2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
Peace is a mysterious thing. Sometimes, we can seek out peace with all our might, and that's exactly when it doesn't appear. If our minds are in turmoil, our lives spinning round and round but going nowhere, how can God provide His perfect peace when our lives have no place for it?
Peace is something you have to achieve by doing nothing and letting God do all. Ask God for peace today. Seek His face, His will for your life, His direction. Pray and let God do some of the talking. Meditate on a favorite verse, listen to an old hymn, or just simply spend time outdoors contemplating His glorious creation. If you seek Him, you will find Him. He's right there waiting.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Unapproachable Light?
1 Timothy 6:15-16
...the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and might forever. Amen.
God is many things to us. He is our Father, Friend, Comforter, Creator, Protector, Salvation. This list could go on and on and on. However, we must not forget that God is far superior to anything that we could call Him, feel about Him, or declare Him to be.
When I first read this verse, I wondered, "Why would this verse describe God as living in unapproachable light?" With all that we know about God, isn't He approachable? Kind? Loving? Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, "Let the little children come to me." However, as we see in Exodus 3, God appears to Moses as a burning bush. Moses, in his curiosity, draws closer to the bush to see why it had not been consumed with fire. God calls his name, and Moses draws near. Before getting too close to be harmed by the flames, God stops Moses and says, ""Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."
I believe God draws us near to Him, so that He can draw near to us. In His lovingkindness, He steps out of His unapproachable light, which is much too powerful, much too bright, and much too holy for us to approach. Therefore, He, in all His grace and mercy, approaches us. The God who created the universe cares about me and loves me enough to step out of His holiness and glory to approach me. That should give you something to smile about today!
...the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and might forever. Amen.
God is many things to us. He is our Father, Friend, Comforter, Creator, Protector, Salvation. This list could go on and on and on. However, we must not forget that God is far superior to anything that we could call Him, feel about Him, or declare Him to be.
When I first read this verse, I wondered, "Why would this verse describe God as living in unapproachable light?" With all that we know about God, isn't He approachable? Kind? Loving? Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, "Let the little children come to me." However, as we see in Exodus 3, God appears to Moses as a burning bush. Moses, in his curiosity, draws closer to the bush to see why it had not been consumed with fire. God calls his name, and Moses draws near. Before getting too close to be harmed by the flames, God stops Moses and says, ""Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."
I believe God draws us near to Him, so that He can draw near to us. In His lovingkindness, He steps out of His unapproachable light, which is much too powerful, much too bright, and much too holy for us to approach. Therefore, He, in all His grace and mercy, approaches us. The God who created the universe cares about me and loves me enough to step out of His holiness and glory to approach me. That should give you something to smile about today!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Take Heart!
John 16:33:
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Troubles, trials, temptations. In this world, we will have them. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Some of us have had troubles that, at the time, may have seemed overwhelming and all-consuming. Maybe some of us are going through a trial right now that you don't see how you will ever make it through. Sometimes, temptations seem too great to say no to. Without a relationship with the Lord, the troubles of this world take us to a dark place, a place of no joy, only conflict, worries, and sadness. Without a relationship with the Lord, the troubles of this world will conquer us.
"But take heart!" Jesus says. "I have overcome the world." In other words, don't let the trappings of this world take away your joy. That is what brings about pleasure for the enemy. Jesus says to take heart. Take hold of His heart today. Spend time with Him. Read His Word. Know that He has overcome the world, and He can help you overcome your troubles.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Troubles, trials, temptations. In this world, we will have them. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Some of us have had troubles that, at the time, may have seemed overwhelming and all-consuming. Maybe some of us are going through a trial right now that you don't see how you will ever make it through. Sometimes, temptations seem too great to say no to. Without a relationship with the Lord, the troubles of this world take us to a dark place, a place of no joy, only conflict, worries, and sadness. Without a relationship with the Lord, the troubles of this world will conquer us.
"But take heart!" Jesus says. "I have overcome the world." In other words, don't let the trappings of this world take away your joy. That is what brings about pleasure for the enemy. Jesus says to take heart. Take hold of His heart today. Spend time with Him. Read His Word. Know that He has overcome the world, and He can help you overcome your troubles.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
He Sings!
Zephaniah 3:17:
The LORD your God is with you,
He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."
Mighty, powerful, strong, great, exceptional, immense, enormous, tremendous, extraordinary. There is no one like Him! He is our Savior, Deliverer, Conqueror, Defender, Protector, Rescuer! And yet, He takes great delight in His children, cares, comforts, quiets us with His love. And beyond all this, He rejoices over us with singing. With singing!!!
Can you imagine the Lord singing? And not just singing, but rejoicefully singing?! I've never really pictured God singing, but of course, it would make complete sense. He created both angels and humans with the ability to sing, even animals have some capability to sing in their own way. Why wouldn't He create Himself with an abiltiy to sing? And not just that, but a desire to sing... OVER YOU!!!
Will you listen today for His singing over you?
The LORD your God is with you,
He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."
Mighty, powerful, strong, great, exceptional, immense, enormous, tremendous, extraordinary. There is no one like Him! He is our Savior, Deliverer, Conqueror, Defender, Protector, Rescuer! And yet, He takes great delight in His children, cares, comforts, quiets us with His love. And beyond all this, He rejoices over us with singing. With singing!!!
Can you imagine the Lord singing? And not just singing, but rejoicefully singing?! I've never really pictured God singing, but of course, it would make complete sense. He created both angels and humans with the ability to sing, even animals have some capability to sing in their own way. Why wouldn't He create Himself with an abiltiy to sing? And not just that, but a desire to sing... OVER YOU!!!
Will you listen today for His singing over you?
Monday, May 24, 2010
In the Garden
Genesis 2:8
Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed.
Man's first home was in a garden. We can imagine how beautiful the Garden of Eden was... full of green leafy trees, lush shrubbery, colorful vegetation, sparkling streams, and amazing wildlife. It was God's chosen environment for His first human creation, a tiny glimpse of heaven, perhaps. But the best part of it was that God met with his people there, walked side by side with them.
I am reminded of the very first song I sang in church when I was seven years old.
In the Garden
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
You may not have a beautiful garden to meet with God, but hopefully, you have a special place to meet with Him... even if it is just in the garden of your heart, where He resides and longs to meet with you.
Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed.
Man's first home was in a garden. We can imagine how beautiful the Garden of Eden was... full of green leafy trees, lush shrubbery, colorful vegetation, sparkling streams, and amazing wildlife. It was God's chosen environment for His first human creation, a tiny glimpse of heaven, perhaps. But the best part of it was that God met with his people there, walked side by side with them.
I am reminded of the very first song I sang in church when I was seven years old.
In the Garden
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
You may not have a beautiful garden to meet with God, but hopefully, you have a special place to meet with Him... even if it is just in the garden of your heart, where He resides and longs to meet with you.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The Key to Treasure
Isaiah 33:6:
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
A devotional I was reading this morning led me to this verse. I read about God's many treasures on earth including the sun shining, flowers blooming, children laughing, birds chirping,... you get the idea. But it also suggested that God's treasures also come in the form of trials and tribulations. Hmmm... that's always a hard one for me. Treasures are supposed to be good things, happy things, perhaps even blessings, right? However, if we allow God to use our trials for good, they are indeed treasures... treasures designed by our heavenly Father to unlock us from the chains that bind us. What chains could God use today to turn into treasures? Can you rightfully sing the words to this song?
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me...
Or how about this one?
Chains are broken
Shame has fallen
All my sins are gone
I hope you have a treasure-filled day!
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
A devotional I was reading this morning led me to this verse. I read about God's many treasures on earth including the sun shining, flowers blooming, children laughing, birds chirping,... you get the idea. But it also suggested that God's treasures also come in the form of trials and tribulations. Hmmm... that's always a hard one for me. Treasures are supposed to be good things, happy things, perhaps even blessings, right? However, if we allow God to use our trials for good, they are indeed treasures... treasures designed by our heavenly Father to unlock us from the chains that bind us. What chains could God use today to turn into treasures? Can you rightfully sing the words to this song?
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me...
Or how about this one?
Chains are broken
Shame has fallen
All my sins are gone
I hope you have a treasure-filled day!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Fear or Faith... Which Will it Be?
Philippians 4:6-7:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
On Christmas evening of 2009, my family and I were driving home from spending Christmas with relatives. Our vehicle was loaded up with gifts, most of which belonged to my daughter. It was late, and we'd had a full day, so I decided to turn on some soothing music. Camryn kept telling me, however, that the music was making her sad, and she begged me to turn it off. I refused, thinking that her request was nonsense. What did she have to be sad about with a backseat full of Christmas gifts?
She proceeded at that point to have what I now recognize as an anxiety attack, complete with tears, panic, and shortness of breath. It didn't make sense that this was happening as I had never experienced this before. However, God immediately put the above Scripture on my heart. He gave me the words to share with her to get her through her attack. While my immediate reaction was anger and confusion, God quickly gave me a change of attitude to one of understanding and peace to help my child out of a difficult moment. God used me to help her understand that when faced with anxiety, you have a choice to make... fear or faith, focus on the problem or focus on prayer.
By the time our conversation was over, Camryn had a total sense of peace and was even laughing and being her cheerful self. As a result, I've been able to take this Scripture to heart, applying it to my own life in many situations. Camryn has since had a handful of other anxiety attacks, and she immediately recognizes the need for prayer to get her through them. She knows when one is approaching and tells me so that we can pray together. One one recent occasion, I wasn't available to pray with her. Instead, she wrote a prayer to God and stuck it under her pillow.
I thank God that He is using her fear to bring about faith and trust in Him!
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
On Christmas evening of 2009, my family and I were driving home from spending Christmas with relatives. Our vehicle was loaded up with gifts, most of which belonged to my daughter. It was late, and we'd had a full day, so I decided to turn on some soothing music. Camryn kept telling me, however, that the music was making her sad, and she begged me to turn it off. I refused, thinking that her request was nonsense. What did she have to be sad about with a backseat full of Christmas gifts?
She proceeded at that point to have what I now recognize as an anxiety attack, complete with tears, panic, and shortness of breath. It didn't make sense that this was happening as I had never experienced this before. However, God immediately put the above Scripture on my heart. He gave me the words to share with her to get her through her attack. While my immediate reaction was anger and confusion, God quickly gave me a change of attitude to one of understanding and peace to help my child out of a difficult moment. God used me to help her understand that when faced with anxiety, you have a choice to make... fear or faith, focus on the problem or focus on prayer.
By the time our conversation was over, Camryn had a total sense of peace and was even laughing and being her cheerful self. As a result, I've been able to take this Scripture to heart, applying it to my own life in many situations. Camryn has since had a handful of other anxiety attacks, and she immediately recognizes the need for prayer to get her through them. She knows when one is approaching and tells me so that we can pray together. One one recent occasion, I wasn't available to pray with her. Instead, she wrote a prayer to God and stuck it under her pillow.
I thank God that He is using her fear to bring about faith and trust in Him!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Walk in the Light
John 8:12:
When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
It could be said that darkness is simply the result of the absence of light. Let's take a look at Genesis 1:
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.
We can see from the beginning of time that darkness existed because God had not yet created light. Before God's command, the earth was formless, empty, and dark, and once light was created, the darkness became separated from the light. Couldn't we say the same thing about us? Before we received God's gift of salvation, we were empty, perhaps always searching for something to fill us up, something to bring about fulfillment or happiness or peace. Our hearts were filled with the darkness of sin, maybe even shame, unforgiveness, regret. However, if we allow the light of the Lord to shine on us, if we accept His loving grace and salvation, we can walk in the "light of life," as the Scripture says.
My prayer today is to walk in the light of God's grace, peace, and mercy. I pray that He would shine His light on me, so that the reflection of His face can be seen! Have a de"light"ful day!
When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
It could be said that darkness is simply the result of the absence of light. Let's take a look at Genesis 1:
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.
We can see from the beginning of time that darkness existed because God had not yet created light. Before God's command, the earth was formless, empty, and dark, and once light was created, the darkness became separated from the light. Couldn't we say the same thing about us? Before we received God's gift of salvation, we were empty, perhaps always searching for something to fill us up, something to bring about fulfillment or happiness or peace. Our hearts were filled with the darkness of sin, maybe even shame, unforgiveness, regret. However, if we allow the light of the Lord to shine on us, if we accept His loving grace and salvation, we can walk in the "light of life," as the Scripture says.
My prayer today is to walk in the light of God's grace, peace, and mercy. I pray that He would shine His light on me, so that the reflection of His face can be seen! Have a de"light"ful day!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The Presence of Peace
Psalm 29:11:
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Being "at peace" is more than feeling "at peace." Feelings come and go; they fluctuate depending upon our circumstances, attitudes, and internal chemical reactions. However, the state of being at peace comes straight from God as this verse indicates. Is peace automatic for all Christians? Do Christians always feel at peace? No, but the more we seek His face, the more we seek after His will, the more we realize that every day is one day closer to eternity spent with Him, the Lord will bless us with His peace. I know it's very unlike me (ha ha), but this reminds me of an old Sandi Patty song I used to sing. Here is the chorus of this beautiful song:
In His Presence
In His presence there is comfort,
In His presence there is peace,
When we seek the Father's heart,
We will find such blessed assurance
In the presence of the Lord.
I hope that you have a blessedly peaceful day!
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Being "at peace" is more than feeling "at peace." Feelings come and go; they fluctuate depending upon our circumstances, attitudes, and internal chemical reactions. However, the state of being at peace comes straight from God as this verse indicates. Is peace automatic for all Christians? Do Christians always feel at peace? No, but the more we seek His face, the more we seek after His will, the more we realize that every day is one day closer to eternity spent with Him, the Lord will bless us with His peace. I know it's very unlike me (ha ha), but this reminds me of an old Sandi Patty song I used to sing. Here is the chorus of this beautiful song:
In His Presence
In His presence there is comfort,
In His presence there is peace,
When we seek the Father's heart,
We will find such blessed assurance
In the presence of the Lord.
I hope that you have a blessedly peaceful day!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Philippians 4:19 says:
And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
As I've pondered this verse this morning, I've been thinking how different earthly riches are from heavenly riches. Any earthly riches we can even imagine here on earth could not possibly compare to God's glorious riches He has in store for us as His children. But I believe that God does give us glimpses into those riches the more we spend time in His holy presence. An old favorite hymn comes to mind...
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His spirit, washed in His blood.
I love these words! Be assured that if you have professed Jesus as your Lord and Savior that He is indeed yours! You have been purchased with a price, reborn with a new spirit, and washed clean with His blood. And we can anticipate a glorious treasure beyond our wildest imaginations with overflowing riches to spend with Him for eternity! Have a blessed day!
And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
As I've pondered this verse this morning, I've been thinking how different earthly riches are from heavenly riches. Any earthly riches we can even imagine here on earth could not possibly compare to God's glorious riches He has in store for us as His children. But I believe that God does give us glimpses into those riches the more we spend time in His holy presence. An old favorite hymn comes to mind...
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His spirit, washed in His blood.
I love these words! Be assured that if you have professed Jesus as your Lord and Savior that He is indeed yours! You have been purchased with a price, reborn with a new spirit, and washed clean with His blood. And we can anticipate a glorious treasure beyond our wildest imaginations with overflowing riches to spend with Him for eternity! Have a blessed day!
Friday, May 14, 2010
I am Weak, But He is Strong
2 Corinthians 12:9 says:
But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
I don't know about you, but there are days when I feel like I have more weaknesses than strengths. If I choose to focus on my weaknesses, it could really get me down. However, God continues to use me despite my weaknesses. In fact, this verse tells us that God actually uses our weaknesses to glorify Himself. I think He does this so that we can't boast in our own abilities, which could lead to pride and arrogance. Instead, when we recognize the hand of God in our lives, we can praise Him for the blessing of His provision and strength.
It appears that God is in the business of exchanging things. Weakness for strength, ashes for beauty, death for life. The list goes on and on. I'm so glad that I am weak, but He is strong!
But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
I don't know about you, but there are days when I feel like I have more weaknesses than strengths. If I choose to focus on my weaknesses, it could really get me down. However, God continues to use me despite my weaknesses. In fact, this verse tells us that God actually uses our weaknesses to glorify Himself. I think He does this so that we can't boast in our own abilities, which could lead to pride and arrogance. Instead, when we recognize the hand of God in our lives, we can praise Him for the blessing of His provision and strength.
It appears that God is in the business of exchanging things. Weakness for strength, ashes for beauty, death for life. The list goes on and on. I'm so glad that I am weak, but He is strong!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
A Humble Sprit
1 Peter 5:6 tells us:
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
Yesterday, I was helping my daughter with her homework. I don't remember now what the question was (I've slept since then!), but it had something to do with how she could show acts of humility at home. "What is humility?" she asked. That wasn't an easy concept to explain to an 11-year-old. "Humility," I began, "is the act of being humble." "What's humble?" she expectantly asked. I struggled a little bit with it. It was easier to give examples than to explain it with only a definition. Fortunately, the Bible gives us a lot of examples of humility. (See John 13, Luke 7:36-50, and Luke 10:25-37).
My favorie depiction, however, comes to us in this verse:
Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)
What an amazing picture of how we could live humbly, every day, in a way that would glorify Him! My prayer today is that I could lovingly set an example for my child by denying myself, taking up His cross, and following my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, every day, with a humble spirit.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
Yesterday, I was helping my daughter with her homework. I don't remember now what the question was (I've slept since then!), but it had something to do with how she could show acts of humility at home. "What is humility?" she asked. That wasn't an easy concept to explain to an 11-year-old. "Humility," I began, "is the act of being humble." "What's humble?" she expectantly asked. I struggled a little bit with it. It was easier to give examples than to explain it with only a definition. Fortunately, the Bible gives us a lot of examples of humility. (See John 13, Luke 7:36-50, and Luke 10:25-37).
My favorie depiction, however, comes to us in this verse:
Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)
What an amazing picture of how we could live humbly, every day, in a way that would glorify Him! My prayer today is that I could lovingly set an example for my child by denying myself, taking up His cross, and following my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, every day, with a humble spirit.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Rest
Matthew 11:28-29 says:
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
One of my most favorite things to do is take a nap. It's the most peaceful, relaxing part of my day. Yes, I am a daily nap-taker, I admit it. To me, there are few things more delightful than putting away your cares, to-do lists, and responsibilities for a short time to indulge in some much-deserved rest. Rest... according to God, it is a good thing, something that He gives us. Rest not just for our bodies, but for our souls, our minds, our spirits. If you haven't taken a nap in a while, have one today. Pray that God will take your weariness and troubles upon Him, so that you can find rest in Him. I'll see you when you wake up refreshed and renewed!
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
One of my most favorite things to do is take a nap. It's the most peaceful, relaxing part of my day. Yes, I am a daily nap-taker, I admit it. To me, there are few things more delightful than putting away your cares, to-do lists, and responsibilities for a short time to indulge in some much-deserved rest. Rest... according to God, it is a good thing, something that He gives us. Rest not just for our bodies, but for our souls, our minds, our spirits. If you haven't taken a nap in a while, have one today. Pray that God will take your weariness and troubles upon Him, so that you can find rest in Him. I'll see you when you wake up refreshed and renewed!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Fixing Your Eyes
2 Corinthians 4:18 says:
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
I am a maker of to-do lists. I have one everyday except Sunday. In fact, I have a weekly to-do list that I print out every Monday morning that tells me what I need to do on what days, and then I add to it things that are specific to that week. I look at this to-do list several times a day, and it gives me great pleasure to check something off the list. It may be something as simple as making the bed or it may be something more time consuming like taking care of the laundry. There may even be reminders for me to call someone or water the plants or pick up my daughter from school early on Mondays. And yes, I even have Bible study and prayer time listed. To-do lists help me to find some control and maybe even security in my life.
So why, even with everything completed on my to-do list, do I still sometimes lack a total sense of peace? Does the Bible say that we will find peace in our activities, accomplishments, or met goals? Of course not. It tells us that we will find peace in the Peacemaker, the giver of Peace, the Prince of Peace, and that could only mean Jesus Christ Himself!
As usual, this scripture reminds of me an an old hymn that I will include here. I pray that as I type the words and as you read the words, you willl allow the Giver of Peace to engulf you in His arms today.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace!
Have a blessed day!
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
I am a maker of to-do lists. I have one everyday except Sunday. In fact, I have a weekly to-do list that I print out every Monday morning that tells me what I need to do on what days, and then I add to it things that are specific to that week. I look at this to-do list several times a day, and it gives me great pleasure to check something off the list. It may be something as simple as making the bed or it may be something more time consuming like taking care of the laundry. There may even be reminders for me to call someone or water the plants or pick up my daughter from school early on Mondays. And yes, I even have Bible study and prayer time listed. To-do lists help me to find some control and maybe even security in my life.
So why, even with everything completed on my to-do list, do I still sometimes lack a total sense of peace? Does the Bible say that we will find peace in our activities, accomplishments, or met goals? Of course not. It tells us that we will find peace in the Peacemaker, the giver of Peace, the Prince of Peace, and that could only mean Jesus Christ Himself!
As usual, this scripture reminds of me an an old hymn that I will include here. I pray that as I type the words and as you read the words, you willl allow the Giver of Peace to engulf you in His arms today.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace!
Have a blessed day!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Inexpressible, Glorious Joy
1 Peter 1:8 tells us:
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy...
I used to confuse happiness and joy, thinking that they basically meant the same thing. Now, I attribute happiness as just a reaction to our circumstances. I am happy when my daughter brings home a good report card. I am happy when my cat jumps in my lap just to give me a hug. I am happy when my husband sends me a text message that simply says "I love you."
Joy, however, comes from a much deeper place hidden within. I believe that true joy can only come from a close walk with my Lord and Savior. It doesn't come from riches or good health or the blessings of life; it comes from an inner peace and knowledge that God sent His only Son, Jesus to become sin on my behalf. That the One who created the universe took painstaking measures to save me from my sinfulness. That He loved me enough to sacrifice His greatest treasure, the human form of His Son.
My prayer today is that I would draw close to Jesus, that I would give of myself totally and completely to Him and His will, and that He would fill me with His inexpressible, glorious joy!
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy...
I used to confuse happiness and joy, thinking that they basically meant the same thing. Now, I attribute happiness as just a reaction to our circumstances. I am happy when my daughter brings home a good report card. I am happy when my cat jumps in my lap just to give me a hug. I am happy when my husband sends me a text message that simply says "I love you."
Joy, however, comes from a much deeper place hidden within. I believe that true joy can only come from a close walk with my Lord and Savior. It doesn't come from riches or good health or the blessings of life; it comes from an inner peace and knowledge that God sent His only Son, Jesus to become sin on my behalf. That the One who created the universe took painstaking measures to save me from my sinfulness. That He loved me enough to sacrifice His greatest treasure, the human form of His Son.
My prayer today is that I would draw close to Jesus, that I would give of myself totally and completely to Him and His will, and that He would fill me with His inexpressible, glorious joy!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Putting Fear in its Place
Proverbs 29:25 says:
Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
OK, I admit it. I have the fear of displeasing people. I was born with the people-pleasing gene. In other words, I don't think it's something I consciously seek out to do everyday; it's just part of who I am. People-pleasing people are some of the nicest people you know. They're the ones that take on extra work because they can't say no (out of fear of displeasing someone). They also always tend to agree with at least some part of every argument (again, for fear of someone thinking badly of them, which would lead to them being displeased). Some of you are reading this, thinking that you know someone like this or that maybe even you are that person! I have learned that the fear of displeasing others puts you in bondage to them, because they become your primary focus instead of God. So my prayer today for myself and others like me is that we would seek to please God, putting Him as our primary focus for everything we do. This is where He belongs and nothing else. For He alone deserves this honor.
Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
OK, I admit it. I have the fear of displeasing people. I was born with the people-pleasing gene. In other words, I don't think it's something I consciously seek out to do everyday; it's just part of who I am. People-pleasing people are some of the nicest people you know. They're the ones that take on extra work because they can't say no (out of fear of displeasing someone). They also always tend to agree with at least some part of every argument (again, for fear of someone thinking badly of them, which would lead to them being displeased). Some of you are reading this, thinking that you know someone like this or that maybe even you are that person! I have learned that the fear of displeasing others puts you in bondage to them, because they become your primary focus instead of God. So my prayer today for myself and others like me is that we would seek to please God, putting Him as our primary focus for everything we do. This is where He belongs and nothing else. For He alone deserves this honor.
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