Do In Remembrance

Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19 NRSV

These words imprinted on the front of the altar at Zion sometimes causes me to wonder. I wonder if everyone realize that this is more than a remembrance ritual or a memorial service. I wonder if everyone who eats of his body and drinks of his blood realize that they are actually receiving the body of Christ into themselves.

He comes to abide in us through this Sacrament. As we eat and drink we become one in and with the living Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Do Not Be Afraid to Move Forward

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life." Matt 6:25-27 NRSV

There have been times in my life when I have been quite confrontational when it comes to injustice. Where others were shrinking back and warning me that I should too for safety's sake, I have advanced. I did indeed consider the worst case scenarios before I advanced. What is the worst thing that could happen to me? What is there to fear? Nothing, not even death. I have eternal life.

When considering a new venture; whether it be a new job or investing in a project or a person or whatever challenge the day might bring; again, the same question. What have I to fear? Nothing. Life in this world is temporary. It will all pass. I have eternal life.

Jesus knowingly went forward to the cross; to his death, that we might live. He could have gone in the other direction. He could have; but, he did not. He did not shrink back from saving the world; even though much of the world would reject him. He did not pretend that everything in the world was okay. He was willing to give even his life because the world was not okay.

Do not fear. Our Father in heaven loves you. Believe this and you too will have nothing to fear. You will be much more able to attempt to make radical changes within yourself and in the world around you with the knowledge that God is with you and for you. The world may abandon you. You may even lose many things in this world that you now treasure. But, there is nothing to fear. By faith, you have received eternal life.
 
May God help us to always stand in His truth; in His Way, no matter what possible dangers may lay before us. May He help us to remember that we have nothing to fear for through God's own Son, Jesus the Christ, we have eternal life.

God's Peace - Pr. J

For The Forgiveness Of Sins

"While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (Matt 26:26-28)

Who does not need forgiveness? Is there any one who is without sin?

Some time ago, our congregation decided that they would receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion every Sunday. Some of our members have to work on Sundays. Some of our youth were out of town with the other custodial parents on some Sundays. There are also those who worship only occasionally by choice. There are many reasons that prevent God's children from worshipping every Sunday.

It is not our place to figure out why. It is not our place to say that if they wanted to hear the Word and receive the Sacrament, they would come. It is our place to hope and pray for those who cannot or will not hear the Word and receive the Sacrament regularly. We choose to make the Sacrament available to those occasional visitors and members so that they could be reassured that Christ died for the forgiveness of all. Our prayer and hope is that many would come and be relieved of their sins. Our hope and prayer is that in receiving the Sacrament, they will be renewed in the Body of Christ.

May God speak to the hearts and minds of all people; encouraging them to come and receive His Son; to forgiveness of their sins in and through him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Streams of Water

FIRMLY PLANTED BY STREAMS OF WATER.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:2-3

At the least disruption to life there are those who cause so much drama one would think the world was ending. They are like grass blowing in the wind; mowed over at the landowners earliest convenience.

But, one who loves the Lord and considers the way He would have us go is like the tree that is firmly planted in soil beside streams of water. On the riverbanks on which I live, many of the trees have been blown about by the winds. They are old and have been bent down. But, they continue to grow with their roots connected deeply within the soil. The winds nor the waves have been able to take them down.

Such is the person who delights in the law of the Lord. They might bend from time to time. But, they will not break.

May you drink abundantly of the streams of living water provided by Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

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...

1 Corinth 10:14-33 Everything Not Beneficial!

1 Corinthians 10:14-33 NIV
Yup! We have the right to do anything, but not everything is beneficial, according to St. Paul. We who are of the body of Christ, should think first of what is good for others and not so much for ourselves. If what we eat or drink; what we do, would be damaging to others then we ought not be doing it. It is as simple as that.

I know that the world teaches that we have rights. But, so does everyone else around us. As we're busy thinking about our own rights to do whatever we please; let us all consider how we might be trampling on the rights and the lives of others.

We have the right to do anything; but, is that anything that we choose to do building up others; building up the body of Christ, glorifying God?

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved." (vs 31-33)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Romans 14 Loose Lips Sink Relationships

Romans 14 NIV
Many of my family members and friends had already lost their lives in death to causes that were related either directly or indirectly to alcohol or other drugs. Although, still drinking, on occasion, I had already been questioning how it was that so many who had been close to those who died from alcohol and drug related causes would continue to abuse these substances.

Today we have the reading that prompted me to finally stop drinking alcoholic beverages for my own pleasure, once and for all.
^"
"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall." (vs 19-21)

Drinking, I found, did not generally lead to peace. In fact, it generally led to disputes and divisions; some big, some small. It did not generally edify anyone. Although, I had by this time learned (the hard way) not to get drunk myself, I would still have a few drinks with family and friends. But, even this usually led to disaster. It was not good. Remember, the saying "Loose lips sink ships" from World War II? Well, alcohol and drugs loosen lips and loose lips sink relationships, as well. It doesn't take too many drinks to loosen lips.

Then, within one week ,I heard two different family members say things to the effect of: "Well, even Judy likes to drink." I was like, "What!? It's my fault they drink? It's my fault their lives are such a mess?!" I decided then that no one would ever be able to use me as an excuse for their abusive use of alcohol again. They could try. But, they would not be able to say honestly again, "even Judy drinks."

The end result was that I do not drink alcoholic beverages. I may unwittingly be a stumbling block to others; but, it will not be because of my use of alcohol. "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall." (vs 21)

We are three days before Christmas. Many of my loved ones lost their lives during the Advent season. Please, be careful if you are drinking or drugging. We are free to choose what to eat or drink according to our own conscience. But, be careful that you do not become someone else's stumbling block; the cause of their demise. Do not turn anyone's laughter into sorrow because you believe that the way to your own happiness is getting drunk or high. Substance abuse destroys relationships. It destroys and takes away any opportunity to live life. It doesn't give. It takes life.

Live life in Christ and truly enjoy life!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Luke 12:13-21 Serving Junk!

Luke 12:13-21 NIV
Last Friday, my husband, grandchildren, and I went out to gather wild mushrooms. We found a few bags full; enough for a few meals. This was a rare occasion. We got to do something that I enjoy doing, together. I was surprised. The grandkids loved it. Of course, that may be because the mushrooms, this year, were in abundance and they were real easy picking.

Usually, family outings mean shopping. They all love to spend money. I have never enjoyed shopping; but, if I want to do something with them, I usually get out-voted on what to do. No one cares for hiking or kayaking or visiting waterfalls just to take a few photos. Shopping or nothing. Well, that's not exactly correct. I do hear that they would like to go on cruises or to expensive waterparks (not the inexpensive "cheap" ones).

When I think back to all the money that was spent on stuff that wasn't needed or even wanted, it makes me a bit sad. So many hours spent working for stuff that made no difference to us or anyone else. I can no longer remember all of the cars we've owned, or living room sets. I definitely cannot remember how many computers we've purchased in our lives or even ATV's! Sooner or later, everything ends up in the junk pile. A lifetime working and serving junk!

“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:18-21 NIV)

Seek first the Kingdom of God....! (Matt 6:33)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Lamentations 5 - Prayer of Jeremiah

"The Prayer of Jeremiah," a lament, confession, and plea to restore God's children to Himself.

"Remember, Lord, what has happened to us;
    look, and see our disgrace.
Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers,
    our homes to foreigners.
We have become fatherless,
    our mothers are widows.
We must buy the water we drink; 
   our wood can be had only at a price." (Lam 5:1-4 NIV)

As I read the first few verses of chapter 5 this morning, I thought that it sounded familiar. It sounds a lot like us, today. There is a difference, though. We think that buying water to drink and purchasing fuel for cooking and warmth is the way it should be. It is definitely common practice. Our children are fatherless and/or motherless. In many cases; they have no parent at all; at least none that act like parents. We have many, many homeless children in this country. And... we don't even have enough sense to know that this is a disgrace.  

Since, we don't know that we have been disgraced; we also can't figure out that we need to repent and be reconciled to God and to one another. That, in itself, is a shame.

With the "Prayer of Jeremiah," let us pray:

"Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return;
    renew our days as of old. (Lam 5:21)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 35 - Faithful As A Rekabite?

Jeremiah is still trying to get the people to change their ways. He is still trying to get them to listen to the LORD and follow in the way that He would have them go.

The Rekabites are used as an example of obedience and faithfulness. This family had been instructed, by their forefather, Jehonadab son of Rekab, never to drink wine, never to build homes for themselves; never to farm; rather, they were to live as nomads in tents and they would continue to live in the land for generations to come serving the LORD. These Rekabites actually listened. Even when Jeremiah tempted them with wine, they refused to drink. They did everything that they had been instructed to do by their forefather and the LORD promised that "Jehonadab son of Rekab will never fail to have a descendant to serve me.” (Jer 35:19)

On the other hand, the rest of the people remained hard-hearted and chose to do what they wanted to do and rejected the way of the LORD, their God, who had delivered them from the hands of Egypt. They rejected Him and would return to captivity.

I'm thinking that Jeremiah's attempts at changing the hearts and minds of these people with threats are going to end up pretty fruitless. Only the LORD can soften their hearts and it will be that they will not be softened until they spend some more time in the wilderness, in exile, in captivity.

I hope that we can all learn from the history of our forefathers... We shouldn't have to be threatened to get us to have faithful hearts. After all, look what the LORD has done for us... delivered us from the bondage of sin, by the precious blood of His own Son.

So why is it that some will be faithful to the way in which they should go and others will not? May God help us to be more like the Rekabites: faithful in the way that we should go.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 25 - Cup Of God's Wrath

The nations are to drink from the cup of God's wrath. This is God's command to Jeremiah: make them drink of the cup. They will not be spared. They will not go unpunished.

Drink from this cup... Sound familiar to you?

How about on the night in which he was betrayed...

   "Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
   Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
   Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
   He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”" (Matt 26:36-42 NIV)

Jesus was willing to drink from this the cup of God's wrath for us. He was willing to suffer the penalty for our sins. He was willing to die so that we might be spared. His disciples were not strong enough to even be able to stay awake and watch and pray, let alone pay the penalty for their own sins. We are not. So out of mercy, God interceded on our behalf, sending His only begotten Son, Jesus the Christ, to take the charges and the guilt of our sin upon Himself.

As you read Jeremiah 25 today, give thanks to God that His mercy and grace has been extended to us through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ecclesiastes 8 - Eat, Drink, Be Glad; Live Life

"So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun." (Eccl 8:15 NIV)

Would this not be a wonderful way for the world to live: for everyone to be able to enjoy our daily lives; to eat, drink, and be glad; even as we go about the business of providing for ourselves, our families, even our neighbors? Sadly, it is not so. Those who prefer to spend their time stirring up strife, destroying the lives of others, are always around. The wicked need to have things their way. Whatever they think is good for them is the way that they will go regardless of the trouble and harm it may bring to others. They do not understand that "....wickedness will not release those who practice it." (Eccl 8:8) There will, sadly, be consequences. Consequences not just to those who actually carry out things such as mass murders, but to those who secretly plot against their neighbors to cause problems in their daily lives. Their wicked ways will turn upon them.

Thanks be to God, that God in His infinite mercy, sent His only begotten Son, so that all who believe might not perish, but have eternal life in His presence, in His Kingdom, where there actually is joy and peace. (John 3:16, Rom 14:17) Repent then... turn from the wickedness in your heart and live life in Christ. Live life in the one who truly loves you and was willing to be persecuted, tortured, and die for you. The wisdom of living life in Christ will bring a brightness to your face and change your hard appearance as well as the hardness of your heart. Live Life! And... let others do the same.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ecclesiastes 5 - The Meaninglessness Of The Love Of Money

The older I get and death becomes more of a reality, I lapse into more moments of thinking that life is as meaningless as Solomon would imply. Why all the years of toil, if it is to be gone in a second? Even if you have something to leave your offspring, how long will it last them? Do they follow in the way that they should go so that all that they say and thing and do will glorify God? Will their inheritance be wasted away on trivial stuff - fleeting moments of pleasure rather than those things that will bring real joy (that is glorifying God)? Will they appreciate all the years that you spent earning and saving it for them?

This toiling after riches is meaningless.

"Whoever loves money never has enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.
This too is meaningless.
As goods increase,
so do those who consume them.
And what benefit are they to the owners
except to feast their eyes on them?
The sleep of a laborer is sweet,
whether they eat little or much,
but as for the rich, their abundance
permits them no sleep.
I have seen a grievous evil under the sun:

wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners,
or wealth lost through some misfortune,
so that when they have children
there is nothing left for them to inherit.
Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb,
and as everyone comes, so they depart.
They take nothing from their toilthat they can carry in their hands.  (Eccl 5:10 - 15 NIV) 

That is not to say work is evil. We should work if we expect to eat. But, it becomes very bothersome, even a burden, when one works only to amass riches. Jesus told this story to a crowd who followed to listen to Him: 
 “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
  "Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.  And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
  “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God." Luke 12:17-21

Our work should bring joy to us as well as to others. Live life! Enjoy the life that God has given you! Whether it is in the hours you spend laboring or during the hours you are relaxing with your friends and family, life here on earth is to be lived and enjoyed. Life, abundant life, is a gift from God.

"This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart." (Eccl 1:18-20).

Focus your journey here on earth, not on amassing wealth or power to the exploit of others, but on living life so that God may be glorified.

And... may the peace and joy that is found in being in relationship with God, our Father and with one another, through His Son, Jesus the Christ, be with you always.  Pr. J

Proverbs 31 - Seek A Virtuous Spouse

As Agur is mentioned in scripture only in Proverbs 30, King Lemuel, whose words, we read in Proverbs 31, also can be found no where else in the Bible. His words, given to him by his mother, are a warning against strong drink by kings, which can (should) be applied to any one who is supposed to be a leader, including those within the church on earth; that is the clergy and Bishops.

The majority of this proverb speaks about choosing a wife and what constitutes a good wife. These words have been given, in many forms, to many a son, by many concerned mothers. "Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroy kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel. It is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink." (Proverbs 31:3-4) 

A good wife will walk beside you and support you. She will not lead you astray so that you might be weakened. She will not lead you off to the bars every week-end, to intoxication, where you will find trouble, maybe even jail or death. A good wife will help you in the business of raising your family, your household. And, I assure you the "partying" in all your spare time will indeed affect your ability to be all that you can be and prosper according to the many gifts that God has given you.

Do not be deceived by the charms of a woman, but seek in your life-long help mate, one who will work lovingly and diligently beside you.

That's the gist of Proverbs 31. Remembering too, that this was written in a time when men were the dominant in society, we need to apply this today to women, as well. Seek a husband, who will support you and walk beside you. Steer clear of those men who will bring you to ruin.

It is good to have someone to share you life with. Seek a virtuous spouse, one who does you good and not evil, one whom you will be able to trust with your future, your life.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Proverbs 23 - Common Sense; Avoid Coveting

Proverbs 23 includes wise sayings saying 7 through 19. 

Discussing proverbs the other day at a Bible study, someone noted that the proverbs are basically common sense. Sadly, they are not common sense to everyone. Not everyone has common sense. Not everyone has the wisdom to avoid coveting as the majority of these verses warn us to avoid. Coveting; whether, it is food, drink, riches of any kind, women, etc..., will lead to a person's downfall. Coveting these riches will bring poverty upon a person. These things are deceitful. These false gods will steal even the little that you had. They will destroy you. 

"Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge." (Prov 23:12 NIV) And... live life abundantly in the presence of God, through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

God's Peace - Pr. J