It Is All Good

Moose snuggling in Aura

And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good. Gen 1:24-25

One of the perks of living in the woods is getting to experience the wildlife around me. I have lived in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for more than half of my life; but, up until yesterday I had never had the opportunity to see a moose in its natural habitat. Early yesterday morning, I saw two; both a bull and a cow. They were hanging out a little ways form my home. They looked very much at peace with one another and the world around them. My presence certainly didn't bother them. I was able to take many photographs as they ambled from the river's edge toward the clear-cut they've been hanging out in. They were in no hurry as they stopped to snuggle together every step or two. It was very good.

It wouldn't hurt to take a lesson or two from them. Even though they can move quite quickly when necessary; they usually move at a slow and steady pace, at peace with one another and the world around them. 

It's all good.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Peter 3 Scoffers Abound

2 Peter 3 NIV
Scoffers abound! Peter wrote: "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare." (vs 10) The disciples expected an almost immediate return of the Lord. 2000 years later, we are still waiting and watching for the final judgment on the world. It's a fairy-tale, a fable, a myth, I am told. Just because you do not believe; that does not make it an untruth. "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (vss 8-9)

Scoffers abound! I'm not sure if people have forgotten that the Lord will come again or maybe they just don't believe. The world lives as though they have eternity to live for their own pleasure. Some might even live under the delusion that they can repent on their death beds and they will be saved. That is true, if one truly turns to the Lord. But, one never knows when our final moments will come. It would be wise to be prepared before that day comes. He will come like a thief, without warning, except for the word which we already have.

Be prepared and be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of the lawless. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to the glory of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

James 1:18-27 Slow to Anger

James 1:18-27 NIV

Sully: The gentle giant...

Not many people care to be around bullies for too long. It is not pleasant to be around someone who can become angry at the drop of a hat. They may say they are standing up for what they believe, But, in fact, usually, their outbursts are attempts to justify their (or someone else's) self-centered desires and lifestyles.

James reminds us that "everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." (vs 19) Anger does not produce righteousness. It produces unrighteousness. It produces drama, anxiety, and all kinds of other evils. "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." (vs 21)

We, who look to Jesus who is our righteousness, ought to consider the needs of others before we speak or act so that, with the help of God, others may be blessed.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 9:10-17 Feed 5000

Luke 9:10-17 NIV
The apostles had been busy healing the sick and kicking out demons. Yet, when the crowd of 5000 men (plus) were hungry after following Jesus and listening to him, the apostles didn't have a clue. Jesus tells them to feed them. But, how? How are we going to feed them? We have nothing to feed them with!

Power to drive out demons, but not the ability to feed the hungry? That doesn't compute! Jesus takes the little that they have: five loaves of bread and two fish, gives thanks to God, gives it to the disciples to distribute, and they feed everyone, with leftovers, to boot.
The power of God to care for His people should never be underestimated. The apostles were a bit slow in understanding this; but, I think that we might even be slower.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Nahum 1 - Avenging God

"The Lord is a jealous and avenging God;
    the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.
The Lord takes vengeance on his foes
    and vents his wrath against his enemies.
The Lord is slow to anger but great in power;
    the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.
His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,
    and clouds are the dust of his feet." (Nahum 1:2-3 NIV)

Nahum prophesies against Nineveh. He warns that those (in this case Nineveh) who go against His people will not go unpunished. Sometimes, in reading some of these prophesies it sounds awfully vengeful and hurtful. Well, vengeance is the LORD's to take and while it may appear to be really bad news to those who worship false idols and persecute those who worship the LORD, it is good news to the people of God. Those who find themselves attacked and persecuted by God's enemies have no other place to turn for hope except in the LORD and His promise that He will deliver them from the hands of their enemies.

He will deliver us! It is the LORD who saves! Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 68 - Power and Strength

"You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.

Praise be to God!" (Psalm 68:35 NIV)

 

Today's reading (and I hope you are actually reading the scripture each day!) is a wonderful affirmation of God's power in the lives of His children.  He gives power and strength to His children.  Sometimes, it seems that He's a little slow in coming to our aid. But, once the trouble is past, we can usually see how His timing was perfect for the most blessed outcome.

 

I am reminded of the faith of the mustard seed.  The disciples wondered why they could not drive out a demon from a man.  Jesus told them, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matt 17:20)  Imagine that!  First off, does a mustard seed really have faith or is it, maybe, because the mustard seed is totally dependent on God for life and growth?  Secondly, Jesus is telling us that all things are possible with faith. I believe this.  I have seen it happen over and over again. And... with faith, by trusting God, good things do come about - in His time, according to His will.  God will defend His children. Healing of all kinds takes place. 

 

Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth,
    sing praise to the Lord,
to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens,

    who thunders with mighty voice.
Proclaim the power of God,

    whose majesty is over Israel,

    whose power is in the heavens.
You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary;
    the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.

Praise be to God!

                                                (Psalm 68:32-35)

 

God's Peace - Pr. J