Category: God’s Promises

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Sweet Peace

I think one of the most peaceful things I’ve ever seen is a sleeping baby. I don’t know how many times I have stood at cribs edge and watched my children and my grandchildren.

Not a care in the world. Total surrender. Immersed in peace.

Before they know the meaning of words, they know peace. That’s how our heavenly Father wants us to be.

“Give all your worries to Him because He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 NLV

God never intended for us to carry the cares of the world on our shoulders. In fact, the verse that precedes this one is as follows:

“So put away all pride from yourselves. You are standing under the powerful hand of God. At the right time He will lift you up.” I Peter 5:6 NLV

Pride is a peace robber. Pride convinces us that we should be able to “handle this on my own”. Pride whispers, or shouts, “what will people think if you ask for help”. But with the absence of pride comes peace.

Peace to know that the powerful hand of God is working on our behalf. He will lift us up when we stumble and fall. He will lift the burden of the world’s cares from our shoulders. He will carry the load and we will be able to rest in peace.

“ I will lie down and sleep in peace. O Lord, You alone keep me safe.” Psalm 4:8 NLV

I was curious so I did a word search on peace. In the King James version of the Bible the word peace is used 420 times; in the NLV (New Life version) it’s used 381 times. Peace is a core teaching of God’s word.

One of the biggest attacks on my peace is the temptation to worry over my children and grandchildren, the ones I love most. They have faced some herculean obstacles. The Holy Spirit has always been there to provide me with peace and calm assurance.

“And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.
18 My people will live in safety, quietly at home. They will be at rest.” Isaiah 32:17-18 NLT

“He will not be afraid of bad news. His heart is strong because he trusts in the Lord. 8 His heart will not be shaken. He will not be afraid and will watch those lose who fight against him. ” Psalm 112:7-8 NLV

Calm assurance is a state of being. I love the wording of the verses above. It’s a quietness, confidence, a heart that will not be shaken. That’s peace.

“I will teach all your children, and they will enjoy great peace.” Isaiah 54:13 NLT

Each day I pray for the peace of my children and grandchildren. I pray that in every situation they will experience the peace of God which bypasses their natural understanding. I pray that in their smallest moments and in the largest challenges they will see God’s hand protecting them and bringing them peace.

As we close, let’s turn our thoughts back to that sleeping baby. We are God’s children, He wants us to be at peace, He will handle our cares and give us sweet peace!

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Thankful for Abundance

Years ago, I had a Thanksgiving experience that has reminded me to be thankful for leftovers. Putting away leftovers became a reminder to me of the Lord’s abundance.

This particular Thanksgiving occurred during our farming days. We had a hired hand named Max who irrigated for us. We invited him to come for dinner but he felt uncomfortable with that, so, Dave took a platter of food down to him. I had put some of everything on that plate.

Dave came back and he was almost speechless. Max said he had never seen so much food at a single setting. In fact, he wanted to know if we were going to come down and eat with him because this was just “too much food”. Dave told him it was all for him. Max was overwhelmed to say the least.

That year as I cleared the table and put away the leftovers my heart swelled with gratitude. We certainly had more than we needed, we had more than enough. We had an abundance that we took for granted.

Leftovers.

I wonder how the mother of the boy in the Bible who had a lunch of five loaves and two small fish felt when her son came home with leftovers.

“ Jesus said, “Bring the bread and the fish to me.” 19 Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves of bread and the two fish. He looked into the sky and thanked God for the food. Then he broke the bread into pieces, which he gave to the followers, and they gave the food to the people. 20 Everyone ate until they were full. When they finished eating, the followers filled twelve baskets with the pieces of food that were not eaten.” Matthew 14:18-20 ERV

Here was a boy with a sack lunch, just enough to satisfy his appetite. Jesus took what he willingly offered and created a miracle that fed a multitude. I’m sure that some of what had been gathered was sent home with the boy. That’s what God does.

When we give, God gives. In fact, God gives before we do.

“ Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ERV

As we head into the Christmas season I want to be mindful of all that the Father gives us on a daily basis. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him.

May something as small as a bowl of leftovers be a reminder of God’s abundant blessings.

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Let the Son Shine

I love waking up to pray. This morning I learned of a young woman named Suzy who is going to have part of her thyroid removed and a biopsy done, it appears to be cancer. Her father posted a request for prayer. I count it a blessing and a privilege to pray for this lady and her family, whom I have never met.

Shortly after that I learned of a fire that destroyed everything a dear friend’s nephew had. Again – more prayers.

The Lord doesn’t prompt me to pray for every story or situation I learn of but when He does I want to be faithful.

“…The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16 NLT

I believe that verse with all my heart and so I pray.

Finally, I read one more story this morning that another friend had posted. It’s about the town of Barrow, Alaska. On November 18, the sun set and won’t be seen again until January 23, that’s 65 days with no sun.

No sun, but how many days do some people experience with no SON?

That’s why I pray. I want those who are hurting, in need or in a dark place to experience the Son shine.

“We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.” II Peter 2:18-19 NLT

The Apostle Peter had a life transforming experience when he was with Jesus on a mountain top and heard God, the Father, speak from heaven. He’s saying here that because of that experience he has great confidence in God’s word. However, he is also saying that we, who haven’t heard an audible voice, can also have confidence in the Word of God. The Word is like a shining light for our path and Christ is like the light that shines in the morning, the sun, and He shines in our hearts.

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NLT

“For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” II Corinthians 4:6-7 NLT

About a week ago, I met a man while having dinner with friends. After talking with him for a while he said something no one has ever said to me before. He said, “You have a light in you. It shines through your eyes and your smile.” Thank you, Lord, for shining in me.

Some people we meet are like those folks in Barrows, they’re living without “Son shine”. It’s up to us to let the Son shine through our actions and our prayers.

I’m so grateful for the light of God’s love!

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Make Yourself Comfortable

Some of you may not realize that I enjoy dissecting words. I’m not really a “word smith” but quite often I see a written word and its meaning deepens as I examine it.

Take the word courage. The definition means strength or bravery; when the prefix “dis” is added to the word the impact and meaning are greatly changed. The same holds true with the word ease. Add the same prefix to it, dis-, and it doesn’t just mean nervous or anxious but it also means sick or weakened – dis ease.

This is a bit of a tangent, but I wanted you to see where my mind was taking me this morning as I grabbed my cozy blanket, my cup of coffee, my laptop and took my place in front of the fireplace.

I thought “Thank you Lord for my comfortable home. I am grateful.”

Comfortable: Enabled by comfort. adjective. in a condition of comfort; having comforts; not suffering or anxious; hence, contented; cheerful; as, to lead a comfortable life. affording or imparting comfort or consolation; able to comfort; cheering; as, a comfortable hope.

Comfort – abled. The act of being comforted.

And there you have it – Jesus said that the heavenly Father sent the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter. His purpose is to bring us “comfort”, to impart comfort, cheering us up, making us comfort- able.

“ And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.” John 14:16 Amp

All of this is ours through the Holy Spirit. The Father knew we would need assistance in our life here on earth. As a loving Father, He made sure we had the “Helper” we need to live as His examples.

Providing comfort – comforting – making us comfort abled has always been a part of His plan.

“When I felt my feet slipping, you came with your love and kept me steady. 19 And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure.” Psalm 94:18-19 CEV

“When I am hurting, I find comfort in your promise that leads to life. 51 Conceited people sneer at me, but I obey your Law. 52 I find true comfort, Lord, because your laws have stood the test of time.” Psalm 119:50-52 CEV

Our true comfort doesn’t come from the external things in our lives but from the eternal – from God’s Word and His love.

“Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. 4 He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share this same comfort with others in trouble.” II Corinthians 1:3-4 CEV

I am grateful that we have been made comfort-abled and can now share this same comfort with others. Let’s make ourselves comfort abled to the world around us.

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In Everything Give Thanks

“ Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT

Be thankful in all circumstances.

Our circumstances don’t have to be perfect for us to have an attitude of thankfulness. As Christians we aren’t promised a problem free life, but we are given the promises that make us victorious in every situation. That is what we are to be thankful for.

“A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.

25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!” Acts 16:22-26 NLT

There was no apparent reason for Paul and Silas to be singing and praising God at midnight but sing they did.

“They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. 33 Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.” Acts 16:31-34 NLT

Some days it’s easy to sing because all seems right with the world, but other days come with unexpected distractions and joy-robbing obstacles. That’s where singing comes in – singing lifts the heart, it can make the heart skip and brings a lightness to our step.

Paul and Silas had been beaten and were chained in the prison but at midnight they chose to sing. I don’t believe they were singing the blues either, “nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen”…No, I’m sure it was something like “I’ll fly away, o glory, I’ll fly away. When I die hallelujah by and by, I’ll fly away.”

“In” the worst of circumstances we can praise God “for” His faithfulness. Praise Him that He is a loving Father, and He has promised to never abandon us. Praise Him “for” being our source of strength, peace and joy.

Praise brings our focus to who God is and what His word says. Paul and Silas were focused on Jesus their Savior, and it led to the salvation of their jailer and his family.

“Come to worship him with thankful hearts and songs of praise. 3 The Lord is the greatest God, king over all other gods.” Psalm 95:2-3 CEV

Sing songs of praise to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Savior of your soul!

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Come & Sing

Dave and I had a wonderful day yesterday. We hope you did too. We enjoy being together, after 50 years we are still each other’s best friends. It’s a gift and we are grateful!

Last night, instead of driving all the way home, we stopped at a hotel for a good night’s sleep. This morning I’m sitting here on the couch, drinking my coffee and writing to you all and I have to chuckle. This hotel suite is close to the same square footage as our RV. It’s a space I am comfortable in.

Dave’s still sleeping and I’m enjoying the quiet. Just the Lord, the little coffee brewer, my keyboard noise and you.

On our drive here we were discussing some decisions we will need to make in the next few months. Nothing that has to be decided today but something we need to begin discussing. You know how that is.

The one thing we kept saying last night as we put different scenarios into the discussion was, “We don’t need to decide this today, we can discuss it and let the Lord lead. He’ll work out all the details. We can trust Him.”

At different times through the night, I woke with these words filling my heart.

“It is the same with my word.  I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. 12 You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands! 13 Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up. These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name; they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.” Isaiah 55:11-13 NLT

God’s word will prosper. It will lead us with joy and peace. When we follow Him the events of our life will bring Him honor and be a sign of His power and love. Even the mountains will burst into song. (Sounds like a line from the Sound of Music)

Jesus taught on worry. He asked the question, why do you worry and fret. He went on to say that worrying won’t add an inch to our height.

“Look at the birds. They do not plant seeds. They do not gather grain. They have no grain buildings for keeping grain. Yet God feeds them. Are you not worth more than the birds?25 “Which of you can make yourself a little taller by worrying? 26 If you cannot do that which is so little, why do you worry about other things?” Luke 12:24-25 NLV

Dave and I have learned not to follow any decision we don’t have a peace about. The Lord’s faithful to lead and we can trust Him.

“Trust your work to the Lord, and your plans will work out well.” Proverbs 16:3

Join me this morning, join the trees, the mountains and the birds. Join the chorus and sing praise to the Lord for He is good.

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A Beautiful Reflection

Yesterday we spent the day at the NASCAR track in Arizona. For as many years as Dave and I have been married, NASCAR racing has been a passion for both of us. The last several years we have had the privilege of going to the races here in Phoenix and our oldest daughter and son-in-law have attended them with us.

Last night on our way back to their camper the sun was beginning to set and the sky was filled with hues of gold and pink. As we turned in to their campsite I captured this image. It was so striking!

The first thing I noticed was the reflection the sun had created in the windows. WOW!

Each time I woke up during the night that reflective image kept coming to mind. I had to share it with you. These are the verses I found that I felt the Lord wanted me to share with you as well.

“So God created humans in his own image. He created them to be like himself. He created them male and female. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Have many children. Fill the earth and take control of it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the air. Rule over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:27-28 ERV

God created us in His own image, a reflection of Him, so to speak.

Then I found these words that Solomon wrote.

“ Just as you can see your own face reflected in water, so your heart reflects the kind of person you are.” Proverbs 27:19 ERV

Our hearts should reflect our character and our character should reflect the nature of God.

“The Son shows the glory of God. He is a perfect copy of God’s nature, and he holds everything together by his powerful command. The Son made people clean from their sins. Then he sat down at the right side of God, the Great One in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3 ERV

Just as Jesus reflected God’s glory and nature, we should reflect that as well. God has filled our life with His nature through the promises of in His Word.

“Jesus has the power of God. And his power has given us everything we need to live a life devoted to God. We have these things because we know him. Jesus chose us by his glory and goodness, 4 through which he also gave us the very great and rich gifts that he promised us. With these gifts you can share in being like God. And so you will escape the ruin that comes to people in the world because of the evil things they want.” II Peter 1:3-4 ERV

Let’s reflect the goodness of God’s character in all we do!

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Grateful for The Name

Have you ever wondered why we pray “In Jesus Name”? It’s not a religious chant by any means. There is power in the name of Jesus and He has given us permission to use His name and invoke that power.

“You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” John 14:13-14 NLT

Jesus’ motives were pure. He only wanted one thing to be the center focus of His life, He always wanted to bring honor to the Father. He has given us the right to use the power in His name to do the same.

“After He became a man, He gave up His important place and obeyed by dying on a cross. 9 Because of this, God lifted Jesus high above everything else. He gave Him a name that is greater than any other name. 10 So when the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow down before Him. 11 And every tongue will say Jesus Christ is Lord. Everyone will give honor to God the Father.” Philippians 2:8-11 NLV

A few days ago, a friend of mine put the lyrics to a song on her page. The song is a powerful one and I will put the lyrics here but I will also include the link to a YouTube video where the song is being sung. Read the lyrics and listen to the song, let it speak to your heart and bring power to your life. In Jesus Name, (God of Possible).

“I speak the name of Jesus over you
In your hurting, in your sorrow
I will ask my God to move
I speak the name ’cause it’s all that I can do
In desperation, I’ll seek Heaven
And pray this for you

I pray for your healing
That circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name, in Jesus name

I speak the name of all authority
Declaring blessings, every promise
He is faithful to keep
I speak the name no grave could ever hold
He is greater, He is stronger
He’s the God of possible

I pray for your healing
That circumstances would change
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name
In Jesus name

Come believe it
Come receive it
Oh, the power of His Spirit is now forever yours
Come believe it
Come receive it
In the mighty name of Jesus, all things are possible

I pray for your healing
That circumstances will change
I pray that the fear inside will flee in Jesus name
I pray that a breakthrough
Would happen today
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name
I pray for revival
For restoration of faith
I pray that the dead will come alive in Jesus name
In Jesus name”

Songwriters: Jeff Pardo, Ethan Hulse, David Andrew Spencer, Katy Nichole. For non-commercial use only.

I will be grateful forever for the Name of Jesus!

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When Things Go Wrong…

God is good and has a plan. This is the story of Joseph’s life.

Most of us experience things that go wrong. Troubles with our family, losing a job, being falsely accused, some even face imprisonment. How do we handle the adversities of life? Do we get angry with God? Do we blame him? Or do we keep our eyes and heart focused directly on God and His goodness?

Joseph was a young man with a purpose. God had given him a dream when he was just a teenager. He shared that dream with his family and he was ridiculed, even hated by some. Here’s how his life went for the next 13 years.

His brothers sold him to slave traders. They sold him to a captain in the Egyptian army. The captain’s wife accused him of rape. He was sent to prison. While in prison he met the baker and the butler for the pharaoh. They had dreams and Joseph interpreted the dreams. The butler returned to the palace but the baker was hanged. The butler had promised to tell the pharaoh about Joseph but he forgot, for 2 years. Then he remembered…

The pharaoh brought Joseph to the palace and promoted him to second in command of all of Egypt. Joseph ruled wisely through the famine. Enter his brothers asking for food. What did Joseph do? They had sold him into slavery 13 years before.

“Then Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am not God! I have no right to punish you. 20 It is true that you planned to do something bad to me. But really, God was planning good things. God’s plan was to use me to save the lives of many people. And that is what happened. 21 So don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.” And so Joseph said kind things to his brothers, and this made them feel better.” Genesis 50:19-21 ERV

What do we do when things go wrong? In all those years Joseph never turned his back on God and apparently, he never let his heart get bitter toward his brothers. He kept his heart pure.

God is good and His plans for us are too.

“ I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. 12 You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. 13  You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 CEV

We may not feel things are going right but God is working. His plans are for our success. He hasn’t planned for us to fail!

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In the Will

Several years ago, we updated our Family Trust. I guess it’s something that people our age do. We desire to leave an inheritance for our children and grandchildren.

In our case, there seems to be more sentimental value than financial but all the same we wanted these things written down.

It amazes me that God, the Father, has done the same.

“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.” Romans 8:15-17 NLT

God the Father, has made us his children, He has adopted us. If that isn’t amazing enough He has given us an inheritance and made us heirs – it’s His will! He gives us the same inheritance He has given Jesus. We share in the Father’s glory but like Jesus we share in the earthly suffering. Not a suffering like some think but the suffering that Jesus experienced was separation from His heavenly home, ridicule of His peers and denying His fleshly desires to live a life that was honoring to the Father.

We are called to do the same. The Apostle Paul said it this way, “For me to live is Christ”. Our lives should be a living example of the Christ-likeness.

Here is another reference that Paul made: “Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7 NLT

God gave us a new life, He gave us an inheritance, an inheritance of His grace.

God isn’t looking for us to fail. He has equipped us with all we need to live a new life, no longer full of envy and hatred, no longer slaves to sinful lusts.

“ Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.” Ephesians 1:11 NLT

By His grace, amazing grace, we have been saved. Our lives are God’s masterpiece. He planned for us to do good things. He has given us an inheritance, it’s His written will, it’s called the Bible and it’s for all the world to read!

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