Patience

The internet was down when I woke up at 5 this morning. Rebooting the modem, the router, and the computer, itself, a few times did not help. I decided to finish the sermon I've been struggling with instead of wasting any more time trying to fix it myself. I live in the woods, at the end of the line, so my high speed DSL isn't always so high speed and it goes completely out every now and then, seems like more often in bad weather than good. I figured I had tried all that I could try and I would call the tech when their office opened at 8 a.m.. I waited and wrote.

I have learned to wait on the internet. I have learned to wait on many things. Everything does not always go as I plan. But, life continues. There is no sense to getting upset about something so minor and that we have no control over. There are so many things in this world that are so much worse than the internet not working or a television show or a computer game being disrupted. It can even be a good thing when we lose our connection with the world wide web from time to time.

Paul wrote to the Ephesians (4:1-3) "I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."  Here is Paul, in prison, begging the Ephesians to lead lives with humility, gentleness, and patience bearing with one another in love. Paul met his imprisonment not just with patience; but with joy that the Lord had opened many doors in that prison so that he could proclaim the Good News to those who would not otherwise hear.

Some of the things that we lose patience with are pretty trivial compared to the troubles others suffer in the world. It would be best to ignore these minor obstacles and just move on past or over them. Don't let them interfere with what God has called you to do. Take advantage of what might seem to be a hindrance; because, it just might be a door opening for you. 

Just as I finished the sermon at 7:30, the internet came back on all by itself.

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Received Life

"I then, as Paul - an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus - I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me." Philemon 9-11

 

    I remember the day that I received word that a young friend had "received life." Now in the Christian context you might assume that he has received Christ into his life; that he has received the promise of eternal life. I wish that I could say that this is so. He "received life" in the worldly context. He was sentenced to life in prison, without parole.  When I heard the sentence he had received, in grief, I voiced it aloud:

                      "HE RECEIVED LIFE."

    There is hope in those words. It is my hope that this sentence in this world is the sign to me that he has received life eternal, even though he may not realize it, yet. I pray for him often. I pray that we would be one in Christ; that he would enter into the Body of Christ. It is painful for me to think of one so young living behind bars for another 50 or 60 years. But, it is reality; a hard reality;  but, one that may be the very opportunity for him to "receive life."  This friend of mine received the consequences that were due him in this life, yet, he still has the opportunity for freedom; a freedom that is found only in Christ; for all eternity.

    We read in Philemon, Paul who is in prison has converted a young man. Paul spent a good portion of his ministry behind bars. Although scripture has no record of how many received the truth of Christ through the Word spoken by Paul, I am sure there were quite a few. I guess you could say he was called to prison ministry, but not in the way most of us view prison ministry. He was there, living it. One on one, he experienced the pain and suffering of those in prison with him. Because he suffered the same pain; he understood and others listened and others received life.

    There is a prison that is worse than any earthly prison surrounded by bars and barbed wire. That is our bondage to sin; our bondage to the desires and ways of this world; our desires to be served rather than serve in the love of Christ. This prison is harder for us to recognize and so we may never experience the desire to be free from this prison.

   Jesus said that the truth would set us free. (John 8:32) However, for those of us who may be bound in a prison of worldly comforts; of self-serving desires and pursuits, it can be really hard to see or hear the truth (often preferring not to see the truth, about our need for forgiveness, so we don't ask), remaining in bondage to sin.

    As we consider our own freedom, let us ask God to reveal to us whether we are truly free. Let us pray first for salvation; for freedom in Christ. Let us pray for one another, in love, that forgiveness in Christ be received by all God's children who find themselves in prison: those in correctional facilities and those chained to the desires of this world. Let us also pray a prayer of Thanksgiving for our Prison Chaplains and all who work in the Prison Ministry for bringing the Light of Christ into such dark lives.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Philippians 1:1-14 Chains

Philippians 1:1-14 NIV
Paul continues his ministry while he is in prison and not just to those who are around him. He writes this letter to the church at Philippi reminding them that he loves them and how their partnership with them in the gospel brings him joy even in his chains. This exuberant love that he has for them and for the gospel helps to embolden those in Philippi, as well as those around him, to also proclaim the gospel. In spite of persecution; in spite of imprisonment, Paul is joyful and full of love toward others. He knows that his chains are a means to further the gospel.
 
Today, around the world, there are countless Christians in chains for the sake of their faith in Christ. Some are facing possible execution. Some have recently been executed. But, most will never renounce Christ. They will keep the faith even to death. May their deaths not be in vain. Their chains will advance the gospel as we hear of their great love for our Lord.

 

As we remember them today and every day may it be a reminder to us of the great love others have for our Lord. May God grant that our love abound more and more in knowledge and understanding so that we may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. May God grant that we be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

 

Eph 6:1-9 Honor or Exasperate?

Ephesians 6:1-9 NIV

Serve one another as if we were serving Jesus;
even as Jesus serves us.

There are times in life when loved ones; bosses, even the government just totally exasperate us. There are times when we are asked to do things that we would just prefer not to do. Some of these things might trouble our consciences so much that we must take a stand and say no.

But, most of the time we must reexamine our motives for saying no. Will our "no" really glorify God? Will the "no" really be service to God? St. Paul reminds us that we should honor and not exasperate others. We are to serve others wholeheartedly, as if we were serving the Lord and not people.

There are definitely people that come into most of our lives that we would rather not be around and  not wish to serve. In times like these I remember the love of God and how Jesus served all people. He ate with sinners. He said he came to heal the sick not the healthy; the sinner not the righteous. (Matt 9:11-13)

He would also remind us:
     "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."
     "The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’" (Matt  25:35,36,40)

As we approach Holy Week another incident that resounds in my heart and mind is when after Peter had denied Jesus, Jesus asks him if he loves him. Peter says, "Yes, Lord." And, Jesus responds: "Feed my sheep." (John 21:17) 

There are definitely times that we must say "no" because we know that our "yes" would cause more  harm to others by sending them down a wrong path even further away from Christ. But, it would be most beneficial to make sure that our "no" is motivated by our desire to serve Christ and not our self-centeredness or our personal judgments of what is right or wrong.

Honor, respect, love others as though they were Christ. God does not discriminate. It is probably a good idea that we don't either.

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

Acts 25:1-12 Appealing to the Court

Acts 25:1-12 NIV
It is best when things can be resolved out of court. But, sometimes it is necessary to appeal to the state so that things can be straightened out; so that the innocent one might be protected; so that peace (at least some semblance of it) might be restored.

Paul's message intimidated the Jews. His message was one of grace for all people who would follow Jesus. The message of the Jews who despised Paul was one of strict adherence to the law. But, Paul was out of reach, he was in the hands of the state in Caesarea. The Jews really wanted to get Paul back in their own territory so they would be able to manipulate the local courts. But, Festus would have none of that. Paul would have none of that. Paul appealed to a higher court. He appealed to Caesar. The request was granted. His life was prolonged with this request. His ability to continue to proclaim the Good News to those around him continued.

According to Matthew 5:25, Jesus said:“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison." 

The Jews who persecuted Paul had no intention of settling matters with Paul outside of court. They wanted him gone for good. They wanted the message he carried gone. The chaos that comes with falsely accusing someone seems not to have bothered them much. Paul, with his message of forgiveness in Christ Jesus, really seemed to be a thorn in their side; a thorn which they wanted to remove by removing Paul from this world. There was no reconciling. They were right. Paul was wrong. So they spent their lives angrily chasing after Paul. What a way to live! Is it not been better to discuss things rather than attack those who disagree with you? It appears that the imprisonment the Jews suffered in the hardness of their hearts may have been worse than Paul's imprisonment by the state.

The continual persecution provided some obstacles for Paul's ministry; but, he was still able to continue to testify in spite or maybe even because of his imprisonment. Hardships may come; but, God's will, will still be done. Is it not better to resolve things before they go too far? Sitting down and talking or praying together might be a good start before one's life is wasted away; before one is imprisoned by their our misplaced anger and fear.

May the peace of God be with you all and may we be reconciled to one another in Christ Jesus.

God's Peace -  Pr. J
 

Acts 17:10-15 Agitators

Acts 17:10-15 NIV
It appears that no matter where Paul went the agitators, against him and more importantly against the Word, showed up. He spent a bit of time in prison because of them. Sometimes, he simply left the area.

In Paul's case, it was probably necessary for him to flee so that he could cover as much area as he could with the Good News before his death. I'm not so sure that in this day and age leaving the area is always the best option. In the U.S., we can't be thrown into prison or beaten or flogged for sharing the truth about the Kingdom through Jesus Christ. Yet, we see many pastors who flee the community that they have been called to serve in because of the agitators. Sometimes, it may be necessary because the agitators (antagonists) have managed to switch the focus from Jesus to things of much less importance; in fact, things that cause division and not unity, like egos. Sometimes, pastors simply find it almost impossible to preach the Gospel due to this conflict and leave to go to a community that is willing to hear and then willing to serve the living God rather then their own egos.

Where am I going with this? Well, if your congregation is one that is having to look for a new pastor every two or three years; maybe, it is time to find out if there is someone(s) running these pastors out of the area and if the congregation somehow is supporting this person or persons by ignoring the agitation that they are causing; allowing them to switch the focus away from the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ. It may not always be the best choice to flee an area; but, on the other hand as we are called to proclaim the Gospel; sometimes, we need to go where people will hear it.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Acts 16:16-40 Truth In Prison

Acts 16:16-40 NIV
Paul appears not to dislike prison all that much. If there are times when speaking the truth encourages the possibility of persecution or prison; then Paul definitely encourages it. He does not care that he is going to offend a rich slave owner. He evicts the evil spirit from the slave-girl who is busy making money for the rich man. Paul is not afraid to witness to his jailer. He is not afraid of invading the comfort zones of others when he knows that they are wrong in what they do or say or think. He is not afraid. God is with him. God releases him from his prison; yet, he will not leave until those who had him jailed in the first place admit that they were wrong in the first place.

Paul was imprisoned for speaking the truth. This did not deter him. He was not afraid, even in prison, or after being released to continue to speaking the truth about Jesus.

May God help us all to be so bold in proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom and in encouraging others to believe in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 12:1-19 Free Indeed!

Acts 12:1-19 NIV
The church had been earnestly praying for Peter. Peter could hardly believe it. He thought he was dreaming. But, it was no dream or vision. An angel of the Lord released him from prison.

When Peter showed up at Mary's doorstep they could hardly believe it. Believe it! God can open the chains that bind us. He can unlock the doors that keep us locked up no matter whether those doors are physical or spiritual. "When the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!" (John 8:36)

You will be free; just as Peter was, to go and tell the world what the Lord has done for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Micah 7 - Blood Thicker Than Blood

Micah warns that no shall be trusted - all will conspire against the followers of God - even one's family. Throughout my life, I have gone through many changes. At first, I naively trusted everyone. Then, I trusted no one. Finally, as I came to have a closer relationship with God, I was able, once again, to have trust in others. Not that I placed my trust in others, but that I placed my trust in God so that I was once again able to help others. I knew and know that no matter what others might do against me, God is with me for the good.

Sadly, I witness over and over again how true Micah's reminder and warning is.
"For a son dishonors his father,
    a daughter rises up against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
    a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
    I wait for God my Savior;
    my God will hear me." (Micah 7:6-7 NIV)

Greed, envy, jealousy; these all affect family relationships. Pride in self is a killer of families. Even among family members, one will put their own desires before another; before the good of family. When I worked at the youth correctional facility, I would warn the young men to please not move home when they were released. Many of their problems came from parents who put their own lives (often addictions) before the children. To move back home because of family blood ties would spell "prison sentence" for them in the end, as I knew that many of their family members would continue to lead them in lives of crime for the sake of their own desires. As the spiritual counselor, as well as the substance abuse counselor, I would remind them: "There is a blood that is thicker than blood and that is the blood of Christ shed for you."  

In Him we can trust.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 37 - Light After Darkness

Jeremiah is thrown into prison for preaching the word of God. Of course, he is arrested under the pretext that he is a traitor. He was not.

This seems to be a not so uncommon an occurrence when the truth is told. The enemy will do what it can to make it look like you have done something wrong other than speak the truth. It might be your neighbor or even a family member who will falsely accuse you. It might even be your own government. The fact that you are speaking the truth so that the people might be saved will be overlooked and you may end up being branded a criminal, even a traitor. You may be imprisoned.

But, that is the chance truth-tellers must take in order to help their neighbors; in order to save them. Jeremiah was put into prison for speaking the truth. Jesus was put to death for proclaiming it. Not everyone wants to hear the truth and come out into the light. Not everyone wants to be released from the bondage of darkness. They would prefer to drag the rest of the world into their own dark little world. But, remember this when someone drags you into deep, dark dungeons: "...weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." (Psalm 30:5b NIV). There is light after darkness....

"Light after Darkness," a hymn for this morning written by Frances R. Havergal, in 1879:

Light after darkness, gain after loss,
Strength after weakness, crown after cross;
Sweet after bitter, hope after fears,
Home after wandering, praise after tears.
Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain,
Sight after mystery, peace after pain;
Joy after sorrow, calm after blast,
Rest after weariness, sweet rest at last.
Near after distant, gleam after gloom,
Love after loneliness, life after tomb;
After long agony, rapture of bliss,
Right was the pathway, leading to this.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 21 - Day Of Judgment

Have the people not been listening? Has King Zedekiah heard none of the prophecies of Jeremiah? After much warning, Zedekiah finally realizes that Nebuchadnezzar is coming against them and sends word to Jeremiah to inquire of the LORD if He will deliver the people. It is, in fact, the LORD who is sending Nebuchadnezzar against them. It is too late. The day of judgment arrives. All those wasted days and years living for themselves rather than for God and doing what was not right in His sight, have finally come back on them.

 “Furthermore, tell the people, ‘This is what the Lord says: See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death.  I have determined to do this city harm and not good, declares the Lord. It will be given into the hands of the king of Babylon, and he will destroy it with fire.’
  “Moreover, say to the royal house of Judah, ‘Hear the word of the Lord. ¹² This is what the Lord says to you, house of David:

“‘Administer justice every morning;
    rescue from the hand of the oppressor
    the one who has been robbed,
or my wrath will break out and burn like fire
    because of the evil you have done—
    burn with no one to quench it.
I am against you, Jerusalem,
    you who live above this valley
    on the rocky plateau, declares the Lord—
you who say, “Who can come against us?
    Who can enter our refuge?”
I will punish you as your deeds deserve,
    declares the Lord.
I will kindle a fire in your forests    that will consume everything around you.’” (Jer 21:8, 10-14)

It will not be good on the day of judgment. There will many who will think, as King Zedekiah thought, that the LORD would save them and in the end, the LORD will say, I knew you not, because you knew me not. Hear the prophecy of Jesus, just in case you haven't heard it before and a reminder if you hadn't, like King Zedekiah, paid attention.

   “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
   “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
   "He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’" (Matt 25:41-45 NIV)

Feed His Sheep! And have a blessed day!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Isaiah 58 - Fasting Is About Giving and Living

I don't know too many Lutherans who actually fast, today, except for many during Lent. We give up chocolate or soda pop or some other consumable. Some give up other bad habits, at least for the season. But, what is fasting?

Isaiah suggests fasting is not so much what we don't do (eat), but about what we do and ultimately how or why we do it. Fasting is not so much about what does or doesn't go into our bodies, but what comes out of them. Fasting is not so much about starving ourselves, as it is about giving of ourselves. It is about giving our lives in service to God and to others - dedicating our lives to helping other - to feeding others - rather than feeding our own egos.

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
    and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
    and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
    and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
    and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
    you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

“If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
    with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
    and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,    and your night will become like the noonday." (Isa 58:6-10 NIV)

Fasting is about using our time and our resources to help our neighbor, rather than our own selfish desires, so that God might be glorified. It really would not hurt many of us to do with a little less so that others might have enough. It really would not hurt to give more of our time to help a neighbor in need... to visit the sick, those in prison, those who are alone and lonely, those in need. It would not hurt and we might even find joy in these relationships.

Fasting is not so much about what you don't do, but about what you do. It's not about living in the dark as you walk about "bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes" (vs 5), acting as though you are humble, starving yourself. Fasting is about living - living in the light of the LORD, rather than the darkness of world. It is about living, even in the darkness, as you "let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."  (Matt 5:16)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 142 - Exhausted?

Have you ever been to the place where you are emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausted?  It's a tough place to be. That's for sure...  The good thing about this place is that there is no place, no one to turn to, except to God. He truly becomes our refuge and strength in those times. When our spirits grow faint within us, there is one we can turn to who will watch over us and care for.

When we are weak, then we are strong, as we trust in the LORD to free us from the prisons that would bind us.

God's Peace - Pr. J.