Are You Listening?

"Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise." Deut 6:6-7

I do a lot of reciting of both the law and the gospel. But, there are times when I just have to shake my head and wonder if anyone is listening? Do they not understand the there is only one true God and that God is almighty; all powerful; all loving; all merciful? It is not wise; it is not a good thing to worship other gods; to put anyone or anything before our Creator and Redeemer. I simply have a difficult time understanding how anyone would refuse to love and serve the only God who can save them from sin, death, and the power of the devil. How could anyone not love someone who was willing to die for them?

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart." Deut 6:4-6

May our Father in heaven, forgive us for not loving Him as we ought; for not loving Him even as He loves us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Seasons Change

Daniel said:
“Blessed be the name of God from age to age,
    for wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons,
    deposes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to those who have understanding.
                                           Daniel 2:20-21 NRSV

We are beginning to see the fall colors up here in the U.P.. The fall may be beautiful; but, I do not look forward to the cold season of winter. Whether I like it or not, winter will be here soon. It is inevitable. Change is inevitable. I will live through it.

Who; but God, knows what changes we will actually experience with the next presidential election? We will have to wait and see. Change will come. There is no reason to fear. After that change, other changes will come. They are inevitable.

We experience change every day of our lives. If we do not, we will fail to learn and grow. Some of the changes can be quite scary. But, we should not fear. God is with us. He knows exactly what is happening and will happen. He has a plan. Although, we may not always have the wisdom or knowledge to understand why God would allow some of these changes we can be assured that His plans are for the good of all people. 

Do not fear change. God is with you. He is with us. Trust Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 14:6-13 God's Peace or His Wrath

Rev 14:6-13 NIV
Today's reading reminds me of the Gospel from yesterday's service where we heard the story of Jesus calming the wind and the sea. Those who worship the Lord will know peace no matter what the might encounter. No matter what might befall them, they will know the peace that surpasses all understanding because Christ is with them and for them. But, those who worship false gods; anyone who would worship the beast, will know no peace. They will drink the wine of God's fury. They will have no rest by day or night.

May the peace of the Lord be with you always!

God's Peace - Pr. J

3 John 1 - Joy

3 John 1 NIV

 

I get so excited when I hear about the faithfulness of members of our Christian community here in Baraga County. It does not matter; old or young, they have become like my own children. With St. John, I can say that "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (vs 4)

Today is Pentecost Sunday. Four of our young people are affirming their baptisms through the Rite of Confirmation this morning. All four of them have caused me much joy as I've taught and watched them walking in the truth; by putting their faith into action over the years. Their faith is clearly evidenced by the love and concern that they have for God and for others.

Following worship, I will meet with another couple to discuss the baptism of their baby. I look forward to discussing the baptism of their child (our child) into the Body of Christ. I look forward, with joy, to seeing this little girl at worship and Sunday School as she grows.

May God grant all of our children, young and old, the gift of the Holy Spirit; the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in His presence, now and forevermore.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Philippians 4 Stand Fast and Rejoice

Philippians 4 NIV


Standing Fast.
He (she) was not moved by my presence.
 

There are many times in this world that we become disheartened. Depression may even get the best of us for a time. St. Paul reminds us today as he did the Philippians to stand fast in the Lord and rejoice! St. Paul endured trial after trial; yet, he continued to stand fast and rejoice in the Lord.

Think for just a moment about the problems you have encountered through life. Did God not see you through them all? Was He not with you? Those problems are now nothing more than a memory. Rejoice then that any trials and tribulations you may be encountering today will also pass. Continue on in the way of the Lord. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (vss 6, 7)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 2:1-12 The Gift of Hearing

Acts 2:1-12 NIV
When the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost, how was it that each and everyone one of the people in the crowd heard them in their native language?

Rev. Karlo Keljo was an amazing teacher. He was one of my all-time favorites. I still think of him often. He once posed this question to us. "How is it that every one heard in their own language, after all there were a multitudes of different speaking people present? If those disciples were all speaking at the same time in different languages how could anyone have heard anything at all?" Scripture tells us that the disciples received the gift of speaking in tongues. Karlo taught that at that same time the disciples received this gift, the people received what Karlo called the "gift of hearing." No matter what language was spoken, he proposed, everyone still heard it in their own language and understood.

I speak English and yet there are times that I am absolutely astounded that there are some people who listen that just don't seem to hear what I am saying. There are also others, who hear something other than what I meant to say. Usually, the understanding is prompted by the Holy Spirit; but, not always. When I first began my ministry, I was interning under three different clergy at a multiple of sites. After preaching at one particular congregation so that one of the pastors could evaluate my preaching; he called to say that one of the members of his congregation had requested that she get my notes as the sermon had helped her so much with a terrible difficulty she was facing. I asked him how she said that they had helped. What did I say that had helped her so much? When he told me, my response was that I should not give her my notes because I hadn't said that. Whatever she thought she heard was purely a gift from God and my notes might ruin that message for her. I attributed it to the "Gift of hearing." From my lips to her ears, the Holy Spirit was at work so that she received the message that God knew she needed to go on that day. I cannot explain the work of the Holy Spirit. I just know that it is the Holy Spirit who opens our ears and our eyes and our hearts to a greater understanding of God's Word and His will for us.

Receive the Holy Spirit and know God more fully.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mark 12:35-40 - Teachers Don't Know Everything

Mark 12:35-40 NIV
The teachers of the law have knowledge; but, they don't know everything. They can't comprehend how Jesus is David's Lord; they spend much time making a display of their own piety to build up their own egos; their own honor. They live by the letter of the law to make themselves look righteous. Yet, they forget or do not have any understanding of the spirit of the law; to serve others, to support those (like widows) in need.

The teachers of the law have knowledge of the letter of the law; but, have very little knowledge of the spirit of the law. They have very little understanding of what it really means to "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" (Mark 12:30-31 from yesterday's reading)

There are times in our own lives that we might want to ask ourselves if what we are expecting and demanding of others is because of our love of the written law (our personal interpretation of the law) or if it is born of a genuine love of God and others. May the Spirit of Jesus, the Messiah, fill each of us that we might have more discerning and loving hearts and minds.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Jeremiah 9 - We Are Not Him!

"This is what the Lord says:

'Let not the wise boast of their wisdom
    or the strong boast of their strength
    or the rich boast of their riches,
but let the one who boasts boast about this:
    that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
    justice and righteousness on earth,
    for in these I delight,'

       declares the Lord." (Jer 9:23-24 NIV)

 

Well, this one is a good one. I'm thinking of all the people who do not want to hear anyone boast in the LORD. People really don't seem to want to know that you know the LORD. Frankly, I think it scares them. It is better (some think) to boast in what we have done and stay far away from any talk about a God who does all things through us.

 

I have made a lot of friends in my lifetime. I have also made a lot of enemies. Not all those enemies were made because of my boasting in the LORD. Some of them were made simply because they know who it is that I know and; frankly, they fear Him. They do not want to know Him because getting to know Him might just upset the high opinions they have of themselves.

 

There is a God and we are not Him.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Isaiah 56 - Justice of God

"This is what the Lord says:

“Maintain justice
    and do what is right,
for my salvation is close at hand    
and my righteousness will soon be revealed." (Isa 56:1 NIV)

God's justice is not like our justice. If we refer back to Isaiah 55 we remember that His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. We like to think or pretend they are. We like to twist scripture so that even our unfaithfulness can make us look righteous. But, God knows the truth. He sees.

His justice blesses those, no matter who they are, who are faithful, with eternal life. Isaiah 56 reminds us that He will bless even the foreigner and the eunuch who choose what pleases God. According to today's reading, God blesses the foreigner, the stranger; but, many shepherds He accuses. The very ones who are called to protect His flock are accused of being self-indulgent rather than caring for the flock that the LORD has entrusted us with.

"Israel’s watchmen are blind,
    they all lack knowledge;
they are all mute dogs,
    they cannot bark;
they lie around and dream,
    they love to sleep.
They are dogs with mighty appetites;
    they never have enough.
They are shepherds who lack understanding;
    they all turn to their own way,
    they seek their own gain.
“Come,” each one cries, “let me get wine!
    Let us drink our fill of beer!
And tomorrow will be like today,    or even far better.”  (Isa 56:10-12)

I'm thinking that it will not be far better for those shepherds who desert their flock to feed their own desires.

The stranger and outcast should not think that God does not hear them. Have faith. Trust that He is with you and that He hears and He sees and He will bless all who listen to Him and follow in His Way.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Proverbs 30 - Who is Agur?

Our last few weeks during our Wednesday Bible Study at Zion, Skanee, has been interesting. We are studying "Acts of the Apostles" and are trying very hard to keep all the names straight. So many men had the same name and others had them changed. Simon is Peter or Simon Peter not to be confused with the other Simons. Mark is John Mark or John who is also called Mark, not to be confused with John the Baptist or the Apostle John who was exiled to Patmos.

So who is the Agur son of Jakeh whose sayings we read in Proverbs, chapter 30? We don't know. That's it. We really don't know. This name is not mentioned anywhere else in Scripture. The first verse is a little confusing in light of the rest of the sayings attributed to Agur. "I am weary, God, but I can prevail." Then he goes on to say that he has no understanding and asks God, who does, to help him. How then can he say that he can prevail? It is not he, but God who prevails for him. It is the son, whom Agur speaks of in verse 4, that prevails for us all. It is the Son, Jesus the Christ, who prevails for us all.

So who is Agur son of Jakeh? He was a man inspired by the Holy Spirit to confess that he was but a brute, who lacked understanding and wisdom. That he could not know the knowledge of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Proverbs 4 - Listen, My Children

Wisdom will guide you all of your days...

There are times when I wonder if I should continue instructing the young. I cannot help but wonder if they are actually listening. At times, it seems like a waste of time. I am sometimes looked at like an old fuddy duddy even as I watch them follow their own paths - paths that will not lead them to fuller lives. So many seem determined to take the journey on the path of self-destruction.

But, then, again, it is my responsibility to warn them and to teach them. I do all I can to show them the way. Jesus is the way. Without Him, they shall be lost. It would, I think, behoove all parents, to raise up their children in the way that they should go. That is, if they really want their children to have the benefit, the gift, of living life to its fullest, here in this world and in the kingdom of God.

Spending time around youth of this community, I have found that the young people who have the benefit of being raised by parents who want this life in Christ for their children, listen closest to those things I would teach, as well. They actually pay attention. And.. they are the most pleasant young people to be around. They are open to new (healthy and fruitful) experiences. They think not just about their own lives, but show care and respect for those around them. Ultimately this leads to less stress, less chaos, in their own lives. They live life... much fuller. Being a Christian is not a boring life. It is one filled with adventure. There is so much to do, so much to give, so much even to receive, as we walk filled with the Spirit of Christ.

"Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding." (Prov 4:1 NIV)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 92 - Sing Praises All Day Long

These psalms just seem to run together.  One enhancing what was said the day before and will be said tomorrow.  So "ditto" yesterday's blog...

So, give thanks to the LORD for He is good.  He blesses those love Him. He makes us glad by the works of His hands.  We praise Him morning, noon, and night.  I use to sing God's praises a lot.  It didn't matter where I was.  If I felt like singing a hymn, I sang. But, not everyone appreciates my singing, so now it sounds more like I'm mumbling under my breath. I'm thinking it's probably foolish of me to let what others think of my singing, stop me from singing.  It is time to start singing, again.  I do not care who smiles at me like I'm someone to be pitied.  I do not care who thinks I'm embarrassing myself or them.  The LORD is good and it is good for us to proclaim His love in the morning and His faithfulness at night! There is never a time that we cannot sing His praises.

Let the wicked shake their heads in dismay at those who praise the LORD.  They will perish in their lack of understanding. But, let all God's people praise Him and declare His glorious deeds!

God's Peace - Pr. J 

P.S. It is Sunday morning.  See you all at Worship where we can sing His praises together!