1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NIV A Servant's Heart

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NIV
We are free to do as we please. St. Paul chose to use his freedom to become a slave (servant) to everyone to win as many to Christ as possible. He did not lord it over others. He became like them so that they would be open to hearing the Word.

If proclaiming the gospel is a priority for us in this world then sometimes we have to give up a few things (die to self) in order that others might be willing to listen and hear. Those who would serve others need to be willing and able to walk, as the saying goes, a mile in the shoes of others.

My husband and I own an adult foster care. Direct care is not one of the easiest professions. Not everyone is called to the health care profession. It takes a lot of patience as well as a lot of compassion and empathy. It takes a bit of dying to self for the sake of others. My husband does the hiring after I review the applications. Since you cannot work in health care if you have certain things on your criminal record, that is one of the primary things I look for along with experience. I check the Michigan Corrections web-site to see if they have spent any time in prison or if they have any arrests for sexual misconduct that they did not report on their applications. They will have to have a more thorough background check later if we decide to hire them. I also always check (I believe most employers today do) Facebook and other social media. I want to know if the attitude I see on their page is all about "me" or if they have a servants heart. If you want to serve the elderly, the physically or mentally disabled know that you cannot do it well unless you are willing to give up a part of yourself and walk a mile in their shoes. Compassion, empathy, and integrity are all necessary attributes for one who would serve others.

We are free to do as we please. But, servants are willing to die for the sake of others. Jesus did.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 6:16-21 It Is I; Don't Be Afraid

John 6:16-21 NIV
Who would not be a bit afraid if you were out in the storm and someone came walking up to your boat on the water? The disciples were just that; frightened. But, Jesus speaks to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." The recognize his voice and they let him in the boat.

A friend posted on Facebook this morning a picture of Jesus with the caption "Open Your Heart and Let Him In." She posted, "I would definitely let Jesus in." She would and I am sure she already has. But, some people may have a problem letting Jesus into their small boat or through their front door is that they have no clue who this Jesus of ours is. They may have heard of him, but they wouldn't recognize his voice if he spoke to them because they don't know him. There is a difference between knowing who Jesus is and knowing Jesus. Knowing Jesus is about having a relationship with him. His sheep will hear his voice and answer. His friends will hear his voice and answer.

Lois is absolutely correct. Answer the door and let him in so that you might have a relationship with the living God; the Almighty God, our LORD and Savior. Do not be afraid. Let him into your boat or open the door and let him in.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Song of Songs 2 - Internet Dating Is Not Love

Now that I am much older than the last time I read Solomon's Songs of Songs, I realize that all this falling in love stuff and romance is quite disturbing to me, at least the way it seems to be pursued today. It's not that I'm against love. I'm definitely for love. Sadly, this second chapter reminds me of something I'm seeing in many young people today - so focused on the object (person) that they are pursuing while neglecting the things (like education) that they should be focused on.  And, if someone is peeking through the lattice then they are definitely pursuing something or someone and quite inappropriately, I would say. Today, I'd run any young man off that's peeking through anything! But, that is just me...

It is a quite beautiful poem. In it you will find a really good warning: "Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." (Song of Songs 2:7 NIV)

Do not try to arouse love until it or you or the one you are pursuing is ready! The time will come when true love comes, but this jumping around from love to love is a bit crazy... a new boyfriend or girlfriend every other week! Be for real! It is a waste of time. Live life to it's fullest and I assure you there is more to life than catch and release. And, pursuing true love on facebook is even crazier. Some of you who may be a bit older, may be wondering what I am talking about.

Today, young people don't date like we use to date - you know - where we actually went to a restaurant or a movie.... Today, they connect on places like facebook. They call it dating. They may never even go on a date like we know a date before they are fighting and break up. It sounds safe in a sense - at least we know where they are - in their bedrooms chatting with someone via the internet.
But, there are a few problems with this.

1. They are locked up in their bedrooms not really living life. Go out and play basketball. Go skating or skiing or kayaking or swimming or fishing or with all the toys they have today sno-mobiling or 4-wheeling! There really are a lot of things you can do. If you are bored, it is because you choose to be bored. Get out of your room and talk to your parents and siblings! Really be with them! Live life!

2. They are not out interacting with other people, a social skill which is going to be necessary in adulthood.

3. We really can never know who that person is on the other side of the chat box. Yes, maybe they see their faces. They may even have mutual friends on the social site. But, can they really know who the person is? Will you in the end, after long hours of wasted time find that they're just playing games with you or even worse find out they are actually very dangerous people. From personal experience, I can say that until you can really look a person in the eye, in the flesh; until you can say I C U, then you can't truly know them.

4. It really makes for a lot of wasted and fruitless time as the young people are focused on these relationships rather than relationships that can really bring peace and joy to one's life. It takes the focus away from the things that are good and healthy for the young person; things that are necessary to prepare them for life as adults.

Let love come naturally. It may be that one day you will even meet your life-long partner on the internet. But, don't push it. Let love begin with the people around you, with your family, your friends, your neighbors and one day you will wake up and realize that you have fallen in love. It will come naturally. As Solomon reminds us today, "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires."

Love will come; but, in the meantime, live life.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. and by the way, the friends you have made over the years are way more important to your happiness than some boy or girl you just met on the internet!  

Proverbs 22 - A Good Name

Another chapter full of wise advise.  In it is included the first 6 of 30 wise sayings. Chapter 22 begins: "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all." (Prov 22:1-2 NIV)

I have often reminded young people that keeping their name good, by conducting their lives in a manner that will glorify God, is going to be most beneficial to them, as well. It will help them greatly, not just today by keeping them out of trouble and from being grounded, but it will help them as they become adults. In small communities (in fact the whole world is getting to be a small community) word about one's character gets around pretty fast. Even if they don't know you, information about you can be accessed quite easily. A quick look at your Facebook alone can give a reference, good or bad, in no time flat. To get the best jobs, to have greater opportunities, even to get loans for school or a home or a small business your name will affect the outcome of the application.

If you build up a name that is esteemed, others will be more likely to trust you. If your name become synonymous with trouble, then when trouble comes, they will come looking to accuse you, whether you did it or not. If your name has been muddied by past conduct, you may often find yourself alone and lonely as others, in order to keep their name good, will tend to shy away from you. Those who will cling to you are those who make a habit of muddying up their own name. That may not seem fair or the best thing, but it is human nature.

Riches and gold can buy you acquaintances. But, it cannot buy you genuine friendship or love. If you attempt to buy it with these things, you have only messed up your name.

The LORD is the creator of all, both rich and poor. He is LORD and maker of all, both those who have kept their names relatively good and those who have disrespected themselves and their own names. In reality, there is only one whose name is truly good.  Turn to the LORD and maker of all, bear His Holy Name. Bear the name of Jesus Christ no matter where you are or what you do. In this you will find much peace and reconciliation for a past that attempts to follow you. On the cross, Jesus was willing to clear your name, so that you might bear His, as you face the world before you; as you seek the Kingdom of God. Christian, bear the name of Christ, for His name is good. It is better, far better, than silver or gold.

Remember the story of the man who had been lame since birth, sitting in the temple gate begging for money so that he could eat?  Peter and John came up to him and "Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God." (Acts 3:6-8)

Silver and gold could not buy this man health, but in the name of Jesus Christ, he was healed. Bear the good name of Jesus. It will bring health and wholeness to the world around you.

What's in a name? You were given a name in Christ at baptism. Think about it. What will you do with that name? Remember, that your good name in Christ is very valuable indeed!

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Sorry if today sounds a bit rambling... Remember, this blog is just my initial reaction to my reading the chapter of the day. It is not the gospel! It is more important for you to read the scripture and let the Spirit open your hearts and mind to God's Word. Proverbs Chapter 22 today!

Psalm 75 - Re-focus!

Just got off of facebook.  God has some wonderful timing.  I don't normally read all the posts since there are so many, just the ones that are on top. God's timing is wonderful!  I would not have seen the bullying or the boasting if I'd woke up a half hour later.  The posts fit just wonderfully with this morning's text from Psalm 75.

Quit boasting! Quit bragging! Quit exalting yourself! What foolishness to lift oneself up before others.  Someone needs to spend a little more time focusing on praising God and all that He has created rather than tearing down others. 

Praise the LORD, for His Name is near, tell of His wonderful deeds!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 33 - Singing

Sing to the LORD a new song!

I got up a bit earlier than usual today, made some coffee, checked out facebook, read Psalm 33 and am thinking that today would be a good day to sing to the LORD...  Actually, every day is a good day to sing to the LORD.  I love to sing.  Problem is:  not many around me like me to sing.  My granddaughter says I sing like a man.  I'm a couple octaves lower than your average woman.  I'm thinking my voice is unique.  But, for the sake of others, I usually just sing when there aren't too many people around.  Course, there are the times when I break out in singing God's praises when everyone is least expecting it.  Sometimes, I even dance to it.  I do get a few sideways glances when I do that, especially in places like Walmart.  But, I get strange looks even at church when I sing and sway to the music. It's OK. I'm getting use to that.  My granddaughter (and some of the Sunday School) just look at me kind of strange.  I get these looks like "don't you think you should stop?" But, I think they're getting use to it, too.

Singing is good, whether you're singing in the choir (they usually don't invite me to sing in choirs) or at home alone.  Singing helps us to express our inmost thoughts and feelings.  What is hidden deep down inside of us, comes to the light through words. 

We breathe the words.  It was through the breath of God that all things were made.  He spoke and it was.  It came to be.

Words can hurt.  We need to be cautious that we're not destroying others with our words.  But, singing to the LORD, singing His praises, now that's a good thing.  Sing the praises of God.  Sing praises to the LORD. Use your words wisely, put them to song and give glory to the Word, who is God.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, this day and everyday even as you trust in His holy name.

God's Peace - Pr. J