Tag: PeaceofGod

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Trust Isn’t a One Time Thing

Verses of trust are running through my heart this morning. So, I will share a few with you. Also, the words to the old hymn: “trust and obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey”.

In my morning quiet time, I took time to reflect and repent. We had a lovely time. Our campsite was beautiful and we hardly had any other campers around us. A real place of solitude.

However, unknowingly, cares and concerns began to creep in. Circumstances beyond our control and to be quite honest, I started to become overwhelmed and lost some of the peace that the Lord has promised to those who keep their minds “stayed or established” in Him.

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV

Trust is not a one time thing!

It is a daily, sometimes, minute-by-minute or hour-by-hour, commitment to God and His word.

“Praise the Lord! He has heard my prayer for mercy. 7 The Lord is my strength and shield. I trusted him with all my heart. He helped me, so I am happy. I sing songs of praise to him. 8 The Lord protects his chosen one. He saves him and gives him strength.” Psalm 28:6-8 ERV

“The Lord is my Rock, my fortress, my place of safety. 3 He is my God, the Rock I run to for protection. He is my shield; by his power I am saved. He is my hiding place, my place of safety, high in the hills. He is my savior, the one who rescues me from the cruel enemy. 4 I called to the Lord for help, and he saved me from my enemies. He is worthy of my praise!” II Samuel 22:2-4 ERV

Did you know not all enemies are physical? Worry is a terrible adversary; it is a thief that steals our joy and our peace.

” Some people trust the power of chariots or horses, but we trust you, Lord God. 8 Others will stumble and fall, but we will be strong and stand firm.” Psalm 20:6-8 CEV

“Don’t worry—I am with you. Don’t be afraid—I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with my right hand that brings victory.” Isaiah 41:10 ERV

” God is the one who saves me. I trust him, and I am not afraid. The Lord Yah is my strength. He saves me, and I sing songs of praise about him.[a]” 3 You people will get your water from the spring of salvation. Then you will be happy.” Isaiah 12:2-3 ERV

Footnote for Isaiah 12:2 Literally means, “Yah, Yahweh is my strength and praise. And he becomes my salvation.”

I encourage you to do what I did just a few hours ago. I took my basket of worry and laid it down at Jesus’ feet, again. He can handle it, He wants to handle it but we have to give Him permission to take it.

Trust is not a one-time thing. It is a daily, conscious commitment. “I trust Him”!

God our Father is trustworthy! Have a trust filled day!

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Wisdom Speaks

I have a question for you. How many times in the last week have you found yourself saying, “I just don’t know what I should do – or what choice I need to make – or what path I should follow”?

Yes, I’ve been there and done that more times than I would care to admit. So, you can imagine how excited I was this morning when I opened my Bible to Proverbs 8 and there was the header at the top of the page which said, “Wisdom Speaks”.

“I am Wisdom—Common Sense is my closest friend; I possess knowledge and sound judgment. 13 If you respect the Lord, you will hate evil. I hate pride and conceit and deceitful lies. 14 I am strong, and I offer sensible advice and sound judgment. 15 By my power kings govern, and rulers make laws that are fair. 16 Every honest leader rules with help from me.

17 I love everyone who loves me, and I will be found by all who honestly search. 18 I can make you rich and famous, important and successful. 19 What you receive from me is more valuable than even the finest gold or the purest silver. 20 I always do what is right, 21 and I give great riches to everyone who loves me.” Proverbs 8:12-22 CEV

Wisdom and common sense, sensible advice and sound judgement, more valuable than silver or gold. These are the gifts of wisdom. When I read verse 17, it immediately triggered what James, the Apostle, said when he wrote his letter on godly living:

“ Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom. 6 But when you ask God, you must believe. Don’t doubt him. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is blown up and down by the wind.” James 1:5-6 ERV

God the Father, who is the giver of wisdom, enjoys giving to everyone who asks. The key in that is not doubting the wisdom God provides.

“ Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. 7 And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” Philippians 4:6-7 ERV

When we take our prayers to the Lord, He doesn’t want us to worry about anything – ANYTHING. We ask for everything we need – WISDOM. God’s peace will direct our decisions and guard our hearts. This is practical wisdom.

“Rain and snow fall from the sky and don’t return until they have watered the ground.
Then the ground causes the plants to sprout and grow, and they produce seeds for the farmer and food for people to eat. 11 In the same way, my words leave my mouth, and they don’t come back without results. My words make the things happen that I want to happen. They succeed in doing what I send them to do. 12 “So you will go out from there with joy.
 You will be led out in peace…” Isaiah 55:10-12 ERV

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

I have long lived with trusting the peace of God. I’ve learned that if I’m not at peace about something, I shouldn’t proceed. God has been faithful to lead me by His peace.

Let’s close this with Wisdom’s words at the end of Proverbs 8.

“By finding me, you find life, and the Lord will be pleased with you.” Proverbs 8:35 CEV

Wisdom Speaks life into our situations!

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Goodness & Mercy Follow

When God leads and we follow, good follows too! Those who are trusting God can’t help but see God’s goodness. It’s just like His love – it’s who He is. God’s command to Joshua on the eve of leading the Israelites into the Promise Land was this:

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:8-9 KJV

God promised Joshua if he meditated on and obeyed the Word of God his way would be prosperous and he would have good success. Good success as opposed to bad success. Less you think I am just mincing words here let’s look at Joshua’s battles in taking the Promise Land.

First battle in was Jericho – a walled city – the whole city was destroyed and not one of Joshua’s people were injured or killed. Then they went to Ai – one of Joshua’s people had stolen things from Jericho, which God specifically prohibited and when they went out in battle 36 men were killed. Not good. Joshua went to the Lord and asked what happened. God explained the disobedience and Joshua took action against Achan and his family and when they went to fight against Ai again, they won with no casualties – good success! We can follow all through the book of Joshua and find that each battle where they were obedient to the Lord they had “good success”.

The Apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians that in Christ we will ALWAYS triumph. The Prophet Isaiah reminded the Israelites that “no weapon formed against thee will prosper” and John, the beloved disciple, said “greater is He that is in you, than He that is in the world”.

Good success! Joseph was sold by his brothers to slave traders; he served in Potiphar’s house and then was accused falsely of sexual impropriety and was sent to prison. From prison he was called to Pharoah’s throne room and became the second in command to all of Egypt. When his brothers came to Egypt asking for food during the famine, Joseph said this:

“’Don’t be afraid. I am not God! I have no right to punish you. 20 It is true that you planned to do something bad to me. But really, God was planning good things. God’s plan was to use me to save the lives of many people. And that is what happened. 21 So don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.’ And so Joseph said kind things to his brothers, and this made them feel better.” Genesis 50:19-21 ERV

What you thought for evil, God meant for good!

Joseph experienced every segment of his life’s journey looking for God’s good and so those experiences kept him from being bitter and cruel.

Trust in the Lord, be obedient to his Word and then you will be prosperous and goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life.

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Look to the Hills

This morning I’ve been praying for you!

I was out watering my plants, feeding the birds and taking in my view of the mountains. Enjoying all that the Lord has made.

As I sit here this morning praying for family and friends I am so glad that God knows where you are and what you are facing. I pray for those who are traveling around the country and across the world. Some are driving and others flying so I pray for your safety and the vehicles that will be transporting them.

Others of you are living in distant places and I don’t really know what is transpiring in your life on a daily basis and if there are any monumental obstacles you may be facing but He does!

We’ll be celebrating Father’s Day tomorrow and we have the most wonderful, caring, loving Father to honor! James, the apostle, writes that every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father.

The things He gives are meant to bless and prosper us – spirit, soul and body. What He gives doesn’t break, become outdated or need repair. He gives strength to the weak, healing to the broken hearted, peace to those who fear, rest to the weary, comfort to the lonely, joy to those who mourn, salvation to the lost and love to the abandoned!

“I look up to the hills, but where will my help really come from? 2 My help will come from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let you fall. Your Protector will not fall asleep. 4 Israel’s Protector does not get tired. He never sleeps. 5 The Lord is your Protector. The Lord stands by your side, shading and protecting you. 6 The sun cannot harm you during the day, and the moon cannot harm you at night.7 The Lord will protect you from every danger. He will protect your soul. 8 The Lord will protect you as you come and go, both now and forever!” Psalm 121 ERV

Look to the Hills…why?

“Every animal in the forest belongs to me, and so do the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know all the birds in the mountains, and every wild creature is in my care.” Psalm 50:10-11 CEV

If our Father cares for the cattle on a thousand hills and all the birds in the mountains then I am confident that He cares for and protects each one of you.

“ Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren’t you worth much more than birds?” Matthew 6:26 CEV

Thank you Father for covering my loved ones with your love, peace, and grace!

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Restore My Soul

For the last hour I have been reading verses of hurt, hope and healing.

Yesterday, I shared “Good Thoughts”. We especially need those good thoughts of God’s word to get us through the hard days.

“Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I tell myself, ‘Wait for God’s help! You will again have a chance to praise him, your God, the one who will save you.’” Psalm 43:5 ERV

Thoughts come rushing in and many times they bring fear and anxiety with them. That’s when we have to take them captive – lock them away like some hardened criminal. Cast them out like rotten and decaying food that is thrown into the dumpster.

“ We live in this world, but we don’t fight our battles in the same way the world does. 4 The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments, 5 and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5 ERV

Our heavenly Father’s plan is for our healing and our restoration.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is on me. The Lord has chosen me to tell good news to the poor and to comfort those who are sad. He sent me to tell the captives and prisoners that they have been set free. 2 He sent me to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness, when our God will also punish evil people. He has sent me to comfort those who are sad, 3 those in Zion who mourn. I will take away the ashes on their head, and I will give them a crown. I will take away their sadness, and I will give them the oil of happiness. I will take away their sorrow, and I will give them celebration clothes. He sent me to name them ‘Good Trees’ and ‘The Lord’s Wonderful Plant.’” Isaiah 61:1-3 ERV

This is the very message that Jesus said He came to deliver to all who were on the earth. God’s message of comfort and hope.

“The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need. 2 He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water. 3 He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that he is good. 4 Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave, I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me.” Psalm 23:1-4 ERV

In the dark times – as dark as death, we are not alone. He is always with us! He will always be our comfort and our guide. He is our Shepherd, our Good Shepherd.

These verses are not just words on a page. They are the living Word of God. They are filled with all the power of God Himself. Let me leave you with this:

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NLT

To those who are weary, listen to the Lord’s leading. Lay down in green pastures and let Him restore your soul!

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Pulled to Safety

I just wanted to share this Psalm with you as a way of following up on yesterday’s blog.

There are so many who feel helpless and without hope because of the situations they are in. They don’t have that rock solid foundation that I was talking about. If you know someone like that – wondering what to do, where to go, how to manage, I pray you will share these Scriptures with them.

God knows, He cares, He’s here with the answer.

“I patiently waited, Lord,
    for you to hear my prayer.
You listened 2 and pulled me
from a lonely pit
    full of mud and mire.
You let me stand on a rock
    with my feet firm,
3 and you gave me a new song,
    a song of praise to you.
Many will see this,
and they will honor and trust
    you, the Lord God.

4 You bless all of those
    who trust you, Lord,
and refuse to worship idols
    or follow false gods.
5 You, Lord God, have done
    many wonderful things,
and you have planned
    marvelous things for us.
No one is like you!
I would never be able to tell
    all you have done.

6 Sacrifices and offerings
    are not what please you;
gifts and payment for sin
    are not what you demand.
But you made me willing
    to listen and obey.
7 And so, I said, “I am here
    to do what is written
about me in the book,
    where it says,
8 ‘I enjoy pleasing you.
    Your Law is in my heart.’ ”

9 When your people worshiped,
you know I told them,
    “Our Lord always helps!”
10 When all your people met,
    I did not keep silent.
I said, “Our Lord is kind.
He is faithful and caring,
    and he saves us.”

11 You, Lord, never fail
    to have pity on me;
your love and faithfulness
    always keep me secure.

12 I have more troubles
    than I can count.
My sins are all around me,
    and I can’t find my way.
My sins outnumber
the hairs on my head,
    and I feel weak.
13 Please show that you care
and come to my rescue.
    Hurry and help me!

14 Disgrace and confuse
    all who want me dead;
turn away and disgrace
    all who want to hurt me.
15 Embarrass and shame
everyone who says,
    “Just look at you now!”

16 Our Lord, let your worshipers
    rejoice and be glad.
They love you for saving them,
so let them always say,
    “The Lord is wonderful!”

17 I am poor and needy,
but, Lord God,
    you care about me,
and you come to my rescue.
    Please hurry and help.” Psalm 40 CEV

The Lord IS wonderful, He is great! I will magnify Him for He IS all I need!

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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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Recognizing God’s Presence

“You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time.” Matthew 28:20b ERV

“ Keep your lives free from the love of money. And be satisfied with what you have. God has said, ‘I will never leave you; I will never run away from you.‘” Hebrews 13:5 ERV

“ You will show me the way of life. Being with You is to be full of joy. In Your right hand there is happiness forever.” Psalm 16:11 NLV

“ If I take the wings of the morning or live in the farthest part of the sea, 10 even there Your hand will lead me and Your right hand will hold me. ” Psalm 139:9-10 NLV

As I sat here this morning, I was thanking the Lord for yesterday’s events. A trip to the grocery store and to the dentist both revealed God’s presence and provision.

God is in the small, routine occurrence and also in the miraculous.

Our failing comes in seeking the miraculous before we acknowledge God’s presence.

I was asked once by a group of college students if I was one of those “born again Christians”. I could tell by their tone that they had been turned off to religious people with their piety and condemning ways.

So, I answered their question truthfully. “No, not the way you’re asking but something much deeper. I am born again because I have received a new life through my relationship with Christ. A christian? Yes, because that word means “Christ like one”. I went on to say, “You see, I trust God for everything I do each day. I believe God wants to be involved in my trips to the grocery store and in seeing that my children grow up healthy and strong. I believe He wants my marriage to be great and for me to acknowledge His leading each and every day.”

Oh, sometimes I have failed at that, thinking I had to take matters into my own hands because I knew how to handle a situation without first going to Him and asking for His leading and wisdom. Those times didn’t turn out so well.

But now…I make it a point to practice His presence.

If I find that my joy is gone and I’m stressing over things like finances and lack, personal relationships, world issues or health issues I remind myself that my Father is always with me. Leading me to green pastures where I will find rest. Knowing He has not abandoned me or left me to my own strength.

Recognizing the Presence of God isn’t just something we do when we are in a church service or in our morning quiet time. His presence is closer than the air we breathe or the warmth of the sun.

Recognize His presence today. Hear Him say to you, “Lo, I am with you ALWAYS”!

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A Praying Mother

Good Morning and Happy Mother’s Day!

This morning my thoughts are on Samuel, the priest’s mother. (I Samuel chapters 1 & 2)

Hannah had no children and her heart ached. She was the second wife in a plural marriage, which was common in that day. Her husband’s other wife had children and taunted her with unkind comments.

Each year the whole family went to the tabernacle to worship. This year in particular, Hannah poured out her heart to the Lord. She wept as she prayed.

“When the sacrifice had been offered, and they had eaten the meal, Hannah got up and went to pray. Eli was sitting in his chair near the door to the place of worship. 10 Hannah was heartbroken and was crying as she prayed, 11  “Lord All-Powerful, I am your servant, but I am so miserable! Please let me have a son. I promise to give him to you for as long as he lives, and his hair will never be cut.”

12-13 Hannah prayed silently to the Lord for a long time. But her lips were moving, and Eli thought she was drunk. 14 “How long are you going to stay drunk?” he asked. “Sober up!”

15-16 “Sir, please don’t think I’m no good!” Hannah answered. “I’m not drunk, and I haven’t been drinking. But I do feel miserable and terribly upset. I’ve been praying all this time, telling the Lord about my problems.”

17 Eli replied, “Go home. Everything will be fine. The God of Israel will answer your prayer.”

18 “Sir, thank you for being so kind to me,” Hannah said. Then she left, and after eating something, she felt much better.19 Elkanah and his family got up early the next morning and worshiped the Lord. Then they went back home to Ramah. Later the Lord blessed Elkanah and Hannah 20 with a son. She named him Samuel because she had asked the Lord for him.” I Samuel 1:9-20 CEV

Many of us have cried over our children. Praying God’s best for them. Asking the Lord to protect them, give me peace and comfort, provide them with His best. And still others have cried out to the Lord to have children.

That’s what mothers do!

As a mother with years of experience in praying with and for her children, I encourage you to never give up. Your prayers are not in vain.

“…The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].” James 5:16b AMP

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