Posts Tagged ‘peace’

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What’s the Big Deal About Praise?

Monday, March 25th, 2013

I’ve heard some folks question God’s reason for commanding us to praise Him. Some think He’s proud or self-centered. In fact, the opposite is true.

Scripture says that God dwells in the praises of His people. If that’s true, then praise is actually the means to deeper intimacy with Him. And when we walk in intimacy with Him, we experience greater joy, peace, and purpose.

When we praise God despite our circumstances, we express trust in who He is and we honor Him. Or faith grows as our focus turns from our circumstances to His character. Praising God—at all times—ensures our spiritual well-being, and that’s a big deal considering the battle that rages around us.

Psalm 68:4 says, “Sing praises to God and to His name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the Lord—rejoice in His presence” (NLT).

Let’s choose to praise God for who He is, no matter what our circumstances look like. Doing so strengthens our faith and enables us to face anything that comes our way.

Join me for this devotional on YouTube.

Photo courtesy: www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Promises are Not Meant to Be Broken

Friday, February 22nd, 2013

The dictionary defines promise as “a declaration assuring that one will or will not do something; a vow.”

Some promises concern small matters: My grandkids enjoy chocolate chip pancakes, so I promise to cook them for breakfast when they spend the night with us.

Other promises concern life-changing matters: On my wedding day, I vowed to love and honour my husband until death parts us.

Promises are not to be issued glibly for, by their nature, they’re not meant to be broken. Sadly, they are, and for any number of reasons. Someone always feels the sting of disappointment.

We, as flawed human beings, break promises, but God never does. He is completely faithful, so He does what He says He will do. “As for God, his way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true” (Psalm 18:30 NLT).

Did you catch that three-letter word? All—not some—of God’s promises prove true. He might not fulfill them as we assume or wish, but He will keep His word—guaranteed.

I’ve personally been encouraged by God’s promise to never or forsake me. In Matthew 28:20 Jesus said, “And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.” He’s kept His word.

He’s with me everywhere I go, at all times. He never forgets where I am, never dozes off and loses track of me, never drops me off His radar. He’s with me every moment of every day at all times. This knowledge gives me peace because I know I’m never alone. It gives me courage to face whatever comes my way because, again, I’m not alone. It also gives me an incredible sense of being loved and assurance that I can talk with Jesus anytime I want, day or night. I’m so thankful He’ll never break His promise to be with me until the end of the age.

A friend sent me this song by the Canadian Tenors yesterday. I listened to it this morning and my heart fairly soared with encouragement. Take a moment to listen to it. Close your eyes and worship. Be blessed in knowing that God is with you right now and forever.

How about you? Which one of God’s promises means a lot to you today?

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What Does it Mean to Follow Jesus? 3 Insights

Friday, February 15th, 2013

“One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I’ll show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed Him.

“A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing nets. He called at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men” (Mark 1:16-20).

This account happened more than 2,000 years ago. But Jesus still calls people to follow Him today. I was eight years old when I chose to follow Him, but only as an adult did I really begin to understand what that meant. Here are three insights (of many) I’ve gleaned along the way:

  • Following Jesus means a shift in priorities.

“I’ll show you how to fish for people,” He said to Simon and Andrew. He didn’t say, “I’ll show you how to get rich quick,” or “I’ll show you how to become the best fisherman on the sea.” He focused on people. Following Him means people become our priority, too. Caring for them. Encouraging them. Introducing them to the best friend ever—Jesus.

  • Following Jesus means being stretched beyond the familiar.

The four fisherman in this story left their boats and nets to follow Jesus as He taught in synagogues, healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, raised the dead, fed the masses, and more. This was new to them, and surely it was a stretching experience.

Likewise, we encounter new experiences when we follow Jesus, too. He might ask us to mentor a younger person, teach a Bible study, go on a missions trip. Following Him means being stretched but that’s okay because He’ll be with us and will give us courage and strength.

  • Following Jesus means counting a cost.

James and John left their dad to follow Jesus. I wonder what he said in that moment. Maybe he called after them, “Hey—what are you doing? I need you here! You can’t just walk away like that!” Maybe he watched them walk away, shaking his head and muttering under his breath about their impulsivity.

Following Jesus often involves a price. For me, it’s meant losing two parents while I was overseas for ministry purposes. It’s also meant financial sacrifice. But when I think of Jesus sacrificing His life on my behalf, who am I to withhold anything from Him?

Following Jesus also means discovering purpose for living, experiencing forgiveness from sin, peace during life’s tough stuff, confidence in knowing He holds my life in His hands, and the promise of eternal life. Following Him forever changed my life.

“Come, follow me,” says Jesus. What’s your response?

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Wisdom Wednesday

Wednesday, October 31st, 2012

A fresh perspective on one’s to-do list…

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Peace

Monday, October 15th, 2012

Everyone has a story. When I speak at women’s retreats and conferences, I hear many. Some stories draw laughter. Others draw tears. Some leave me speechless, in awe of how God reveals Himself to those who seek Him. How He provides for those who ask. How He grants wisdom to those who lack.

I spoke at a women’s retreat on the past weekend, and once again, I heard stories. Several broke my heart. One in particular stands out. This one I can share because it’s public knowledge. Most are confidential.

A woman I’d met at a retreat a couple of years ago approached me to say hi. Then her eyes filled with tears and she told me that her daughter died last February, killed in a car accident only five days before her nineteenth birthday. She described the details, and I recalled hearing about it on the news when it happened.

Words cannot describe the pain I felt on this mother’s behalf. “I’m so sorry for your loss,” I said. And I gave her a long hug.

Other women shared their stories with me throughout the weekend. Some, like that mother, verbalized them. Others left notes at my book table—written words exposing the pain they could not speak.

My trip home last evening took six hours. Plenty of time to ponder the stories I’d heard. Plenty of time to pray for these precious women and for the many others who attended the retreat, some likely carrying secret and heavy concerns.

Undoubtedly you have a story, too. Maybe you’ve faced a recent loss or bitter disappointment. A friend or spouse’s betrayal. The pain of watching your child make negative life-altering choices. The ongoing pain of health issues that baffle medical professionals.

Some mornings you wake and wonder how you’ll get up and function. Some days you’d rather stay in bed than wear a plastic smile again. Perhaps you’re living a story that you wish could be rewritten. If so, I want to encourage you today with a couple of verses I read this morning:

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

“I listen carefully to what God the LORD is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people” (Psalm 85:8).

Take time to read and reread these verses. What is the Lord saying to you through them?

Here’s my prayer for those of you with difficult stories: “May you experience peace through the knowledge that the Lord of peace is with you now and always. May you keep your eyes and ears tuned for His voice. As you walk with Him through this journey, may He speak peace to your heart. May you listen well, for His words might come through a song, a poem, a quote, or a quiet whisper. Ask Him to help you take His words to heart. And know that you are loved. Amen.”

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A Lesson About True Joy–Learned in Romania

Friday, August 10th, 2012

I’m still mentally processing lessons learned while in Eastern Europe this summer. For instance, working in Romania among a group of young adults living with serious health issues deepened my understanding about true joy.

I find immeasurable joy in in my grandchildren’s hugs. I find joy in knowing my kids and their spouses love the Lord, and in hearing my husband’s hello when he comes home from the office. Joy, for me, comes in knowing my writing or teaching has given someone direction or hope. It comes in spending time alone with God in the morning’s early hours. These things, and other simple pleasures, bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart.

But what if my circumstances looked different? What if my health deteriorated and I was no longer able to walk or talk or care for my own needs? What if my home was foreclosed, or my husband walked out on me? What if I’d experienced abandonment and abuse similar to that of my Romanian friends? What if my present involved the same struggles they face, or my future on this earth looked as uncertain? How joyful might I feel then?

Sitting beside the Danube River early one morning in July, I read Psalm 4:6-8: “Let your face smile on us, LORD. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.”

Those words leapt off the page that day. They reminded me that life’s circumstances can be dire indeed, but joy remains possible thanks to the Lord’s presence in our lives. Money, health, and creature comforts—although nice to have—ultimately do not bring the joy and peace we crave. It’s found in Christ alone.

These Scriptures have become very meaningful to me. I’ve turned them into a prayer: “Dear Father, please make your face smile on us (and on my brave Romanian friends). Grant us (and them) greater joy than those who have great material abundance. Grant us (and them) peace in knowing that You alone keep us safe. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Thanks for listening as I process the things I saw and learned. I pray that the lessons I’ve learned from yet another missions trip will bless you, too.

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Joy…Again!

Monday, March 26th, 2012

In previous blogs I’ve mentioned that my heaven-sent word for 2012 is joy. I had no idea how often Scripture mentioned it until now. It seems that every time I read the Word, it’s there.

The latest popped up while I sat on a window seat overlooking the grounds of Capernwray Harbour Bible school on Thetis Island. It was early Saturday morning, before breakfast at the women’s retreat where I was speaking. I opened my Bible and read Psalm 68:2,3,6—“Let the wicked perish in the presence of God. But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy…God places the lonely in families, he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.”

The part about being glad in God’s presence caught my attention. Being in God’s presence brings joy—and not just a little. It brings fullness of joy. You know what that tells me? Those who love God can experience joy no matter what because His Holy Spirit dwells in them 24/7. God’s presence in is them, over them, behind and before them. They can never get away from His presence. That means joy is their constant companion, too.

I’m not talking about a giddy, giggly emotion. I’m talking about a deep settled sense of peace, contentment, and confidence that God is in control of every detail and will fulfill all of His promises.

The more time I spend in the Word and practicing God’s presence, the more I experience joy. How about you? What’s your joy quotient today?

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A Good Question to Ask When We Feel Afraid

Friday, March 16th, 2012

Relevant questions reveal a lot about what people think and the reason for their behavior. Lawyers use them. So do life coaches. And parents.

David used them, too. The Psalms record numerous songs and prayers he wrote throughout his lifetime, and many contain questions. On one occasion, as he ran from enemies determined to capture or kill him, he asked, “I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” (Psa. 56:4,11).

That’s a very good question, simple and direct. It helps us focus our spiritual eyes where they belong—on the almighty, all-wise, all-powerful God who presences Himself with His people at all times. When we truly acknowledge who He is and chose to trust His character, fear loses its grip on us. Here are some examples of how this has worked in my life:

When my husband suffered a major reaction to a wasp sting last fall, I asked myself this question and found comfort. I knew that the incident was no surprise to God, and that He would care for me if anything happened to my hubby.

When I wonder whether or not our overseas ministry will have enough volunteers to fill the necessary slots this summer, I ask myself this question and find confidence. God is a master at working out the details.

As technology forces change in publishing and marketing techniques, I ask myself this question and discover peace. I’ll do what I can knowing that God says nothing can thwart His purposes, and He controls my destiny.

I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?

If you’re facing a difficulty right now, then pause and reflect on who God is. Read the Psalms and discover who He claims to be. Praise Him for these characteristics. Thank Him for the promises He’s given you. When you’ve finished doing these things, ask yourself this question: “I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” I guarantee you’ll find a new perspective.

Photo courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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God Delights in Giving Peace

Friday, February 17th, 2012

What’s God like?

The Bible’s filled with descriptions. Here’s one that means a lot to me: “Great is the Lord who delights in blessing his servant with peace” (Psalm 35:27).

The fact that God delights in blessing His servants with peace has become very real to me in the past three weeks. Life’s whizzed by at breakneck speed with several major events crammed into a small space…

Three weekends ago, we spent three loooong days at Missions Fest Vancouver, hosting a booth and talking to countless people about summer ministry opportunities. I’d barely caught my breath before the next weekend with its first annual businesswomen’s retreat. The day after the retreat, my husband and I traveled to Vancouver Island for a speaking engagement.

Following that meeting, we escaped for three nights of R&R. When the mini-holiday ended, we began our trip home. That’s when we received a call saying that our daughter-in-law was in labor. We spent last weekend babysitting the other three grandkidlets, and then celebrated the birth of our fourth grandbaby on Saturday evening.

In the midst of the whirlwind, I’m writing articles under deadline and trying to prepare for upcoming speaking engagements. I can let the pressure stress me out, or I can remember the words of Psalm 35:27 and make them personal. I choose the latter. Indeed, as I commit each day to the Lord and invite Him to accomplish through me what’s truly important that day, He blesses me with peace.

This week I learned about a friend’s husband leaving their 29-year marriage. Another friend is battling for her life following a bone marrow transplant. One buried her husband a few days ago, and another is undergoing radiation for breast cancer. Each of these women is undergoing very difficult circumstances right now, but deep down, they all know peace. They’re experiencing God as He’s described in Psalm 35:27.

God delights in blessing His servants with peace. I love that aspect of His character. What characteristic means the most to you at this season in your life?

Photo courtesy: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Busting the Myths About the Bible

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

‘The Bible’s nothin’ more than an old-fashioned book,” some people say. “A book filled with rules designed to steal all our fun.”

Others say, “The Bible’s merely a collection of fairy tales. Who in their right mind could ever really believe the story about Noah building an ark and filling it with animals two-by-two?”

Some regard the Bible as a holy book and treat it with reverence although they neither read nor apply it. Simply having a copy in their possession somehow makes them feel safe, or like a moral, upright person.

I beg to differ from all of the above.

The Bible is God’s word to mankind. It’s written to protect us, to warn, to encourage, and to develop intimacy between Creator and created. Some people might find its words harsh, but oddly enough, the same folks find solace there in times of sorrow. Who isn’t familiar with Psalm 23—“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…”?

The Bible contains answers for every issue we face. Its words give us direction for healthy marriages, parenting, finances, and priorities. It’s all there. We just need to read it and then apply its principles.

These Scriptures popped off the page at me today:

“The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living…the laws of the LORD are true: each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest fold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them” (Psalm 19:7-11 NLT).

These words describe the Bible I cherish. Its words revive me when I’m feeling weary and beat-up on the inside. They give me wisdom. They bring joy, and they teach me how to live. They mean more than all the money in the world to me, and when I do what they say, they reward me with peace.

The Bible’s isn’t an old-fashioned book written to rob me of pleasure. Rather, it gives me pleasure. It gives me answers, and it gives me an insight into God’s way of thinking. When I do life His way, I will prosper. Neglecting it would be foolhardy.

What do you think about the Bible?

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