My Soul Thirsts For The Lord

"As a deer longs for flowing streams,
    so my soul longs for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
    for the living God.
When shall I come and behold
    the face of God?"
                  Psalm 42:1-2 NRSV

Life can get pretty confusing at times. Which way to go? When I get like this, and I do at times, I remind myself to seek the Lord. There is only one way to go and that is to the Lord. I long to see His face more fully; to hear and understand His Word and His will more completely. I long to be more fully in His presence; to see Him face to face.

There is only one who can satisfy our thirsty souls. Seek the Lord and His Kingdom and He will show you the way to eternal peace in His presence.

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

God Calls Us Beyond Ourselves

I was reminded by a post on facebook this morning how terribly afraid some are of being confronted by God. It is much better to keep the music blaring in our ears and to sleep with the television on than to take a chance that God just might whisper in our ear and call us to follow Jesus. I have often thought that this might also be the reason that there are those who prefer not to worship God by attending worship services even though they claim to be Christians. They may just be afraid that in hearing His Word in the lessons or preaching or even the hymns they may be called to step out beyond their own desires and follow Jesus.

And... we all know where Jesus leads us. He leads us to the cross. He calls us to die to ourselves so that we might live in him and that he might live and reach out to others through us. There is a great possibility that if we take the time to listen to God rather than the world around us that we might just be asked to make a few changes in our lives and no one really wants to do that.

I know that I have quoted Annie Dillard from her book "Teaching a Stone to Talk" in at least a couple of sermons. Thanks to a facebook post, here it is again, especially for those who do not attend worship services because they are afraid that God might call them to a place beyond themselves and they would not be able to return to their old way of living. Yes; indeed, it takes a bit of courage to hear God's Word and actually listen to him.

"It is madness to wear straw hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews. For the sleeping God may wake someday and take offense, or the waking God may draw us out to where we can never return."
 
God's Peace - Pr. J

Holy Spirit Sanctifies; Makes Us Holy

The Third Article.

Of Sanctification.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; one holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

What does this mean?--Answer.
I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith; even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith; in which Christian Church He forgives daily and richly all sins to me and all believers, and at the last day will raise up me and all the dead, and will give to me and to all believers in Christ everlasting life. This is most certainly true.

  http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

 

 

It is by God the Father that we are created. It is by the life giving sacrifice of God the Son that we have been saved. It is by the Holy Spirit that we are sanctified. In the past I have been warned that it might be best not to use the word sanctify as many would not understand what the word means. Sanctify mean to be made holy. The Holy Spirit makes us holy. Jesus died for our salvation. He died that we might be reconciled to God our Father. This is good news. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that this truth is revealed and preached. It is not by our own reason or strength; but, by the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to receive this good news as our own truth.

 

May God grant that the eyes, ears, and hearts of the world be open to hear and receive the truth, who is Jesus the Christ, that we might be made holy by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 10: Sweet as Honey; Yet, Bitter to Swallow

Revelation 10 NIV

Prophecy is often a "bitter pill" to swallow. We don't like to hear that we have a need to make changes in our lives. We usually don't care to hear that there are consequences to everything we do. Sometimes, those consequences are good. Sometimes, they are not. A lot depends on whom or what we choose to serve.

The angel who stood with one foot on the sea and one on the land holding a tiny scroll announces to John that the seventh trumpet is about to sound and "the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets." (vs 7) This could well be a "bitter pill" for those who  refuse to hear the message of the prophets.

John is told to take and eat the little scroll from the angel. He eats. The scroll tastes as sweet as honey; but, it turned his stomach sour. He has swallowed the words and it is sweet to taste; yet, bitter to stomach. It sounds good and it is good; but, with the words that were delivered to John on the scroll will come many anxious and troubling times. Events and times that will be very difficult to stomach.

John must go out and prophesy with the words that he has swallowed about peoples, nations, languages and kings. It may well be that to those who believe in the Son of God and anxiously wait for the mystery of God to be accomplished that the word is sweet; yet, a very "bitter pill" to those who reject the Lord. But, it will not be easy for John. With the sweet word of the Lord will come much persecution from the world to those who love him.

May God help us to hear the word and receive it no matter what kind of changes it asks us to make in our lives.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Revelation 1:1-3 Revealed to John

Revelation 1:1-3 NIV
St. John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, while exiled for his faith on the isle of Patmos, had a vision from God. It was a rather long vision or a series of long visions as recorded in the book of Revelation. As we begin this book, let us remember that it is just that: a vision with much symbolism to be interpreted. We need also to be careful to understand and remember that no one can know the exact time and the place that many of these visions will take place. We cannot know if we will even still be in the flesh when the day of the Lord comes. And... we are to be careful about pointing the finger at others saying they are the anti-christ or there is Babylon.

Before we begin this final book of Holy Scripture, I would direct your attention to verse 3: "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near." As we journey through Revelation, read the scripture aloud. "... faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." (Rom 10:17) Read Revelation aloud so that you might hear it and have a better understanding of what it's message really is. Read it and all scripture aloud that in hearing your faith might grow.

May God help us to have a better understanding of this vision of John as we begin to read through it daily.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Peter 1:12-21 Warnings and Promises

2 Peter 1:12-21 NIV
So long as we live in the tents of our bodies we will always remind you of The Way in which we are to follow. It is our desire that all should be saved and will continue to remind and warn others who have chosen to follow after false gods; after desires of their hearts that will lead to their destruction.

These warnings and promises do not come from us; but have been carried through the generations by the Holy Spirit. Hear Him and listen; follow in His Way for the sake of your salvation.

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

Hebrews 10 - Gather Together

Hebrews 10 NIV


Photo of a Maundy Thursday Service. Although, some may
consider too much joy at Worship inappropriate; at Zion, we
encourage God's children of all ages to gather together to
worship and serve the Lord that they might know the
peace and joy that only He can give.

During Holy Week this year I was told by a couple of people that people today just don't care to go to church anymore and that it doesn't mean that they are not Christians. You can be a Christian and not gather together with other Christians. Oh, yeah? How is that really working for you? Do you actually know the peace and joy that comes from a relationship with God and with our brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you live in the reassurance that God is with you or do you live in turmoil, chaos, drama? The author of Hebrews writes: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (vs 24-25) Why not give yourself the opportunity to be encouraged by other Christians in your journey of faith?
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Decades ago, I figured out that if I did not attend public worship at least once a week to worship God and to receive Him in the Word and Sacraments I would become a very ugly person by the end of the week. So ugly, in fact, that I could barely stand myself. I am a sinner. I need to hear what the Lord has done for me and for all people. Without Him I can do nothing good. If I avoided corporate worship; gathering with other Christians to hear God's Word and being reassured that I have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, the world would see how sinful I can really be. I don't think anyone really wants that.

The gathering together of Christians encourages each of us present to continue in "The Way." Christians are not islands unto themselves. We are joined together by the blood of Christ. We are one in Christ. So what would make anyone think that a Christian can live and continue in "The Way" without the rest of the Body?

I pray that you will consider gathering with the Christians at your local place of worship the next time they meet so that you can be reassured that you are a beloved child of God; a child born, by the blood of Christ who loves you and gave himself for you. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Hebrews 5 - Infant Christians

Hebrews 5 NIV
Years ago, there was a young man whom I had been teaching about Christ. We had seen each other almost every day for close to a year. I was going to be leaving and would probably never see him again so I attempted to explain to him about the peace and joy that comes with the indwelling Spirit of Christ. I could see a dazed look in his eyes. He finally said, "I just don't understand." I realized that he was still too new to Christianity to get it, yet. He was still an infant. He had much to learn. I smiled and told him that I understood that it was hard to grasp; but, that I was teaching him all this so that in years to come, when I wouldn't be around, he might remember my words and understand.

The author of Hebrews begins to explain the significance of Jesus being called as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek, offering up prayers and a sacrifice for the people. The author understands that readers will not understand. They are still infants to Christianity. While, by this time they should be teaching, they still have much to learn. The problem the author sees is that they do not really want to learn. They no longer try to understand.

There are things that are beyond our comprehension. But, that should not stop us from trying to understand. It should not stop us from listening. It should not stop us from studying God's Word. I sometimes hear the excuse that someone does not attend community worship because they just don't understand scripture. They don't understand the lessons read or what the pastor's sermon is about. That is not a reason to stay away. If you don't understand, that is all the more reason to hear it. To know Christ and him crucified; to grow in Christ one must be fed with the Word.

See you at Worship where you can hear the word and grow in Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Hebrews 2 - Pay Attention; What Is Mankind?!

Hebrews 2 NIV
“What is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    a son of man that you care for him?
 You made them a little lower than the angels;
    you crowned them with glory and honor
    and put everything under their feet.” (vs 6-8)

What indeed is mankind that God would so favor us? Why would God do that? Rest assured there is nothing so great about us. We are favored simply because God chooses to favor us. He chooses to bestow His grace and mercy upon us.

He chose to send His only begotten Son, born fully human, to live among us. He chose to send Jesus to die so that we might live. It was not for His sake or even the sake of the angels that this was accomplished. It was that mankind might inherit places as children of our heavenly Father; as brothers and sisters to Christ. We have done nothing to earn this family status. In fact, we have turned our backs on our Father; our brother, Jesus; and all of our brothers and sisters in Christ a multitude of times.

He invites you to a family gathering. Come and hear the stories of all that our marvelous Father and brother have done for us. When was the last time you joined your brothers and sisters in Christ at the table our Father has set for His children? Come and eat at the table that He has prepared for us. Don't miss the family reunion at your local congregation. By His Word, He calls you to be reconciled to Himself; to live as a member of His holy family.

May we all pay attention to our heavenly Father so that we would not neglect His Word that He has given us in Jesus Christ; so that we will not reject our Father's will for us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 28:23-31 Eyes, Ears, And Hearts Be Opened, Please!

Acts 28:23-31 NIV
The Kingdom of God has been proclaimed. Who has heard? Who has listened? Who has understood?

Today we celebrate the national holiday known as Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for, not the least of which is that the Kingdom of God has been opened to us through the loving sacrifice made by Jesus, for us. But, how much thankfulness do we really get to see? Sure, there are the platitudes. But, is it a reality in the every day lives of the world around us? Can we see it in the actions around us? The world seems to be in a pretty big mess. People disrespecting people. People killing people; not just in body; but, in spirit; emotionally, as well. People disrespecting themselves. People disrespecting God. Oh, my! Some days the vulgarity seen in this world is just a bit much. It would be a good thing for us to slow down just a bit and give thanks rather than disrespect.

"For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them." (vs 27)

In need of a healing? May God grant that your eyes, ears, and heart be opened so that you might know the great love that He has for you and turn to Him for healing; for hope of a life filled with peace. Oh, that's right... There's not enough drama in peace. And... that's no fun. May God grant us a desire and the will to live without the drama.

God's Peace - Pr. Judy
 

Acts 20:1-6 Mission Field Is Large

Acts 20:1-6 NIV
The mission field is large. It is where you are. It is all around you. It is world-wide. There was an awful lot of area for those first disciples to cover; a lot of people to reach. Paul spent his ministry trying to reach all of them with the Good News of the Kingdom. After encouraging the disciples who served with him in Ephesus, he left them and set out to encourage others with the Good News of the Kingdom.

I was in a small group not long ago when the question was asked what we should do if our attempts to share God's peace with someone are rebuffed. Here is the answer that I hear from scripture: shake the dust off of your feet; shake the dust out of your clothes (Mark 6:10-12, Acts 18:6); and thank God that for the blessing of peace that has returned to you (Matthew 10:12-14) even as you move on to share the Good News with someone who needs and will hear it. The mission field is; after all, quite large. Sharing the Good News is a win/win for those who share it. If it is received, we have gained a brother or sister. If it is not, we have the peace of God which we have tried to bless others with. Do not fear to share the Good News. Do not be afraid to be rebuffed. The Lord is with you. His peace is a blessing to you.

The mission field is large. There are still a lot of people to reach. Our mission is not something that happens just in the sanctuary of our churches where we feel safe. Our mission will take us out into the world sharing the Good News of the Kingdom in Christ Jesus and encouraging others in the faith.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 10:30-48 Heard And Received The Holy Spirit

Acts 10:30-48
Can you believe it? The Holy Spirit feel upon these unclean Gentiles! Peter testifies to these Gentiles what God has done for them through Jesus Christ and they believe! They believe and receive the Holy Spirit even before they are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Whoa! is that how it's suppose to work? The bottom line is that God does what God does. He is who He is. He calls whom He will call and sends whom He will send. He anoints those whom He chooses when and where He chooses. He calls and sends people to witness to what He has done.

So when the Father calls and sends you, go out and witness so that all people (no matter who they are) might hear, believe, receive the Holy Spirit and be baptized in the name of Jesus. Faith comes by hearing the message. (Rom 10:17)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 8:26-40 The Eunuch Hears

Acts 8:26-40 NIV
In one visit with Philip, the Ethiopian eunuch heard the good news about Jesus and was baptized. It did not take many visits. There was no set time period for the eunuch to have to study before he was baptized. But, the eunuch did have a history. At first glance, it may appear that this is the eunuch's first introduction to the savior. But, it is not. He apparently knows the scriptures and the scriptures point to Jesus. He doesn't understand them completely. But, he has been reading them. He has been studying them. He's got a pretty good idea what they say. He just doesn't understand until Philip explains them that the prophecies have been fulfilled in Jesus the Christ.

This is my opportunity to remind you that not only do we usually need someone to help us understand scripture; but, that we actually need to know what scripture says in order to help us understand them. As I said, the eunuch knew what the scriptures said. He knew the words of the prophets. Now, he knows that the prophecies were fulfilled and he rejoices. By the power of the Holy Spirit, faith grabs hold of the eunuch and the eunuch is baptized.

There are plenty of opportunities to read, hear, and study the word of God. Zion has a Bible study open to all every Wednesday at 9 a.m. and Worship Services at 10 a.m. on Sundays and 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. On Wednesdays, the sermon is interactive so that you can ask questions and discuss the readings. Join us or your local congregation in studying and hearing the message about the word. After all; faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. (Rom 10:17) And, for those who are reading this blog, don't forget to click on the Scripture link above and actually read the passage that inspires the reading.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 10:22-42 Hear and Believe

John 10:22-42 NIV
There are definitely days when I would like a little clearer direction from our Father. Maybe, I'm not paying close enough attention or just maybe I don't want to hear what He has to say to me. Either way, there are times when I would like Him to tell me "plainly" what exactly it is that He would have me do. Sometimes, I get it. Sometimes, I don't until after the fact.

I have also been told by more than a few that they just have a very difficult time understanding what scripture says or means when it is read during worship. They don't get it. At least, not yet. But, they will as long as they continue to hear the Word, they will get it for faith comes by hearing.

The Jews wanted a plain response from Jesus. His parables and the way he just generally talked about things were not easily comprehended by everyone. They didn't get it.

But, many did get it. Many do understand that the Father and the Son are one. Many hear and believe. (Romans 10:17)

Join your local congregation this morning (it is Sunday) for Worship, hear the Word, and believe.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

John 8:31-47 Disciples Hear and Hold To His Teachings

John 8:31-47 NIV
I will have to bookmark these readings for next Wednesday evening Worship. We are discussing (and I mean discussing - sermon is interactive on Wednesdays) discipleship.

"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples." (vs. 31) You see, there is more to this following Jesus than just believing that he existed. In order to be a disciple you must believe; you must trust him enough for his teaching to actually become a part of your life; your being.

If you live in the area, come and join us. this evening at 6 p.m.. (Wed., Aug 13). We will be discussing Christ abiding in us and we in Him from John 15. Come, hear, study, receive His word; after all, "Whoever belongs to God hears what God says." (vs 47)

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 4:27-42 Come and See

John 4:27-42 NIV
So what did this "woman" at the well do in response to Jesus knowing all about her and still inviting her to drink of the water of life?  She went and told. She told them to come and see for themselves.

So when was the last time you told anyone to "come and see?" When was the last time you invited anyone to come and hear for yourself; come and drink from the water of life; come and meet the Savior of the world? It's about time, isn't it?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 18:35-43 That You Might See Jesus

Luke 18:35-43 NIV
What did the blind man see when Jesus healed his sight? Why, he saw Jesus, of course. He saw Jesus and followed him.

My list of people who I pray might see Jesus is pretty long at the present time. So many people in trouble and pain. So much of it simply because they cannot see Jesus and do not know Him. I pray that their eyes might be opened so that they might see him and follow him; that they might be healed. Some of them, I have been praying decades for; others, not so long. But, the prayer is pretty much the same for all: that they might hear the Word; see Him and, in faith, follow Him into the light of His love.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 14:25-35 - The Cost

Luke 14:25:35 NIV
"Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear."

Everything will not be handed to you. The path you take following Jesus may be very hard, indeed. Just as the disciples dropped everything to follow him, you may also have to leave everything behind in order to carry your cross and follow him.

One must plan for the future. One doesn't build a home without first figuring out the cost. There is a cost to following Jesus into the eternal home, the Kingdom of God. Your old life must be left behind in order to live the new one.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 11:14-28 The House Will Fall

Luke 11:14-28 NIV
"A house divided will fall.." (vs 17)

There are times, many times, that people in a family, a church, or a community will disagree with one another. But, that disagreement should not necessarily lead to division. Divisions detract us from our purpose; our mission. We are so busy worrying about how to get our way that we forget to proclaim the Kingdom of God. We forget to share the love of God in Christ Jesus with others.

Sometimes separation is inevitable as Jesus reminds us that if someone will not hear or receive the Word of God we should depart and find someone who will. (Luke 9:5) But, often it is just the devil that divides us by stirring up things like greed or envy or maybe self-righteousness.

So the next time you don't care for the color of the carpet that the committee picked or the janitor they hired, remember that a house divided will fall. I know it's probably not the intent of any within the local churches to have it fail; but, when we switch our focus from Jesus to how we're going to get our own way in the church over material things in the church that is exactly where we are heading.

Whoever is not with him is against him, and whoever does not gather with him scatters.

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.

God's Peace - Pr. J