Peace — These Prophecies of Peace are Fulfilled in the Coming of Jesus the Messiah

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Acts 9, Ephesians 2, Galatians 5, Isaiah 9, Luke 2, Micah 5, Peace, Teachings, Zechariah 9

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. | Galatians 5:22

The most prevalent focus to the concept of peace in the New Testament is the messianic peace accomplished by the Messiah and experienced by the Church. “So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.” (Acts 9:31).

In the Old Testament, the concept of messianic peace referred to both the absence of hostilities and a reconciled relationship with God and others in the context of the new creation.

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Peace — Through the Father’s provision for the believer

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1 Timothy 6, Matthew 6, Matthew 7, Peace, Teachings

Peace of God

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” | Galatians 5:22

God’s ultimate provision of peace is discovered in the person and work of Jesus the Messiah. It is only through the Messiah that peace with God can be achieved and maintained.

There are times I am clearly not at peace. I am not at peace with myself and I am not at peace with God or Jesus. Something is wrong. I may or may not know it but it becomes evident in my anxiety and worry. I am not convinced, at that point in time, that God is good and has my best interest at heart.

“Peace to you.” ~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 19, Peace

Did you lock the doors? That was the compelling question the morning Jesus rose from the dead in an incorruptible body. I am thinking to myself, I think so but let me check again. Yup, it is locked. What about the windows? They’re locked too. Alarm on? Yes! OK. I know I am careful, too careful, as well. Jesus is talking with me, telling me what is about to happen and I don’t listen or understand.

Later on that day [of Jesus’ resurrection], the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side. | John 20:19-20 (The Message)

Good news alert!

I now have real peace with God.

God is in a good mood.

Peace — It is established in a believer’s relationship with the Father and Jesus

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Faith, Good News, Jesus, Love, Peace, Romans 5, Teachings

There are times I am clearly not at peace. I am not at peace with myself and I am not at peace with God or Jesus. Something is wrong. I may or may not know it but it becomes evident in my anxiety and worry. I am not convinced, at that point in time, that God is good and has my best interest at heart. 

It starts with faith. I need to get clear with my faith in Jesus. When peace leaves me, I need to get back to the real issue. I don’t have faith, I don’t believe who Jesus is and what He accomplished. Lack of peace comes from ignoring the core issue of unbelief. God is good. God sent His son to make me right with God. God did it out of love for me. Now that is some good news!

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus the Messiah.” | Romans 5:1 (NASB)

Peacemakers – What is peace, how do we make it real and what is the promise of Jesus?

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Jesus, Jesus Manifesto, Matthew 5, Peace, Peacemaker, Teachings

Jesus says “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

The commendation of peacemakers – It is one thing to keep the peace and it is quite another to make peace. In the one case it already exists, in the other we are calling it into existence since it is lacking. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers. That is a huge challenge. Jesus gives us the power! We are to seek peace. We are to pursue peace. We are not to let up until we achieve it. Jesus challenges us to be tenacious.

How is peace made? Where does it come from? Consider this from Paul in Colossians (1:20). “Through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.”

“For as long, then, as that promise of resting in him pulls us on to God’s goal for us, we need to be careful that we’re not disqualified.” ~Author of Hebrews

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Believe, Faith, Hebrews 4, Peace, Rest

Relax, God is in control. I keep hearing that from our Father. He promised a rest. That is His goal for us. This rest requires that we have faith in Him.

If I believe that nothing is impossible for God, that he loves me and has a great plan for me, I can be “at rest”. His peace isn’t easily understood but it is real. His rest is like no other.

There is only one requirement. I must believe. If I don’t believe, I exasperate God. Now that is the truth.

May I believe and enter into rest.

For as long, then, as that promise of resting in him pulls us on to God’s goal for us, we need to be careful that we’re not disqualified. We received the same promises as those people in the wilderness, but the promises didn’t do them a bit of good because they didn’t receive the promises with faith. If we believe, though, we’ll experience that state of resting. But not if we don’t have faith. Remember that God said, Exasperated, I vowed, “They’ll never get where they’re going, never be able to sit down and rest.”

Source: Hebrews 4:1-3

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” ~Apostle Paul

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Apostle Paul Sayings, Armor, Devil, Ephesians 6, Faith, Good News, Peace, Righteousness, Salvation, Spirit, Truth, War

Paul reminds me. I am at war. It is an ongoing war. It doesn’t stop.

Who is the enemy? The enemy is the Devil, the evil one. His mission, as described by Jesus, is to kill, steal and destroy.

The good news is that God has given me weapons. I have to learn how to use them. They each serve a different purpose.

• The belt of truth buckled around your waist.
• The breastplate of righteousness in place.
• Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the good news of peace.
• The shield of faith,with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
• The helmet of salvation.
• The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

“Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.” ~King David

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Insight, King David, Peace, Psalm 34, Wisdom, Wise Sayings

We are asked to stand in awe of our mighty God. He is God. And there is a promise.

• Why is this important? If we stand in awe of God, we will lack nothing. Now this also requires that I go after Jesus. He is available to me but I have to go after Jesus. No sitting around and waiting. Jesus would go off and spend time by himself hearing and seeing what His Father was up to. Hearing and seeing what God wanted to happen. I need to seek Jesus out. He is good. He wants to be found.
• What is God’s goal? We can also be taught how to stand in awe of Him. There are those people of God around us that have insight for us. They have prophetic words for me. They have words of wisdom for me. They see the way and can guide me. God has a goal for me. It starts with standing in awe of Him. He is God. He then wants us to seek Him. Then it moves to us teaching our family about God. We must speak the truth about God and we must seek peace.
• What should I do? I need to tell the truth about the Messiah Jesus and His ways. Opportunities abound. The harvest of souls is ready. The worst lie is the unspoken truth about God being God, good and great. Opportunities abound!!! I should seek peace. It is mine if I pursue it. 

Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 

~~Psalm 34:9-14

 

“In the world you have tribulation, but take courage ; I have overcome the world.” ~Jesus

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Courage, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 16, Peace, Trust, Victory, Worry

Difficulties are a natural part of the world. Jesus brings me peace and offers courage.

In fact, Jesus promised us me I would have tribulation. That is life in this world.

In Jesus I have peace.

How can Jesus do this? He has overcome the world and I am a new creation that shares in His resurrection.

I can take heart. Jesus is risen and I am seated with Him. The victory belongs to the LORD!!!

May peace be mine. May I have courage today. Why worry?

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage ; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

A tribute to my brother Jerry Wright. First said “Why Worry” to me in 1973. He has been right all these years.

There is a thief in our midst. He is stealing our peace and happiness. He is ingratitude. Be grateful now.

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Gratitude, Happiness, Jesus, Peace, Thief

There is a thief in our midst. He is stealing our peace and happiness. He is ingratitude. Be grateful now.

Gratitude is the attitude that God loves. God is in a good mood. Jesus challenges us to be grateful and in a good mood ourselves. Jesus knows that every thing that God does is what we should do.

We must realize that there is a thief who wants to steal our peace. We must be grateful for what Jesus has done for us. That puts the enemy on the run.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." ~~ApostlePaul

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Anxiety, Faith, Jesus, Peace, Philippians 4, Prayer, Rejoice, Thanks

This is His path to peace for me. I don’t understand it for sure but it is true. He is guarding me. Letting Him be in charge guards my mind from my own plans which clearly leads to worry and fear.

I should be thankful and talk with God about everything. He is in charge.

Jesus loves me and has wonderful plans for me. Wow, that takes the pressure off and allows me to not be anxious.

He ROCKS!!!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! …. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 the Messiah Jesus. Philippians 4:4-9

“And be thankful.” ~Apostle Paul

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Colossians 3, Compassion, Forgiveness, Gentleness, Humility, Jesus, Kindness, Love, Patience, Peace, Thankful

What is important in being thankful? After a long list on how I ought to live, Paul adds “and be thankful”.

Being thankful comes from being compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient. Being thankful comes from being clothed in love.

May I be compassionate and kind.

May I love like Jesus.

May I be thankful.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of the Messiah rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of the Messiah 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. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17 TNIV Bible

A river like you, Jesus

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Jesus, Love, Peace, Power, River

A river like you, Jesus!!

Oh my heavenly Father. Your love runs so deep and true in my life. A waterfall falling in two. A river like you. Amazing and so powerful.

So deep. Running through my soul.

What I give to drink from your living water. A river like you, Jesus!!

Your love runs so deep and true. I have been searching. Now I have found you and we are best friends.

Your love runs to me. I see your reflection.

I am still.

Peaceful in your presence.

A river like you, Jesus!!!

"But if your greeting of peace is not received, take it back and get out. Don’t impose yourself." ~~Jesus

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Jesus Sayings, Luke 10, Peace

Peace with God

Jesus knows that when we send His peace to a house and there is no peace, it is time to pack our bags and hit the road.

The peace of Jesus is our guide. This is very important to know.

His peace is our guide. The lack of it, at any time, is a real clue something is going on we should pay attention to.

No peace? Run away.

“But if your greeting of peace is not received, take it back and get out. Don’t impose yourself.” ~~Jesus (Luke 10:5-6 The Message)

“I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace.” ~Jesus

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Heart, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, John 16, Messiah, Peace, Trust

The peace of Jesus

Jesus knows me. He knows everything about me. I have no secrets from Jesus.

Jesus knows what I am about to do. Many times, I don’t know what I am about to do. Jesus does and he wants me to trust him.

Jesus knows I am self-centered. He knows I will look after my own interest and not seek to know what Jesus wants me to do.

Jesus knows himself. Jesus knows he is the son of God and that God has his best interests at heart. Jesus is God-confident.

Jesus challenges me to trust him. That is the main thing about the main thing. I must find a way to trust Jesus.

Jesus promises me, if I trust him, that I will be unshakable and at peace. Peace can be mine. If I don’t have it, it is probably due to a lack of trust in Jesus.

Jesus promises me that I am going to experience difficulty. It is going to come my way. It is right around the corner.

Jesus assures me he has conquered the world. I should take heart and trust Jesus.

Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.

Source: John 16:33 MSG – Jesus answered them, “Do you finally – Bible Gateway

“Discipline produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” ~Author of Hebrews

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Discipline, Hebrews 12, Holy, Jesus, Peace, Righteousness

I want to be a son. To be something else would be unthinkable. My earthly dad did discipline me. He had my long term best interest at heart. There were things he wanted me to learn and I didn’t always want to learn it. Not at the time anyway. I appreciate it now but it was painful then.

God is training me for my good. There are things He wants me to learn. Sometimes He needs to get my attention. I can be stubborn. No doubt about that.

I do want righteousness and peace. It can be mine. I must be a son though. I must accept discipline.

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:7-11 NIV

“If I love to be loved more than to love, then I know nothing of Calvary Love.” ~Amy Carmichael

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Amy Carmichael, Jesus, Love, Peace

From writer Amy Carmichael…

If the praise of man elates me and his blame depresses me… 

If I can not rest under misunderstanding without defending myself… 

If I love to be loved more than to love, to be served more than to serve… 

then I know nothing of Calvary Love.

What a good and great God we have: His love gives us more than enough strength and peace to meet the challenges of our lives and to love those around us.

“Run after peace for all you’re worth.” ~Apostle Peter

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1 Peter 3, Evil, Good, Jesus, Life, Peace

I should go all out for it. Pursue it no matter what. Peace is from Jesus but I have to go for it.

My goal, from God, is don’t say things that hurt others. I must cultivate the good in others.

Go after the good. Ignore the evil.

God approves this and listens to me in this context.

May I cultivate the good. May I go for peace no matter what. May my day fill up with good.

Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, here’s what you do:

Say nothing evil or hurtful;
Snub evil and cultivate good;
run after peace for all you’re worth.
God looks on all this with approval,
listening and responding well to what he’s asked;
But he turns his back on those who do evil things.

1 Peter 3:8-12

“Cultivate thankfulness.” ~Apostle Paul

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Apostle Paul Sayings, Colossians 3, Jesus, Messiah, Peace, Thanks, Thanksgiving

Cultivate

Thankfulness doesn’t just appear on the scene all on its own. Some days it is easier than others to be thankful.

Thankfulness requires work. It must be cultivated.

Our goal, from our Master Jesus, is to thank God every step of the way. Everything is done in the name Jesus and every thought has thanks at its root.

Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of the Messiah—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

Source: Colossians 3:15 MSG – Let the peace of Christ keep you in – Bible Gateway

"If your greeting of peace is received, then it’s a good place to stay." ~~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Luke 10, Peace

Peace with God

Jesus is amazing. He gives us tools like none other.

The power of peace is inexhaustible. His suggestion to us is to use His peace as a guide to what’s good for us.

Greet others in peace. If it stays with us, all is well. If it leaves, we should do the same.

God’s goal for us, in Jesus, is to have peace. It is our right and privilege as a child of God.

If your greeting of peace is received, then it’s a good place to stay.” ~~Jesus (Luke 10:5-6 The Message)

"Wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows." ~~Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Jesus, Martin Luther King Jr., Peace, War

Peace with God

Peace is it’s own goal. It is an art to its own self.

Peace must be worked on to become a reality.

Peace with God is the goal. Jesus is the way.

Wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows.” ~~Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Be a good citizen.” ~Apostle Paul

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Apostle Paul Sayings, Authority, Citizen, Fear, Kingdom of God, Peace, Romans 13

Kingdom of God

I am a citizen of the country of God. Jesus is in charge. Jesus is my absolute ruler.

The United States of America is a government under God. I should be a good citizen which I interpret to mean I should vote. I will.

God will have his way, ultimately, no matter who is elected. God has a plan and it will be accomplished. God knows who is going to be elected. I can relax. I can be at peace.

Jesus, his son, is in control of God’s country. That is what matters.

Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.

Source: Romans 13:1 MSG – To Be a Responsible Citizen – Be a good – Bible Gateway

“If your offering is a Peace-Offering …” ~Moses

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Jesus, Leviticus 3, Offering, Peace, Perfect

Jesus is perfect. There is no blemish in him at all.

Jesus brought us peace with God. His sacrifice for us made us whole with God. We are no longer separated from God, an enemy to his ways.

Thank God that Jesus lived as a man but lived perfectly every day. Thank God Jesus made the sacrifice for me. Thank God for that peace.

If your offering is a Peace-Offering and you present an animal from the herd, either male or female, it must be an animal without any defect.

Source: Leviticus 3 MSG – The Peace-Offering – “If your – Bible Gateway

“May the God of green hope fill you up with joy.” ~Apostle Paul

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Apostle Paul Sayings, Energy, Holy Spirit, Hope, Jesus, Joy, Peace, Romans 15

Hope

Jesus calls on me to be a person of hope.

God gives me the Holy Spirit so I can brim over with hope.

God is the God of hope. I am eager to receive the gifts of God. God will be faithful and they will all be mine.

With God’s hope in me, I am at peace. There is a calm that I have that energizes me.

Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!

Source: Romans 15:7 MSG – So reach out and welcome one another to – Bible Gateway

“For God makes all the decisions here. God is our king. God runs this place and he’ll keep us safe.” ~Isaiah

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God is God, Isaiah 33, Jesus, Peace, Safety

The peace of Jesus

What happens when God is charge?

We have peace and safety. God keeps us safe. We have nothing to fear.

How often does God remind us to fear not? How do we get to the place of no fear?

I must let God make all the decisions. God has put Jesus in charge. He is my Master.

Isaiah 33:20-22 The Message (MSG)

Just take a look at Zion, will you?
    Centering our worship in festival feasts!
Feast your eyes on Jerusalem,
    a quiet and permanent place to live.
No more pulling up stakes and moving on,
    no more patched-together lean-tos.
Instead, God! God majestic, God himself the place
    in a country of broad rivers and streams,
But rivers blocked to invading ships,
    off-limits to predatory pirates.
For God makes all the decisions here. God is our king.
    God runs this place and he’ll keep us safe.

Source: Isaiah 33:22 MSG – Just take a look at Zion, will you? – Bible Gateway

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” ~Isaiah

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Isaiah 26, Jesus, Messiah, Mind, Peace

The peace of Jesus

There is peace and then there is a peace that is complete, nothing lacking at all. It envelopes us, wrapping us in His gifts.

I gain entrance to that peace with a mind that is focused on Him.

My trust in His direction keeps me safe and secure. No alarm system works like His love. Safe, secure, complete peace. That is the way of Jesus, the Messiah.

May I stay focused on Jesus.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

“But what happens when we live God’s way?” ~Apostle Paul

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Affection, Compassion, Energy, Exuberance, Fruit, Galatians 5, Gifts, God's Goal, Holiness, Jesus, Loyalty, Master, Peace, Perseverance, Serenity

Fruit

My challenge is to live God’s way. Many times I don’t want to but it isn’t about what I want. God doesn’t necessarily care about things I want that aren’t useful to God’s plan. Jesus governs in God’s country. Jesus is in charge. God has a goal for me.

I am growing and learning to live the way God wants me to. I have been given the power of the Holy Spirit. That growth brings fruit and blessings.

What is the fruit?

• Affection and caring for everyone I know and meet.
• Enthusiasm for living. It is another stunning day in paradise.
• I am at peace. That is amazing. Peace and serenity are huge. Without doing what Jesus wants, I don’t have it.
• Perseverance and “sticking with it” is growing.
• Compassion at my core and in my heart. Compassion is becoming natural. There was a time I was angry with the homeless. Why weren’t they working? Now my instinct is to help. What can I do?
• I see holiness in my world, which is God’s country. I see holiness in others.
• I am loyal to others. It isn’t always to my advantage but that isn’t the point.
• I don’t have to have my way. I am not there completely but it is “dialing down” in my life.
• I can direct my energy into doing what is important to Jesus, my Master.

But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

~Apostle Paul – Source: Galatians 5:22-23 (The Message Bible)

“Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” ~Apostle James

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Apostle James Sayings, Considerate, Fruit, Heaven, Impartial, James 3, Jesus, Mercy, Messiah, Peace, Pure, Righteousness, Sincere, Submissive, Wisdom

There is a “real” wisdom. Not the way I usually think about it for sure. It is God’s wisdom. God created everything. God knows what is happening and why. God’s wisdom is completely perfect and pure. Jesus, the Messiah, shows us the way to wisdom. 

His wisdom has an interesting characteristic to it. It shows me how to get along with everyone. I know some interesting people who are not always reasonable. God’s wisdom isn’t that way. His wisdom is very gentle. His wisdom has so many blessings attached to it. I should focus on expanding relationships with those who live right with God and produce the results that go with that kind of living.

God’s goal for us is to be peacemakers. There is some hard work that goes with getting along with each other. Producing a harvest doesn’t happen by magic. The results of treating others with dignity and honor is an amazing right standing with my heavenly Father. It will overflow.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18

“So I greet you with the great words, grace and peace!” ~Apostle Paul

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Apostle Paul Sayings, Galatians 1, Grace, Peace

We need to get back to using blessings when we greet people and leave. How powerful it is to be a blessing to others and speak a good word into their day. Our words matter and blessings we bring forward to others, by our words, are a huge thing in God’s world.

Paul did this and frequently blessed others with …

Grace – χάρις – meaning a gift or blessing brought to man by Jesus Christ, favor, gratitude, thanks, kindness.

And then …

Peace – εἰρήνη – meaning peace of mind; invocation of peace a common Jewish farewell, in the Hebraistic sense of the health (welfare) of an individual.

How powerful for us and those we know. May I great others with that blessing.

“So I greet you with the great words, grace and peace!” ~~Apostle Paul (Galatians 1:3 The Message) 

Where does all my planning get me? Turn from the path of planning to the path of Peace.

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Confusion, Faith, Fear, Future, Jesus, Peace, Planning, Plans

The peace of Jesus

A friend sent me this quote. I have reading it over and over. 

I love to plan. Excessive planning violates God’s goal for my life. Jesus challenges me to trust God, not my ability to plan.

“You will not find My Peace by engaging in excessive planning:  attempting to control what will happen to you in the future.  This is a commonly practiced form of unbelief.  When your mind spins with multiple plans, Peace may sometimes seem to be within your grasp; yet it always eludes you. Just when you think you have prepared for all possibilities, something unexpected pops up and throws things into confusion. 

I did not design the human mind to figure out the future.  That is beyond your capability.  I crafted your mind for continual communication with Me.  Bring Me all your needs your hopes and fears.  Commit everything into My care.  Turn from the path of planning to the path of Peace. ” ~~Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

 

“How long? Not long, because “no lie can live forever.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Love, Martin Luther King Jr., Patience, Peace

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed the crowd at the end of the Selma to Montgomery march. Dr. King had a clear vision that Jesus is the truth. That was his driving force. He knew that “Standeth God within the shadow” and “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord”.

In that light, he asks a great question. “How long will it take?”

“If anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Admirable, Apostle Paul Sayings, Authentic, Jesus, Peace, Philippians 4, Praise

How would Paul summarize things? Well, he would suggest that I fill my mind on some things that are positive. Not the power of positive thinking but something way beyond that. I need to practice these things. Peace will be mine if I do. There is a blessing attached to this.

Here are some ideas he suggests to me to think on and contemplate about:

• What is true
• What is so amazingly noble
• Who has a reputation for being Godly and who is authentic
• What is God compelling me to do in His power
• What do I know about God’s gracious nature
• The best that I have seen Jesus do
• Things that are so amazingly beautiful
• All I have to give thanks and praise for

There is plenty here to focus on. If I focus my thoughts and action on these things, I will have peace.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

Today is a day to stay calm. No need to freak out. Who’s got you? God’s got you, that’s who!

Tags

Calm, Fist Bump, God is Good, Peace

Fist Bump

Today is a day to stay calm.

No need to freak out.

Who’s got you? God’s got you, that’s who!

God is in a good mood.

Stay calm.

Fist bump my friends.

"We must concentrate not merely on the negative expulsion of war but the postive affirmation of peace." ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Tags

Martin Luther King Jr., Peace, War

 

The peace of Jesus

Peace is not the absence of war. Peace comes from actively pursuing freedom.

We are at peace when we are free.

Jesus reminds us that He is the way to peace.

We must concentrate not merely on the negative expulsion of war but the positive affirmation of peace. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jesus is the reason

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Christmas, Jesus, Joy, Peace

Jesus is the reason

Jesus is the reason we celebrate.

Jesus brings joy and peace.

Merry Christ-mas!

You have nothing to fear. Do the right thing. Blessings will be yours!

Tags

Anxiety, Fear, Peace

Fear

You have nothing to fear. We hear that all the time. Fear can come when we don’t know what to do.

Do the right thing. That knowledge brings peace.

Blessings will be yours! And that means peace.

"The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood." ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Brotherhood, Justice, Martin Luther King Jr., Nonconformist, Peace

Martin Luther King, Jr.

There takes a certain discipline to bring about true change. It isn’t ever easy.

If we want justice, we must couple justice with peace and being connected with everyone as family.

Not easy but no other way. Great men of change, like Martin Luther King, Jr. knew this.

The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

"No one can pray and worry at the same time." ~~Max Lucado

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Max Lucado, Peace, Prayer, Worry

Why Worry?

God’s goal is for us to talk with Him, trust Him and obey Him.

Our alignment with God takes the anxiety out of the equation.

Want peace?

Talk with God.

No one can pray and worry at the same time. ~~Max Lucado

"Do not be anxious about anything." ~~Apostle Paul

Tags

Gentleness, Heart, Joy, Mind, Peace, Philippians 4, Prayer, Rejoice, Thankful

Be Thankful

My part is to rejoice. God is so very good and He is always in this amazing mood. Jesus has a mission to bring Good News to me. Am I hearing bad news? It is a lie then. That is from my enemy Satan. So, I will rejoice at the good God is doing now.

I need to talk with my Father, ask Him for what I need, and be thankful in my conversations with Him. He knows what I need and will do more than I can imagine.

I don’t understand it, but as a result, His peace is mine. I can rest and relax. His peace is at attention in my heart. He is protecting me and the enemy can’t reach my heart.

God’s goal for me is to rejoice always. This is so important, Paul says it to us twice. Be thankful. Be grateful. Our prayers are to be with thanksgiving.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 4:4-9

 

 

 

 

Are we special agents for God?

Tags

Apostle, Ephesians 1, Grace, Jesus, Peace

Special Agent for God

God has a plan for us. Under His plan, we are special agents of Jesus. His assignments for us aren’t “normal”. They are special. Planned out just for us. How amazing is that?

Now that is some very good news for today. That brings some much needed grace and peace to our lives.

I, Paul, am under God’s plan as an apostle, a special agent of the Messiah Jesus, writing to you faithful believers in Ephesus. I greet you with the grace and peace poured into our lives by God our Father and our Master, Jesus the Messiah. Ephesians 1:1-2

May I understand the role God has for me and serve as His special agent.

“The purpose of all war is peace.” ~~Saint Augustine

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Peace, Saint Augustine, War

Saint Augustine

 

“The purpose of all war is peace.” ~~Saint Augustine

“Let the peace of the Messiah rule in your hearts.” ~~Apostle Paul

Tags

Colossians 3, Heart, Peace, Thankful

The peace of Jesus

Some things just aren’t forced on us. We can have it or we can not. Peace comes from knowing His love and doing what He wants. We have to let that kind of peace happen. Jesus has peace to offer us like we have never known. His peace can rule over any other emotions that we have.

The phone is ringing. A text has arrived. The email arrives “You have peace from Jesus” we hear. A tweet shows up on Twitter. It is Jesus calling us to peace.

God’s goal is for us to let the peace of our Messiah Jesus rule in our heart. For this peace, I am very thankful.

Let the peace of the Messiah rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

May I let His peace have precedence over any other emotion in my life.