Afternoon Ti: God's Peace

This world is filled with unrest. There are so many things going on from wars to rumors of wars... violence in our streets... political unrest... economic decline... not to mention the everyday problems that plague our personal lives.

But I love the promise that God gives us in Philippians 4:7

...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. (NLT)

As believers, we have the opportunity to experience God's peace. Peace that will keep both are hearts and minds settled and at rest. People in our world today would pay for any kind of peace, let alone God's peace!

Yet, so many of us miss out on our benefit of God's peace. Why? Because we forget all about Philippians 4:6

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. 

Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (NLT)

We are told not to worry. We are to replace worry with prayer. Often, that is our initial and greatest error. We worry. We think about all the wrong that's going on, all the wrong that can happen, and the wrong that might happen, and we begin to stress ourselves out.

Then, we combine our worry with prayer. We come to God concerned, and we plead with Him for His help. We finish our prayer still with our worries. Instead of leaving them there with the Lord, we burden ourselves with our troubles again, and leave His presence worrying still.

Yet, Paul clearly instructs us to talk to God, tell Him what we need, and thank Him. That's it. Point blank, period. It's only then that the supernatural peace of God can reign in our lives.

True prayer - talking to and hearing from the Lord - can only lead to peace in your spirit. Coming to God, acknowledging Who He is and all that He is capable of, will diminish any problem that was looming large in our lives. Recognizing the power, wisdom, and love that God has will only serve to comfort us where our situation is concerned. It's when this happens that we can't help but be thankful before Him. We can't help but have gratitude for His willingness to hear and help us.

And we can go on full of His peace.

Today, don't allow the cares of this world to overtake you. Get before God and talk to Him. Allow Him to impart to you His peace.

Verse of the Day: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Wednesday's Word: Do You Love Him?

Today's Word looks at some of the last teachings of Jesus before He went to the cross.

Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

"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. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.

“I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, but I will do what the Father requires of me,

so that the world will know that I love the Father.

John 14:23-30a (NLT)

 

A couple of questions after reading this:

 

- From Jesus' words, do you really love Him?

- Are you following the teaching of the Holy Spirit?

- Have you embraced your gift of true peace?

 

Let these words ring in your spirit as you go about your day today. Think about your walk with Christ and whether it reflects what He has spoken in this passage.

Wednesday's Word: Be At Peace

Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again?

You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and

 live in peace with each other.

Mark 9:50 (NLT)

Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy.

Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak.

 Be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil,

but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

1 Thessalonians 5:14, 15

Jesus told us that we are the salt of the earth. We are the ones who are supposed to make an impact on the world around us. Our atmospheres should be flavored with the seasoning of the love of Jesus Christ.

In reflecting Jesus' love, we are admonished by Him to live in peace. Paul reiterates this teaching when he tells the church to be patient and to always do good to everyone. It is this Godly peace and unity that glorifies the Father and causes others to be drawn into God's Kingdom.

We cannot live at peace bickering and fighting.  Peace is not found in holding grudges and bitterness towards someone else. We cannot show forth goodness to the world when we are stirring up strife among ourselves.

So, we have to work at living in peace with one another. We have to strive to be patient. We have to rein in our emotions and put forth the effort to do good in the face of evil.

We have to live like Christ.

Are you living at peace? Is there someone that you need to forgive? Do you need to go and apologize to someone else? Today, let's make the effort to live in peace.

Evening Ti: Peaceful Rest

Woah! Where did the day go? I have been running here, there and everywhere since I got up this morning. But, I couldn't go to bed without serving up at least a sip of tea for you to enjoy.

So, think on this scripture:

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep:

 for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

So often, I lay down and it takes minutes for my brain to settle. My thoughts run helter skelter, and sometimes I even get back up out of the bed because I remember something I forgot to do.

At the end of the day, we should be at rest and full of peace. Worry, stress, and fear should not be in our thoughts. We have God's peace to assure us, and His presence is certain to keep us from harm.

Tonight, allow God's peace to envelop you. Ask the Holy Spirit to encompass you, comfort you, and rest in Him.

Sweet dreams!

You Have the Power

One of Jesus' most awesome miracles was during a raging storm. The sky was black, winds were howling, waves were crashing, and the boat Jesus was on was filling up with water. Jesus' disciples just knew they were going to die.

Yet, Jesus stood up and calmly spoke to the storm. "Peace be still." Three words were spoken, and immediately everything calmed down. (Mark 4:39) The disciples couldn't believe it. They were shocked that even the winds and waves obeyed the words of Jesus.

Our Savior has assured us that the same power that was given to Him was given to us. We have the same authority to speak words of life that causes our situations to change. All we need is faith in Christ.

So, don't be consumed with the winds that are billowing. Even if it looks like you are about to sink, stay strong. Remember that Jesus Christ - the same man who brought peace to violent storms - lives on the inside of you. You don't have to be afraid. You don't have to fear that you will perish.

Just pull up you faith and use your authority. Command your situation to come in line with the word of God. Anchor your faith in Jesus trusting that He will cause the peace of God to come into your life. As you obey Him, the Lord will keep His word. He will cause all things to work together for your good.

Take hold of the power that Christ has given to you. Don't allow yourself to be beaten down by your circumstances or situations. You have the authority to call change to come. All you have to do is use it.

Verse of the Day: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. John 14:12

Perfect Peace

This week I have been amazed by the presence of God's peace. It is literally all around me. In the midst of all the planning, preparing, and busyness for my father's homegoing, an inner calm has been present that has helped carry me through this difficult time in my life.

I have been reminded of the words of David: I have never seen the righteous forsaken! God has given my family every single thing we needed. I can only stand in amazement at how God orchestrated everything down to the smallest detail. He is truly an Awesome God!

Yes, my heart is hurting. Yes, there are some questions that I don't have answers to. Yes, I am wondering why... Still, God is faithful. Still, I feel His love surrounding me. Still, I have His joy giving me strength to keep going.

When you take the time to build a strong foundation, you will have what you need to face whatever God allows to come your way. When you take the time to develop a relationship with your Heavenly Father, it won't matter how loud the storm gets; you will still hear His voice guiding you through it all.

Make sure you are keeping your spirit in tune with God. Don't allow the troubles and cares of this world to separate you from His love. Even if your skies are blue, you should cling to His hand all the more. Life is full of twists and turns, and you never know what may be on the horizon. Yet, if you remain firmly in the Lord's grasp, your ride will be smooth, and you'll be able to remain steadfast in your journey.

Verse of the Day: I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psalm 37:25

Shalom!

My church has been meditating on shalom, and that is what I am speaking over today: SHALOM!!!

I am speaking God's peace, wholeness, and good health over every area of my life and the life of my loved ones. Worry, stress, sickness, and lack cannot have any place in my space! Everything must line up with God's Word in Jesus' name!

I also speak God's peace over you. Let the Lord be magnified in your life as well! You are an overcomer over anything that comes your way!

Jesus was a man who walked in total shalom. Whatever situation He encountered, He was able to put back into the balance that God wanted it to be in. If there was sickness, Jesus brought healing. Where there was hunger or thirst, Jesus was able to provide food and drink. In the midst of confusion, Jesus brought order. In ignorance, our Savior brought wisdom and knowledge of the Kingdom.

As we live our lives striving to be more like Jesus, let's take on His example to bring shalom (peace, wholeness, and health) to those we encounter. As carriers of the power and knowledge of God, we have the ability to set things right if we just step out in faith.

Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities to bless someone else today. If you encounter a tough situation, pray with faith for God's wisdom to get through it successfully. When lack tries to show up, get in touch with your Father who has more than enough to fill in the gap.

Let today be a day full of Shalom!

Verse of the Day: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Thanksgiving Friday!

It's Friday, and I'm giving God praise! I'm so thankful for life, health, and joy in my spirit. So many times we get caught up in the hustle and bustle, what we need to do/have to do/haven't done that we forget to take a moment and just breathe. So, I encourage you to take some time to breathe today.

Take a break from thinking, running here and there, worrying, asking, and just allow yourself to be still. Do you know it's difficult for some people to just sit still? (I'm one of them!) Even when physically still, their minds are racing back and forth thinking of any and everything. It can be exhausting!

So today take on the challenge to breathe and be still. Sit back. Clear your head. Relax for a moment. Allow the peace of God to wash over your spirit. Think about God's mercy, grace, and love.

We have so much to be grateful for. Make sure you take some moments today to think about them and give God praise for His blessings.

See you next week!

Verse of the Day: I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints... Psalm 85:8a

It Is Well With My Soul

There's an old hymn with a refrain that says: It is well with my soul. Over and over the psalmist repeats that despite all that's going on, despite the trials that come from the enemy, no matter how much things try to block the way: It is well with my soul.

Life can be overwhelming at times. Things happen unexpectedly. Trials come unnanounced. Hardships pop up in our paths. But, not matter what goes on around us, we should be able to find God's peace buffeting us in the midst of any storm. We should be able to find courage to face any trial because the Lord is with us.

Sometimes that peace and assurance is right there. The trial may come, but it finds us strong and able to face it down with no problems. Other times, we may have to call upon that courage like David. Or, we may have to rehearse God's promises to us in our own ears. We may have to take the time to pray and ask our Father to visit us with His peace.

Either way, the Lord is there with everything we need to face any situation. That's why the psalmist can sing It is well with my soul. No matter what comes up, we have a way to face it, endure, and overcome. Nothing should shake us, scare us, or beat us. We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus.

Be encouraged today! You have all the tools you need to face your situation. There is nothing too hard for the Lord, and He is with you! So, you can sing along with the psalmist: It is well with my soul!

Verse of the Day: As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me... Psalm 55:16-18

Take Advantage of the Quiet Times

After the excitement and bustle of yesterday, I am relishing the relative calm of this morning. I'm actually sitting still and able to collect my thoughts. Right now I can actually focus my thoughts and get my bearings for the day.

The quiet moments provide the best opportunities to hear from God. When God was making Himself known to Elijah, He sent a windstorm, earthquake, and fire. Yet God was not in those occurrences. The Lord came to Elijah in a still, small voice.

It is in the stillness we hear what will carry us through the storms, quakes, and fires of life. When we take advantage of the times of serenity to get before God and hear His voice, we will have what we need when all we hear are the winds whipping around us.

Too often we allow the quietness of life to lull us to sleep, and we miss out on quality time hearing from the mouth of God. If everything is fine around us, we don't press into the Lord's presence as fervently, we don't feel the pull to make sure we hear from Him.

However, when the winds start to blow and the world shakes around us, we are quick to call out His name. In our times of distress, we start to pray more fervently and even go into deep prayer and fasting just to hear an answer from Him about our situation.

Nothing is wrong with crying out to God in our times of need. But wouldn't it be awesome if we already had a word from God that we could hold onto when the storms came? Wouldn't it be a great feeling to have the winds come the day after you spent time conversing with the Father and you have the exact tools to get you through the trial?

Don't let the quiet days keep you from God's company. Continue to go before Him even in the good times.

Verse of the Day: And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him... I Kings 19:11-13a

Thanksgiving Friday!

Praise God! We're still here, able to live and love on God's great earth.

I am thankful that today is Friday! I honestly feel like it was just Monday! Usually, it's the other way around. This week flew by, and I'm happy to see the weekend. I really want to take a long nap.

This week I am grateful for God's arms of love. I've had to run to them pretty much every day these past few weeks. He's always been there to help calm me down, encourage, uplift, and sustain me. You cannot get love better than this! Thank you, Lord, for your unfailing love.

I would also like to give God a special thank-you for blessing me with a sister. We may be polar opposites, she may (sometimes) get on my nerves, she may dislike how I always have a word of instruction... but I love her! I'm glad we figured out how to be around each other without constantly arguing and were able to spend some time together last weekend. I'm also proud of the fabulous woman she's become! Love you, Sis!

Finally, I'm thankful for God's peace. I know I've said it before, but having peace in my life is priceless! If I didn't have the peace of God... I don't even want to think about how my life would be. Lord, thank you for your blessing of peace!

What are you thankful for today? Make sure you send up a prayer of thanksgiving to your Heavenly Father today.

Verse of the Day: Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14

God's Peace

As the year is drawing to a close, many of us are reflecting on the time that has gone by and are looking forward with anticipation to the year that’s on its way.

With all that’s gone on in my life in 2010, I am truly grateful for God’s peace. Yes, I have struggled, cried, pushed, and fought to get through some challenges. Yet, in every situation, I have had the benefit of God’s unwavering peace in my spirit.

Since I have matured in the things of God and developed a closer relationship with Him, I have seen my outlook change. What would have brought me worry, fear, and anxiousness, no longer causes me to panic.

Don’t get me wrong. I still have parts of my pessimistic and sarcastic nature. And I have to battle doubt from time to time. There is still plenty of room for improvement!

However, I can now face circumstances with the quiet reassurance that the God of the Universe is with me and is helping me defeat every roadblock. That Truth has given me a peace that passes all understanding. It has allowed me to sleep more soundly at night, go about my days without needless distraction, and has bolstered my spirit where I otherwise would have gone nuts.

God is faithful and a keeper of His word. Everything He has promised, He will do. We just have to trust our Lord enough to allow Him to do it… on His terms and in His timing. Once I surrendered to this fact, God blessed me with peace beyond measure.

You also have the same God of the Universe in your corner. Let go of fear and grab hold to the Father’s hand. Allow His peace to envelop your soul as well.

Verse of the Day: The LORD will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. Psalm 29:11

The Peace of God

This morning in my meditation time I reflected on the greatness of God’s peace. I remembered the story of Jesus when He calmed the sea during a storm. (Luke 8:22-25)

Jesus was sleeping soundly as the disciples ran about the boat certain that they were about to die. When they woke Jesus up, He didn’t rush into a panic with them. He didn’t even pay attention to the water that had built up in the boat, or the waves that were crashing all around. He simply spoke to the winds and the waves, and everything calmed down.

Often when storms arise in our lives, we tend to react like the disciples. We look at the storms and the winds that are blowing around us, and we allow the chaos to cause us to grow panicked and distressed.

Yet we have the authority to influence the storm. We have the power to speak peace to the disturbances that try to arise in our lives. It’s up to us to utilize our authority.

Allowing God’s peace to reign in our lives will give us the clarity and the wisdom to remain calm in a crisis. It’s hard to fly off the handle when God’s peace rules your countenance.

We can obtain this peace through a lifestyle of prayer. Constant communication with our Heavenly Father will keep our mind constantly focused on the goodness and greatness of Him. Hearing His will and purpose for our lives on a daily basis will allow us to be assured that He has our back and is walking with us in everything.

It’s hard to get flustered when you know that the King of the Universe has a personal vested interest in your well being.

So today, take some time to fellowship with the Father. Allow His spirit to minister to your heart and reveal His plans for you. Take comfort and know that nothing will be able to stop you from fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. No matter what obstacle arises, grab hold of God’s peace knowing that you will make it through to the other side.

Verse of the Day: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6, 7