Promise for Today Favorite - Can't Argue with That

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.

Galatians 5:16-17 NLT

I remember a particular time when my life was an illustrated sermon of this Scripture passage. I had an appointment where I had to interact with a technician. For a moment, I couldn't make up my mind whether I was going to write "forced me" or "allowed me to interact" but in all reality, it was both. At the beginning, I felt forced.

I can't explain it, but the minute the person opened her mouth, it went right to my last nerve and I was irritated. I wanted to be judge, jury and executioner, but felt the nudge in my heart to hold my tongue. To just be quiet. Hold my peace. I wanted so badly to point out and emphasize each of this person's inefficiencies, but the thought came unbidden, "What would Jesus do in this situation?" and I was reminded of every time God had shown me mercy and offered me grace for mistakes I made when I was trying to do the right thing. How could I argue with that?

In Phase 2 of the interaction, I thought I might get a different tech. No, not a chance. Same person and for the second phase, I was the captive audience for over an hour. While the tech ranted and raved about politics and conspiracies that had nothing to do with the work being done, I was trying to convince God that there was no possible reason I should have to listen to her drivel. I could make it stop. He reminded me of all the times He had listened to me rant and rave about everything and anything. And He reminded me that when I would finally run out of steam, He would speak a Word of Truth to my situation, and I would be changed. Then He graciously topped it off with this passage in Colossians 3, "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." (vv. 12-14 NLT). I definitely could not argue with that.

And sure enough, there came a place in the one-sided conversation where she asked an open-ended question, which then gave me the perfect opportunity to say that my trust is in God, and not in the government. That God alone has the plan and purpose for not only us, but also for all the elections and the world. Next thing you know, she's pouring out her heart about circumstances in her family, and God allowed the opportunity for me to speak Truth to her situation. And while I just planted the seeds into her life, I know someone else will come along and water those seeds, and God will give the increase because His Word says He will (1st Corinthians 3:6).

Now, for good measure to test the battle in my flesh, after I left the facility the second time, the tech called me again to say she'd forgotten to send me for the third part while I was there and asked when I could come back. I wanted to be mad. I really wanted to... but I got a mental image of the seed just sown being burned up before it had a chance to root. How do I argue with that?

Reflecting on the day where I spent much of it in battle with myself, I am grateful that God, in His great mercy and love, provides companions for this journey who point out His goodness and who help to keep me focused on what truly matters. I am thrilled that I can thank God for the victory He gave instead of suffering the guilt of wounding someone and missing His purpose for today. And while my preference would be a day without battles, His ways are not our ways. And I sure can't argue with that!

Prayer:

Father,
          As it is written in Romans 5:3-5, "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly You love us, because You have given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with Your love." Please continue to grow us up in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Living in Peace

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 14:17 NKJV

Peace, by the world's standards, can be dubious, questionable, suspect. Is it based on true reconciliation or is it a pretend peace - contingent upon who has the most power?

And how do we have the true peace of God? By walking in His love. We are instructed how to do just that in Romans 12. A Scriptural Checklist, if you will, found in vvs 9-18 NLT:

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.
Hate what is wrong.
Hold tightly to what is good.
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
Rejoice in our confident hope.
Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.
Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with each other.
Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.
And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil.
Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 

Prayer:

Father,
           We know that apart from You it is impossible for us to love or to truly live in peace. Anoint us with Your gift of reconciliation to be able to turn our hearts and the hearts of those You place in our path toward You. We want to walk in Your love and lasting peace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Advent Day 21 - Jesus is a Different Kind of King

This year's Advent devotionals are from A Celebration of Advent:
A 25-Day Devotional by New Spring Church of Anderson, SC
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“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” 

Isaiah 11:1-2

We all have bosses — some good, some not. Jesus is a different kind of King. Imagine a boss who is always wise, patient, gentle, kind, and faithful to keep his promises. What if that leader always had his employees’ best interests at heart? And, what if following this authority led to more peace than you knew was possible?

Isaiah tells us that this type of King will rule the people of God. These verses announced to God’s people that your Savior is coming! This King will be righteous and dispense justice based on obedience, not favoritism. This kingdom would be different than anything we have ever known. This King will ask people to follow Him. He will draw people to Himself through love, not fear.

Jesus is the king Isaiah describes. And when He returns to rule and reign, “the whole earth will be brimming with knowing God-Alive, a living knowledge of God ocean-deep, ocean-wide” Isaiah 11:9, MSG.

Reflect: Read Isaiah 11:1-10

How does Isaiah’s description of the King remind you of Jesus?
How might your relationship with Jesus need to change to reflect that He is both Savior and Ruler?

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Prayer:

Father,

           It is only by faith in You and Your Word that we can even dream of a kingdom where nothing will hurt or destroy each other or anything else. Your Word declares Your love is how we will be identified as Your disciples. Help us do our part as Christ-followers to live in peace and extend Your amazing love to one another. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Peace - Guest Author. Jim Mackey

I did not write this. This is a previous newsletter from Pastor Jim Mackey. He is the director of Shepherd Springs Ministries, (http://www.shepherdsprings.com) in Texas, USA.

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Are you a Peace Maker or a Peace Breaker?

Dear Friends,

To even the most casual observer, one would be hard-pressed NOT to admit our present world is in chaos; the more closely you watch and listen, the more obvious it becomes. Whether looking at the international picture politically, socially or culturally, my attention is drawn to a systemic invasion of global violence, corruption and stupidity. It would not be far wrong to call it pandemic; violence and corruption are simply rampant and out of control. Stupidity is increasing rapidly; I mean that literally, it is not said lightly or tongue-in-cheek. In fact, more than once the past year I have said to Lynette that I wonder if a “spirit of dumbness or stupidity” has been released on the earth.

In the face of this, I find myself to have become more sensitive to the presence, or absence, of peace...internationally, within the lives of people, or within the church. I personally want peace more, I need it more. It is far more to me than simply a feel-good emotion…it is an evidence of the Lord’s government in life, even my life; am I allowing Him to rule, to really be Lord of my life? Unfortunately, we tend to reserve Isa. 9 for the Christmas season, “Unto us a child is born…” It is in fact an eschatological treatise on the Lord’s reign over corruption, evil and oppression…at every level.

Isaiah speaks frankly and boldly about Messiah’s government and rule. The weight of all government “will rest upon his shoulders” as the “Prince of Peace” …“of the increase in his government and peace there will be no end.” God’s rule and peace are inseparable. When we submit to God’s rule (His government), His ways and sovereignty: peace comes. When we resist it, establish our own way of doing life, operate out of our human reasoning and logic: peace leaves; whether it is internationally, individually, or collectively in the church.

For several years, I have tried to distance myself from relationships with people who have over time proven to steal my peace. Mine is not a self-serving agenda to just be “happy,” it simply means I have come to realize they are walking outside of God’s government in their life. Consequently, the world around them is filled with strife, tension, trouble, pain, division and confusion…and they bring that out-of-God’s-rule into my life. I can love and extend grace to the self-governed, but I cannot walk closely, for “how can two walk together, unless they are in agreement?”

When it applies to the church, apostolic counsel is, “watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles. For such persons do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve.” (Rom. 16:17, 18). Look at the emphasis Paul places on rule and government: they do not serve the Lord, but themselves. Self rules and peace leaves.

It is characteristic of the NT that peace is seen as a present possession of believers, not just futuristic, a blessing yet to come; in general it describes the state of the believer in this life. Peace is the desire and work of the Father, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father.” It is how the Holy Spirit thinks, “The mind of the Spirit is life and peace.” It is the daily desire of the Lord for each of us, “The Lord of peace give you peace at all times and in all ways.” Peace is our built-in-helper to make good decisions, “Let the peace of Christ rule (umpire, make the call) in your hearts.”

It would not be far off to suggest that peace is not an option, it is a must. It is to be our pursuit, even with carnal and difficult people, “Be at peace with all men, as much as is possible.” The only hang-up is that not everyone will allow peace to happen; with some people, they make peace impossible! Do not beat yourself up when the self-governed kill peace on the altar of their personal agenda. Do not press yourself too hard when it becomes obvious people are walking in the flesh and not in the Spirit.

When a person walks into a room…what do you feel? Peace or tension? 

What do people feel when I walk into the room? Ahh, that is the question!

If the Prince of Peace has brought His Sovereign government to my little kingdom, subdued it, and made me a transformed citizen of His kingdom, then I will bring you peace.

Blessings…and peace...always!

Jim

Sleep

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 NKJV

Somewhere around mid-morning, I lost track of the number of people who did not sleep well last night. Various reasons, but most of them were "thinking about this" or "thinking about that"... which could easily translate to "worrying about this" or "worrying about that."

Worrying is not what we're supposed to do. Worry is caused by fear. Fear is a lack of trust. It is the opposite of faith... It does NOT please God. According to Hebrews 11:6, Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

Isaiah 26:3 tells us, You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. In other words, if we keep our mind focused on the Lord and Who He is and what He's already done for us - if we study His Word to know His promises toward us, IF we obey His Word - THEN we can trust Him. IF we will trust Him, THEN we can be at peace. When we reach that place, then we'll do two things...

We will lie down in peace AND sleep.

Prayer:

Father,
           You alone are God. You alone make us to dwell in safety. You alone are our Shield and Buckler, our Shelter in the time of storm. When our hearts are overwhelmed within us, You, O Lord, are the Rock that is higher. Our safe place. Father, we choose to trust You and to lie down in peace AND sleep. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Disciplinary Action

God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:10b-11 NIV

It was only yesterday... just yesterday, after hearing Pastor Alan's sermon, that I earnestly prayed, "Father, I do NOT want to be critical, judgmental or prideful. I want to walk humbly with You, according to Your Word. Holy Spirit, please guide me, teach me. In Jesus' Name, I pray..." 

Oh, that all opportunities for answers to prayer would manifest so quickly!

An adverse situation came up at my day job that ultimately falls in my wheelhouse. I could have been angry that it happened. I could have come up with a half-dozen excuses... but before I got too far in the list of  'could haves', I heard the echo of yesterday's prayer in my heart. Father... I prayed again, thanking God for a change of heart, for the opportunity to walk in humility. It was not fun. It was hard. It was God's idea.

Micah 6:8 declares, He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? 

Humbling oneself isn't easy but it is right. It is righteous before the Lord. Within minutes of doing just that, the stress of it was gone from my spirit, and in its place was peace. Several times, the enemy attempted to bring up a "Yeah, but..." and by God's grace, I was able to thank God for answering my prayer and praise Him for teaching me... Thank You for loving us enough to restore a right Spirit within us. 

Prayer:

Father,

           According to Your Word, there is reward for walking in humility and holy fear of You. Thank You for Your Grace and mercy. Thank You for Your peace and for getting us through this day heart-whole. We are certain that You, who began this, will continue Your work in us until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. And it's in His Name we pray. Amen

Your Way YHWH

Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.   
John 14:6 NLT

Even the most novice of Christ-followers can quote this verse, but do we understand it completely? Most think it's only about finding salvation, but it's so much more than that! 

Think about some of the Names of God:

Jehovah Shalom - The Lord is peace
Jehovah Jireh - The Lord will provide
Jehovah Nissi - The Lord is my banner
Jehovah Rapha - The Lord my healer
Jehovah Sabbaoth - The Lord of Hosts - Commander of the Angel Armies!

And that's just to name a few.

Do you think God changes into each of these names individually on an as-needed basis? Or is He the God who never changes and the Great I AM?  According to Scripture, He is the same yesterday, today and forever. So if He doesn't change, then He is ALL of these (and more). Think about THAT for a moment!

So then, if God is all these things, we definitely want to get to Him. We NEED to get to Him. We need salvation. We need to be healed. We need provision. We need PEACE! When we get into His presence, do you think He has one place for peace, another place for healing, a different place for salvation? There's not one door marked 'healing', and one marked 'provision' or one marked 'peace' - at least, not by God. Do you know and understand that when we get into the presence of God, we have it all? 

So, how DO we get to Him? Jesus said, I am THE way, THE truth, and THE life. No one can come to the Father except through me. [emphasis mine]  He's not one door for salvation and then playing tag for the rest of them. It is ALL available to us when we accept Christ as our Savior. When we spend time in His presence - whatever we require - we will find it ALL in Him.

Prayer:

Father,

          Open our eyes to see You and our hearts to know You in Your fullness. Help us to walk in YOUR way - the only way - in Your Truth and Your light as we live our lives before You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen 

What It Takes

[Wisdom speaking]

 “When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. For simpletons turn away from me—to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”

Proverbs 1:28-33 NLT

Wisdom is often personified in the book of Proverbs. Here she appeals to the wayward and scoffers to walk in the fear and reverence of God; to pay attention to the Word of God for correction of their ways. That's what it takes to put them on the life path surrounded by the Spirit of the Lord and thereby protected from chaos and troubles. 

God's Word does not say there won't be troubles in our lives - quite the opposite. Jesus warned us there would be - but we could be untroubled by fear of harm because He has already overcome the world. It takes discipline. It takes believing His Word. It takes choosing the straight and narrow, the hard path of righteousness over the easy way out. 

The Message reads, Don’t you see what happens...? Carelessness kills; complacency is murder.

Let's not be careless or complacent when it comes to making our life choices.

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for Your Word - the Lamp unto our feet and the Light unto our path - to clearly show us what it takes to walk holy before You. We choose to listen and obey Your loving corrections to make us wise. We know that true peace comes only from You, and we want to live according to Your Word so that we are untroubled by fear of harm. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Advent - Day Twelve

From 21 Gifts of Advent by Janelle Keith

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15 NIV

The Gift of Peace

We all remember where we were when we received life-changing news. Those memories are etched in our minds, and we never forget. Who is ever prepared to hear a cancer diagnosis, face terminal illness, receive a pink slip, hear news of a tsunami, watch devastating earthquakes and news full of terrorist attacks and senseless shootings? Devastation will meet our minds with shock every time.

Think about how many times we've heard "This isn't as scary as it looks" or “There’s nothing to be afraid of.” In those situations, our minds escalate to the worst possible scenarios, don’t they? The doctor says..."this is just a routine test, it's not the big ‘C’ or anything like that.” But then the doctor was wrong, and it was cancer.

...God's peace gives order. When our lives are sinking deep into a dark world of the unknowns, a life crisis that ushers in death, change, or simple blanks in the equation, the peace of God can erase those fears. As we come face to face with our own inadequacies, weaknesses, and mounting fears, we need only to remember these two words: Fear not! Angelic announcements come with comforting assurance first, so God's peace can flood our souls. Only Heavenly peace truly comforts us, and we can receive His peace ... even in the middle of chaos and confusion.

God's peace always eradicates fear. Jesus used the words “Peace be with you” many times as he encouraged his disciples. So it’s befitting that Jesus was known as the Prince of Peace because He IS peace. What a gift peace is!

Advent reflection: Don't let your heart be fearful. Experience the gift of God’s comforting peace by casting all your worries and cares into His capable hands. When you are caught off guard, know that you have the Good Shepherd lying prostrate at the gates of Heaven, breathing peace over your situation, He leaves us with a peace that passes our understanding. We can have peace on earth because the Prince of Peace is on watch!

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Prayer:

Father, 

           Such awesome gifts You have given us!! We are SO grateful for all of them. If we were to try to list them here, there wouldn't be enough room to even begin to do so! What is mankind that You are mindful of us - and yet You are. We are ever on Your mind! When we stop and think of Your goodness and grace and the peace that You impart to us, we are overwhelmed by You. Give us truly grateful hearts, O God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Advent - Day Ten

From 21 Gifts of Advent by Janelle Keith 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 NIV

The Gift of Joy

Five years ago, my parents' health was declining. My siblings and I had to make some tough decisions regarding their care in December of that year. Those days were filled with lots of tears and talks as we all armed ourselves with wisdom in each decision. It was enough to suck the joy right out of this girl.

But the time had come for me to pack for a long-awaited mission trip to Africa. I questioned, “How can I go and spread Christmas joy to children, when I am in the middle of a joyless situation with my family?”

Once on the plane, there was some joy in leaving the stress behind, at least for a while. It was a relief to think about something other than difficult decisions or concerns for another medical issue. By the time our team landed on the ground, I left all my worries behind.

The children in the small village saw our team coming and immediately ran to us. Their joy was indescribable! The team divided up into different stations for the day-long party. When I was assigned to the “dance and cake” station, I jumped for joy with excitement. Cake is a luxury for most African families who struggle to just put one meal on the table. And it just so happened that the Lord placed me in the station that offered great joy. Who doesn’t love cake and dancing?!

I watched the children’s faces as their joy increased. I watched the moms smile and laugh as they watched. I experienced a greater joy later in the day from a successful party. I saw kindness-fueled joy in the community. It was remarkable because joy is a lost emotion that hides behind poverty. I saw the Lord’s strength as His joy sustained our team through several long exhausting days. Upon returning home, I latched onto a new, energized joy for my parents' situation too.

Advent reflection: Joy increased in my heart because Jesus made me see a different perspective of life. The Christmas party God threw in Africa taught me that joy is an inside job. You can experience Christmas joy any time of the year because joy isn’t found in your circumstances; it is found in Jesus!

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Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You that with You our joy is full. In the midst of all that's going on in the world, remind us in big and small ways to keep our eyes on You and not on the challenges we face. Father, we choose to trust You. Fill us with Your peace, joy, and hope. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Advent - Day Four

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Luke 2:14 NLT

The God Who is with Us - by Ronnie Martin (see info at the end of this post)

Today’s Scripture passage from Luke 2 is a beautifully vivid and artistic passage from the angelic voices. The image of a choir of angels announcing the birth of the Savior can feel like the stuff of myths and legends, and yet to believe in a supernatural birth requires us to believe in a supernatural announcement of that birth.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you consider that night so many years ago? Personally, I’ve always been struck by the line “with whom He is pleased!” I might be showing my theological convictions here, but I love how the angels describe peace—that it is for those with whom God is pleased. What pleases God? Well, it’s not sacrifice; we know that. God makes clear throughout Scripture that He doesn’t want our tangible sacrifices but the sacrifice of our obedient hearts. An obedient heart is the only heart God can be pleased with and therefore have peace with.

How do we gain obedient hearts that please God? That’s where the glorious gospel comes in. The birth of Jesus, the life of Jesus, the death of Jesus, and the resurrection of Jesus made it possible for God to have peace among those with whom He is pleased (Heb. 11:6). However hard this is to hear—the truth is that we are born with hearts that have no peace with God because they are unredeemed and unwilling to surrender to Him. It is not until God in His grace brings us to the end of ourselves and we repent of our sins and trust in the work of Christ on the cross that we enter into a peaceful relationship with God where He is pleased with us.

Pause and reflect now on the grace God showed mankind by sending His Son to be an obedient sacrifice for you. Think of the possibilities it has opened for you: peace with God, a loving relationship with Jesus, and a sure hope in this life and the life to come.

It’s helpful to remember that these shepherds didn’t return to a life of ease after their angelic visitation. There would still be long, shivery nights tending their flocks by the light of the moon. They would still be people who were not highly thought of due to the nature of their lowly vocation. Yet there would always be this one glorious night when the unimaginable happened and everything changed forever. They may have returned to the same vocation, but they didn’t return as the same shepherds. They returned glorifying and praising God for all they’d seen and heard.

What will you return to after the glory of the holiday season has passed, when it becomes a fading memory in your aging consciousness once again? Will you return like these unremarkable shepherds, glorifying and praising God for the remarkable love He has poured into your hearts through His Spirit? Will you remember that because of Christ’s supernatural visitation to Bethlehem so many years ago, all the sorrow and suffering that have visited you in your life will, like an unwanted intruder, never be given entrance again? This is the kind of infinite, everlasting peace God is pleased to give the person with whom He is pleased.

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Prayer:

Father,

          Change our hearts! Give us obedient hearts so that we may please You and live in Your infinite, everlasting peace. We want You to be pleased with us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

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“Immanuel. God with us.” We know that God sent His Son, but what does that mean for our lives now? In this plan, Ronnie Martin walks us through what it means for God to be with us...

We would like to thank B&H Publishing for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com

From Now Until Easter - The Pursuit of Peace

From Ash Wednesday until Easter, I will post from Lent and Easter devotionals offered online. Tonight's post features excerpts written by Dan DeVries, religious services coordinator at Hope Haven, Inc.

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Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Psalm 34:12-14 (NIV)

The psalmist’s paraphrased response is, “What we speak is really important.” We choose every day between having our tongues speak evil or praise. And if we choose to keep evil and lies from crossing our lips, we also need to ask forgiveness for the times we have allowed evil and lies to escape. In asking for forgiveness, whom do I also need to forgive? How relentless am I in pursuing forgiveness and the forgiving of others?

Pursuit is an active word that suggests vigor. Pursuing peace found only in God delivers us from all our fears. And if our daily newsfeed is to be believed, we have much to fear. Fear is the most natural response to the unknown, and it blinds us to the freedom that we have to pursue peace and seek God. As the old hymn assures us, “’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved.”

According to this psalm, orienting our life in God’s ways—fasting from evil speech and lying lips and turning from evil—promises an abundant and joyful life. It comes to fruition through peace-making—pursuing peace.

Good days. How does one whose very life has been saved by God respond? Verse 1 of this psalm answers, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”

Prayer: 

Prince of Peace, 

                        Thank You for the “grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved.” Thank You for the promise of life and many good days. In Jesus’s name, amen.

From Now Until Easter - Green Pastures, Still Waters

From Ash Wednesday until Easter, I will post from Lent and Easter devotionals offered online. Tonight's post features excerpts written by John Boyer, an active duty wing chaplain (Lt. Col.) for the largest fighter wing in the Air Force, located at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. John has been an RCA chaplain since 2003, serving both in the Army and in the Air Force.

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The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me;  your rod and your staff - they comfort me.

Psalm 23:1-4

Let’s be honest: life can be full of so much noise—so many distractions, so much busyness—and the temptation for many can be to just get swept away by all of it. There are meetings to be at, functions to attend, demands to be met, and if we’re not careful, we can be in danger of drifting away from our Lord. Though we live in a society that seems to continually clamor in both speed and noise, our passage today reminds us of a bygone era when the pace was a bit slower and the noise was a bit less. The psalmist’s words invoke an image of peace, rest, and tranquility - an image that has resonated with souls over millennia.

I count myself blessed, having experienced in nature my soul being rejuvenated next to peaceful pastures and streams of quiet waters. And though I don’t always have the means of picking up and physically traveling to [such] a location... I do have the ability of reading the passage, closing my eyes (wherever I am), and imagining myself in this place Scripture reveals. On many occasions, even in the midst of the busyness and distractions of life, I have recalled the words of the psalmist, imagining myself in this place of tremendous beauty and peace, and there I center my spirit and quiet my soul.

I encourage you, in this season of Lent, to take a moment today and ask our Good Shepherd to lead your spirit next to a place of green pastures and quiet waters—so that He may restore your soul.

Prayer: 

Good Shepherd, 

                         Today would You help to quiet the noise and limit the distractions so I can hear Your still, small voice? Lead me in the way of green pastures and quiet waters, and guide me in Your paths of righteousness—for Your kingdom and Your glory. Amen.

Unoffendable by Brant Hansen

Today's inspiration comes from: Unoffendable by Brant Hansen
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When you are angry, do not sin, and be sure to stop being angry by the end of the day. 

Ephesians 4:26 NCV

So, overall, how does Scripture, which is well acquainted with injustice, describe anger? Take a look at some verses from the New Living Translation.

Anger is described as “fierce” and “cruel” in Genesis 49:7. It’s “burning” in Exodus 11:8. In the same book, it’s also described as a “blazing fury,” and if you’re not careful, it can “blaze against you” (Exodus 15:7; Exodus 22:24).

In Leviticus 26, anger is something given “full vent” and equated with “hostility” (v. 28). In Deuteronomy 7, it is associated with the words “burn” and “destroy” (v. 4). In 1 Samuel 20, we see an anger that “boil[s] with rage” (v. 30). Anger “will not be quenched,” according to 2 Kings 22:17. In 2 Samuel 6, it “bursts out” (v. 8); in Job 4, it “blasts” (v. 9); and in Job 16, God Himself, in anger, “tears” and “pierces” (v. 9).

Anger is terrifying and fierce in Psalm 2:5. It’s burning and consuming in Psalm 69:24, then smoldering intensely in Psalm 74.

In Isaiah 9:12, it’s associated with a fist poised to strike. In chapter 30, it’s demonstrated with flames, cloudbursts, thunderstorms, and hailstones (v. 30). In Isaiah 63:3, it tramples.

It doesn’t exactly chill out in Lamentations. The words “engulfed” and “slaughtered” are used in chapter 3 (v. 43)...

...The Bible directs us to get rid of anger (Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8), but our idea of “righteous anger” turns that directive on its head: we ...actually pat ourselves on the back for being offended and embracing anger.

And all that boiling, piercing, corrosive power becomes part of our lives—and destroys us.

We cling to our self-righteousness and can’t possibly imagine giving it up. We think it’s how we’re supposed to live. But our Father is holding out another way of living, entirely. He’s saying it’s far more valuable. He knows. He made us. He knows we can live better this way. We’ll be under less stress. We’ll be able to live in the moment. We won’t be constantly offended, perpetually nursing hurts. He’s telling us to hand over the idea that we know things we don’t about ourselves and others, and simply be humble.

I’ve found myself thinking — even if I don’t say it out loud — that part of my job as a Christian is assessing where people stand. Therefore, if I didn’t try to make this assessment about others, I wasn’t taking Christianity seriously enough, or something. I don’t know what I was thinking.

What a sweet, sweet relief to not have to do this.

Jesus had to point out to seemingly upstanding religious leaders that some prostitutes were closer to the Kingdom of God than they were. Would you or I have known that?

Last night, I talked with a new friend of mine who shared that he’s always seemingly been angry. “I spend half of my life with anger,” he said. “I’ve always lost a tremendous amount of sleep because of it.”

Life is better when we admit what we don’t know, realize our own moral status before God, and give up our made-up Right to Be Offended.

 God knows how we’re wired. He tells us to forgive and to get rid of anger. People made in His image would do well to listen. It means everything, not just for us, but for those around us.

We think we want a right to “righteous anger.” It takes a tremendous amount of humility, an extraordinary “dying to self” to hand over this desire, this job, this obsession, to God. But He made us, and He knows how we operate best. He says to hand it over.

And He’s promising something of value that no one else — and literally, no other religion — promises. He’s promising a release from the constant evaluation, never-ending striving, and relentless assessment of where we, and everyone else, stand.

He’s promising a better way of life. He’s holding it out to us, saying, “Hand over the garbage;” and He means it, because He loves us, and He has something better to offer.

He’s offering peace.

Prayer: 

Beloved Jesus, lead me to someone today who needs to hear Your story of love and forgiveness.

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Excerpts of Peace

"Let me hear what the Lord God says, because he speaks peace to his people and to his faithful ones." Psalm 85:8

When in doubt, pray and read the Lord's word. What He says will always help bring about peace in your life.

“I’ve said these things to you so that you will have peace in me. In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world.” John 16:33

In this life, there will be hardships, but they only last so long. Be at peace knowing that it’ll be over soon.

"Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” Luke 1:78-79

Even in the dark times, even when death draws near, the mercy of God is always available to comfort you and grant you peace.

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

The peace we experience from our faith in Jesus surpasses any temporary peace the world can give; it can ease your deepest fears and soothe your troubled heart.

“May the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2nd Thessalonians 3:16

You are never without God, who brings you peace each and every day and is always watching over you.

Prayer:

Father, 

           Thank You for peace that knows no end. Peace that triumphs over grief and over every test and trial. Peace that gives us hope in every situation through our faith in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior. And it's in His Name we pray. Amen

Peace Speaker 

Advent - Day 28 - Changed

Thank you for walking through the Advent season with me. My wish is that we will allow the gifts we have been given - hope, peace, joy, and love - to be fully manifested in our lives. Merry Christmas! 

Love in Christ, Andréa

Day 28 is written fully by Compassion Canada
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As we have journeyed through Advent together, we have unwrapped the good gifts that God has given us. Gifts of hope, peace, joy and love. They are the gifts that came swaddled in a manger that first Christmas Day. The baby in a manger who would make a way for the good life of hope, who would proclaim the good news of peace, who would walk in the good deeds that spark joy, and who would give the good gift of love, Himself.

It was to the shepherds that this wonderful news was first proclaimed, to the humble, the poor, the vulnerable. The glory of the Lord shone brilliantly in that field of sheep and the “good news of great joy” was shared: God’s good and perfect gift had been given.

As we reflect this Christmas on every good and perfect gift that God has given us, let’s respond like the shepherds.

Let’s rush to the presence of Jesus. (Luke 2:15-16)

Let’s gather around the good and perfect gift of God with worship and adoration.

And then, let’s return to our jobs, our tasks, our daily lives, changed. (Luke 2:20)

Let’s live to glorify God and shine His light brilliantly by sharing His hope, peace, joy, and love with the world around us.

Prayer:

God,
         I know that every good gift comes from You. Today, I rush to the presence of Jesus, the greatest gift of all and I ponder Your hope, peace, joy and love anew. But I know that I cannot remain beside the manger because You did not remain there. You lived Your life continuing to give hope, peace, joy and love to others. Help me to carry every good gift You have given me into the world. Amen.

Advent - Day 27 - Needs

I have chosen a different devotional for the remainder of Advent. It is rich.

It is titled "Every Good Gift" and is written fully by Compassion Canada
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The year behind us has certainly been full of challenges. It has been dark. It has been broken. It has felt heavy. If ever we have needed the good gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love, it is now. A good gift can be a comfort, a joy, a reason to hope.

Our verse for this week is nestled in a letter that James is writing to his church who is facing a turbulent, threatening and challenging time. James leads off his letter with these words:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…” (James 1:2)

Trials, James goes on to share, which test your faith (1:3), demand wisdom you may not have (1:5), humble you (1:9-10), ask you to persevere (1:12) and confront your sinful desires (1:14). It is within this context—the wide and varied challenges of life in its most difficult seasons—that James shares our verse for this week: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)

The good and perfect gifts that James is talking about are those that meet our needs when we need them most. When we face the trials and challenges of life, they are the things that lead us closer to Christ and refine us to look like Him.

Romans 8 reminds us that we can stand firm amidst the challenges of life when God gives His love. 

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ... Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:31-32, 35, 37-39, emphasis added)

The world has been dark, broken and heavy. It is facing challenges and trials and there are many people with significant needs. We can represent Christ through the good gifts we give. The gifts that meet real needs when it is needed most. Good gifts show the love of God because God loved us so much that He gave.

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

Prayer:

God, 

        You gave Your Son because You loved me. And that love is what gives me everything I need for this life. Your gifts are good and perfect because they are what I need the most—the strength to walk through the trials and all that I need for life and godliness. Guide me to give good gifts so that I can show the love of God to those around me. Amen.

Receive the Gift

A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
Proverbs 14:30 NLT

The Word tells us that Christ came so that we would have life and it more abundantly. What good is life if it's not peaceful? How healthy can we be physically or spiritually if we're in constant turmoil? At the very least, our blood pressure will be high. There'll be all kinds of wear and tear on our physical bodies if we are not abiding in God's gift.

Jesus tells us in John 14:27 NLT, I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Receive the gift of peace. Receive the gift of health.

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for the many, many gifts You have bestowed on and in our lives. Thank You most of all for salvation so that we can be made right with You, and secondly, for Your peace that passes ALL understanding. We want to follow in Your footsteps because Your way is life and light. Help us to help others see You for who You are. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

First Pray Then Peace

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

If you've been a follower of Jesus Christ for very long, you are familiar with this passage - or at least part of it. We're very good about encouraging others not to worry because God provides peace that far surpasses the angst and full realm of our circumstances, and exceeds our ability to comprehend its dominion. The King James' reads, peace that passeth all understanding. And truly, it does.

However, we can't just grab that part out of the Scripture. It's not a stand-alone verse. God's peace is the result of following the instructions given for how to handle troublesome situations.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need
And thank Him for all He has done
THEN YOU WILL experience God's peace... [emphasis mine]

Worry is not trusting God. It's fear, which is opposite to faith. According to Hebrews 11:6, Without faith, it's impossible to please God.

What does God's Word have to say about the situation? Look it up. Research it. There are ample Bible tools online. We can even Google©, "What does the Bible say about _______?" That way, we can tell God what we need - according to what His Word says we need - with regard to the situation.

And thank Him for all He has done! To begin with, He gave us life! He has redeemed, restored, and resurrected us from our death-inducing sinful life!

THEN we will experience God's peace - the peace that will guard our hearts and minds as we live in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for all You have done for us. Thank You that by Your grace and mercy, we are still drawing breath and have another opportunity to serve You. Thank You that Your mercies are new every morning and great is Your faithfulness! You are the Lord our God. Teach us. Cause Your Word to come alive in us so that we experience Your peace and fulfill Your purpose for our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Into His Presence

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NLT

Life can seem overwhelming at times. There are those days when we feel like we're facing the world alone. That's scary! It's also a lie from satan himself. We must remember it is written in God's Word that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. We can always choose to be in His presence.

Nothing can stand against us in His presence.
The fullness of joy is found in His presence. 

We enter His gates with thanksgiving; we go into His courts with praise. Into His presence... where we are safe; where we can rest. Where there is peace. Wanna go there?

Psalm 95:6-7b NLT reads, Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care.

Prayer:

Father,
            According to Your Word in Psalm 62, Let all that I am wait quietly before You, God, for my hope is in You. You alone are my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. So let it be written, so let it be done. We will not be shaken in Jesus' Name. Amen