Category: Peace

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Wonderful Counselor

“ This will happen when the special child is born. God will give us a son who will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be ‘Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.’” Isaiah 9:6 ERV

Unconditional love and omniscience, that’s what makes Christ our Wonderful Counselor.

Throughout life we will have a myriad of counselors. It’s starts with our parents and grandparents; they direct our lives, guiding us, instructing us and teaching us to know right from wrong.

But in all their years of wisdom they aren’t omniscient. Only God knows everything. Only God sees eternity past and our eternal future. He alone provides perfect insight and instruction.

“The Lord’s teachings are perfect. They give strength to his people. The Lord’s rules can be trusted. They help even the foolish become wise. 8 The Lord’s laws are right. They make people happy. The Lord’s commands are good. They show people the right way to live.

9 Learning respect for the Lord is good. It will last forever. The Lord’s judgments are right.
They are completely fair. 10 His teachings are worth more than pure gold. They are sweeter than the best honey dripping from the honeycomb. 11 His teachings warn his servants, and good things come to those who obey them.” Psalm 19:7-11 ERV

He’s never given bad advice – never. He’s never drawn a wrong conclusion or made a judgment out of malice. He’s never gone back and changed his mind because of political correctness or because more information has surfaced. He is the same yesterday, today and forever!

His Word is infallible, His judgments are pure and righteous and He is easy to reach – no appointment necessary. No waiting – come right in!

“ 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

Visiting this Counselor will cost us nothing, but it isn’t free. It cost Him everything. He died to give us mercy and grace.

Set up your “counselling” appointment today, rest in Him and find help in your time of need!

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Prince of Peace

15 days to Christmas…shopping, wrapping, baking, cards to write, parties to attend, dinners to cook, family to prepare for and the list goes on.

Are you feeling the faster pace, the hustle and bustle? It’s something I have to resist every year. Time to put the brakes on – slow the roll, take a deep breath, spend a few more minutes in prayer and breathe in peace.

“ For to us a Child will be born. To us a Son will be given. And the rule of the nations will be on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Teacher, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLV

Prince of Peace. What a wonderful name, what an amazing kingdom to rule – the kingdom of peace.

His path was set, His course was laid hundreds of years before His birth and then it was announced by angels.

“Today, One Who saves from the punishment of sin has been born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord. 12 There will be something special for you to see. This is the way you will know Him. You will find the Baby with cloth around Him, lying in a place where cattle are fed.”

13 At once many angels from heaven were seen, along with the angel, giving thanks to God. They were saying, 14 “Greatness and honor to our God in the highest heaven and peace on earth among men who please Him.” Luke 2:11-14 NLV

Christ came to bring peace on earth, not the kind of peace we think about with no wars or conflicts but peace with God.

“ Even when we were God’s enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by the life of his Son.” Romans 5:10 CEV

This child, the Son of God, came as the Prince of Peace. He’s the one who said “Peace, be still” and the winds and waves ceased. He’s the One who rescued a prostitute from stoning and brought soul peace to a man named Saul, who had been arresting and persecuting Christians.

This Prince of Peace has invited us into His kingdom to experience this amazing peace.

“ I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn’t like the peace this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” John 14:27 CEV

“I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.” John 16:33 CEV

Take a few more moments. Let the peace of God wrap around you like a soft blanket. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and make a silent prayer of Thanksgiving. “Thank you Lord for bringing me to a place of peace with You. Let my heart rest, knowing you are in control of my day and show me how to be an ambassador of peace to others. In Jesus name.”

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Hard Decisions

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

This is the dilemma Joseph faced.

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

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

22 This happened as the Lord said it would happen through the early preacher. 23 He said, “The young woman, who has never had a man, will give birth to a Son. They will give Him the name Immanuel. This means God with us.” 24 Joseph awoke from his sleep. He did what the angel of the Lord told him to do. He took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have her, as a husband has a wife, until she gave birth to a Son. Joseph gave Him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25 NLV

A good man.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A Sincere Question

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“ For God can do all things.” 38Then Mary said, “I am willing to be used of the Lord. Let it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel went away from her.” Luke 1:38 NLV

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

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

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

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

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

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Dashing Through the Snow

Oh wait – there is no snow and very little dashing. The sleigh is an enclosed black SUV and hopefully there will be lots of laughter. Our youngest daughter, son-in-law and three young grandchildren are coming today for Thanksgiving dinner and a time of decorating for Christmas.

You remember I told you earlier in the week about our Christmas tree cutting adventure last weekend with our oldest daughter and son-in-love. Well, said tree has stood stately through the week and will be the center of attention this afternoon.

I’ve been looking at pictures of our Christmas trees from years past. Some have been quite stately. They have stood strong through many years of cold snowy winters and warm sunny summers. Others were a bit more lean, having a flat side with short little branches because they grew too close to another tree and their growth was stunted.

Each tree had its own beauty and charm. Each tree had grown from a small seed that fell from the pinecone years before we had come. Each tree was a testament to God’s recreative power, and each tree took us to nature, God’s beauty and reminded us of His love.

Thinking about those trees, their imperfections, and their beauty, I was reminded that we are like those trees. We all have our own little quirks and characteristics, but we are all a creation of beauty designed by the Master Creator, our Heavenly Father.

“Let the gift of undeserved grace and the understanding that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help you keep on growing. Praise Jesus now and forever! Amen.” II Peter 3:18 CEV

Maybe you are a Charley Brown tree or maybe you are majestic like the tree in Rockefeller Plaza. Just let your light shine and bring joy into the lives of those around you.

“You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him. 7 Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.” Colossians 2:6-7 CEV

As we move from Thanksgiving to Christmas we’ll be oohing and awing over Christmas lights and decorations. Busy baking goodies and doing some final shopping. Making special gifts and most of all making memories.

Memories, hopefully, that are centered around Christ and His amazing love for each of us.

Let others see that you are God’s workmanship, created by Him to do good.

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In A Nutshell

As I sat quietly this morning, it was a time of introspection. “My life in a nutshell”.

How to describe it? How would others define it? What am I most grateful for this Thanksgiving season?

God’s word – simply and emphatically. God’s word.

Oh yes, I am extremely grateful for Dave, the kids, the grands and great grands, my health and home, my friends but without God’s word these would be shallow. Without God’s word I wouldn’t know of His endless, boundless love, mercy, grace and forgiveness. Without His word, peace, joy and hope would be fleeting and that would seriously affect my family, health and friends.

What has had the greatest impact on my life, kept me on a firm foundation, been my source of strength and wisdom is God’s word.

“I deeply love your Law! I think about it all day. 98 Your laws never leave my mind, and they make me much wiser than my enemies. 99 Thinking about your teachings gives me better understanding than my teachers, 100 and obeying your laws makes me wiser than those who have lived a long time. 101 I obey your word instead of following a way that leads to trouble. 102 You have been my teacher, and I won’t reject your instructions. 103 Your teachings are sweeter than honey.” Psalm 119:97-103 CEV

I spent a large portion of my early years, up to my thirties, not searching the Scriptures as my daily bread. I was too busy to take time to study the Bible. Oh yes, I loved the Lord. I was a Christian but a shallow one. I worried and fretted with the best of them. I could be short-tempered, easily frustrated and stressed.

Then little by little all that changed. Just a few minutes each morning – time was short so I had to be quick. After a while I realized without my morning time spent in God’s word and prayer the day just didn’t go as smoothly, and I wasn’t prepared for the challenging situations that would arise.

Just as I began to put fingers to keyboard this morning the words of this old song came flooding in:

“Wonderful Words of Life”

Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty
Teach me faith and duty.

Refrain:
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.

Sweetly echo the gospel call,
Wonderful words of life;
Offer pardon and peace to all,
Wonderful words of life;
Jesus, only Savior,
Sanctify forever. [Refrain]”

Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.

Once when Jesus finished a teaching, a large portion of the multitude that followed Him left. They said it was a “hard” teaching.

“ Jesus then asked his twelve disciples if they also were going to leave him. 68  Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, there is no one else that we can go to! Your words give eternal life. 69 We have faith in you, and we are sure that you are God’s Holy One.’” John 6:67-69 CEV

Words of Life!

My greatest joy – my life in a nutshell – is to know God’s word in greater, practical depth each day.

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Thoughts of Peace

Yesterday morning we talked about decluttering our thoughts. It really is freeing to let go of the worries, the what-ifs, the constant bombardment of unsolicited thought and focus on what the Spirit of God is teaching us.

“We who have the Spirit are able to make judgments about all these things. But anyone without the Spirit is not able to make proper judgments about us. 16 As the Scriptures say,

‘Who can know what is on the Lord’s mind? Who is able to give him advice?’

But we have been given Christ’s way of thinking.” I Corinthians 2:15-16 ERV

The Apostle Paul was continually instructing the new Christians on how to have a renewed mind. He wanted them to have their thinking conforming to God’s word and in turn he knew it would transform their lives.

“ Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:3-11 NLT

To be like Christ we need humility. We let God’s word and will be done in our lives. Learning to serve and care for others, knowing that God, Himself, is committed to caring for us.

“A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.” Luke 6:45 NLT

Our hearts are the treasury of God’s love, and we can make daily deposits into our account by what we think and by following through with corresponding actions.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 NLT

We choose to think on the good things, the things that are godly and pure. We capture thoughts that go contrary to God’s word. When we do, we have peace, God’s abiding peace!

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Swept Clean

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Loving Care

Yesterday we were at the racetrack. These races are for the year’s championship title. It’s our time with our oldest daughter and son-in-law and it’s also a great time to people watch.

That’s what I found myself doing during last night’s Xfinity race.

We had a family directly in front of us. Down about 10 rows was another family group. Then right before the race started a family with a small boy came and sat directly behind us. All three families caught my eye.

One family had two children about 8 and 10, the small boy was about 3 or 4 and the other child was a baby about 6 to 9 months. All the kids had the right ear protection, were dressed warmly and were happy.

Happy because mom, dad and extended family members were giving them the attention and loving care they needed. Although the adults came to watch the race, be part of the action and cheer for their favorite driver, their kids took priority.

There were several trips to the concession stand for food and drinks, and more than one exit to the restrooms. Even the baby was cuddled and rocked safely in loving arms. Not once did I hear a cross word or see one of the children being scolded.

No.

There were smiles exchanged between the adults as they would get up and leave the grandstands. Helping kids maneuver the grandstand seats, and not disrupting the other race fans, as much as possible, was their general concern.

Yes. They missed parts of the race, and maybe they missed seeing their favorite driver make an exciting move, but their attention was on the child who was dependent upon them.

“So what should we say about this? If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us.” Romans 8:31 ERV

I couldn’t help but think of the lyrics from an old song, “My heavenly Father watches over me”.

“Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 ERV

Our heavenly Father rules the universe, but we have His attention. He knows what we need, and He provides.

“The Father has loved us so much! This shows how much he loved us: We are called children of God. And we really are his children. But the people in the world don’t understand that we are God’s children, because they have not known him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God…”I John 3:1-2 ERV

My prayer is that you will know and trust God’s love just like those little children at the race track last night.

I am so thankful for our Father’s loving care!

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Living Free

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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