Simple Thoughts

Peace: “freedom from disturbance; tranquility.” (online dictionary) Peace: living calmly each day.

We would all like to live in peace with everyone. No arguments. No contrary opinions. Peace. But that is not human nature. God has given us a mind and free will. The ability to make choices, to form opinions.

For the Christian, having peace with God first assumes we were once in conflict with God. How was this conflict resolved? At the cross. The sacrificial blood of Jesus paid this ransom for all. So, we are justified by faith: believing in Jesus’ finished work at the cross, we now have peace with God. Peace comes at a price and Jesus paid that price. God accepts payment and the believer trusts in nothing but the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The faith of the believer is then lived out on a daily basis. Living peaceably with all men that we may glorify our Father in heaven.

Romans 12: 18 “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

A shrill voice. A belly laugh. A trumpet blare. So many sounds enter our ears on a daily basis. Some sounds are sweet, pleasing to the ears. Others, offensive like fingernails on a chalkboard. Some are memorable. Others, easily forgettable. Our brain logs these sounds away into our hearing memory banks, retrievable when our ears are peaked, listening.

What about words? Are we a good listener? Do we digest the words coming in, pausing to listen, to assemble a thoughtful response? The Bible tells us: “let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” (James 1:19) Some have this gift. For others, like me, it is a work in progress. Praise God, we already have an attentive Listener. Direct access to the ear of God. As we pray, as we look to God for direction, what a comfort that we have a God who listens. He enjoys hearing from us. In return, are we listening to His voice? Following His words that He speaks to us through His word, the Bible? Let us use those same ears to honor God and glorify Him through a life of of obedience. Thankful for a patient, listening God.

Psalm 5:3 “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.”

In Luke 16:19-31, we see the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man enjoyed his life, was arrayed in fine clothing and ate the best foods. Lazarus, on the other hand, was poor, unkempt, sickly, ate little. When both of these men died, Lazarus was carried to heaven and the rich man to Hades. Lazarus, though physically poor, was spiritually rich as he believed God. The rich man, in torment, pleaded that word be sent to his 5 brothers so they may escape this place of torment after death.

Where are you spiritually today? Have you repented of your sins, asked Jesus for forgiveness and believed in His finished work at the cross to cover you in His righteousness? How many second chances, how many opportunities will God give you to believe in His word, His truths about eternal life? Believe Him. Believe in Him today!

John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Romans 4: 1-3: What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? ² For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. ³ For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

Romans 10:9-10: that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

What inspires you? Gives you purpose and direction?

In today’s times, where evil and conflict abound, are you being driven straight into God’s word? Are you looking for hope in a world that seems hopeless? Turn to God’s word. Need a place to start? John 3:16 is a good verse to begin with: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” But why read one verse. Context is key so go ahead and read the entire book of John. Have questions? Turn to a friend whom you know reads his/her bible. Find a church, ask a Pastor.

Stop driving down that same worn road. Make a U-turn and head straight for God, for the road He leads you is full of truth and life.

John 20:30-31 “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

It is the new year: 2021. You are dutifully making some new year’s resolutions. How to make 2021 a better year for self: exercise more, eat right, make goal oriented decisions for a better you.

I am just kidding when I say I have 12 steps for a brand new you. I do not hold the key to a better life. I do not have the answers to the questions you want answered. But, there is always a but, right? I can point you to the One who does hold the key. To the One who does have the answers to your questions. God. Let us look into our bible and see what God has to say.

1. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. “ The Messiah’s birth you just celebrated 7 days ago, open your heart to receive Him. He was born for you. He died for you. He rose again that you may have life in His name.
2. 1 Peter 2a: “desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow “ Once you have received the gospel of Jesus Christ, now grow in Him.
3. Proverbs 2: 1-2; 5-6: “My son, if you receive my words And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;” As you seek to know God more, pray for wisdom and understanding.
4. Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. “ Learning more of God will deepen your faith as you seek Him.
5. John 20:30-31 “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” Believe the inspired, inerrant Word of God. It is the truth we stand on.
6. Matthew 22:37 “Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” Because of your new heart, you now have new desires. You reflect on God’s grace and mercy and desire to love Him more each day.
7. Matthew 22:39 “‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” In turn, as you love God more, you will desire to express that love to others.
8. James 2:14-17 “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?  Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Loving others, in turn, leads to having compassion for those in need. Your faith becomes active.
9. 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; and Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”Amen.” You want others to know these truths and you will proclaim them to anyone who will listen.
10. Psalm 143:8 “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go for to you I entrust my life.” The God in whom you have placed your faith, is the same God you can trust with your life. In all ways, for all of your days.
11. Ephesians 6:10-17 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” As you learn and grow in your faith, you will face challenges, trials. You will encounter nay-sayers.
12. John 1:1-5 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Because you believe the Bible, it is the word of God, the words of life. We stand on the promises of God. Knowing we are His children, we live by faith. We seek to know Him more. We strive to be more Christ-like each day for our foundation is Him. Read your bible. Uncover the promises of God. Meditate on His goodness and love. Be strong in our faith and live this new year with a new desire to know God more.

Here is to new beginnings. Happy New Year 2021

Driving. Anticipating. Looking. Seeking. Getting to the destination. Lots of excitement. I can’t wait to…! Once there, things to do, people to see, memories to be made. Then… time to pack up, say good-bye. One last picture. The trip is in the books. Making the way home, looking back, remembering.

So is life. I’m young, on my own. I can’t wait to…! Things to do, places to go, people to meet, goals to achieve. Climbing that mountain.

As I age, I still seek. Still go. Now though, destinations involve points of interest where family is. Connecting. Relating. God wants us to be relational. To engage with people. In fellowship with one another. Let us take time for loved ones on the roads we travel.

The winds are blowing. The leaves on the trees are rustling. The temps are cold. Sitting here, thinking of the magnitude of God’s creation, of God’s sovereign control over it, I sit in wonder. Being Christmas morning, I ponder the fact that “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1:14a. God did not just sit back after creation. He sent His Son to dwell in His beautiful creation, to dwell among us, as a human, able to relate, to teach, to show us how to live like Him, for Him. He was born so man may live, to enjoy a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior.

As you enjoy this blessed Christmas morning, whether in quiet solitude or in noisy gatherings, may you praise the name of the Lord.

Zechariah was visited by an angel who declared he and his wife would have a son. Luke 1:13-15a: “But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.  And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.  For he will be great in the sight of the Lord,” This son was chosen to declare the Lord Jesus and preach the good news. He was bringing joy to a land who was looking for their Messiah. John the Baptist was assigned by God Himself to point them, us to Jesus. Upon receiving this gift, joy indwells every believer and we cannot help but share it with others. Not pointing to ourselves but to Jesus.

Last night I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in our church’s first annual “Ring and Sing.” We prepared baskets filled with love, cards, and baked goods. Some of our shut-in knew we were coming, for others, it was a surprise visit. We rang the doorbell and upon answering, we broke into song. “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” The joy on their faces was childlike. The 95 year old was radiant with joy. After singing, we handed them the baskets. They were all very appreciative. We left each house filled with joy and excitement. Visiting each house, sharing in a few minutes of fellowship and praising Jesus’ birth. An evening filled with love, spreading joy.

Is God near or far? Yes. He is near- when we cry out to Him, when we call upon Him, He is near. He hears our prayers. He knows our hearts, our desires. He wants us to have a relationship with Him- personal- between me and God.

He is far- He is high and lifted up. He sits on His throne and watches over all. We reverently bow down, humbling ourselves before Him. “For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise.” Psalm 96:4

As we prepare for Christmas and are reminded of our Savior’s birth so many years ago, let us prepare our hearts to receive Him, to receive His gift of salvation. As the song, Joy to the World goes, “Let ev’ry heart, prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and heaven and nature sing.” Open your heart today to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord. Let this be your joy today. Receive your King.

Feeling blue? Where are your thoughts leading you to? I know decorating for Christmas is supposed to make us feel happy, joyful. But what if I said it makes me feel melancholy. Thoughts of Christmas past flood my mind. The house bursting with noise, laughter, excitement. I get so overhwhelmed with these memories I can hardly breathe.

Our house is quiet now. It is just two of us, decorating, remembering. We talk, reminisce about the homemade ornaments, the Christmas of red. We smile. We laugh. The joy is returning. I am thankful and blessed to have these wonderful memories. Praising God for all His provisions and blessings. Even when Christmas has a new look, it is the same: celebrating the birth of our Savior, Immanuel: God with us.