Category: Peace

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All for Him

I hope you are enjoying this morning walk through the book of Ephesians. I know I am.

There are so many promises and insights contained in this one book. God’s character, His love, revealed in depth. Being raised in a church that was more concerned about it’s rules than in relationship I had a hard time realizing that I didn’t have to earn God’s love. He gives it freely.

The last three chapters have shown us God’s mercy, grace, forgiveness, power and unconditional love. Now Paul is going to show us how to put what we have received into action.

He was imprisoned because he taught that the message of Christ’s redemption was available to all, including the Gentiles. The Jewish religious elite hated this message and did their best to eliminate it from the very outset. But God had a different plan. Missionaries went around the known world telling them of the incomparable love of God. When Paul could no longer travel because of his imprisonment he wrote letters. Letters for us to read; letters that God has used to bring so many to a saving knowledge of Christ.

“I am being held in prison because of working for the Lord. I ask you from my heart to live and work the way the Lord expected you to live and work. 2 Live and work without pride. Be gentle and kind. Do not be hard on others. Let love keep you from doing that. 3 Work hard to live together as one by the help of the Holy Spirit. Then there will be peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit. There is one hope in which you were called. 5 There is one Lord and one faith and one baptism. 6 There is one God. He is the Father of us all. He is over us all. He is the One working through us all. He is the One living in us all. 7 Loving-favor has been given to each one of us. We can see how great it is by the gift of Christ.” Ephesians 4:1-7 NLV

Do you see the theme of these verses? There is One. One way to live, one way to work and that is to follow the example and teachings of Christ.

We have the Holy Spirit living in us and He will help us to live in a way that brings honor to the Father. Since we are called the body of Christ, and Christ is the head that implies unity of thought and passion. Our physical bodies don’t act independently of our head and our spiritual bodies shouldn’t either.

Each one of us have received the loving-favor or the grace of God as a gift. Not one of us is good enough to work our way to heaven. This is a humbling fact. Remember these words from chapter 2?

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),” Ephesians 2:4-5 NKJV

Let me repeat. Since Christ is the head and we are His body we should be working together for His honor and glory. It’s all for Him!

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One Thing Is Needful

I’m so glad to see that many of you were able to click through and find yesterday’s blog. I hope everything posts correctly this morning.

It was a long weekend for most of us. It’s nice to have the time to visit with family and friends and be involved in activities outside of our normal realm. BBQs, fireworks, swimming, boating, roasting hot dogs, eating watermelon and enjoying small/large town parades and celebrations in the park. We are blessed to have these kinds of celebrations.

Now, it’s Monday morning and a full week of the routine ahead. I asked the Lord what He wanted me to focus on as I started this new week. How long should I make my “to do” list? What needs to be accomplished?

“The Lord and his disciples were traveling along and came to a village. When they got there, a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat down in front of the Lord and was listening to what he said. 40 Martha was worried about all that had to be done. Finally, she went to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, doesn’t it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!’

41 The Lord answered, ‘Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, 42 but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:38-42 CEV

I used to be such a Martha and I have to be very watchful of not letting myself fall into that trap. There’s always one more thing to be done, but those things will keep me from the one thing that is needful (necessary), from what is best and that is spending time listening to the Lord’s words.

Yesterday I was talking with a friend on the phone and she told me that sometimes she wakes up in the middle of the night with thoughts running through her mind, robbing her sleep and her peace. She said “it’s then that I start thanking the Lord for all the things I have been blessed with – my comfortable bed, the air conditioning, the soft covers” and then she said “I fall asleep, no longer worried but praising God that He is able to take care of everything”.

“Always be glad because of the Lord! I will say it again: Be glad. 5 Always be gentle with others. The Lord will soon be here. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:4-7 CEV

May I encourage you to do what’s needful. Think on God’s word. His promises are unbreakable; don’t worry, be glad. Be blessed with peace – choose the good part!

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Free Indeed

Happy 4th of July to everyone!

” So if the Son makes you free, you are really free.” John 8:36 ERV

On this day of independence, it’s important to remember that we are truly free through our relationship with Jesus Christ. We are no longer held captive or enslaved by sin and/or the devil because the Son, Jesus Christ, broke the chains of bondage and set us free! Hallelujah!

Our nation was founded by men and women who were seeking a better way of life; an opportunity to achieve life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They trusted in God’s leading and direction in the founding of this nation.

We are blessed with a great heritage of those who have fought for our freedom and with founding fathers who established our nation using the Bible as the base and foundation of our governing laws.

Many things have changed since the founding of our nation but one thing that has not changed is God is still and forever will be, Lord God Almighty who rules and reigns in mercy, truth and justice!

We can trust Him and Him alone! He is our hope, He is our peace, He is our joy, the Everlasting God!

“Don’t be afraid. I am with you. Don’t tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories” Isaiah 41:10 CEV

Keep your hearts free from fear. When God reigns He brings peace and with Him is ultimate victory.

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Say Thank You

This morning, I was reflecting on God’s goodness and loving faithfulness.

You see eleven years ago this month I was hospitalized with some very serious health issues. God was so good, and I left the hospital seven days later – weak but with a clean bill of health. Lately, I had been experiencing a few of the early symptoms that I had back then. Yesterday, I went for an in-office procedure and was told that everything was clear and healthy.

Thank you, Lord!

We have so much to be thankful for – large and small.

Was it last night’s sunset? Maybe this morning’s sunrise; was it the smile on a child’s face or the tiny delicate fingers of your sleeping baby’s hands?

Maybe it was the blue gentle ripples on the lakes surface; the green of the forest trees; a hawk soaring on the breeze or a prairie flower in all its beauty?

Perhaps you saw love in the eyes of your spouse or child; did you hear joy in the words “you can go home tomorrow” or “it’s benign, nothing to worry about”?

Whatever it was or whatever it is, do you hear and see the love that the Lord has placed all around you? He did this just for you! He wanted you to be aware that He cares about you and His love is measureless, unconditional and free to all.

“Shout praises to the Lord! Shout the Lord’s praises in the highest heavens. 2 All of you angels, and all who serve him above, come and offer praise.

3 Sun and moon, and all of you bright stars, come and offer praise. 4 Highest heavens, and the water above the highest heavens, come and offer praise. 5 Let all things praise the name of the Lord, because they were created at his command. 6 He made them to last forever, and nothing can change what he has done. 7 All creatures on earth, you obey his commands, so come praise the Lord! 8 Sea monsters and the deep sea, fire and hail, snow and frost, and every stormy wind, come praise the Lord! 9 All mountains and hills, fruit trees and cedars, 10 every wild and tame animal, all reptiles and birds, come praise the Lord!

11 Every king and every ruler, all nations on earth, 12 every man and every woman, young people and old, come praise the Lord!

13 All creation, come praise the name of the Lord. Praise his name alone. The glory of God is greater than heaven and earth. 14 Like a bull with mighty horns, the Lord protects his faithful nation Israel, because they belong to him.

Shout praises to the Lord!” Psalm 148 CEV

Enjoy what the Lord has done for you today and tell Him thank you!

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Facing Danger

Sometimes when I know a Bible story well, I can reread it casually and not learn a new lesson. However, before I started reading this morning I said “Lord, I want to see your lesson in this story as if it’s the first time I’m reading it”.

Go with me to Daniel, chapter 3.

In Daniel, chapter 2, King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that only Daniel could interrupt. It was about the king’s greatest and the subsequent fall of his empire. In his dream the king has seen a great statute with a gold head, which Daniel said was him and his kingdom.

At the beginning of chapter three, King Nebuchadnezzar ordered that golden statute to be crafted and all the subservient nations were commanded to come for its unveiling. The statue was ninety feet high and nine feet wide. The order was given that when the music began to play everyone was to bow down to the statute and worship the king.

Everyone did, except for three young Jewish officials. The king was furious. In fact, the Bible tells us his face was distorted with anger. Since these men were valued advisors the king gave them a second chance.

“Now if you are ready to get down on your knees and worship the object I have made when you hear the sound of the horns and harps and all kinds of music, very well. But if you will not worship, you will be thrown at once into the fire. And what god is able to save you from my hands?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer to this question. 17 If we are thrown into the fire, our God Whom we serve is able to save us from it. And He will save us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the object of gold that you have set up.” Daniel 3:15-18 NLV

At this response the king became more furious and had the furnace heated seven times hotter. He had the men bound and thrown into the fire.

Pause for a moment and put yourself in their shoes. The words they spoke above were not gracious platitudes; they were the words of men who were willing to die for God. They were facing imminent death, but they refused to bow to anyone but God. Into the furnace they went.

“He said, ‘Look! I see four men loose and walking about in the fire without being hurt! And the fourth one looks like a son of the gods (or the Son of God)!'” Daniel 3:25 NLV

This takes me back to Psalm 23 and what King David said there, perhaps these three young Jewish men had read the writings of David:

“ Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me. ” Psalm 23:4 NLV

Seeing that these men were not consumed by the fire he ordered them out of the furnace. The Bible says they weren’t singed and they didn’t even smell like smoke. The king realized that the God they served was truly the Almighty God.

“Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. He has sent His angel and saved His servants who put their trust in Him. They changed the king’s word and were ready to give up their lives instead of serving or worshiping any god except their own God. 29 So I now make a law…For there is no other god who is able to save in this way.” Daniel 3:28-29 NLV

I don’t imagine that any of us will face a fiery furnace but what this tells me is that there is no danger that we will face that God will not go through it with us.

Stand Strong – God is able to save!

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Stay Put

Just a bit of a different take on a verse this morning. I don’t think I’ve ever used a clothing accessory in a teaching before but as they say there’s a first time for everything.

Are you familiar with collar stays?

When I was in high school and would iron my dad’s dress shirts it was important to remember to put the collar stays in place when I was finished. I did the same thing for Dave when we were first married. All the nicer dress shirts came with collar stays. They kept a man’s collar for rolling down; they were stiff, rigid and kept the collar looking freshly pressed. It presented a professional image.

Why am I talking about collar stays and how do they apply to today’s teaching?

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, For in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength.” Isaiah 26:3-4 NKJV

“The Lord gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm. 4 So always trust the Lord
because he is forever our mighty rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4 CEV

Stayed – rigid, firm, unbending, like a rock.

Last night I was startled awake at midnight. It was so abrupt that my heart was racing and I was shaken. I laid there for a while trying to calm myself and go back to sleep but I was unsuccessful. I got up and came to the couch and laid down here.

I prayed. Then this verse came to mind, and I could hear the Lord speak into my heart, “Kristi, you need to be stayed”. Along with that admonition came the picture of those silly collar stays.

I needed my mind to be stayed. Focused singularly on the Father and His promise to never leave me or abandon me. He promises to be my rock and my hiding place, my ever present help in time of trouble. I have been told to come boldly into His throne room to find help in time of need.

Yes, stayed on His word.

I wasn’t frightened, I didn’t feel as if I was in danger, but my peace had escaped me. It needed to return.

The Lord and talked for a long time and sleep came.

“3  and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths.” Psalm 23:3 CEV

I hope this was helpful to you today, I know it was for me. I plan to stay put, with my mind on my Almighty God and loving Father.

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Lead On

May I ask? Were you a good follower yesterday or did you try to jump out and take the lead? Were there decisions you made that left you feeling uneasy, even anxious?

If so, I have good news for you.

“You, Lord, are my shepherd.
    I will never be in need.
2 You let me rest in fields
    of green grass.
You lead me to streams
of peaceful water,
3     and you refresh my life.

You are true to your name,
and you lead me
    along the right paths.
4 I may walk through valleys
as dark as death,
    but I won’t be afraid.
You are with me,
and your shepherd’s rod
    makes me feel safe.

5 You treat me to a feast,
    while my enemies watch.
You honor me as your guest,
and you fill my cup
    until it overflows.
6 Your kindness and love
will always be with me
    each day of my life,
and I will live forever
    in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23

One of the most famous passages in the Bible starts with us being led to a good place and ends with us being followed by goodness and mercy. Goodness and mercy, kindness and love, are two characteristics that always, always, follow when the Shepherd leads.

Our good Shepherd will lead us to a place of safety and protection. His desire is to keep us in a place where He provides rest, refreshing, and restoration.

Jesus said:

“Listen to me. A time is coming when you will be scattered, each to his own home. In fact, that time is already here. You will leave me, and I will be alone. But I am never really alone, because the Father is with me. 33 ‘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 16:32-33 ERV

“ A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.” John 10:10 ERV

Those words above were spoken by Jesus while He was here on earth, involved in the day-to-day business of living life and being involved in the lives of the ordinary person. Jesus warned of enemies and troubling situations, but He also gave the reassurance that He has defeated them all.

King David addressed the issue of danger in Psalm 23. The valley of the shadow of death, enemies looking on and surprise attacks.

We can walk through life-threatening situations and be fearless because our Shepherd is there with His rod. That rod is used to drive off animals that would try to attack the sheep and it was also used to guide the sheep if they got too close to the edge of a cliff, a pit or the bank of a fast-flowing river.

When our enemies are lurking about, He prepares a banquet for us and has us seated at a table of refreshing. We have nothing to fear because He is always with us. The Father is always with us.

And finally, we are followed by goodness and mercy.

When a Shepherd walks in the lead it’s not uncommon to see his sheep dogs bringing up the rear. They aren’t there to frighten the sheep, but they are a rear guard, protecting the sheep from anything that may try to sneak up from behind.

Goodness and mercy. God’s love, forgiveness, compassion, peace follows us all the days of our lives.

Because of who our Shepherd is I say, “Lead On”, knowing that I can safely follow as He leads me down the right path.

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Let God’s Word Speak

This morning, I sat here for quite a while waiting for the words to come. In the quiet I listened and I read.

When our hearts are open to the Lord, when we genuinely desire to hear from Him, He speaks. Not in some big religious lights-in-the-sky way but in a quiet way that touches our hearts with a life-altering message.

“You, Lord, are all I want! You are my choice, and you keep me safe. 6 You make my life pleasant, and my future is bright. 7 I praise you, Lord, for being my guide. Even in the darkest night, your teachings fill my mind. 8 I will always look to you, as you stand beside me and protect me from fear. 9 With all my heart, I will celebrate, and I can safely rest.

10 I am your chosen one. You won’t leave me in the grave or let my body decay. 11 You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.” Psalm 16:5-11 CEV

All I want – reminds me of another of David’s Psalms. “The Lord is my Shepherd, I don’t want for anything”. A bright future, guidance, protection, and safety.

Here it is again, we are chosen (before the foundation of the world), we have been given life. God is always near to us and in His presence is a place of joy!

Before I started to read, the lyrics from a MercyMe song were my morning prayer. Word of God Speak:

“I’m finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it’s okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You’re in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I’m finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice…”

I don’t know what specific word God wants to speak to you this morning however, I do know if you are still while you are reading the Word of God will speak to your heart.

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Make Today Count

Dave and I were sitting on the deck last night and talking about what is to come in the future. The end of next week we have two different families whose children are getting married. These are kids we saw growing up – now they are starting families of their own.

Dave said it will be a long time before we have another wedding in our family. The older grandkids have started their lives and homes, but the littles are still years removed from that. We wonder, will we be here to be a part of it. Only God knows that answer.

This week some of those close to us have lost loved ones to death.

It makes us ever more aware that we should be living each day with purpose and making the most of the days we have.

When we read the book of Romans it’s almost as if the Apostle Paul was reading the headlines in yesterday’s paper. His instructions are so direct and timely to the world we are living in. There is nothing “old fashioned” about his teaching.

“You know what sort of times we live in, and so you should live properly. It is time to wake up. You know that the day when we will be saved is nearer now than when we first put our faith in the Lord. 12 Night is almost over, and day will soon appear. We must stop behaving as people do in the dark and be ready to live in the light. 13 So behave properly, as people do in the day. Don’t go to wild parties or get drunk or be vulgar or indecent. Don’t quarrel or be jealous. 14 Let the Lord Jesus Christ be as near to you as the clothes you wear. Then you won’t try to satisfy your selfish desires.” Romans 13:11-14 CEV

It’s time to wake up! Making each day count.

Time to live the life that Jesus has called us to live. The Lord’s coming back soon. Yes, that’s been said since the time that Paul was on the earth but look how much sooner it is now than it was then. Look how much sooner it is than just 5-10 years ago.

Why the delay? I know but one answer to that question.

“Dear friends, don’t forget that for the Lord one day is the same as a thousand years, and a thousand years is the same as one day. 9 The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost. 10 The day of the Lord’s return will surprise us like a thief…” II Peter 3:8-10a CEV

God, the Father, is being patient and loving as He waits for everyone to respond to His love.

We have been given the opportunity to be light in this world, let’s make today count and fill it with His goodness.

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Just Call

How many times each day do we wonder about something? We try to figure out the best way of doing things. We need answers and although friends and colleagues may try to help their assistance is often limited.

That’s why my morning quiet times are so important to me. I talk to the Father about things I know will occur throughout the day, plans I am making for the future and the daily unseen events that interrupt and cause me to make course corrections.

When I’m needing answers to some questions that are past my knowledge I don’t want to be held back because of my ignorance. I get up seeking the Father and His wisdom.

One thing that has been proven over the years, not just in my lifetime but of time itself, is God is faithful and His word is true. He tells us to ask for wisdom and He will give it liberally. When He says ask and it will be given, seek and we will find, knock and the door will open, we can be confident that He will be true to His word!

When we call – He answers!

“Moreover, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the guard, saying, 2 Thus says the Lord Who made [the earth], the Lord Who formed it to establish it—the Lord is His name: 3 ‘Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand).’” Jeremiah 33:1-3 AMP

When it seems like we are in prison, the prison of our circumstances or the one caused by our limited knowledge or even an actual physical prison, He reminds us of who He is, His power and His willingness to help.

Call on Me and I WILL answer and I will show you the things that were hidden, the things that you don’t recognize or understand. CALL!

And after we call “Be still and know that I am God.”

“Our God says, ‘Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honor me.’ 11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:10-11 CEV

The wonderful work of the Holy Spirit is to teach us.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 NKJV

The by-product of God’s wisdom is peace. The Old Testament tells us that we should be led by peace. If we ask for wisdom and it appears we get an answer, but it comes with turmoil and worry that isn’t an answer from God.

“Are any of you wise or sensible? Then show it by living right and by being humble and wise in everything you do…17 But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. 18 When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.” James 3:13,17-18 CEV

You have walked with me as I have asked for wisdom this morning but now, I must take my leave and be still and listen. I encourage you to call – He will answer!

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