Col 3 Be Kind

Colossians 3 NIV

Compassion, kindness, gentleness,
patience....

A friend recently tried to do a favor for someone; even though he had no clue as to who it was that he was trying to help. He was just trying to do the right thing. He was trying to help someone in need. For trying to do the right thing he was majorly disrespected. We live in a world where people can really be ugly to others even when they are being served with the best of intentions by others. Compassion, kindness, gentleness, patience are often greeted with anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. I am confident that this will not stop this friend from doing the right thing in the future nor should it ever stop us from living life according to the love and peace that we have received in Christ.

St. Paul reminds us that whatever we do we should do at it with all our hearts, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. He reminds us to say and do all that we can to promote peace among us; to respect and to love one another. Do not let the haters in this world stop you from living life in Christ, pray for them. And, whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Galatians 5:13-26 Love; A Fruit Of The Spirit

Galatians 5:13-26 NIV
Love - a fruit of the Spirit of God! There are days that I just shake my head in wonder at the lack of love that I witness around me. People using people to get what they want. I believe that everyone wants love but they have no clue that gratifying the desires of the flesh isn't going to get it. Sexual immorality, anger (temper tantrums and tirades), idolatry, etc. isn't going to get you love. Love is of the Spirit, not of the flesh. Love is not self-seeking. Love seeks unity with one's neighbor. Love seeks good for others and not harm.

According to St. Paul: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like." (vs 19-21) He warns us that those who live like this will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

On the other hand, those who live by the Spirit of God, will have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. They will produce fruit of the Spirit. "...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control..." (vs 22)

Can you imagine a world in which the fruit of the Spirit is more plentiful than the desires of the flesh? What an awesome way to live that would be!

May God help us to love others, even as He loves us. May His Kingdom come - His will be done on earth as it is done in heaven.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Matthew 8 - Jesus and Storms

Faith is a major theme in our chapter today. Trusting in the LORD to make us whole. In today's reading we find Jesus healing the sick and kicking out demons. He, also, tells everyone that there will be a cost to following him. One must be willing to leave everything else behind them in order to truly follow him.

But, the story from chapter eight that has always really intrigued me is the story of Jesus calming the sea. You see, the part that is often missed in this story is that the storm does not begin until after the disciples follow Jesus on to the boat. They join him on the boat and then the rain comes down, the wind rages, the seas roll. Jesus is resting peacefully as if there is nothing to be worried about and there is not anything for them to worry about. Jesus is with them. He has the power and the authority to calm the most raging of seas.

As we leave behind the safety and comfort of all that we have known to follow Jesus there will be many storms. As you get on board with Jesus you will face many obstacles. But, fear not. Jesus is with you through each and every one of them. He will calm your storms. He will calm your fears. Have faith. He will save you.

God's Peace - Pr. J