 KJV)

For days I have been seeing articles about Baby Jane Doe, the two-year old, whose body was found in a plastic bag on Deer Island, Boston, MA. It is not clear, yet, who exactly is responsible for her death. But, it has come to the light that drugs were definitely involved. No one wants to take responsibility. No one wants to confess their own sins; although, they appear to be able to confess the alleged sins of others who may have been involved quite readily. The mother, who blames the boyfriend; where was she in all this? Was the boyfriend solely responsible? What about the father who had nothing to do with this child. Did he not even have enough contact with this child over the time she had disappeared to even know that she was gone?

It seems that we have an epidemic in this country wherein parents have chosen drugs (legal and illegal drugs, including alcohol and medical marijuana) over their children. Way too many are parenting in drug induced fogs and they cannot see the light. Consequently, the children are not able to experience the light shining with hope and safety, either. Children are being hurt. They are being sold to support the addiction of their parents. They are even being killed.

There is no known "cure" for addictions in this world. But, there is help. Come into the light of Christ, children of God, that all of our children might grow and live in peace. We only have about eighteen years to raise them in a manner that they might live fruitful and peaceful lives in this world. Let us make the most of this time. May God help us to live in the light and to teach our children the same.

God's Peace - Pr. J

3 John 1 - Joy

3 John 1 NIV

 

I get so excited when I hear about the faithfulness of members of our Christian community here in Baraga County. It does not matter; old or young, they have become like my own children. With St. John, I can say that "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (vs 4)

Today is Pentecost Sunday. Four of our young people are affirming their baptisms through the Rite of Confirmation this morning. All four of them have caused me much joy as I've taught and watched them walking in the truth; by putting their faith into action over the years. Their faith is clearly evidenced by the love and concern that they have for God and for others.

Following worship, I will meet with another couple to discuss the baptism of their baby. I look forward to discussing the baptism of their child (our child) into the Body of Christ. I look forward, with joy, to seeing this little girl at worship and Sunday School as she grows.

May God grant all of our children, young and old, the gift of the Holy Spirit; the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in His presence, now and forevermore.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 2:1-20 - The One Who Brings Peace

Luke 2:1-20 NIV
Fear not! Don't be afraid! We read an awful lot in scripture that we are not to fear. We are not to be anxious about anything. Angels showing up and bringing you a message of peace actually would probably cause a little anxiety just in the fact that angels have shown themselves to you.

Yet, in the midst of anxious times, we can have peace. The angels proclaimed to the shepherds, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2: 14) This peace that God brings is kind of amazing. As we grow in the LORD, we will find that we do know a sense of peace no matter what kind of chaos is around us. It may still be troubling, but we can be at peace knowing that God has a good plan for it all.

A few years ago, I was in the pulpit preaching as usual on a Sunday morning. All of a sudden, I could no longer read my notes. All that I could see was a white light and light shadows of people sitting in the pews. It was a bit disconcerting. But, I did not panic. I kept on preaching, even as St. Paul's vision that brought him to repentance and to follow Jesus came to my mind. I wondered if maybe there was something I needed to repent of even as I kept on preaching; everyone around me unaware of what I was seeing. I was a little anxious about the situation; but, at the same time at peace knowing that God was with me and there was a good purpose for it all. I just didn't know what. I went to the eye specialist that week and was told that I had eye strokes due to the steroid that was in the medication (Advair) for my COPD. I got off the prescription medication and am taking only an herbal, all natural medication. Lo and behold, there was a good purpose. My breathing has improved greatly.

The point is sometimes things happen in our lives that might cause a little anxiety; but, we should know that God is with us and in that knowledge we can know peace no matter what is going on in our lives. Can you imagine a pregnant young woman and the man she was engaged to traveling cross country to sign up to pay taxes? When they get to their destination there is no place for them to stay so they stay in a barn where the baby is born. Can you imagine sitting in a field with the guys watching the sheep settle in for the night and you have this heavenly host singing in the heavens? I'm thinking it was probably, at least, a little unsettling. Yet, the shepherds listen to the angel and go and see this baby that is to bring peace to the world.

Anxiety and peace - sometimes you can have them almost simultaneously. Being anxious about something is human nature; yet, in the midst of anxiety, we can know that God is with us and we can know His peace. Thanks be to God!
God's Peace - Pr. J