Do Unto Others; Respect And Care For Them

Do Unto Others; Give Generously out of love for others
Zion Servant Event - making fleece blankets for LWR

“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets." Matt 7:12

You have heard the saying: "what goes around, comes around." Others refer to it as karma. What really is happening is that when you treat others with disrespect they most likely will treat you in the same manner that you have treated them. It is human nature. People simply have a hard time showing respect for those who disrespect others. When people break the rules of society, there are usually consequences set in place by society as a whole. I dislike this word, karma, immensely. I think a better word for this might be justice.

"Depart from evil, and do good; so you shall abide forever. For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his faithful ones." Psalm 37:27-28

Show respect for others and they might show respect to you. Love others and you will be loved. Do good to all people that it may be well with you and them; that we might all live in harmony and peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

All That Glitters Is Not Gold

I ordered a custom made mask for a charity masquerade ball from a local artisan yesterday. She will do the designing. I am not too big on masks. They are meant to disguise who we really are. I am who I am and I see no reason to hide my face; wrinkles and all. Those wrinkles are mine and it's taken many years to acquire them. The mask that Brenda is creating for me will most probably have feathers and glitter. I know her work. It will be fantastic. But, it will not be me.

We all already wears masks from time to time. Some of us wear them all of the time. It can be difficult to get through the layers of masks to see who the person really is. We encounter happy, smiling faces all of the time just to find out later that the person is wearing a mask. They may be sad underneath the mask. They may be grieving. They may be jealous or even vindictive and out to harm others. Just because the mask one wears give us the impression that all is well; even extraordinarily well, does not mean that it actually is. All that glitters is not gold. Most of the time glitter is just glitter stuck on with a bit of glue. Be careful then who it is that you would follow; who you would keep confidences with; who you would ally with. Watch for the masks! It can be very difficult to discern who is really underneath them.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." Matt 7:15

God's Peace - Pr. J

Listen to the Word

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. Heb 1:1-2 NRSV

I am always amazed by the number of people who rely on astrology or fortunetellers for a positive look at their personal futures. Sometimes, they are surprised and according to these false prophets their futures are not so bright. But, the Christian does not depend on reading the stars or listening to people who speak to the dead as these are forbidden by God. The Christian trusts in the word of God. He or she reads the word as found in the Holy Scriptures. The Christian listens to the Word who is Jesus the Christ.

In these latter days, God has spoken to us through His Son, Jesus the Christ. We know that in him and only in him do we have a future of hope.

Join us this evening, to hear His Word, as our young people lead us in worship of the only one who knows what the future will bring.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Beware of the Pretentious

"Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces,  the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts,  who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” Mark 12:38-40

Beware of the scribes; beware of anyone who would place themselves before and above others. They are not there to help others; but, to help themselves under the pretense of helping others.

Beware of the pretentious. Those long prayers and speeches of the pretentious are there to sway you to their way of thinking and not necessarily God's way or will. Beware, that their smooth words are not swaying you to follow in a way that you should not be going in.

We are inundated with political speeches. We are inundated with biased media. What a circus it can become! Listen carefully and beware of those who place themselves before others; who think more highly of themselves than they ought. With their smooth tongues they can make what is good look like sin and what is sin look like it is a good thing. Beware of those who claim to want to help the poor and needy and; yet, get richer while the poor get poorer.

Beware of the false prophets. We have a God who will guide us in all things. Listen to Him!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Gift of Life

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." John 3:16 NRSV

It is difficult to comprehend a love as great as the love God has for the people of earth. Yet, it is there. His desire is not that anyone should die; but, that all should live. It is evidenced by the willingness of Jesus to die on the cross, carrying our sins in his body. It is evidenced by the sacrifice that our Lord, Jesus made for us. Paul wrote to the Romans (Rom 3:21-25) "But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction,  since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith."

How great is the love of the one who was willing to die so that all who believe could live in God's presence for all eternity! Thanks be to God for this gift of life!

God's Peace - Pr. J

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

Revelation 10 NIV

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

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

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

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

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

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 John 4:1-6 From God

1 John 4:1-6
God has sent His children into the world to proclaim Jesus the Christ who has come in the flesh. Those who would listen to the good news of Jesus Christ are also from God. But, those who do not listen and spread false rumors are not from God. Do not share in their lies.

Our reading today instantly made me think of that History Channel, that is more like the Science Fiction Channel. I've seen more junk on that channel; things like trying to disprove the virgin birth and that Jesus was an alien and that earth was populated because beings from other planets came and started a whole colony of people with their DNA. Some of the stuff seen on that channel has no basis in either faith or science. It is all conjecture aimed at proving that the Holy Scriptures are false. Have nothing to do with these lies.

"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (vs 1)

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Timothy 6 - Love of Money

1 Timothy 6 NIV

Seek not the pot of gold at the end of
the rainbow; rather, receive the Tree of Life,
who is Jesus the Christ.

It is not money that is the root of all evil; rather, as Paul puts it, "...the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (vs 10) God has indeed blessed many of the faithful with riches in this world. We are not to disrespect those whom God has so blessed. They are faithful in using their blessings to bless others and to glorify God. They are not arrogantly serving themselves. And, if they are then we might want to discern whether they really serve God or themselves before we listen to them.

We should not so desire wealth in this world that it detracts us from the love of God. There are many false prophets in this world who would tell us that if we just do this or that God will bless us. There are many who would teach that godliness  is a means to gain.

I received one of those letters the other day encouraging me "to plant a seed" and God will make me rich. If you receive letters like this, I encourage you to destroy them immediately. Have nothing to do with these false prophets. Those letters are not being sent to help you get rich. They are being sent so that the senders may prosper even more. It is for their own wealth that they are concerned. They have little knowledge of the true riches of God. They use the name of God for their own glory here in this world. They do not seek the kingdom of God; but, riches in this world which are very temporary.

Money can be used for good purposes by the faithful. But, be careful that your love for it does not trump your love for God who was willing to die for you. The love of money can bring great destruction to a person; to a community; to the world.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Colossians 2:1-8 Pray For All People

Colossians 2:1-8 NIV 
St. Paul was not just concerned for the people immediately around him. He prayed for and encouraged everyone. He was concerned that all people's heart would be encouraged and united in love; that all people might know the mystery of God. He was concerned about the false prophets who had or might sneak into the church; turning people from Christ to human tradition and spiritual forces of this world for their lives and salvation.

Each day, as I read the world-wide news I am reminded of how great our need is to pray for and encourage all people who would follow Jesus; not just those within our own congregations and community. There are many whose very lives are in danger for daring to proclaim the mysteries of the Gospel. We must also pray for and sometimes, as God leads us, even confront, with the truth, those who teach falsely so that they eyes and minds and hearts might be opened to know and proclaim the truth.

May God protect us all from fine-sounding arguments and worship in Spirit and truth.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Corinthians 11 False Prophets

2 Corinthians 11 NIV
Do not be deceived by false apostles. There are many who preach a different Jesus than the one whom Paul preaches and teaches. There are many who would preach a different gospel today, as well. Beware, of those with slick tongues, but have very little knowledge. The best way that I have found to know whether someone is an apostle of Christ or a deceiver of Satan is to know scripture. Read your Bibles. Hear the Word of God speak to you through the written word. If what someone tells you cannot be supported by scripture then toss that notion away. It is not for you.

One of the biggest lies that I hear today is preached by those who would teach that if we do this or that, God will give us everything we want. We will be prosperous. Paul was willing to endure hardship; others were willing to give of their own abundance, in order to make it possible for neighboring communities to hear the proclamation of Jesus and his kingdom. God does not promise that we will be wealthy in this world if we follow all the rules and regulations that our little minds can contrive. He does; however, promise us peace of heart and mind even while we are in the midst of persecution for proclaiming the truth.

I was reminded by our Sunday School this past Sunday that there is only one reason to want to follow in the footsteps of Jesus into his Kingdom, and that is to be with Jesus. If a preacher is preaching some other reason or goal than Jesus, who is the Kingdom, then run. No, maybe a better alternative to running is to do what St. Paul did. Speak the truth. Proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God for all who would believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Romans 16:17-27 Itching Ears

Romans 16:17-27 
We've all heard them; those who with smooth talk teach a false gospel. It is not any different today than in what it was in St. Paul's day. There is one way to tell if something proclaimed to you is the truth; know the scriptures, read them and hear them. The message proclaimed to us through the prophets is found in them. The fulfillment is found in them. Do not let your itching ears lead you to believing  smooth talkers whose aim is not to glorify God; but their own egos. It is neither wise nor safe to accept any doctrine that cannot be supported by scripture; scripture supports scripture. Read your Bibles daily and have a blessed day; a blessed life in Christ Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Romans 9:30-33 By Faith

Romans 9:30-33 NIV
What is it that saves; faith or works? It is faith alone that saves. Works will not do it. Faith will inspire us to pursue a life of doing good; but good works do not inspire us to faith. It was by faith that the prophets of old were saved. It was by faith in the promise that they were willing to put their lives on the line to proclaim God's truth.

It is indeed good for the world around us when we all pursue good works; but, it will not save a soul. Only faith in the one who lived and died and lives again for us; only through a living relationship with this One who saves us, do we inherit our place in the Kingdom of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. I haven't quite figured out why anyone would want to live in the Kingdom of God after they die if they don't want Him in their lives completely, now.

John 5:31-47 Believe the Testimony

John 5:31-47 NIV
Jesus knows you. He knows whether you have the love of God in your heart or not. He knows whether you believe or not. John the Baptist came to testify to the truth that we might be saved. The prophets testified to Jesus coming into the world. Yet, the world refused to believe. Holy Scripture gives testimony of Jesus. Yet, do we believe? Do we believe the Scriptures or even though we read the word about the Word does it fail to make its way into our hearts and minds?

Jesus testifies that the people study the Scriptures diligently because they think in them they have eternal life. The Scriptures direct us to Jesus. We read the Scriptures (now and then?); yet, how many of us refuse to go to him for life and salvation?

At the NALC Convocation this past week, one of the speaker's asked us to consider on a scale of 1 to 10 where our level of passion for the LORD is. Where is it? Is it a 5 or maybe just a 2? Hopefully, many can say that it is much higher than that. Is our passion for God low because just maybe our faith is waning? Who can hear what Jesus has done for us without being filled will love and passion for Him? Only those who are not really paying attention to the testimony of Scripture.  

In order to keep your passion from waning, dive into the Scriptures. Read them, study them, hear them and may God open our hearts and minds that we might believe and be saved.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 20:9-19 Inheritance Through Faith Alone

Luke 20:9-19 NIV
The tenants refused to give a portion of their harvest to the landlord to pay the rent. They assaulted the collection agents, so the landlord sent his son thinking they might respect his son. Yeah, right! They rejected the son, too. They killed the son! They killed him thinking that they would then receive the land as their inheritance. It just doesn't work that way.

God sent many prophets to help guide the people in loving and serving the Lord. They didn't want to hear it. They wanted what they wanted. They killed the prophets. God sent his only begotten Son. We killed him, too. Rejecting the Son doesn't get us what we want. It doesn't earn us any inheritance. In the end, anyone who rejects the Son will be crushed.

There is only one way to the Kingdom of God, into the inheritance promised by the Father through the Son and that is by grace alone through faith alone.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Luke 16:19-31 NIV - Dire Straits

Luke 16:19-31 NIV
In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus the rich man had been provided every opportunity to reach out to Lazarus in brotherly love. He did not. Once the rich man died and found himself alone and in extreme distress, there was no one to reach out to him. How different it would have been if he had allowed that poor beggar into his life while he was still living! He would have a friend now. Maybe, he would not be in the dire straits he found himself in, now.

From Hades, he begs Abraham to send Lazarus to his family to warn them so they don't end up like he has. For some reason the rich man thinks his family might listen to Lazarus even though he, himself, had paid no heed to him while he was alive.

No, Father Abraham replies. Your brothers will not listen to Lazarus. They did not listen to Moses or the Prophets. They will not even listen if someone rises from the dead.

Sadly, that is the way it is for many. They will not take the time to pay heed to the stranger at the door, the hungry at our gates. They will not take the time to pay heed to the warnings of Moses or the prophets. They pay no attention to the one who has risen from the dead. Like the rich man, the lives of many are spent focusing on their worldly, day to day, pleasures as they pay no heed to the things that are really important; that will last for eternity.

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 6:20-26 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

Amos 2 - Prophets and Prophecy a Gift; Listen!

"'I brought you up out of Egypt
    and led you forty years in the wilderness
    to give you the land of the Amorites.
I also raised up prophets from among your children
    and Nazirites from among your youths.
Is this not true, people of Israel?'
declares the Lord.
'But you made the Nazirites drink wine
    and commanded the prophets not to prophesy.'" (Amos 2:10-12 NIV)

God has saved His people time and time again; yet, they (we) continue to do what we ought not do. We will not listen. We will not listen to those whom He sends to warn us or lead us in the way that He would have us go. Like little children, we go wandering off in our own directions, not taking any direction from our Father; not listening to the word of admonishment or advice that He would give us.

Just as in the days of Amos, the words of the prophet today go mostly unheeded. Sometimes, we attempt to justify our lack of hearing by denying that God would send a prophet in these latter days. However, St. Paul wrote:

"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues." (1 Cor 12:7-10 NIV)

These gifts, including prophecy, are gifts from God for the common good. Shall we suppose that God the Father is now not desiring our common good, our common growth in the Body of Christ? I think not! By the power of the Holy Spirit, all of God's children receive gifts for the growth and edification of the Body of Christ, which is the Church.

May God open our ears that we might hear not just the mighty deeds that He has done for us; but, that we might hear and understand the Way in which He would have us go.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Lamentations 4 - Prophets and Priests to Blame

The lament continues. The people suffer. They are suffering, the lament tells us, because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests.

"But it happened because of the sins of her prophets
    and the iniquities of her priests,
who shed within her    the blood of the righteous." (Lam 4:13 NIV)

What were the sins of the priests and prophets? Simply put, they spoke falsely, in the LORD's name, to please the itching ears of God's people. The consequences were bad... really bad! Don't forget to read chapter 4 of Lamentations today to get a better idea of how bad things got for God's people.

Lutherans, as well as other denominations in the U.S., typically call their pastors. They meet each other; they hear him/her preach; they pray for God to help them discern whether He is calling the pastor to that community to serve; and, then the congregation votes. I cannot begin to tell you how tragic it ends when the people of God do not take seriously this discernment process. They must  listen to this man or woman they are considering calling to see whether they truly proclaim God's Word or if they speak to please the itching ears of those who call. I cannot begin to imagine how many congregations actually listen for and call those who are willing to serve their itching ears before the Word of the LORD. It is not good!

And, a word to the pastors and priests, who are called to serve: consider the consequences to the people that you are teaching falsely. Is your paycheck and retirement really worth the devastation that false proclamations will bring to the people, to the land? Consider the consequences, for all people, of your decision to proclaim the truth or not. Sure, some of them may not like you for speaking the truth. But, speak it anyway so that they might have life!

Let us part with a bit of good news: even in our reading today, God promises that the sorrow will pass.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 45 - Give Your Life To The LORD For Your Own Sake!

"And you, do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for I am going to bring disaster upon all flesh, says the Lord; but I will give you your life as a prize of war in every place to which you may go.” (Jer 45:5 NIV)

Most often, the prophets warn us about seeking false gods, of worshipping ourselves; but, at the same time we are reminded that if we follow in His way, we will be blessed. We will be given our lives! We will live and live abundantly for all eternity, in His presence, in His Kingdom! Thanks be to God!

I cannot even count the times I have warned others that they were falling off the path and heading for disaster. A majority of the time, I am not listened to. Once more my plea is that you would give your life to the LORD that it might go well with you in the land that He has given you, in the Kingdom, where His Son, our LORD and Savior, reigns.

God's Peace - Pr. J