Hand of the Lord

I will open rivers on the bare heights,
    and fountains in the midst of the valleys;
I will make the wilderness a pool of water,
    and the dry land springs of water.
I will put in the wilderness the cedar,
    the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive;
I will set in the desert the cypress,
    the plane and the pine together,
so that all may see and know,
    all may consider and understand,
that the hand of the Lord has done this,
    the Holy One of Israel has created it.
Isaiah 41:18-20 NRSV




The promises of the Lord are as numerous as the stars in the sky that He created. He created all things. He created even the wilderness which we find ourselves wandering through. The hand of the Lord has done this. Give thanks to the Lord for all His promises; his gifts, to humankind.

God's Peace - Pr. J

A Light To Guide Us

"To give light to those who sit in darkness
and the shadow of death, to guide our feet
into the way of peace.” Luke 1:79

I have always been fascinated with lighthouses. They stand alone as beacons of safety showing us the way in which we should go and the way in which we should not go. 

When my children were young I had told them that one day I would like to live in a lighthouse on an island. My youngest son told me that he would buy me one when he grew up. He also said that he would bring me to the island in a boat and then leave me there. He was not as fascinated with lighthouses as I was or maybe he was just not too thrilled with me that day.

Imagine being tossed about in a small boat on the water. It is so dark that you can see nothing beyond the boat. Fear for your life grips your heart. Suddenly, you see a light that will guide you into a safe harbor. Your heart calms. You are at peace as you steer for safety toward the light. 

Jesus is our beacon of light. As we look to the light, we will be shown the way in which we should go and the way in which we should not. He will guide our feet in the way so that we might live in his  peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Streams of Water

FIRMLY PLANTED BY STREAMS OF WATER.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:2-3

At the least disruption to life there are those who cause so much drama one would think the world was ending. They are like grass blowing in the wind; mowed over at the landowners earliest convenience.

But, one who loves the Lord and considers the way He would have us go is like the tree that is firmly planted in soil beside streams of water. On the riverbanks on which I live, many of the trees have been blown about by the winds. They are old and have been bent down. But, they continue to grow with their roots connected deeply within the soil. The winds nor the waves have been able to take them down.

Such is the person who delights in the law of the Lord. They might bend from time to time. But, they will not break.

May you drink abundantly of the streams of living water provided by Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Teach and Baptize

IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism

As the head of the family should teach it in a simple way to his household.

First.

What is Baptism?--Answer.

Baptism is not simple water only, but it is the water comprehended in God's command and connected with God's Word.

Which is that word of God?--Answer.

Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Matthew: Go ye into all the world and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Again, we are reminded that it is the head of the family who is to teach their children what baptism is. At Zion, our Sunday School Staff are well aware that this does not actually happen in most of our homes. We are also well aware of Christ's command to go and baptize all nations; all people. Therefore, we find it prudent to ensure that our children know what baptism is and begin formal instruction; albeit, in a simple way, to our children at the age of three. We are; after all, all members of the family of God and as spiritual parents we desire that all of our children know what an awesome gift they have or will receive and what it means for their lives and ours.

Baptism is a precious gift from God. So when He offers us this gift, should we refuse it and should we refuse to allow anyone else who desires it to receive this gift? It is a gift for all nations; all people.

Do not hinder anyone; but, teach and encourage everyone to receive this awesome gift.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 22:6-21 A Final Warning and Promise

Rev 22:6-21 NIV
Well, today brings us to the end of the book of Revelation and to the end of the Holy Scriptures.
Some of you may wonder why I have been such a light-weight as we went through Revelation; why I have not a more in-depth interpretation as many others have; why I have not done more finger pointing as to who or what the anti-Christ is. The answer to that is found in this last reading: "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll." (vss 18-19)

I take this warning seriously. As we read or hear the Holy Scriptures, we need to understand that our sinful natures may well inspire an interpretation according to our own wills; our own egos, our own agendas. Revelation, in particular, because it is a vision, should not be taken literally. That does not lessen the fact that it is prophecy and includes, very much, a warning to those who have fallen from "the way." It is a warning to those who would follow in a way that they should not go and a blessing to those who worship the one true God.

The revelation to John is not just a horrific warning to the world. It is indeed a blessing of promise and hope to all who believe. "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let the one who hears say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life." (vs 17)

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. (vs 21)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 8:6-12 First Four Trumpets

Rev 8:6-12 NIV
As the angels sounded the first four of the seven trumpets there came destruction to a third of the
land, water, and sky. There are many theories as to how this could occur. God could directly bring destruction. It could come in the way of a meteor or some other such catastrophe. The destruction might also could come through the work of man or rather the lack of the conscientious work of man by not caring for our natural God-given resources and continual polluting of the air, land, and water.

There are many theories. The reality is; though, that we have not done a real good job caring for those things that God made us stewards of. We have not taken real good care of those things that we and future generations need to survive.

May God help us to better care for all things He has created.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 7: The Multitudes

Revelation 7 NIV

What a vision the multitudes praising God must have been. I cannot wait to see it for myself with my own eyes. That great multitude who have come though the tribulation and have been sealed by God are promised:
"Never again will they hunger;
    never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
    nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the center of the throne
    will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
    ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (vss. 16-17)

Thanks be to God for salvation belongs to our God and we will live with Him in His kingdom forever!

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Peter 3:8-22 Turn To Him; He Died For You

1 Peter 3:8-22
All who sin (and we all do) are called to repentance. "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him." (vss. 17-22)

Christ died so that all who reject their sinful ways and turn to him are born again into the Kingdom of God, where he reigns. Everyone has this opportunity. None have been excluded. Turn to him and receive this gift of salvation. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Romans 8:18-30 Praying In and With Creation

Romans 8:18-30 NIV


Wolf Point, Keweenaw Peninsula, MI

Years ago, I took a three month sabbatical on Lake Superior. I paddled about 1/3 of the southern shoreline, sleeping in a tent on sometimes some pretty rocky and isolated shorelines. It was very cold and rainy that summer. The ice did not leave the lake until a week or so before I left. There were times when I did not leave the tent much due to the weather. The theme for this sabbatical was "Praying with Creation" from these verses in Romans 8. During the evenings (and when it was storming), I read and studied the life of Bishop Frederic Baraga, an early Roman Catholic missionary to the region. While out on the water, alone, I spent a whole lot of time praying within the context of God's beautiful creation. I prayed the Small Catechism - many times! I prayed for the people who lived in the homes I paddled by. I prayed for the members of my congregations; as well as my family and other friends. I prayed for God's creation; that as stewards of the God's creation, we might begin to do a better job of caring for it. The Spirit groaned within me when I knew not what or how to pray. And, it was indeed in those moments that I was reminded that God is still in charge and He has a plan - a plan that is for the good of all who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

A very strange dream woke me the other morning. The sky was dark. It was filled with falling satellites. Satellites used to provide us with television, telephones, internet, radar, gps, etc., etc., literally blackened the sky and they were falling; crashing to the earth, endangering everything on the planet, including humankind. It is not only the earth and all that is in and on it that humankind is using up for our own pleasure and convenience; but, even the skies...

I am well aware that many theologians would have us know that the creation in Romans 8 refers to fallen man, ourselves. There are those who refuse to see that the living things around us actually live. However, that said, I cannot read Romans without also being reminded that the whole creation that surrounds us is indeed groaning under the stress we have put it. It grieves me to know that we so unjudiciously use fossil fuels to the detriment of the land, sea, and skies. I wonder how wise it is to be filling our skies with satellites for our convenience? Our waste pollutes the whole creation.

I do not find it so unbelievable that the whole of creation is groaning for our redemption. Why would it not, in light of the fact that until fallen man is redeemed we can not fully comprehend what we have done and continue to do to God's whole creation? We will most probably continue to abuse and destroy it.

May God help us to be better stewards of His whole creation; not just for the sake of the creation around us, but for the sake of humankind.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 16:11-15 Down To The River To Pray

Acts 16:11-15 NIV

I have always had a very strong inner desire (maybe need) to be near water. I spent most of my married life, until a few years ago, looking for a little piece of land on the water that we could actually afford. But, I finally found it. It is a very small piece, indeed, on a river at the head of a bay. It took a bit to convince my husband that we should purchase it. He doesn't appear to have the same desire to live near what as I have. He referred to it for a long time as the swamp. We purchased it for a get-away camp and ended up living in it. It is small; but, it is ours. I drive down the tree-lined driveway and thank God for giving it to us. Here, I am able to know peace. It is my place of retreat. Here near the water, I have my place of prayer.

When Paul and his fellow missionaries arrived in Philippi, a city with very few Jews, they knew where to look for the local prayer meeting. They headed down to the water to look for the Jews who would be gathered there to pray.

In Jesus' day thee needed to be ten men in order to establish a synagogue. In lieu of this, the people met for prayer near the water if possible. I tried to find out if there was any reasoning behind this meeting being near water; but, my research was in vain. I do not know why the Jews gathered at the water to pray. I know a few of the reasons that I do. First of all, it is very quiet and peaceful here. But, more importantly it reminds me that in the beginning water covered the whole earth and God pulled back the water so that there was land. Then, taking some of that land that had been under the water (mud), He created humankind. We are people of the mud - taken from what my husband would call a swamp... Living near the water I am also constantly reminded of my baptism into the Body of Christ and that my sins have been washed away through the death of my God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, my Lord. Through the waters of baptism, I have been freed from all bondage. So let's all go down to the river to pray...

For a bit of listening pleasure here's one of my favorite songs:  Down To The River To Pray - Alison Krauss  

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 19:28-37 Witnessing To The Truth

John 19:28-37 NIV
 "It is finished." Jesus' last words on earth were a declaration that his life; his work here on earth, was complete. He had fulfilled the prophecies of old.

There were witnesses to his death. The soldier who pierced him with a spear saw that he was already dead. There was a witness who testified that he had seen water and blood flow from the wound made by the spear. This man saw this and testified to them so that we might also believe. It is upon the testimony of this man and many others that we have the truth of what happened to Jesus. The testimony of this man has been passed down for generations so that all might believe.

I know that this testimony will not be stopped. The Spirit of God has empowered generations to speak the truth about Jesus. Even in the face of much persecution, themselves, the truth has been proclaimed to generations and will continue to be shared with those who do not know him.

I pray that you will be a witness of all that Jesus has done for you, for all humankind. Be not afraid; rejoice and share the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

God's Peace - Pr. J  

John 7:37-39 Thirsty?

John 7:37-39 NIV
"Let anyone who is thirsty come to me." (vs 37)

Is there anyone who is not thirsty? Jesus came that we might all drink of him; that all of our thirsts might be satisfied. But, I am warning you... if you drink of him, by the power of the Holy Spirit, from your heart there shall also flow living waters to help quench the thirsty souls of others. You will no longer have to or want to be seeking those things that do not satisfy. You will not be wasting time chasing false gods. You will want others to have what you have. You will want them to have and to know Jesus. Have a blessed day and drink deeply of the water and eat of the bread which satisfies the longing soul.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 6:22-24 Finidng Jesus

John 6:22-24 NIV
What are you looking for? How hard would you look to find it?

The crowd was looking for Jesus. They knew he hadn't left in the boat with the disciples. They had not see him walk on the water to join the disciples in their boat. They wanted to find him. They wanted to see him. They wanted to hear him. They wanted to be healed by him. So, the whole crowd got into boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. They were trying hard to follow him.

How far would you go to find Jesus? You really don't have to go far. It's not that hard to find him. He is with you now and always. You just have to open your eyes and ears and heart and let him in.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 6:16-21 It Is I; Don't Be Afraid

John 6:16-21 NIV
Who would not be a bit afraid if you were out in the storm and someone came walking up to your boat on the water? The disciples were just that; frightened. But, Jesus speaks to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." The recognize his voice and they let him in the boat.

A friend posted on Facebook this morning a picture of Jesus with the caption "Open Your Heart and Let Him In." She posted, "I would definitely let Jesus in." She would and I am sure she already has. But, some people may have a problem letting Jesus into their small boat or through their front door is that they have no clue who this Jesus of ours is. They may have heard of him, but they wouldn't recognize his voice if he spoke to them because they don't know him. There is a difference between knowing who Jesus is and knowing Jesus. Knowing Jesus is about having a relationship with him. His sheep will hear his voice and answer. His friends will hear his voice and answer.

Lois is absolutely correct. Answer the door and let him in so that you might have a relationship with the living God; the Almighty God, our LORD and Savior. Do not be afraid. Let him into your boat or open the door and let him in.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 4:27-42 Come and See

John 4:27-42 NIV
So what did this "woman" at the well do in response to Jesus knowing all about her and still inviting her to drink of the water of life?  She went and told. She told them to come and see for themselves.

So when was the last time you told anyone to "come and see?" When was the last time you invited anyone to come and hear for yourself; come and drink from the water of life; come and meet the Savior of the world? It's about time, isn't it?

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 4:1-26 Jesus Knows and Still Invites

John 4:1-26 NIV
Five husbands?! Who could endure that? Who would even consider that today? I imagine there are a few, but the percentage of women who want to learn to live with five different men in one lifetime is probably pretty low. Of course, in Jesus' day, women were not much more than property. They needed a man to care for them or they would not survive. If not a husband, then a son or other male relative would care for them.

This woman not only has had five husbands, she now is living with a man who is not her husband and just as bad (according to many Jews), she is a Samaritan. They were not considered to be equal with the Jews, by the Jews. Samaritans were people to be avoided.

Jesus knows all this. He knows she is a sinner. He knows she is a Samaritan. Yet, he communicates with her. He asks her for a drink of water and invites her to ask him for a drink of the living water which only he can provide. Jesus does not shun her. He does not shun anyone. All are invited to drink of this cup of living water. Will you? Will you drink of the cup of life? Will you worship in Spirit and in the truth?


God's Peace - Pr. J

John 2:1-12 Celebrate Life

John 2:1-12 NIV
I find it quite interesting that the first recorded miracle, in the Gospel of John, that Jesus performed was changing water into wine at a wedding celebration. There, of course, were many others. But, here is a reminder that God came down to live with humankind so that we might live life. He helps to celebrate the union of this couple. He is there to help them live life, even in that moment.

May God help us all to learn to enjoy and celebrate the many gifts He has given us, even here on earth.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 16:19-31 NIV - Dire Straits

Luke 16:19-31 NIV
In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus the rich man had been provided every opportunity to reach out to Lazarus in brotherly love. He did not. Once the rich man died and found himself alone and in extreme distress, there was no one to reach out to him. How different it would have been if he had allowed that poor beggar into his life while he was still living! He would have a friend now. Maybe, he would not be in the dire straits he found himself in, now.

From Hades, he begs Abraham to send Lazarus to his family to warn them so they don't end up like he has. For some reason the rich man thinks his family might listen to Lazarus even though he, himself, had paid no heed to him while he was alive.

No, Father Abraham replies. Your brothers will not listen to Lazarus. They did not listen to Moses or the Prophets. They will not even listen if someone rises from the dead.

Sadly, that is the way it is for many. They will not take the time to pay heed to the stranger at the door, the hungry at our gates. They will not take the time to pay heed to the warnings of Moses or the prophets. They pay no attention to the one who has risen from the dead. Like the rich man, the lives of many are spent focusing on their worldly, day to day, pleasures as they pay no heed to the things that are really important; that will last for eternity.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mark 9:38-50 - Disrespecting Jesus

Mark 9:38-50 NIV


Yesterday, I listened to a barrage of negatives. Sometimes, it seems, that some people like to disrespect our faith; disrespect our Jesus, in order to express their independent thinking. Having heard God's name taken in vain so repeatedly and purposefully for such a lengthy period left me completely spiritually, emotionally and physically drained.

All I could think of was where does this stuff come from? How can anyone who would openly and publically slander Jesus ever think to have my trust or the trust of anyone else. To try to hurt someone with their faith is just totally uncalled for. It is hurtful. It is discrimination.

Jesus told his disciples "for whoever is not against us is for us." (vs 40) But, what happens then to those who are against us; who are not for Jesus? What will become of those who willingly and openly slander His name, using it to hurt others rather than do good? Jesus, encourages us to do good to one another. "Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward." (vs 41) Jesus came to do good. He came to save us. We are to use His name for the good of others; not to disparage them; not to hurt them; and definitely not in order that we would have a name (His name) to slander.

And, again Jesus said, "If anyone causes one of these little one - those who believe in me - to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea." (vs 42) It will not be good for those who spend their lives slandering Jesus causing others to stumble; causing others to lose faith. It will not be good for those who would lead others astray.

What to do with those who would use the name of Jesus in an unholy way? Pray for them. Pray that they might turn around, follow Him, and glorify His Holy name.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mark 6:30-55 - Miracles

Jesus feeds the multitude on five loaves of bread and two fish! Many have tried to reason away this miracle. But, let me ask you this: have you ever had a meal with God's children and did not have enough food to feed them all? I know that it has never happened at Zion or in communities that I have worshipped with or served. There have been a few meals where we may have run out of something, but there has always been something else to put on the plate to feed the people with. Most often we have so much left that we're busy trying to figure out who in the community we can bring food to that was not able to make it to the meal.

On Saturday, we held a funeral service for a very dear sister in Christ. The great crowd of people who came to hear the Gospel stood in the narthex as well as in the kitchen. While grieving our loss, it was a joyful celebration of her eternal life in Christ. When it came time for the fellowship meal, the line went up the stairs and into the narthex for a very long time. It never crossed my mind that we would not have enough food to feed them all, only maybe not enough chairs for them all to sit at. We all ate. We all sat (except for those who were serving). God provides.

We don't have to reason out how God performs the miracle of feeding the multitudes. We don't have to justify Jesus walking on water or how he did it. We don't have to figure out how Jesus heals the sick. Like Sylvia, we just know that He did and He does. Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J