Category: Peace

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Heavenly Peace

Last night’s sleep was heavenly! That’s why I am posting later this morning.

We had a wonderful couple of days with family but I have to be honest and say that I’m not as energetic at 68 as I was at 44. Just sayin’…

I loved playing and keeping up with our 6-, 4- and 2-year-old grandchildren. I wouldn’t have changed a minute of it but my body was tired when they left and the Lord blessed me with a wonderful night’s sleep.

“I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, Lord will keep me safe.” Psalm 8:4 CEV

The Lord made our bodies to replenish and refresh themselves with sleep and many times we forget to comply. We push to the point of exhaustion and that can cause physical and emotional problems. It’s ok to say, “I need to take a break, I need a rest”.

“Without the help of the Lord it is useless to build a home or to guard a city. 2 It is useless to get up early and stay up late in order to earn a living. God takes care of his own, even while they sleep.” Psalm 127:1-2 CEV

As we continue into the Christmas season, we need to make sure we take time to rest – time to replenish and refresh.

“A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 CEV

“So the Lord’s promise came true, just as the prophet had said, 23 “A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.” Matthew 1:22-23 CEV

Two of the names that refer to Jesus are “Prince of Peace” and “Immanuel (God with us)”. Take time to rest, slow down. Enjoy God’s presence. Let the peace of God, dwelling in us, bring us to a place where we can sleep in heavenly peace!

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So Good!

I spent a good portion of yesterday in busy work. So much to be done…so little time but the words that I shared with you from Philippians kept going through my heart.

“Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. ”

Those words kept my heart centered and my thoughts focused. Most of my day was spent cleaning out clutter, separating the mundane from the important. With the cleaning, I began purging things from my bookcase. Some books I had read many times and others I have had for years and never read. On the bottom shelf I found my journals and some notebooks of teachings I have done through the years. Next to those were a number of Bibles that I have used over the years, one dated back to 1967.

I took time to read some of the comments I had made in the margins. There were outlines of sermons that were especially meaningful during those years. Most of those Bibles were worn and pages were loose and falling out but the words on the pages were so sweet – as the psalmist says “sweeter than honey in the honeycomb”.

The sweetness of God’s word is even better than a plate of pumpkin pie.

Oh yes, even in my cleaning, my mind was focused on what was truly worthwhile and worthy of praise!

This morning as I woke, the words of a song we sang Sunday in worship, by Bethel Music, was filling my heart and my head.

“You reign above it all, You reign above it all
Over the universe and over every heart
There is no higher name
Jesus, You reign above it all”

Is there anything more praise worthy than that? Jesus reigns in my heart and over the entire universe – nothing is more worthwhile to focus on! Those thoughts are SO GOOD!

“God made heaven and earth; he created the sea  and everything else. God always keeps his word. 7 He gives justice to the poor and food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free
8  and heals blind eyes. He gives a helping hand  to everyone who falls. The Lord loves good people 9 and looks after strangers. He defends the rights of orphans and widows, but destroys the wicked. 10 The Lord God of Zion will rule forever!  Shout praises to the Lord!” Psalm 146:6-10 CEV

The Lord will rule forever! That is such a refreshing promise. Our God, our Father is SO GOOD!

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Thankful for Wisdom

I have to share with you briefly this morning. Yesterday morning, as I sat here in my chair talking to the Father about some things that had been keeping my mind in a spin I received the clarity I needed to make what I know is a right decision.

Here’s how it happened: I was talking to the Father. We’ve been praying over some real decisions for the past four months. Each step we have taken, we have taken with peace. However, in the last few weeks Dave and I have had multiple situations coming in from all sides. There are times when one or the other of us has been overwhelmed.

We know that’s not God, that’s not His peace. Friday night was like that, so much so that I couldn’t sleep. I asked for wisdom…

“If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking.” James 1:5 CEV

So I was laying everything out to the Father. I knew He knows the details but it helps me to speak it out or write it down so I can see my thoughts clearly. I had a peace that everything would work out right but I still didn’t have the way to do it.

I began to write to a friend. I was emailing her and began telling her the same thing I asked the Lord about. As I was putting it down on the page the answer came to my heart. I told her thank you for listening and helping me see the right path. But more than her, for she had said nothing, it was the Lord directing my path.

I am so thankful for God’s wisdom!

“Share your plans with the Lord, and you will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 CEV

God is faithful. We can never take Him anything that He has to stop and say, “Wow, that’s a big one Kris. I’m not sure what you should do”. No, He has infinite wisdom. He is wisdom! If you’re struggling today with decisions bring them to the Father. Lay them before Him and ask for wisdom and then thank Him for the answers.

“The angels who stood around the throne knelt in front of it with their faces to the ground. The elders and the four living creatures knelt there with them. Then they all worshiped God 12 and said,

“Amen! Praise, glory, wisdom,
    thanks, honor, power,
and strength belong to our God
    forever and ever! Amen!” Revelation 7:11-12 CEV

All of heaven praises the Father for His wisdom, power, glory and strength – we should too!

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A Stubborn Mule

Have you ever faced a dilemma when you wondered which way you should go – which was the right decision to make? I have on multiple occasions. In fact, Dave and I have a few decisions ahead of us in the next few weeks that we are still seeking the Lord’s direction on.

It’s great to know that we aren’t left to our own limited knowledge. We have Someone we can talk to and gain insight from Who knows the beginning and the end. Someone who is infinite in wisdom and willing to help.

“I was still being held prisoner in the courtyard of the palace guards when the Lord told me: ‘I am the Lord, and I created the whole world. 3 Ask me, and I will tell you things that you don’t know and can’t find out.'” Jeremiah 33:1-3 CEV

I am so grateful that His wisdom goes far beyond mine and that I can depend on the Lord to give me the direction I need. His wisdom keeps us from making mistakes if we are willing to listen.

“You said to me, ‘I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher and watch over you. 9 Don’t be stupid like horses and mules that must be led with ropes to make them obey.’” Psalm 32:8-9 CEV

The image I used for today’s blog makes me laugh. I have sometimes been like the mule in the picture. Dug in and unwilling to move. However, I am thankful for the Lord’s patience and love. The Bible tells us He is “long-suffering”.

“And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him (Moses) there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. 6 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,” Exodus 34:5-6 KJV

Thank you Lord for being merciful, gracious, longsuffering and abundant in goodness and truth!

The Lord is faithful to forgive our sins of stubbornness and disobedience. He is abundant in goodness.

“So I confessed my sins and told them all to you. I said, ‘I’ll tell the Lord each one of my sins.’ Then you forgave me and took away my guilt. 6 We worship you, Lord, and we should always pray whenever we find out that we have sinned. Then we won’t be swept away by a raging flood. 7 You are my hiding place!  You protect me from trouble, and you put songs in my heart because you have saved me.” Psalm 32:5-7 CEV

The Lord is merciful and He always forgives. I think the raging flood mentioned in the verses above is the flood of guilt that rushes over us and keeps us from moving forward. The Lord doesn’t want us being held captive by guilt or thoughts of unworthiness. He not only forgives our sins, He also chooses to forget them.

Those are excellent reasons to sing!

Today I am grateful for the Lord’s leading, for His forgiveness and for giving me a clean conscience.

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Celebrate Life!

Today our family will celebrate my Mom’s life. If you remember I told you of her homegoing last May. Mom was 97 1/2 years old, the half was always very important to her.

Each time I was with Mom, for the last 4 or 5 years, she would say “If I’m not here in the morning tell “them” have a party. I don’t want them crying because I’m gone. I want you all to celebrate that I’m in heaven with Jesus”.

Today, we will have a party and celebrate Mom’s life!

She grew up during the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s in a small farming town in Iowa. She became a school teacher and taught at a one-room school, grades 1-8, for 4 or 5 years before she married my Dad.

Mom and Dad gave their hearts to the Lord at a tent revival shortly after they were married. She loved Jesus – she taught Sunday School, Children’s Church, Vacation Bible School and Young Women’s group. She had a way of always making people feel welcome in our home – she loved to feed people.

She would tell everyone who came to see her – visitors, home health and repairmen about Jesus. She asked that we share from John 14 today, she wanted people to have a relationship with Jesus.

“Jesus said, “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. 2 There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back. Then I will take you with me, so that you can be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

5 Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me. 7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father too. But now you know the Father. You have seen him.” John 14:1-7 CEV

Don’t be afraid. I’m preparing a place for you. Follow me because I am THE way to heaven. I am THE way of life. Mom found her life in Christ. She has her home in heaven and when life for us is over here we will meet up with her there and have a party!

“I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am leaving, but I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be happy that I am going back to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am. 29 I have told you this now, before it happens. Then when it happens, you will believe.” John 14:27-29 CEV

Peace – Mom was at peace, she was before she left this earth and she certainly is now that she’s in heaven. She would say to us “Don’t be afraid. Don’t be sad. I’m in a perfect place and I want you to join me here.”

Celebrate, rejoice, in life! The Father has made a place for us to be with Him for all eternity. I am so grateful that my Mom made sure I knew about Jesus!

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Everything? Yes, Everything!

Sometimes these morning blogs are a little disconcerting. I promised the Lord I would share with you the things He puts on my heart and that means I have to be honest with you about my victories and my failures.

We have only been down from the mountain for eight days and already I have allowed myself to become harried and hurried. Each day this summer, I would watch the sunrise, in all its splendor, and set, in unrivaled beauty. Each sunrise and sunset were a vivid reminder that the Father was in control and I could be at peace. This photograph is one of my favorite’s at end of day.

There has been so much going on since we’ve been home that I have forgotten to let my heart capture that glimpse of God’s glory at the beginning and ending of each day.

This morning my Bible reading took me to II Peter, chapter 1. That is a favorite chapter of mine – because everything, yes everything, that God has blessed us with is spelled out there in just a few verses.

“From Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ. To everyone who shares with us in the privilege of believing that our God and Savior Jesus Christ will do what is just and fair. 2 I pray that God will be kind to you and will let you live in perfect peace! May you keep learning more and more about God and our Lord Jesus.

3 We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power, when we learned that he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness. 4 God made great and marvelous promises, so that his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world.

5 Do your best to improve your faith. You can do this by adding goodness, understanding, 6 self-control, patience, devotion to God, 7 concern for others, and love. 8 If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful.” II Peter 1:1-8 CEV

Please take note – these verses are for everyone so that we can live in peace. We have everything we need because we have God’s great and marvelous promises.

Everything, yes everything.

And since we have everything, we should keep growing in goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to the Father, concern for others and growing in love.

That’s what taking those moments each morning and each evening reminded me to do! They reminded me to let the Father and His promises be my everything – there is nothing I need outside of Him.

Yes, these are all things that we know but sometimes we let them slip from our fore thoughts. So this morning, I took this admonition from the Apostle Peter and it’s one I will pass on to you.

“ You are holding firmly to the truth that you were given. But I am still going to remind you of these things. 13 In fact, I think I should keep on reminding you until I leave this body. ” II Peter 1:12-13 CEV

I’m reminding us, and will continue to remind us, to hold firmly to the knowledge that in Christ we have everything we need.

Everything? Yes, everything!

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Pursue Peace

Pursue: to run after, chase after, follow in order to catch or attack, overtake.

Most of the time the word pursue is used in the Bible it is referred to in a military setting. The Egyptians pursued the Israelites as they left Egypt. The Israelites pursued their enemies and overtook them because the Lord was on their side.

Have you ever chased after peace with such fervor?

What kinds of things do you pursue? There have been times I have pursued sleep…too much to do, running low on energy and I chased after a few hours of blissful sleep. We often pursue relationships – building friendships or developing a close tie with a family member who has been distant. Some pursue fitness – healthy body, healthy mind; while others pursue a good reputation.

All of these pursuits are good but they should never take first place in our lives.

This morning I looked up the word pursue in my Bible concordance. I found that there are 98 verses in the King James translation with the word pursue in them. Ninety of them make reference to a military-type pursuit.

“Turn your back on sin; do something good. Embrace peace—don’t let it get away (pursue)!” Psalm 34:14 MSG

That leads me to believe that when we pursue righteousness and peace we should do it with a vengeance, as if our very lives depend on it. Which they do. Many people have health related problems because of stress – the lack of peace.

“ But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast (pursue) in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.” I Timothy 6:11-12 MSG

When we run hard and fast after peace, when we seize it, peace will become the guardian or the sentry who keeps watch over what our minds focus on.

“ Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” Philippians 4:6-7 ERV

Many people go out for a morning jog or run. May I encourage you to get your run into today – run after, pursue and overtake peace. Your day will be so much better!

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Oil of Joy!

I’d like to tell you a story this morning. It’s the story of a widowed woman and her sons. Her husband had died and she was in debt. She had no way of taking care of her family and her sons were to be taken away to pay for the family’s debts.

She went to the man of God, Elisha, to appeal to him for help. He asked her but one question, “What do you have in your house?”. “Only a little oil”, was her reply. He then instructed her to find all the empty oil jars she could. She was to go into her house, shut the door and start filling the empty jars from her little cruse of oil.

“So the woman left Elisha, went into her house, and shut the door. Only she and her sons were in the house. Her sons brought the bowls to her and she poured oil. 6 She filled many bowls. Finally, she said to her son, ‘Bring me another bowl.’ But all the bowls were full. One of the sons said to her, ‘There aren’t any more bowls.’ Then the oil in the jar was finished! 7 When she told the man of God what had happened, Elisha said to her, ‘Go, sell the oil and pay your debt. You and your sons can live on the money that is left.'” II Kings 4:5-7 ERV

Oil was a valuable commodity in the Middle East, it still is. Oil was used to keep their skin supple in the hot desert sun; it was used to light their lamps; it was used in the baking of their foods. It was a substance of life.

The prophet Isaiah told the Jewish people that when the Messiah came to earth He would provide for them.

“I will take away the ashes on their head, and I will give them a crown. I will take away their sadness, and I will give them the oil of happiness. I will take away their sorrow, and I will give them celebration clothes. He sent me to name them ‘Good Trees’ and ‘The Lord’s Wonderful Plant.’” Isaiah 61:3 ERV

It was the custom to wear sackcloth and put ashes on their head in time of mourning and disaster. But see what Isaiah tells them – when Jesus comes he replaces the ashes with a crown, sadness with the oil of joy and the sackcloth with clothes of celebration.

We have this same promise from Jesus. He promises us comfort, joy and peace! The Holy Spirit brings all these things to us.

“16 I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever. 17 The Helper is the Spirit of truth. The people of the world cannot accept him, because they don’t see him or know him… 18 “I will not leave you all alone like orphans…

25 “I have told you all these things while I am with you. 26 But the Helper will teach you everything and cause you to remember all that I told you. This Helper is the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name. 27 “I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” John 14:15-27 ERV

May I ask you, do you need joy, hope and peace? Let the Holy Spirit fill your vessel with the oil of joy!

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Getting Ready to Leave

We only have a couple days left on the mountain, the place that has been our home for the last four and a half months. It’s been hard to say good-bye to friends and there are still good-byes to be said.

Yesterday, we spent time in the campground, going from campsite to campsite, making notes of things that need to be improved upon before the next camping season. We visited with the two families of campers that are still here. Only the hardy, with good generators, are here now. We had snow on Tuesday and the night time temperature dropped to 18*.

After that, there was the check-in station to finish packing up; all the bookwork and supplies have to be moved to the administration building. Bulletin boards, signs and windows have to be covered and there was one final load of laundry that needed to be done.

Almost all of the preparations have been made.

We have also taken time to pack away our own things – the bar-b-q, the outdoor canopy, and chairs. The closets have been rearranged, the cupboards straighten, awnings are pulled in, things are stowed away and secured. A little more cleaning and another load of laundry and we’ll be ready to pull out.

I began thinking of all the people in the Bible who had to leave some place they were accustomed too; Abraham and Sarah had to leave, Rebekah left her home to join her husband, Jacob’s whole family left their home to join Joseph in Egypt. Samuel left his mother and father to go to the Temple, Ruth left her home to follow her mother-in-law, Esther left her uncle to go to the King’s palace, Peter left his fishing business to follow Jesus, Paul left his place as an important member of Jewish society to become an itinerate preacher and Jesus left heaven to come to earth.

All of their leavings had a purpose. Esther was placed in the palace as queen by divine providence. She was used to save her people from genocide.

“And who knows, maybe you have been chosen to be the queen for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14b ERV

I believe that God has a purpose and a plan for every life, including yours and mine!

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you. This message is from the Lord. ‘I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me.'” Jeremiah 29:11-13 ERV

Maybe your circumstances are changing too. You are making preparation for a new home, a new job, a new life. There can be insecurity and apprehension in this but when we trust the Lord, He will give us peace and direction.

None of us know exactly how the Lord will use us from day to day but we can be certain that His plan for us is good. Each one of us should always “be prepared for leaving” the old and embracing the new as we follow the Lord’s leading.

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On Solid Ground

Where are you standing today? Is your footing sure?

Hiking the hills, it’s imperative that you know where your next step needs to be. The terrain is covered with undergrowth and brush and the rocky ground can cause your foot to give way without any notice.

The same holds true in life.

If you are standing on a unsure foundation undoubtedly you will slip and fall. But when the foundation is sure, you are secure.

“But the foundation that God has laid is solid. On it is written, “The Lord knows who his people are. So everyone who worships the Lord must turn away from evil.” II Timothy 2:19 CEV

Jesus referred to a house on a solid foundation (rock) in a parable and then went on to say that the rock was the Word of God.

“Anyone who comes and listens to me and obeys me 48 is like someone who dug down deep and built a house on solid rock. When the flood came and the river rushed against the house, it was built so well that it didn’t even shake. 49 But anyone who hears what I say and doesn’t obey me is like someone whose house wasn’t built on solid rock. As soon as the river rushed against that house, it was smashed to pieces!” Luke 6:47-49 CEV

I love the old hymn that says the same. It was written by a man named Edward Mote in the 1800’s – it has a very true message for today.

My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; In every high and stormy gale ,My anchor holds within the veil. His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood; When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne. Refrain: On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.

When we put our hope and trust in Jesus, we will find our footing is secure on the Solid Rock!

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