Anxious…

Anxious…

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7

Our Word of the Day conjures up thoughts and feelings that have put us at uneasiness of mind. There is so much going on in our world and in our lives that has us worried … filled with angst, apprehension, dread, and even fear. We feel tense and troubled amid the noise of disagreement, conflict, and violence. Yet, here we are instructed to not be anxious about anything. Easier said than done, right?

But perhaps we have missed the most salient point of this passage: the Peace of God! Have we lost connection with the peace of God? Where is this peace? How can it be found in a world with confusion, disruption, and deception all around us? I think we need to explore this issue further and see what the Scriptures hold for our instruction.

Peace begins with relationship … a personal relationship with God through His Son, Christ Jesus. King David, in his personal time spent with God, prayed: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23) Yes, in every situation we are to pray. We are to petition and present our requests to God. For prayer is how an intimate relationship with God is forged. We go to Him! He is the God who sees and hears! Indeed, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) As King David penned: “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)

Peace is conferred with reception … it is a spiritual blessing received from God. Notice the text says “the peace OF God.” It is HIS peace … a peace that transcends all understanding … that is available to us when we pray and seek Him. Peace is what we receive through relationship with our trustworthy, faithful God! Consider what Jesus shared with His disciples in this regard:

John 14:25-27 (NIV)

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Again, we see that the peace of God is a gift. Jesus urges us to not be troubled or afraid about anything. He is with us! His Word is in us! His Holy Spirit indwells us and reminds us of everything He has said. Clearly, the promise of God to never leave us nor forsake us is true. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18) But the question becomes, “Have we left Him?” “Do we neglect to spend time in communion with Him? My friend, God will come to guard your heart and mind with His peace, but you have to meet with Him … spend time with Him … submit your life to Him … and then let your heart receive the peace He will give you.

Peace is sustained with repetition. To practice peace, Paul gives us this instruction:

Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Well, I hope your thoughts have been inspired … and any anxieties have been subdued. I pray you will have confidence in His love and protection in all circumstances! Yes, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13) Amen. I will end with this favorite passage:

Psalm 27:1-3

The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

Have a Blessed Day!

Weary…

Weary…

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT)

Weary is a word that describes our human condition far too often. We get caught up in the snares of over engagement. We labor at great length. We carry emotional and spiritual burdens far too heavy for us. The loads of life itself just bring us to sheer exhaustion. We are worn out … fatigued … drained as a result of excessive exertion and lack of sleep. Is it any wonder why we have become distressed and disheartened in this world?

Looking at these realities, I have found great comfort in the words of Jesus. I want to find rest … rest for my soul. Indeed, Jesus invites us each of us to come to Him and to learn from Him. For the Lord will keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him … all whose thoughts are fixed on Him. (Cf. Isaiah 26:3) He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29) And Jesus said to His disciples: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

King David was a man who often faced the dangers of war and the burdens of governing the people of Israel. Yet, he advised: “Cast your cares of the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22) Likewise, the Apostle Peter drew upon this scripture and urged: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7) And Paul gave us this encouragement: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

My friends, Father God has provided us wise counsel in His Word to lean upon Jesus and to trust Him in all circumstances. Let us remember the purpose of all our labors in life is to bear fruit to the glory of God. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9) Yes, consider Jesus who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3) But most of all, take some time to rest at the feet of Jesus. Like Mary, we can still choose what is best! (Luke 10:38-42)

Have a Blessed Day!

Peace…

Peace…

As I contemplated the horrific and tragic events that occurred over the past week in Israel, I was drawn to Psalm 122 – when King David urged the people to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. He continued and petitioned: “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you. For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity. (6-9)

Yet, centuries later, as Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” ~ Luke 19:41-44

As the people of Israel look for peace with their neighbors, there is a deep sorrow within my heart for them … and for all who have a veil over their eyes concerning WHO would bring them true peace. Paul, too, felt anguish in his heart for the salvation of his people. He noted that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. (Romans 10:1-2) As John testified about Jesus: “He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him. (John 1:10-11)

As we pray for peace to ensue in Israel in the days ahead, let us be mindful to pray for the people of God to find true peace … peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Jesus, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians 1:19-20) Indeed, some of the dearest words our Savior ever spoke were these words: “My peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27) Yes, it is my prayer that Israel will come to faith in Jesus the Messiah … Yeshua Hamashiach.

Have a Blessed Day!

Great Peace!

Psalm 119:165 (NIV)

Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

Our Verse of the Day brings to light the great impact of having a state of peace within our lives; and it awaits those who obey the righteous instruction of God. Those who love God and obey Him will experience “great peace” in their lives. Indeed, I think all of us want to have this depth of peace with God … and to attain peace in our relationships with one another. Because God has created us as relational creatures, I believe seeking and finding peace is an inner desire within each of us. Peace is defined as a state of tranquility or quiet; a state of security or order; harmony in personal relations; an agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity; and freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. Can you personally relate to any of these definitions? But in order to have peace in our lives, I believe the first state of peace we must find and embrace is peace with God Himself … for He is the source of all peace. (Cf. Romans 15:33; Cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:16) If we follow His commands, we will not stumble in this experience of life. Having the Law of God, the revealed will of our Creator, gives us knowledge and assurance; and therefore, confidence and great peace. If we want peace in our lives, we need to set our affection on the Word of God … its wisdom and counsel … because it reveals the heart of our Creator.

Psalm 119:161-168 (NIV)

ש Sin and Shin

¹⁶¹Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word.
¹⁶²I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil.
¹⁶³I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law.
¹⁶⁴Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.
¹⁶⁵Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
¹⁶⁶I wait for your salvation, Lord, and I follow your commands.
¹⁶⁷I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly.
¹⁶⁸I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you.

Just as God provides us peace through His Word, God has granted us the capacity to experience true peace with Him through His Son, our Lord Jesus! Through His atoning sacrifice for our sin upon the cross, Jesus reconciled us to the Father and brought us peace. As the Prophet Isaiah foretold of the Messiah: “Surely, He took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered Him punished by God, stricken by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. (Cf. Isaiah 53:4-6) So Paul, when writing to the Colossians, expounded on this grace imparted peace through the life and death of Christ Jesus:

Colossians 1:15-23 (NIV)

¹⁵The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. ¹⁷He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. ¹⁸And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. ¹⁹For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, ²⁰and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. ²¹Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. ²²But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation— ²³if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

So here is the connection: Jesus fulfilled the Law of God! He is the ever living, everlasting Word of God! Yes, in Jesus we receive the great peace of God! Indeed, Jesus is our only source of true peace! I am convinced that none of us will experience peace with God except that we receive the reconciliation He has afforded us through Jesus. Once a person enters into a personal, relationship with God through Christ, the love and peace of God will guard their hearts and minds. (Cf. Philippians 4:7) As Paul assured the Thessalonians, “May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:13) And, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” (Cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:16) Jesus is the Prince of Peace who will fill you with His peace … a peace that surpasses all understanding. He is the Gospel of Peace embodied. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, let us have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” (Cf. Romans 5:1-2)

As a reminder, let us not lose sight of the purpose for which the Father has granted us peace through His Son. This is our calling in Christ: to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace along with those who call on the Lord our of a pure heart. (Cf. 2 Timothy 2:22) We are to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. (Cf. Titus 3:2). Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (Cf. Romans 14:19) If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Cf. Romans 12:18) It is clear that peace is requisite for healthy relationships … without which we cannot experience true fellowship, friendship, companionship, or intimacy. Knowing God. Knowing His Law (His Word). Knowing His love for us through His Son, Jesus. These will produce “great peace” in our hearts … a deep, inner peace that empowers us to extend His grace and peace to those around us!

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Peace … I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ~ John 14:27

Do Not Be Anxious…

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Our Verse of the Day is a timely refresher as we focus on a life of prayer. This is especially important as we experience higher levels of uncertainty and anxiety in the world at the moment. God calls us to trust Him! He comforts us saying, “Do not be anxious about what is happening; rather, pray to Him and seek Him for the peace of mind that we need.” Indeed, I think about what Jesus shared with His disciples … encouraging them to watch and pray when the tribulations of life on earth accelerate:

Luke 21:25-36 (NIV)

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the Kingdom of God is near. “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

Yes, Jesus told us to ALWAYS be on the watch … and to pray with a focus on two petitions:

1. That we may be able to escape all that is about to happen

2. That we may be able to stand before the Son of Man

Likewise, Jesus taught us: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Cf. Matthew 26:41) Yes, we need to be on watch and to guard our hearts in preparation for His coming. Through prayer, we are equipped t walk in confidence as we trust Christ Jesus. As Paul admonished, let us all to continue in prayer and let the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. Prayer is vital! Prayer is commanded! Indeed, we need to be people of prayer because it will keep us grounded in the truth … protected from deception … and active participants in the spiritual battle between light and darkness that is engulfing our nation and the world.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. ~ Cf. Colossians 4:2-6

Like A Shepherd … Lead Us

Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV)

The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters; He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.

With all of the uncertainties going on in the world – economic turmoil, geopolitical unrest, cultural division, etc.; perhaps we needed this reminder that the Lord Jesus is our Shepherd! We lack nothing when we have Him! He will keep us calm when the world panics. Jesus will refresh our souls with His peace in our hearts as we keep our hearts and minds focused on Him. As the Prophet Isaiah wrote: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Cf. Isaiah 26:3) Yes, God will meet all our needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus! Amen! (Cf. Philippians 4:19)

I want to reprint the entire Psalm for us to read:

Psalm 23 (ESV)

¹The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
²He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
³He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

⁴Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

⁵You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

What comforts me the most through this meditation of King David is the sense of peace we can have in God. It is a relational peace like none other; and I believe we need to remember the peace that He gives … that we can have within us. So here are a few Scriptures to keep us remain close to the God of Peace:

John 14:25-27 (NIV)

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

Oh, my friends, I pray that you are filled with the peace of God … that His peace will abide in you as we walk through unsettled times in this world of tribulation. And I pray we will be diligent to share with unbelievers how they too can experience the peace that Jesus gives as our Shepherd. He leads … He provides … He restores … He comforts … He secures. Yes, let us proclaim what Jesus has affirmed to all: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Cf. Matthew 11:28)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So, when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” ~ John 10:11-14

You Are My Strength…

Psalm 18:1-2 (NIV)

I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Our Verse of the Day continues to remind us that God is the source of our strength. He is our rock, our fortress, and deliverer when we are facing the challenges and battles of life. He invites us to take refuge in Him … to allow Him to be our defense … our shield. There is no power like our God! Indeed, what a powerful word we have from the inspired pen of King David!

Oh, I just sense there is someone … or perhaps many who need this Verse of the Day! You are fighting spiritual battles … that are beyond your own understanding … beyond your own strength … beyond your own abilities. Let me assure you they are battles that belong to the Lord! You do not have to carry them! You were not meant to carry them! God is wanting to show you HIS power, HIS strength, HIS love and care for you … in order to build your faith and to increase your trust in HIM and Him alone! For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Cf. Ephesians 6:12)

Paul gives us some spiritual context for the battles we all will face in life: “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons of our warfare are not of the world; on the contrary, they have divine power to demolish the strongholds of the enemy. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5) Yes, the battle belongs to the Lord! It is His divine power that will carry you through them! So, I encourage you to take up the sword of the Spirit … which is the Word of God. (Cf. Ephesians 6:17) For the Word of God is the ONLY offensive weapon we have been given for battle! Yes, the Word of God is sufficient to arm you … for it is the power of God unto salvation. The Word, along with our spiritual armor, equips us to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power so that we will be able to stand our ground … and having done everything to stand! (Cf. Ephesians 6:10-17)

My friend, I encourage you to take every thought of defeat captive and to make it obedient to Christ. Through prayer, seek Him and allow Jesus to be your stronghold and fortress … your shield and strong tower. Go to Him in faith and trust that He goes ahead of you and that He is your rear-guard. Settle in your heart this truth: “No weapon formed against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. (Cf. Isaiah 54:17) Yes, this is my prayer for you and all who are on the front lines of suffering and hardship … for those who are in engaged in any struggle to difficult to fight alone. Take refuge! Find rest in the Lord Jesus Christ! He invites each of us: “Come unto 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Cf. Matthew 11:28-30) And Jesus has promised: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (Cf. John 14:27) Oh, indeed, there is peace and rest for your heart that you can receive today! His name is Jesus, and He is watching over you. I pray that you will seek Him with all our heart….

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! ~ Psalm 61:2-4

I Have Told You…

John 16:33 (NIV)

“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.”

When I read our Verse of the Day, I thought that it might be good to get some context. “I have told you these things….” What things? I want us to go back and look at what Jesus told His disciples that we might need in order to better understand the peace we can have in Him. When you read through the Gospel of John, you will find a great emphasis on the things that Jesus told His disciples. The Apostle John brings the words and teachings of Jesus to life in a way that draws us closer to Him … that makes Him personal and relatable. The intermittent commentary of John explains what is happening as Jesus speaks with heavenly wisdom and earthly conviction. And near the end of His ministry, as He prepared Himself and His followers for the cross, Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.” (Cf. John 8:28) And we have further affirmation of this testimony when John recorded:

John 12:44-50 (NIV)

⁴⁴Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the One who sent me. ⁴⁵The one who looks at me is seeing the One who sent me. ⁴⁶I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. ⁴⁷“If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. ⁴⁸There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. ⁴⁹For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. ⁵⁰I know that His command leads to eternal life. So, whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

Indeed, there are many things Jesus told His disciples which were recorded in prior chapters of this Gospel. Although I have reprinted some excerpts for us below, I encourage you to read Chapters 13-16 to view the entirety of what Jesus imparted in order to better understand His assurance of peace in the midst of the tribulation and persecution that will come to us who follow Him….

In John 13, we read about the Last Supper and Jesus preparing His disciples for the imminent events that were about to occur and would culminate in His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. He forewarned the disciples of what would take place, especially after He was gone; and He wanted to give them comfort and hope when afterwards they would eventually become scattered and lost in the confusion caused by His horrific death. Jesus began with these words: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

John 14:1-4 (NIV)

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ²My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴You know the way to the place where I am going.”

John 14:15-18 (NIV)

¹⁵“If you love me, keep my commands. ¹⁶And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— ¹⁷the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know him, for He lives with you and will be in you. ¹⁸I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

John 14:25-29 (NIV)

²⁵ “All this I have spoken while still with you. ²⁶But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.²⁸“You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. ²⁹I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.

John 15:9-11 (NIV)

⁹“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ¹¹I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

John 15:18-21 (NIV)

¹⁸“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. ¹⁹If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. ²⁰Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. ²¹They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.

John 16:1-5a (NIV)

“All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. ²They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. ³They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. ⁴I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, ⁵but now I am going to Him who sent me.

John 16:19-20 (NIV)

¹⁹Jesus saw that they wanted to ask Him about this, so He said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? ²⁰Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. ²¹A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. ²²So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

John 16:33 – Verse of the Day

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.”

There is more that could have been included from these chapters, but I believe these excerpts will afford you the context of the prophetic words Jesus is sharing with His disciples … and with us as well. Jesus poured out His heart … His love and concern … knowing what the disciples would soon be facing. He wanted them (and us) to know that they can have peace in Him … even after He is no longer physically presence on earth. Jesus forewarns that we will have trouble in this world because of our faith and devotion to Him. But He adds, “Be of good cheer! I have overcome the world.” We can take heart in His victory and comfort in His provision of grace to us. It is our intimacy with Jesus that will ultimately manifest itself as peace.

And so, as we face the physical troubles and spiritual challenges of the new year ahead, I pray that we will remember what Jesus told us: “In Him we can experience peace.” No matter what the trial or hardship might be, Jesus will give the grace to endure it … the power to overcome it … and the assurance of peace while we are in it … if we will but wholly trust Him at His word. Indeed, to experience peace in this world of tribulation, believers must cling to every word spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ. For there is nothing Jesus said, shared, or taught that did not come from the Father. And I am reminded that Jesus said, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” (Cf. John 6:63)

My friends, let Jesus speak into your heart today! I am confident you will find the peace you need for the coming year and the inspiration to know Him with a greater passion! I will close with these final thoughts:

Hebrews 1:1-3 (NIV)

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Thankful For Peace…

Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

As we begin the third day of this week of Thanksgiving, our Verse of the Day is a call for us to live in peace with one another … and be thankful. The context here that the peace of God should “rule” within our hearts. It is not a passing feeling or an occasional work of His grace. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit! It becomes embedded in the character of a believer, and it is expressed through other fruit of the Spirit as the agent of unity. Paul made this same point in his letter to the church at Ephesus:

Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ²Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

When I think about peace within relationships, I find are two intertwined aspects: receiving the peace of God and extending the peace of God. The Gospel is the message of peace! As Paul remarked in Ephesians 2:17, “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.” And in Colossians 1:19-20, Paul affirmed, “For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Jesus, and through Him (Jesus) to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. Likewise, in Romans 5:1, Paul stated, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” Oh, my friends, God IS the God of peace! (Cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:23)

In our relationships with one another, we are called to live in the bonds of peace. So, I want to reference a few Scriptures that address this point:

Romans 8:6 (NIV)

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 12:18 (NIV)

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Romans 14:19 (NIV)

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

1 Corinthians 16:11 (NIV)

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Well, perhaps, this reminder will encourage us to make every effort to do what leads to peace. And let us be thankful for the peace we have with one another as members of His Body. Yes, in this season of Thanksgiving, I pray we will remember that peace is an outward expression of our inward gratitude to the Father who sent His Son to this earth to bring us peace and reconciliation. Yes, may the peace of Christ rule in our hearts today … and let us be thankful. Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Unity … The Purpose of Christ

Ephesians 1:9-10 (NIV)

He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

Our Verse of the Day is a powerful revelation of the mystery of God’s will. Have you ever wondered about what God has been doing over the course of human history … what He has purposed through the sending of His Son into this world? Note how the “disclosure” of this mystery is phrased by Paul:

1. God has “unveiled” the mystery of His will … because He wanted to make it known (i.e. according to His good pleasure)

2. The mystery has to do with His will concerning the purpose for which Christ Jesus (His Son) was sent into the world.

3. The purpose is to “be put into effect” when the times reach their fulfillment.

4. The stated purpose is “to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”

There it is! God’s will … which He purposed in Christ … is to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Him … when the times reach their fulfillment…. And we find this message of “unity” proclaimed in the Scriptures. Here are some examples for us:

Psalm 133:1 (NIV)

¹How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

John 17:22-23 (NIV)

²²I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— ²³I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (NIV)

¹²Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. ¹³For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Ephesians 2:11-16 (NIV)

¹¹Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— ¹²remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. ¹³But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, ¹⁵by setting aside in His flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in Himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility.

Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)

¹As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ²Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)

¹¹So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ¹²to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

It is clear that God wants unity between all believers! He wants us to come to the unity that proceeds forth from faith in Jesus Christ. And I believe that the purpose of the Church is to assemble and unify the diversity and uniqueness of each individual believer. We are members of His Body … and the Spirit has gifted us as HE determines for the edification and building up of the Body into a unified whole … functioning in interdependence and respect for one another and loving one another as we have been loved by Christ Jesus. Remember, UNITY is His will! I pray this lesson will be applied to our hearts as we submit to His will and to love for one another. Amen.