Bless Those Who Curse You

“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." Luke 6:27-28 NRSV

I spent Christmas day driving. I left home about 8 a.m. and by 5 p.m. I had reached the southern portion of lower Michigan on my way to South Carolina. I was hungry and needed to gas up the truck. The only things I had eaten all day were sunflower seeds and pears. I found a gas station and asked the man at the counter if anything in town was open so that I could get something to eat. He said no. I bought a "Slim Jim" and a "Coca Cola" for supper. While I was paying for my "supper," the man was mumbling under his breath something about a woman running around looking for someplace to eat when she should be home cooking for her children. There was no one else in the gas station for him to be talking to; so, I was quite aware that the mumbling was solely for my benefit. Maybe, he was just having a bad day. Maybe, he was upset because he was working and not spending the day with his own family. But, it was a good reminder to me not to be judging people that you know nothing about. How could he know that I would be driving for two days to see my family? How could he know that my children were grown and have families of their own?  Rather than react negatively to his ramblings, I smiled and made sure I said "Merry Christmas" a multitude of times before I left. I prayed that God would bless him by opening his eyes and heart as I continued on my way.

The best way to react to those who would judge or hate you is to bless them and pray for them. Only God can change their hearts.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. The man at the toll booth at the Mackinac Bridge was awesome! His Christmas greeting was so friendly and joyous in spite of the fact that he was working on Christmas day. He was handing out candy canes to those who were crossing the bridge. A little gift like that was a huge gift for me on Christmas Day!

Appearances Can Be Deceiving

Appearances can be deceiving. One of my favorite pets was Izzy the bearded dragon. Bearded dragons are quite easy to care for. You do not have to worry about leaving them alone in the house. They do not make a mess. They enjoy being held. Izzy would even run to the edge of her glass house looking for attention whenever I walked into the house. But, bearded dragons are not for everyone. Some people simply do not like them because they crawl on their bellies like snakes. And... anything snake or serpent-like really doesn't have too good of a reputation.

We often jump to unfair judgments based on appearances. It is not just lizards we jump to conclusions about; but, people, as well, by their outward appearances. But, when Jesus came, he turned all that around. It was the widow who put but two copper pennies into the offering that Jesus said had given more than the rest. (Mark 12:41-43) Tax collectors and other various sinners were chosen by Jesus as his dinner companions. (Matthew 9:10-12) He healed gentiles and even lepers; physically touching, at times, those who were thought by others too unclean to be touched. (Mark 7:24-30; Luke 7:21-23) And... who were the first to be called by Jesus? Fishermen! (Luke 5:1-11) He called mere fishermen, or at least they were mere in the eyes of many of the day. Have you any clue what a man or woman who makes their living fishing looks and smells like after a long day or night out on the boat? Jesus does not call anyone because they look good on the outside or even because they act so good. He calls whom he will call to follow him.

Appearances can be deceiving. There are those who smile on the outside and are happy, happy, happy whenever you are around. But, on the inside are like empty tombs. There are others who may appear to be most ferocious; but, within them dwells the love of God.

Appearances can be deceiving. Do not judge one another by appearances. Take the time to look more deeply into the person or the matter.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Trees Of The Forest Rejoice!

Say among the nations, “The Lord is king!
    The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved.
    He will judge the peoples with equity.”
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth
    rejoice;
    let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
    let the field exult, and everything in it.
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
    before the Lord; for he is coming,
    for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
    and the peoples with his truth.
                                       Psalm 96:10-13 NRSV

The Lord is King! Like a strong tree firmly rooted in the ground are the children of God. There is not a thing that can cut us down. There may be attempts; but, we will not be moved. We shall stand firmly on the Word of God who is Jesus the Christ.

Many shall try! But, no axe can harm us. There is no wind or storm that can take us down for we have been rooted in Jesus Christ our Lord. (Col 2:6-7) What a relief that day will bring to God's children; no more unjust persecution, no more tears or sorrow, just joy in God's presence.

So, even as the fields exult; let all God's children sing for joy with the trees of the forest as we wait for his coming to judge the earth with his righteousness and truth.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Revelation 2:18-29 No Compromising With Jezebels

Revelation 2:18-29 NIV

The congregation I serve is very welcoming. They truly love each other and our visitors. As the people are sharing the peace, I could almost take a nap some Sundays as everyone has to share the peace with everyone and it does take a bit of time. They have been very faithful and are doing much more than even a decade ago. They have grown both in faith and numbers because of their involvement in loving service to God and the whole community.

Jesus commends the church in Thyatira for their love and faith; their service and perseverance; and that they are doing more than they had previously done. Yet, he warns those who tolerate the woman prophet, Jezebel. He warns them that if they do not repent of their immorality and quit following her ways that they will suffer intensely.

He will, he says, repay each of us according to our deeds. (vs 23)

Now, I hear quite often that we are not suppose to "judge" anyone because we are Christians. This is usually intended to mean that we should keep our mouths shut and not condemn sin even within the church. But, this message from Jesus commending some and condemning others in the church at Thyatira; how do you suppose such a message was delivered to them if not by one of Jesus' followers? We are not the judges that is most certainly true. But, we must discern between right and wrong; faithfulness and sin. The church must not compromise God's word or will for the sake of keeping the "peace." Sin must be confronted.

Although, the world around us might strive for peace by compromising God's word and will; may God help his church to grow through faithfulness to Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 24 Truth

Acts 24
Have you ever been in the position where no matter what you say to defend yourself; what you believe or what you have done, you continued to be attacked? It seems that there will always be those who just always have to be right and refuse to hear the truth. They refuse to accept the truth and they will go to all lengths to persecute those who desire to speak the truth. Jesus was not found guilty; but, he was crucified. Paul is tried over and over again. He has not been found guilty; but, his accusers are always ready to accuse him in their attempts to be rid of him. Paul, an innocent man, spends an inordinate amount of time under guard as the Jews continue to attempt to discredit him.

Paul is locked up and one would suppose that this would keep him from speaking the truth about the resurrection through Jesus. At least, that's what the Jews want; for the truth to be silenced. But, no, it does not have that effect. In fact, the bondage enables him to testify over and over again to the truth. There are still jailers and judges as well as the Jews, themselves, who accuse him who must listen over and over again to the truth of Jesus the Messiah.

I know I'm repeating this; but, let me say it again.... God knows what He's doing. He has a plan. Speak the truth. Testify to His goodness through Jesus Christ. Do not be afraid. He is with you now and always and works all things for the good of those who love Him according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

May God grant us the strength and the courage to speak the truth in love, always, for His glory.

God's Peace - Pr.

Luke 18:1-8 Persistent Prayer and Justice

Luke 18:1-8 NIV - Judge Delivers Justice...
LOL (laugh out loud)! I laugh because God is absolutely amazing! I have seen Him deliver up justice when none thought it possible. Surely, He answers the prayers of the faithful. He listens and He answers! Don't give up! Keep on praying for those in need. Keep on praying for justice and it will be given you.

Justice is definitely included in His will for mankind. If earthly judges will deliver it up; surely our God will deliver it. Blessed are those who believe this and woe to those who are the adversaries of justice. God is good. He will deliver you from your adversaries. But, it would be good to make sure that you are not the adversary that is trying to deny justice to one of his little ones...

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 12:57-59 Court

Luke 12:57-59 NIV
   "Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right?" Jesus addresses the use of courts to settle disputes. Do what is right and you won't be dragged off to court. Take care of your problems before you end up in court where there is a good chance you will lose not just your money; but, your reputation as well. Not ending up in the court system just might require a little change. It might require repentance. It might even require cooperating with others. Now, is that not a novel idea! Work together for the good of everyone!
   Part of the over worked justice system's problem may be that there just aren't that many people who really know what is right any longer. Everyone is out for themselves without any concern; without empathy for their neighbor or their neighbor's children. 
   Nobody likes being dragged off to court. So why not do what is right in the first place? Give to your neighbor's what is your neighbors whether it be property, space, respect. Do not withhold those things that belong to them and give generously to those in need. 
   "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matt 7:12)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 6:37-42 Do Not Judge; Help

Luke 6:37-42 NIV
Today we have another very misunderstood lesson from Jesus. "Do not judge, and you will not be judged." This does not mean anything goes. When Jesus says that we are not to judge it does not mean that we should not help someone when they fall. When they stray from the path that he has set before us and start following other gods; then indeed, if we truly love others, we will help them back onto the path. Sometimes, this is mistaken for judgment and condemnation. Saving someone is a far cry from condemning them. Reminding them of the way in which the Lord would have us go does not mean that we are judging them; rather, it means that we are trying to help them.

On the other hand, before we begin to make sure someone is not straying to their own harm; we have to make sure that it is not we who are the ones who have been led astray. Indeed, Jesus reminds us over and over again that we are to teach correctly and admonish when necessary.
God's Peace - Pr. J

Matthew 26:1-13 - Mary's Anoints the King

I have, on at least one occasion, considered pouring anointing oil over the head of a loved one, when they really frustrated me, thinking that just maybe the "anointing" might have a positive effect. Don't worry, the thought flashed in and out of my mind quite quickly. No one, that I know, would appreciate having oil or perfume poured over their heads. They just wouldn't be able to put such a good construction on it as Jesus did when Mary anointed his head with oil at dinner.

In exuberant love, possibly, maybe most probably, inspired by the Holy Spirit, Mary anoints Jesus' head with very expensive perfume. The disciples reacted, as I would, "why are you wasting money like that?" But, Jesus, loves Mary and he knows that Mary loves him. He receives this gift graciously and tells the disciples: "When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial." (Matt 26:12 NIV) This was two days before the Passover, when he would eat his last supper, with his disciples. It was three days before his death and burial. There will be no time for Jesus' body to be anointed for burial as his body will be placed in the tomb quickly before the Sabbath begins on Friday eve. There will be no anointing, after his death, because he will rise from the grave before the women can get there on Sunday morning. So, this is it. This is his anointing for burial. I'm pretty sure Mary did not understand the overall implications of what she was doing. Love had guided her to anoint Jesus. Just as King David, generations before him, had been anointed by Samuel; the one who was least expected to be King; was anointed the King. No one, not even the disciples, that day, could begin to fathom the true Kingship of the one they followed.

Things happen. Sometimes, they don't seem or look right to us. But, remember, always, that God has a plan - a good plan... So be careful when you decide to judge something. Not everything is as it seems.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Matthew 7 - Judge Fairly

Today, I get to say something about this often misquoted and misinterpreted verse from Matthew. It is usually quoted without considering the context of this whole chapter.

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged." (Matt 7:1 NIV)

Often I hear people remind others that no matter what someone does we can not judge them. Let's look at verse 2: "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." That is; when someone is to be judged, it should be done fairly, based on the facts. We don't get to go around falsely accusing someone of something without hearing all of the facts. Everyone deserves a fair hearing. Everyone deserves the opportunity to present their side of the story. We do not want an innocent person judged guilty because we were not willing to hear all of the facts. Likewise, someone who has gravely damaged others should not be left off of the hook, just because we were unwilling to use discernment of hurtful behavior or to judge between right and wrong. We would not want someone judging us without being able to present our side nor should we be judging anyone without hearing their whole story, either. But, sometimes the rest of the story must be told and a judgment made, once all of the facts are made known (but, not before).

Verse 6, of this same chapter of Matthew. gives us an example of why we need to judge fairly, although it must be an honest and fair judgment. “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces." In order to follow these instructions, it is necessary to use a good deal of discernment and, yes, even judgment. But, be cautious again as to what measuring stick you are using to do the discerning. Verse 16 tells us,  "By their fruit you will recognize them."  Everything must be weighed and judged appropriately. "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Be careful that you do not advocate sin, by your silence, because you think that God does not allow you to judge between right and wrong. 

Psalm 135 - Praise Ye The LORD!

Praise ye the LORD!  Going through the psalms - one psalm - one day at a time - has kind of been depressing for me. It has been, so far 135 days remembering how good the LORD is and how very absent He is from so many lives around me.  Not that He wants to be absent.  Unless, we are in some sort of major crisis then many of us simply don't want to hear from Him.  We don't want Him around watching our every move. 'Cause our moves are not so great...

Sadly, to many God is only a judge. He is forgotten as the creator and giver of all things.  He is forgotten as the genuine and only Savior of our souls, of our lives, when we're busy doing what we want to do no matter who it might hurt. He is forgotten on our daily journeys through life, until....  we really mess up and need his power to save us. Sadly, our eyes do not see; our ears do not hear anything, but what we want them to.

Remember, all that He has done for you, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and give thanks.  It seems humankind really has hard time remembering and realizing the fullness of God and that is sad. He is more than a judge. He is more than a Savior. He is more than a creator. He is all these things, but God is way more. He is a sublime example of gestalt.

Praise ye the LORD!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 72 - Conclusion of David's Prayers

"This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse." (Psalm 72:20 NIV)

Yes!  This concludes the prayers of David.  It's been a reminder that God hears those who are persistent in their prayers.  But, I have to say, I was getting a bit worn by all this begging. As I read the last verse, I was reminded of the story from Luke 18 about the unjust judge and the persistent widow.  She kept going back and begging the judge for justice against her adversary, until he finally relented.  "And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?  I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 17:6-8)  

David, the son of Jesse, was definitely persistent in his prayers.  The LORD sure has more patience than I do.  I would have gotten tired of him begging for justice long before just so I wouldn't have to listen to him.

But, today is Christmas Eve, and the answer to all the prayers is about to be celebrated!  The King above all kings, the Savior of humankind, God incarnate, born in a stable to answer the prayers who call upon His name.

Have a blessed Christmas Eve and may the peace of the LORD be with you through this Holy Night. Pr. J

Psalm 36 - No Fear of God?!

"I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked:  There is no fear of God before their eyes." (vs 1 NIV)

I will second that!  God for many has become some sort of abstract pie in the sky. There is this idea that God does not judge.  He will not vindicate his children.  Everyone goes to heaven no matter which god(s) they serve in this world.  God is just a nice guy. 

God is, indeed, good.  But, that goodness means that He also requires justice and sometimes justice doesn't feel so good to those who unjustly persecute others, to those who choose willfully to serve other gods.  His goodness also means that he will vindicate his children.  He will care for those who are persecuted and woe to those who do the persecuting.  Sorry, if you're one who likes to do what they will, no matter who it harms, just because it might feel good to you, you really need to rethink your position on who God is. 

But, then again, those of you who are reading this blog regularly, probably already understand that God is Almighty.  He is God. To those who may stumble upon this blog looking for something else, know this:  "For the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."  (Heb 4:12-13)

God is more than a fluffy marshmellow or a cloud.  He is God.  Creator of the universe.  He gives life and He can take it away.  I think that it would be most prudent to not just love Him, but to respect (fear) and honor Him!  Put away the false gods. Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!

Let us pray:  Heavenly Father, Almighty God, Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.  May the foot of the proud not come against us, nor the hand of the wicked drive us away. (36:10-12)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Job 40 - 41 - God Is Our Defense

At long last, Job has figured out that he has nothing to say in his defense.  He is not God.

In this discourse between the LORD and Job, the LORD continues to remind Job who He is.  In humility, Job is getting it. 

One of the mosts intriguing figures, for me, in scripture is Leviathan, that great sea monster.  At least, that's what I think Leviathan is. It appears to be a creature so amazing that no man can conquer it. And, God reminds Job of this.  There are many things in this world that man cannot conquer without the help of God.  I remind you, again, this morning that God is God.  There is only one God and it is not us.  We have no defense for acting like gods.  The only defense when we stand before the judge of all the earth is God, Himself.  It is only His love and His mercy given to us through Jesus Christ that finds us righteous. God is our defense.

God's peace - Pr. J

Job 22 - Search Our Own Heart

Eliphaz makes some very good points here.  But, we don't know Job.  Even if we were there, we wouldn't truly know Job. Like Eliphaz, it's not our place to figure out why Job is enduring such hardship, but to help him in his time of need.  It not our place to judge Job.  We can't know Job, what is in his heart.  But, we can know ourselves.  Do we demand interest from our relatives, adding hardship to hardship?  Do we leave the hungry without food and the thirsty without water?  How are we treating the widow and orphan these days?  How are we helping?  How are we hindering?

At Zion, our annual Toys 4 Tots Concert will be held on the last Sunday of October.  We have so much fun at it - bringing toys and raising funds so that all of the children of Baraga County (one of the counties with highest unemployment in the country) will receive gifts this Christmas.  This will be our 10th Concert for the children.  In all that time, I have never seen or heard of any strife coming out of the concert or in the organizing of it.  It is, for those who participate (the music is great!) and attend, a joy to be able to reach out and give to the children. 

As we search our own hearts, and maybe our pasts.  When was it that you were most happy?  In giving?  In reaching out to others?  Or in serving yourself? It is not in our job descriptions to judge our neighbors.  We can only search our own hearts and following in the footsteps of Jesus reach out to our neighbors in need.

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."  (Matt 35:36 NIV)

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Chronicles 27 - Judged to be Judge

"Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God."
(27:6 NIV)

Good thing to remember:  Follow in His ways. 

Not too long ago, my granddaughter told me that someone we had met was kind of scary.  LOL... He was not scary, but he did have an air of authority.  He carried himself well and he tried to be steadfast in doing the will of the LORD.  People who do this can be very intimidating.  And... that's ok. 

Sometimes, Christians who are perceived in this manner are judged to be acting like judges over others.  I've found that this is not usually the case.  What I see happening is the righteousness of Christ is seen in these individuals and as is human nature when we encounter such persons, we judge ourselves to be less than we could be.  It is not the member of the Body of Christ who judges others, but the individuals themselves recognizing their sinful natures whether they repent of them or not.  When they do not, they will justify their own actions, accusing the one whose presence makes their behaviors uncomfortable to them, as judging them. 

Personally, I get a bit wearied with those who profess to be Christians who never weary of judging other Christians who actually read their Bibles and participate in Worship and Bible studies.  Those who serve the LORD with all their hearts, minds, and souls, and who love their neighbors as themselves should not be ostracized as some sort of crazed fanatics.  They are not.  They are only responding to the love the Christ has for them, even in giving his life for them on the cross.  Should his sacrifice be taken so lightly that we would not worship and serve Him with our whole beings? 

May God help each and everyone one of us to walk steadfastly before the LORD our God.