Who Shall Serve?

But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave... (Matt 20:25-27)

We are preparing to elect the next president of the United States. As Christians, what kind of president do we want?

I watched part of the Republican Presidential Debate last night. Only part because I slept through most of it. Not because it was boring, I was tired. There are many good candidates; lots of good ideas and dreams; but, there are some pretty bad ideas, as well. History should remind us that some of those promises will not be fulfilled. They can promise all they want; but, we have a checks and balance system in our government. Just because someone who is running for president promises you something doesn't mean that it's going to happen. We need to ask ourselves, given that we have three branches to our government, not to mention a binding constitution, how realistic these promises really are. Which candidate can actually work with others best for the good of all people?

To tell you the truth, the egos of some of the Republican as well as the Democrat candidates put me off. Do we really want a narcissist as our next president? There has been at least one really good candidate who has stayed in the top of the polls; always near center stage during the debates. But, I don't hear much about him. He seems to get asked less questions during the debates and he gets a whole lot less press coverage. His name is not even usually mentioned as a front-runner by the press. The candidates in front of him and even behind him are mentioned quite often. I cannot help but wonder: what is up with that? I'm thinking it may be because he appears too gentle. He is not a bully. He actually appears, do I dare say it, "humble."

Humility in the Kingdom of God is a virtue. Narcissism is not. Pushing people around is not. Slander is not. Lying is not. Minimizing the harm done to others is not. Idolatry is not. I personally pray that God would call a humble man to this position. One who will serve, not according to his personal ambitions; but, for the sake of the country; even of the world. None are perfect. No one is. But, there are a few candidates who might fit this bill better than others. May God reveal the true natures and ideologies of all of these men and women so that voters might discern for the good of all people.

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

It Will Be Given You

"Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." Matt 7:7-8 NRSV

This morning I would really like the Lord to produce a couple of sermons for me. It would be good if I didn't have to focus on writing them; but, that's not how it works. God is not going to send it directly to my printer. I must do some listening, some searching, in order to know what He would have me say at Carol's funeral tomorrow and at worship on Sunday.

God does, indeed, gift us good gifts without our asking. He gave us His only begotten Son without our asking; without our even realizing that we needed him. But, sometimes we must ask in order to for us to be open to hear His word and His will for us. It's not a matter of God not giving them to us freely. It's a matter of whether we are willing to receive them or not.

The older I get, the more I realize that in order to know and do God's will I have to practice the presence of God so that I can hear Him. I have to actively seek Him because my human nature would shut Him out as I attempt to go it alone, without Him. This, I have found, is not a very wise idea. Of course, God is always with me; but, there are times I shut the door on Him and do not listen; do not hear His word or His will. Without Him, I can do nothing good. But, with Him all things are possible.

Search His word and you will find His good will for you and for all people.

"For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Thess 2:14

God's Peace - Pr. J

From The Rising To the Setting of The Sun; Praise The Lord!

Sunset: Beaufort, SC

"Praise the Lord!
Praise, O servants of the Lord;
    praise the name of the Lord.

Blessed be the name of the Lord
    from this time on and forevermore.
From the rising of the sun to its setting
    the name of the Lord is to be praised.
The Lord is high above all nations,    and his glory above the heavens."

Psalm 113:1-4 NRSV

 

What else is there to say; but, in everything praise the Lord? God has made all things wonderful. He is with us not just from the rising of the sun to its setting; but, from its setting to its rising as well. He is with us always; in the good times and in those times that seem not so good to us. God is with us and His intentions are for our good. May God open our ears to hear His good will for us and "Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!" (Psalm 150:6)

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Good Shepherd Watches Over You

"I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep." John 10:14-15 NRSV

The secular world has made Advent into a happy time; a time to celebrate. But, for many it is not so. It is a time when many are drawn to thoughts of loved ones who are no longer with them. The empty chair at the table draws them into even deeper sadness. Many families will take out "Christmas" loans, if they can get one, in order to provide their children with gifts for their children, simply because this is the tradition of the world. They do not want to disappoint their children and so they will go even deeper into debt so as not to disappoint them on Christmas morning. Did I mention the parties? No? Hmmm.... Well, the trouble that comes from all that "Christmas Cheer" speaks for itself. More trouble... More depression... More loneliness... More divorces... More deaths and empty chairs to grieve over during the next Advent and Christmas seasons.

Advent can be a very lonely and depressing time for many. The world thinks we should be happy, happy, happy; so smiles mask the emptiness and sadness; because that is what is expected, by the world around us.

Advent, is indeed a time for hope. But, there is little hope if we expect the world to give us answers. The only hope to be found is in the good shepherd. He is humble and he is kind. He is not full of things of this world. His concern is for you. He will care for you. While the world is busy worrying about "things," Jesus is there for  you. He is with you; watching over you. He loves you enough to lay down his life for you. What greater gift can there be than having someone love you so much they would give their all for you?

May God help us to see as the Good Shepherd sees and to live as he lives caring for others enough to be with those who are hurting; those who are alone; those who are in any need, not just this Advent season; but, all year round.

God's Peace - Pr. J

It Is All Good

Moose snuggling in Aura

And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good. Gen 1:24-25

One of the perks of living in the woods is getting to experience the wildlife around me. I have lived in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for more than half of my life; but, up until yesterday I had never had the opportunity to see a moose in its natural habitat. Early yesterday morning, I saw two; both a bull and a cow. They were hanging out a little ways form my home. They looked very much at peace with one another and the world around them. My presence certainly didn't bother them. I was able to take many photographs as they ambled from the river's edge toward the clear-cut they've been hanging out in. They were in no hurry as they stopped to snuggle together every step or two. It was very good.

It wouldn't hurt to take a lesson or two from them. Even though they can move quite quickly when necessary; they usually move at a slow and steady pace, at peace with one another and the world around them. 

It's all good.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Love is Patient and Kind

Love One Another

"Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Cor 13:4-7

As we seek to find our own places in this world, we sometimes forget that we are more than the sum of our own parts. Family and friends sometimes get hurt as we seek to fulfill our own desires. As we seek our own futures; our own good; we might not even recognize that we are hurting others who love and care for us.  

But, if we truly love someone, we will seek their good. We will be kind and not arrogant or rude when we perceive (rightly or wrongly) that they are holding us back. Love endures all things. Genuine love is patient enough to work through any problems. Real love; the love that emanates from God through us, endures forever.

May God grant us all a love that is patient and kind to one another that we might be reconciled first to God our Father and then to one another through Jesus Christ our Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Teach Children in the Way

"If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes!" Matt 18:6-7 NRSV

Children have begun to return to school for another year of education. The reality is that schools are not the only places our children learn. They learn much in the home and much as they observe and interact with society around them.

What are we teaching them? I don't just mean the public school system. I mean each and every one of us. What are we teaching them in the community? Are we teaching them to follow in the footsteps of Jesus as loving neighbors and servants or are we teaching them that anything goes as long as it makes one happy?

When we teach that what is evil is good we are putting stumbling blocks between children and the promises of God. We lead them astray when we tell them that it doesn't matter if they obey the laws of God or the laws of the land, we send them all on a path of destruction and we become the stumbling block that will prevent them from seeking the Kingdom of God. They will be so busy trying to figure out how to get out of the mess that they created for themselves by following liars that they won't have time for peace; they won't have time to just sit and be still with God.

Could we at least agree to not teach the children (particularly other people's children) that it is not all right to disrespect those who have authority over them; that is the people who are raising and supporting them, their teachers, and, yes, law enforcement? It would really make life a whole lot easier for the children and for us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Just because it feels good, doesn't mean it's good for you.

Christian Fellowship

Do not neglect to meet together for encouragement.

"And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25 NRSV

We gather together to worship God. As we hear the word and receive the Sacrament, the love of God fills us to overflowing. That overflow pours out into the community around us.

Yet, as we reach out to the community around us with the love of God, there are times that we can be emptied pretty quickly. St. Paul warned in this second letter to the Corinthians (6:14) not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. That does not mean that we should shun unbelievers; for how will they know the love of God if we do not share it with them? However, it does mean that we should make time to gather together with other believers not just at worship, but as often as possible so that we have the opportunity to encourage and support one another in our faith.

May God bless the fellowship of all the saints.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. This was just a reminder to our local community to remember to join us at our back to school picnic in September to fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Revelation 3:1-6 I Know Your Deeds

Revelation 3:1-6 NIV

Sometimes we can seem so faithful to the world outside because of all our good works. But, to the angel of the church in Sardis, Jesus says, "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but your are dead." (vs 1) Wake up and repent! Walk with Jesus, dressed in the white robes of his righteousness.

May we always remember that our good works might fool some of the people; but, they can never fool God. We are saved by faith alone in Christ alone.

God's Peace - Pr. J

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

James 4 Fights, Quarrels, Injustice

James 4 NIV
I watched the news, the unpeaceful protests in Baltimore, late into the night last night. Sadly, that is just a tiny fraction of the unrest in the world these days. It never ceases to amaze me that so many people will use the excuse that they seek justice to commit more injustice. Breaking the law and throwing rocks and bottles at cops is not going to promote anyone's agenda for the good. How can looting and setting other people's property on fire be justice in anyone's mind? Yet, there are quite a few who think that it is.

There is so much dissension in this world. St. James asks: "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." (vs 1-3)

We are taught by scripture that we are to love our neighbors and that doesn't mean just the people in the church. We are to love even our enemies. We are to care for them. To unjustly attack our neighbors or even our enemies is sin. To cause harm to them whether it be intentional or unintentional is sin. What we do or what we ask God for should not be for our benefit alone; because it might be pleasing to us; but, for the good of all people. 

"If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them." (vs 17) "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (vs 7,8)

May God help us to learn to better trust that His will is for the good of all of His children.. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Hebrews 12:4-12 - A Father's Discipline

Hebrews 12:4-13 NIV

A father who loves his children will discipline them when needed. No matter how difficult it may seem, he will not turn his eyes the other way and ignore it when his children are on a path of self-destruction. He will also continue to support them and love them just as our heavenly Father loves all of His children.

It can be difficult for a child to receive discipline or reproof from their parents. It causes many to feel as though they are no longer loved. It can be just as painful of an experience for a parent to discipline their child. Yet, it is sometimes necessary. Loving parents will discipline their children as they think best. Sometimes the discipline of earthly parents turns out not so much for the best. But, even then, it is usually because it is the best that the parents know and can give. It is what they have been taught. Most try to discipline lovingly and justly. Human parents make mistakes and sometimes with wrong motivations. However, God does not. He disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.

Life can be tough. Yet, through all the lessons we must learn, we will grow in Christ. We will grow up as children of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Titus 3 - Do Good; Live Peaceably

Titus 3 NIV
Paul encourages Titus to remind the people to live peaceably and do good. There is enough trouble in the world without causing or being involved in foolish controversies. Do not waste away your life enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures or in malice toward one another.

God has given us life; eternal life. "He has saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." (vs 6-7) This is a good work of God. Why should we throw it out and exchange it for life-draining drama? Christ died on the cross so that we could exchange our sinful drama for new life in him. Will we ignore that gift to us?

When I hear of some of the foolish disruptions to lives around me, I think of those who are in real trouble. Some of our brothers and sisters in Christ are dying for the name of Jesus. Many have illnesses that cannot and will not overcome. There are problems that really need help. There is a gospel to be proclaimed. All of these foolish controversies are distractions of the devil to keep us from doing the real good that we could be doing.

Paul encourages us to do good rather than waste our time on that which is not productive. He wrote: "Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives." (vs 14) There are plenty of genuinely urgent needs in the world. We have been renewed by the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. As children of the living God, let us not be distracted by those things that could well be avoided by striving to live in peace and respecting and loving one another.

God's Peace - J

1 Timothy 5 - Christian Charity

1 Timothy 5 NIV

Zion's Youth Choirt
at Toys for Tots Benefit Concert

In a time when the state was not expected to support the elderly or anyone else, St. Paul exhorts families to care for their elderly relatives, especially their parents, before they are put on the list for the church to care for them. His list of who gets assistance is pretty narrow. He focuses mainly on widows. They are not to be put on the list for assistance unless they are over sixty years old, has been faithful to their husbands, and have been known for their good deeds.

It is, of course, the Christians duty and privilege to care for those in need. Today, we help all in need. Yes, there are definitely those who would take advantage of the church's assistance. There are those who go from one congregation to the next asking for assistance. There are those few who make a career of exploiting Christian charity rather than working themselves. It depletes the funds that could be used for those who are truly in need. In order to help those in genuine need sometimes we have to say no to those who would steal the support we have to offer from the one in real need.

There is an old saying that "charity begins at home." This is not to say that we should indulge ourselves and care only for ourselves; rather, we should look to our own relatives, the aunts and uncles, parents, and grandparents who are in genuine need and care for them so that they do not suffer. If we cannot, then churches or other charitable non-profits such as St. Vincent DePaul should be called on for assistance. Lastly, I believe, the state is there. It seems like we've turned this around a bit today.

Paul gives a list for discerning who is in real need in his letter to Timothy. Then he adds: "Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (vs 8)

We are not saved by our good works; rather, the joy of our salvation inspires us to be merciful and caring to those in need. The joy over what Jesus was willing to do for us, inspires us to reach out to others in need. "The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever." (vs 24-25)

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Good News

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 NIV
I check the local news every morning at http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/. Some mornings the news is usually just lists of scores from sporting events. I am probably one of the few in this country who does not consider sporting events as news. Those things worthy of news should be those things that happen on a very infrequent basis or is a one of a kind event. Sporting events just don't fit into the category of unique. 

It would be good if we could get as excited over the "Good News" as we do when our favorite team makes it to the Super Bowl. Where's the enthusiasm for the new of Jesus Christ? Where's the enthusiasm when we hear or share the news "...of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep." (vs 3-6)

Jesus died for you and yet he lives! Because he lives so shall all who believe in him! Do you really believe it? And, if we do believe; is it not enough to get us up from our couches and share this marvelous news; this news of first importance, with others?

Get excited! There is no other news of more importance. Jesus lives for you! He has won the race! He has triumphed! He has done this all for you!

May the grace of God that is within you share the news that He loves the world so much that He was willing to die that we might live.

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Corinthians 14 NIV Good Order

1 Corinthians 14 NIV
"But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." (vs 40)

Although, it has not happened often, I have had people blurt out a question or a story during the middle of a worship service. The incidents have been rare and they really did not interrupt the service. Seemed a bit odd, but nothing that switched our focus from worshipping.

It appears though that St. Paul had to address too much talking in the church; too many interruptions. There were those who were gifted in speaking in tongues who appear to have been monopolizing the service. There also appears to have been women who were constantly interrupting.

Now there is probably nothing wrong with speaking in tongues during Worship if the service is designed to do that and if everyone is aware of it. However, if there is no one there to interpret so people can hear and understand what God has to say then they are just making noise; noise that switches the focus from God to self. As for asking questions; questions are good. But, often we will find that if we listen long enough and intently enough the question will be answered anyway. If not... you can write it down and ask the pastor or speaker or a friend or your spouse what they meant later.

Paul exhorts us to good order when we gather together to worship God. Worship is not about the individual. It's about God. Whenever we do or say something during worship it should glorify God, not us. Speaking out of turn in any language is distracting. It turns the focus away from God to the individual. That goes not just for talking out of turn; but, for things we would add to or take away from the service. I have actually had people question why we pray the Lord's prayer at every service instead of letting the Holy Spirit guide our prayers. They thought the Lord's Prayer was too rote. Some of you may get that question. Some may not. I frankly didn't understand why anyone who professed to be a Lutheran Christian would even ask the question. Not long ago, I worshipped with a mission congregation. The first words in the sermon reminded us to "not mess with the liturgy." The pastor said that we should not mess with the liturgy because even when the pastor totally messes up the sermon (and we surely can at times when our egos or certain personal agendas take over) the liturgy feeds the people because it is the word of God.

So, for us Lutherans, we (most of us, at least) stick with the liturgy. We stick with good order in the service of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

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

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Promiscuity

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 NIV
Well, today we get to talk about promiscuity... Just cut it out, hey!

Just because you think you can do what you want doesn't mean that everything or everyone you want is good for you. Get this: promiscuity leads to many problems; some of which can be deadly to both body and soul.

When we get to "Thou shall not commit adultery" in confirmation classes, we discuss this concept (reality) of two becoming one. When we are joined with anyone, we are united with them forever. No matter if the relationship lasts one night or one decade we will always be connected to that person spiritually and emotionally. Choose well with whom you sleep (or choose none), not everything and not everyone is beneficial to your life in Christ.

May the relationship that is of prime importance in your life be your union with God the Father, through Jesus the Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Corinthians 4:1-5 God Knows

1 Corinthians 4:1-5 NIV
There are times when things just don't seem to be going as they should be. It is times like these when it is good to remember that what we think we see isn't always how it actually is. Do not be too quick to judge. We may not be able to figure out how good will come from it all. But, be assured God knows what good He can and will bring from these circumstances. Do not lose heart. God is with you and He has a plan for you. (Rom 8:28)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Romans 12:1-2 Transformed Not Conformed

Romans 12:1-2 NIV
Do not be conformed to the world. Be transformed in Christ.

Our discipleship small group has been discussing the difference between being conformed and transformed. Many within the church appear to be conforming to certain standards that they feel appropriate for a Christian. This is adds up to nothing more than good works and we all know that works without faith is not worth a hill of beans. Conformation is only an outward action. In order for our lives to be effective witnesses to and for Christ, we must abide in Christ and Christ in us. We must be transformed. We cannot be witnesses to the world; we cannot make disciples for Christ, unless we are disciples first. And, disciples are not those who have conformed to the world's standards of Christianity or anything else. Disciples are those who have been transformed by the loving, living, abiding presence of Jesus the Christ.

Be transformed. Be a disciple. Make a disciple.

God's Peace - Pr. J.