Category Archives: God’s Promises

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March 29, 2014

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Fruit of the Spirit, God's Promises, Peace of God, Prayer, Spiritual Gifts, Worry

The Peace of God is Promised

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)]

When Paul told the Philippians to be sure to present their requests to God in prayer, it’s important to note that he never said they would get exactly what they’d requested. What they would get, he told them, was the peace of God.

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. [Philippians 4:6-7 (MSG)]

 

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March 28, 2014

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God's Promises, Peace of God

What is Peace?

I leave you peace; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid. [John 14:27 (NCV)]

Peace is more than the absence of armed or verbal conflict. We’ve all been in an unpleasant situation where there were no weapons used or harsh words spoken and yet it clearly was not peaceful. Peace is harmony. The “peace” of which Jesus speaks, however, is more than the absence of discord or quarrels. The peace of God isn’t just getting along with other people and thinking good thoughts. It comes from knowing our loving God is firmly in control and that we have a place in Christ’s kingdom. When we have the peace of God, no matter what the outward circumstances, we find not just harmony but also confidence, safety, tranquility, comfort, and joy.

Now may the Lord of peace give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. [2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NCV)]

 

 

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March 26, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, God's Promises, Love & Works, Temptation & Sin, Today: Make it Count

What Goes Around, Comes Around

Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. [Galatians 6:7 (NLT)]

This verse from Galatians makes me think of the character Larry David plays in the HBO comedy “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Easily aggravated by the pettiest of annoyances, he inappropriately expresses his irritation at the drop of a hat. He can make a molehill into a mountain and will stop at nothing to prove his point. Having no filter and little consideration or compassion for others, he manages to aggravate and alienate nearly everyone around him. Inevitably, the person he has offended is exactly the person from whom he needs something later in the episode. That kind of behavior may make for good comedy but it is not the way to live our lives. What we sow in our actions, we will reap. Just as good deeds can bring a harvest of blessings, bad conduct brings a harvest of weeds. Let’s never get tired of doing what is generous, kind and good.

Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. [Galatians 6:8-9 (NLT)]

 

         

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March 20, 2014

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Fruit of the Spirit, God's Promises, Peace of God, Trusting God

HOW SAFE ARE OUR HOMES?

If the Lord does not build the house, it is useless for the builders to work on it. If the Lord does not protect a city, it is useless for the guard to stay alert. [Psalm 127:1 (GW)]

A Naples, Florida, real estate ad recently touted a house with a 35-camera security system “set up so if you travel or leave your kids with a sitter, you would have peace of mind.” Another exclusive neighborhood brags about their 24-hour private security patrols and surveillance cameras. One home in that neighborhood is notable for having doors that can withstand the force of a rocket propelled grenade. Do these people truly have security and peace of mind? What does it take for us to feel safe in our homes?

Gated communities, security patrols, alarm systems, surveillance cameras, bullet proof glass and fortified doors can’t protect anyone from Alzheimer’s, addiction, floods, heart-break, cancer, depression, the loss of a child or spouse, financial ruin, or our own death. These things will happen to believers and non-believers alike. The Book of Job makes that abundantly clear. Those who have faith, however, will be sustained through their difficulties. Only in God do we find a true guarantee of security and peace.

My people will live in a peaceful place, in safe homes and quiet places of rest. [Isaiah 32:18 (GW)]

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March 18, 2014

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Challenges & Difficulty, Faith & Hope, Fear & Doubt, God's Promises

Shine, Jesus, Shine

Later, Jesus talked to the people again, saying, “I am the light of the world. The person who follows me will never live in darkness but will have the light that gives life.” [John 8:12 (NCV)]

Oh Lord, sometimes our lives turn bleak and gloomy; the dark shadows of distress and futility hinder our view of you. Shine your light on us. Open our eyes. Help us to see you in the darkness of fear, sadness and discouragement. Free us from our prisons of despair!

You will help the blind to see. You will free those who are in prison, and you will lead those who live in darkness out of their prison. [Isaiah 42:7 (NCV)]

“Shine, Jesus, Shine” by Graham Kendrickpainted lady (american lady) -CLIL58-1WEB

 Lord, the light of your love is shining,
In the midst of the darkness, shining.
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us.
Set us free by the truth you now bring us.
Shine on me, shine on me.

Lord, I come to your awesome presence,
From the shadows into your radiance.
By the blood I may enter your brightness.
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness.
Shine on me, shine on me.

Shine, Jesus, shine;
Fill this land with the Father’s glory.
Blaze, Spirit, blaze;
Set out hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow;
Flood the nations with grace and mercy.
Send forth your Word, Lord,
And let there be light.

 

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March 11, 2014

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God's Plan, God's Promises, Trusting God

He Will Provide

I have filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God and have given him the skill, ability, and knowledge to do all kinds of work. … I have given skills to all the craftsmen, and they will be able to make all these things I have commanded you… [Exodus 31:3,6b (NCV)]

The Lord instructed Moses on the construction of the Meeting Tent, the Ark of the Covenant, the lid that covered the Ark, and everything that would go into the Tent. He also assigned tasks to specific craftsmen. More important, God provided those men with the skills they needed to do their work. Sometimes, we’re hesitant to accept God’s call to a task because we doubt our abilities. It’s good to remember that when God calls us to do something, He will give us the necessary expertise to achieve His goal.

I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, and I tell you, “Don’t be afraid. I will help you.” [Isaiah 41:13 (NCV)]