Center In Christ

"No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it." 1 Cor 10:13 NRSV

My grandchildren have a flair for the dramatic.  At a vacation home we stayed at last week the book by Richard Carlson, "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... and it's all small stuff" was on the library shelf. When my eldest granddaughter left the room I placed it on her chair and then left the room myself. She got the point when she saw it.

Many of the young people that I know have a tendency to get excited over little stuff. Yes, I know that some of these things can be quite unsettling for someone who does not have the experience behind them to understand that when there is a crisis it will actually pass. In years to come they will be able to look back and see how the crises actually strengthened them; how these crises, big and small, helped them to grow.

It might be difficult to accomplish; but, we ought not let these crises disrupt our peace to the point that we are non-functional or allow our drama to infringe upon the lives of everyone around us. Do not let the crisis become the center of your life. If Christ remains at the center, he will center you.

Don't sweat the small stuff. With God it is all small stuff.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Peace Beside Still Waters

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Every morning as I pray the Shepherd's Psalm, I am reminded how much God has blessed by providing me with this place of peace near the water.

 

Some days are more chaotic than others. Yesterday was one of them. It had nothing to do with serving the congregation. It had more to do with the world around us. In spite of the fact that we are Kingdom children, we still live in a world that is so filled with "stuff" that we have to take care of that it threatens to steal our peace.

 

So, this morning, I am even more thankful for my home beside the waters that reminds me so much of the peace that only God can give. In the midst of storms in the world, I can look out and be reminded of Moses parting the sea so that the people could escape from their persecutors. The waters remind me of my own baptism into the Body of Christ. I am reminded that it is Christ who leads me beside still waters. He makes me to lie down and find rest in the greenest of pastures. He is with me in the darkest valleys of the shadows of death. The Lord is with me and in Him alone, I know peace.

 

It is a rare day that I turn down my driveway after spending a day out in the world and neglect to give thanks to God for this place of peace that He has given me.

 

May God grant you the peace that comes with knowing that He is with you and for you in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Philippians 3 Focus on the Goal

Philippians 3 NIV

Focus on the Goal; Stay on the Path

So much time and energy wasted striving after things of this world. Of course, we all need to work for basic necessities. St. Paul had written to the Thessalonians, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” (2 Thess 3:10) But, often our focus is so centered on "stuff" that we forget that we are to focus on the Kingdom of God in Christ Jesus. We think that our worship and service can be relegated to one hour per week and the rest of the week is to strive after and, yes, even worship and glorify "stuff" of the world. We lift up powerful people and even sports heroes and musicians and other such celebrities. We envy and strive to be like those who have earned much in this world; after all, they have done so much for themselves and look how happy they aren't! In this world it is a sign of success to have earned much "stuff."


But, "stuff" that you've been striving after will not save you. "Stuff" will only drag you down. It will require your focus and energy to obtain and maintain. "Stuff" will not save you. The world will not save you. You cannot save yourselves by your own power and might. Only Jesus saves. Put, aside those things which have puffed up your ego and set a new course. Strive for the goal; life in Jesus' presence, in his Kingdom. Press on and take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of for us. Set aside egos and desires of this world. Set aside your confidence in your own flesh to earn anything worthwhile. Because, I can attest that lots of stuff is not worthwhile. It is a waste of time and energy. Trust Jesus and live life in him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 10:38-42 Martha, Live Life!

Luke 10:38-42 NIV
I am married to a Martha. No, he doesn't busy himself preparing meals for me. But, he does prepare them for the residents at our Adult Foster Care. His Martha traits show when he is so busy taking care of little stuff (some of which does not ever have to be done) that he forgets to sit down and enjoy the people around him. He sometimes gets so busy doing "stuff" that he forgets to enjoy the gifts of the day. It's a learned trait, I believe. He had at least one aunt who was always doing busy work herself and finding busy work for him just so he would make an extra visit or two. His granddaughters have picked up on at least part of his habits. It seem like I am forever telling them to "live life" - "carpe diem" - "seize the day!"

Yes, there is an abundance of things to do and some of it is quite needful. But, there is nothing more needful than living in the presence of God. You can realize His presence by truly living in the presence of those around you and experiencing life with them.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ecclesiastes 6 - Stop and Smell the Roses

All those possessions and not able to enjoy them! Work, work, work in order to have all kinds of stuff to impress others, yet you have no time or energy left to enjoy life with family or friends. How meaningless is that?

Our days pass through like a fleeting shadow. Yes, you must work so that you can provide for your family. If your work is as it should be, to glorify God, you might even enjoy your labor. Imagine that - enjoying what you do! It is possible!

But, get rid of the shadow that is cast by greed and undisciplined desire and let the Son shine in and through you. Make sure you take the time to enjoy your family. Spend time with them - really be with them. Your money will go away when you die. It will do you no good, except maybe to buy a fancier coffin than your neighbor. And... what  memories of you will be left to your family when you are gone? Will they be good? Will the people you leave behind have memories of the joy that was found in your presence?

Being prosperous is not a bad thing. It can even be a good thing. Just remember to take time to enjoy those things you have worked for so hard with those who love you. As the saying goes: "Stop and smell the roses!"

God's Peace - Pr. J