Sinking in Sand

"rescue me
    from sinking in the mire;
let me be delivered from my enemies
    and from the deep waters." Psalm 69:14

There is small spot on one of the islands in front of my home of sinking sand. It is a little over a foot wide; yet, it's a bit unnerving to accidentally step into it. As one's ankles and then calves become engulfed in sand you will not tarry. You will step out of it quickly and change your course just as fast. I do not know how much of a person it would swallow if one chose to test the sand. I have never desired to find out.

Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. We go in ways that are dangerous to ourselves and may even be active in leading others in the wrong way, as well. We stray from the path that Jesus prepared for us and purposefully attempt to travel the path of the unrighteous. There are many dangers on this path that leads away from our Father's house. Sinking in mucky, uncharted swamps is only one of them.

When we find ourselves in danger of sinking in the mire it is time to change course. It is time, to ask for God's help to get back on the path that He has prepared for us.

If you find yourself alone and sinking fast know there is one who can rescue you. There is only one who can save you. Ask and He will lead you on the path of eternal life in His Kingdom. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Worship In Spirit And Truth

"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:24 NRSV)

 

It is not enough to be spiritual as some would say. Personal spirituality can mean a variety of things to a variety of people. It does not tell me anything concrete when someone tells me that they are spiritual. We are all spiritual beings. But, there is only one truth that leads to the Father. What I want to know is if you worship the God who is the truth. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

 

All these other gods that we concoct for ourselves are not the truth. They will lead us astray. They will divert our path from "The Way." Jesus is the only "Way."

 

Teach us your way, O Lord, that we may walk in your truth; give us undivided hearts to revere your name. Amen (Psalm 86:11)

God's Peace - Pr. J

A New Year; A New Path?

"Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:16, 18-19

Today is the eve of the new year. It is a time when we typically take stock of the previous year and plan for a new and better year ahead. It can be a good thing to remember where we have been and what we have done. We can give thanks for the good things and resolve not to repeat the bad things. Remembering the past can help us with the future. But, it is not always such a wise thing to cling to the past. Forget it. Forgive yourself and others. It is time to move forward. The Lord has a new life in store for all who may have lost their way this past year.

May God help us to follow in His way in this new year that we might celebrate life in Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Only One Way

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NRSV

There are no short-cuts. There is no magic involved in being reconciled to our Father and Creator. There is only one way and that is through Jesus the Christ.

It never ceases to amaze me how many people will pick up new age rituals or beliefs thinking that this is going to make them more spiritual or that it will be another path toward reaching the Kingdom of God. There is only one way. The path is not always easy. There will be those who choose to get in our face and try to steer us on another road. Sometimes, we may even listen and get side-tracked for awhile. But, for those who truly believe; for those who have a relationship with God our Father and our Lord Jesus they will soon recognize that the road is leading them somewhere that they do not want to go. They will hear the good shepherd calling them and turn back to the path that he sets before them.

There is only one way to the Father. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Follow him so that you might live life more abundantly as you abide in God's presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The End Of The Line

I was not the perfect child growing up nor was I a particularly bad kid good growing up, either. I liked to climb trees; ride bike; go for walks; build forts... My parents had strict boundaries set for us and when we crossed them, my father would let us know: "you reached the end of the line, sister." I knew someone was in big trouble when I heard that!

Last winter, my husband watched hours and hours of "The Walking Dead." All of the living were trying to get to Terminus. I could not figure out why they figured any place named Terminus would be a good place to go. Terminus means the end of the line. It means the final point in time or space. So why would anyone go there?

But, then again some people want to do a lot of things that I can't quite fathom why they would do them. They want to get blitzed! Why? Blitzed means to be attacked and defeated. How about getting stoned? Why would anyone want to get stoned? In biblical times getting stoned was not a good thing. It also meant the end of the line. It meant death. Getting wasted also doesn't sound like something to look forward to on a Saturday night. It means physically or psychologically exhausted; debilitated. Again, near the end of the line.

So why would anyone follow a path that leads only to the end of the line; to destruction?  Jesus said to, "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matt 7:13-14) Yup! The road that leads to life can be hard. But, I'm thinking a tough road to eternal life is better than an easy one that leads to eternal destruction.

I had taken some young men from a correctional facility hiking to see a beautiful waterfalls. About half a mile in, I realized that they were very nervous. I asked them why. It turned out that they feared that we were lost and would be attacked by some wild animal or maybe come to the end of the line by falling off a cliff. They were from Detroit and although very street wise; they could not see the path that we were following in the wilderness. Someone has to show the way to those who cannot see the path. Will you show them the way?

May God help us to choose wisely the path that we will follow and guide others on the way.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Hebrews 12:14-29 - Mountains of Fear and Joy

Hebrews 12:14-29 NIV
One of my facebook friends posted that she was a bit tired of the nit picky complaints of people this morning (and it was only 5 am!) I often hear "nit picky" complaints and, in wonder, muse, "That's it! That's all they have going wrong in their lives?" Humankind tends to make mountains out of molehills. We fear things that ought not be worthy of fear. It is as though we love to live lives filled with negative drama. We search out reasons to be angry with or blame others for our problems. We search out reasons to fear.

We are sojourners on the mountain of fear even while our home is the mountain of joy. We live amidst fear in the world. Yet, we are not of this world and do not have to live in fear for our lives; for our futures. We are of the unshakeable mountain of God, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.

The mountain of fear and sorrow will be destroyed; but, the mountain of joy, the city of the living God cannot be destroyed. As residents of the Holy City, rejoice. Hear God's voice and follow so that you may know everlasting peace and joy. Do not cast aside His Word; but, follow. Do not turn away from the path which leads to the mountain of joy.

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our 'God is a consuming fire.'" (vs 28-29)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Hebrews 6 - Move Past Elementary Teachings

Hebrews 6 NIV
We have just passed through the season of Lent and those last days that we call Holy Week. Each day we follow the path that led Jesus to the cross and then we watch him die. Each year, during this season I find myself grieving. I am grieved that there seem to be so few who observe this season and learn from it a more complete picture of what Jesus did for us and for our salvation. Each and every year, I grieve for those who have turned away because as the writer to the Hebrews tells us: "To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace." Note that he writes, "to their loss." And... so I grieve over their loss. I grieve that the one who gave his life for us is loved so little and taken so for granted.

We cannot go from Christmas to Easter without something happening in between. Although both great and glorious events, Jesus did much more than be born to a virgin mother and then be born again from the grave. Jesus had a life between birth and resurrection. Let us move beyond these very elementary teaching so that we might understand all that Jesus did for us and why he did it.

May God help us to move beyond just a knowledge and acknowledgement of the glory events and realize the life he lived as true man included a life of loving and humble service. The temptations; the sufferings, the persecution, the execution, he endured were quite inglorious and there was so much more. Let us not subject him to further public disgrace by not moving past the elementary teachings that even the secular world knows.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Timothy 2 - Support Those Who Struggle In Their Journey

2 Timothy 2 NIV
Most of us; but, I am aware not all of us, have spent of our youth in pursuit of evil desires. That does not mean those who did not pursue evil desires did not sin. They just did not pursue it as others have. But, just as we age with each passing day, we ought also to be growing mature in Christ with each passing day.

St. Paul wrote to Timothy, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” (vs 19) That is not always the easiest thing to do. Once we fallen off the path, sometimes it is very difficult to get back on it. Sometimes, it takes a while. It can be a long process. It behooves the mature Christian to support and faithfully witness to those who are set on pursuing a life more befitting a Christian witness themselves.

They are to be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Those who are mature in their faith must persevere in their witness to Christ. We cannot be sidetracked by unduly worrying about or following things of this world. St. Paul asked Timothy to "Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding office." (vs 3-4) "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (vs 15)

As Christians, we serve the world by being faithful to Christ as workers who are not ashamed of the gospel and who correctly handle the word of truth. Pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace with all people. Support those who are struggling on the journeys. In this way, others will hear and believe and grow in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Thess 3 - Disruptive Believers

2 Thessalonians 3 NIV
When was the last time you told anyone about the blessings that God has given you? I find that very few people talk about Jesus (not even at church). When I am out and about, I sometimes hear about people's church affiliation and what people's churches have or have not done for them. But, I rarely hear anyone talk about what God has done for them. I try not to think about this disconnect between believers and their witness to what they believe too often. Professing to be a Christian; yet, not professing Christ gives me heartache.

But; apparently, idle and disruptive believers are not exclusive to our day and time. St. Paul warned the Thessalonians to stay away from those who are not busy; but, are busybodies. There are very good reasons for this warning. First of all, we must be careful not to endorse these unfruitful lifestyles by our silence and cooperation in their unfaithfulness. Secondly, we put ourselves in danger of becoming idle ourselves.

St. Paul reminds us that we are not to regard them as enemies. We are to warn them because they are our brothers or sisters in Christ and we do not want them falling of the path. We ought to be good examples of children following in the way our Father would have us go so that others might be encouraged to get back on track, as well.

As always, I remind you that good works will not save you. But, good works naturally follow faith because the Spirit of Christ abides in you. If you are one who is idle, get back on track and live as an example of one who follows Christ. May the Lord direct our hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance so that we might live life in a manner that God is glorified in all that we say and think and do.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Philippians 2 Humble Servant

Philippians 2
It is not easy! A war often wages within our very beings. Although we may desire to be more Christ-

 

like, we find ourselves looking after our own interests rather than the interest of others. This world offers a lot of enticements and encouragement to be all that we can be for ourselves. But, that is not the way of the cross. That is not the path that Jesus took.

Jesus, who being in very nature God, was willing to humble himself, even to death on the cross for our sakes. He took on the nature of a servant putting our lives before his.

Likewise, St. Paul reminds us that being united with Christ we are to humble ourselves and to serve one another with like minds. We are to love one another.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." (vs 3-5)

It is not easy, this following in the footsteps of Jesus. Our egos often get in the way. But, for his sake and for the sake of all our brothers and sisters in Christ, we ask God to help and guide us to love as He loves.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Ephesians 4:17-31 Walk In the Woods

Ephesians 4:17-32

Arvon Township near Big Eric's Bridge
over Huron River

I have been missing my walks in the woods. It is just too cold for me to be trudging through the snow. I am anxiously waiting for spring so that I can take some nice long walks again. My husband walks on the road. I prefer long walks in the woods where the ground is a bit softer and easier on my bones. We both have a destination. Once one chooses their destination one normally keeps going until they reach it unless something intercedes and shows us a better path. Sadly, some don't like to acknowledge, though, that there may be a better path.

If our destination, our goal, is the Kingdom of God then we must follow that path. However, if we choose to focus on the darkness then we will live in the darkness. This is not a temporary condition. It is permanent unless someone or something intercedes before we reach the end of our journey and shows us the path to the light, who is Jesus the Christ.

Paul is attempting, in today's reading, to intercede by reminding us that if our path is directed by the darkness of understanding and we are following in the ways of the world rather than as Christ would have us live, we ought to change the way in which we live. We ought to turn around and get on the path that leads to eternal life. As Christians we have been taught to put off our old self, with all of its deceitful desires and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness.

Life is in many ways like a journey through the wilderness, a walk in the woods. Please, do not be deceived. Keep your heart and mind focused on your destination; the destination that can only be reached through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Stay on the path that he has prepared for you.

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

John 12:23-36 The Way Is Not A Path of Luxury

John 12:23-36 NIV
Hard times are sometimes associated with the sins of a person. However, the reading today reminds us that we should follow Jesus and that way includes through hard times. We are to follow in his footsteps; footsteps that led him to be lifted up on the cross. The Way is not always easy. It is not, as some would have us believe, a life of luxury and ease. It is a life in which we may often have to remind ourselves; lest we forget, of the hard road which Jesus endured before and for us. Yet, he was willing to be persecuted, suffer, and die that we might live eternal life in our Father's presence. A life lived following Christ is indeed abundant; but, not necessarily, in riches of the earth. It overflows not with material gifts; rather, with the gifts of the spirit.

We usually suffer hard times (consequences) in this world for the sins we commit against others. But, hard times are not necessarily evidence that one has sinned. Jesus said: "Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be." (vss.25-26)

The path which Jesus walked before us and for us included pain, suffering and death. May God help us to remember, the next time we're tempted to complain about the minor hardships of life, that the path which Jesus leads us on is a path to death to things of this world and ultimately to eternal life in our Father's presence.

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

Mark 10:32-52 Following Jesus

Mark 10:32-52 NIV
As Jesus leads his followers on their journey to Jerusalem, he tells them that he is going to be killed and after he is killed he will rise, three days later. I'm not sure if the disciples fully grasp the significance of this, because James and John ask to sit at his right and left hand in His glory. Do they realize that in order to see His full glory they are going to have to follow Him with their own deaths?

Following Jesus is not the "walk in the park" that many would assume. The disciples didn't quite "get it" and I wonder if, sometimes, maybe we don't "get it," either. Following Jesus, means a life of service to others; not a life of serving ourselves. It means a life of carrying the cross that others might hear, see and believe.

Blind Bartimaeus wanted to see. Jesus came along and gave him sight. Once, Bartimaeus could see, he picked himself up and followed Jesus along the road to Jerusalem, on the way to the cross.

May God grant that our eyes should be opened so that we might follow Jesus wherever He may lead us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 6 - Peace, Peace, No Peace

“From the least to the greatest,
    all are greedy for gain;
prophets and priests alike,
    all practice deceit.
They dress the wound of my people
    as though it were not serious.
‘Peace, peace,’ they say,
    when there is no peace.
Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct?
    No, they have no shame at all;
    they do not even know how to blush.
So they will fall among the fallen;
    they will be brought down when I punish them,”
      says the Lord."  (Jer 6:13-15 NIV)

Another litany of God's people's sins... And, again... the prophets and priests stand judged among them. Apparently, they looked the other way when the people took the wrong path, not following in the way of the LORD. They looked the other way and when they were lost in the forest of sin, they not only did not help; it was as though they did not even recognize the trouble that they all were in. "Peace, Peace," they said. They pretended all was well when all was not well. According to the prophecy of Jeremiah, they will fall with everyone else when Jerusalem is taken by the enemy.

How often are the problems of the world brushed aside with platitudes or even by looking the other way? My husband sometimes gets a little bothered by my words and actions. He hates conflict and would prefer that I, too, avoid it by looking the other way. I'm not all that fond of conflict, either. But, pretending nothing is wrong and looking the other way does not help anyone or anything. Ignoring it just makes matters worse. When you're sick, you usually try to get well, don't you?

Martin Luther, thought the church on earth was ill. It had a few problems (still does). He drew up 95 theses for discussion. Ninety-five items which he thought should be discussed. Included was the quote regarding proclaiming peace from Jeremiah 6.

"92. Away, then, with all those prophets who say to the people of Christ, ``Peace, peace,'' and there is no peace! (Jer 6:14) 
93. Blessed be all those prophets who say to the people of Christ, ``Cross, cross,'' and there is no cross!
94. Christians should be exhorted to be diligent in following Christ, their Head, through penalties, death and hell. 
95. And thus be confident of entering into heaven through many tribulations rather than through the false security of peace (Acts 14:22)."

The struggle for truth is not always easy, but it is right. Hardships may come for saying and doing the right thing. Martin Luther was hounded and hunted for speaking the truth. He was a bit confrontational. The first disciples were put to death (perhaps not John - we don't know for sure). Jesus was killed by hanging on a cross. Truth may hurt, but, it is way better than the false peace that will cause even more suffering for all people in the end.

Truth trumps peace. But, know this: you can have peace as well as truth. But, the peace that comes with the truth is the peace of heart and mind that comes with walking with the LORD (who is the truth) no matter what trials and troubles you encounter in this world for speaking and living the truth. When you are willing to be honest and confront the fact that all is not well and you (we) must change directions and follow the LORD, then you will know both truth and peace.

And... above all prophets and priests really ought to quit pretending all is well, when all is not well.

My persistent prayer is that the "Peace of the LORD" be with you always.  Pr. J.
 

Proverbs 5 - Adultery

Adultery appears to be the main topic of Proverbs 5. Pay attention! It is not just the woman whose lips drip like honey. Stay away from those who would entice you away from what you have committed yourself to.

I am just amazed at the young people of today. OK. It's not just the young people. Some of them can jump from relationship to relationship in a matter of days. In some cases, a matter of hours. The lack of commitment, the lack of self-discipline is just amazing. And... where does this all lead. TROUBLE! Major problems! Chaos! Hate! Anger! Even death!

Just because you think you'll never be caught, don't be deceived. God sees you. He knows everything that you say and do and think.  By the way... adultery is more than just sleeping around. Adultery happens whenever you put anyone or anything before the one you've made a commitment to be faithful to. Are you going bowling or skiing or golfing this weekend, again, while your family stays at home waiting for you? That would be adultery as you have put your love of something before the love of family.

Relationships are a good thing. They are a blessed thing. Healthy relationships will build you up. Unhealthy will tear you down. For some reason, yesterday, 1 John 4:18 kept popping up in my mind. "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

If there is fear in a relationship that you will lose the one you love; if there is fear in the relationship for any reason, then that love is not perfect. Perfect love is unconditional. Love puts your family before your own desires, before your own needs, even as Christ was willing to give His life for those whom He loves. He was willing to give it for you. Love, then, as Christ loves. He is faithful in that love. Be faithful in your love.

Do not break the covenant you have with others by seeking after momentary pleasures. Seek to stay in relationship with God your Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. Seek to stay in relationship with you family; your wife and your children. Stray not on the path that would separate you from the love of any of these. Stray not from the path that the one who loves you has set before that leads you to be fully reconciled with Him in the Kingdom of God

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 124 - If The LORD Had Not Been On Our Side

"If the LORD had not been on our side..." (Psalm 124:2 NIV) If, indeed!  Where would we be if He had not saved us?

When we are attacked, the LORD is there. We will not be swept away by the flood of lies and deceit. We will not drown in the deep waters. God led Israel to their freedom from bondage through the sea. He separated the waters so that they could walk firmly on dry land. He leads us from bondage through deep water and turbulent seas. Let us walk on the firm path that He has set before us to freedom in the promised land.

"Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." (vs 8)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 119 - Martin Luther and Studying Theology

Wow! I am thinking that if you have read Psalm 119 this morning, as is the plan, that is probably enough for a devotional reading for one morning... Only two chapters after the shortest chapter in the Bible, we have the longest chapter with 176 verses. That is a lot of word to take in and to try to comprehend for one sitting.

As I was going through it, I was imagining using it for one Sunday when Keith (cantor) gets back from vacation. I'm pretty sure that he would tell us that we would have to read it - forget the chanting.

Martin Luther said that he loved Psalm 119 so much, that he would not take the whole world in exchange for one leaf of it. According to Martin, if you wanted to learn how to study theology 119 teaches us three rules to follow when studying the Word. They are prayer (oratio), meditation (meditatio), and testing (tentatio).
This is a blog and to cover chapter 119, it would take way too many of my words for a blog. Martin's are much better than mine. So, if you like to learn how to study theology click on the link: How to Study Theology by Martin Luther

Have a blessed day!

God's Peace - Pr. J

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (vs. 105 KJV, my personal favorite from chapter 119)