peace

DEAR GOD: Your Peace Transcends Beyond Time~

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Peace I Leave With You My Peace I Give You HD Jesus Wallpapers | HD ...

“Let the Peace of Jesus Christ Rule in Your Hearts”

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, where chaos and noise often drown out moments of tranquility, the scripture from Colossians 3:15, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,” emerges as a beacon of serenity and harmony. This verse is not merely a suggestion; it is an imperative, a command that carries with it the weight of divine wisdom and the promise of a life transformed.

The Essence of Christ’s Peace

The peace of Christ is unlike any worldly peace. It is not the absence of trouble but the presence of a profound assurance that transcends circumstances. To let this peace rule in our hearts is to allow it to govern our actions, decisions, and reactions. It is to submit to its authority, letting it arbitrate when conflict arises within us or around us. This peace is a gift, one that was purchased through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and is freely offered to all who believe in Him.

The Call to Unity

Colossians 3:15 also reminds us that we are called to peace as members of one body. This is a call to unity, to live in harmony with our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a reminder that our interactions with others should be characterized by the love and grace that have been shown to us. When the peace of Christ rules in our hearts, it breaks down barriers of hostility and builds bridges of fellowship.

The Attitude of Gratitude

Moreover, the latter part of the verse, “And be thankful,” is not to be overlooked. Gratitude is the natural response to the recognition of Christ’s peace in our lives. It is an acknowledgment that every breath, every moment of calm, every resolved conflict is a gift from above. A thankful heart is a heart at peace, one that sees the good in every situation and gives credit where credit is due.

Living Out the Peace of Christ

To live out the peace of Christ is to walk in step with the Spirit, to exhibit the fruits of the Spirit in every aspect of life. It is to choose patience over impatience, kindness over cruelty, and humility over pride. It is to forgive as we have been forgiven and to love as we have been loved. The peace of Christ compels us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.

Closing Moral:

The moral of this scripture is clear: peace is not just a state of being-but instead it is an active choice, a daily decision to let the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ govern our hearts and lives. It is a commitment to reflect His peace in a world that desperately needs it.

Closing Questions:

How can we more effectively let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts in practical ways? What steps can we take to ensure that this peace is not just an internal experience but also evident in our relationships and interactions with others?

 “Dear Lord, I thank You for the peace that surpasses all understanding, the peace that Your Son, Jesus Christ, offers to me. Help me to let this peace rule in my heart, guiding me in every decision and action. May I be an instrument of Your peace, spreading love and unity wherever I go. Teach me to be thankful in all circumstances, recognizing Your hand in every part of my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Word Is Hidden In My Heart~

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Message: “Hidden In My Heart” from Pastor Steve Wells – North Pointe ...

Psalm 119:11 -I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11, is one of the many verses in the Bible that emphasize the importance of hiding God’s word in the heart. It means that by memorizing and meditating on God’s word, we can resist the temptation to sin and obey God’s will. When we do so we are reassured and confident in His love and promises that we are able to sustain and stand in conflict, dark days and all the rest in between moments of our lives. He is the source of all in which our life sustainability flows. His love is the tower in which we are able to stand over all adversities that befall us in any given day, at any given moment in time.

Deuteronomy 6:6: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.”

When we live with His commandments in our hearts, we are able to seemingly flow through life with the ability and agility of a mountain goat that’s able to climb without incident.  We are able to stand firm in His love and His promises to each of us.

Colossians 3:16: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

When Christ message fills within our heart and soul, we can attain all which He gives us to do. We can handle adversity with aplomb, and we can almost leap over tall buildings as Superman could! We can accomplish things that seem to be a Herculean task at any other time, but with His power and commandments and love – we are able to do things with ease.

Joshua 1:8: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Keeping His Word firmly within our heart and soul, and meditating on it – and keeping it on our lips – we are able to sow roots of peace, and interact with those who do NOT know Christ or His love. We are able to encourage others with His Word, as it readily springs to our lips, due to our diligence and meditation on His Word.

My own original thoughts on these verses are that they show how God’s word is not only a source of information, but also a source of transformation.

By hiding God’s word in our hearts, we can change our thoughts, attitudes, and actions to align with God’s purposes.

God’s word can also give and provide us comfort, guidance, and hope in times of trouble. I think these verses are very relevant and practical for us today, as we face many challenges and temptations in our lives.

“Father, thank You for Your Word, Your love, and direction in all I do and say, with You I can attain anything You set out before me to accomplish, with You the darkness will be overcome with Your light, and the hatred in this world will be snuffed out by Your love, in Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Heal Our Broken Hearts~

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Healing for a broken heart – Rejoice in Him

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” –Matthew 5:41

 Grief is a journey that winds through the valley of despair, climbs the mountains of sorrow, and sometimes finds rest in the meadows of memory. It is a deeply personal and profound experience, unique to each individual, yet universally understood. The act of grieving, of allowing tears to flow for a loved one lost, is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the depth of our love.

In the sacred texts, we find solace and understanding. The scriptures speak to the heart of our pain, offering both comfort and permission to grieve. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” Jesus tells us in the Beatitudes. This assurance is a gentle reminder that our sorrow is seen, our tears are known, and our pain is acknowledged by a compassionate God.

The Psalms, too, are rich with the language of lament. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit,” the Psalmist writes, giving voice to our inner turmoil. In these ancient songs, we find a God who is not distant or disinterested but intimately acquainted with our grief.

As we navigate the tumultuous seas of loss, we may find ourselves questioning the purpose of our pain. Yet, even here, the scriptures offer wisdom. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away,” we read in Revelation. This vision of a future without suffering gives us hope that our grief is not in vain, that it leads us somewhere—a place of healing and wholeness.

In the midst of our grief, we are not alone. We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses, both seen and unseen, who have walked this path before us. They remind us that to grieve is human, to cry is to honor the love we carry, and to mourn is to move towards healing.

Let us not rush through our grief, nor demand of ourselves a premature composure. Instead, let us grieve fully and deeply, as deeply as we loved. For in our tears, we find a sacred space where the heart can begin to heal, and the soul can start to mend.

 “Heavenly Father, In the quiet sanctuaries of our hearts, we come before You with tears that speak more eloquently than words. You, who collect all our tears in Your bottle, understand the language of our weeping. In our grief, grant us the grace to mourn, the strength to endure, and the hope of Your eternal comfort. May we feel Your presence in our sorrow and find peace in Your promises. Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Protecting Me~

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GOD’S PROMISES OF PROTECTION, HEALING AND DELIVERANCE - HOREMOWNA.ORG

“I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” –Psalm 118:5-6 

The passage is from Psalm 118, which is a song of thanksgiving and praise to God for his steadfast love and salvation. The psalmist recounts how God delivered him from his enemies and troubles, and how he trusts in God’s protection and power.

The passage begins with the psalmist calling upon the LORD in distress. This implies that he was in a situation of danger, suffering, or hardship, and that he had no other source of help or hope. He turned to God in prayer, seeking his intervention and mercy.

The passage then says that the LORD answered him and set him in a large place. This means that God responded to his prayer and rescued him from his distress. He gave him a spacious and secure place to dwell, free from the threats and pressures of his enemies. He also gave him room to grow and flourish in his relationship with God and others.

The passage continues with the psalmist declaring that the LORD is on his side, and that he will not fear. This shows that he has a strong confidence and trust in God’s presence and favor. He knows that God is his ally and defender, and that nothing can harm him as long as God is with him.

The passage ends with the psalmist asking rhetorically, what can man do unto me? This implies that he has no fear of human opposition or hostility, because he knows that God is greater and more powerful than any human force. He also knows that God has a good plan and purpose for his life, and that no one can thwart or hinder God’s will.

The passage, therefore, expresses a faithful and joyful attitude towards God, who is the source of deliverance, security, and peace. It also invites the reader to share in the same trust and praise of God, who is faithful and loving to those who call upon him.

When we are followers and faithful to the LORD, we can always count on His protection, provisions, and nearness. He is a steady and constant source of energy. We are infused with His Spirit, and thereby led, and guided on paths of righteousness.

When we study and meditate on His Word and understand His ways, we can then endeavor to be good followers and Christians in all we are and do.

Have you read His Word recently?

“Father, my LORD and Shepherd thank You for Your Presence and Your love, may I be an obedient servant today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: My Faithful God-You Have My Heart~

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Faithful God - YouTube

Revelation 22:12- “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.”

When a Christian is totally connected with the LORD many things begin to become transparent on their journey. There is a “lighter” feeling inwardly and a self-confidence begins to soar where it ordinarily wouldn’t have before their journey with God.

As we read His Word and begin to incorporate His commandments and His doctrine into our way of living, things have a way of “opening” up in a seemingly easy manner, as opposed to not being a believer.

Matthew 16:27 -For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds.

How do I know this? Where do I get such information?  From firsthand experience in life!  Having worked in the Medical/Social Services field mainly in the Nursing Home Industry as Director of these facilities, I have witnessed many bedside “deaths.”  And I can assure you this, as my personal in-depth analysis…those who believed in God and had an intimate and close relationship with Christ died a peaceful death, compared to those who did not know God.

Hebrews 10:35 -Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.

For one thing those who knew and followed God… they weren’t fearful, and they were at “peace” with knowing where they were going once, they left this earth. They were anxious to meet God and happy to know their days in pain and anguish were almost over. Even those who aged naturally without painful maladies or diseases, they were looking forward to “collecting their crown” along with the LORD’s promises and rewards in Heaven.

Matthew 5:12- Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

They also shared another very common characteristic; they had a calm demeanor/countenance that was very welcoming to all those they encountered. They never spoke harshly about others, held no malice towards any particular person or place, and offered words of love about God and Jesus’ Gospel. Plus, they had a “real inner light” that glowed when you spoke to each of these individuals. You know why that is? Because God had their heart in His hands…they gave it willingly…and they loved Him openly.

Isaiah 40:10 -Behold, the Lord God will come with might, With His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him And His recompense before Him.

It all comes down to commitment and love for God. When we apply the character of Christ into what we do, where we go, who we speak with, and our personal choices. The choices we make in this lifetime follow us into the next!  It’s that simple—really.

Does your light shine when you meet others? Do you have a peaceful demeanor/countenance? Do you believe in the LORD and His Word, promises and His love? I tell you this my brothers and sisters, it makes all the difference in this world, and it will make ALL the difference in the NEXT world.

Luke 6:23 -Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets.

“Father God, may I choose You in all I do, say and go, may I be ever faithful to You night and day, all the days of my life, here on earth and into the eternity, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: You Are My Perfect Peace~

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And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Colossians 3:15 (KJV)

My pastor did a play on words while speaking of “Peace” of God.  He equated it to a puzzle.  You know, the type of puzzle put together on the table, a former family favorite of days gone by of which some of you may recall.

Well, many a time having worked so diligently on the puzzle only to find there is “one piece missing.”  Did that ever happen to you?   Well, it’s like our presence, it’s not complete without that final piece of the puzzle.  That would be GOD.

He is the missing piece of the puzzle which ostensibly brings about PEACE.

Throughout the Bible there are references relating to knowing “peace” and having secured it only through the “Spiritual” aligning of His word and His Spirit.  Without it there is no peace. It’s simple and complex.  Simple to those who know and have an intimate relationship with Christ. Yet complex to those who haven’t yet accepted Him into their lives.

You’ll recall the famous sign that many churches display: NO GOD – NO PEACE.  KNOW GOD–KNOW PEACE.   Well, that is precisely what He is all about.  That is what His Presence, His light, His love, and His word accomplish within us.  We know perfect peace when we’re one with Him.

The world can literally tumble and fall around us (which these days it seems it is happening as such) …but knowing God will keep us free from anxiety and worry.

As Jesus said in Matthew 7:31 :34 (KJV)— “Therefore take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? or, what shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek :) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of
God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow:  for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof…”

God loves us and He creates us with that love and there is no fear in love.

As stated in 1 John 4:18 (KJV) – 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.

And by knowing He loves us…we have peace.  In peace, there is no fear. So, it goes…

When we exhibit and therefore take on the behavior of Christ in what we do… we eventually lose sight of “the world” and take up the Spiritual aspect of living. Things that mattered before, no longer have a place in our life. When people push us to the limits the Spirit will guide and give us the wisdom as to the handling of such circumstances. At times, we might not even be aware of such folly. It’s difficult to describe walking in the Spirit and wearing the gospel armor other than to say, it brings peace.

The pastor also gave another good example of “love and peace.”  It was like describing a certain food to someone who’s never had it.  You can describe it, but you cannot really know until you’ve tasted of it.  Such is the love and the peace and the rewards of knowing God and participating in His banquet which all of us can partake of.

Stop, drink and eat of His presence and His love.  I promise, but most especially and most important—HE promises the rewards are boundless.  Amen.

“Father, God, thank You for Your peace and Your protection and providence over my life, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 (KJV)

 

“The pastures of His love go beyond explanation. It is to graze endlessly and be fulfilled, refreshed, and thirsty no more. The peace and the love that lives within is the ultimate freedom and expression of eternal rewards…”
My response in an article I was interviewed for in 2015 when asked about God’s love…

Dear GOD: I Give All To You~

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We can turn to God in prayers for peace whenever overwhelmed by the chaos and difficulty of life. As Philippians 4:6 tells us,

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

When we look to God and turn to Him in earnest and seek Him daily in all that we do, we can be assured that we will be able to live life with purpose and meaning. When we acknowledge Him as a constant source and the empirical force in our lives, we are able to navigate life seemingly with an ease that those without God in their lives cannot be capable of doing.  We as followers are given opportunities to delve into His mind by His Word that will enlighten our paths, by giving us the Wisdom we need in order to gain perspective on any of life’s challenging highways along the way.

Finding time to sit and meditate and operate on a godly outlet will enable us to fully engage His positive Light and love that will be a reflection in all we do. It will be a sign to all we encounter in our lives. We will be a representative and a willing servant for the LORD to all around us. We may often hear along the way, “How do you find the answers? How do you stay so calm? How can you be so sure?”  And the response each and every time will be a resounding, “GOD.”

The Bible is a tool for life. It is a guide to understanding life. It is an impactful statement, and it is His love letter to us, His children. Showing all sides of life. The good. The bad. The ugly. The beautiful. The bloody battles. The consummate peace. The light. The dark.  All of it as it was then, and as it is today, a guide for what to do. What to expect if you don’t do it. And what happens when you do according to His will.

Have you read a chapter today? Have you read the Bible at all? Do you know His voice? He is here today as He was then, and always will be. Go to Him, open His book that was written for us, and tell Him how much you love Him.  After all, He sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to redeem us, isn’t that one of the biggest reasons to open your Bible?  (John 3:16)

“Father, thank You for Your love, Your peace, Your Word, Your will, and Your Presence in my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: I’m Hoping to Please You in All Things~

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Isaiah 50:7 For the Lord God will help me; therefore, shall I not be confounded: therefore, have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

The clearer way perhaps to interpret this passage might be best rendered this way, “The LORD Jehovah helps me, and I’m not ashamed. And because I’m not ashamed and because of the LORD’s help, I am determined to endeavor all that is before me in God’s name and Spirit.

We are all servants of the LORD. We sometimes might have issues, but as servants we may face inflexible circumstances, but it’s the LORD who can resolve these things, if we surrender and acquiesce to His will and ways.

A situation can quickly get out of control and snowball into a huge confrontation if not handled correctly. There needs to be a tone of confidence, sprinkled with a measure of docility, and a patient endurance.

There is a combination of being two things. As Jesus said, in Matthew 10:16 –“be wise as the serpent, but gentle as a dove.”  What a striking contrast between those two images. One is a side winder in all aspects of “charm and ambiguity” – while the other is clearly apparent, soft and gentle in approach and character.

One can be a mixture of a warrior and saint. It takes the right amount of each to make it a successful recipe overall. One is easy, the other is rough.  Submit to God in all resistance in the face of hostile individuals.

The unique camaraderie Christians share is the way we are called to be “over comers” in all our paths. We are called to a realm of reality in perfect union with Christ. We are followers and subscribe to His Word and ways.

When we align to His Will and not our own, trust in Him fully, acknowledge Him and love Him and turn from evil, we will experience health and peace deep within our very souls (Proverbs 3:5-8).

We are here for a moment in time but we can do all that is expected of us during this precious period of being on earth. We can acquire so many accomplishments in our flesh bodies.  We have jobs to do. All varied, all of equal importance, and all according to Him and His ways.

When we do things, we need to realize that God sees all.

God knows all.

And most important part of this equation, God loves us.

When we go with an attitude of “hoping to please God” you know what happens? We probably are doing just that.

“Father God, may I always acknowledge You, trust You, and follow the path in which You guide me, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”


DEAR GOD: I See and Hear You Everywhere~

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Lord, I feel You in all I do and see,

I know that You are always with me.

 

Where can I see You all day long?

You surround me and make me strong.

 

Some of the ways I encounter You,

I’ll try to describe all the ones I view.

 

As sun rays dance coyishly across my face,

I notice a huge spider web pattern of lace.

 

Gentle cooing sounds of the morning dove,

while she sits resplendent in its nest high above.

 

The sight of bright burnt orange leaves on a tree,

I hear them as they rustle on the ground falling free.

 

Rain drops splashing across the murky pond,

I witness a rainbow emerge of which I’m fond.

 

Snowcapped mountains emblazoned across the sky,

Created by You my LORD where You reside so high.

 

You are in the air I breathe and surround me,

Thanks for Your Crimson blood that set me free.

 

I love You LORD for all You are and do,

With You I am strong and never blue.

 

Amen and Amen Now and Forever More,

I love you more than ever, even more than before…

******

 

 

 

I am a God who is everywhere and not in one place only.

 No one can hide where I cannot see them.

Do you not know that I am everywhere in heaven and on earth?

Jeremiah 23-24

DEAR GOD: Fear & Hell vs Love & Heaven?

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Heaven Vs Hell Wallpapers (60+ background pictures)

LUKE 23:24 (NKJV)

And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

 

Which road are you on?  Are you on Heaven’s roadway? Or are you sliding down a slippery highway straight to Hell?

A random survey about religion revealed many different points of view, and beliefs. The answers varied across the board. Many believed in a higher power, some believed but then something happened, and they turned from God. However, the majority didn’t believe at all.  When asked further details about why they weren’t interested in hearing about religion, or God, it was astonishing that most of them said, “because all these preachers do is talk about sinners and going to Hell.”

Unfortunately, that is correct. There are a lot of churches that do hold their congregation’s hostage with the paralyzing fear of going to hell. A lot of them preach strictly about Hell, fire and brimstone. Of course, there is a Hell. We are told and forewarned of that in the Bible. And we do realize we have to repent and turn from sin; at which time we will be forgiven.

But bear in mind that we have an amazingly patient and merciful Father. So those who minister strictly on fear to their congregations, they are falling short, and sadly not being forthright, well at least not all the way. There is a Hell.  But thank the LORD above, there is a HEAVEN too! God is loving and kind and wants us with Him.

Exodus 34:5 states, “the LORD, the LORD GOD, merciful and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgressions and sin…”

It states it right there! He is merciful and gracious, patient and good!  He forgives.  That should be preached along when trying to save sinners. Keep in mind that we are ALL sinners. Christ died for US.  We have been forgiven.

Sinners that don’t repent, or have the heart to change their way, WILL be held accountable. Of course, if they should continue in their wicked ways, there will be serious consequences.

Again, keep it in your heart, God is merciful. He forgives. He gives oodles of chances. He holds out His arms and rejoices when we love and surrender to Him.  He forgives.

The LORD performed awesome miracles. When His children in the Bible repented and had a change of heart…God was quick to show compassion and impart mercy. He forgave them of their sins.

The LORD is not looking to “zap” His children into Hell. He doesn’t take great pleasure in punishing us. He wants us to LIVE with Him forever!  He sent Christ in order that those who believe on Him, shall find life everlasting and living waters shall flow endlessly. We never will thirst again!

II Peter 3:9 “The LORD is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, that that all should come to repentance.”

When we act according to the LORD’s will, and purpose, and believe in Him solely, and recognize His power and Omnipotence, and follow His commandments, we can be assured that we will reap the rewards in which we sow and be part of His Kingdom.

There is a place called Hell. And it’s not a very comfortable or good place to wind up. In fact, it’s torture.

However, rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for there is also a spectacular and beautiful peaceful loving place called Heaven.

Yes!

“LORD, may I be mindful and aware of Your promises and the rewards of eternal life, my honor and joy is to serve You and do all according to Your will, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.