Peace is a Big Deal

What is the opposite of peace? Some may say, drama or feuds and others might respond with unrest and strife. Whatever word you use to describe the turmoil in your life, we all know that it is not fun. There are any number of situations which create this unrest, financial difficulties, relationship struggles, health issues...and the list goes on.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (verse 13)

Choose Peace. It is true that we cannot control many of the contributing factors of a life without peace. But, I have found that even with the drama, we can search out peace. Even during times of unsteady economic circumstances, we can choose peace. Finding and then drawing on peace while we are all wrapped up in conflict, will change everything.

Jesus Is Peace. How do we find peace and then put it to work it during difficult seasons? How can we embrace God's peace when we are faced with situations that steal our peace? Remember, when the disciples were in the boat and a huge storm rattled their peace. Jesus appeared and calmed everything. Then too remember the followers of Jesus who were huddled together, shaking in their boots after Jesus was crucified. They felt anything but peace. And Jesus entered and said, "Peace."

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)

Memorize God's Word. I have memorized these two verses and recall them when life falls apart on me. How do you find peace? Where do you find it? Share with us.

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

James 3:13-18

His Ways are Higher

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

There are times I am grateful that God thinks different thoughts than I. When I acknowledge my impatient actions or unkind thoughts toward others, I am appalled that a child of God could act in such a fashion. I am also thankful that God's timing is not like mine. I have such a limited understanding of tomorrow; I know my timing would be self-centered on my immediate desires.

Much of the good that has come about in my life is due to the fact that God knew what was best for me and those around me. His heart was soft and his love so completely perfect, that I know if I had my own way during certain seasons, it would have been devastating. My life today would look different and I would be different.

Each time I prayed for 'a cup to pass me by', God said, "uh, uh, you need to experience this, you can learn and grow from it." These things still happen to me today too. But it is also good to recognize that God can grow us through the good times.

When I am stuck in the midst of a drama filled season I can trust God knows what is going to take place when I turn the page. I have confidence that He has already written the next chapter of my life and that it is important I walk through whatever valley I find myself.

Isaiah 55:6-11

Family Reunions

NOTE: IF YOU WANT TO RECEIVE THESE DAILY BIBLE BLASTS EACH MORNING IN YOUR INBOX SIMPLY ADD YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO THE BOX "FOLLOW BY EMAIL" ON THE RIGHT.

If you like happy endings, today's reading will be to your liking.

Genesis 45:4-5 (NIV)

“Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!

And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”

When we can look back at those times in our life when we cried out in desparation from a heart that was breaking, only to see God in action. What a blessing! These blessings aren’t reserved for special people; you and I are privy to these too. Joseph must have cried out many times during the early years of his captivity, only to realize his God had a plan all along.

Often when I am wondering just what God is doing I will go back into one of my journals and read through my notes from another season of life which was filled with pain. Often God uses my journals to reveal just how present He was; just how near to me He stayed. It is God's way of reminding me that He never moves away from us.

As family reunions go, this was a great one. It contained all the drama, tears, and regrets you would expect when family who has been separated for years - no matter the reason - are reunited.  God will use all of our sins, our pain, our bad judgments and wasteful ways, for His glory.  It is then we will recognize and acknowledge our need for God.  It is then we understand only God can do the things God does. Truly He is the One True God.

God sent me on ahead to pave the way and make sure there was a remnant in the land, to save your lives in an amazing act of deliverance. So you see, it wasn’t you who sent me here but God. Genesis 45:7-8a (NIV)

Genesis 45:4-8

United We Stand Tall

Some of us don't look forward to the holidays or family gatherings because of feuds and disharmony among siblings or parents. We often dread coming together for celebrations when there is fear of the drama which is sure to ensure.

Such tension takes the fun out of times meant for laughter and happiness. But, that is the way we are sometimes; unforgiving, and holding grudges for long periods of time.

There is a comforting sense of peace when we experience unity. When people are loving and tolerant of one another, family gatherings can be fun and a great place for memory making. What are your holidays like? Do you look forward to them or feel like just skipping the whole thing?

“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s Temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Whether it is the family community or our church community, we are called to love one another; to get along and to overlook someone else's shortcomings as they overlook ours. None of us is perfect, so we must often simply agree to disagree and be done with it. 

Many of us know from personal experience that differences in opinion or belief fade when face-to-face with tragedy. Somehow our perspective changes and that which was so important once - doesn't hold water any longer. That is how it will be when Christ returns. 

So why not try to get to that place now and enjoy each other and our differences.

1 Corinthians 3:1-17