Category Archives: Peace

A Peaceful Moment??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #61

13 Friday Jan 2023

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Fruit of the Spirit, GET READY, Jesus is our peace, Peace, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding

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A Peaceful Moment???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #61

“Open ye the gates,

that the righteous nation

which keepeth the truth

may enter in.

3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,

whose mind is stayed on thee:

because he trusteth in thee.

4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever:

for in the LORD JEHOVAH

is everlasting strength:” Isaiah 26:2-4

Peace is so needed in our world as we read/hear almost daily about the ‘rockets’, ‘drones’, ‘missiles’, and a world with every kind of weapon, agony, and suffering going on around us; and there is only one place to find peace, and that is in JESUS!  Our God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–is ever present, and Jesus told us that HE is the giver of perfect peace.  And remember peace isn’t simply the absence of conflict, but confidence in the midst of any storm, confidence from, in, and through Jesus!!!

“These things I have spoken unto you,

that in me ye might have peace.

In the world ye shall have tribulation:

but be of good cheer;

I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

“Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:27

May our hearts and minds be fixed on Jesus, so that we can and will experience a peace beyond measure or understanding; and oh, how I thank God for that peace–comforting, restoring, precious peace!

“And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.

9 Those things,

which ye have both learned,

and received,

and heard, and seen in me,

do:

and the God of peace

shall be with you.”  Philippians 4:7-9

And just a reminder–peace is part of the “fruit of the Spirit”!  Don’t let the enemy steal that which Jesus provides to and for you today.  When turmoil arises in your life remember to run to the eight things of Paul’s teaching and rehearse them in your mind and heart; I think you’ll find that the enemy can’t stand against these eight traits of God, and when we’re thinking on the things of God, the turmoil may not disappear, but we can find that “peace of God, which passeth all understanding”!  A peace that the world can’t take away from us, because the “world didn’t give it” so “the world can’t take it away” (From “The World Didn’t Give It To Me” by Bill & Gloria Gaither and Bill Paxton -as best as I can determine.).

“But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22-23

 May this encourage your heart today.  Sometimes it’s hard to find peace, but my friend–peace is always where Jesus IS.  I pray that you will run to HIM today and find HIS peace unparalleled!  He has never failed me yet–and He won’t start today!  Blessings on your day–each day!  Love and prayers are sent your way today!

Amen and Amen!!!

Real Peace??? A Word from THE WORD!!!

08 Thursday Sep 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Advice for the journey, Holy Spirit, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Know Whom I Believe, Knowing GOD, Knowing God's Word, Peace, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding

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Real Peace???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #35

‘Real Peace’, what is it?  That’s a good question, for many have fought battles trying to achieve peace.

Peace:  …. the normal, nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world…. a state of harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations…. often considered simply the absence of strife!

I think there is a greater idea of peace that the world most often misses, and often times even Bible believing Christians miss the real idea and meaning of ‘peace’!  So, I’d like us to spend just a bit of time today pursuing the biblical definition of peace, and the first thing that comes to my mind is the ultimate idea of biblical peace.

“Be careful

for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts

and minds

through Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 4:6-7

Oh, the power of “the peace of God”; it is the supply, the sustenance, the surety of every believer who will rely upon it instead of the ‘peace of the world’—a flimsy, ever-changing pursuit that at best, is short-lived and unreliable, for it’s based on the ideas, pursuits, and efforts of mankind!  Whereas “the peace of God” is a rock-solid assurance that we can stand fast in God’s promises!

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”   Hebrews 13:5-6

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,

whose mind is stayed on thee:

because he trusteth

in thee.”  Isaiah 26:3

The main question though, is, where/how do we get this great peace?  Well, there is only one place where we can find this amazing peace (and grace—by grace), and that is IN JESUS.  Paul gives us the most amazing discourse on this, and while it is a lengthy passage, I think it well worth our time to consider it, for it is the premise upon which all we’ve said so far rests.

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope

of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope

maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God

commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified

by his blood,

we shall be saved

from wrath through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more, being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:1-11

All this, because God loves us—did before HE created us, did after HE created us—did when we sinned—did when HE sent Jesus, The Son to be our redemption, which bought our “peace with God” for all who will believe and receive the forgiveness of sin that Jesus purchased at Calvary, so that “whosoever believeth in HIM” can have life, hope, and this very peace that Paul describes—no longer enemies of God—but HIS blessed children!!!  Hallelujah!!!  Amen!!!

Because of what HE did for us, we can have this peace that “passeth all understanding”!  The peace that overrules fear and suffering because we know that our God reigns, and is bringing us to glory with HIM!  It is what our faith camps on, Jesus’ own promise that Paul described above, in HIS own words!

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth,

give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid.”  John 14:25-27

Oh, how amazingly grateful I am that with HIS peace, comes “the love of God”, and for Paul ‘s reminder that The Holy Spirit plants it within us, a love that is ever at work accomplishing God’s purpose and glory in us, so that we have peace not fear (and living in such fear-evoking days we need reminding!), and the world sees a love they don’t understand—a testimony of Jesus’ amazing, saving grace!!

“There is no fear

in love;

but perfect love

casteth out fear:

because fear hath torment.

He that feareth

is not made perfect in love.”  1 John 4:18

Even in some of Jesus’ last words to His disciple (and to us) He reminded us that we have peace, HIS peace, in the midst of trials, troubles and tribulations—all because HE has “overcome the world”!

“These things I have spoken unto you,

that in me ye might have peace.

In the world ye shall have tribulation:

but be of good cheer;

I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

Hold on to The One who IS our peace!  In HIM we win!

“And a voice came out of the throne, saying,

Praise our God,

all ye his servants,

and ye that fear him,

both small and great.

6 And I heard

as it were the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent

reigneth.”  Revelation 19:5-6

And on that all I can say is, even so Lord Jesus come quickly!!!

Yet if you don’t have this peace of God, you can have it by the repentance of your sin—your personal sin—and believing in the sacrifice that Jesus made for it (the substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice)—that He was crucified for your sin and mine, that He was buried, and that HE arose from the dead for you and me, victorious over sin, death, and hell!  He is inviting you today!

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

Amen and Amen!!!

Buried In The Sea??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #26

05 Friday Aug 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Believe God?, Broken Hearts, Buried IN the sea, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Comfort, Confidence, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Fearlessness, Forgetting or Remembering?, Forgiveness, Knowing God's Word, Light In The Dark, Love, Peace, There is no condemnation, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus

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Buried In The Sea???  A Word from THE WORD!!!  #26

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!!  We got rain—a good rain last night.  Thank YOU, Jesus!!!  So, a brief word to encourage you this morning, that God’s precious physical rain is a blessing, yet there is HIS blessing of what I call “soul rain”—the renewal and joy that Jesus gives to us when we think we can’t go one step farther.  When we think we’ve ruined our lives!  When we think we have no recourse!  JESUS still changes hearts and lives TODAY!  And HE can and will change your darkness into light.  He died to forgive your sin and mine—and HE does it permanently!!!

“Who is a God like unto thee,

that pardoneth iniquity,

and passeth by the transgression

of the remnant of his heritage?

he retaineth not his anger for ever,

because he delighteth in mercy.

19 He will turn again,

he will have compassion upon us;

he will subdue our iniquities;

and thou wilt cast all their sins

into the depths of the sea.”  Micah 7:18-19

When we come to Jesus for salvation through repentance of our sin and faith in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice, we also receive the forgiveness of our sins.  And I love what Corrie Ten Boom used to say about God casting our sin into the “depths of the sea”, she said not only were our sins cast into the sea, but God also puts up a “no fishing sign”!  Don’t let the enemy of your soul go fishing in your past—it’s just that PASSED—GONE!  Yes, we have memory, but we also have a Savior with a great big eraser that will help ease the pains of those past failures, mistakes, and sin.  He saves and FORGIVES!  They’re buried in the sea—don’t go fishing, but press on in God’s Kingdom work not regrets and fears but right thinking (a sound mind)!

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;

but of power,

and of love,

and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints

in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”                Colossians 1:12-14

You are forgiven—redeemed—and a possession of the KING!  Don’t let that toothless lion disturb you, but “withstand in the evil day”—remember we win!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish, strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory

and dominion

for ever

and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:6-11

Just remember whose you are!

“There is therefore now no condemnation

to them which are in Christ Jesus,

who walk not after the flesh,

but after the Spirit.”  Romans 8:1

Amen and Amen!!!

Who’s Grace, Peace And Love??? Bible Ballistics: BBs 786

30 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Amazing Grace, Choices And Consequences, Good News, Gospel, Grace, Love, Love Is Action, Peace, Peace Of The Rock, Salvation, The blood of Jesus IS the only Way, The Word Or The World?, TODAY, Trusting Jesus?

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #786   Who’s Grace, Peace And Love???

 

I was thinking this morning about the profound theology that we often miss from the Apostle’s letters, and I’d like us to just consider the simple truth that we may often miss.

“To all that be in Rome,

beloved of God,

called to be saints:

Grace to you

and peace

from God our Father,

and the Lord Jesus Christ.

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ

for you all,

that your faith is spoken of

throughout the whole world.”  Romans 1:7-8

What is grace?  Grace is often defined as “unmerited favor” and while that is true, it is so much more in our biblical understanding of the favor of God to extend to us the act of forgiveness of our SIN through the blood of Jesus.

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”   Colossians 1:12-14

So, Paul was praying God’s continued grace upon the Romans not just for saving grace but grace to daily live for Jesus!  We need the same today!  Even as Paul prayed for the Corinthian believers as well.

“Grace be unto you,

and peace,

from God our Father,

and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I thank my God always on your behalf,

for the grace of God

which is given you by Jesus Christ;

5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him,

in all utterance,

and in all knowledge;”   1 Corinthians 1:3-5

Our life should reflect the grace that we have received from our Lord Jesus—saving grace—but also the “living” grace which we are to grow in daily—in fact moment by moment.  Peter also mentions this grace.

“Ye therefore, beloved,

seeing ye know these things before,

beware lest ye also, being led away

with the error of the wicked,

fall from your own

stedfastness.  

18 But grow in grace,

and in the knowledge

of our Lord and Saviour

Jesus Christ.

To him be glory

both now and for ever.

Amen.”  2 Peter 3:17-18

We are to be aware of those who are deceivers, liars, and false teacher/preachers, knowing The Word of God for ourselves; growing in this grace that God imparts to those who come to Him through Jesus!  And Jesus Himself told us the import of love!

“By this shall all men know

that ye are my disciples,

if ye have love

one to another.”  John 13:35

“If ye love me,

keep my commandments.”  John 14:15

As we pray for one another may we spread the faith, love, hope and encouragement of God’s Word one with another.  It was important for the Apostles, and it should be important to us.  Remember ‘love’ here is “agapao” or agape love—the heart that does that which is best for the recipient—be it Jesus or those around us!  Lord help me see through the eyes of your “love”?

“But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him

in all things,

which is the head,

even Christ:” Ephesians 4:15

And one of scripture’s greatest reminders:

“For now we see through a glass, darkly;

 but then face to face:

now I know in part;

but then shall I know

even as also I am known.

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity,

these three;

but the greatest of these is charity.”   1 Corinthians 13:12-13

Amen and Amen!!!

‘Nuff said…….!

 

THE GOD Of All Comfort??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #785

25 Friday Mar 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Comfort, Greater is HE that is IN US!, Grief, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Peace, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding, Sorrow

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #785    THE GOD Of All Comfort???

 

“Blessed be God,

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies,

and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us

in all our tribulation,

that we may be able to comfort

them which are in any trouble,

by the comfort wherewith

we ourselves are comforted

of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ

abound in us,

so our consolation

also aboundeth by Christ.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-5

I am so grateful for the “God of all comfort” who walks with us—we who belong to Him by the blood of Jesus that “cleanseth us from all sin”; and not only cleanseth us but walks with us, as HE promised HE would!

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”  Hebrews 13:5-6

We don’t have to be afraid of our grief, our sorrow, our trials, tribulations, or even persecution!  How?  Why?  Because our God is faithful to HIS Word!  And I willingly, lovingly and truthfully bear witness to the faithfulness of God!  Through all the sorrow of my heart these last few years (27 months to be more specific—and yes, I believe it’s ok to count the days of our longings and grief!) God has ever been my comfort, joy, and peace that truly “passeth all understanding”!  Yes, there are seasons of tears, regrets, sorrow, and intense longing for the one who is gone!  But the thing that sustains and comforts me most is that God knows that pain! In fact, HE didn’t lose HIS SON to an accident or unexpected disease, but HE sent HIM willingly, lovingly, and intentionally for you and me!

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

“Ye men of Israel,

hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him

in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him,

being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands

have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”  Acts 2:22-24

It’s your choice to believe in Jesus or not, but I’m here to tell you that there is no other way to God—to peace, joy, and blessing beyond measure!  God is so faithful; I don’t have the words to share how the Spirit of Jesus/God fills my heart and soul with that “peace that passeth all understanding”, but Jesus is still calling to Himself those who will believe.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with me

in my throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down

with my Father in his throne.”  Revelation 3:20-21

You can open the door and let Jesus in, or you can go your own way and wallow in your grief and sorrow!  It’s your choice but there is a test coming!  Yet, I praise God that HIS comfort is available to all who will come.

“That their hearts might be comforted,

being knit together

in love,

and unto all riches

of the full assurance of understanding,

to the acknowledgement

of the mystery of God,

and of the Father,

and of Christ;

3 In whom are hid

all the treasures

of wisdom

and knowledge.”  Colossians 2:2-3

May you hear and respond to the greatest comforter of all—JESUS!

Amen and Amen!!!