His Thoughts; His Ways

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 NRSV


It would be easy to give up and let the world have it's worldly way with you. But, the Word of the LORD reminds us to seek Him and His Way. God's ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. Following in the way our ego would have us go will only prove to be devastating to our lives and the world around us.  And... it may also be a good thing to remember that no matter how bad things get, God is still in charge. He can turn the greatest tragedy into the most marvelous triumph. From the most troubled time, He will lead us out in joy and lead us forth in peace; the peace that only He can give.

 

Seek the LORD and come to the One who knows the way; who is The Way. 

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Seek Him

Seek the Lord while he may be found,
    call upon him while he is near;

let the wicked forsake their way,
    and the unrighteous their thoughts;
let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them,
    and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.

Isaiah 55:6-8

 

God's Peace be with you all. Pr. J

It Will Be Given You

"Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." Matt 7:7-8 NRSV

This morning I would really like the Lord to produce a couple of sermons for me. It would be good if I didn't have to focus on writing them; but, that's not how it works. God is not going to send it directly to my printer. I must do some listening, some searching, in order to know what He would have me say at Carol's funeral tomorrow and at worship on Sunday.

God does, indeed, gift us good gifts without our asking. He gave us His only begotten Son without our asking; without our even realizing that we needed him. But, sometimes we must ask in order to for us to be open to hear His word and His will for us. It's not a matter of God not giving them to us freely. It's a matter of whether we are willing to receive them or not.

The older I get, the more I realize that in order to know and do God's will I have to practice the presence of God so that I can hear Him. I have to actively seek Him because my human nature would shut Him out as I attempt to go it alone, without Him. This, I have found, is not a very wise idea. Of course, God is always with me; but, there are times I shut the door on Him and do not listen; do not hear His word or His will. Without Him, I can do nothing good. But, with Him all things are possible.

Search His word and you will find His good will for you and for all people.

"For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Thess 2:14

God's Peace - Pr. J

I Prefer To Seek The Lord's Presence

"One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple." Psalm 27:4

I love professional football. Not! I understand that professional football is a national obsession. I do appreciate the opportunity a few young men find in being selected to play professional ball. How exciting for them and their families. But, I personally find professional football just a bit too materialistic. I have never really been able to figure out why people who are struggling to feed their families or make their mortgages would support an organization that charges so much to see a game. I am also a little nauseated by the news that all that patriotic support for  military members that they so often display is actually paid for by taxpayers. Yes, according to a PBS News Report, the government pays for these shows of patriotism. I am not against football; just the glorification of it and all the idolatry that goes with professional football. I do attend High School football games now and then in support of the youth who play. Instead of sitting on the couch and watching football; why not take your children or grandchildren outside and teach them the game?

But, the truth is that there is something that I really do appreciate about televised football. As my husband is intent on sitting in front of the television for hours watching a game, it affords me the opportunity to retreat to a quiet place and pray. Televised football games on Sunday afternoons gives me the opportunity to intentionally come into the Lord's presence, to seek His beauty, and to inquire of Him what He would have me to; in which direction I should go.

After all; does not desiring to live in the house of the Lord mean that we desire to live in His presence for all eternity; even today?

Let us seek to live always in His presence.

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

Acts 2:13-21 Get To Know The Holy Spirit

Acts 2:13-21 NIV
No, the disciples were not drunk with wine at 9 a.m. on that day of Pentecost. They were filled with the Holy Spirit just as is was spoken of by the prophet Joel. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come upon them and the Spirit did.

“In the last days, God says,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your young men will see visions,
    your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
    I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
    and they will prophesy." (vs 17-18)

I've never quite been sure how it is that the day of Pentecost is taken so lightly in so many congregations in the United States (and probably around the world). It is the day that the power of the Holy Spirit was given to the followers to do the will of God; to proclaim the Kingdom of God, through Christ Jesus. No wonder it is so difficult for so many to understand the Trinity. We teach so little about who the Holy Spirit is. Just as we are to be in relationship with God the Father and God the Son, so we can also be in relationship with God the Holy Spirit.

I remember the day I finally got to know the Holy Spirit. I don't mean know who the Holy Spirit is; but, really "meet and greet" the Holy Spirit. I smiled for at least a week straight. The joy within me simply could not be extinguished. I was almost like a drunk person walking around; except, that I wasn't doing really stupid things. It was a very hard time in my life; yet, the Spirit of Christ led me and comforted me, giving me strength when I needed it the most.

"Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which
leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord..." (Eph 5:17-19)

Ask the Lord to help you know the Holy Spirit. "For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matt 7:8)

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 12:20-22 Do You Want To See Jesus?

John 12:20-22 NIV
We want to see Jesus. At least, I do. What about you? Do you want to see Jesus? Do you want to walk with him? Do you want to talk to him? How about listen to him and follow?

Some Greeks (probably proselytes or Gentiles) went to Philip and told them that they wanted to see Jesus. These Greeks were probably proselytes or Gentiles; but, not full members of the Jewish faith community. Outsiders wanted to see Jesus.

Over the years, I have had people tell me that they desire to see Jesus. They are usually people who genuinely look for the coming of God in full glory (very faithful disciples) or outsiders to the faith (non-Christians). I don't hear it too often from your average run of the mill baptized Christian. What then is our faith all about, if it is not about seeing Jesus face to face, in His Kingdom? Is the church (visible church) really just a social club? Or, is it a place where we come in anticipation of being in His presence more fully and being filled with His word?

The bottom line is that these Greeks who did not know Jesus, wanted to meet him. Do you? You can, you know. He is present in the Word and Sacraments. He can be seen in your neighbors and even those you might consider your enemies. (See Matt 25:31-46) He is with you now and always. May God open the eyes of the world that all who seek Jesus, might see him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Zechariah 8 - Come With Me

"Thus says the Lord of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, the inhabitants of many cities; the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, 'Come, let us go to entreat the favor of the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts; I myself am going.'" (Zech 8:20-21 NIV)

"Come, with me. Let us seek the LORD together." When was the last time you heard words like this? When was the last time you offered this invitation to anyone?  The LORD offers peace to all people, but who will receive it? There are Christians who would look down on others who do not worship the LORD; thereby, breaking any possible bonds of peace between themselves and others. Rather than look down on those who do not know the LORD; how about an attempt or two or more to help them get to know the LORD? Invite them to worship so that they might hear the Word; that others might hear and believe and we might live in peace, reconciled to God and one another.

St Paul wrote to the Romans: "But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?  And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ." (Rom 10:14-17)

How are they to believe, if they do not hear? We can all be evangelists; inviting our neighbors to come with us to seek the LORD of hosts so that all people might know Him and be reconciled to Him and one other in His peace.

Invite your neighbor to worship, so that they too might know the promises and the joy that those promises bring.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Zephaniah 2 - Day of the LORD's Anger

"Gather together, gather yourselves together,
    you shameful nation,
before the decree takes effect
    and that day passes like windblown chaff,
before the Lord’s fierce anger
    comes upon you,
before the day of the Lord’s wrath
    comes upon you.
Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land,
    you who do what he commands.
Seek righteousness, seek humility;
    perhaps you will be sheltered 
   on the day of the Lord’s anger." (Zephaniah 2:1-3 NIV)

The LORD has given His children of Judah many, many opportunities to repent and seek the LORD and do His will. They appear to be more than just a little slow in the repentance department. But, here's one more call to repent, for them seek righteousness, humility, and to seek the LORD before the day of the LORD's anger falls upon them.

We are all given more than enough opportunity to seek the LORD. How many chances do we really think we deserve? I guarantee you the LORD has already given us more than we deserve. But, for His Son, who suffered on the cross for us, we would all be destined to fall on the day of His anger.

Thanks be to God, for He has been gracious and merciful to us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Amos 5 - "Seek Me And Live!"

“Seek me and live..." (Amos 5:5 NIV)

One of my goals during CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) was not to enable the perpetually needy who refused to seek the LORD. There are those who would have their or someone else's pastor fix everything for them. I (as many other pastors) sometimes spend an inordinate amount of time helping people who absolutely refuse to worship and trust the LORD; who absolutely refuse to make any changes to their physical and/or spiritual lives. They can take up so much time that there is not time for the soul care of others; there is no time to feed the hungry. I am not saying that the first group doesn't have genuine needs. They do. But, they need to understand that others can't fix everything for them all of the time. Our help comes from the LORD and, yes, often that help comes through other people. Pastors can help others spiritually; but, they are not a replacement for a genuine relationship with God our Father, God who is Jesus the Christ, and God the Holy Spirit. Genuine, abundant life comes from being reconciled to God; from being in a loving relationship with His Son, Jesus; by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I cannot fix you. I cannot give you a better life. I cannot save you. Jesus saves. I can, of course, help feed you and find you a warm place to stay and provide warm clothing. But, those things are only temporary and helping one person week after week and month after month is only enabling them to continue in a way that is hurtful to themselves and to others. There are many hungry people in the world. They all need feeding - both physically and spiritually. And... my resources are limited as are most peoples. Those who refuse to seek the LORD and follow in His Way; but, depend on the Christian to provide for them, take the food out of the mouths of those who are willing to listen; willing to follow; and desire to seek the LORD and live life more abundantly. Thanksgiving is next week and I'm reminded of the lepers that Jesus healed. Only one was made whole. He was the one who turned around in search of the LORD to give Him thanks. He sought out the LORD.

Where am I going with all of this? Decisions have to be made by me and all Christians. Sometimes we have to decide whether we are genuinely helping someone or enabling them to live in dysfunction as they seek the ways of this world and their own desires. Seek the LORD and live...!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

P.S. Here at Zion, since we live in a small community whose needs are not extreme in regard to financial assistance, have decided that we would help take care of individual physical needs by budgeting and actively raising funds for and support agencies throughout the county like St. Vincent DePaul's (a local Catholic charity), Toys for Tots (Marine Corps League), Baraga County Shelter Home. These and other agencies are better equipped than we are to discern how best to help those in physical need. 

Lamentations 1 - Much Grief

The temple has been destroyed. The people dispersed. There is much grief, thus the name Lamentations for this book of poetry.

No where in this poem is Babylon or Nebuchadnezzar mentioned by name. God is given credit for the destruction and the exile.

“Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?
    Look around and see.
Is any suffering like my suffering
    that was inflicted on me,
that the Lord brought on me    in the day of his fierce anger?" (Lam 1:12 NIV)

Is there anything that God does not see? Is there anything that He cannot do? His chosen ones have turned their backs on Him; seeking their own glory rather than His; now weeping for what once was and for what could have been.

May God help us to always seek His face so that we might know peace in His land.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Jeremiah 29 - The LORD Has A Plan

The prophet Jeremiah and the false prophet Shemaiah are sending letters between Jerusalem and Babylon. Shemaiah continues to lie about what the LORD says and seeks to do harm to Jeremiah. Jeremiah advises the people who have been exiled to Babylon to settle down and help the city in which they live to prosper for in doing so they too will prosper and in seventy years their families will return to Jerusalem. Shemaiah on the other hand does not offer such wisdom. He gives the people false hope in telling them they only have two years in Babylon and then they will return. If they listen to him, they will be wasting some very precious gifts, not the least of them being years of their time as they do nothing but rebel. Jeremiah promises that the LORD says because Shemaiah persists in preaching rebellion against the LORD; in witnessing falsely to the will of God, that he and his descendants will suffer.

It is sometimes very difficult to accept the LORD's will. Very often, His will is not what we would desire for ourselves. But know this:

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”" (Jer 29:11-14 NIV)

Take that leap of faith and trust that no matter what you are going through today, the LORD has a plan for you and it is a very good plan - the best!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 13 - Unbound, Hidden, and Dirty

What happens when you do not take the time to wash something? It becomes dirty, of course. I don't care if you're not using it, if you have hidden it away. Dust, bugs, something will find its way to it and it will become dirty over time and it must be washed.

This past winter, my granddaughter received a rug for her bedroom floor. It is a large throw rug with a stiff back. It has a variety of pastel colored stripes woven into it. But, even with shaking out and vacuuming, the light colors had become quite dingy looking. It is too big to throw into a washing machine, so every so often she would spray a can of that instant rug shampoo on it before she vacuumed. It wasn't working. I would tell her the only way you are going to get it clean was to take it outside and scrub it, then hang it on the line and power wash the soap out. That was a bit more work than she was willing to put out to make the rug clean. She has better things to do, you know. Chat or message on her cell phone, window shop on the computer, watch reality shows on television, go 4-wheeling or swimming... Finally, this week, I insisted. It was no longer an option. And... when she was done, she was impressed. The rug looks like new again.

Our reading from Jeremiah 13, is sandwiched in between to references of washing or being made clean. First, the LORD tells Jeremiah to “Go and buy a linen belt and put it around your waist, but do not let it touch water.” (vs 1 NIV)  Jeremiah does this. Then the LORD tells him “Take the belt you bought and are wearing around your waist, and go now to Perath and hide it there in a crevice in the rocks.” (vs 4) That's kind of what my grandchildren do with their clothes when they're done wearing them, but they hide them under the bed. The same thing happens to their clothes as happened to Jeremiah's belt. Ruined... Destroyed... from lack of care, from lack of washing.

In the same way, says the LORD, He will ruin the pride of the people. In the act of removing the belt and hiding it in the rocks, Jeremiah, reminds the people that they, by their sinful ways, have unbound themselves from the LORD and are hiding out in dark and dirty places. Those who will not be bound to the LORD, but attempt to hide themselves from Him in some crack or crevice until they become thoroughly unclean, will be bound, indeed! But, not to Him. You will be bound to something, to someone. But, it will not be to God and it will not be for your good. The LORD will topple your pride and you will be shamed. This is the message given through Jeremiah.

Woe to you, whom God has called, and have tried to hide yourself from Him! "How long will you be unclean?" (vs 27) Do not hide from the LORD, but seek His face. Go to the source of living waters, who is Jesus the Christ, and be made clean.

"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,  not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Act 10:22-24)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Isaiah 55 - His Ways

There are days when I wonder what the world is coming to. There are times when there just seems to be more trouble than normal. Where are we going with all this mess? If I allowed myself, I could get pretty worked up about some of the stuff that goes on. When times like these happen, I remind myself and others to: 
"Seek the Lord while he may be found; 
    call on him while he is near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways
    and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,
    and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
    declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As the rain and the snow
    come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
    without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
    so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
     so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
    It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
You will go out in joy
    and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
    will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
    will clap their hands.
Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,
    and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the Lord’s renown,
    for an everlasting sign,    that will endure forever.”" (Isa 55:6-13 NIV)

 

It would be easy to give up and let the world have it's worldly way with you. But, the Word of the LORD reminds us to seek Him and His Way. God's ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. And... it may also be a good thing to remember that no matter how bad things get, God is still in charge. He can turn the greatest tragedy into the most marvelous triumph. From the most troubled time, He can lead us out in joy and lead us forth in peace - the peace that only He can give.

 

So seek the LORD and come to the waters that will satisfy.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 105 - Remember

Roadside Park in the Keweenaw

Remember His marvelous works for He remembers you!

I believe that every single person that is reading this blog has experienced miracles in their lives. Miracles of healing of body and spirit.  Miracles that helped navigate you on your journey.  Some miracles are right there in your face, right now.  Other miracles happen long term over time as God remembers you, is with you, guiding you, giving you strength to keep on keeping on.  However, not every one recognizes many of the miracles in their lives the hand of God. Some choose to think these miracles happened because of their own good works.  I'm thinking that those that think in this latter way, probably don't experience as many miracles as the rest of us.

"Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face evermore!" (Psalm 105:4 NIV) Recognize the presence of God in your life.  Remember His marvelous works and recount them to others that they to might begin to realize how God has been present with them.

God remembers you. He is with you for your good.  He remembers His promises.  He has fulfilled them in Jesus Christ.

Remember His marvelous works for He remembers you and is with you even now!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 69 - End of Days

Today is 12/21/2012.  It is the day that so many false prophets told us would be our last day.  I do not know what is in store for the world today, what kind of pain and suffering humankind will inflict upon itself and the earth.  But, I am convinced that today is not the end of it all.  Jesus told us that no one would know the day or hour. (Matt 24:36) So, when someone tells me that they do know. I believe Jesus, first.

In the meantime, while those who are waiting for the day when the LORD returns in full glory, the world is busy destroying itself, individuals looking to save and prosper their own skins, rather than considering ourselves to be a part of something greater - a gestalt, if you will.

We are foreigners, even to our own families, as each looks to the preservation of self.  We tread water or sink in the miry depths of our own selfishness and greed, not understanding that unity in Christ, with one another, is the only thing that will lift us out of those deep waters.  The world thirsts for something... But, they know not what it is. They search in all the wrong places for peace.

There is only one answer to all of this despair.  It is found in seeking the LORD.  It is found in seeking His Kingdom. It is the LORD who will save us and none other.

I am rambling again...  The troubles and the despair that dwell upon this earth this Advent season are reason enough to look for the LORD.  Oh, how I pray, that the world would do just that. Save us, O' LORD, from ourselves.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 49 - Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Property

I went shopping with my son and grandchildren last night.  It was a rather pleasant experience.  I never heard this once:  "Buy me ......" I think I should go with my son more often.  Either his presence keeps them from asking me for stuff or maybe they're asking him!  Of course, there is always the possibility that there is nothing left to "buy" them. There is nothing left that they really want.  That would be a really good thing.  Is it too much to hope for?

I have spent many a year trying to get them to understand that wasting one's life in the pursuit of having everything that all of the neighbors have is really a waste of one's life.  There are many more fulfilling things to do with our lives than to fill our homes with clutter that we don't really want - stuff that will just sit on shelves in need of dusting.  Things... stuff.... clutter... they will not bring you happiness.  It is much better to seek those things which will.  Seek ye first the kingdom of God.

Hopefully, we have all heard the phrase: "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness," found in the United States Declaration of Independence.  But, did you know that Thomas Jefferson's draft was actually "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Property"?  In their wisdom, our forefather's changed it.  Someone must have figured out that happiness is far better than property and that property does not necessarily lead to happiness.

What can property buy you?  Only more things and in this world today, higher taxes.  Actually, owning property is not a bad thing in and of itself.  It depends on how it is used.  Rich or poor, is it used for the glory of God? 

But, the constant pursuit of wealth, simply because we want what our neighbors want is not a good thing. Psalm 49 warns us that no matter how much money we have, it is not enough to save our lives.  There is not enough ransom that we can pay to redeem the life of another.  Everyone will die. Rich and poor alike will die.

"This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them." (vs 13-17 NIV)

Money will not buy you happiness.  Money will never buy you eternal life.  It cannot be used as a ransom for your life.  One more scripture for to think about this morning concerning the one and only who is able to ransom your life - who is able - when you die - to rise you up in the morning.

"Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—  just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  (Matt 25-28)

Do not trust in money, in property, in your own power or prestige.  For happiness, for joy, for peace that surpasses all understanding, (Philippians 4:7) trust in the LORD, your God.  Trust in you LORD, Jesus the Christ.  There is only one way to eternal life.  Money cannot buy it.  Jesus is the way. Your life has been ransomed by the precious blood of Christ.  Seek first His Kingdom!

God's Peace be with you. Pr. J

Psalm 34 - The LORD Answers

"I sought the Lord, and he answered me..." (34:4 NIV)  And... He will answer you, too. 

I often hear the cries of those who feel lost and alone.  They do not know where to turn for help.  I only know of one place where there is genuine relief to be found.  As a Marine's wife, I spent a whole lot of time alone, raising our children.  We often joked that my husband spent more time on ships than many of the sailors that we knew. It wasn't really a joke, though, because he did.  Where to turn when you're a young wife and mother far from home?  There is, there was, only one place and that was to the LORD.

I could lament the years I spent alone, but instead I rejoice in them.  If it were not for those years, far from family, raising sons, taking care of a household alone, working, and going to school at night, I might not know the LORD.  I needed help, so I sought the LORD, and he answered me. God, through my family in Christ at Calvary Lutheran in Jacksonville, NC, helped keep me going.

Seek the LORD.  Knock and the door will be opened.  (Matt 7:7)

"I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together."  (34:1-3)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 27 - Light and Salvation

"The LORD is my light and my salvation." (vs 1 NIV)

We all go through troubling times.  Where do we turn?  We turn to the LORD.  We seek His face, His presence.  We seek to dwell in the LORD's house. 

I know full well that the troubling times are the very reason that I am able to make this earthly journey and keep my sanity is because the LORD walks with me.  He leads me on a smooth path because of, not just in spite of, but, because of my enemies.

When times get rough, when there is no one on earth that one can turn to, God is there.  He will see us through.  He is the light that shines in the darkest of days and nights.  He is our salvation - our only salvation.

Seek the face of the LORD, that His perpetual light might shine up you.

God's Peace - Pr. J


 

Job 3 - Succumbing to Despair

Job is succumbing to despair.  He wishes to die.  He wishes that he had never been born so that he would not suffer what he now suffers.  Yet, even as he curses the day of his birth; he does not curse the name of the LORD.

At one time or another, I think that most of us come to a day when we consider that death would be preferable to the life that we live.  For some this may come in the prime of their lives and although they may have no hope at the time, they will live through those days and even grow in them.  For others it may be in the last days, weeks, years of their lives, when the old tent that they reside in is worn and ready to collapse.  How do we find hope when we can see no light at the end of the day? 

There is only one place to find hope in times like these.  Hope can be found in the light and that light is Jesus Christ.  When all is dark, the light shines.  "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:5 NIV)

"Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near."  (Isaiah 55:6)  "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."  (Psalm 46:1)

Have a blessed day and may the peace of the LORD be with you all. 

Pr. J