Do Unto Others; Respect And Care For Them

Do Unto Others; Give Generously out of love for others
Zion Servant Event - making fleece blankets for LWR

“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets." Matt 7:12

You have heard the saying: "what goes around, comes around." Others refer to it as karma. What really is happening is that when you treat others with disrespect they most likely will treat you in the same manner that you have treated them. It is human nature. People simply have a hard time showing respect for those who disrespect others. When people break the rules of society, there are usually consequences set in place by society as a whole. I dislike this word, karma, immensely. I think a better word for this might be justice.

"Depart from evil, and do good; so you shall abide forever. For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his faithful ones." Psalm 37:27-28

Show respect for others and they might show respect to you. Love others and you will be loved. Do good to all people that it may be well with you and them; that we might all live in harmony and peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Honor Your Father and Mother

The Fourth Commandment.

Thou shalt honor thy father and thy mother [that it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long upon the earth].

What does this mean?--Answer.
We should fear and love God that we may not despise nor anger our parents and masters, but give them honor, serve, obey, and hold them in love and esteem.

(http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php)

 

In this fourth commandment we are told that we are to honor those who have authority over us so that it may be well with us and that we might live long upon the earth.  Think about the chaos in so many homes and our school systems because many young people; rather than honor their parents or teachers, are allowed (and sometimes encouraged by other people in authority) to be outright disrespectful; defiantly rejecting all authority. How much learning can be done in this kind of environment? How many children are being taught to disrespect and connive against our police officers who have sworn to protect us? It makes it very difficult to serve and protect or teach anyone when one is being cursed at or emotionally or even physically attacked.

 

God has given each of us people in our lives who are meant to teach and guide us; to care for us. Parents, police officers, teachers, doctors, employers are just a few examples of such people today. Sadly, not all of them have our best interests at heart. There are those who think that everything should be done for their glory to the detriment even of their children and those who might work for them.  Martin Luther reminds us, in the Large Catechism, that even though the Commandments do not speak directly to the duties of those in authority; scripture reminds us all that we are to love and care for one another. This applies to parents as well as others who might have the duties to teach or care for or protect us. If we teach our children that it is all right to disrespect others; they may also learn to disrespect us.

 

We should honor all in positions of authority and those in authority would be wise to guide those who they have authority over; to teach them the ways of the Lord. If honor, respect, and even integrity could make a come-back; then we would all live long and peacefully upon the earth.

 

Pr. J

 

P.S. I confess that while writing this blog this morning, I have been biased by knowing too many   parents who encourage their children to be blatantly disrespectful toward others and who also encourage their children to use alcohol and other drugs as well as to promiscuity.

1 Corinthians 11:17-34 Discern The Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 11:17-34 NIV
 "For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep." (vs 29-30)

It is necessary to discern the context in which we are reading this reminder to discern the Body of Christ. Paul is reminding the people that when they come together their are divisions among them. Some think of themselves more highly than others. They lift their own desires and needs before others.

When Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper he said, "This is my body. This is my blood." We believe this. We receive His Body when we receive the Sacrament. Also, it is good to keep in mind is that each member who receives this Sacrament is a member of His Body. When we receive His Body in the Sacrament without discerning that these others with us are members of His Body; that He resides in them and they in us, we are disrespecting Jesus (Big Time!). We are eating and drinking judgment upon ourselves.

Therefore; if you have something against your brother or sister in Christ make every opportunity to be reconciled before you come to the Table. For we are one in Christ. We, who receive His Body are the Body of Christ. Do not disrespect His Body. It is as simple and as mysterious as that.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Sorry, woke up late this morning and on my way out, already. Martin Luther had a lot to say on this and I wish I had more time to elaborate. This lesson requires much more time and effort. If members wish for me to elaborate, we could do a class or workshop on this. Let me know if any are interested...

Acts 28:23-31 Eyes, Ears, And Hearts Be Opened, Please!

Acts 28:23-31 NIV
The Kingdom of God has been proclaimed. Who has heard? Who has listened? Who has understood?

Today we celebrate the national holiday known as Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for, not the least of which is that the Kingdom of God has been opened to us through the loving sacrifice made by Jesus, for us. But, how much thankfulness do we really get to see? Sure, there are the platitudes. But, is it a reality in the every day lives of the world around us? Can we see it in the actions around us? The world seems to be in a pretty big mess. People disrespecting people. People killing people; not just in body; but, in spirit; emotionally, as well. People disrespecting themselves. People disrespecting God. Oh, my! Some days the vulgarity seen in this world is just a bit much. It would be a good thing for us to slow down just a bit and give thanks rather than disrespect.

"For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them." (vs 27)

In need of a healing? May God grant that your eyes, ears, and heart be opened so that you might know the great love that He has for you and turn to Him for healing; for hope of a life filled with peace. Oh, that's right... There's not enough drama in peace. And... that's no fun. May God grant us a desire and the will to live without the drama.

God's Peace - Pr. Judy
 

Mark 9:38-50 - Disrespecting Jesus

Mark 9:38-50 NIV


Yesterday, I listened to a barrage of negatives. Sometimes, it seems, that some people like to disrespect our faith; disrespect our Jesus, in order to express their independent thinking. Having heard God's name taken in vain so repeatedly and purposefully for such a lengthy period left me completely spiritually, emotionally and physically drained.

All I could think of was where does this stuff come from? How can anyone who would openly and publically slander Jesus ever think to have my trust or the trust of anyone else. To try to hurt someone with their faith is just totally uncalled for. It is hurtful. It is discrimination.

Jesus told his disciples "for whoever is not against us is for us." (vs 40) But, what happens then to those who are against us; who are not for Jesus? What will become of those who willingly and openly slander His name, using it to hurt others rather than do good? Jesus, encourages us to do good to one another. "Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward." (vs 41) Jesus came to do good. He came to save us. We are to use His name for the good of others; not to disparage them; not to hurt them; and definitely not in order that we would have a name (His name) to slander.

And, again Jesus said, "If anyone causes one of these little one - those who believe in me - to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea." (vs 42) It will not be good for those who spend their lives slandering Jesus causing others to stumble; causing others to lose faith. It will not be good for those who would lead others astray.

What to do with those who would use the name of Jesus in an unholy way? Pray for them. Pray that they might turn around, follow Him, and glorify His Holy name.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Lamentations 2 - No More Killing

The wall has been torn down (vs 8).  God's children willfully turned their backs on Him and He has withdrawn His right hand from the approach of their enemy. (vs 3) The enemy has overtaken them at the LORD's hand. There is nothing, no One, to protect them.

And... what is their response? They cry! They blame God!

“Look, Lord, and consider:
    Whom have you ever treated like this?
Should women eat their offspring,
    the children they have cared for?
Should priest and prophet be killed    
    in the sanctuary of the Lord?" (vs 20 NIV)

That women should eat their offspring, is this God's fault? That a government would use chemical weapons on their own people or anyone; that a government should invade the airspace of another and target those we suspect (key word - suspect) are our enemies with drones; that a court should find guilty and put to death an innocent man; that a parent could murder his/her own children; is this God's fault? Maybe, we should consider that because we would disrespect His creation with such atrocities against one another that God might withhold His hand of protection from us. Maybe, we should quit blaming God for what we do in His name and take a little responsibility for not caring for those things in this world that God has given us.

Yes, lament, grieve, the losses. But, we need to put an end to blaming God for the consequences of our own actions and inactions. We need to be able to stand up and confess our sins that we might receive forgiveness purchased for us (for all) through the blood of Jesus Christ, our LORD; otherwise His death has been in vain.

No more killing.... “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 52 - Good To Be Around Goodness

We went toy shopping last night for Toys for Tots.  I usually avoid shopping as I find it rather frustrating to be around so many people. When you get crowds in department stores, one usually gets to witness a lot of rudeness and disrespect. Last night; however, was different.  It was a very good time.  There were only a few toy aisles that a whole bunch of us were trying to shop in, yet it was a very pleasant experience as everyone helped each. The employees at Shopko were wonderful to work with.  They kept smiling even when the computerized cash register jammed up!  We were all there for the same purpose - a good purpose - to serve the children of this county.  It was wonderful to be among people who love good rather than evil, truth rather than falsehood.  It is just good to be around goodness.  So, why is it that so many would rather boast of evil; who would practice deceit?

I am somewhat of a hermit, living out here in the wilderness.  There are times when I really have to force myself to leave not just my home, but even the community.  I love this place.  It is, for the most part, quiet and peaceful.  Last night, when we pulled into the yard, there was a deer lieing down by the back porch. She raised her sleepy head when she saw us.  It is good to be around goodness.  This place is a retreat for me from having to deal "head on" with all the evil in the world.  Of course, I have to leave it often.  But, when I am here I can rest as I am reminded of the goodness that God intended for us.

Do not reject His good will.  Do not reject His Holy Name.  But, give thanks and praise in the presence of His people and hope in His good name. 

It is good to be among God's faithful people.

God's Peace - Pr. J

"For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people.  And I will hope in your name, for your name is good."  (Psalm 52:9 NIV)