Tag: PeaceofGod

Posted on

A Pair of Socks

Last week Dave and I participated at a Christmas Party with our neighbors for the children in our community. This is an annual event that has hosted children for 30+ years.

All the children were so polite and grateful for their gifts and one pre-teen girl impacted me greatly. She had come to the fishing pond with her family. When she opened the bag that had been attached to the end of her line, she got so excited. I was standing close by, and she showed me her gift.

“Socks” she said. “I love socks. This is the best gift” and with that she reached out to me and gave me a huge, tight hug! She was holding back the tears as she giggled and kept repeating “I love socks”. It was the best gift.

You know that’s how I feel about God’s word.

When I’ve been emotionally wrestling with some problem or struggling in a situation and I pick up my Bible and the answer seems to jump off the page, I get so excited! I feel as though God put those verses there just for me.

It’s a wonderful gift.

“The Law of the Lord is perfect; it gives us new life. His teachings last forever, and they give wisdom to ordinary people. 8 The Lord’s instruction is right; it makes our hearts glad. His commands shine brightly, and they give us light…10 They are worth more than the finest gold and are sweeter than honey from a honeycomb.” Psalm 19:7-10 CEV

Like pure gold.

When Christ, who is the word, dwells in us we become rich in wisdom. Wisdom is a commodity that money can’t buy but dwelling in the Word makes wisdom available.

“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful. 16 Let the teaching of Christ live inside you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Everything you say and everything you do should be done for Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.” Colossians 3:15-17 ERV

These are gifts that we all desire – peace, thankfulness, wisdom. A relationship with Christ brings the richness of these gifts to our lives.

God’s word will warm our hearts much better than a pair of socks warm our feet on a cold winter’s day. Let His word dwell in you.

Merry Christ – mas!

Posted on

Peace, Wonderful Peace

I want to go back a couple days to the reference I made on Jesus, Prince of Peace. In light of all that is going on around the world today there is definitely a need for 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!

Notice the words – all of a sudden, brightness flashed and suddenly there were more! 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 angels. That would make the hair on the back of your neck stand up!

But their message is for us as well. What is it you’re facing – a bad medical report, a failing marriage, wayward children, financial failure, world unrest, the collapse of the future you had planned…

Then listen to what Jesus said

“But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you.

27 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 14:26-27 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

and finally one of my favorites

“Let the peace that Christ gives control your thinking. It is for peace that you were chosen to be together in one body. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 ERV

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

The Prince of Peace came to reign in our lives!

Posted on

Hard Decisions

I’d like to pose a question. What would you do if your fiancé came to you and told you she was pregnant, and you knew it wasn’t your child?

This is the dilemma Joseph faced.

In Jewish society of that day this was a man’s worst nightmare. To continue with the marriage plans was societal death. To separate himself from her was emotional heartache. What to do?

“The birth of Jesus Christ was like this: Mary His mother had been promised in marriage to Joseph. Before they were married, it was learned that she was to have a baby by the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph was her promised husband. He was a good man and did not want to make it hard for Mary in front of people. He thought it would be good to break the promised marriage without people knowing it. 20 While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord came to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She is to become a mother by the Holy Spirit. 21 A Son will be born to her. You will give Him the name Jesus because He will save His people from the punishment of their sins.”

22 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.” 24 Joseph awoke from his sleep. He did what the angel of the Lord told him to do. He took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have her, as a husband has a wife, until she gave birth to a Son. Joseph gave Him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25 NLV

A good man.

One other translation describes Joseph like this: “kind man,” or “man who always did the right thing.”

This had to be weighing heavily on his mind. I’m sure he had asked himself the question, “What am I going to do?” Did he seek the counsel of his own father or his closest friend? We don’t know. What we do know is that God sent his ministering angel to guide Joseph in this life-altering decision.

Mary was the mother of Jesus, but God didn’t abandon her in her hour of greatest need. No, He prepared the heart of Joseph to join in this advent-ure with her. It was important that they raise Jesus together. Teaching Him to love the Lord His God with all His heart, soul, mind and strength.

” That’s why a man will leave his own father and mother. He marries a woman, and the two of them become like one person.” Genesis 2:24 CEV

Taking Mary as his wife and raising Jesus as his own son would not be an easy course. His business was probably boycotted because of the impropriety of their situation. There would be whispers and lost friendships, the critical stares as they walk the streets of their town.

Hard decisions to make? Let the words of the prophet Isaiah be your guide.

“So you will go out from there with joy. You will be led out in peace.” Isaiah 55:12 ERV

Just like Joseph who was wondering what he should do, let God guide you with peace. A life with Christ isn’t always an easy one; it will be challenging. However, nothing will be more rewarding than following His plan.

Posted on

A Sincere Question

Today we look at another person in the Christmas story who had a question to ask, Mary.

Setting the scene, Mary is a young girl, probably early teens, who was about her normal daily routine. When…

“ Six months after Elizabeth knew she was to become a mother, Gabriel was sent from God to Nazareth. Nazareth was a town in the country of Galilee. 27 He went to a woman who had never had a man. Her name was Mary. She was promised in marriage to a man named Joseph. Joseph was of the family of David. 28 The angel came to her and said, “You are honored very much. You are a favored woman. The Lord is with you. *You are chosen from among many women.”

29 When she saw the angel, she was troubled at his words. She thought about what had been said. 30 The angel said to her, “Mary, do not be afraid. You have found favor with God. 31 See! You are to become a mother and have a Son. You are to give Him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the place where His early father David sat. 33 He will be King over the family of Jacob forever and His nation will have no end.”

34 Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen? I have never had a man.” 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you. The power of the Most High will cover you. The holy Child you give birth to will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:26-35 NLV

There’s the question. “How will this happen?”

Very similar to the question Zacharias asked but with a world of difference. It was a matter of the heart. His question was one of unbelief, but her question was one of sincerity. She wanted to please God. She had kept His promises, she had kept herself pure.

When the angel answered her question her response was as pure as her question.

“ For God can do all things.” 38Then 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

Her mind must have been racing once the angel left. More questions. How do I tell my parents, my fiancé, my friends? Will they believe me? Our customs say that the town religious leaders could have me stoned. I could be banned from my parents’ home. Joseph could be ridiculed by the town!

But her resolve remained strong – I am willing to be used by God.

Have you ever had a situation where you knew God was calling you to do something that the people who were close to you probably wouldn’t understand? You could lose friends, family and your reputation.

When questions arise remember this, “God can do all things”. He won’t abandon or fail you. When you follow His lead, you will never be deserted.

Ask your sincere questions and then say I am willing. It will be the most amazing adventure of your life.

Posted on

Swept Clean

This morning when I got up and looked around the house, I stopped to be thankful for my mother. I so appreciated the qualities of tidiness and organization that were a natural part of her life and that she passed those qualities on to me.

“ But everything should be done in a way that is right and orderly.” I Corinthians 14:40 ERV

He uses the word everything and every place I have researched the word everything means everything. Cluttered minds, thoughts or actions that can be a detriment to us hearing God. Too many distractions are stressful and rob our peace.

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

It’s hard to “be still” with a 1000 things on your mind. It’s important that we have our thoughts line up with God’s so that we can make wise and godly decisions. God’s purpose in creating the earth was to make order out of chaos. In the beginning the earth was without form and void but God spoke the worlds into existence with His words and brought order and beauty.

“Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.” Romans 12:2 ERV

We need to let His Word bring order and beauty to our lives as well.

The word “perfect” in that verse jumped out at me and reminded me of another verse that focuses on perfect peace.

“You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 NLV

Still your mind. Take on God’s way of thinking. It will sweep out the clutter and lead you to perfect peace.

Posted on

Living Free

Last night as I was falling off to sleep a memory came to mind. I knew I would share it with you this morning.

Many years ago, I read a book by a man who built his business on honesty and integrity, even when it cost him financially. Once he gave his word he kept it, even though it might affect his bottom line.

He became very successful and was known for his philanthropy. He wasn’t given to worry; he lived a life of faith. When asked how he avoided the worry that consumes so many he told of his worry box.

He had a box on his desk and when something was worrisome, he would pray over it, write down on paper and put it in the box. Once a week he would open the box and remove the items that had been resolved and leave any others there. He refused to worry; he chose to trust. Worry never solved anything.

“What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need. 34 So don’t worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Tomorrow will have its own worries.” Matthew 6:33-34 ERV

When I searched for an image to use with this blog, I found there is a whole cottage industry out there now making worry boxes. That says a lot about our society. So many caught up in the cares of life. The world needs a worry box – God has given us one.

“All you people who are thirsty, come! Here is water for you to drink. Don’t worry if you have no money. Come, eat and drink until you are full! You don’t need money. The milk and wine are free. 2 Why waste your money on something that is not real food? Why should you work for something that does not really satisfy you? Listen closely to me and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the food that satisfies your soul. 3 Listen closely to what I say. Listen to me so that you will live. I will make an agreement with you that will last forever. It will be an agreement you can trust, like the one I made with David— a promise to love him and be loyal to him forever.” Isaiah 55:1-3 ERV

The Lord’s promise to love and provide is more than enough for any worry we can put in a box. He is more than able to handle any situation that we face, the key is to trust Him and let Him handle it.

I am so thankful for God’s wonderful promises. I can reply on Him. God’s got this!

Posted on

Focused On God’s Goodness

Today, and every day, there is really only one place to focus our attention. It’s on God’s goodness.

When we do, we can love like Jesus, forgive like Jesus and be an example of Jesus in the world around us.

“ Command and teach these things. 12 You are young, but don’t let anyone treat you as if you are not important. Be an example to show the believers how they should live. Show them by what you say, by the way you live, by your love, by your faith, and by your pure life. 13 Continue to read the Scriptures to the people, encourage them, and teach them. Do this until I come.” I Timothy 4:11-13 ERV

Encourage, teach, love, live in the goodness of God.

“Praise the Lord! He is good. God’s love never fails. 2 Praise the God of all gods. God’s love never fails. 3 Praise the Lord of lords. God’s love never fails.” Psalm 136:1-3 CEV

“You are my God. I worship you. In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert. 2 I have seen your power and your glory in the place of worship. 3 Your love means more than life to me, and I praise you. 4 As long as I live, I will pray to you. 5 I will sing joyful praises and be filled with excitement like a guest at a banquet. 6 I think about you, God, before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night. 7 You have helped me, and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings. 8 I stay close to you, and your powerful arm supports me.” Psalm 63:1-8 CEV

Reading this Psalm reminded me of one of my favorites.

“You prepared a meal for me in front of my enemies. You welcomed me as an honored guest. My cup is full and spilling over. 6 Your goodness and mercy will be with me all my life, and I will live in the Lord’s house a long, long time.” Psalm 23:5-6 ERV

Because of God’s goodness we are invited to be His guests. He protects us with goodness and mercy. Our enemies watch as the Lord provides for us. His powerful arm supports us.

“Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. 14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NLT

Each day we are presented with opportunities of doubt and fear but when we wait on the Lord, we see His goodness and we can be brave and courageous. Focus on His goodness!

Posted on

Don’t Panic – Pray

I’m so glad the Lord reminded me yesterday to hold fast to His hand.

There’s an old hymn, written in 1906, “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand”.

  1. Time is filled with swift transition,
    Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
    Build your hopes on things eternal,
    Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
    • Refrain:
      Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
      Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
      Build your hopes on things eternal,
      Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
  2. Trust in Him who will not leave you,
    Whatsoever years may bring,
    If by earthly friends forsaken
    Still more closely to Him cling.

Interesting first line for sure. “Time is filled with swift transitions”.

Dave and I headed into town early yesterday morning to pick up some building materials and a few groceries. On our drive home we saw a big white smoke plume rising in the desert.

It was hard to determine its exact location. In fact, we purposely didn’t take one road because we thought it might be blocked and we wouldn’t get through. So, we drove on to our normal road. As we got closer to Queen Valley, our little community, we realized the fire that had caused the smoke plume was just to the east of us.

Talk about a swift transition…

It looked like everything was being tended too. Unconcerned we drove home, unloaded the building materials and the groceries.

We learned within a few short minutes that our community had been placed on a “Set” response for evacuation.

Don’t panic. Pray. Hold on to God’s unchanging hand.

” 3 God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you. 4 So trust the Lord always, because in the Lord Yah you have a place of safety forever.” Isaiah 26:3-4 ERV

We were concerned for those neighbors who live out of state and were seeing things posted on Facebook. The calls and emails were coming in quickly and we did our best to reassure everyone.

God blessed our community with a wonderful crew of fire fighters both on the ground and in the air. Within a few hours the smoke had diminished. We are still on a “Set” alert and will be until the situation is re-evaluated this morning, but we are safe.

We do not know what each day will bring but when we know and trust God, we can rest, without fear, in His protection.

Let me close with this Psalm that I was reading this morning.

“You are my God. I worship you. In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert. 2 I have seen your power and your glory in the place of worship. 3 Your love means more than life to me, and I praise you. 4 As long as I live, I will pray to you. 5 I will sing joyful praises and be filled with excitement like a guest at a banquet.

6 I think about you, God, before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night.
7 You have helped me, and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings. 8 I stay close to you, and your powerful arm supports me.” Psalm 63:1-8 ESV

As children of our loving heavenly Father, we hold tightly to His hand. Don’t panic – pray. He holds us up!

Posted on

Prayers of Hope

I sit here this morning in prayer for all those in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Those who have missing loved ones; those who have loved ones who have died and those who have experienced the loss of their earthly possessions.

Praying also for those who are coming to help. First responders, good Samaritans bringing medical aid, food and water, clothing and temporary shelter. Those bringing hope!

I saw a post by Franklin Graham that over 800 volunteers have arrived to help the people in North Carolina. Medical teams, field hospitals, water, clean-up crews working and praying in those communities. May I encourage you to give a donation to Samaritan’s Purse to help fund these efforts.

Many of you are like me. So far away and unable to physically help but we can pray!

Prayer is never a secondary response. Prayer is powerful.

This morning my heart was drawn to two different Psalms.

“I will always praise the Lord.
2 With all my heart,
    I will praise the Lord.
Let all who are helpless,
    listen and be glad.
3 Honor the Lord with me!
    Celebrate his great name.

4 I asked the Lord for help,
and he saved me
    from all my fears.
5 Keep your eyes on the Lord!
You will shine like the sun
    and never blush with shame.
6 I was a nobody, but I prayed,
and the Lord saved me
    from all my troubles.

7 If you honor the Lord,
    his angel will protect you.
8 Discover for yourself
    that the Lord is kind.
Come to him for protection,
    and you will be glad.” Psalm 34:1-8 CEV

“I look to the hills!
    Where will I find help?
2 It will come from the Lord,
    who created heaven and earth.

3 The Lord is your protector,
and he won’t go to sleep
    or let you stumble.
4 The protector of Israel
doesn’t doze
    or ever get drowsy.

5 The Lord is your protector,
there at your right side
    to shade you from the sun.
6 You won’t be harmed
by the sun during the day
    or by the moon at night.

7 The Lord will protect you
and keep you safe
    from all dangers.
8 The Lord will protect you
now and always
    wherever you go.” Psalm 121 CEV

“Father, we pray for all who are recovering from this devastation. Comfort them, protect them, give them courage and hope. Let them experience Your love in a powerful way. Provide for them as only you can. Let them know that You are there! A very present help in time of trouble. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

Posted on

Worthy of It All

I do not enjoy getting up to a messy kitchen, but this morning that is exactly what I encountered.

Let me explain.

Last night when I was getting the coffee maker ready to go for this morning, I took the coffee canister out of the cupboard and the lid came off spilling grounds all over the counter and filling the sink. Ugh!

I grabbed the Dust Buster and began sucking up all the grounds, until the battery died. I had to plug it in and leave it charging overnight. The grounds on the counter had been swept away but the bottom portion of the kitchen sink is still covered.

Now, this is not life-changing disappointment, not earthshaking in the least. Nothing like what those on the East Coast are experiencing with loss of homes, all their worldly possessions and great loss of life. My little disappointment doesn’t even make a blip on the radar screen.

So why mention it?

It seems so insignificant, but God wants us to keep Him forefront in everything. It’s what comes out of the heart in times like this that matter. God wants us to live in His presence of joy, basking in His goodness, not grumbling and complaining about things. In the monumental or the minute’, the heart attitude is what keeps us centered, full of peace and focused on God’s provision and protection.

Throughout the night the lyrics to a praise song kept coming into my head and my heart.

“We give You the highest praise
We give You the highest praise
We give You the highest praise
Jesus our Savior
You’re worthy of it all” by Phil Wickham

We give YOU the highest praise, YOU are worthy of it all!

When we are meditating on the Word of God, day and night, we keep ourselves in an attitude of praise. We keep our eyes focused on Jesus.

“Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.” I Thessalonians 5:18 CEV

“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 4:6-7 CEV

Notice that these verses don’t say that only when bad things happen that we need a stiff upper lip and we praise. No, it says whatever and anything; in other words, in all things, good and bad, we are to praise God and then we will be controlled by peace.

“Shout praises to the Lord! With all that I am, I will shout his praises. 2 I will sing and praise
the Lord God as long as I live…The Lord God of Jacob blesses everyone who trusts him and depends on him. 6 God made heaven and earth; he created the sea and everything else. God always keeps his word.” Psalm 146:1-6 CEV

If you’re in the midst of a terrible time, praise God that He is there with you and has promised not to abandon you but will bring you through it. If you have little annoyances, praise God that He has promised to keep you in peace as you stay focused on Him.

If you have a sink full of coffee grounds, be thankful that you had enough to make the morning coffee.

In everything, yes everything, give thanks for this is the will of God. He is worthy of it all!

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress