Category: Peace

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A Joy Filled Life

How’s the Christmas shopping going? Have you purchased all the gifts you intend too? Are they wrapped and under the tree? Are you excited about seeing the faces of those you are giving too?

I really think that’s how God feels. He has given us so many perfect and wonderful gifts. I think His heart is filled with excitement and anticipation as He waits for us to discover each precious gift.

I know my heart is filled with gratitude this morning; God’s amazing love is overwhelming; His peace passes all understanding (that means I can’t figure out how I can have so much peace when things seem anything but peaceful) and His grace (giving me what I don’t deserve) is so marvelous!

Each one of these wonderful gifts are waiting for us. They are wrapped in gold wrapping (the color of my kingly inheritance) and topped with bright red bows (the color of the blood He shed for me). Each day I have the opportunity to receive these gifts anew; each day I have the opportunity to share these gifts with others; each day I have the joy of saying thank you to my wonderful Father who has given these gifts to me!

“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Ephesians 4:7 KJV

“May you have more and more of His loving-favor and peace as you come to know God and our Lord Jesus Christ better. He gives us everything we need for life and for holy living. He gives it through His great power. As we come to know Him better, we learn that He called us to share His own shining-greatness and perfect life. 4 Through His shining-greatness and perfect life, He has given us promises. These promises are of great worth and no amount of money can buy them. Through these promises you can have God’s own life in you now that you have gotten away from the sinful things of the world which came from wrong desires of the flesh.” II Peter 1:2-24 NLV

Through our relationship with Christ we have become God’s children. Through our knowledge of God’s word we learn about the inheritance and the blessings, gifts, He freely gives to each one of us.

“Faith in Christ Jesus is what makes each of you equal with each other, whether you are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a man or a woman. 29  So if you belong to Christ, you are now part of Abraham’s family, and you will be given what God has promised.” Galatians 5:28-29 CEV

The gifts we receive from our Father have no expiration date; they don’t need batteries or a charger. They are powered by His unconditional and everlasting love.

Merry Christmas!

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Peace Keeping

This morning I had a different start to my day. I’ve told you how much I enjoy waking up early, reading my Bible and having my prayer time in the quiet. The only noises I hear are the coffee brewing, the electric fireplace, and an occasional coyote.

Not this morning. I woke with a painful start. I had a charley horse in my right calf and my right foot was in a spasm. As I attempted to stand, another one hit my left thigh. At this point I was trying to maintain my balance; I didn’t want to fall over, and I didn’t want to wake Dave.

This was not the peaceful morning I had planned. That’s how it happens: peace-robbing, joy-stealing, stress-filled moments. Living in the peace of God is not a one-time decision, it is a daily lesson.

So, let’s go back a couple days to the reference I made on Jesus, Prince of Peace. In light of all that is going on in my world I definitely need the Prince of Peace.

Can you imagine being a shepherd, probably dosing off for the night when the entire night sky lit up? Talk about UFO’s – this was an invasion! No place to run, no place to hide and then came the message:

“That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep. 9 All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord’s glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. 10 But the angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. 11 This very day in King David’s hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. 12 You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay.’

13 Suddenly many other angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God. They said: 14 ‘Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God.'” Luke 2:8-14 CEV

Don’t be afraid – Peace! This isn’t just a nice little story in a nice little book – these shepherds were real people, and they came face to face with talking angels. That would make the hair on the back of my neck stand up!

What is it you’re facing today – a bad medical report, a failing marriage, wayward children, financial failure, world unrest, the collapse of the future you had planned…or just some charley horses in the early morning hours.

Christmas is about a week away. There are still so many things to do; baking, shopping, gatherings, working, wrapping, traveling, resting. Deep breath, peace.

Then listen to what Jesus said

“I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” John 14:27 CEV

and then just a bit later

“‘I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!’” John 16:33 ERV

This morning, as you are looking out on your world, be still, recover and let the peace of God rule in your heart.

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The Gift of God

When our children were little, we began a tradition of passing out the gifts, after Dave had read the Christmas story from Luke 2.

The kids would work together taking presents from under the tree and passing them to their intended recipients. Once all the gifts were distributed, the youngest family member got to open the first present. Then each one of us would open a present, all the time observing the succession of youngest to oldest. And we still do that today.

Even in our leanest years financially there would be more than one gift for them to open. There were gifts!

That was the scene that filled my mind this morning. The gifts.

“God does not change His mind when He chooses men and gives them His gifts. 32 God has said that all men have broken His Law. But He will show loving-kindness on all of them.’ Romans 11:29 & 32 NLV

God has given us His gifts and He doesn’t change His mind. What a thought! It would be cruel to promise a gift and then withhold it. God doesn’t do that.

“Then the Lord said to me, ‘You have seen well, for I am watching to see that My Word is completed.’” Jeremiah 1:12 NLV

“For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for well-being and not for trouble, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will look for Me and find Me, when you look for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLV

I didn’t title this morning’s blog “The Gifts of God” but instead “The Gift of God”, for a reason. Our heavenly Father has many gifts waiting for us – forgiveness, joy, peace, grace, strength, His abiding presence but the many gifts come through “The Gift of God”, Jesus.

“Men become right with God by putting their trust in Jesus Christ. God will accept men if they come this way. All men are the same to God. 23 For all men have sinned and have missed the shining-greatness of God. 24 Anyone can be made right with God by the free gift of His loving-favor. It is Jesus Christ Who bought them with His blood and made them free from their sins.” Romans 3:22-24 NLV

Once we receive the gift of His Son and our forgiveness of sins we are reconciled to God; adopted by Him and become heirs of His promises.

“The yes to all of God’s promises is in Christ. And that is why we say “Amen” through Christ to the glory of God. 21 And God is the one who makes you and us strong in Christ. God is also the one who chose us for his work” II Corinthians 1:20-21 ERV

It’s time to open our hearts to the gift of God, to His Son, Jesus!

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The Gift of Peace

Last night I was joined by two friends and we prayed together for those who we know are lonely and experiencing loss.

Some of the ones we prayed for are facing their first Christmas without a spouse or another dear loved one. Some are dealing with depression and the effects of PTSD. Others feel devastated by a broken marriage or an extended illness – hopelessness rushes in like a storm surge on the shore.

This is why Jesus came – He came to bring peace on earth, goodwill to men.

“ And Isaiah says, “There will be One from the family of Jesse Who will be a leader over the people who are not Jews. Their hope will be in Him.” 13 Our hope comes from God. May He fill you with joy and peace because of your trust in Him. May your hope grow stronger by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:12-13 NLV

“For to us a Child will be born. To us a Son will be given. And the rule of the nations will be on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Teacher, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLV

Prince of Peace – doesn’t that sound good? Peace – sweet peace, coming down from the from Father above, sweep over my spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love. (words from a great old hymn)

When peace isn’t evident in our lives, it should be an immediate sign that we are living apart from God’s promises. A part of the message of the coming of Christ at Christmas is the Prince of Peace has come! Peace!!

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:14 KJV

Letting peace rule is a conscience decision – it doesn’t come automatically. It’s something we make a decision on. Our car doesn’t automatically go the speed limit, we determine the speed. We must make the decision to let the law of peace rule in our hearts by our dependence upon the Father and His Word.

As Prince, he has the authority to rule. He is sovereign of the realm. His is the authority we trust in. He has decreed that we can have peace of mind as we depend upon Him.

“Do not worry. Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need. 7 The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLV

The peace of God is greater than worry, loneliness and fear. Let the Prince of Peace rule in your life this holiday season!

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Christmas Presence

Christmas time as a retiree is so much different than it was with children in the home. There were school programs to attend and help with, gifts to select for teachers, parties to plan as well as time with family and friends.

Christmas was such a hectic time and it seemed everyone was calling your name – Mom, Kristi, Honey? I think every mom has said at one point, “I’m changing my name”. We say that in jest because we never would but some days, we were just tired and out of answers.

How great to know that there is One who is always there to answer when we call. He never gets tired or falls asleep while we’re talking. He’s interested, He’s concerned and He loves to make time for us.

“Ask me, and I will tell you things that you don’t know and can’t find out.” Jeremiah 33:3 CEV

His names: Wonderful, Counsellor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God.

Also Maker, Husband, Lord, Redeemer, Mighty God

” For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.” Isaiah 54:5 KJV

His name is Jesus…Savior

“21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 KJV

He is I AM: bread of life, the door, the good shepherd, the way, the truth and the life, the Word, the resurrection, the vine, the friend that sticks closer than a brother!

He is our intercessor, our high priest, the author and finisher of our faith, our healer, our Savior, the Son of God.

” For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. 16 Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].” Hebrews 4:15-16 AMP

He is Immanuel, “God with us”! Oh, how I love that. He is God who lives with us and in us. We don’t have to wait for a special visitation as the people did in the Old Testament. We don’t have to experience a burning bush, a pillar of fire or a cloud overshadowing. We have His promise of His Christmas Presence.

“This happened as the Lord said it would happen through the early preacher. 23 He said, ‘The young woman, who has never had a man, will give birth to a Son. They will give Him the name Immanuel. This means God with us.'” Matthew 1:22-23 NLV

Who is it you need to talk to today? He is JESUS!

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The Night’s Watch

Dave and I watch a couple of YouTube channels where the people are fulltime sailing families. They have different size sailing vessels, different ages of their children and sail in different waters but some things are the same.

They all need to provision before long crossings, the care they give their vessels and their Navionics, guidance systems, are all similar. The other thing, that is crucial, are the night watches.

Someone needs to be at the helm making sure they stay on course. They watch the weather for unexpected storms and the keep watch on the radar for ships that may be approaching. If the pass too closely it could cause problems for both vessels and it could mean there is danger of piracy.

Night watch is an important part of their safety.

The same holds true for us as Christians. The night watch is an important part of our safety.

Last night I felt I was on night-watch. Awake at 12:30, 2:30 and then finally up at 4:30. Each time I found myself praying over different situations and people I know.

“On my bed I remember You. I think of You through the hours of the night. 7 For You have been my help. And I sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings. 8 My soul holds on to You. Your right hand holds me up.” Psalm 63:6-8 NLV

Through the hours of the night – at times when things can seem their worst, the one standing watch can sing for joy, in the shadow of His wings.

Isn’t that what Paul and Silas did after having been beaten? It was in the darkness of night that the Apostle Paul received an encouraging word from the Lord while in a storm at sea. The disciples were adrift in a storm when Jesus came walking on the water and said, “Peace, be still”.

And of course, there were the shepherds watching their flocks by night.

“In the same country there were shepherds in the fields. They were watching their flocks of sheep at night. 9 The angel of the Lord came to them. The shining-greatness of the Lord shone around them. They were very much afraid. 10 The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. See! I bring you good news of great joy which is for all people.'” Luke 2:8-10 NLV

“Don’t be afraid – I have good news”!

Do you feel like your alone on a night watch? Everyone else is able to rest but you’re awake and agitated. Storms are upsetting your boat, things are getting too close for comfort.

Follow King David’s example: remember the Lord, think about His help, and sing for joy! Your night watch will bring you peace.

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A Gift of Words

How many words do you think you speak each day? Now, how many words do you think you hear? More importantly, how many words do you think make a significant difference in your life?

There are conversations, dialogue in the movies, weather forecasts, news reports, songs on the radio – words of encouragement, words that are distressing. Words filled with faith and words that create fear.

The Word we have been given at Christmas comes as a gift.

“The Word (Christ) was in the beginning. The Word was with God. The Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 He made all things. Nothing was made without Him making it. 4 Life began by Him. His Life was the Light for men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness. The darkness has never been able to put out the Light.” John 1:1-5 NLV

Christ is the Word that arrived and brought light to our souls. The prophet Isaiah said that His name was Wonderful, Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Immanuel or God with Us.

When the angel came to Mary and told her she had been chosen by God to birth the Messiah this was her response:

“Then Mary said, ‘I am willing to be used of the Lord. Let it happen to me as you have said.’ Then the angel went away from her.” Luke 1:38 NLV

Mary accepted the “Word” that came from God and then became the vessel that God used to bring the “Word” into the world. Not only did God’s word transform Mary’s life, that Word changed the world.

Words are important! God’s words are important but so are ours.

Words are filled with power – power to create or power to destroy. The writer of Proverbs penned it this way:

“A man’s stomach will be filled with the fruit of his mouth. He will be filled with what his lips speak. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:20-21 NLV

When we put our trust in God’s words, it will change our conversation. Mary believed God’s word and the impossible became possible. The lame man who had been let down through the roof of the house believed God’s word and he “took up his bed and walked”.

Jesus said the Word of God is a firm foundation in time of storm. When we build our lives on God’s word, we will stand steadfast, not moved by fear.

Thank you Father that Your Word became flesh and changed our lives. May our words reflect our hope, faith and trust in You!

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Take A Break

Yesterday Dave picked me up at work and we headed to town. After all, how busy can it be? It’s just December 1st.

Well, it was busy. We stopped long enough at our favorite Mexican food restaurant to enjoy our dinner and visited with our waitress. It was a nice repose before we headed to the grocery store.

Oh my!

Only a few things on our list but some were necessities so it was a stop we couldn’t skip. Busy, busy, busy.

Home. Put things away and then it was time to sit down and enjoy the quiet. You realize that you don’t have to go anywhere to get caught up in the hustle and the bustle of keeping up with life. It can happen anywhere, especially this time of the year.

The holidays can be so hectic – planning for friends and family to visit; making those favorite treats, decorating, parties, finding the perfect gift – all good things – all things that come from a heart of love but all things that can stress you out and fill your days with things that can test the temper.

A good way to keep your day on track is to start it with a short prayer, thanking God for “The reason for the season, Jesus” and then having an afternoon coffee break to focus once again on things above. Bedtime is one more opportunity to be thankful for the wonderful people in your life and for His love.

A sure-fire way to keep your life on track.

“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:14-17 KJV

I’m praying that each of you have a day filled with blessings.

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The Christmas Story

A month from today is Christmas.

I’m not rushing the season; the retail merchandisers have already done that. However, I do want to call your attention to the fact that we will have many opportunities in the next few weeks to speak of Jesus, opportunities that we don’t have the rest of the year.

Some people have told me they have a hard time sharing Christ with people they don’t know or that they only see occasionally. I find that Christmas is the perfect time to do that.

Join me in a prayer this morning.

“Father let my heart be filled with prayer and praise this day. Let me focus on You and all that you have blessed me with. Let my eyes see as You see and let my mouth speak as You speak. Let my hands reach out as You reached out to me. I desire to be a living example of You in this world. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Some that we meet are lonely, others are financially stretched and stressed. Some are angry and have no joy. Some are physically exhausted. Our words of kindness and God’s love can make a difference.

“Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts.” Luke 6:35 ERV

May we be like those angels that appeared to the shepherds:

“ Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! ” Luke 2:9-11 NLT

May we speak words of joy and peace. May we be the ones who share good news and hope.

“Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3;17 CEV

Since Christ lives within us, we are His ambassadors to the world. The message is still the same as that first night – A Savior has been born,

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:14 NLT

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Thirsty & Thankful

There’s something to be said for life experience.

I am grateful for the years I have been blessed with; as a child we moved regularly because of my dad’s job. My middle and high school years were spent in my hometown of Yuma and my married life started in the desert and brought me back here. The in between years took us to California, Washington, Idaho and Montana.

So many memories and experiences to draw from. This morning’s Bible reading was just such a moment.

“As the deer desires rivers of water, so my soul desires You, O God. 2 My soul is thirsty for God, for the living God. When will I come and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’…8 The Lord will send His loving-kindness in the day. And His song will be with me in the night, a prayer to the God of my life…11 Why are you sad, O my soul? Why have you become troubled within me? Hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my help and my God.” Psalm 42 NLV

Many times, I have seen the deer come to the water during the hot summer months. Most often they come at night or early morning. The darkness is a protection from predators, or so it seems. But when the sun is hot, and the desert is dry they will come in the daylight.

Thirsty and desperate they come! Thirsty and desperate we come!

In our moments of crises, we come. A near fatal accident, the end of a marriage, indebtedness, illness, physical weakness, danger – they all draw us to a place of seeking God. I know you’ve probably heard the expression “there are no atheist in foxholes”.

Why do we wait to come to God? Why do we do “all we can, so we better pray”? That’s what the disciples did when they were in the storm on the sea. Why do we wait for the heat of our situation to draw us to the Father?

How much better is it to be a sheep instead of a deer?

“The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need. 2 He lets me rest in fields of green grass. He leads me beside the quiet waters. 3 He makes me strong again.” Psalm 23:1-3 NLV

When we have a sheep’s mindset we follow; we don’t try to handle life on our own. We trust the Shepherd. We start our day following Him and end it resting in His protection.

Yesterday I had a neighbor, and a friend, tell me “I start each day by saying ‘Lord be with me today and help me be with You'”. We know He has promised to never leave us but sometimes we leave Him.

We have the promise of His loving-kindness throughout the day and His soothing song in the night. How good it is to know that when we are thirsty He is there. I’m so thankful for His presence!

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