Sing Psalms, Hymns, And Spiritual Songs

Sometimes, it seems, we can share the Word of God and His love with all that we have in our inner being; but, it reaches deaf ears. It is met with rudeness and even anger. There are many who just do not know how to react to genuine love.

What to do about this? We are to continue sharing the Word with all who will listen. Do not be afraid of slander or any kind of vicious attacks. Rather, continue to: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God." Col 3:15 NRSV

Remember that you are a child of God and He will be with you always, no matter what befalls you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Clergy Duties

Table of Duties
Certain passages of scripture for various holy orders and positions,
admonishing them about their duties and responsibilities

For Bishops, Pastors, and Preachers.

A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; not a novice; holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. 1 Tim. 3:2ff ; Titus 1:6.

What the Hearers Owe to Their Pastors.

Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel. 1 Cor. 9:14. Let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Gal. 6:6. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the Word and doctrine. For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn; and the laborer is worthy of his reward. 1 Tim. 5:17-18. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you. Heb. 13:17.]

http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

 

There are definitely days filled with grief when it should be joy. It is a very sad thing to proclaim the good news and that good news is met with all kinds of obstacles. There are days when I wonder if it is all striving after the wind (Eccl 1:14) as attempts are made to "muzzle the ox." 

 

Today, I read an article about another pastor who is an atheist. I wondered how she got to be a pastor in the first place. I surmise that it was because someone or a lot of someones had "itching ears." They appreciated the humanistic prattle because it appeased their sense of right and wrong. Even as Martin Luther appeals to a sense of good character; he also reminds us that we must hold fast the faithful Word in order to exhort and convince the gainsayers.

 

I heard news yesterday that a friend has received a call to serve out of the area. She will be moving soon. I will miss her. For my ordination she gave me a framed reminder of my call that I keep in my home office. It says "Comfort The Disturbed. Disturb The Comfortable." Doing either can sometimes bring grief rather than joy. Sharing the Word of God, which is a two-edged sword always seems to make someone unhappy and in return the one who shares the Word will receive grief. If one comforts the disturbed that others deem should have no comfort then you're in trouble. If one disturbs those who are too comfortable the pastor is also likely to receive grief. But, it is the job description! 

 

We are not called to make friends of the world. We are called to hold fast to the faithful Word and to proclaim it (regardless of who it offends) so that other might hear and believe.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Our Father Is Active In Life

The First Article.

Of Creation.

Sunset Silver Mountain, MI

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

What does this mean?--Answer.
I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my limbs, my reason, and all my senses, and still preserves them; in addition thereto, clothing and shoes, meat and drink, house and homestead, wife and children, fields, cattle, and all my goods; that He provides me richly and daily with all that I need to support this body and life, protects me from all danger, and guards me and preserves me from all evil; and all this out of pure, fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me; for all which I owe it to Him to thank, praise, serve, and obey Him. This is most certainly true.

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



 

God, our Father and Creator, cares for His whole creation. He loves and cares for us. He has provided us with all that we have.

 

Do you believe this? If we truly believed this then we would, at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to our Father in heaven. If we believed that all that we have, even our ourselves and our family and friends, are gifts from God, then we would take care of them as though they were precious treasures; for indeed they are.

 

God is not just a God of beginnings. He did not just create and then us alone to our devices. He is an active Father providing not just the material things of life; but, spiritual gifts as well.

 

May our Father's love for us, inspire us to love and cherish Him for all that He has done for us. May God help us to love and care for His whole creation.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J 

2 Timothy 4 - Preach The Word No Matter What

2 Timothy 4 NIV

Monastery at Valaam, Russia

Paul is anticipating his death and so closes this letter to Timothy encouraging him to come quickly to even while he gives Timothy instruction on ministry. "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction," he writes. (vs 2) 

Just as the many deserted Jesus in his last hours, Paul finds that many have deserted him. He warns Timothy to especially watch out for Alexander who did him great harm. There are those who have and will turn their ears away from truth and turn aside to myths. They will listen only to what will please their itching ears. They will come up against you for proclaiming the truth. Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all duties of your ministry. (vs 3-4)

It is not easy to proclaim the message of God in Christ Jesus. There will be many who will want you out of their lives, even dead. They do not want to hear the truth. The Word of God, is after all, a two-edged sword: one edge to stab the conscience; the other to heal the wounded soul. Be aware of those who would attack you for the truth. But, do not worry unduly about them for God is with you and for you. With patience, continue to proclaim the good news to all who would hear.

"The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all." (vs 22)

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Thess 2 - Man of Lawlessness

2 Thessalonians 2 NIV
I cannot count nor ever remember how many men have been publicized as possibly being the lawless one (the anti-Christ) that was prophesied to come. Most often those who were accused of being the anti-Christ have been in positions of power in the world. They have been world political leaders.

I cannot help but wonder if this anti-Christ is actually going to be a leader in the secular world or will that personality be someone from within the visible church on earth. There are many; after all, who are teaching false doctrine and yet are quite popular personalities; leaders (not servants) in the visible church. They have been popular because they please the itching ears. They are popular because they tell people what they want to hear. They have led many astray as they have lifted themselves up in the eyes of the people they teach.

I am convinced that the most dangerous false teachings do not come from those outside the church who deny Christ. These allegations are a distraction and have kept us from looking within ourselves and acknowledging the lawlessness that abides within us. Those most dangerous lies are those lies propagated within the church that are being passed down and expanded upon to succeeding generations. It is quite possible (probable) that the man of lawlessness will be revealed to be one who spread the lies from within the visible church. The man of lawlessness may well come from within the church, itself.

Do not let anyone deceive you; not from outside the church or from within. Jesus is our only salvation. May God help us to remain faithful to His Word.

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 United With The Mind of Christ

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 NIV
Others may not have a clue to the mysteries that we have comprehended and sometimes we may forget that they don't. We expect them to understand what we might even call "common sense." But, it is not common sense that leads us to follow Jesus and to discern God's will for us. It is the Spirit of God who does this.

By the Spirit of God we are united in Christ. We are one. We who are of the Body of Christ have the mind of Christ. He is our head. Is it any wonder that we should be able to discern the things that come from God?

My prayer this New Year's Day is that God would open eyes, ears, hearts, and minds that all whom we love would be able to discern God's gracious and loving will for them and for all people.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Romans 16:17-27 Itching Ears

Romans 16:17-27 
We've all heard them; those who with smooth talk teach a false gospel. It is not any different today than in what it was in St. Paul's day. There is one way to tell if something proclaimed to you is the truth; know the scriptures, read them and hear them. The message proclaimed to us through the prophets is found in them. The fulfillment is found in them. Do not let your itching ears lead you to believing  smooth talkers whose aim is not to glorify God; but their own egos. It is neither wise nor safe to accept any doctrine that cannot be supported by scripture; scripture supports scripture. Read your Bibles daily and have a blessed day; a blessed life in Christ Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

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
 

Acts 2:1-12 The Gift of Hearing

Acts 2:1-12 NIV
When the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost, how was it that each and everyone one of the people in the crowd heard them in their native language?

Rev. Karlo Keljo was an amazing teacher. He was one of my all-time favorites. I still think of him often. He once posed this question to us. "How is it that every one heard in their own language, after all there were a multitudes of different speaking people present? If those disciples were all speaking at the same time in different languages how could anyone have heard anything at all?" Scripture tells us that the disciples received the gift of speaking in tongues. Karlo taught that at that same time the disciples received this gift, the people received what Karlo called the "gift of hearing." No matter what language was spoken, he proposed, everyone still heard it in their own language and understood.

I speak English and yet there are times that I am absolutely astounded that there are some people who listen that just don't seem to hear what I am saying. There are also others, who hear something other than what I meant to say. Usually, the understanding is prompted by the Holy Spirit; but, not always. When I first began my ministry, I was interning under three different clergy at a multiple of sites. After preaching at one particular congregation so that one of the pastors could evaluate my preaching; he called to say that one of the members of his congregation had requested that she get my notes as the sermon had helped her so much with a terrible difficulty she was facing. I asked him how she said that they had helped. What did I say that had helped her so much? When he told me, my response was that I should not give her my notes because I hadn't said that. Whatever she thought she heard was purely a gift from God and my notes might ruin that message for her. I attributed it to the "Gift of hearing." From my lips to her ears, the Holy Spirit was at work so that she received the message that God knew she needed to go on that day. I cannot explain the work of the Holy Spirit. I just know that it is the Holy Spirit who opens our ears and our eyes and our hearts to a greater understanding of God's Word and His will for us.

Receive the Holy Spirit and know God more fully.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 7:1-8 Show Yourself - Give The World A Sign

John 7:1-8 NIV
Show us a sign! Show the world a sign! Show yourself to the world that everyone might believe you! Jesus' own brothers did not believe in him. They tried to encourage Jesus to reveal all the works that he could do to the world. Isn't that what we want before we give our lives to follow him, as well? We want some spectacular miracle before we will believe and we want to see it with our own eyes. The testimony of others is not enough. The testimony of Scripture isn't even enough for many. They want to see a miracle. Well, all I can say is that in order to believe in Jesus, you are going to have to believe the testimony of Scripture. For in it is revealed the greatest, most awesome miracle of all.  Even though we dead in our sins, Jesus died for our sins; he descended into hell; then rose from the dead. He overcame death for us! Because he lives, so shall who believe in him. And, if that's not enough of a sign that Jesus is the Messiah: In full view of his disciples Jesus ascended into heaven.

Believe me, there are lesser signs than this all around us; but none so great as the work of the cross that Jesus accomplished for us.

May God open our eyes, our ears, our hearts, and minds that we might acknowledge this work (sign) that Jesus accomplished for us and then follow in his footsteps into the eternal kingdom.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 6:22-24 Finidng Jesus

John 6:22-24 NIV
What are you looking for? How hard would you look to find it?

The crowd was looking for Jesus. They knew he hadn't left in the boat with the disciples. They had not see him walk on the water to join the disciples in their boat. They wanted to find him. They wanted to see him. They wanted to hear him. They wanted to be healed by him. So, the whole crowd got into boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. They were trying hard to follow him.

How far would you go to find Jesus? You really don't have to go far. It's not that hard to find him. He is with you now and always. You just have to open your eyes and ears and heart and let him in.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 14:25-35 - The Cost

Luke 14:25:35 NIV
"Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear."

Everything will not be handed to you. The path you take following Jesus may be very hard, indeed. Just as the disciples dropped everything to follow him, you may also have to leave everything behind in order to carry your cross and follow him.

One must plan for the future. One doesn't build a home without first figuring out the cost. There is a cost to following Jesus into the eternal home, the Kingdom of God. Your old life must be left behind in order to live the new one.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mark 8:1-21 - Sign Of God's Will

The other day someone was lamenting that God was refusing to give them a sign to let them know what God's will was for them. They ask and ask for one, but God does not answer. Since they do not receive a sign from God to stop them from doing what they already know is wrong; they do it anyway. If you are one who is still waiting for a sign from God, let me remind you that God has already given us a sign of His purpose for us. Jesus Christ, Himself, is the sign. We can find His will for us in His Word.

The Pharisees wanted a sign from heaven. Jesus' response was to sigh deeply and say, "Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” (Mark 8:13 NIV)

The disciples find themselves, with Jesus, worried because they had no bread, with them, to eat. This was after they had witnessed him and even participated in feeding the multitudes with a handful of loaves and fish, twice. Twice! They witnessed this and they did not understand! There are signs all around us; signs of God's gracious love and concern for us. But, sometimes, our desires and our fears for ourselves keep us from seeing the mighty and loving acts of God. They keep us from hearing God's plan; His purpose for our lives.

Are we seeing it? Are we hearing it? Are we living according to God's plan for us? Or maybe we have chosen to be stubborn, since God hasn't seen fit to come to us and in an audible voice speak and tell us personally what we should or should not do, and do exactly the opposite of what God's Word tells us is His will for? God does speak to us. Just not in the way we're trying to dictate to God; but, He has made His will known to us. May God open our eyes to see; our ears to hear; and our hearts and minds to a greater understanding of His will for us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mark 1:9-13 The Wilderness Follows Baptism

 "At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him." (Mark 1:9-13 NIV)

Immediately following his baptism; immediately after being anointed by the Holy Spirit; Jesus is sent by that same Spirit to the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. He is there for forty days.

During my seventeen years of public ministry this is what I have observed most often: Following baptism or affirmation of baptism by people of consenting age; they disappear into the wilderness, often never to return. When and if they do return, it is usually only for a special holy day once or twice a year or even every other year. Sometimes they will come for someone else's baptism or maybe for a wedding or funeral. I have tried to warn them in these latter years that with the anointing of the Holy Spirit in baptism, they, too, will be tested by Satan. The devil will not be happy that they have received this sacred gift from God. But, my warnings usually fall on deaf ears - ears that do not hear. They simply do not get that becoming a child of God is about more than getting to heaven when they die. The devil gets it; but, we do not.

We are anointed at our baptisms with the Holy Spirit for very good reasons. One being; that we will need the Spirit with us as we journey through the wilderness. We also cannot forget that it was the Spirit that sent Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted in the first place. The journey through the wilderness; the temptations that will come; are the Spirit's way of preparing us for our entire life's journey as children of God; for our ministry as followers of Jesus. Remember, that Jesus' ministry did not begin until after he was baptized and after he was tempted in the wilderness.

Baptism is not just a mere ritual by which we gain entrance into the church. Do not take it lightly. As we become children of God, we are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. That will include journeying through the wilderness; being tempted by Satan; ministering to others; actually worshipping, loving, and serving our Father in heaven; doing His will. But, do not fear, for you have been anointed by the Holy Spirit. God will be with you on your journey.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mark 1:1-8 John The Baptist

The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way”—
 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,    make straight paths for him.’” (Mark 1:1-8 NIV)

We begin the Gospel according to St. Mark with "The beginning of the good news about Jesus..." The messenger is Jesus' cousin John. John the Baptist is one of my favorite characters. I often wonder what would happen; how everyone would react, to a character like him in their community today. A man wandering around in the wilderness; dressed in camel's hair; eating locusts and wild honey; ever reminding people to repent. I'm pretty sure he'd be avoided in most communities. But, in that time, he; apparently, had crowds coming to be cleansed of their sins through repentance and water baptism.

I often wonder how people would react to me, if my approach to the good news were more like that of John the Baptist. Would anyone listen? But, on the other hand, do they now? There are times when I feel quite sure that eyes do not see nor do ears hear. But, then I also know the word of the LORD and am confident that "...faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." (Rom 10:17) As long as we keep preaching the good news about Jesus;  people will hear and they will receive faith in the Messiah, the Son of God. It may not be as quickly as we (I) would like. It will be in God's time. Faith will come.

God calls us all to be messengers of His love through Jesus Christ, our LORD.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Zechariah 7 - Resolution To Show Kindness and Mercy

The people wanted to know. They wanted to know if they should continue fasting in the fifth month as they had been doing for so long. The response they received....

"The word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying: Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another; do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another." (Zech 7:8-10 NIV)

It is the beginning of a new year; a time when many decide that they will give up; they will fast from things that they have been indulging in that were harmful to themselves. They plan to change their lives for the better. How about if instead of giving up something (fasting) to make our own lives better; the change takes place in the form of adding something to our lives to make the lives of others better? Things like reaching out to others. Instead of ignoring the person you meet on the street; greet them with the peace of God. Instead of gossiping about the single woman down the street who is trying to raise her children by herself; you get to really know her and support her and her children? How about we pray for those whom we think are our enemies rather than persecute them publicly? I wonder what would happen in and to the world around us if we used (fasted) a bit more of our time and energy in showing a little more kindness and mercy.

 I know, I've suggested these types of changes (resolutions) a thousand times and some may wish I'd quit suggesting it, already.  Many hear; others refuse to unstop their ears. It is the same for many today as it was when Zechariah relayed God's message to the people in captivity. "But they refused to listen, and turned a stubborn shoulder, and stopped their ears in order not to hear." (Zech 7:11) 

Unstop your ears. Listen, to the word of the LORD. Live showing kindness and mercy that it may be well with you and with your neighbor.

God's Peace - Pr. J

 

Jonah 3 - Nineveh Repents

"When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened." (Jonah 3:10 NIV)

Yes!  We finally get to read about a people who were warned by one of God's prophets to repent, to turn from their evil ways, and they actually listened! The LORD's voice through Jonah was heard. Amazing! How refreshing it is to hear of a whole city repenting and turning to the LORD. The people of Nineveh repented of their sin; they turned to the LORD, and God relented and did not bring the destruction He had planned for them.

If only we could all be more like the Ninevites, with ears to hear. In fact, we are like them in that we are all sinners. May God remind us of our sinful ways so that we might turn and be delivered from all calamities; from even ourselves.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Amos 8 - Famine

“The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign Lord,
    “when I will send a famine through the land—
not a famine of food or a thirst for water,
    but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.
People will stagger from sea to sea
    and wander from north to east,
searching for the word of the Lord,
    but they will not find it." (Amos 8:11-12 NIV)

Always searching, never finding... So many seekers out there... hungry... thirsty... but, never being satisfied. The word of the LORD is available. But, it is not available in every church, from every pulpit. It is there. But, sometimes it is difficult to find.

Just as in the days of Amaziah the temple is used for worldly proclamations. In chapter 7, we heard Amos declare that the temple was his and that Amos was not to be proclaiming God's word in it. The same applies today. The church, it seems, belong to the people, a worldly people, who want their "ears itched" and pastors who are reluctant to say anything that will not scratch those ears. This causes a lot of thirsty and hungry people to wander, searching for the water that will quench their thirst. Jesus is that living water. The proclamation of Jesus Christ is the only thing that can satisfy the thirsty or hungry soul.

I rarely get a chance to attend worship services other than at Zion or Aura Lutheran. However, when I am away from the pulpit, I attend worship services wherever I am. Some of the messages leave me excited and fully fed with the word and the Word. Others do not. They leave me empty and actually wanting to run out and find some real nourishment. Not long ago, I attended a funeral service for a Christian man. There was no proclamation of life in Jesus Christ! It was a very long eulogy (not a sermon). Only one time was Jesus' name mentioned during the sermon and that was in reference to Jesus approving of the man; not because of Christ's work on the cross but because of the man's life, itself.

The days of famine have come. Not a famine of food or water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. Jesus' instruction to those who claim they love him was to feed His sheep. Feed them... Feed your neighbors, your friends, your family, with the Word of God... Share the love of God, who in Christ Jesus, was willing to die that we might live abundant lives in His Kingdom, reconciled to God and one another, beginning even now!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ezekiel 30 - Listen But Do Not Hear

Today, we read pretty much the same as yesterday. Egypt and her allies will fall. The Egyptians will be dispersed among the nations and then they will know that God is God.

Sometimes preachers and prophets have to say the same exact thing day after day, year after year, and still many do not hear. They listen but they do not hear.

Open our ears, eyes, hearts, and minds, LORD, that we might know your word and your will; that we might know You.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Ezekiel 12 - Ezekiel's Exile

"The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people. 'Therefore, son of man, pack your belongings for exile and in the daytime, as they watch, set out and go from where you are to another place. Perhaps they will understand, though they are a rebellious people.'" (Ezekiel 12:1-2 NIV)

"Son, of man, you are living among a rebellious people." Now, if that isn't the truth! It is truth not just for the days of Ezekiel, but for today, as well. With eyes that do not see and ears that refuse to hear, we continue on our own path, refusing to follow in the Way that has been set before us, frustrating more than one pastor, more than one shepherd.

The LORD tells Ezekiel to dig a hole in the wall and act like he's going into exile. Did it work? Did it change the people's minds about whom they should worship? Would it work today? Perhaps, but probably not. I've seen more than one Pastor go into exile (leave) and the people cheer. They celebrate because the one who left had been so adamant about proclaiming the Word of the LORD and would not please their itching ears is gone. He/she had not been interested in the people's agenda, only God's. The people lament that they cannot keep a pastor; that they go through pastor after pastor, one every two or three years; yet, they cannot begin to imagine that maybe they had something to do with it. It must be the Bishop's fault for sending them pastors who just don't have a heart for the congregation.

Well, Ezekiel doesn't really leave. He pretends to as a sign, as a warning, that the people will go into exile. They will lose God's temple because of their closed eyes and ears. May God open our eyes and our hearts and our minds, that we might see and hear His truth that His people might desire to worship only Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J.