1 Peter 2:1-3 Crave Spiritual Milk

1 Peter 2:1-3


Arlene and Joe have fed multitudes with spiritual
milk for years with word, song, and deeds....

Babies can be pretty focused on getting what they want. When they are hungry they cry until they get the milk that they desire and which will nourish them. There is very little that can stop their yearning. We might rock them and they might quiet down for a bit; but, it won't be long before they once again let us know that they are hungry.

Christians should be so focused in our desire for spiritual milk. Give yourself a break and desire that which is good for your soul setting set aside malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander, which will lead you to waste away.

Drink the spiritual milk that the Lord has provided and see that the Lord is good.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Philippians 3 Focus on the Goal

Philippians 3 NIV

Focus on the Goal; Stay on the Path

So much time and energy wasted striving after things of this world. Of course, we all need to work for basic necessities. St. Paul had written to the Thessalonians, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” (2 Thess 3:10) But, often our focus is so centered on "stuff" that we forget that we are to focus on the Kingdom of God in Christ Jesus. We think that our worship and service can be relegated to one hour per week and the rest of the week is to strive after and, yes, even worship and glorify "stuff" of the world. We lift up powerful people and even sports heroes and musicians and other such celebrities. We envy and strive to be like those who have earned much in this world; after all, they have done so much for themselves and look how happy they aren't! In this world it is a sign of success to have earned much "stuff."


But, "stuff" that you've been striving after will not save you. "Stuff" will only drag you down. It will require your focus and energy to obtain and maintain. "Stuff" will not save you. The world will not save you. You cannot save yourselves by your own power and might. Only Jesus saves. Put, aside those things which have puffed up your ego and set a new course. Strive for the goal; life in Jesus' presence, in his Kingdom. Press on and take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of for us. Set aside egos and desires of this world. Set aside your confidence in your own flesh to earn anything worthwhile. Because, I can attest that lots of stuff is not worthwhile. It is a waste of time and energy. Trust Jesus and live life in him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Corinthians 2:1-11 Division Pleases Satan

2 Corinthians 2:1-11
St. Paul urges the church at Corinth to forgive the one who has had to be confronted for their sin. They must, he says, in order that Satan might not outwit them. Forgiveness reconciles us to one another and to God in Christ. Satan is not so keen on us working together for the sake of Christ. His aim is to divide us; to turn us against one another; to keep us from proclaiming the gospel.

Sin causes separation and division. Division switches our focus to things other than the love of God in Christ Jesus. May God help us to forgive our neighbors, our brothers and sisters in Christ that the mission of the church be not hampered by the schemes of the devil.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 17:10-15 Agitators

Acts 17:10-15 NIV
It appears that no matter where Paul went the agitators, against him and more importantly against the Word, showed up. He spent a bit of time in prison because of them. Sometimes, he simply left the area.

In Paul's case, it was probably necessary for him to flee so that he could cover as much area as he could with the Good News before his death. I'm not so sure that in this day and age leaving the area is always the best option. In the U.S., we can't be thrown into prison or beaten or flogged for sharing the truth about the Kingdom through Jesus Christ. Yet, we see many pastors who flee the community that they have been called to serve in because of the agitators. Sometimes, it may be necessary because the agitators (antagonists) have managed to switch the focus from Jesus to things of much less importance; in fact, things that cause division and not unity, like egos. Sometimes, pastors simply find it almost impossible to preach the Gospel due to this conflict and leave to go to a community that is willing to hear and then willing to serve the living God rather then their own egos.

Where am I going with this? Well, if your congregation is one that is having to look for a new pastor every two or three years; maybe, it is time to find out if there is someone(s) running these pastors out of the area and if the congregation somehow is supporting this person or persons by ignoring the agitation that they are causing; allowing them to switch the focus away from the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ. It may not always be the best choice to flee an area; but, on the other hand as we are called to proclaim the Gospel; sometimes, we need to go where people will hear it.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Luke 9:48-62 Friends and Followers

Luke 9:48-62 NIV
According to Jesus, his friends and followers were not necessarily those who others would consider to be his friends. He didn't always act in the way that we would expect. Little children were the greatest. People who did not welcome him, he simply left alone and went elsewhere where he might be welcomed; where his message would be heard. Those who wanted to follow him were called to leave everything, everyone behind.

Jesus had a mission. He was focused. He expects those who would be his friend or follower to be focused as well; focused on the Kingdom and the work of the Kingdom. The road is not always easy. There will be times when we might want to do what the world expects. But, we are not of this world. We live in it. Yet, the Kingdom, for you, is not of this world. Jesus' Kingdom was not of this world. (John 18:36)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ezekiel 35 - Live Life Not Drama

Today we hear that Israel's enemy, Edom, will fall. Edom has not only come against God's people, but God, as well. They will fall for their sins.

It is a comforting thought to know that God will take care of our enemies. We do not have to.  We should, by all means, pray for our enemies for who knows if God has plans for them to be repent and be our brothers and sisters.

Not reacting to our enemies attacks on us is a hard thing to teach. At least once a week (usually more) I have to tell my grandchildren to let something or someone go; to leave them to God. He will take care of them as well as those who attack them. Why cause more problems for ourselves by reacting in a negative manner, which just begets more negativity and trouble. My grandchildren don't listen very well; therefore, I get to witness a long of teen-age drama!

Trust the LORD and live life (another thing I tell my grandchildren quite often). Live life in Christ and stay off of the path that leads you away from Him. Believe me, drama can quickly take your focus off your life in Christ.

Live life and live in God's peace - Pr. J