Archive for the ‘Peace’ Category
You’ll Never Be Happy, Until God’s Happy With You!
You’ll Never Be Happy, Until God’s Happy With You!
Almost everyone has laughed and nodded in agreement at the old adage: “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!” Evidently, we humans can put two and two together and all arrive at that conclusion pretty quick.
Why then can’t we see that if God is not happy with us, we have absolutely no chance of being happy in this life?
Esau never valued his birthright. The covenant relationship with God that he could have inherited from his father, wasn’t worth more than a bowl of beans to him. The writer of Hebrews called Esau a “profane person.”
Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words claims one of the definitions for “profane” is “common.” In other words, Esau treated the birthright as commonplace, or as if it was nothing special. Imagine God’s displeasure when He saw how little Esau valued a Divine relationship.
Yes, Esau tried to fix everything with God, later. But the Lord would have nothing to do with him. When Esau sought for a place of repentance, God never let him repent. When he cried tears of regret and sorrow for his actions, God still rejected him. God wasn’t happy, so Esau died an unhappy man.
Remember this Scripture?
Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Look at that verse again!
Great peace! When God is happy with you, He’ll give you not just peace, but Great peace. Without peace, there will never be lasting happiness in your life.
How is Great peace achieved? It comes when we fall in love with the law. It comes when we fall in love with His Word, His ways, and His precepts.
It boils down to this… If you fall in love with His Word, (His law), He gets happy. He gets happy enough to give you Great peace in your life. When you get Great peace in your life, you’ll be HAPPY!
You’ll Never Be Happy, Until God’s Happy With You!
The Peacemaker
The Peacemaker
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
What happens when there is an absence of peace in the church?
James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
- A “peacemaker” is one who seeks to bring harmony and reconciliation between those who are in conflict.
- I’m not talking about being a pushover, a door mat, or a punching bag.
- I’m talking about being the strongest one around when everyone else gives in to his or her weaknesses.
In war, those that go in with guns are called “peacekeepers.”
Those who own a gun, know how important it is to safely handle one with ProtectandLock, as well as how dangerous and lethal one is.
- In the in the body of Christ, we are not asked to be peacekeepers, but rather peacemakers.
- It says – “Blessed are the peace MAKERS.”
- Sometimes we misread this line and think it says, “Blessed are the peace lovers”!
We have been given the “Ministry Of Reconciliation”
2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
What We Need Are PeaceMakers!
- Every Home Needs Peacemakers
- Every Church Needs Peacemakers
1. Where There Is Jealousy, There Is No Peace!
- Jealousy is cruel as the grave
- Envy, Covetousness, Competition, Emulation
- “Where there is envy and strife, there is confusion and every evil work.”
Three times David had to learn how to dodge the javelins of jealousy thrown by King Saul.
What We Need Are PeaceMakers!
- Every Home Needs Peacemakers
- Every Church Needs Peacemakers
2. Where There Is Gossip, There Is No Peace!
- Backbiters, Accusers, and busybodies.
Proverbs 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
Proverbs 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Proverbs 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
Proverbs 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
What We Need Are PeaceMakers!
- Every Home Needs Peacemakers
- Every Church Needs Peacemakers
3. Where There Are Railers, There Is No Peace!
1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
The spirit of criticism will get off on you if you hang around critical people. That’s why the Bible instructs us not to fellowship with those that make critical and snide remarks.
What We Need Are PeaceMakers!
- Every Home Needs Peacemakers
- Every Church Needs Peacemakers
4. Where There Is Bitterness, There Is No Peace!
- Being offended is a choice.
- Don’t hold grudges.
- Many will be defiled by that spirit.
What We Need Are PeaceMakers!
- Every Home Needs Peacemakers
- Every Church Needs Peacemakers
5. Where There Is Unfaithfulness In A Marriage, There Is No Peace!
- Learn how to possess your vessel in Sanctification & Honor
- If you are looking for validation, God validates the peacemakers by calling them his children.
What We Need Are PeaceMakers!
- Every Home Needs Peacemakers
- Every Church Needs Peacemakers
6. Where There Is Rebellion, There Is No Peace!
Submission to God and His Word is everyone’s business.
- It brings peace.
- Some Teens rebel against rules, standards.
- Some Adults do too.
What We Need Are PeaceMakers!
- Every Home Needs Peacemakers
- Every Church Needs Peacemakers
7. Where There Is Unforgiveness, There Is No Peace!
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
How long will you let a war go on?
Mark 11:26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
This World Needs More Peacemakers!
Your Church Needs More Peacemakers!
Your Home Needs More Peacemakers!
The Little Town They Call “Peace”
The Little Town They Call “Peace”
The traveler was tired. He limped a bit, favoring his right side because of the hole in his shoe sole. His worn clothes gave proof that his journey had been long and filled with much hardship. Exposure to the elements had darkened and weathered his skin. His eyes squinted in the afternoon sun.
The barefooted farmer stopped weeding his front yard and leaned on the handle of his hoe for a moment. He watched the man walking down the dirt road while he caught his breath. The traveler stopped and turned to face him.
With a warm smile he said, “Howdy.”
The farmer returned his greeting.
“Pardon me sir,” he said, “which way do I go through those mountains yonder, to get to the little town they call Peace?”
The farmer smiled back and turned thoughtfully toward the distant mountains. The big valley before them stretched for several miles.
“Well sir,” the farmer began, “since ya asked me about Peace, I reckon you already know it ain’t the easiest place for some folk to git to. But those that have a hankerin’ to find it, always seem to find it.”
“Yes sir. I’ve lived for years back yonder in a place called Turmoil. I was born there on Division Street, right beside Rumor Alley.
“Nothing but stormy weather there almost year ‘round. I just couldn’t stay another day.
“When I heard someone talk about this place they call Peace, I sold out and headed in this direction.”
“I see,” the farmer said as he walked closer to the traveler. Stooping down, he picked up a small stick, knelt on one knee and began to draw a map of sorts in the dirt. As he drew, he began to talk.
“You can’t get there without going through The Blood,” he explained while drawing with his stick. When you get through there,” he said making an “X”, “here is where you’ll come to Obedience Road. That is the main road and it is well-marked. There are some signs that have been posted along the way to help folk.
“Then you’ll come to Submission Mountain before long. Watch for the sign. It’ll take you on up through Patience Pass. You can’t miss it.
“Keep following that trail. It will lead you through the summit of Forgiveness. It’s a gentle town with good people in it.
“You ain’t got far to go now. Just past there a ways, a beautiful valley opens up. That’s where the town of Peace is. Right in the middle.”
The farmer drew another “X” in the dirt and then threw the stick away as he stood to his feet.
“Well, iffin it was me,” he said, “once I got there, I’d build me a house and never leave.”
“Thank you kindly sir,” the traveler said as they shook hands, “I don’t aim too.”
What Would It Take To Encourage You Today?
What Would It Take To Encourage You Today?
- A word spoken in faith?
- A pat on the back?
- A smile?
- A money gift?
- A present?
- A word of affirmation?
- A friend’s visit?
- A helping hand?
What makes you tick? What puts a smile back on your face that makes your eyes smile too? What would it take to make your heart feel uplifted?
If you are one of those people who has everything and is still not happy, I don’t think I can offer any help here.
I’m just asking those who have had some bad days lately, or maybe some bumps in your road. Maybe there has been a major disaster in your home, your health or your finances. What would it take to encourage you today?
I really wish I could offer everyone encouraging words that I have thought up on my own, but I cannot. The good news however, is that God’s Word always offers encouragement.
The Bible mentions that David even encouraged himself in the Lord. In your case, that might be easier said than done. My refuge and help most often comes from God’s Word.
I am one of those simple guys that from my youth visited the little box on our mantle that had God’s promises printed on little cards. I would draw one out and read it, claiming it as mine for the day. Did you ever do that?
Here, let me draw some out for you and I’ll look to see if I can see a smile of hope on your face again.
Isa. 40:29-31 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Psa. 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
Psa. 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psa. 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Rom. 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Phil. 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
2 Cor. 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Psa. 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
Psa. 37:23,24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psa. 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Psa. 9:9,10 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
2 Cor. 4:8,9 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
Prov. 18:24 …and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Deut. 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Prov. 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Prov. 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
1 Pet. 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Ex. 15:26 …for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
Heb. 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Thank God For His Promises!
Oh, And There All Yours Too, You Can Have Them All!
The Broken Windows Of The Soul
The Broken Windows Of The Soul
The innocence of our youth is not prepared for the storms of life that happen in the adult world. Our sheltered inner self looks only through shuttered windows. We peer longingly at the outside.
We grow up sequestered and protected by those who love us. They provide for us. Gallant attempts are made by them to prepare us for adulthood.
Our young soul is climate controlled. We live in a private and comfortable world called Peace. Life couldn’t be better. It’s not that we are rich or poor. It’s that we are loved and sheltered.
As we grew older, we see those we know experience joy and sometimes even pain. We watch through the windows of our soul and see their successes and failures. We laugh easily with them. When they cry, we feel sympathy and even cry with them while they hurt. But still we don’t really know how they feel. We’ve lived a sheltered life. We are but young voyeurs gazing at those living life in the big world outside.
With maturity comes the privilege of independence. We merrily launch out on our own. Our hearts are filled with faith and hope. We are thrilled to finally live in the adult world. Yes, we still have our little inner sanctuary. It continues to be our respite from the hubbub. We come home and shut it all out. The windows and shutters are still in place. We are at peace.
Then news of an impending storm headed in our direction frightens us. We prepare the best we can, but we have no experience on preparing for storms. It makes a direct hit where we live. Our worst fears come true. It is fierce and powerful. The thunder is so loud and the lightning strikes too close for comfort. We huddle inside and pray for safety.
The winds of Disappointment loudly howl and the debris of Heartache blows upon the windows of our soul. The outside noise is deafening. A crash is heard. A window is broken. Shards of glass remain around the frame as a stark reminder of what used to be. Two windows are shattered, now a third one. Glass is everywhere. The flying glass cuts everything it touches. Oh how the wind howls!
For the first time, the storm of the outside world has gained access to the inside. The sheltered world of Peace has disappeared, all because of the broken windows of the soul.
Never before have we felt this vulnerable. Winds continue to swirl around the room. Treasured knickknacks and sentimental photos are knocked over. Rain blows violently in with the wind. The carpet and furniture are soaked. The lights go out and stay out. The air conditioning goes off. Desperation takes over.
The contents of the house are at risk. Everything of value must be protected. It is now at the mercies of the elements. The phone is dead. No outside help is immediately available. The temperature is hot and it’s still muggy. Sweat runs profusely. It is impossible to find Comfort. Now what?
After the wind finally settles down, the rain settles in. A few boards are found in the garage to cover up the broken windows. The windows are boarded up from the outside, even though it means getting soaked standing outside in the rain.
The covered windows are now dark. No light comes in from the outside. Looking at the damage done in the rooms, we find pieces of debris that broke our windows.
A chunk or two of Gossip sits by a piece of glass under the window. Splinters of Disappointment are scattered everywhere. A pile of Pain is strewn around the easy chair, staining the carpet. It looks like Failure probably did the most damage, but we can’t be sure until the Adjuster get here.
We busy ourselves trying to mop up and salvage what we can. In our efforts to survive the storm, we realize we tried to block out the noise of the outside world.
With a trash bag of broken things, we head for the backdoor. When we step outside, to our surprise, we see the rain has stopped.
The sun is shining almost apologetically through the clouds. Over there, to the west, is a big beautiful rainbow. It’s over, the storm is over, and God’s promise is still on display. Hope struggles free from the grasp of Fear.
Down the street a few friends and neighbors are seen coming. They saw what the storm did, and they want to help. They have their work clothes on and are carrying some tools with them. With looks of concern that only friends can have, a couple of them run toward the damage. The broken windows of the soul will soon be repaired with hands of love.
The Peace Prize
The Peace Prize
He sat there stunned. The huge room was filled with people from everywhere. The Presenter of the highly esteemed “Peace Prize” was listing all of the qualifications a potential candidate must posses in order to receive the award.
The winner would be given an unbelievably large sum, plus a myriad of perks and benefits. Receiving this award would be someone’s dream of a lifetime.
He looked around the room at all the others there. He recognized quite a few. He wasn’t even sure he should be here.
- He wasn’t a rocket scientist.
- He wasn’t a well know politician.
- He wasn’t a world leader.
- He wasn’t a hero of any kind.
- He wasn’t a famous doctor with a large laboratory.
- He’d never discovered a cure.
- He didn’t even have a fancy degree.
- He was just a private citizen.
Yet, now he found himself sitting in this international assembly of people. Some of them are amazingly gifted. He felt so small compared to them.
He is brought back to reality at the mention of his name. They just called his name! His name! He is being announced as the winner of the “Peace Prize.”
He’s stunned. What did he do to win this? With his brain in a whirl he somehow stumbles to the stage.
He stands there modestly, while the Presenter begins to read his accomplishments to the audience. He drops his gaze and looks at the floor while he listens. Tears begin to trickle down his face. He remembers the things that are now being read.
He never did those things to win a prize or for any recognition. He’d only done it out of love.
Besides receiving all the “Peace Prize” benefits and provisions, he is handed a beautiful certificate with his name inscribed on it, signifying him as the winner. It simply says:
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
Matthew 5:9
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