Saturday, October 19, 2013

Our Children’s Peace



“‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant be of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you. All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children’s peace.”
Isa. 54:10, 13
’Though the mountains be shaken and the hills removed. . .” Even if the world would come to an end through earthquake, leveling the mountains and hills God will be there beside us.
“. . . yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken. . .” God will still love us as our world falls apart- the spiritual, the emotional, as well as the actual.
“. . . nor my covenant be of peace be removed,’” God says that he will keep His pact of peace with His people. Where would we be if we didn’t have this inner strength when we definitely need it—as our world, both figurative and literal, collapses?
“. . . says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah reminds us that these are God’s words and that He has tenderness for His children. Where would we be without God’s desire to look out for us?
“All your sons will be taught by the Lord. . .” Isaiah gives his audience hope here. The Lord will guide their sons in learning what they will need. In the 21st Century, we want the children of our natural families and our church families to learn of the Lord. We all need to ask God the proper way to do this.

“’ . . . and great will be your children’s peace.” Isaiah tells his audience there will be a positive result for the Lord’s efforts through them. Their children will not be confused, depressed or down-hearted. The will be at peace. Praise the Lord!

Graphic: www.whachristianswanttoknow.com

Friday, October 18, 2013

Peace



“Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, those who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live at peace with each other. 1 Thess. 5:13 (NIV)


The Apostle Paul makes a request here of the believers in Thessalonica. He asks them to respect those who work hard. Have you ever seen someone who works so much on a project that they make you tired just by watching them or of hearing what they do? These folks will be working for the Lord for as long as they can. 
Next, he tells his readers, then and now, to have respect for those who are over us—our supervisors, our mentors, our pastors. We need to pray for those who guide us through our days and those who minister to our souls.

He tells us to hold them in high regard because of the work they do. Most of the time, those in roles of leadership have to deal with issues that cause a lot of pain and discouragement. They find themselves in stressful situations and have to continue on as though nothing was wrong.

Paul asks his readers, then and now, to live peaceably with those around us. In order for us in the 21st. Century to live in peace, we need to ask God to give us His eyes. We sometimes need to take ourselves out of the equation; step back and watch the scene unfold.

Prayer
Dear Father God; Thank you for your great love that bring us through the rough times in our lives. Thank you for allowing us to have people in our lives who guide us to You.  We praise You for those whom You have called to lead those who love You. Please allow us to have Your eyes when we view our surroundings. We give You praise for all things. In the name of Jesus, we pray. AMEN


Graphic: praisequotes.com

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Blessed with Peace


 

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11


Have you ever felt all your physical and emotion strength was gone? We all have at one time or another.  I had a project come to me that I felt unequipped to attempt. I felt the tension settle in my arms, making feel heavy and almost numb.
I asked for prayer from some of those I have on my writing ministry’s prayer team. One of my Facebook friends, an editor, asked his friends how he could pray for them. I answered with some particulars of the project. He responded by sharing with me that he had a similar situation last year and saying he would pray for my need.  I found strength to continue on with the project and have had exciting times as a result of those prayers. God did strengthen me.
He also has given me a peace about this project and has provided some very special moments—some I hope to never forget.
I have hope that this project brings honor to the Lord.  God has been with me as I work with others to finish this work. He showed me this past Saturday that the younger boys are taking their parts in this project seriously.

Graphic: heartsandmindsbooks.com

God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...