Are You Listening?

"Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise." Deut 6:6-7

I do a lot of reciting of both the law and the gospel. But, there are times when I just have to shake my head and wonder if anyone is listening? Do they not understand the there is only one true God and that God is almighty; all powerful; all loving; all merciful? It is not wise; it is not a good thing to worship other gods; to put anyone or anything before our Creator and Redeemer. I simply have a difficult time understanding how anyone would refuse to love and serve the only God who can save them from sin, death, and the power of the devil. How could anyone not love someone who was willing to die for them?

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart." Deut 6:4-6

May our Father in heaven, forgive us for not loving Him as we ought; for not loving Him even as He loves us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Armor of God

"Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."  Eph 6:11-12 NRSV

 

Sometimes we forget that the battle is not against each other; but, against the spiritual forces that attack every one of us. We forget and when we forget we forget to pray even for our enemies that they might change (repent) and receive the peace of the Lord so that we all might live in peace; so that we all might live in the joy of His presence.

 

Yes, the evil one does manifest himself in humankind and we do find ourselves in conflicts and wars. To protect those who cannot protect themselves there are times that we must engage in physical warfare. But, even in those times the spiritual warfare must be paramount. We can never forget to wear the armor that the Lord has provided us. We are to at all times and in places wear the belt of truth, a breastplate of righteousness, shoes to help us go out and proclaim the gospel of peace, the shield of faith so that the evil one's arrows will be thwarted, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God). Even as we venture forth wearing this armor we should always and in all places remember to pray. (Eph 6:14-18) Pray in the Spirit that we do the Lord's will and not our own. Pray that God is with us; that, the battle might be won and that the devil have no power over us or any whom God loves. 

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Hebrews 7 - Redeemed by the High Priest

Hebrews 7 NIV 
Jesus is not just the King. He is thee High Priest. He has paid for our sins and through him we have been reconciled to God our Father. Do we get that? Do we understand the implications? We have been reconciled to God our Father. That is the goal of one who would follow Jesus. Being reconciled to God, our Father, through the sacrifice of the great High Priest, Jesus, by the awesome power of the Holy Spirit, is the goal. Is there anything more awesome than that?

It appears (from watching televangelism) that not everyone is aware of the goal nor of the gospel (good news of the Kingdom). There are many other goals. One of the most abhorrent goal is that of doing good works, supposedly godly works, so that one might become wealthy in this world. It is a counterfeit faith. It tells us that if we do this or that, God will bless us with riches, million dollar homes, expensive cars, airplanes, etc.. That is law; albeit counterfeit law. It is not the gospel. When did riches in this world become the first goal, the focus, of a Christian?

By his blood we are set free from bondage to the world. The pursuit of this world through the law over the kingdom throws us right back into bondage to things of this world. Any priest or pastor who teaches that Jesus came to make us rich in this world is not one we should be listening to.

Please, excuse my rampage this morning. I cannot count the times just in the past month I've encouraged people to be more discerning in what televangelists they're watching; even to just skip those channels altogether. And... then last night I found myself watching one. I did not sleep well because of the blasphemous things I heard.

I am not saying that it is a sin to be rich. There are many wealthy Christians. But, it is definitely wrong to promise that God will make someone rich if you send them your money. By doing that, the only one you're making rich in this world is the televangelist. The gifts of God cannot be bought.

Remember this, you were purchased with the precious blood of Jesus, not with silver or gold.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Titus 1:1 - Elders, Overseers, Council Members

Titus 1 NIV

Paul's letter to Titus ministering in Crete, will sound very much like the ones we just read to Timothy. He outlines the qualities of an elder. What Paul considered an elder would be what most of us know as council members. They are overseers who manage the household of God. They cannot be overbearing, nor quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. They are to be hospitable, loves what is good, self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. Above all, they  hold firmly to the message as it has been taught, so that that they can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Not everyone should be a council member. So often, congregations, will choose the closest warm body who has the most available time and will volunteer or sometimes they will choose a prominent leader of the community or successful businessman thinking that he or she will be a great leader. There are all kinds of reasons people are called to serve on the council of elders. Above all, we must strive to ensure that they are faithful people. They are to know the truth of Jesus Christ and can and will be willing to promote the spreading of the gospel; as well as, able to correct those who would teach another gospel in order to ensure the flock that is under our care are not led astray.

It is necessary that they be powerful believers that they might be a witness to the mighty works of God in Christ Jesus. There will be, in every congregation and community, those who will stir up dissension; who will promote false doctrine. You will be able to recognize them easily. "They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him." (vs  16) You will find them within the congregation and community, even as weeds spring up with the wheat. (Matt 13:24-30) Continue with them in your midst; lovingly correct them and encourage them in "the way." But, do not elect them to the council of elders.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Col 4 - Prayer and Proclamation; Don't forget Praise!

Colossians 4 NIV

Young Evangelists - Youth Choir
Say it! Sing it! Just do it!
Share the Good News!

Prayer, praise, and proclamation; that is my evangelism strategy. As Paul closes his letter to the Colossians he reminds us to be diligent in prayer and proclamation. Devote yourself to prayer. Pray that God will open doors for the message so that mystery of Christ may be proclaimed. We don't need a program. We just need the grace of God in order to do His will.

Years ago, my congregation was involved in a multi-congregation effort to do more evangelism. We met quite a few times to talk about evangelism among ourselves. As I drove home with two of the congregations "delegates" to this consortium, we discussed the fact that we were driving quite a distance and spending an awful lot of time talking about evangelism and not actually doing any evangelism.

The truth be told we had these many meetings and had come to the conclusion that we were not of like minds. Leaders from various congregations did not trust one another; everyone seemed to have different and personal agendas, and we were not working well together. We talked a lot at every meeting; but, we never actually got to the point of proclaiming the mystery of Christ. We never got around to doing any evangelism. We had been too busy trying to figure what kinds of evangelism programs would work best. We agreed on that drive home that evening that we already knew in our hearts what we needed to do.  That we would quit wasting time, energy and financial resources talking about evangelism. We were determined to get back on track and put our time and energy into doing the ministry we had received from the Lord. Rather than just talk about it, we would get on with the business of evangelists: praying, praising God, and proclaiming the Good News through both word and deed. We presented this to the council. The motion was approved. By the grace of God, we continued to grow both in Christ and in numbers.

The growth that happened though, did not happen because of one or two or even three people. In this closing section of Paul's letter; he reminds us that he had many co-workers in the gospel. They proclaimed the Good News with one heart and mind. They served together. There were no special programs. They did not discuss strategies. By God's grace, they prayed that God would open doors and proclaimed the mystery of Christ clearly to the glory of God. And... the church grew both in Christ and in numbers.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Philippians 1:1-14 Chains

Philippians 1:1-14 NIV
Paul continues his ministry while he is in prison and not just to those who are around him. He writes this letter to the church at Philippi reminding them that he loves them and how their partnership with them in the gospel brings him joy even in his chains. This exuberant love that he has for them and for the gospel helps to embolden those in Philippi, as well as those around him, to also proclaim the gospel. In spite of persecution; in spite of imprisonment, Paul is joyful and full of love toward others. He knows that his chains are a means to further the gospel.
 
Today, around the world, there are countless Christians in chains for the sake of their faith in Christ. Some are facing possible execution. Some have recently been executed. But, most will never renounce Christ. They will keep the faith even to death. May their deaths not be in vain. Their chains will advance the gospel as we hear of their great love for our Lord.

 

As we remember them today and every day may it be a reminder to us of the great love others have for our Lord. May God grant that our love abound more and more in knowledge and understanding so that we may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. May God grant that we be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

 

Ephesians 3 Prayer and Proclamation

Ephesians 3 NIV
St. Paul's ministry was mainly to those who were not God's children, but now through faith became God's children. Paul, a Roman and Jew, had been called and sent by God to brings the good news to the gentiles. Even in his suffering he continued to encourage them; reminding them and us that they and we are heirs of the one true God. They and we are members of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Paul uses many words, both spoken and written, to remind others of God's love for them just as today we should be diligent in proclaiming this good news to those who are both near and far.

But, there is more... Paul not only preaches the good news to those whom he has been called to serve; he prays for them. I have found that sometimes prayer is more effective than all the words I can possibly spit out. Without God, all the words in the world will have no effect on anyone. And... so as pastors and ministers of the Gospel we pray for those we have been called to proclaim the good news to. We pray "that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (vs 16-19)

May God grant this unto us all that His name be glorified in the church and in Christ Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Galatians 1:11-24 We Believe? Really?

Galatians 1:11-24
Paul has warned us to beware of those who preach another gospel and today we hear him reassuring us that he received the gospel from Jesus Christ by revelation. He did not receive it from humans who might have predisposed biases to teach one way or another but from Jesus, himself. After three years of preaching the gospel; he then went to meet Peter and James (the Lord's brother).

What an amazing revelation that was. The one who had been persecuting those who believed was now preaching the faith and preaching in such a manner that others were turning and praising God because of his witness. This revelation of Jesus changed Paul's life forever. It changed the lives of many who heard Paul witness to Jesus.

You and I have heard the witness. We have received the Holy Spirit. Yet, how alive and active is our faith? When was the last time that our witness actually helped in any way to bring someone to profess Christ as their savior?

Do we truly believe? What is it that we actually believe? Have we turned and received another gospel? Lord, help us in our unbelief. Help us to believe!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Galatians 1:1-10 Other Gospels

Galatians 1:1-10 NIV
There are not many paths to the Kingdom of God. There is only one path. There is only one way. Jesus is the way. Do not listen to those who confuse and confound the world by telling us that there are many ways.

Already, in Paul's day, there were those who were teaching another gospel. They preach to please the masses. They preach to lift themselves up so that they might be adored and followed by men. They may sound like they are preaching Jesus; but, they are perverting the gospel to please the people rather than God. Do not listen to them. Do not follow them. (And, definitely do not preach another gospel yourself!)

There is only one gospel. Jesus Christ gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

You have no idea where those other gospels; those other paths, might lead. Follow Jesus on the path that leads to the eternal Kingdom.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Corinthians 9 Sow Many Seed

2 Corinthians 9 NIV
For the last few years, I've attempted to plant a garden. I sow very few seeds as my garden is very small. Someone in my household does not want a garden infringing on the space that belongs to the driveway. In the fall, I reap almost nothing. In order to reap a harvest we must sow generously.

Likewise the church on earth is like a garden. In order to reap a good harvest. In order for the church to grow, we must plant many seeds. We must scatter the seeds everywhere we go. We are to scatter our gifts to the poor and he who supplies the seed will increase our store of seed and enlarge the harvest so that we can be even more generous.

So that we can be even more generous.... Get that? The harvest is not for ourselves, no matter what the prosperity preachers preach. It's not about new cars and fancy homes. The harvest is so that we can be generous in assisting those in need. The harvest is so to help us plant even more seeds so that the church might continue to grow.

St. Paul encourages the people to give generously to the offering with cheerful hearts. In this way we supply the needs of the Lord's people as well as bring about many expressions of thanks to God.

"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else." (vs 12-13)

Sow many seeds, that the harvest might be abundant and glory given to God. Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

3 Corinthians 4 Not About Us

2 Corinthians 4 NIV
Again, we hear that it is not about us; but about Christ who works in and through us.

There are times that it is actually embarrassing to receive accolades when I know that I have done nothing to receive them. If someone's eyes has been opened; if their mind and heart has been open to comprehend the glorious gospel of Christ it is not my doing. It is the work of God. If the glorious light of Christ has shone through me, it is not me. I am just the instrument that God uses so that others might see the light. I am merely the lantern. Jesus is the light that shines forth. The Holy Spirit is the oil within the lamp that keeps it burning for all without to see.

Yes, there are times when we are persecuted; there are times we are troubled. But, it is not about us. It is about Christ reaching out to a world in need of mercy and salvation through us.

May you be filled with His light that the world around you might see and know the glory of God !

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

2 Corinthians 3:7-18 Glory

2 Corinthians 3:7-18 NIV
Paul was not afraid to proclaim the gospel. He faced persecution and death; yet, that would not stop him from proclaiming the good of news of Jesus Christ. In Jesus, the veil that left the people in the darkness; that is the veil that had shrouded God glory, had been lifted. Paul wanted everyone to contemplate the glory of God. He was willing to do all that he could that everyone would live in the hope of knowing His glory.

Have you seen it? Do you know it? Has the veil been lifted for you. Do you know Jesus the Christ? Do you contemplate the glory of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Be not afraid. Be not afraid to share the glory of God in Christ Jesus with others. For He is the source of all hope.

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Corinth 11:1-16 Long or Short Hair?

1 Corinithians 11:1-16 NIV
Here is a very confusing reading. It has been and continues to be debated as to what it actually means. Should men wear short hair and women long? St. Paul asks: "Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has a long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given as her covering."

First off, I'm thinking that most men in Jesus' day wore their hair a bit longer than many today. so what does Paul mean? Is there a length that he considers too long? Is there a length for women's hair that is too short? It is also difficult for me to grasp whether this is from God or Paul for the sake of respect toward local customs. After all, there is the Nazirite vow to consider. Those who made this vow were/are not allowed to cut their hair, as in the case of Samson. Numbers 6:5 says: “During the entire period of their Nazirite vow, no razor may be used on their head. They must be holy until the period of their dedication to the Lord is over; they must let their hair grow long." In Leviticus (19:26-27) we read:  “Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard."

I think that it is important to note that this Paul's discourse on the hair comes immediately following Paul's exhortation to be all things to all people and not to do things that might cause weaker consciences to stumble and fall. It comes in the midst of Paul's exhortations to not do anything that would bring division. Were the Corinthians resorting to arguing about the length of hair others should have rather than sharing the gospel? Is Paul attempting to stop divisions that are brought about by personal customs on length of hair so that they would focus on the more important things; you know, like the gospel? If so, he appears to have possibly made the length of hair even more divisive, as we sometimes still waste time debating it today.

As for me and my weaker conscience, I wear long hair. I don't have much time in my life for that type of vanity. I don't have and am unwilling to give up precious time to groom my hair so that it conforms to the way people around me might think the hair of a woman of my advancing age be. I am not going to a beauty parlor every couple of weeks for a trim or dye. Gray is good. Usually, when people suggest I should cut it my response is something like "Actually I was thinking about natural dreadlocks. It would only take a few days for this mess." After comments like that my family usually says nothing more about my hair for awhile. I think they may fear that I would do it.

Whether we wear our hair long or short makes little difference to our salvation. We are saved by faith alone. As for women wearing a head covering, I confess, I take comfort in Paul's words: "...if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God." (vs 15, 16)

Have a blessed day...

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Corinthians 9:1-18 Freedom In Christ

1 Corinithians 9:1-18 NIV
St. Paul's ministry is not only questioned by people outside the church; after all that he has done for the sake of the gospel and for the sake of the people of Corinth, he and is authority are questioned by the people of the church as well. This seems to be a common problem within the church today as well. If we don't like what is said or done; we would like to be freed from our leaders. Get rid of them...

Sometimes, it is necessary remove a pastor as in cases of wolves in sheep's clothing. However, most of the time it is merely a personality conflict or a control issue. I have a friend who when talking with me will, at times, refer to "the boss." By "the boss," he is not referring to me. He is referring to our heavenly Father, the one to whom we are accountable. He is "the boss." We will all ultimately answer to God for what those things that we have said and done; those things that we have left unsaid and undone. Thanks be to God for Jesus the Christ, the one we proclaim has granted us freedom to serve our heavenly Father by the giving of his life for us!

Through Jesus Christ, God our Father granted us the freedom to proclaim the Gospel, by the power of the Holy Spirit. The world may not recognize this freedom; but, God our Father does and that's the only thing that matters. We may suffer and die in this world because we make use of this freedom in Christ to proclaim the truth. But, it is better to suffer and die so that the Good News of the Kingdom of God may be advanced in a world that rejects Him than to deny this freedom purchased for us by the blood of Christ.

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.

Romans 1:8-17 I Love To Tell The Story

Romans 1:8-17 NIV
I was having a hard time falling asleep last night so I turned the television on and flipped through the Christian Evangelist type stations. That "fluff and stuff to please itching ears" is usually enough to put me to sleep. However, I ran across one that seemed to be making sense. In that, I mean that he was actually proclaiming the gospel and not soliciting money for the program to make you rich! What initially caught my attention was that he was asking: why, if we all like to sing the hymn, "I Love To Tell The Story," then, why don't we tell the story?

Why isn't it told more? Why isn't the story of Jesus shared with everyone? Are we, are you, ashamed of the gospel?

Paul, even in the face of death, was not afraid to share the gospel with everyone, both to Greeks and non-Greeks, to the Jew and to the Gentile. Paul wanted the whole world to know that righteousness that comes by faith in God; by faith in the one who loves the world so much that he was willing to die in our place, in your place. If you love your neighbor; if you love your family; then for their sake, tell the story of Jesus and his love.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 20:7-12 Preaching Till Midnight

Acts 20:7-12 NIV
When my sons were young teens, they would attend the Lutheran Church that we belonged to on Sunday mornings with me. In the evening the oldest son and sometimes the younger would attend Worship at a Non-denominational Church where some of their friends attended. I think they preferred the music and the fact you didn't have to try to follow a bulletin or any order of Worship. They weren't old enough to drive so I would drop them off and pick them up. (Yes, I did attend with them on a couple of occasions.) The problem was that one could never tell how long the services would last or when to pick them up. More than once, I found myself waiting in the parking lot until close to midnight. They did not have stained glass windows so I could see inside the church through the clear panes. The front pews on those late nights usually had children sleeping on them. On one occasion, at least, the children resting in the pews were my sons.

Many Lutherans have a pretty low tolerance for a service that last longer than hour. I have found that my own tolerance for sitting in the pew for long periods is directly related to how well the preacher can proclaim the Gospel. Does he/she actually know the Law and Gospel? Does he/she actually believe it?

Paul could be a little long-winded. In fact, I am amazed at how long-winded even some of his letters were in light of the fact that there were no typewriters or computers. On one particular Sunday, Paul was preaching in an upper room where a young man was apparently sitting on the third-story window ledge. About midnight, this young man fell asleep and fell out of the window. Don't worry. He lived. They went back upstairs; broke bread and Paul continued to preach until daylight.

Seem a little extreme? When one is hungry for the Word and another is eager to share it so as to make disciples nothing is too extreme. Go and make disciples...

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.

Acts 15 Division

Acts 15 NIV
There have been and always will be differences of opinion in the church. We are both saints and sinners, after all. There will be debates on what needs to be done and who needs to do it. But, we should always remember that we are not politicians. We are stewards of the Word and servants of the living God. We should always strive to listen to Him that we might follow in the Way that He would have us go.

When politicians debate the debates can get quite nasty. When Christians have debate, we need to remember that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and Christ has blessed us with his peace. Hang on to that peace; therefore, that the will of God (not our will) might be done through us.

Paul was called by God to proclaim the Good News to the gentiles. But, there were certain other disciples who felt that the gentile Christians had to comply with every aspect of Jewish law. Paul disagreed. Through debate, they came up with a final decision. The gentiles would not have to submit to circumcision.

When Barnabas wanted to take Mark on their next mission trip, Paul disagreed. He didn't think that Mark was quite up to making that commitment. Their debate was not quite so agreeable as the one they had just had with the other disciples. Paul and Barnabas parted ways. Paul taking Silas with him and Barnabas took Mark with him. They went separate ways proclaiming the Gospel.

There is a difference in the two disagreements you've just read about. One was about doctrine, which was settled amicably. The other was a personal issue. It is sad that their end up being divisions between brothers and sisters in Christ. But, know this: that no matter what happens, God can use even divisions for the good of those whom He calls. Paul and Barnabas continue in their proclamation of the Gospel to the gentiles, even though they are not together when it happens. In fact, as the two went separate ways even more people were reached with the Good News. Paul's love for Barnabas is not diminished by this separation for later he requests that Mark be brought to him because he is useful to Paul's ministry. (2 Tim. 4:11)

May God help us to avoid divisions caused by personal issues so that we are not distracted from our mission and help us to stand on those doctrinal issues that are necessary for the salvation of those whom He calls.

God's Peace  - Pr. J

Acts 14:1-7 Move On

Acts 14:1-7 NIV
Paul and Barnabas have just left Pisidian Antioch because of the trouble stirred up against them. They left shaking the dust off of their feet as a warning to them. (Acts 13:51, Matt 10:14) Today, we find them proclaiming the Good News and performing signs and wonders in Iconium. Many came to believe because of their testimony; but, again many did not. As in Pisidian Antioch, those who refused to believe stirred up trouble against them. They left Iconium, as well, to go to Lystra and Derbe where they continued to preach the Gospel.

Sometimes, it is necessary to shake the dust off of our feet and move on. There may come a time when persecution by a few becomes so prevalent that proclaiming the Gospel becomes secondary to thwarting attacks. It may be that in times like these that it becomes necessary to move on to those who are willing to hear what God has done and is doing for us. As we waste countless hours thwarting attacks by the enemies of God, we should consider how many people we are not reaching with the Gospel. It is a work of the devil to keep us from joyously sharing this Good News.

There are times when it might be necessary to shake the dust off of our feet and move on. May God grant us the wisdom to know when to persevere in one place and when to move on for the sake of the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J