Peace
True and Lasting Peace
Many of us today are seeking peace. Although we may not directly identify what we’re seeking as peace, that’s ultimately what we long for. We may pursue peace through organizing and decluttering our homes in an effort to create a more serene living space. We might try to quiet the never-ending chatter in our brains or turn off our anxious thoughts by watching a movie or mindlessly scrolling through social media. We may seek peace through financial security, believing that more money in our savings or investments will bring a sense of calm and security.
Although pursuing things like a tidy home or financial security isn’t bad in and of itself, we need to recognize where true and lasting peace comes from. Judges 6:24 says, “Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and named it The Lord is Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.” We see from this verse that the Lord Himself is peace.
Before Jesus’ ascension into heaven, He reassured His disciples with these words, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27). The peace that Jesus promised was not just for the disciples, but for all followers of Christ. Jesus knew we would face troubles and trials in this life, but in the midst of those struggles, He offers us a spiritual peace that surpasses understanding and is unlike anything the world can offer. We can be encouraged knowing that we don’t need to be tossed around by the cares, worries, and trials of this world. Instead, we can set our minds on Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Romans 8:6 says, “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.”
In addition to setting our minds on the Spirit, we can recall and apply the words of Philippians 4:6-7 if we notice worry or anxiety creeping in. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Lord, we thank you for the PEACE that only You can provide. You knew that we would face troubles and trials in this life, but we are grateful that You quiet our hearts and minds with Your Peace in those times. Help us to set our minds on You and look to You in all circumstances.
Although the holidays are often a joyous time spent with loved ones, they can also be a difficult and painful season for those facing challenging life circumstances, such as the recent loss of a loved one or illness. If you find yourself in such a season, here are some encouraging resources: Experiencing Grace and Peace in Cultural Chaos, Prayers of My Heart, From My Heart Poems of Faith, The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World.
Are You Tired of People Telling You “Chin Up”?
Do you ever get perturbed when someone tells you, “Chin up! Everything will get better.” I get it. People may be well-intentioned, but the fact is, things may not get better. We may not be able to keep our marriage together. Our child may have special needs for the rest of their life. Our job may be tough. A person may refuse to forgive us. That’s why 2 Thessalonians 3:16 tells us to find our peace in Jesus, the Lord of peace.
“Now may the Lord of Peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Is it easy? No. But, it’s real. I experienced it when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I experienced it when my parents were dying. In John 14:27, Jesus describes His peace as “out of this world.” In other words, it comes from heaven into our hearts so we can go through our day with inner peace. Changing the position of our chin doesn’t change anything. Opening our hearts to the Prince of Peace changes everything.
Thank You, PRINCE OF PEACE, that You supersede circumstances. Fill us with Your peace that is not of this world.
Would you like more grace and peace in your life? Peace with God? Peace with others? Watch Debbie’s teaching on 1 Peter 1 HERE or listen to it HERE.
What We Learn From a Wheat Beater
Peace. Everyone’s looking for it. Where? Drugs. Vacation. Sex. Entertainment. In the meantime, and while seeking peace, life goes on. Worriers worry. Whiners whine. Complainers complain. Wheat beaters beat wheat. And that’s where we find Gideon. He is beating wheat in a winepress in order to hide it from the Midianties.
Judges 6 is the incredible account of when the Lord came to Gideon and told him to tear down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah in order to restore worship of the Lord. He then commissioned Gideon to deliver Israel out of the hands of the Midianites.
Judges 6:24 records Gideon’s response to the Lord. “Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and named it The LORD is Peace.”
Jehovah-Shalom, the LORD of Peace, came to a nation threatened by enemies and to people who worshipped Baal.
Jehovah-Shalom not only came to Gideon, but His Spirit of peace and power came upon Gideon.
Isn’t that what we need? God’s peace and power?
What can we learn from Jehovah-Shalom and Gideon about personal and national peace?
- Worship the Lord of Peace, Jehovah-Shalom.
- Be filled with the Lord’s Spirit of peace and power.
- Fight valiantly for righteousness.
JEHOVAH SHALOM, LORD OF PEACE, thank You that by Your Spirit we can experience peace and power as we stand for righteousness as Gideon did.
Would you like to experience more grace and peace? Check out Debbie’s Bible study, “Experiencing Grace and Peace in Cultural Chaos” by clicking HERE. You can also access the free accompanying videos and podcasts by clicking HERE.
Today, we remember with deep gratitude those who gave their lives in service to our country, as well as their families.
I’ll Be Back
“I’ll be back,” I assured our lab puppy the first time I left her. I knew Katie didn’t understand my words, but wanted to establish a routine so she’d learn I’d return. As Jesus neared the end of His earthly ministry, He explained to His disciples He was leaving, but He’d be back. He did what He said He was going to do. He died on the cross, was buried three days, rose from the grave, and returned to them just as He said. Before His ascension, He told them He was going to His Heavenly Father, but He’d be back. The disciples believed Him and lived in anticipation of Christ’s return. Do you believe Him – that He’ll be back? Are you preparing for His return? If not, watch my free videos of End Times. Prepare for when Christ comes back.
Drowning Eagles
Recently I was reminded of a National Geographic special about how eagles catch fish. Eagles fly high above the water and with their keen eyesight spot a fish, then dive for it. They grab the fish with their talons and fly to shore to eat it. However, on occasion, an eagle grabs a fish heavier than it can carry. With their talons deep in the fish, they can be taken into the water and drown. That can happen to us, too. Well intentioned Christians can believe they have a handle on sin, but in fact, it takes them down. 1 Peter is filled with examples of drowning sins that we can avoid. Get your copy of “Experiencing Grace and Peace in Cultural Chaos,“ a 5-week study that will help you avoid drowning in sins and help you soar in your Christian walk.
What’s Going to Happen
WATCH on YouTube. LISTEN on Podbean. LISTEN on Apple Podcasts
Do you ever wonder what in the world is going to happen? Wars and rumors of war increase. Hostility, not peace, seems to be increasing. If you’re concerned over the future, you’re not alone. But God doesn’t want us to be clueless. As a matter of fact, He gave Daniel a vision of future events. Daniel records in chapter 7, verses 21-22 that there will be a war and God’s saints will be overpowered until the One who is more powerful than any other, the highest one, Jesus, steps in. I wonder if you feel as I do – grateful, honored, and relieved to be on God’s side. And not only to be on His side, but to be called His saint. That is what’s going to happen one day. Be assured you are on the right side. Read the “Assurance of Salvation” verses.
What’s Going to Happen
Do you ever wonder what in the world is going to happen? Wars and rumors of war increase. Hostility, not peace, seems to be increasing. If you’re concerned over the future, you’re not alone. But God doesn’t want us to be clueless. As a matter of fact, He gave Daniel a vision of future events. Daniel records in chapter 7, verses 21-22 that there will be a war and God’s saints will be overpowered until the One who is more powerful than any other, the highest one, Jesus, steps in. I wonder if you feel as I do – grateful, honored, and relieved to be on God’s side. And not only to be on His side, but to be called His saint. That is what’s going to happen one day. Be assured you are on the right side. Read the “Assurance of Salvation” verses.
WATCH on YouTube. LISTEN on Podbean. LISTEN on Apple Podcasts
Are You Tired of People Telling You “Chin Up”
Do you ever get perturbed when someone tells you “Chin up! Everything will get better.” I get it. People may be well-intentioned, but the fact is, things may not get better. We may not be able to keep our marriage together. Our child may have special needs for the rest of their life. Our job may be tough. A person may refuse to forgive us. That’s why 2 Thessalonians 3:16 tells us to find our peace in Jesus, the Lord of peace. Is it easy? No. But, it’s real. I experienced it when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I experienced it when my parents were dying. In John 14:27, Jesus describes His peace as “out of this world.” In other words, it comes from heaven into our hearts so we can go through our day with inner peace. Changing the position of our chin doesn’t change anything. Opening our hearts to the Prince of Peace changes everything.
Thank You, Prince of PEACE, that You supersede circumstances. Fill us with Your peace that is not of this world.
“Now may the LORD of PEACE Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
When You’re Tired of People Telling You “Chin Up”
Do you ever get perturbed when someone tells you “chin up,” that everything will get better? I get it. People may be well intentioned, but the fact is, things may not get better. We may not be able to keep our marriage together. Our child may have special needs the rest of their life. Our job may be tough. A person may refuse to forgive us. That’s why 2 Thessalonians 3:16 tells us to find our peace in Jesus, the Lord of peace. Is it easy? No. But, it’s real. I experienced it when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I experienced it when my parents were dying. In John 14:27, Jesus describes His peace as “out of this world.” In other words, it comes from heaven into our hearts so we can go through our day with inner peace. Moving the direction of our chin doesn’t change anything. Opening our heart and asking the Prince of Peace to fill it changes everything.
Thank You, Prince of PEACE, that You supercede circumstances. Fill us with Your peace.
“Now may the LORD of PEACE Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.”
When You’re Tired of People Telling You “Chin Up”
Do you ever get perturbed when someone tells you “chin up,” that everything will get better? I get it. People may be well intentioned, but the fact is, things may not get better. We may not be able to keep our marriage together. Our child may have special needs the rest of their life. Our job may be tough. A person may refuse to forgive us. That’s why 2 Thessalonians 3:16 tells us to find our peace in Jesus, the Lord of peace. Is it easy? No. But, it’s real. I experienced it when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I experienced it when my parents were dying. In John 14:27, Jesus describes His peace as “out of this world.” In other words, it comes from heaven into our hearts so we can go through our day with inner peace. Moving the direction of our chin doesn’t change anything. Opening our heart and asking the Prince of Peace to fill it changes everything.
Thank You, Prince of PEACE, that You supercede circumstances. Fill us with Your peace.
“Now may the LORD of PEACE Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.”