Revelation 2:8-11 Synagogue of Satan

Revelation 2:8-11 NIV
There were "fake" Jews in the church in Smyrna even as there are "fake" Christians in the church today. In John's vision, Jesus warned the church in Smyrna about them. There were some within the church who said they were  Jews; but, were not. They belonged to the synagogue of Satan. Oh, no, they probably did not worship Satan outright. Simply "pretending" to worship God makes them followers of Satan. Either you are for Jesus or you are not. There is no in between.

Be aware of those who say they are Christian and are not. They will slander the name of Jesus and all who follow in his way. They will cause much dissension and make every attempt to distract the faithful from proclaiming the gospel. But, they will not prevail.

Even though we are persecuted for his name's sake, we have assurance that all who are faithful, even to the point of death, will be victorious and not suffer at all by the second death.

May God grant that we will always be faithful to Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

3 Corinthians 4 Not About Us

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

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

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

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

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

1 Corinthians 16:5-18 An On The Move Bishop

1 Corinthians 16:5-18 NIV
Paul's first letter to the Corinthians is about to close. I would characterize Paul, among other things, as an on the move Bishop. He was out there moving among the people proclaiming the gospel, teaching and encouraging the followers of Jesus. As far away from someone as he might be, without the use of phones or internet; without the use of cars or planes, he stayed in touch with those whom God had called him to serve. Where he could not be, he sent others.

The early church grew because of men who were willing to reach out across the miles to all people. They were willing to set aside the comforts of a home. They were willing to be persecuted by those who hated them and Jesus. They were willing to give it all for the sake of the Gospel.

Go and make disciples of all people, of all nations. But, in order to do that you must first be a disciple willing to take up your cross, die to self and follow Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 11:19-30 Evangelism Follows Persecution

Acts 11:19-30 NIV
God can use even the worst things that happen for the good of all people. Stephen's death would definitely not come under the category as a good thing. Yet, even as he was being stoned he testified to the kingdom of God. Just before he was stoned; "Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 'Look,' he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'" (Acts 7:55-56)

Here in our reading today we find that all those people who had scattered by persecution after Stephen was killed traveled far and wide spreading the Good News to both Jew and Gentile. The stoning of Stephen initiated a wide-spread persecution of the Christians; yet, it also initiated a wide spread evangelism movement.

Jesus promised that persecutions will come to those who follow him. But, with persecution; much blessing not just for the one; but for those who witness the persecution and those who hear about it. Persecutions do come; but, blessings comes with it. For, "blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt 5:10)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 9:1-19 Saul's Eyes Opened

Acts 9:1-19 NIV
God can heal anyone he chooses of blindness. God can call whomever He chooses to serve Him. Here is the story of Saul's spiritual healing; his conversion. On the way to Damascus, this murderous enemy of God and God's people has an encounter with the ascended Jesus. He has, in short, a conversion experience. Saul loses his physical sight even as he gains spiritual insight. Through yet another vision to him; as well as a vision to a disciple named Ananias; he regains his physical vision even he is filled with the Holy Spirit. This man, who just days earlier, is on his way to destroy Christians, desires and is baptized into the Body of Christ. He receives the Holy Spirit, is baptized and sets forth on the mission God has called him to; to proclaim the Word to the gentiles and kings and all of Israel. In just one encounter with the Lord he is converted from persecutor to persecuted.

And, so we pray for our enemies, even as Stephen prayed for his in the moments he was being stoned to death. We pray and hope that the Lord would call, even our worst enemies, to serve him. It can happen. Just read the story of Saul (whom we know as St. Paul) and you will have hope even for those who would destroy the church on earth. One can never know whose eyes God will open or whom He will call.

Again, it is said that we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. (Matt 5:4)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Luke 22 - Drop The Drama And Live In Peace

Luke 22:54-71 NIV
I was up very early this morning praying. There are days when one can't help but wonder what this world is coming to. There are days when it seems that no one cares for anyone else; for the right of others to live in peace (without the drama). There appears to be no room in their lives for anyone else unless it is going to be beneficial for them. There are many who are mocked and persecuted for no other reason than someone thinks they can mock and persecute others. It is a tragedy that there is so much trouble in this world just because people want to live in the drama and do not care what trouble they might be bringing upon others as well as themselves.

Jesus was mocked and persecuted. His friend and disciple, Judas has just betrayed him. His friend and disciple, Peter, disowns him to protect his own skin. The guards, for no better reason than they can, mock him. The chief priests and teachers of the law relentlessly question Jesus to try to coerce him into confessing that he broke the law.

Jesus was getting it from all sides. Remember his words from John 15:18-20a: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also."

Even though, others may choose drama over the abundant life; even though others may persecute those who don't benefit them personally; the disciples (followers) of Jesus don't have to join in the melee. We can (and are empowered by the Spirit of Christ) to follow in his footsteps of Jesus, loving our neighbors and doing all that we can to promote peace among people; peace among nations.

God's Peace - Pr. J
P.S. Peace is far better than drama. Shut off the video games, soap operas, and any other garbage that might be twisting your thinking and promoting the negative drama in your lives.

Luke 22:47-53 Betrayed By A Friend

Luke 22:47-53 NIV
Jesus was betrayed when a disciple, a friend, kissed him. It is sad to think about; but, how often do friends betray friends? Under the cover of darkness, a friend is betrayed. Under the cover of darkness, darkness reigns.  It is difficult to know who will betray you. It is difficult when you are betrayed by someone who has at least pretended to be your friend or maybe they are even a member of your own family. It is most difficult when you realize that the relationship has not been about concern for you or your relationship with them; but, about concern to protect or prosper themselves. Whatever the reason; it is difficult when one finds out that the love and concern you perceived has been a lie all along.

Jesus knew all along that Judas would betray him. Yet, he did nothing about it. He knew that his betrayal had a good purpose in the end. The good purpose was worked through a trial, suffering and death. But, in the end, we can see that the betrayal played a huge part in God's blessing of all people.

When betrayed or persecuted, be not afraid. God is with you. He can turn the worst circumstances into a blessing for you and for others.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 6:20-26 Blessing or Woe?

Luke 6:20-26 NIV
When you are persecuted in any way, because of the Son of Man, it is time to rejoice! I know, it can be difficult at times to rejoice (at least it can be for me); but, that is what Jesus told us to do. He said, "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets." (vs 23) And, when the whole world appears to love you, then maybe it's time to think about whether you are really doing God's will or the will of man, as Jesus also said, "Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets." (vs 26)

Stand firmly on the name of Jesus; stand firmly on the Word. Humankind may not appreciate it; but you will be blessed by God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Zephaniah 3 - Blessed are the Oppressed; Woe to the Oppressors!

"Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled!" (Zephaniah 3:1 NIV)

Woe to those who oppress others. Woe to those who neglect and abuse others, whether it is by word or deed that is done or left undone!  Woe to those who continue in their unrighteous ways and know no shame. What is with that, anyway? What good is in it for anyone who persecutes others unjustly?

God dispenses justice. He so wants to dispense mercy and grace to all His children. He so desires that His children would turn to Him and love Him as He loves them. But, anger abounds; jealousy lives, and greed survives.

But, the story does not have an unhappy ending for those who love Him. He will save! He does save! He is with the oppressed. He is with the abused and neglected. He is, even now, gathering those who love Him, into the Kingdom that is prepared for us by Jesus Christ, our LORD.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt 5:8)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Nahum 3 - Rejoicing Over Fallen Enemies

Nahum warns that Nineveh will fall for her endless cruelty. Her victims will clap their hands; rejoicing for the vengeance God takes upon her. (Nahum 3:19)

We are often told that we should not rejoice when our enemies fall. In fact, we should not. According to the Proverbs: "Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them." (Prov 24:17 NIV)However, when one is persecuted so fully as Nineveh had persecuted, the people, according to human nature, will rejoice! They will rejoice that they are finally free. They will give thanks to God for taking away the enemy that has threatened to destroy them.

We give thanks to God for through the blood of Jesus we are free. We are free from the bondage that sin, death and the evil one would keep us in. We are free to give thanks to God for all things, including our freedom through Christ. Let us not neglect to give Him thanks and praise for all things and at all times and in all places.

Rejoice not that your enemy has fallen at the hand of God. Rejoice that even as Christ has been lifted up; so, too, have you. Rejoice that you have been saved from those age old enemies (sin, death, and the devil) by the blood of Jesus the Christ that was shed for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 18 - God Answers According to His Will

A few chapters back, Jeremiah was praying for the people and God told him not to. It was useless. The people were simply hard-hearted and would not change. They would continue to do everything according to their own wills and to persecute Jeremiah for speaking the word of God.

Today, Jeremiah is asking God for relief from these same people. Apparently, he's about had it with being persecuted for trying to save them. His conversation with God:

"They said, “Come, let’s make plans against Jeremiah; for the teaching of the law by the priest will not cease, nor will counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophets. So come, let’s attack him with our tongues and pay no attention to anything he says.”

Listen to me, Lord;
    hear what my accusers are saying!
Should good be repaid with evil?
    Yet they have dug a pit for me.
Remember that I stood before you
    and spoke in their behalf
    to turn your wrath away from them." 
So give their children over to famine;
    hand them over to the power of the sword.
Let their wives be made childless and widows;
    let their men be put to death,
    their young men slain by the sword in battle.
Let a cry be heard from their houses
    when you suddenly bring invaders against them,
for they have dug a pit to capture me    and have hidden snares for my feet." (Jer 18:18-22 NIV)

 

I've known more than a few pastors in my life who have been verbally attacked by their councils and congregations. The slander goes out into the community and attendance starts falling and then the people go into full attack mode. Apparently, it is the pastor's fault that this gossip about him/her amongst the congregants in the community has somehow damaged the reputation of the congregation. Go figure!

 

When a congregation goes through a new pastor every two or three years because the Bishop or whomever sent them a "bad" or "ill-fitting" pastor to them; maybe it's time to take a look at the congregation. It's not that the whole congregation attacks the pastor. It usually one takes one or two antagonists to start the stampede. But, once it is started, it is almost impossible to change the downward slide. It takes divine intervention. That divine intervention usually comes in lessons to learn. Hopefully, they learn better than Israel did. The children of God had to go into captivity to turn their lives around so that they were better in line with the LORD's will for them.

 

In the reading today, God tells Jeremiah to go down to the potter's house and learn what God would have him know. The potter will work the clay. He will do what it takes to make the work of his hand most beautiful in his eyes. Sometimes, like pottery, God needs to fire up the kiln. Sometimes, we need to be fired up in order to be completed. Sometimes, God has to completely destroy the work of His hand so He can start it from scratch once again.

 

Jeremiah is tired. He is tired of being persecuted for not pleasing the "itching ears" of the people. The time has come to listen as we hear the prophecy in 2 Timothy 4:3: "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." That time is here. Just as the people, whom Jeremiah spoke to, only wanted to hear what was pleasing to their ears, so do many today. The truth of which God would have us speak has not changed. It must be spoken. And... those who speak it will be persecuted.

 

The pastors continue to proclaim the kingdom even as they pray for the people. God answers according to His own will and not ours. He is the potter. We are the clay.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 12 - God's Justice

Jeremiah's starting to sound a little fried. Yes, I know what "fried' is. Been there... Many of us have. Jeremiah is sounding just a little unhappy with God's kind of justice. He's not thrilled that the wicked prosper and the faithless live in ease. He's not thrilled that while he is busy doing the LORD's will and being persecuted for it, the persecutors go about doing as they please. I think Jeremiah's getting just a little tired of being "refined" as he does the LORD's will. For, indeed, the LORD will refine even His children so that they can endure every trial and be made even stronger through each of them. Trials build character - or so I've been told. Could Jeremiah possibly be tired of all this character building? There seems to be just a tinge of self-righteousness in him today.

Like Jonah (unhappy that the people repented and were saved) and many others, Jeremiah just doesn't seem to get that God's justice, His will, includes welcoming those who are not His people, as His people. The LORD reminds Jeremiah that even to those who go against God's people, all who turn from their false gods and call upon the name of the LORD, He will show mercy. He will make even the enemy His own. "But after I uproot them, I will again have compassion and will bring each of them back to their own inheritance and their own country. And if they learn well the ways of my people and swear by my name, saying, ‘As surely as the Lord lives’—even as they once taught my people to swear by Baal—then they will be established among my people." (Jer 12:15-16 NIV)

God's plan and His mercy is for all people. Jeremiah's role and the role of all whom God has called is to seek out the lost, seek out those who do not know God, and introduce Him (by proclamation) so that they too might hear and believe, and be welcomed into the Kingdom, the family, of God. And... that, my friend, includes even you and me. "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." (1Pet 2:9-10)

God's Peace - Pr. J