Category: Peace

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Draw Close to the Father

What’s the first thing on your mind this morning?

The kids, your job, health, finances, a relationship, the world crisis – whatever it is, the Lord has a solution.

God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.

“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” I Peter 5:7 CEV

His lap is cozy enough to have room for you to cuddle up and draw strength from Him. Last weekend we had our three youngest grandkids come for sleepovers. Each morning when they came down the stairs they wanted to cuddle. They love to snuggle in and we love it too!

The Father wants us to snuggle up close when we are worried and life seems heavy.

“But he gives us more grace. This is why it says, God stands against the proud, but favors the humble. 7 Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. 8 Come near to God, and he will come near to you…” James 4:6-8 CEB

His Word is powerful enough to change the course of rivers and set the boundaries in the sky; so at His word your world can change from disorder to order.

“Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:15-16 ERV

Don’t let anything hold you back from enjoying the Father’s presence, His power and His word.

“You will teach me the right way to live. Just being with you will bring complete happiness.
 Being at your right side will make me happy forever.” Psalm 16:11 ERV

God’s instruction and direction for our lives isn’t hard. When we learn to follow Him, it brings us to a place of peace and rest.

“The rules you have given me to follow will be mine forever. They give me great joy. 112 More than anything I want to obey your laws always, until the end of my life.” Psalm 119:11-112 ERV

Draw close to the Father. His arms are open wide!

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All I Need

This morning as I was praying a verse came to mind and when I looked it up I realized I had never thought of this as an “in Christ” verse before but there is was.

“My God will meet your every need out of his riches in the glory that is found in Christ Jesus. 20 Let glory be given to God our Father forever and always. Amen..” Philippians 4:19 CEB

In Christ, every need I have has already been met.

He became my sin so that I could have His righteousness II Corinthians 5:21

He took stripes on His back so that I could be healed Isaiah 53:5

He told me to come boldly to his throne to find Help (Him) in time of need Hebrews 4:16

He became my strength when I am weak Philippians 4:19

He became my peace when things around me are in chaos. Philippians 4:6-7

He gave me a cup that runs over and abundance when the enemy is trying to steal, kill and destroy Psalm 23

He gave me wisdom when I asked for it James 1:5-6

As I am sitting here and thinking about what my day has in store, I know that in Christ, He has already supplied all that I need!

That’s a good thing!!

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Time for A Campout

Dave and I have been planning some summer camping trips. The first outing in our rooftop tent was great! Burros and all.

We’ll have a couple more opportunities this summer and our anticipation is great.

Do you like to camp?

As a kid I grew up camping with my folks. In the different places we lived there were always lakes or rivers close by. We would go for the day, the weekend or even a couple weeks at a time. Fishing, campfires, hot chocolate, card games, marshmallows and the stars! So peaceful and life was simple and unhurried.

Awe yes, I love camping.

One of my favorite places to camp spiritually is in the Psalms and my favorite campsite is Psalm 119. And then in that campsite my favorite spot is verses 97-104.

“O, how I love Your Law! It is what I think about all through the day. 98 Your Word makes me wiser than those who hate me, for it is always with me. 99 I have better understanding than all my teachers because I think about Your Law. 100 I have a better understanding than those who are old because I obey Your Word. 101 I have kept my feet from every sinful way so that I may keep Your Word. 102 I have not turned away from Your Law, for You Yourself have taught me. 103 How sweet is Your Word to my taste! It is sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 I get understanding from Your Law and so I hate every false way.” NLV

With Memorial Day coming up many of you will be getting away for a camping trip or wishing you could. Why not take time today to camp by a stream of living water, rest in the grass of green pastures and enjoy the warmth of the Son?

God’s word is a great place to campout and enjoy the Creator!

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I Miss My Garden

When Dave and I downsized to our tiny home we embraced the adventure. It has been wonderful to be less encumbered with a house and property that needed maintenance and upkeep.

Cleaning that used to consume hours each week has been condensed to minutes. But there is one thing I miss – my garden!

Around this time of year, I would already be out staking up the tomatoes and the pepper plants. The bulbs in my flowerpots had already come to full bloom. Dead heading geraniums and petunias was a special type of quiet time – just me and the Lord.

Imagine my delight when I read these verses this morning.

“Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things. 17 But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. 18 When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.” James 3:16-18 CEV

Ahh, seeds of peace. I don’t need potting soil for those. Just a tender heart toward God.

 “Again Jesus said: God’s kingdom is like what happens when a farmer scatters seed in a field. 27 The farmer sleeps at night and is up and around during the day. Yet the seeds keep sprouting and growing, and he doesn’t understand how. 28 It is the ground that makes the seeds sprout and grow into plants that produce grain. 29  Then when harvest season comes and the grain is ripe, the farmer cuts it with a sickle.

30 Finally, Jesus said: What is God’s kingdom like? What story can I use to explain it? 31 It is like what happens when a mustard seed is planted in the ground. It is the smallest seed in all the world. 32 But once it is planted, it grows larger than any garden plant. It even puts out branches that are big enough for birds to nest in its shade.” Mark 4:26-32 CEV

Right before these two examples Jesus told the people that a man went out and sowed some seeds, but the seeds were the word of God. Yesterday’s blog was about a seed of faith, today’s is about a seed of peace.

Putting God’s word into our hearts each day is like planting a garden. We need to keep it watered and pull out the weeds of bitterness, unbelief, worry and distraction. When we do we will gather a bountiful harvest.

“But they start worrying about the needs of this life. They are fooled by the desire to get rich and to have all kinds of other things. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything. 20 The seeds that fell on good ground are the people who hear and welcome the message. They produce 30 or 60 or even 100 times as much as was planted.” Mark 4:19-20 CEV

One of the keys to a good garden is good soil. Each day I pray that my heart is prepared to hear and plant God’s word.

I do miss my garden but I have come to realize that my heart is the garden God wants me to tend!

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Growing a Tree of Faith

It seems that about every 2 or 3 years the Lord has me do a teaching or two on faith and unbelief.

I often hear folks say, “I wish I had more faith or I wish my faith was bigger or stronger”. This morning I would like to share a couple of thoughts on “Faith” and “Unbelief”. Imagine you are holding a coin in your hand right now. One side of the coin is faith and one side is unbelief. The outcome in the situations of your life are directly affected by the side of the coin that you are looking at.

There are many Scriptures when Jesus addressed “Unbelief” in the hearts and minds of those that he was ministering too.

In Matthew 13 it says that Jesus couldn’t do any mighty works in his own hometown because of their unbelief. In Mark 9 the man who had a demon possessed son brought him to Jesus for healing. Jesus answered if thou canst believe all things are possible to him that believeth and the father responded Lord, I believe – help thou my unbelief. After Jesus set the boy free his disciples came and asked:

“‘Why could not we cast him out?’ 20 And Jesus said unto them, ‘Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. 21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.'” Matthew 17:19-21 KJV

Jesus didn’t say that it was because of their “little” faith or even lack of faith but because of unbelief. He then goes on to say that with faith as little as a grain of mustard seed, nothing would be impossible to them. And as a side note when Jesus said “this kind” goes not out but by prayer and fasting, He was talking about the unbelief.

Faith simply put is our belief that God not only can do but will do those things that He has promised.

When we give our life to Christ and are born again, we are given faith as a part of our new nature. Romans 12 says that God has given us “the” measure of faith and then in Galatians 5, Paul tells us again that faith is a fruit of the Spirit.

We can all agree it takes faith to get saved. “For by grace are ye saved through faith”.

Faith, believing that God will do what He says He will do, and grace, God giving us what we don’t deserve and can’t earn on our own. This was the time in our life that our faith in God was the smallest and yet it was enough to create the greatest miracle – salvation.

So now, what situation has you focused on unbelief. Go to God’s word, find His answer, feed your faith (Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God) and it will cause your unbelief to shrink.

“But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and rewards everyone who searches for him.” Hebrews 11:6 CEV

Focus on faith and let unbelief die. “Mustard seed” faith is more than enough to move mountains.

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Stand Up to Fear

I love that we have the story of Gideon in the Bible. He is the poster child of transformation. Going from fearful farmer to valiant warrior, all because he had an encounter with the Lord.

I think what I love most about this story is God’s faithfulness. He lovingly encouraged Gideon each step of the way. The Lord didn’t become impatient or frustrated, instead He gave continued instruction and showed His commitment to direct Gideon and deliver Israel.

After Gideon asked the Lord for proof of His willingness to lead him and Israelites, Gideon stepped out with the army but look where they went.

“ Early the next morning, Gideon and his army got up and moved their camp to Fear Spring. The Midianite camp was to the north, in the valley at the foot of Moreh Hill. 2 The Lord said, “Gideon, your army is too big. I can’t let you win with this many soldiers. The Israelites would think that they had won the battle all by themselves and that I didn’t have anything to do with it. 3  So call your troops together and tell them that anyone who is really afraid can leave Mount Gilead and go home.” Judges 7:1-3 CEV

They went to “Fear” Spring. God had a purpose for going there; remove fear from the camp. Everyone that was afraid was sent home. Twenty-two thousand soldiers left, only ten thousand remained.

Fear is persistent. It tries to wear us down, it’s goal is to defeat us and keep us from being who God created us to be.

“God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.” II Timothy 1:7 CEV

“Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” Philippians 4:13 CEV

“ Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love takes away fear. It is his punishment that makes a person fear. So his love is not made perfect in the one who has fear.” I John 4:18 ERV

God was not only working in Gideon’s life but also in the lives of the men who remained. The men needed to be alert, ready for battle.

“Gideon,” the Lord said, “you still have too many soldiers. Take them down to the spring and I’ll test them…6 Three hundred men scooped up water in their hands and lapped it, and the rest knelt to get a drink. 7 The Lord said, “Gideon, your army will be made up of everyone who lapped the water from their hands. Send the others home. I’m going to rescue Israel by helping you and your army of 300 defeat the Midianites.” Judges 7:3-7 CEV

Victory doesn’t come because of great numbers or worldly prestige. It comes from faith; trusting in God’s word and His purposes. It comes when we stand, firmly planted on God’s promises.

“ I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 CEV

Stand up to fear; we defeat it not in our own efforts but by placing our trust in our God who never fails!

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Winds of Change

This will be short this morning because I am focused on what the Lord is teaching me from Gideon’s story.

A young man who felt he was the most insignificant person in his family and in his town. A man who was threshing wheat in the pit of a wine press. If you know anything about threshing, you know that in that day you needed a brisk wind to separate the wheat kernels from the chaff.

There is no wind in a wine press. Gideon’s fear kept him from being productive.

What changed?…God!

Jehovah Shalom. God is peace!

The first thing the Lord asked Gideon to do was this:

“Get your father’s second-best bull, the one that’s seven years old. Use it to pull down the altar where your father worships Baal and cut down the sacred pole next to the altar. 26 Then build an altar for worshiping me on the highest part of the hill where your town is built. Use layers of stones for my altar, not just a pile of rocks. Cut up the wood from the pole, make a fire, kill the bull, and burn it as a sacrifice to me.

27 Gideon chose ten of his servants to help him, and they did everything God had said. But since Gideon was afraid of his family and the other people in Ophrah, he did it all at night.” Judges 6:25-27 CEV

Pull down the altar of false gods. Then build God’s altar high on the hill for all to see. No longer was Gideon hiding in a wine press. He put God forefront for all to see. (Although he did it at night because he hadn’t completely conquered his fear.)

We all have false gods that need to be pulled down: fear, self-promotion, affluence, pride, independence.

“ But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.” Matthew 6:33 CEV

The Lord wants to be first place in our lives. He wants to take us out of the wine press. He wants us to be willing to worship Him where everyone can see.

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The Lord is Peace

Dave and I live in a place where our front porch faces the mountains. We have an unobstructed view and get to enjoy the beauty of the sunsets. So peaceful. It is an amazing view!

Some nights, it’s a “take your breath away” beauty and others, it’s a simplistic “take a deep breath and relax” type of moment. For the last twenty years we have lived in homes that we have named Casa de Paz, House of Peace. God has truly blessed us and we don’t take it for granted.

This morning my Bible reading ended with these words, “The Lord is Peace”. Yes, that’s exactly what I experience most days.

Now, let me tell you what I was reading this morning. I am in the book of Judges, chapter 6, and today I began reading about Gideon. The Israelites were living under the harassment and attacks of the Midianites and had been for seven years.

Every year at harvest time they would come and steal the grain and other crops that the Israelites had planted. Gideon was the youngest son of the family and he was threshing wheat in a hole where he could hide and be undetected. That’s where the Lord found him.

“ The angel appeared and spoke to Gideon, “The Lord is helping you, and you are a strong warrior.” 13 Gideon answered, “Please don’t take this wrong, but if the Lord is helping us, then why have all of these awful things happened? ” Judges 6:12-13 CEV

Gideon saw himself as weak and defeated. God saw him as a strong warrior.

“ Then the Lord himself said, “Gideon, you will be strong, because I am giving you the power to rescue Israel from the Midianites.” 15 Gideon replied, “But how can I rescue Israel?…everyone else in my family is more important than I am.” 16 “Gideon,” the Lord answered, “you can rescue Israel because I am going to help you! Defeating the Midianites will be as easy as beating up one man.” 17 Gideon said, “It’s hard to believe that I’m actually talking to the Lord.” Judges 6:14-17 CEV 

The story goes on and Gideon asks the Lord for a miracle so he will know that this is truly the Lord speaking to him. When God proved Himself to Gideon, Gideon became even more fearful and was afraid he was going to die. Then the Lord said this:

“ Calm down!” the Lord told Gideon. “There’s nothing to be afraid of. You’re not going to die.” 24 Gideon built an altar for worshiping the Lord and called it “The Lord Calms Our Fears.” Judges 6:23-24 CEV

I had someone tell me once that “I’m not sure that I believe in God”. That came from an honest heart. I told them, “That’s ok. He believes in you and if you ask Him to show Himself to you He will. He wants you to believe”. That’s exactly what Gideon was saying to God and God calmed his fears.

In Hebrew this verse says Gideon called the place “Jehovah-Shalom”. God is our peace!

What is it that is robbing your peace? A physical enemy, an emotional distress, finances, health, relationships, bitterness or resentment?

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” II Corinthians 3:17 NLT

Let me repeat the words of the Lord. “Calm down! There’s nothing to be afraid of.” Learn the lesson that Gideon did, The Lord is Peace!

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Look Straight Ahead

Stay focused. That was the theme of the movie we were watching last night.

One of the things I appreciate about my husband is his agreement to watch Hallmark movies with me. Generally, every plot is the same, but he knows I enjoy them so he watches them without complaint.

Last night’s feature was about a young woman who had inherited her grandmother’s horse property. She decided to get back into competing in three different riding events. She needed to train extensively to be ready for the competitions.

There were many things vying for her attention; a fiancé, the care of the property, and a competitor who was out to destroy her confidence and her relationship. An elderly woman, with much experience, agreed to be her trainer. Each time the young woman would become distracted her trainer would remind her to stay focused. Concentrate on the one thing that was before her.

That storyline fits perfectly with this morning’s reading from Proverbs.

“My child, listen carefully to everything I say. 21 Don’t forget a single word, but think about it all. 22 Knowing these teachings will mean true life and good health for you. 23 Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life. 24 Never tell lies or be deceitful in what you say. 25 Keep looking straight ahead, without turning aside. 26 Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground. 27 Don’t make a mistake by turning to the right or the left.” Proverbs 4:20-17 CEV

Jesus put it this way:

“The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life and are fooled by the desire to get rich. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything.” Matthew 13:22 CEV

God’s word, His teaching is the source of true life. Worry gets us distracted and keeps us from looking straight ahead. We need to stay focused – trusting God and His word no matter the circumstances.

“While Jesus and his followers were traveling, he went into a town, and a woman named Martha let him stay at her house. 39 She had a sister named Mary. Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to him teach. 40 But her sister Martha was busy doing all the work…41 But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are getting worried and upset about too many things. 42 Only one thing is important. Mary has made the right choice, and it will never be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 ERV

It’s a necessity that we stay focused. Looking straight ahead at God’s word keeps our lives worry free and in line with His plan.

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The Value of Wisdom

I love reading the book of Proverbs. The insights that Solomon has written are invaluable and timeless.

He was a young man when his father, David, died and he became king of Israel. The Lord told him to ask for whatever he would like, and God would give it to him.

“Lord my God, you have made me the king in my father’s place, but I am like a small child. I don’t have the wisdom I need to do what I must do. 8 I am your servant here among your chosen people. There are so many that they cannot be counted. 9 So I ask you to give me the wisdom to rule and judge them well and to help me know the difference between right and wrong. Without such great wisdom, it would be impossible to rule this great nation.”

10 The Lord was happy that Solomon asked for wisdom. 11 So God said to him, “You did not ask for long life and riches for yourself. You did not ask for the death of your enemies. You asked for the wisdom to listen and make the right decisions. 12 So I will give you what you asked for. I will make you wise and intelligent. I will make you wiser than anyone who ever lived or ever will live. 13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for. You will have riches and honor all your life. There will be no other king in the world as great as you.” I Kings 3:7-13 ERV

After this, the nations of the world would send their leaders to Solomon seeking his answers to their questions. He was renowned for his wisdom and with wisdom came wealth and peace.

The book of Proverbs gives instruction for the youth and the aged. There is no limitation as to who can benefit from wisdom.

“Those who find wisdom are fortunate; they will be blessed when they gain understanding. 14 Profit that comes from wisdom is better than silver and even the finest gold. 15 Wisdom is worth more than fine jewels. Nothing you desire has more value.

16 With her right hand, Wisdom offers long life—with the other hand, riches and honor. 17 Wisdom will lead you to a life of joy and peace. 18 Wisdom is like a life-giving tree to those who hold on to her; she is a blessing to those who keep her close.

19 With wisdom and understanding, the Lord created the earth and sky. 20 With his knowledge, he made the oceans and the clouds that produce rain.

21 My son, don’t ever let wisdom out of your sight. Hold on to wisdom and careful planning. 22 They will bring you a long life filled with honor. 23 As you go through life, you will always be safe and never fall. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid. When you rest, your sleep will be peaceful. 25 You have no reason to fear a sudden disaster or the destruction that comes to the wicked. 26 You can trust the Lord to protect you. He will not let you fall into harm.” Proverbs 3:13-26 ERV

The book of Proverbs has thirty-one chapters. I like to read one chapter each day and then ask the Lord for wisdom for the day. The book of James tells us when we ask for wisdom the Lord gives it freely.

We can add value to our lives each day when we seek God’s wisdom!

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