Patience

"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." Eph 4:1-3

There are times when my patience really wants to fly out the window. It can be a struggle to be patient with those who continue to make the same mistakes over and over again and wonder why they are having such a hard time in life.

A friend of mine once warned me that I should be very careful what I asked God for because He answers our prayers and we may not like the way in which He answers them. She had warned me against asking God to give me patience. She had asked for patience in caring for her family and He had answered. He helped her to learn to be patient by refining. As things grew even more troubled in her family she learned to be patient with others even as she continued to care for and love them. She also learned to trust God in all things.

My friend has gone through a lot of trials. Yet, she is patient and kind and has an uncanny gift for maintaining unity in the bond of peace.

May we all bear one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Worship In Spirit And Truth

"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:24 NRSV)

 

It is not enough to be spiritual as some would say. Personal spirituality can mean a variety of things to a variety of people. It does not tell me anything concrete when someone tells me that they are spiritual. We are all spiritual beings. But, there is only one truth that leads to the Father. What I want to know is if you worship the God who is the truth. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

 

All these other gods that we concoct for ourselves are not the truth. They will lead us astray. They will divert our path from "The Way." Jesus is the only "Way."

 

Teach us your way, O Lord, that we may walk in your truth; give us undivided hearts to revere your name. Amen (Psalm 86:11)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Think On The One Who Is Worthy To Be Praised

"Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Phil 4:8 NRSV

If our minds stay in the gutter; we will end up living our lives in the gutter. If our minds stay focused on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, then we will live in His Kingdom. The work of our hands and every step that we take will naturally gravitate toward the things that we are focused on.

Whatever or whomever it is that we trust; that we put our faith in, that is our god. Will it be the things of this world or the one who loves us so much; the one who wants us to live in His presence so much, that He was willing to die that we might be forgiven our lustful and sinful ways and be reconciled to Him?

Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt 6:20)

By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit may God help us to treasure the one who is most worthy of praise, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Assist With A Spirit Of Gentleness

"My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted."

Gal 6:1-2 NRSV

I was with a woman yesterday who is always a joy to be with. I rarely hear about her having any personal problems that she might need help with. On the other hand, she often shares with me many prayer requests for others. She not only prays for them, she personally assists those in need. She is there for the hungry, the sick, the elderly. She is there for others in personal crisis. It does not matter if the personal crisis was brought on by a transgression of the individual. She will, in a spirit of gentleness, guide them toward reconciliation. In the spirit of gentleness, she will guide them in the truth.

She is not the only one I know that is so faithful. It does my heart good to be able to witness others living out their faith lives. Way too often I hear people say things like "It's not my problem" or "It's their own fault they're in this situation." They will not only refuse to help strangers; but, their friends and family as well.

St. Paul reminds us that we are to bear one another's burdens. We are to be there for others in their time of need no matter what the need is. He cautions us; though, that we ought to be careful that we are restoring them and not allowing ourselves to be tempted to fall into the same situation the one we would help has fallen into.

May God give us the spirit of love so that we can help those who are in need. May He give us the spirit of gentleness so that we can minister to those who are in trouble because they have taken the wrong path.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Gentle Tongues Promote Life

I know that I have been guilty of having spoken wrongly or too quickly on more than one occasion resulting hurting the spirit of others.  However, I usually realize I have done so as soon as I've done it and can attempt to rectify it or at least apologize.

I have difficulty understanding why some people do not understand how badly they have hurt someone with their witty comments. Maybe don't realize how damaging their tongues can be to the spirits; the lives of the ones who bear the brunt of their wit. Sarcasm really is not that funny. It is hurtful. Intentional sarcasm breaks the spirit.

May God help us to speak with gentle tongues that we will do no harm to the spirits of others.

God Peace - Pr. J

Our Father's Children

What does it take to be a child of God?

Usually, I take people at their word. I have a habit of believing people when they tell me that they are members of another denomination or congregation. I have a habit of believing people when they tell me that they are Christians. So often, I neglect to witness to them, because I believe them. The question, I ponder this morning, is if they know what it means to be a member of the family of God.

We do not enter into this family just because our parents or their parents belonged to the Body of Christ or any particular congregation. We are not born in the natural way into the family of God. We are adopted into God's family. In order for us to be adopted into God's family there was a price; a much greater price than we have to pay to adopt a child in today's society. The purchase price for our adoption was not silver or gold. The blood of God's only begotten Son paid the ultimate price for our adoption into His family.

Our DNA; our bloodlines, connects and confirms our earthly families; but, the blood of Christ makes us children of the most High God. We do not enter God's family by any goodness of our own. We do not enter God's family because of any earthly connections we might have. We enter by the virtue of the one who gave himself for us; that we might be reconciled to our Father in heaven for all of eternity. There is only way to become a child of God. There is only one way to the Father. That way is through Jesus the Christ.

There is more to being a Christian than just saying that you are one. By the power of the Holy Spirit, may God grant you faith in the one who died that all might live as children of the most High God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Clean Hearts

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10 NRSV

Yesterday was a definite day of rest! Both my mind and body crashed after two days of driving, one of them in bumper to bumper traffic. As it was Sunday and I was not at home to worship with my own congregation, I attended worship at one of those large praise type services with my granddaughter and daughter-in-law. The sermon was pretty good. The music was a little loud for this old Lutheran. But, it did bring back memories of one of my mentors, Pr. Al Goodrich. The opening and closing praise song was something about giving your heart to Jesus. Pr. Al loved it when people would talk about giving their hearts to Jesus. His response would be, "Why would Jesus want that filthy thing! Jesus wants to give you a clean heart!"

Christmas and Christianity is not about what we can give to God; but, what God has already done and given for us. We celebrate because God is indeed willing and able to create in us clean hearts. We are not Christians because of what we have done; but, because of what God has done for us. Thanks be to God for His good and gracious gifts!

Merry Christmas!

God's Peace Pr. J

With Wings Like Eagles

Even youths will faint and be weary,
    and the young will fall exhausted;
but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
    they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:30-31 NRSV

We all get weary from time to time. Physical weariness can sometimes actually be quite satisfying when it comes from a long, hard day of work. However, I have not found emotional, mental, or spiritual weariness to ever be satisfying. It is a struggle for many to overcome this type of weariness that often brings depression. It is not overcome alone. We must wait on the Lord and trust Him to renew our strength. He will send His Spirit upon you so that you might once again soar like the eagle through the trials of the day.  

 

In Christ, we shall run and not be weary.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Give The Gift Of Love

Pre-Black Friday online shopping has begun. I spent a few minutes this morning skimming through a couple of sites. The reality is: everyone that I give gifts to has everything they need and most everything that they want. Well, maybe not everything they want; but, everything I could possibly afford to give them.

The one gift that some of them have not received is faith in Jesus the Christ. It is not that God hasn't given them this awesome gift. Jesus did; after all, die for all people. It is that some just seem to refuse the greatest gift of all; to be reconciled to God our Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

As you consider what gifts to share with others this holiday season; consider sharing the greatest gift ever given to humankind. Consider sharing the Good News that others might hear and by the power of the Spirit of Christ, receive this gift of love and life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Do not hide this gift like an unwanted fruitcake in the back of a cupboard. Share it. Give the greatest gift of love.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Never Stop Praying

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thess 5:16-18 NRSV

There is so much to be thankful for. The reasons to rejoice never end because "we know that all things work together for good for those who love God." (Rom 8:28) Yet, we know that there among those whom we love who do not love God and so we pray without ceasing. We pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that they may be strengthened in their inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith, as they are being rooted and grounded in love. We pray that they may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that they may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Eph 3:16-19)

Because we love even those who do not love or know God, we will never stop praying for them. We will joyfully give thanks for we know that God hears our prayers and answers, according to His good will.

God's Peace - Pr. J

I Don't Know; But, God Does

We had been planning a special service for All Saint's Day for some time. Then schedules got turned around and we couldn't do it, so I focused on something totally different than had been previously planned. At worship, yesterday, it turned out the schedules weren't as turned around as we had thought. We could have gone with our original plan; but, we didn't. I believe it went the way God intended it to go. He knows what's coming up long before we do.

Within the past week, we have had three deaths of family members from our congregation. I wrote my Sunday sermon early last Monday, focusing on the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of God with all the saints. I did not realize until I actually started preaching that what I planned was exactly what was needed as two of the deaths occurred after I wrote it. I did not realize on Monday how many would need a reminder of comfort and hope in the eternal kingdom for all who believe until I was actually preaching it and seeing the response in their faces. But, God did. He knew long before Monday.

Years ago, while I was being trained to visit shut-ins, my mentor and I were sitting in the parking lot of a bar in a very small town discussing our plan for the day. A woman, who had been using the pay phone outside, came over, introduced herself, and invited us over to visit her mother and her. Until that day, neither of us knew of her. After our scheduled visits we went over to visit them. Her mother and my mentor were busy discussing the history of the area when all of a sudden he's talking about the death of a young person in his family. I was aghast. It seemed to come out of no where. It just seemed so off the wall and we were there to bring encouragement and comfort; not to be comforted ourselves. The woman who invited us in, began to cry. She related that she was visiting her mother because her husband had just died and she was having a very difficult time with the grieving process. This pastor's story opened the way for her to be able to begin talking about it and to be reminded that all who believe; yet, even though they die, shall live with all the saints in the kingdom of God. What seemed like a very odd turn in the conversation, turned out to be exactly what was needed to bring about a bit of peace and hope for the woman. I had no clue where this pastor was going. He didn't, either. But, God knew exactly where He was leading him.

Sometimes, we just have to follow the Spirit's guidance. We don't always know for what purpose we are being called or sent. We don't always know why we feel compelled to say things that would not normally fit the circumstances. But, God does. Listen to him. Follow where He will lead you. Do not be afraid to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God!

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

Dreamers and Visionaries

Leslie



"In the last days it will be, God declares,

that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,

    and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

and your young men shall see visions,

    and your old men shall dream dreams."

Acts 2:17

We have many visionaries in the church. Without them, we would be going no place and doing nothing. Without visionaries we would most probably just sit, wait, and die even before death comes to us.

Years ago, Leslie had a vision. He was a member of an ecumenical male quartet. He thought that they should put on a benefit concert at the church for the Toys for Tots program in our county. It was a success. It continues to be a success. The "Lightkeepers" quartet has since disbanded; but, the concerts have continued. 

Sunday afternoon we had the privilege of hearing an awesome group that went by the name of the "Sounds of Aura." It did not appear to me that everyone in the group was from Aura. But, they all got together to support our children. Although, the Zion adult and youth choirs both sang; I didn't see a Lutheran among the "Sounds of Aura." I think that is part of Leslie's vision, as well. He dreams of the One Body, one holy catholic Church and the communion of all saints, just as God ordained it to be. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Just remembered that even our choirs had guests singing with them who regularly worship with other denominations. It's a good thing that the people of God should be able to come together to help those in need.

The Wind Blows

"The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”  John 3:8 NRSV

It has been cool and windy for a while here. My husband decided that he would like some warmer weather so headed for South Carolina on his trike on Monday. I think he chose the wrong week. Soon he will be experiencing the winds and rains of Hurricane Joachim as it travels north off of the coast. The wind will blow where it chooses.

And, so it is with the Spirit. The Spirit moves in unexpected ways when we least expect. There are two things that humankind cannot control: the blowing of the wind and the movement of the Spirit of God. All that we can do is go with it making the best of the experience. Regardless of the turbulence we might encounter as we ride the winds; we know that wherever the wind blows or the Spirit moves; God has a plan; a good plan for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Be Filled with the Spirit; not spirits

"Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Eph 5:15-20

Another way that I can say it is this, "Choose this day whom you will serve." (Joshua 24:15) Will you serve the spirits of alcohol and other drugs? Has medical marijuana taken over your life so that you who were not well in the first place have now become dependent on this "miracle" cure; so much that you can no longer even work or play unless you are high (or drunk)? So much that you cannot even get out of bed without one of these false gods? I am not saying that alcohol and even the legitimate use of marijuana don't have their place. But, sadly, these two drugs, as well as a multitude of other illegal drugs, have become the gods that way too many people live for. These false gods are succeeding at destroying families; destroying communities; and are even pretty successful at causing problems within the visible church on earth.  Choose ye this day whom you will serve.

Addiction is a serious ailment in itself. It cannot be cured by the use of other or more drugs. In fact, there are those who say it cannot be cured at all. But, there is relief for those who suffer this sickness. The Lord can make you whole. Turn to Him; for He is your helper. Be filled with the Spirit and sing songs of joy to the Lord, for He alone can save you from the false gods that hold you captive.

I witnessed an amazing thing this past Sunday. During some of the hymns during worship, I sometimes kind of; sort of, dance. Last Sunday, I watched a few of the choir members also dancing during the closing hymn. Yes, in a Lutheran church! Can you believe that? I could not help but smile. I pray that the whole congregation would be so filled with the Spirit that they could joyously sing and dance for the Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. For those locally who need help, I would be happy to listen to those of you who are struggling with addictions and refer you as necessary. Yes, I do have a bit of experience with addictions...

Help Quickly!

In you, O Lord, I seek refuge;

    do not let me ever be put to shame;

    in your righteousness deliver me.

Incline your ear to me;

    rescue me speedily.

Be a rock of refuge for me,

    a strong fortress to save me.

You are indeed my rock and my fortress;

    for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,

take me out of the net that is hidden for me,

    for you are my refuge.

Into your hand I commit my spirit;

    you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.

Psalm 31:1-5 NRSV

Quickly, Lord; right now; ASAP! I cannot even begin to count the times, just this past week, I have found myself asking the Lord to help and to help quickly!

Whenever we stand on the name of Jesus or strive to do the will of God in opposition to the will of the world, we can pretty much expect to be attacked. There are those in this world who just do not appreciate God's will being done when it interferes with their personal comfort zones. So, I find myself praying for myself, my family, and my congregation a lot. "Rescue us quickly. You who are our rock and our fortress remove the trap that has been set for us. And... Into your hands I commit our spirits."

Thanks be to God! The Lord hears our prayers and has answered! He is our rock and our fortress. His righteousness has delivered us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Love is Patient and Kind

Love One Another

"Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Cor 13:4-7

As we seek to find our own places in this world, we sometimes forget that we are more than the sum of our own parts. Family and friends sometimes get hurt as we seek to fulfill our own desires. As we seek our own futures; our own good; we might not even recognize that we are hurting others who love and care for us.  

But, if we truly love someone, we will seek their good. We will be kind and not arrogant or rude when we perceive (rightly or wrongly) that they are holding us back. Love endures all things. Genuine love is patient enough to work through any problems. Real love; the love that emanates from God through us, endures forever.

May God grant us all a love that is patient and kind to one another that we might be reconciled first to God our Father and then to one another through Jesus Christ our Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Continue The Journey In The Way

“Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in
heaven or on earth—you who keep your covenant of love
with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in
your way." 2 Chron 6:14 

I began this blog with the book of Genesis four years ago at the request of a couple of members at Zion Lutheran, Skanee. We have journeyed together daily through the whole of the Holy Scriptures and the Small Catechism.

I have contemplated ending this journey and sleeping in instead as I am not really sure in which direction I should go. Attempting to come up with a new devotion, without guidelines, every day, seems to me to be a very daunting wilderness.

However, there have been a few who have asked me to continue this daily as it appears to help them to keep focused on the Word. I also probably need to continue so that I will not get lazy and sleep in. So, I will be continuing; but, in a different manner. I will no longer be directed by the next reading, the next chapter, or verses. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide me daily to pray and meditate on and in the way that the Spirit leads.

We will see where our journey in "His Way" leads us. There is only one way. Jesus is the way and the truth and the life! (John 14:6)

Have a very blessed day!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Baptized for Renewal and Regeneration

Thirdly.

How can water do such great things?--Answer.

It is not the water indeed that does them, but the word of God which is in and with the water, and faith, which trusts such word of God in the water. For without the word of God the water is simple water and no baptism. But with the word of God it is a baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Ghost, as St. Paul says, Titus, chapter three: By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, that, being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying.

http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

 

Baptism is not the same as taking a bath. Water alone may wash the outside of the body; but, it cannot cleanse our souls. Water with the Word received in the Sacrament of Baptism; however, washes us through and through.

 

I am often asked why I would baptize infants. My answer (in short, because this is just a blog) is that first we are commanded to baptize all nations; all people. That does not exclude children. Jesus said we are not to hinder the children from going to him. I have also been told that babies cannot believe so therefore they should not receive this Sacrament. Jesus also said that in order to enter into the kingdom of God we must become like little children. Knowledge or intelligence does not necessarily equate with faith. Just because little children do not have the same knowledge that some adults have we should not equate that with an inability to have faith. Faith, itself, is a gift from God and is not something we work out on our own. Little children have faith and probably more than most adults. They have not been subjected to the doubts of this world.

 

Most importantly, baptism is a gift from God, for the washing and regeneration of all people and for renewing by the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan, the Holy Spirit came down upon him in the form of a dove. When we are baptized, we are anointed by the Holy Spirit, for regeneration and renewal. I would not presume to withhold this gift of God; His very presence, from anyone, especially a child. Would you demand that a child go through life without this gift?

 

My parents were not church going people. But, they saw fit to have me baptized at home at about age five. I thank God that they did this for me. I thank God that Pr. Leslie Niemi was willing to officiate at our home. I know that it is preferable that baptism take place within the church. But, I thank God that Pr. Les was not willing to withhold this Sacrament from me for any reason. I remember that day; although, it has been so long ago and details are getting a little foggy. I thank God for that washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit that took place so many years ago. I do not want to even consider where and what I would be today if it had not been for the events of that day. Thank you Pr. Les for being a servant of God.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Thy Kingdom Come!

The Second Petition.

Thy kingdom come.

What does this mean?--Answer.
The kingdom of God comes indeed without our prayer, of itself; but we pray in this petition that it may come unto us also.
How is this done?--Answer.
When our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead a godly life here in time and yonder in eternity.

(http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php)

By faith alone! The kingdom of God has come and we, by faith, in our Lord, Jesus the Christ, are residents of that kingdom.

Yes, we live in this world; but, all who believe also live in the kingdom and under the gracious rule of God our Father, the Lord Jesus the Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The heavenly kingdom is not just for a time after physical death. When that temple curtain was ripped in half at the time of Jesus' death; the doors to the kingdom were flung wide open. The kingdom comes by the work of our Lord. May God help us to receive live in His kingdom; life in His presence; beginning today and for all time.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Holy Spirit Sanctifies; Makes Us Holy

The Third Article.

Of Sanctification.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; one holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

What does this mean?--Answer.
I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith; even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith; in which Christian Church He forgives daily and richly all sins to me and all believers, and at the last day will raise up me and all the dead, and will give to me and to all believers in Christ everlasting life. This is most certainly true.

  http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

 

 

It is by God the Father that we are created. It is by the life giving sacrifice of God the Son that we have been saved. It is by the Holy Spirit that we are sanctified. In the past I have been warned that it might be best not to use the word sanctify as many would not understand what the word means. Sanctify mean to be made holy. The Holy Spirit makes us holy. Jesus died for our salvation. He died that we might be reconciled to God our Father. This is good news. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that this truth is revealed and preached. It is not by our own reason or strength; but, by the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to receive this good news as our own truth.

 

May God grant that the eyes, ears, and hearts of the world be open to hear and receive the truth, who is Jesus the Christ, that we might be made holy by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J