Pray With Faith

"Whatever you ask for
in prayer with faith,
you will receive.” Matt 21:22

Pray, pray, pray and pray some more. We must be persistent, trusting in God that He will work things out according to His will and in His time. God does indeed answer prayers. Sometimes, it takes a little longer than we would like. Sometimes, it takes a whole lot longer than we would like. But, He does answer them. The answers don't always come in the way that we would like, either. But, they come. God is good and "we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." Rom 8:28

I do love Him. God is good, all of the time!

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 John 2:12-29 Who is the antichrist?

1 John 2:12-29 NIV
So, exactly who is the antichrist? According to St. John the antichrist is anyone who would deny
that Jesus is the Christ. Whoever denies the Son also denies the Father. Whoever denies either is a liar and the antichrist.

Next question: How does one deny that Jesus is the Christ? Response: By trusting in our own good works for our salvation. When we trust the world, ourselves, anything or anyone before Jesus the Christ we are denying him; we are denying his power and authority to save us.

The antichrist is not some mythical being. Generations have looked for this one and pointed their fingers at various political or religious leaders saying, "he is the antichrist; these are the last days." Pointing the finger at one person only distracts us from looking within ourselves to see who it is that actually abides in us. Is it Jesus the Christ or the antichrist?

May the Word of God abide in us and we in him. May God help us to trust Him above all others.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Haggai 2 - God Is With You; You Are Not Alone

"'But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.'" (Haggai 2:4-5 NIV)

The temple is in ruins. The people are complacent. Nothing seems to be as it should be. Yet, the LORD promises the people the blessing of His presence.

It is almost Christmas. Advent is one of my least favorite seasons. It is a time of darkness for many. The sun rises later and sets earlier. The world is running around putting on their happy faces; while, inside hearts are breaking. There is so much loneliness, so much turmoil, so much fear. We simply cannot live up to the standards (maybe just the U.S.?) the world has set for our lifestyles during the pre-Christmas season. We are expected to spend... spend... spend... We are expected to be happy... happy... happy.... Even as we grieve the loss of loved ones... Even as we figure out how to pay the electric or heating bill or pay the rent... Even as we suffer through divorces or other broken relationships... As I visit our many neighbors and am out in the public more, I get to see - I get to feel - the pain and suffering - the need - all around. Suffering, sadness, loneliness are not the exception; they are the norm during the Advent season. How many tears I have encountered as doors are opened to me, I cannot even begin to tell you. There is really nothing I can do to fix it for anyone, except offer Jesus, share His love for you. Yes, there may be some things the church can do, like helping find a means to keep homes heated or pay the rent or provide food so that families are not hungry. But, that alone will not be enough. That will not help the heart-sickness that so many feel. For that kind of suffering there is only one answer - a trusting relationship with our God. There is nothing that I can do except to walk beside you on your journey through these dark days and remind you that the LORD is with you. Do not fear, but trust in the Spirit of Christ who lives among us. 

Do not fear... God is with you... You are not alone...

God's Peace - Pr. J