Eternal Peace

 

We may come from different countries, cultures and belief systems, but we all came from the same family – parented by Adam and Eve. One thing that every human being has in common is the desire for peace in our world and in our own life. The hard part of living in peace is developing peace within our own soul.

 

Peace brings us serenity regardless of our circumstances, and inner fortitude to bear up under extreme trials and griefs. The more detractors to peace that we allow into our life, the more stress will attack our health, and the less physical and emotional and spiritual well-being we will maintain.

 

Jesus suffered throughout His entire 33 years on earth with every trial conceivable to mankind in general (1 Peter 4:1; Hebrews 4:15); and yet, He lived in total peace and contentment, as well as in sinless perfection. He gave us His example of prayer, gratitude and righteous living as a pattern for our own life.

 

We have the same measure of God within us that Jesus had from His Heavenly conception, because once we are truly Born Again by trusting in Jesus’ ransom for our sins, the Trinity of God actually abides within our spirit. We can experience the same inner calm that He did, because we are filled with His Holy Spirit. 

 

We do not garner peace by amassing physical security and possessions, but by deepening our intimacy with Christ in us – the hope of our eternal glory (Colossians 1:27). When life disturbs our trusted routine, we can return to an even keel by holding onto God’s eternal hand, and by hiding under the shelter of His wings within us (Psalm 91).

 

If peace escapes us, we can take an inventory of our priorities, our busyness, our focus in life, and our friends and activities. Do any of them fail to line up with God’s will for this season in our life? What about our personal values, faults, choices, goals and what we deem as important?

 

Also, viewing our trials and tribulation from a positive perspective allows us to see the seed for a miracle that God plants within every one of them. Living in humility and service to others bring us more peace than continually striving for more of this world’s goods and successes. When we strive to enter God’s rest, we give up a worldly focus and we exchange it for a spiritual one instead.

 

Prayer:

Father God, help us to see if we are actually clinging to our anger, pride, sinful desires, financial and personal goals, and unhealthy choices? Even as simple as what we eat and drink effects our overall health (1 Corinthians 10:31). Do we take the credit for what You do in our life? Do we feel puffed up because of the fruit of Your Spirit that You are working into our life? 

 

Remind us to desire an intimate relationship with You above everything else (Psalm 84:10). If we do, we will certainly walk in unsinkable comfort in our soul, abiding peace and eternal rest in You. We adjust to the situations arising in our life when we view them from a position of peace, of faith in Your faithfulness, and of trust in Your goodness.

 

Thought for the Day:

We experience a daily dose of sweet repose when we adjust our focus from our human understanding of the trials in our life to the reality of our position in Christ; He gives us his eternal peace that prepares us to deal with every situation that we experience on this earth, gives us the security of our position with Christ abiding within us, and provides us with an inner strength to face tomorrow and its challenges.

-Ephesians 3:16; Job 11:18; Ezekiel 37:26; Hebrews 4:9-16

 

A Good Marriage - A Good Foundation for Love

 

 

It is so important, during the dating phase of any relationship, to pay attention to those issues, habits and character traits that cause red flags to rise up in our soul. Also, sometimes people put their best foot forward during the dating phase of a relationship, so we need to be discerning in all of our relationships. 

 

We are so “in love” with being “in love” that we often ignore or deny these irritating or concerning characteristics in the person we are dating, rather than to admit them openly. We also attempt to hide who we really are and to adopt attitudes, behavior, and ways of thinking that are more in sync with the person we are seeing. 

 

We fit our self into an unrealistic mold in order to be accepted and loved. This only sets us both up for disappointments down the road. If we want a lasting relationship, it is very important to be honest about who we are and what makes us happy, and to honestly assess our friend’s shortcomings and true assets. 

 

This is why dating people of like mind, those that we already consider as our friend, is the best way to form a lasting marriage. As friends, we already worked out many of the kinks in our relationship, and we found areas that we really admire and respect and enjoy about one another.

 

A firm, enduring friendship is a partnership where we are happy to help one another. One person does not demand all of the attention, while the other person is a doormat or goes along to get along. One of us does not do all of the serving, while the other makes all the demands and has all of the expectations.

 

We share similar priorities, worldview and mindset about the important issues in life, such as: having children, parenting styles, where to live, what type of church to worship in, the activities we accept or those that we really enjoy; the type of meals that we prefer; the habits that we can tolerate and those we cannot; financial principles we use as a budget for our earnings, etc.

 

We will not change one another after we say, “I do.” Therefore, it is important to love or wholeheartedly accept everything about each other before moving into an engagement period. It is better to remain friends and date other people than to attempt to force each other into our mold for them. This is never successful.

 

Prayer:

Father God, marriage is a sacred institution initiated by You in Paradise. Help us to adopt Your goals for us as a couple, to pray together, to work together toward a common goal, and to play together. Teach us to communicate our values prior to marriage and to support each other in them after the ceremony. Remind us to forgive one another before the sun sets (Ephesians 4:26), so that we do not carry over negative attitudes or feelings into the next day.

 

Help us to accept the advice of people outside of our marriage, but to make the final decision together as a couple. Preferring to please our parents, children, friends, etc. rather than our mate, sets us up with a situation that will undermine our love and acceptance of one another. Remind us to pray together about every decision, so that we can hear Your Spirit’s direction for all of our goals and activities.

 

Thought for the Day:

Although no relationship is ever perfect, if we have an attitude of service to one another – both of us giving rather than taking – we can work out any disagreements through prayer; and at the same time, increase our love, respect, compassion and cherishing feelings for one another all the days of our life.

 

 

God’s Glory Over the Whole Earth

 

In Old Testament times, the glory of God appeared to individuals and the Spirit of God filled certain people to help them to accomplish God’s will for their life (Numbers 20:6). Since Jesus ascended back to Heaven in His immortal body, He sent His Spirit to abide within every Born Again Believer (John 14:26). 

 

If we do not have His Spirit within us through salvation through Jesus Christ, we are not part of His eternal family (Romans 8:9-11; John 3:16-18). By turning from our sins, and trusting in Him, we develop an intimate, personal relationship and union with Him. His Spirit leads us each moment of the day through His internal peace (Philippians 4:7).

 

During the Exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land, the Israelites made a poor choice not to enter the land; and therefore, that entire generation and their families wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, until all of those, who did not believe God and enter the land, died. 

 

God proved that He is slow to anger and abounding in love, mercy, grace and faithfulness (Exodus 34:5-7), because during this time God did not abandon His chosen nation. He supplied water, food, and direction through a warm pillar of fire by night and a cloud to cover them from the hot sun during the day (Exodus 13:21; Deuteronomy 5:24). He even kept their clothes and sandals from wearing out. 

 

At the end of the Old Testament era, God gave us Jesus to supply us with the provision for all of our needs (John 3:16-17). We rejoice in hope that God’s glory will fill the whole earth and have full authority over the state of affairs on our globe (Romans 5:2; Revelation 21:23-25). 

 

God chooses the people in authority over the nations, not for our benefit, but according to the culmination of His plans to turn the government over to King Jesus for eternity (Romans 13:1). We are currently experiencing “birth pains” before the Great Tribulation.

 

Pandemic health issues, increased natural disasters, record breaking weather patterns, melting ice caps that are increasing the infringement of water from the ocean along the earth’s coastlines, abounding iniquity in our society, a great apostacy and falling away from Biblical foundational truths, the absence of any Christian nation left in this world, etc. 

 

The attitude in the world today is to further minimize the effect and influence of Christianity, as well as to increase the persecution of those who adhere to Biblical principles and worldview. Governments marginalize our outreach, social media blocks our posts, laws are passed to make it illegal to mention certain sins during writing articles and public speaking, etc. Still, the worse is yet to come – be prepared.

 

Prayer:

Father God, we put our complete trust in You to yoke up with us during these increasingly tumultuous times, and to make our load easier and lighter (Matthew 11:29-30). You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power. You created all things for our enjoyment, and we want Your will to prevail. All creation exists and was created by You and for You (Revelation 4:11). In Jesus, the whole fullness of the Trinity dwells in bodily form and You abide within us by Your Spirit (Colossians 2:9). 

 

We glimpse Your invisible attributes, eternal power and divine nature in creation, and in every person ever born; therefore, there is no excuse for anyone not to believe that Jesus is the exclusive Savior of the world (John 3:16-18). Thank You for granting to us Your divine power and godliness, and for the ability to know without a doubt that You created us for Your own glory and excellence (2 Peter 1:3). We are called by Your name, and formed, prepared, and created for Your glory (Isaiah 43:7; Galatians 3:26).

 

Thought for the Day:

We refuse to walk in the counsel of the ungodly, or to live a purposefully sinful life, or to join with the scoffers of the world, and we choose instead to delight in God’s law and to meditate on His Word day and night; this allows us to abide as a tree planted by the streams of water that yields fruit in each season of our life – regardless of the perils of existence in these End Times - while we worship Him as the Lord of hosts, and look forward to the whole world ultimately filling with His glory. 

-Psalm 1:1-5; Philippians 1:11; Isaiah 6:3

 

Living a Praise-filled Life

 

 

The word of Christ richly dwells in us, giving us His wisdom, instruction, correction and blessings for our life. This allows us to enter into His rest, and to continually sing with grace in our heart, both alone and together as a church family (Colossians 3:16; Psalm 34:1).

 

This encourages us to pray with thanksgiving during both trials and blessings, as we call on His name and witness to anyone who will listen to us about His deeds on our behalf (Psalm 105:1; Isaiah 12:4). We quickly dismiss negative thoughts from our mind and think instead on true, honest, just, pure, lovely, virtuous, and praiseworthy concepts that we quickly learn to see in every circumstance (Philippians 4:8).

 

Every creature in heaven, on the earth, inside the earth, in the sky, and in the sea will join us as we give blessing, honor, glory, and power to the Lamb who sits on the throne now and forevermore (Revelation 5:13). We are healed in spirit, soul and body by the blood of the Lamb in the powerful name of Jesus Christ.

 

We have no need to fear the trails that intrinsically come upon us during our lifetime. We put our total trust in God’s control over our life. We have no need to fear anything or anyone, because we know that God always plants a seed for a miracle in every trial that we will ever encounter (Psalm 56:4).

 

Many of us have ancestors who lived a righteous life before the Lord. We learned from their example, and we are reaping the blessings of their choices (Exodus 20:6). He teaches us what is truly important in this life, and that Jesus is our whole life – nothing else matters (Colossians 3:3-4; Daniel 2:23).

 

Prayer:

Father God, we are healed by the blood of the Lamb, and in the name of Jesus Christ. You renew us physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. We follow the guidance of Your Holy Spirit each moment of our day, consulting Your will before we make any choices, do any chores, leave home for work, or make out any schedule (Proverbs 3:5-6). This allows us to walk in the center of Your plans for us – the happiest place on earth.

 

Regardless of our circumstances: protected or suffering, in pain or experiencing health and well-being, victorious or fearful, walking in freedom or incarcerated in jail, surrounded by loving family and friends, etc. We may feel abandoned, neglected and lonely by family and friends, but we walk in Your peace and joy with a sound mind that is focused only on Your presence within us (Jeremiah 17:14; Psalm 119:7). Our greatest joy comes from Your presence in our spirit as you completely heal us in body, soul and spirit.

 

Thought for the Day:

We learn to walk in God’s salvation: instantly saved in our spirit, instantly glorified in our body when we see Jesus face-to-face, and progressively more spiritually mature in our soul – our thoughts, words, emotions and choices - as we seek God’s will for each moment of our day; He fills our mouth with words of praise for Him and we give Him honor all day long.

- Psalm 66:17, 71:8, 139:13-14, 145:3 

 

 

The Power of Words

 

 

Words either create or destroy. We can encourage someone or discourage them with our words. Even a small slight, criticism, or joking jab can impact our self and others for our entire lifetime. These negative words turn into “self-talk” that can keep us groveling in discouragement, or from rising up in victory over our self, the world and satanic lies.

 

It is interesting to me that Jesus actually referred to Himself as the Word. The Word was God, was with God, and came to earth in human form to save all of humanity from a life and an eternity that is not worth living (John 1:1). Jesus is the Word of Life in human form (John 1:14; Philippians 2:14-16).

 

Depression and hopelessness can drive a person to give up on life, and even to end their own life. Sin, sickness, continual trials, rejection, ridicule, disappointment, etc. overcome our will to live, because we have no real purpose in life.

 

God’s Biblical Word is alive, powerful, and able to divide between our soulish and spiritual desires. It is a lamp for our feet, and a light for our path, to keep us from stumbling as we grow in our knowledge of the grace of God (Psalm 119:105). 

 

Scriptures enable us to not only hear their wisdom, but to keep us from deceiving our self, as we do what His Word commands (James 1:22). They enable us to cleanse our way as we heed their influence and instruction (Psalm 119:9). 

 

God’s Word is eternal, and it will never pass away (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35). Even the uneducated can understand its truth, because it is spiritually discerned (Psalm 119:130). I am astounded that God did not abandon us in this life, but He gave us His Biblical guidebook to direct our steps.

 

As we read God’s Word, it actually discerns, convicts, and corrects us of the ungodly thoughts and intents of our heart. These words are inspired by God and teach us Godly principles, instruct us in how to live a holy life, and they prepare us to accomplish the good works that God prepared for us to do (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Luke 11:28; Matthew 7:24; Ephesians 2:10).

 

God’s ways are perfect, and His Word is tested and proven reliable, so that we can put our trust in Him and His Word. We have no need to fear what any person can do to us (Psalm 18:30, 56:4), because His Words are right and true (Psalm 33:4). 

 

Prayer: 

Father God, thank You that Jesus, the Word, is our bread of life and the sincere milk of the Word (Matthew 4:4; 1 Peter 2:2). He was made flesh and lived on this earth for 33 years. He was full of Your glory, grace and truth (John 1:14). As we continually live by Your Word, we are truly Your disciples; we know the truth and it sets us free and saves our soul (John 8:31-32; James 1:21).

 

Remind us that what we say, the tone of our voice, and our attitude of heart when we say it, always matters, because there is life and death in the power of our tongue (Proverbs 18:21-23). Remind us that our words either constructively or destructively impact our own life, and all of the lives around us. Thank You for strengthening our soul by Your Holy Word.

 

Thought for the Day:

Physical abuse can wound our body, but it heals over time; yet, verbal abuse has a lifelong effect on what we think and feel, the choices that we make, and our attitude and worldview and outlook; therefore, we must carefully choose our words, so that they edify and build up rather than discourage and tear down our self and those in our sphere of existence.

Our Strength and Fortress

 

We often fail to realize the importance of Jesus in our life. He is God. His Biblical Word declares that everything was made through Him, and not one single thing on earth or in Heaven was created without Him (John 1:3; Genesis 1:1). He is the central figure of our faith now, due to Calvary; but He has been essential since before the conception of time.

 

All of creation throughout all of the ages reaped the consequences of Adam and Eve’s choices. We all received a curse due to our first parents’ decisions. Now, creation groans to return to its former glory when God made Paradise for us to enjoy (Romans 8:22-30). 

 

Upon Jesus’ return to earth (Luke 21:27) to rule and reign forever, the heavens will be glad, the earth will rejoice, the seas and all creation within them will roar with delight, the fields and everything within them will exult, and the trees of the forests with break forth into joyous songs (Psalm 96:11-12).

 

Daily, we accredit to Jesus all the glory that is due to His name, we offer our life to Him as a living sacrifice, and we worship Him in the splendor of His holiness (1 Chronicles 16:29). As we decrease in our own eyes, God and His will increases as our only desire for our life (John 3:30). 

 

His Spirit anoints us to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the humble; to share His liberating Good News with the captives of the flesh, the world and the devil; to open the eyes of the spiritually blind to the truth of God’s Word; and to set free those oppressed by Satan’s lies (Luke 4:18).

 

Until then, we dwell in the shelter of our Most High God, in the shadow of our Almighty’s wings. He is our refuge and fortress, and we trust only in Him. He hides us under His feathers, and He gives us safety under His wings. He delivers us from illnesses, terrors in the night, arrows that attempt to wound us all day long, and those who hunt us down to destroy us (Psalm 91:1-16). 

 

Prayer:

Father God, we look forward to witnessing Your glory coming through the eastern gate of Jerusalem, sounding like a huge waterfall, as the whole earth shines with Your glory, which fills Your holy temple (Ezekiel 43:1-12). Of course, in that day the Lord of hosts will be a crown of glory – a diadem of beauty – to the remnant of Your people (Isaiah 28:5).

 

We want to grow in our knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as we also live in Your increased grace on our life (2 Peter 3:18). We shower You with our grateful praises. We trust in Your Spirit to enable us to follow Your perfect plans for our life, so that we can see Your ultimate salvation of the whole earth (Psalm 50:23). You are the God of all gods and the Lord of all lords. You are great and mighty in all of Your ways (Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 97:9). 

 

Thought for the Day:

The works of God’s hands are diverse, filling the earth with innumerable creatures of His making in the sea, on the land, and in the air - living beings both great and small housed in the expanse of each realm; and He strengthens the inner being of each human through the power of His Spirit according to his glorious, unending, limitless riches.

-Psalm 104:24-25; Ephesians 3:16 

 

A Place of Brokenness

 

 

In today’s society, when we are torn, tattered, old, and broken, we are no longer considered as valuable assets. Most of the retail items in this condition are either thrown away, incinerated, or patched up and sold at a discount. 

 

As humans, none of us can prevent this state of being, which is brought on by yearly birthdays, and the bumps, knocks and traumas of life. Yet, God’s light, love and peace seem to project more from broken vessels than those who have not yet reached this advanced stage of spiritual maturity. 

 

This may sound weird or heretical; but think about it. When we are self-sufficient, we tend to rely on our own merits, talents and human resources to plunge through life - earning temporary acclaim and rewards that last for a season at best. 

 

In God’s economy, however, the younger we are when we reach this state of dependence on God, rather than relying on our self and other people, the longer we live to enjoy His peace and delight and rest, and the more fulfilled our life is in the long run. 

 

We learn the art of waiting on the Lord, following the guidance of His Spirit, and experiencing His divine appointments for us each moment of our day. Our Father God showers us with His sacrificial forgiveness, eternal mercy, unconditional love, and unwavering acceptance just as we are (Romans 5:6-11, 8:35-39). 

 

His supernatural strength and wisdom infuse us with everything we need to carry out His prearranged plans for our life (Ephesians 2:10; Jeremiah 29:11). We even attract other broken people to our life, and we learn from one another. We come to appreciate each other with all of our flaws and idiosyncrasies. 

 

Prayer:

Father God, teach us how to embrace life rather than to attempt to control it in order to keep our self safe. Remind us that the sooner we allow circumstances to break us, the quicker we learn to develop our unity and intimacy with You, the more totally we surrender to Your will for our life, and the more useful we are for Your Kingdom. 

 

We step out of the pit of despondency into the realm of Your glorious light and love. Lead us to make our self more available for Your use by listening to Your voice in our spirit, rather than the thoughts in our own mind. We want to live a life in Your peace, rest and joy and to give You all of the glory. We love You more with each passing day.

 

Thought for the Day: 

In our broken state of being, we nurture and cherish each other; although brokenness is painful, unsightly, disconcerting, discouraging, etc. there is a beauty in all of our broken places, because in our weakness we rely more heavily on God to hold us together; He is our all-sufficiency and our whole life.

- Colossians 3:3-4