Tag: PeaceofGod

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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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Noises that Go Boom!

Last night was a night of very little sleep. Right before bed, I read a “Breaking Now” news story. Two firefighters were killed, and one was wounded by a sniper! This was in a town we used to call home, Couer d’Alene, Idaho.

I wondered if we knew these men and/or their families. I prayed for them, their families, the other first responders, and the community. It was hard to sleep and when I awaken at 1 p.m. I was prompted to pray more. I ask you to pray for that city and all involved today.

With that being said, this morning I recycled a blog from 8 or 9 years ago. It’s one on driving out the loud noise of fear…

“I was reminded of this experience that I had several years back while we were in Iowa watching the fireworks. It was a nice display – I had a perfect spot from the porch of our RV. But Glory, our Australian Shepherd, was not getting the same enjoyment I was.

As long as she sat in my lap and I was patting her, she was ok. She didn’t realize that there was nothing to harm her and that soon, very soon, it would all be over. Her perspective was skewed but she knew she would be ok because I would protect her.

It made me think of how unfounded my fears have been. Most things are only loud noises when put in perspective with God’s word and His goodness, grace, mercy and power (the true light). In a few short days I will be celebrating my 64th birthday. (Now to be 72.) The years have flown by, and I feel the best is still ahead – the best years with my husband, my children, my friends, and my God!

There’s an old song – The Longer I Serve Him the Sweeter He Grows! Yes, I can say God is always faithful! Always!

Me, on the other hand, I can use some work. So many times, I thought I knew best and had the perfect plan. I got out into a place of loud booming noises that frightened me. I was sure I would be destroyed. I would come back and cuddle in close and I would feel God’s reassuring hand and hear His voice telling me it would be ok, “I’m here”. And yes, it was soon over, and it was ok.

Moses was giving instruction to the Israelites and to Joshua right before they crossed over the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Moses told them that he would not be going with them; he had led them for 40 years and now it was time for someone new to take charge. They were to follow Joshua.

“ Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

7 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.

8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 30:6-8 KJV

Be of “Good” courage.

Good courage is God based, and it will drive out fear. John wrote in I John 4 that perfect love casts out fear.

When we are secure in God’s love for us, knowing that He will never leave us or abandon us, we will be strong with “good” courage even in the face of fierce battles and opponents that are big as giants.

Look at what Moses says in verse 8; He WILL be with thee, He WILL NOT fail or forsake thee, fear NOT!

I don’t know what loud noises you are facing today but when you are letting the Lord lead you can have “good courage”, and you’ll hear His voice telling you He’s there and you can trust Him to protect.

Let the light in your eyes be the light of His glorious presence and then there will be no reason to fear!

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Life & Peace

In my morning prayer I heard myself saying, “Thank you Father that You are my life and my peace. In You I have abundant life and from You I receive peace that goes beyond my natural comprehension”.

I am so grateful for the Father’s promises to us. Promises that will never be broken.

“My son, do not forget my teaching. Let your heart keep my words. 2 For they will add to you many days and years of life and peace. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you. Tie them around your neck. Write them upon your heart.” Proverbs 3:1-3 NLV

The teachings of God’s word will fill us with peace and an abundance in life that we will no other place.

“ But there is more! Now that God has accepted us because Christ sacrificed his life’s blood, we will also be kept safe from God’s anger. 10 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. 11 And in addition to everything else, we are happy because God sent our Lord Jesus Christ to make peace with us.” Romans 5:9-11 CEV

For generations there was a teaching that God was angry with us, condemning us, destroying the things that were important to us. That is so far from the truth. God is not the one who damns – He is the giver of life. He is the source of all peace.

“People who are ruled by their desires think only of themselves. Everyone who is ruled by the Holy Spirit thinks about spiritual things. 6 If our minds are ruled by our desires, we will die. But if our minds are ruled by the Spirit, we will have life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6 CEV

Do you think I’m saying we will never have troubles or face life’s great challenges? I’m not saying that at all. However, I am saying what God says “He will never leave us or abandon us”. “In this world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer, I (Jesus) have overcome the world”.

Just one final verse this morning and then I’ll close.

“A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.” John 10:10 ERV

Thank you, Father, for your promise of a full and good life. A life with peace!

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Morning Surprises

King Solomon said that “little foxes spoil the vines”, in our case it is the javelina that eat the geraniums and other plants at night.

You may think it’s silly to become frustrated over something as small as that and I agree it is. I have the opportunity at the beginning of each day to let the munched-on plants bother me or to take it in stride.

But isn’t that a lesson for any of life’s annoyances? Problems we consider as monumental are small to the Father. He doesn’t want our peace being disturbed no matter how large or small.

“It is wonderful to be grateful and to sing your praises, Lord Most High! 2 It is wonderful each morning to tell about your love and at night to announce how faithful you are.” Psalm 92:1-2 CEV

I really don’t know how life would be if I didn’t start it each morning with my Lord.

“But I will sing about your strength. I will rejoice in your love every morning. You have been my place of safety, the place I can run to when troubles come. 17 I will sing praises to you, my source of strength. You, God, are my place of safety.” Psalm 59:16-17 ERV

We can give our day over to frustration and anxiousness or we can celebrate the love of the Father. He is our strength, our protection, our joy and our peace.

The Lord just brought a thought to my mind. Mary went to the garden early in the morning. Her grief was overwhelming. She went to finish preparing Jesus’ body for burial and then she would leave. But something had dramatically changed. Jesus wasn’t in the tomb, He had risen!

Her grief turned to joy when she looked away from the circumstances and looked into the face of the Savior.

I find peace and strength in starting my day in His presence with His word. I hope you do the same!

In the morning when I rise let me see Jesus!!

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Promised Peace

Yesterday a friend and I began a time of Bible study. The Lord led me to begin a verse by verse study of Colossians. I love that book!

I honestly know that there isn’t a wasted word in the Bible. All scripture is God inspired and given to help us grow, to correct and instruct us so that we will be thoroughly furnished for every good work.

I spent a lot of time just on verse 2.

“To the holy and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Colossae. Grace and peace to you from God our Father.” Colossians 1:2 ERV

This is not a generic “hi, how ya doing” greeting. Paul wanted this message to permeate all he was about to say. He was under house arrest in Rome. He was no longer able to meet with these young believers personally. He wanted their lives to be guided by peace and filled with grace.

God wants that for every believer. Grace – the forgiveness and restitution of our lives to relationship with the Father. Peace – the absence of fear, doubt and stress.

We spent a good deal of time right there. God gives us promised peace. Jesus said to his disciples:

“I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” John 14:27 ERV

He said knowing He would be crucified in the next few hours. If ever there was a time for peace it was then. Jesus was reassuring them that everything would be ok. That promise is good for us too.

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you. 4 So trust the Lord always, because in the Lord Yah you have a place of safety forever.” Isaiah 26:3-4 ERV

Slow down enough to let that sink in. God gives true peace to those who trust Him – so trust Him always! That’s how we live in peace – trusting the Lord. He is our place of safety.

Remember the message of the angels as they announced the birth of Christ?

“Praise God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please him.” Luke 2:14 ERV

Peace on earth came through Jesus. This was God’s plan from the beginning. He wanted the relationship He had with Adam and Eve in the garden to be restored. Jesus came to fulfill that plan.

“And through him, God was happy to bring all things back to himself again— things on earth and things in heaven. God made peace by using the blood sacrifice of his Son on the cross.” Colossians 1:20 ERV

God has promised us peace. Emotional peace, internal peace and spiritual peace. I am certain of this when God makes a promise, He keeps it. Peace comes to those who trust so…trust Him always!

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