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Tag: Peace

February 6, 2023

February 6, 2023

Does anxiety interfere with your plans and goals?

 

When I feel anxious I become aware that my thought process has gone astray; I’ve wandered off on my own, my mind has become overloaded with thoughts about my problems. I’ve lost sight of God’s assurance that He cares about every aspect of my welfare and peace of mind and that He is watching over me and is working out His plan for my future, and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

 

As my thoughts turn to Him, Jesus’ promise to carry my burdens (Matthew 28:11) and provide His peace (John14:27), becomes a reality and pushes aside my anxiety.

 

We should never allow anxiety or fear to cloud our mind and control our thoughts. We only need to focus our thoughts on God’s love and promises. By studying His Word, and, when possible, memorizing key verses, we can keep our focus on what is most helpful.

 

Charles Stanley has penned a helpful summation: “He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present. He knows absolutely everything about your situation. He knows how to produce wholeness out of brokenness. He knows how to build strength out of weakness. He knows how to heal what is sick. He knows how to bring reconciliation and love out of estrangement and hate. He loves you with an unconditional, unfathomable, immeasurable love.”

 

Are your thoughts staying in alignment with God’s thoughts?

December 19, 2022

December 19, 2022

We’re surrounded by unusual color and beauty during the Christmas season. But the season also has a way of stirring up and increasing our anxiety. 

 

My suggested formula for increasing the joy of Christmas is to decrease the anxiety by taking momentary breaks to ask our heavenly Father to intercede and remove the buildup of worry that you may be experiencing.

 

God hears those prayers!  Even Jesus cried out to His Father when he was burdened while here with us on earth.

 

In 1 Peter 5:7, the Holy Spirit inspired Peter to write, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

 

During the Christmas season, as you focus on God’s ultimate Christmas gift to us, can you allow yourself to stop, as needed, and surrender your anxieties to Him?

December 12, 2022

December 12, 2022

Advent, meaning ‘Coming’ in Latin, is the word most churches use to describe our focus on Jesus coming into the world as a baby. Advent is a time to concentrate on what Christmas is really about!

 

After telling His disciples that He would send them the Holy Spirit, He said to them, “Peace I leave with you, My Peace I give to you, not as the world gives . . .”

 

Today, the prospect of peace, both in our country and our world seems more distant every day. Our world appears out of control. We wonder if we can ever find peace and whether that peace will be lasting. 

 

There was also a great deal of unrest in the world at the time of Jesus’ birth. As it happened, Christ’s coming brought conflict rather than peace, ending with His death. But, as He promised, following His resurrection, He will provide the gift of personal peace to all who are willing to surrender their pride and put their trust and faith in Him, the Prince of Peace.

 

Our acceptance of Jesus, a personal gift of Himself, includes His abiding presence along with the gift of His peace! He is with us continually, even in the midst of the storms. His peace is a lasting peace. 

 

Have you accepted Jesus and the peace of His presence? 

September 5, 2022

September 5, 2022

Are you experiencing the presence of God as you deal with the problems and decisions that you face day after day?

 

Jesus promised His disciples that He would be with them always. (Matthew 28:20)

 

He wants you to recognize and depend on His presence and protection also. It is simply a matter of choosing to turn towards Him, offering our problems to Him and praying for Him to protect our minds.

 

When we are in His Presence, problems tend to disappear. The ones that remain take a backseat to the all-encompassing light that He brings and the comfort of knowing Him.

 

If we are focused on His Presence with us, we can’t help but to rejoice!

 

Are you accepting the offer of His Presence?

August 15, 2022

August 15, 2022

God gives us the formula and know how to experience peace in the midst of conflict. 

 

He also provides direction that assures the best solution when there’s struggle and division in a relationship.

 

He has the power to bind people together and bring peace when they put their faith in Him. 

 

More on Peace from Charles Stanley:

 

“The Greek word for peace means to ‘bind together’ something that has been broken or disjointed. This is a superb illustration for how alienation between men and women – so often causing emptiness and disconnection from each other and God – can find a way toward unity and wholeness. God’s peace becomes available when they are united in their faith with God. This Greek word also refers to a prevailing sense of quietness and rest in a person’s heart and emotions…peace becoming synonymous with  tranquility, serenity,  and calm.” 

 

Do you have an interest in learning more about how you can have peace in your relationships and your life? I have some tips!

August 8, 2022

August 8, 2022

Is there turmoil in your life? Perhaps a relationship that is causing pain and anguish? 

 

Would you like to experience real peace and contentment even when storms may be raging around you?

 

It is possible!

 

Consider Charles Stanley’s scripture-based take on peace below:

“God’s peace is not an escape from reality. We are not transfixed or somehow mentally ‘removed’ from feeling pain or struggling…Rather, peace is an undergirding rock-solid foundation so that no matter the tears we cry or the sorrow we feel, deep down inside we know with an abiding assurance that God is with us. God is in control, and the joy of the Lord is going to emerge far greater than any depth of agony we may be experiencing.”

 

Would you like to experience this kind of peace? I can give you some pointers to help you find it. 

 

(More on peace next week.)

July 18, 2022

July 18, 2022

If we truly want the Lord in our life, we need to actively pursue Him.

 

Seeking the Lord has the effect of putting God first in our lives. In the words of Charles Stanley, having a relationship with God should be “our priority and our foremost desire”.  We’re on the right track to putting God first when “we choose to obey God, follow God, and have a daily and intimate relationship with God”.  We need to talk with Him, listen to Him and remain “eager to consult with Him at all times.”

    

Do you feel like there is something missing in your life? Are you experiencing strife in your relationships? Do you long for peace and joy? Maybe you want to find meaning in the difficult circumstances and experiences of your life. Perhaps you are seeking comfort, help, healing and restoration or you may be desiring growth, wisdom and abundant life.

 

If so, ask yourself if you are seeking Him with your whole heart. If you do, He has promised that you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). 

 

If you’re interested in some guidance in an active pursuit of God, I am available to talk with you about getting a start on this richly rewarding journey! 

 

“Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” (Psalm 34:10)

June 27, 2022

June 27, 2022

Jesus comforted his disciples with these words just before he was arrested and taken away to die.

 

His words strike me as particularly relevant to the turmoil we have been experiencing over the last couple of years. 

 

Our faith has been tested and shaken because of the uncertainty and insecurity in the midst of overwhelming threats to our safety and well-being.

 

There are storms all around us. We’re facing the probability that we will never see a world without tribulation.

 

On the positive side, our need for Jesus is all the more clear, as is the reason why we can ‘take heart’.

 

We find our peace in Him because through His sacrifice, He overcame the world and all of its troubles.

 

He gave the victory to those who put their trust in His finished work on the cross.

 

Considering all of the tribulation around you, is your faith in Jesus, and His promise of security and victory, keeping you above the fray?

June 20, 2022

June 20, 2022

Where do you find peace?

 

Maybe in the sound of gentle waves quietly lapping the shoreline.

Or in the beacon from the distant lighthouse cutting its swath through the darkness,

Or maybe in the sweet, sleeping face of your child when checking his or her bed at night.

Or the still, quiet moments of the morning as the sun is rising over the horizon, coffee in hand.

Or you may simply think of peace being found in the absence of war.

 

Whatever your thoughts of peace may be, have you considered the peace of God?

 

Do you know that lasting peace can be found in your relationship with God? Only Jesus provides the promise of true peace, reserved for those who put their trust in Him. A peace that will guard your heart and mind.

 

Does your experience with peace include what Jesus offers?

April 25, 2022

April 25, 2022

To end this week, I am going to share another picture from the Easter service that I attended with my son. It was a special service, not only because it was Easter, but because it was in the church that I attended growing up. I always enjoy services there when we are in Maryland visiting my parents and family.

 

I was touched by this trio of young men playing their instruments, singing and praising the Lord. One reason it was so inspiring is because my son plays the trumpet, and I was so glad for him to see these talented young men providing such a wonderful example to him. He whispered to me during one of the songs that the trumpet player was “really good”!

 

It’s difficult to watch my son struggling with his faith and appearing to turn away from the Lord at times. There is nothing I want more for him than to know how much God loves him and how wonderful and freeing it is to accept that love and follow Him.

 

As I watched these boys play their instruments and listened to their music, I felt great hope and peace. The words rang true. My help comes from Him. He gives me peace in the storm.

 

Is there a person or situation in your life that the Lord is calling you to place into His hands? He desires for you to be at peace, even in the storms. Can you trust Him?