Tag: PeaceofGod

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Love My Life

Yes, the house is quiet as it always is when I start my day but this morning there is added joy. Upstairs in the loft are our three youngest grandchildren.

The giggles that turned into full laughter as they ran outside and watched the rain after dinner, the hands covered in paint from the salt dough art projects, and the smiles on their faces as they ate Oreo lava cupcakes for dessert are the memories that Dave and I hope last them their lifetime.

We roll out the yoga mats and the sleeping bags, grab extra blankets and pillows and the loft becomes a shelter for sleeping children. Bible story, prayers said and up to watch King of Kings before falling to sleep. It just doesn’t get much better.

My morning prayer time has been for them. Covering them with safety and peace; love and good health; joy and the knowledge of how special they are and how deeply God loves them.

One by one they have asked for things and one by one they have come to give us hugs and kisses and to say “I love you Besta. I love you Pappy”. My heart is full and sometimes, so full, that my eyes overflow.

I can only imagine this is how the Father must feel when we stop mid-activity to look up and say, “I love you Father. Thank you, this is so much fun”.

“There are some who ask, ‘Who will be good to us?’ Let your kindness, Lord, shine brightly on us. 7 You brought me more happiness than a rich harvest of grain and grapes. 8 I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalm 4:6-8 CEV

“Your thoughts are of great worth to me, O God. How many there are! 18 If I could number them, there would be more than the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.” Psalm 139:17-18 NLV

Each morning when we wake, God is still here. He has planned wonderful things for our day. May we wake with anticipation – looking forward to the adventure of life God has for us! I love my life!

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Carrying Kindness

In my morning reading, I was in the book of Mark, chapter 15. Jesus had been betrayed by Judas, deserted by His disciples, denied by Peter and was now standing before Pilate to be questioned.

“The chief priests brought many charges against Jesus. 4 Then Pilate questioned him again, “Don’t you have anything to say? Don’t you hear what crimes they say you have done?” 5 But Jesus did not answer, and Pilate was amazed…10 Pilate knew that the chief priests had brought Jesus to him because they were jealous.” Mark 15:3-10 CEV

Before I started reading the Lord had been dealing with my heart about godly character, carrying kindness instead of carrying a grudge.

Jesus knew what it was like to be lied about, misunderstood by family, betrayed by friends, persecuted. He knew hardship, he knew anger, he knew heartbreak, he knew loneliness.

He was the Son of God but His life was not void of hardship.

“Great blessings belong to those who suffer persecution for doing what is right.
    God’s kingdom belongs to them.

11 “People will insult you and hurt you. They will lie and say all kinds of evil things about you because you follow me. But when they do that, know that great blessings belong to you. 12 Be happy about it. Be very glad because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven. People did these same bad things to the prophets who lived before you.” Matthew 5:10-12 ERV

“ But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. 45  Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong. 46 If you love only those people who love you, will God reward you for this? Even tax collectors[a] love their friends. 47 If you greet only your friends, what’s so great about this? Don’t even unbelievers do that? 48  But you must always act like your Father in heaven.” Mark 5:44-48 CEV

This truth of godliness was so engrained in the life of Christ that on the cross when He had been beaten, whipped beyond recognition and nailed to a cross He was able to cry out, “Father, forgive them. They don’t realize what they are doing”.

In His most agonizing moment, He carried kindness and not revenge.

Most of us will not experience this type of persecution but we will have what the Bible calls tribulation. We will have moments of great sorrow that are unjust – we will be lied about and lied to. We will have heartache, we will be betrayed.

“ Listen to me. A time is coming when you will be scattered, each to his own home. In fact, that time is already here. You will leave me, and I will be alone. But I am never really alone, because the Father is with me.

33 “I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:32-33 ERV

We will never experience this peace on our own. Grudges, resentment, and hatred will fester and grow if left unresolved but in Christ we can have peace. In God, we find help.

“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

Through God’s strength and mercy we stop carrying a grudge and we carry kindness and forgiveness.

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In the Father’s Arms

As parents, we all know how good it is to see our kids after a long separation – what a joy to hug their necks and be able to give them a kiss and just see them face to face. I can only imagine how our heavenly Father must feel when we choose to be separated from Him.

The joy He must feel when we come back to His presence must be unspeakable. And how it must brighten His day when we take time to stop throughout the day to check in and say hi. I so appreciate knowing that my Heavenly Father is always wanting me to come to presence and spend time with Him.

He welcomes up to come boldly into His presence in our time of need. He promises to provide us with His help.

“ 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

We come to His arms, to His embrace, to His comfort and for His strength. We respond to His love as He welcomes us.

“While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him coming and felt sorry for him. So he ran to him and hugged and kissed him. 21 The son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against God and have done wrong to you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, …‘24 My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he is found!’ So they began to have a party.” Luke 15:20-24 ERV

Take time today to make your Father smile – give Him a hug and tell Him you love Him.

“We are telling you about what we have seen and heard because we want you to have fellowship with us. The fellowship we share together is with God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We write these things to you so that you can be full of joy with us.” I John 1:3-4 ERV

“The true children of God are those who let God’s Spirit lead them. 15 The Spirit that we received is not a spirit that makes us slaves again and causes us to fear. The Spirit that we have makes us God’s chosen children. And with that Spirit we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ 16 And the Spirit himself speaks to our spirits and makes us sure that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:14-16 ERV

“Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. 29 Accept my teaching. Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest.” Matthew 11:28-29 ERV

Come. Come to Father to His embrace and find rest!

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Redeemed – At the Cross

Dave and I try to find something uplifting or humorous to watch before going to bed.

Last night we listened to several videos which featured “Jelly Roll”. For those of you from my generation who may find it hard to look at someone who is tatted like Jelly Roll and not be critical, let me say what the Lord told Samuel:

“When they had come, Samuel looked at Eliab and thought, ‘For sure he is the Lord’s chosen one who is standing before Him.”’7 But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at the way he looks on the outside or how tall he is, because I have not chosen him. For the Lord does not look at the things man looks at. A man looks at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart.‘” I Samuel 16:6-7 NLV

This man has a message of hope and redemption in Jesus Christ. It’s a message of praise.

We all need to come to the realization of what our Savior, Jesus Christ, did for us on the cross. We each have had our heartaches and pain. Not one of us has lived a life free of disappointment. Not even Jesus.

In our darkest moments the Father is there. In our deepest pain He reaches out to lift us up. In our most debilitating trial, He redeems our life. He gives us beauty for ashes, joy in the morning and peace in the storm.

“But now the Lord Who made you, O Jacob, and He Who made you, O Israel, says, “Do not be afraid. For I have bought you and made you free. I have called you by name. You are Mine! 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the rivers, they will not flow over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. The fire will not destroy you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, Who saves you. ” Isaiah 43:1-3 NLV

Raise your hands in worship to the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who covered our sin at the cross and the Father who gave His Son to pay the price for our sin!

Listen to this and then listen again. We’ve been “Redeemed – at the Cross“.

Now lift up your hands and praise Him again and again!

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Recipe for a Good Day

The thing I’m learning in my quest to make good sour dough bread is measurement. There’s the starter and then the flour and water that you use to feed it. Measurement is important to my success.

The correct measurement is important to so many things, especially to our success in our spiritual growth. This morning, I will share what I feel is the recipe for a good day.

Here are the ingredients required: praise, trust, prayer, dependence and contentment and the end result will be peace and joy.


“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1 KJV

“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” Psalm 62:8 KJV

“Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.” Philippians 4:6-7 CEV

“ I am not complaining about having too little. I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have. 12 I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. 13 Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” Philippians 4:11-13 CEV

and the final ingredient is joy

“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

Being in the presence of the Lord we will have all we need to live right, to live successfully. Equal parts of praise, trust, dependence, prayer, peace, contentment and joy are the perfect recipe for a good day.

Mix up a big batch of it each day and enjoy the result!

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The Sound of Refreshing

This morning as I finished my prayer time and was getting ready to write I was still wondering what I should share.

Then I heard it – it grew louder – the sound of rain on the roof! Praise God this is what we’ve been praying for. Our desert is dry and so, this is the sound of refreshing.

“The Lord your God commands you to love him and to serve him with all your heart and soul. If you obey him, 14-15 he will send rain at the right seasons, so you will have more than enough food, wine, and olive oil, and there will be plenty of grass for your cattle.” Deuteronomy 11:13-15 CEV

My instinct is to go outside and watch it rain, like a little child I like standing in the rain but first I will finish with these thoughts from the Psalms.

“You are my God. I worship you. In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream
 in a scorching desert. 2 I have seen your power and your glory in the place of worship.
3 Your love means more than life to me, and I praise you. 4 As long as I live, I will pray to you.
5 I will sing joyful praises and be filled with excitement like a guest at a banquet.

6 I think about you, God, before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night.
7 You have helped me, and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings. 8 I stay close to you, and your powerful arm supports me.” Psalm 63:1-8 CEV

If your heart has been dry and your emotions seem parched; the fruit of peace has withered then I encourage you to enter into praise. Praise the Lord for all He’s done in the past and what He will do in your future.

But also praise Him now for sending spiritual rain and refreshing at the right time to your dry and thirsty land.

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In A Nut Shell

Each day I am thankful that God has allowed me to share His word with you. I don’t know where I would be without the Father’s love or His wonderful love letter, His Word! In fact, I don’t even want to think about what my life would be like without Him.

In a nutshell – God’s Word has brought me forgiveness of sins, health to my body, peace to my soul, healing for my children. He has enriched my marriage, provided wisdom when my human intellect was lacking, protection in physical and emotional storms and safety in the face of danger. God’s promises let me know that He will always supply and He always has.

I saw in God’s word that He has made provision for more than just eternal life and that He wanted me to live victoriously while I was here on earth. That’s why I share with you.

“I would have been without hope if I had not believed that I would see the loving-kindness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord. Be strong. Let your heart be strong. Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NLV

All of God’s promises are the same. His Word is for everyone but we don’t all see the same results. Why? We must appropriate what God has given us; simply put we must believe it regardless of how we feel or what circumstances tell us we should believe.

There have been days that I wake up and don’t feel very saved; but my salvation isn’t founded on my feelings, it’s based on God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice. There are days that I wake up and may not feel healed, but I am because it’s based on God’s promise and Jesus’ sacrifice.

“He forgives all my sins. He heals all my diseases.” Psalms 103:3 NLV

The circumstances said there wasn’t enough lunch to feed 5000 men with five loaves and two fish but the blessing of God flowed and there was more than enough. The medical world said nothing could be done for the woman with the issue of blood but just one touch brought healing to her body. Yes, the word of God changes our circumstances when we believe; it’s called faith! Not faith in ourselves, but faith in God’s unchanging, unfailing love.

Let the words of David’s Psalm be real in your life today.

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection. 2 I say to the LORD, ‘You are my place of safety, my fortress, My God, I trust in you.‘ 3 God will save you from hidden dangers and from deadly diseases. 4 You can go to him for protection. He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies. You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield...14 The Lord says, ‘If someone trusts me, I will save them. I will protect my followers who call to me for help. 15 When my followers call to me, I will answer them. I will be with them when they are in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. 16 I will give my followers a long life and show them my power to save.” Psalm 91 ERV

The Lord placed a capacity for faith in our hearts. Even when our faith is the size of a mustard seed, that’s smaller than a nutshell, it’s a powerful force.

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Prayers of Comfort

Let’s take a moment to pray for those in Texas who were devastated by the flooding river yesterday. The devil seeks to destroy wherever he can.

“Father, we pray for those who lost loved ones in the flood yesterday. We pray for those who are still uncounted for and the those looking for them. Give them strength, give them comfort and give them hope. In the name of Jesus.”

I started with this blog by asking if everyone had a good 4th and then the Lord reminded me that not everyone did. Our hearts join their hearts. Mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who are in need of comfort.

“I know what you are like! But I will heal you, lead you, and give you comfort, until those who are mourning 19  start singing my praises. No matter where you are, I, the Lord, will heal you and give you peace.” Isaiah 57:18-19 CEV

“The Spirit of the Lord God has taken control of me! The Lord has chosen and sent me
to tell the oppressed the good news, to heal the brokenhearted, and to announce freedom
for prisoners and captives. 2 This is the year when the Lord God will show kindness to us and punish our enemies. The Lord has sent me to comfort those who mourn, 3  especially in Jerusalem. He sent me to give them flowers in place of their sorrow, olive oil in place of tears, and joyous praise in place of broken hearts.” Isaiah 61:1-3 CEV

“ Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. 4 He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share this same comfort with others in trouble. 5 We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives. ” II Corinthians 2:3-5 CEV

Be aware of those who need comfort today. Share a hug, a word, a prayer. Share the love of God.

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The Little Things

We have been experiencing some really hot, dry weather. The skies have been a dusty brown making the air quality poor. The weatherman has been predicting the summer monsoons will be starting soon but it seems we have been waiting in vain.

However…late yesterday afternoon the clouds began to gather, and we were blessed with a sprinkle. Not a shower by any means, but a sprinkle. The temperature dropped into the 90’s, the dust in the atmosphere settled.

Thank you, Lord, for the little things!

“The Lord made the heavens and everything in them by his word. 7 He scooped up the ocean and stored the water. 8 Everyone in this world should worship and honor the Lord!” Psalm 33:6-7 CEV

This morning, we have blue sky, white clouds and a gentle breeze. Chance of rain in the forecast. It brings hope to a dry land.

Sometimes, just sometimes, our hearts and emotions get as dry as this parched desert. Circumstances heat up and would like to dry us out the way the sun dries the earth. What do we do then? Do we get crusty and prickly like a cholla cactus? Or do we lean into God?

“O God, You are my God. I will look for You with all my heart and strength. My soul is thirsty for You. My flesh is weak wanting You in a dry and tired land where there is no water. 2 So I have seen You in the holy place. And I have seen Your power and Your shining-greatness. 3 My lips will praise You because Your loving-kindness is better than life.” Psalm 63:1-2 NLV

In the dry places, our praise is like a sprinkling of rain. It brings refreshing; it lifts the spirits and waters the soul.

“Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy.” Philippians 4:4 ERV

There is always something to be thankful for. The first thing that comes to mind is God’s unconditional, unfailing love! He is for us and has promised to never leave or abandon us. That’s more than enough to get us through the hard times.

I would have loved a good frog-strangling rain last night but I’m thankful for the sprinkle that brought a refreshing and a hope of things to come!

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Heart Smart

So many advertisements and commercials encourage us to be “heart smart”. I agree but it won’t come from eating a certain cereal, taking a low grain aspirin everyday, or any other thing that man can advertise. My watch even tells me my heart rate when I’m out on a walk.

To be truly heart smart, take a good dose of Scripture every day.

” Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.” I Kings 8:61 ERV

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psalm 27:14

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 22:37-39.

Good eating habits, exercise and relaxation are good for the bones and the emotions. Being founded on God’s word and focused on God’s presence is good for the entire person – spiritual, soul and body.

“I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.” Romans 15:13 CEV

“You have been raised to life with Christ. Now set your heart on what is in heaven, where Christ rules at God’s right side. 2 Think about what is up there, not about what is here on earth.” Colossians 3:1-2 CEV

Keep your heart healthy today.

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