Using God's Gifts

"Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received." 1 Peter 4:10 NRSV

We have all received gifts from God that can and are to be used to serve God and God's children. The Holy Spirit has not left anyone without at least a gift or two or many to be used for the glory of God and in the ministry of the gospel of  Jesus the Christ for all people.

If you are gifted with musical talents; there is always plenty of room to join with others in ministering through music. If you teach, we need teachers. There are also those gifts and talents that some might think have nothing to do with the ministry of the Church. But, you would be wrong. We need people to plow the parking lot so people can get into the church to worship or to study and hear God's Word. We need janitors and sextons to help with the general upkeep and cleaning of the property that God has given to us. The Body of Christ needs people who work well with youth or really enjoy visiting our seniors. There are those who cannot, for whatever reason, are home-bound. You can pray. You can make phone calls to reach out to others who may be alone and lonely. Not one person in the church on earth has been left without gifts or talents to serve one another.

May God help us to joyfully serve the Lord and one another with the gifts that He has so graciously given to each of us.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Saved By Grace Through Faith

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast." Eph 2:8-9

Often we cling to sins that we may have committed years ago. That's not to say we keep repeating them. But, sometimes, no matter how hard we try to forget them, we do not. The devil keeps reminding us of our past acts against God and against humanity. And... we continue to live in our guilt.

There is nothing we can do to undo those sins of our past. We cannot "fix" them by the works of our hands. Our sins cannot be cancelled out by anything good we might think we do. Just about when we might think we're balancing the scales the devil will rear his ugly head and remind us of yet another sin that we need to atone for. It's a never ending cycle. Do not fall for the devil's tricks. You have been saved by God's grace through faith.

It is time to quit living in the past; carrying the sins of your past. Your sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus. There is only one way that you can be saved from your past or your present sins. By the grace of God you are saved through faith. Salvation is not something that you can earn. Salvation is a gift from God. Have faith that this gift is for you. Receive it! Live in this truth and tell the devil to depart in the name of Jesus Christ for your sins are forgiven.

God's Peace - Pr.

Gift of Life

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." John 3:16 NRSV

It is difficult to comprehend a love as great as the love God has for the people of earth. Yet, it is there. His desire is not that anyone should die; but, that all should live. It is evidenced by the willingness of Jesus to die on the cross, carrying our sins in his body. It is evidenced by the sacrifice that our Lord, Jesus made for us. Paul wrote to the Romans (Rom 3:21-25) "But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction,  since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith."

How great is the love of the one who was willing to die so that all who believe could live in God's presence for all eternity! Thanks be to God for this gift of life!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Remember the Sabbath Day

The Third Commandment.

Thou shalt sanctify the holy-day.

What does this mean?--Answer.
We should fear and love God that we may not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred, and gladly hear and learn it.

http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php#tencommandments

 

My husband and sons were logging. Logging can be a pretty expensive business. We sometimes joked that it was just a hobby as it often felt like they were paying to work rather than earn livings since equipment breakdowns can get pretty expensive. On occasion, they would decide that they needed to work on Sunday morning rather than worship in order to make up for time lost due to the weather or equipment breakdowns. Every time they decided to do this they would have another piece of equipment break down on that Sunday morning. Do I think that God was punishing them for working on Sunday? No. I think that because they did not heed His word to rest on the seventh day that they were exhausted and when we work tired and troubled; accidents; problems occur. God does not give us the commandments so that He can punish us. The commandments are for our own good.

 

It has been many decades since I realized what this holy-day of rest meant for me. I can get pretty cranky at times. During a particularly trying period of my life I came to realize that if I did not attend worship on Sunday (or maybe Saturday evening) I was pretty difficult to live with the rest of the week. By Friday, nobody, including myself, wanted to be around me. I need to receive the means of grace, the Word and Sacrament of Holy Communion, in order for me to be a bit more graceful towards others. I need to be able to find rest in Christ in order to be refreshed for the upcoming days.

 

Thanks be to God, He has given us the gift of the holy-day to gather with the saints and hear His sacred Word.

 

God desires good for you. Receive the good gifts of His Word and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. These gifts are available freely for you every Sunday at your local place of worship. Do yourself and your family and friends a favor; go and listen to Him; receive His Word; receive the Lord in the Sacrament of Holy Communion! Join others in worship every seventh day, no matter which day that happens to fall on.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 22:6-21 A Final Warning and Promise

Rev 22:6-21 NIV
Well, today brings us to the end of the book of Revelation and to the end of the Holy Scriptures.
Some of you may wonder why I have been such a light-weight as we went through Revelation; why I have not a more in-depth interpretation as many others have; why I have not done more finger pointing as to who or what the anti-Christ is. The answer to that is found in this last reading: "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll." (vss 18-19)

I take this warning seriously. As we read or hear the Holy Scriptures, we need to understand that our sinful natures may well inspire an interpretation according to our own wills; our own egos, our own agendas. Revelation, in particular, because it is a vision, should not be taken literally. That does not lessen the fact that it is prophecy and includes, very much, a warning to those who have fallen from "the way." It is a warning to those who would follow in a way that they should not go and a blessing to those who worship the one true God.

The revelation to John is not just a horrific warning to the world. It is indeed a blessing of promise and hope to all who believe. "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let the one who hears say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life." (vs 17)

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. (vs 21)

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Peter 1:13-25 Set Your Hope In the One Who Is Hope

1 Peter 1:13-25

No matter how many times we are reminded not to worship the false gods of this world, there is a
multitude that set their hopes on things of this world; on silver and gold. They will turn away from God seeking an illusory happiness of this world. They will be happy when they have this or that thing; happy when they have power over this or that person; happy when they get to do whatever it is that they desire no matter whether it is right or wrong, no matter who it might hurt. But, true joy comes from knowing the Lord; walking with him. Real joy comes with living in a reverent relationship with the Lord and respecting our Father's will.

I pray that you will not conform to the evil desires of those who live in ignorance. Rather, "with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." (vs 13) If your heart is aching and your life feels like a total disaster; then turn your heart toward the Christ for you were redeemed by his precious blood. You were born again, not of perishable things of this world; but, of the imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

Pr. J

1 Peter 1:1-12 Grace and Peace Be Yours In Abundance

1 Peter 1:1-12
I was recently asked to think about the most awesome thing that has ever happened to me. I will tell you. It happened about 30 years ago. It was the day that I met the Holy Spirit. On that day I got to know the Spirit as a living reality. Previously, I had known about the Holy Spirit; but, did not know the Spirit. That day, kneeling beside my bed praying, I came to know the Spirit. No man laid his hands on me. God did. By God's grace I came to know and experience life in and with the Spirit of Christ. Words cannot even begin to describe the joy and peace that I experienced that day and since. Nothing in this world can compare to being in relationship with God the Father; God the Son; and God the Holy Spirit. If you are looking for joy and peace in this world give up that search. It is not here. These things come living in relationship with the living God, not by possessions in this world. As children of Almighty God, we have an inheritance much more precious than any silver or gold.

God had been preparing me for things to come; for immediately following this introduction, I was tested tremendously. But, I persevered (not just persevered; but grew in Christ) because God was with me. Listen to the words of St. Peter: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." (vs 3-6)

In Christ, you have been born again. There will be trials; but, in the midst of these trials God is with all His children. Persevere in faith and you will know joy and peace even in the times of trials.

May grace and peace be yours in abundance, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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 Tim 1:1-2 - Grace, Mercy, Peace

1 Timothy 1:1-2 NIV

Falls River, L'Anse, MI

"Hey, dude!" In years gone by one of my granddaughters would greet me like that. I would remind her that I am not a dude. Regardless, "Hey, dude!" was just another way of saying "good to see you." It is always good to see her, too.

Paul generally begins his letters with a blessing. I sometimes wonder how it would change us; how it would change the world if we would all greet one another with a blessing, with words, like Paul used: "Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I often greet people I haven't seen in awhile with the words, "God's peace." The response is usually just a smile. But, sometimes I get a surprised look like "hey, we're not in church, where did that come from?"

The reality is that except for sharing the peace during worship many of us do not share God's peace or pray God's blessing upon others when we're outside of the "designated" times or places. In fact, I rarely hear anyone talk about Jesus even at the church, unless we're in a group that is designed to do just that. Not long ago, the discipleship group at Zion decided that we needed to try to become more intentional about trying to greet others in a way that would bless others; in a way that would remind them who it is that we worship. We get lots of smiles when we greet others, both inside and outside of the church, with "God's peace be with you."

We're seriously hoping it catches on.

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

Ephesians 2:1-10 Saved By Grace, Through Faith!

Ephesians 2:1-10 NIV
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." (vs 8-9)

By grace we have been saved, through faith. It is as simple as that. Salvation is a gift from God through Jesus the Christ. There are no good works that can save us. However, that does not mean that we do not do good works. "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (vs 10) We who have been born again into the Body of Christ joyfully serve others as Christ served us, even to his death on the cross for our sakes and for our salvation.

By grace we have been saved! Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Galatians 5:1-12 Law or Grace?

Galatians 5:1-12 NIV
Abandon your life to the grace of God! There are so many laws and traditions, I find it virtually impossible to keep to the traditions and letters of the law that are set forth by humankind. Can anyone know them all? Can anyone abide by them all? We have barely entered the season of Lent (it is the day after Ash Wednesday) and I find myself unable to sleep at 3 a.m. begging God for His mercy and grace; for without Him I would surely be lost.

The church on earth, in Paul's time, spent a lot of time worrying about the law of circumcision; whether gentiles should be circumcised or not. Paul said no. Others said yes. Paul insisted that keeping this law would not justify one person. His claim was that if we are trying to be justified by the law then we are alienating ourselves from Christ. The only justification that we have is Jesus the Christ. He died on that cross so that we might be justified in our Father's eyes. The law had to be satisfied. He satisfied it for us.

Mistakes will be made; sins will be compounded, laws will be broken. Much time will be spent worrying about it and trying to justify our own actions. If we continue to attempt to be justified by our own good works in keeping the law (which none of us ever have) we have fallen away from grace. We must abandon our lives to God's mercy and grace! We must trust Him! Our help is found only in Him. Give thanks and praise that your sins are forgiven for "the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him;  we have not obeyed the Lord our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets." Dan 9:9-10

God's Peace - Pr. J

Galatians 2 Christ Lives In Me

Galatians 2 NIV
Remembering the poor is a good thing. But, sometimes we can get so wrapped up in doing good, those things that our traditions dictate, that we forget that we are not justified by our good works and go about acting like they amount to something that could be credited to us. Paul had to confront Peter about this. Although Peter accepted and even approved Paul's ministry to the gentiles, Peter kept himself  apart from the gentiles. He was saying grace... but, living by the laws of the his tradition.

Paul reminds us that righteousness cannot be gained through the law. It is by the grace of God that we are found righteous. It is by the grace of God that we are saved. We earn none of it. We deserve none of it. And.. if good works are done through us let us remember these words of Paul. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Gal 2:20)

So when we start thinking that we are accomplishing much, let us remember that it is not we who accomplish these things. Thanks be to God for the abiding presence of Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Corinthians 13 A Threat and A Blessing

2 Corinthians 13 NIV
Paul closes his letter with a warning to the Corinthians that he will not deal lightly with those who have not heeded his warning when he sees them again. Paul's intent; however, is not to tear anyone down, but that they might be built up by putting aside the sin that dwells within them. His hope that they would all choose to live lives that would glorify God.

Apparently, he had a lot more authority than most Lutheran pastors. I was just imagining the response I would get if I wrote a letter like this and then closed with a threat for them to look out if they don't quit sinning. The church has definitely changed over the years. May God have mercy. God help us all to strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind and live in peace.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship  of the Holy Spirit be with you all. - Pr. J

1 Corinthinians 16:19-24 Blessings or Curses

1 Corinthians 16:19-24 NIV
So much for being sweet... St. Paul can be quite tough. He sends warm greetings to the church in Corinth. He sends his love to them. He blesses them saying, "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you." He also curses those who do not love the Lord. "If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed!

St. Paul's a bit tough. Not sure if I'd go there. Not that it hasn't crossed my mind. My mind, on a few occasions, has considered how the prophet Elisha cursed the boys that called him baldy and God's response to the curse. (2 Kings 2:23-25)  Now, that was a serious curse! Those bears came out of the woods and mauled 42 of the boys and not because they did not love the Lord; simply because they were disrespectful to his prophet.

St. Paul cursed those who did not love the Lord. But, I'd rather ask God to soften their hearts to Him; to open their minds; to help them receive their salvation. I'd much prefer to ask for a blessing so that I might live in peace. Yes, I know. That's a little selfish. But, I can get real weary living among a cursed people. Blessed people are much easier to live with.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all.

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

Romans 6 Dead And Yet Alive In Christ!

Romans 6 NIV                                                                        

Died in Christ and yet we live! Live life!
Photo: Old Sheldon Church, Beaufort, SC

There are those who think that because we believe, we can keep on sinning; because we are confident in the promise that God has forgiven our sins.  Paul addresses this problem in Chapter 6 of Romans. "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!" This attitude that God's grace will cover everything we can do, whatever or whenever we choose, without worrying about it's consequences is (at least in part) what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called cheap grace. What is cheap grace? Cheap grace is no grace!

We, who have been baptized were baptized into his death. As our old self was drowned in the waters of baptism; we were raised to new life in Him.  We have died once to sin; how and why would we continue in that sin. Assuredly, we will all continue to sin. While we are still in the flesh, we will continue to struggle with the desires of this world. We will struggle as simultaneous sinner and saint. But, those who abide in Christ and He in them will not willfully sin. To willfully sin is cheap grace and then to keep repeating the sin just because you think you enjoy it is to spit in the face of Jesus and actually reject the gift of life given to us in his death.

The old self was crucified with him, so that we might live life in the kingdom of God. Live Life in Him!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Acts 21:17-36 Saved By Grace Through Faith

Acts 21:17-36 NIV
They all claim to serve the same God, the one true God. Yet, there is an uprising against Paul in the city. The Jews are pretty excited about what Paul has been doing among the gentiles. The words that come through him have turned the gentiles to the worship of God. Yet, the Jews are zealous for the law. They are so zealous that they are not at all happy in their perception that Paul undermines the law.

Christians, beware that you do not follow in the footsteps of those Jews who persecuted Paul. The law does not save. It is only by God's grace through faith that we are saved. Be careful not to become a stumbling block to others by insisting that they do or don't follow certain rituals or traditions attributed to the law. There is only one God. May God open our eyes and hearts to His great love for us so that we might in unity love and serve Him as well as all of His children.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Acts 20:13-38 The Way Is Not A Walk In The Park

Acts 20:13-38 NIV
Is it not the hope of any parent, whether physical or spiritual, that those whom we have taught will follow in The Way? To bring them up in The Way so that they too might revel in the love of Jesus to the degree that their heart's desire is to share the Good News of the Kingdom with others. The primary work of a disciples or a follower of Jesus is to make more disciples; more followers, of Jesus.

Paul has taught the people of Ephesus. He has discipled them. But, now on his way to Jerusalem to face much persecution he calls the elders of the church in Ephesus to himself. It is pretty much his permanent earthly farewell to them quite like Jesus warned his disciples of his impending death. But, Paul is not concerned for himself. His only goal is to finish the task the Lord Jesus gave to him. He has gathered the elders to encourage them to continue in The Way; shepherding the people; making disciples, when he is gone. He knows that he will in all probability be put to death; yet, his life is nothing to him compared to preaching the Kingdom through Jesus. Nothing has nor will stand in Paul's way of testifying to the good news of God's grace.

Paul faced many hardships. Those who are faithful to testifying to the Kingdom of God in Christ Jesus will face hardships. The Way is really not a walk in the park. It can be most difficult. Not everyone wants to hear the truth. There will be those even among the flock who will make it most difficult for this testimony to be heard. There will be wolves in sheep's clothing to confront. There will be persecutions. But, God is with you. The Spirit of God will guide you in the way even as the Spirit led Paul.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Please remember to read the scripture of the day. Just click on the scripture link at the top of the blog.

Luke 20:41-47 Enemies of Jesus

Luke 20:41-47 NIV
The enemies of Jesus will be made a footstool for His feet; they will be punished most severely according to our reading today. So who are these enemies of Jesus? Some of them appear to be those who profess to be followers; servants of God. But, they only spew the law and forget God's grace.

May God help us to remember the law; but, to trust in His grace always. May He help us to find hope in the Good News of the Kingdom.

God's Peace - Pr. J