How do we receive God’s peace?

One of the key components is to remember without a semblance of doubt that “we are not of this world.”  However, we do “live” in the world, and by being in the world we are subject to chaotic moments that will try to steal our inner calm.

Our hope is in Christ because obviously in Him we all will have true and lasting peace. He promised us, and when have you ever known God to “pull back on His Word?”  Never and so we know it to be true, we find peace in Him and through Him.

Some of our greatest challenges in life is to trust God especially while we are afflicted with inner turmoil or exposed to a whirlwind of stress and despair. But our Father wants us to “keep your mind fixed on Him.” Peace of God will come from remembering His promises and allowing Him to guide us while teaching us His ways; in other words, fully surrendering to His will and realizing He is fully in control, this very moment and always.

Jehovah Shalom which is interpreted to mean — “I am the God of peace.”

The LORD is peace, and when we take the time to look at all of the verses in the Bible speaking about His peace, we begin to absorb, and take in the full meaning of “who He is” and what it means to open up to Him and His glory. As we read and “hear” the Word, our faith is reinforced and strengthened to higher heights of Christianity.

Our peace can be threatened by scenarios or situations that might bring us unrest.  This happens when we “let the world in” intruding on our solitude of Christ.  If we allow chaos to “overtake” the sanctity of our inner “spirit” it will surely disqualify us from the “peace of Christ.”

How’s that again?

Christianity doesn’t mean we don’t face “hardships,” it means we are able to “overcome” them through Christ, His peace, and love.  When we dwell on our own circumstances, and think in “negative” aspects, we are bringing the “world” into ourselves, it can be quite suffocating.  We then begin disengaging from Christ.  Therefore, by keeping our eyes on Christ, and His peace, and taking in His promises, we are fully victorious through Him, time and time again.

Holding onto Christ is the difference between “living” or “existing”

Choose His Peace and “LIVE.”

Are you at peace right now?

If not, invite Him in and start “living” in a whole different world!

“Father God, thank You for Your infinite promises that I receive daily, by Your love and guidance I am able to live apart from the chaotic ugly sounds of the world, Your voice and Your Words lead me, guide me, touch me, heal me, and I give you all the glory Father, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Personally, I don’t believe anyone over God.  This is not to say I don’t “really think everyone is lying” or that no one tells the truth. I just mean to say, simply and truly, that I will negate facts thrown out by individuals that God could otherwise “change” in a second flat.

There have been vast occurrences that transpired during my life that rendered me speechless, and emotionally spent. Yet even during those moments, I never doubted for one moment that my LORD was in control, and that things could change if “He willed it, on a dime!”

Doctors in particular who go by “statistics” concerning their patients, and muddle off things like, “you don’t have more than 4 months to live”  or “get your things in order.”

I’ve had friends who thought their lives were seemingly over, after physicians thought their days were numbered, and they’d be gone.  They were packing up items and getting their affairs in order while suffering in anguish, thinking of their family and loved ones.

“Ahem! But hang on doc, Do you know our God?  Have you meant Him?  Do you know how powerful He is?  Do you know He is in control and that He knows when your time is up?”

There are many true cases involving such scenarios and I’ve written about them in various books, but one that stands out is “Jack,” who was given a one-way ticket out of the doctor’s office.  He was told that after a series of diagnostic tests he had very little time left due to stage four cancer, and his liver was riddled with the disease. There wasn’t anything else they could do for him. It was over.

He left dejected, and in shock.  His feet took him to a church off the beaten path, and the Pastor prayed over him, along with various prayer warriors, and deacons.  Afterwards went home and began to put his will together, all the while praying to God for guidance, help and strength, to withstand that which was coming his way.

Jack scheduled a checkup within three weeks of that initial dire diagnosis of “lights out” warning from the doctor.  And so, with heavy heart he went, albeit reluctantly, to his follow-up.

But hold on! 

What’s that Doc? 

What did you just say? “

“I don’t know how to explain this Jack, but after numerous tests, and meticulously repeating the cat scan four times, there is absolutely no evidence of cancer in your body, and in fact your liver looks as good as a 20 year olds! There is no explanation for this phenomenal outcome!”

As I’ve said previously, “Do you know my God Doc?”

That was over 12 years ago, and Jack today is living a very happy life, and is so thankful to God for that miraculous healing.

No, it wasn’t a misdiagnosis.  These tests were completed in two different hospitals.  They were concurred by various medical staff.  And second and third opinions were sought.

The explanation is quite simple. “God is in control, not you, me, the doctor, or anyone else on this earth.  And when anyone says there is no way you can survive, remember that God has the final say!”

Anyone out there reading this, please know that God has the final say, and it is ultimately His will as to what happens in our lives.  When we have faith and trust in Him, there are no boundaries, and nothing is too big nor too small for our God to handle.

His power is limitless, His love unsurpassable, and His promises unbreakable. And His Word is gold and pure and sure!

So, if anyone says, “there isn’t the slightest chance you will find love; there isn’t any way you can be cured of your disease; there isn’t any way you will get out of your financial hardship; there isn’t any way you will get over your phobias” —etc., etc., no matter what the comments or scenario may be.  You look them squarely in the eyes, and say with all of your heart and soul, “Have you met my God? Nothing is impossible with God!”

And then walk away victorious in Christ!

Amen and Amen!

“Father, I know not to put my trust in anyone but You, for You are in control all the days of my life, and You alone can heal, You alone are my provision, You alone are my Rock, and You alone are my fortress of strength, not anyone but You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

Psalm 90:4 KJV

All of the seconds of life— are all in God’s hands. As He watched me take my first breath, one day He shall see me take my last. And welcome me into His Kingdom, the very one He’s spoken about since the beginning of time.

The seconds of our lives are preordained by God. He knows how many times our hearts will beat before it stops.  He knows how many sunrises and sunsets we will see. He knows what is going to happen an hour from now, as He knows what will happen tomorrow, and the day after.  In other words, our Sovereign and magnificent God, is with us each step of the way. He is in control at all times.

Although we have “free choice” He knows the nuances of our very persona, and He knows what’s in our hearts, and what we need or desire.

Every single second of the day, He knows.

Those seconds go by quickly…and within those seconds we should “shout praise” to the One and Only LORD God Almighty.  He is the reason for all of the seasons, and His love is expressed in ways our human minds can barely grasp.

No matter where we live, or what we do, it’s how we spend our seconds that counts. And most of them should be in reverence to God, and His Word, and His will.

When we live to please God, and assembly ourselves to become “one of the Saints” in God’s army, we are establishing a place in our eternal home, whenever that time comes.

The seconds are ticking away, but the way we live is what “counts” as the passing of time becomes eternal rounds by the hour. As we live within the parameters of God’s doctrine, and commandments, we are establishing a permanent place at God’s table.

When we make all of the seconds in our lives be all that God calls us to be, we are trading those “seconds” in for “endless time” as we enter into our Eternal rewards.

Until then, make all the seconds here on earth matter.

And bear fruit in all that we do,

and all that we say,

and all that we are,

for all that HE IS!

Amen!

“Father, may I be all that You want me to be, and may I count each second a blessing from above, and aspire to all I can be, according to Your will and purpose for my life, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

Philippians 4:19 ESV

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Yesterday while driving to the nearest grocery store, I opted for the “more populated route.”  It was against my better judgment as I can’t stand fast moving roads, and cars riding my bumper.

We’ve been living here for 34 years, and we’ve seen an incredible difference in road courtesy these last several years. Don’t get me wrong, it’s been changing steadily throughout the years, however it’s reached a new height this past year.

Cars were whizzing past me like I was standing still.  We came to a stop light and there were two cars honking at each other.  And after a couple of mutual “vulgar gestures” they moved on when the light turned green.

I said to my husband, I’m never coming this way again. I’ll take the countryside route, and enjoy the scenery, horses, cows, chickens and farms. 

He smiled knowing how I am, along with my stance on “angry drivers” that can lead to “road rage.”   I pull over if someone is in a rush, tailgating my bumper, I just wave them on.  Or, if an individual honks the horn when the light has changed, and I dare to linger more than a 10th of a second, I don’t respond.

Here’s my thoughts.

This type of behavior is carnal, and I’m not into it.  I try to walk by the spirit, I said “try” because not one of us is capable of perfection!  Anyhow, these games on the road seem to be spawned by self-pride, along with a frenzied manipulation of others.

In other words, it has nothing to do with God. And when something has nothing to do with God, I have absolutely zero interest in.  Not to mention, these days, it can be “exceedingly dangerous” to engage in tactics of aggression, which could easily catapult into disaster with tragic consequences.

Nope, not being “dramatic” by describing it as such, I’m only going by what I witness on all aspects of media, and print.

I shy away from things that are chaotic and frivolous. People have asked, “How do you stay so calm?”

Simple, one word answer...”God.”

Of course, personalities have a lot to do with how one reacts.  But when God floods one’s life, from morning to night, and His Word is hidden in our heart, and we meditate on it…it is the single most prolific weapon to have in the world today.

Therefore, all we need is GOD!  

I push away the world, and welcome God in my life.

I push away the darkness that engulfs a good portion of the world, and welcome God’s bright light in my life.

I push away the “noise” of the world, and welcome God’s peace and soothing “voice” in my life.

I push away the “filth” of the world, and welcome God’s purity and cleanliness in my life.

I push away the hatred in the world, and welcome God’s love in my life.

All I NEED IS GOD.

The next time you’re in traffic, and cars are honking and/or riding your bumper. Smile and close it all out, pull out a favorite verse, say it aloud and embrace God.

It works every single time!

“Father God, I thank You for Your peace, love and strength. May I always walk in the light, embrace Your Word, and be a reflection of Christ in all I do, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Matthew 19:26 ESV

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Galatians 2:20 ESV

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

PRAISE THE LORD!

Staying one step ahead of the “enemy” is easy with God.  After all, God defeated death, that is to say the enemy, and He is with us always, promising never to leave us. (Matthew 28:20)

The enemy wants us to suffer, to doubt ourselves, and to cause misery and chaos in all we do.  The darkness that the enemy lives in and by, obviously, is the antithesis of the LIGHT of the world.  That blasted enemy wants to do all he can to bring us into the ‘dark’ and conform us to all things not of God.

What do we do?

We stay positive, despite our circumstances.

We praise God even more.

And we trust Him with all of our being, every single second of our lives, now and always.

And we stay in HIS WORD.

Being in His Word, is the most powerful weapon we have in our fight in this spiritual warfare.  We have to be armed, and forewarned in all things we see, engage in, and hear.  In order to be successful against the maneuvers of the enemy, we must seek God in all we do, and align with His Word, (Armor) while putting it into practice on a daily basis. (Ephesians 6)

Meditating on His glory, while celebrating His love is essential to being prosperous in “life.”  And ostensibly, being in His Word, essentially is “LIFE.”

Without God, we are “dead” spiritually, and consequently vulnerable to the wiles of the enemy.  The world is “the enemy,” and to be outside the realm of God, is to be in treacherous and dangerous ground.

When we are encompassed and wrapped in the foundation and Love of God and His Word, we are held up by His right hand of righteousness.  We are afforded the significance of His power, while surrendering to His will.  We are acknowledging that He is in completely and undeniably in control at all times.

Giving Him due praise all day long, is something that should be as natural as breathing. Yes, there are times, we are hurting physically, mentally, emotionally or all of the above…and the noise of the world shuts down our progression of our spirit.

Don’t let that happen!

God is with us always. When we go through the fires, armed with His Word and truth, we are victorious through Christ, each and every time, and we send the enemy running, and fleeing all battered, and bruised. (James 4:7)

Hallelujah, praise God and Amen!

“Father God, thank You for Your glory, Your love, Your promises, and Your Word, I honor and adore You and offer You praise, now and forever, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Psalm 37:4

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

The special moments of “speaking” with you are always the best part of my day. No matter where I may be, or whom I may have been with, you are always the quintessential highlight of my day.

Enjoying my time with You, is my way of “staying positive” in a world of negativity, where the focus seems to be “casting dispersions” on those who have different ideologies other than what they might believe.

Enjoying my time with You, is my way of “staying focused” on what is real, and what is truly important in the overall scheme of things.

Enjoying my time with You, is my way of “staying steadfast” in promoting Your glory and Your love.

The incidentals in life are like akin to the flow of a river. It keeps moving, sometimes smoothly, sometimes with a ripple effect, and at other times turbulence at best. But during these times and all the in-betweens, You, my LORD, are my “Lifeboat” that keeps me afloat, irrespective of circumstances.

I wouldn’t trade the special, and delightful moments that I spend “with You,” for anything in this entire universe.

For I need You to breathe.

I need You to think.

I need You to love.

Well, Father my LORD… I just “need You.”

“Thank You for another day, and another delightful day of loving You, may I be ever mindful in all I do, and may I always find time to sit alone and talk with You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

Matthew 22:37 (GNT)

So, this is Father’s Day, and although my “dad” passed some 21 years ago, I still think of him with memories that are indelibly marked in my heart and mind. He was an amazingly kind, loving, and compassionate dad.  I was his ‘baby girl’ even as he walked me down the aisle over forty years ago.

Later, during the reception of my wedding he hugged me as whispered in my ear, “You will always be my little girl, I will be here for you the rest of my life. You may have become a wife today, but you’ll always be my little girl. Don’t ever forget that.”  I never did, up until he left this world.

God gave me the gift of life, and blessed me with a wonderful adoring dad, and mother.

I am so happy knowing he is with my Abba Father right this moment. My dad…whom I loved and always will…is with the Great I AM!

Gifts from above, all center around “love,” and love is what Jesus commanded us to fulfill, “love them as I have loved you.”  John 15:12

He sent His Son to die for us and our sins, and to set us free.  He wanted us to be cleansed and to join Him forever and not to be separated by ugly sin.

Salvation, and eternal rewards when we’re called home.

Wow!  Now, that is what I call LOVE!

So, my LORD above, “Happy Father’s Day!”  You are the most amazing Father in this Universe, and I acknowledge there is none like You anywhere.  You are my Abba Father, whom I’ll love, cherish worship and adore forever and always.

And Lord, thank you for my dad!  He was all the things a dad was supposed to be, and really so much more.  Can you tell him, “Hello” for me? And tell him, “I love him?”

Today in celebration of you Abba Father, and Your unparalleled love… I lift my hands up high and say, “Praise You LORD for all You’ve done in my life, I couldn’t have done any of it without You!”

And to my earth dad, “Thank you, for all you’ve done, all the days of my life, from birth until your very last breath.  I love you daddy, and I always will. Until we meet again, enjoy being in the presence of the LORD!”

Amen!

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NJKV)

No matter how many times I’ve read Matthew 28:20 this important verse from Christ Himself, never ceases to uplift and fill me with love, and a deep abiding appreciation for my Savior.  “…And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

In God, we live, move and exist.

God is closer than we could imagine.

For those of us who have accepted Jesus as Saviour, we’ve become the dwelling place for The Holy Spirit.

God dwells within all His believers.

The fact that He is with us everywhere we go, in everything we do, or say, is monumentally overwhelming, when we take the time to really “grasp” the enormity of what it truly means!

He knows all of the things we are going to do or say, before we even know we’re going to do it or say it.

I’m sure many of you reading this, have said things that you’ve come to regret later on.  Something that just “escaped from your lips” and within seconds you groaned inwardly, and thought, “yikes, why did I say that?”

Guess what? God already knew you were going to say it, and He also knew that you were going to be upset and regret having said it.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if God gave us a “clear indication” and/or warning that we were going to do or say something beforehand?

Maybe if he sent a text message or email once in a while… “Dear Beloved Child of Mine, on Monday afternoon at 1:14 pm, please don’t say anything, just keep your mouth safely closed during an encounter between you, your cousin, and co-worker. Trust me with this one.  With Lots of Love, God.”

Wouldn’t that be great? Huh? Well, that’s not going to happen anytime soon.  However, we already have something that’s close to an email or text from God, and that’s a discerning spirit.

We will usually make the right decisions with His guidance, and gentle nudging to walk the straight and narrow.  Not to say that we won’t fall short at times, because if we don’t, we wouldn’t have the strong connection with God, making us realize just “how much we really need Him in our lives.”  

And with each mistake, or wrong word, we grow innately closer to Him, and our spiritual roots become further entrenched in the soil of Christ’s foundation.

Knowing He is “right here” with us, right this very moment is powerful!

He is never away from any of us. NEVER!

He is next to me, and probably smiling as I exalt Him and promote His glory through my words and actions. Amen!

Remember this, God is never far from us, He is closer than we think. Not just today, or tomorrow…always.

And when we move on from this life, we will be with Him forever.

Now I ask you this, “How amazing is it to be a follower of the One and only true God?”

“Father, I know You are with me always, and I ask that You speak over those who don’t know You yet, that they would realize that You are present, here and now, and I pray that they would know Your glory, and Your love, and welcome You into their hearts, as I have welcomed You so long ago into mine, I pray this in Jesus name, Amen.”

Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm!

Jeremiah 32:17 

Sundays are a day of rest and quiet for us.  Although each day of the week is filled with meditation and thoughts and love for God, Sunday is an extra heaping of such, and greatly welcomed.

Irrespective of the way we choose to w0rship the LORD, with whatever “denomination” or “non-denomination” or affiliation we have or don’t have, it is always an honor and gift to proclaim His glory.

Filling up on the Word is one of the most satisfying ways of feeding our souls. The depth of satiation is apparent each time I finish “speaking” to the LORD and reading His Word.  Even while feeling “physical” pain, the transformation of self is evident when I submit to His Word and surrender to His will in all I do.

Taking time to be with Him is fundamentally one of the greatest gifts we can receive other than of course, our very salvation.  And without saying, His unconditional and unwavering love.

What an amazing God we serve, today and always.

Enjoy your Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!   Just remember that “any day” spent with the LORD is a good day indeed!

“Father, thank You for today, tomorrow and all the days of my life, I exalt You and praise You always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”