“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” ~Apostle Paul
We love to eat fruit. We love the fruit and the juice. It gives us nourishment and refreshes us. May …
Tag Archives: Peace
“Jesus gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” ~Apostle Paul
What is the good news message that Paul has for me? Jesus the Messiah gave himself for my missing God’s …
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you” ~Jesus
Everywhere Jesus went and whenever He would minister to His disciples or the people, He brought calm and peace to …
“Quiet! Settle down!” ~Jesus
Jesus knows something. Jesus knows a storm is coming. I will be in the storm, with Him. Will I have …
Do we attain peace through Jesus the Messiah’s death?
There is good news! I have peace with God through the blood that Jesus shed on the cross. I was …
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.” ~Jesus
One of the benefits of being a disciple is that obedience brings peace. If I’m not at peace, I need …
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus has a goal for me. It is to be a peacemaker. Peacemaking is a big goal given to us …
What are reasons for God’s people to know joy?
There is a whole lot of joy in knowing Jesus. God is good and always in a good mood. So …
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” ~Apostle Paul
Jesus does not exhort me to get angry, as if this is anger were a good motivator or energy for positive action. …
Peace — Is it through the ministry of Jesus?
We are born at war. At birth, my sinful nature has already declared war on God and His truth. My …
“Get ready for trouble.” ~Jesus
There is a time to get prepared. That time is when trouble is on the way. I must listen and …
Discipleship — Is peace is a result for the disciple?
I am to be a disciple. That is the goal that Jesus has for me. Making disciples is important because …
“Keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.” ~Apostle Paul
They are smooth. They are slick. They flatter me. What’s the problem? I need to be discerning. There are those who …
“Celebrate God. Sing together—everyone! All you honest hearts, raise the roof!” ~King David
I serve an amazing God. I celebrate His goodness, righteousness and holiness. God is good. God is good all the …
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great.” ~Jesus
Jesus wants me to love. Jesus wants me to do good. Jesus wants me to not expect anything in return …
“For your husband is your Maker, whose name is the Master of hosts; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, who is called the God of all the earth.” ~Isaiah
Without faithfulness to God there can be no discipleship life. Following Jesus is based first on faith that God is, …
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~Apostle Paul
Joy and happiness is essential in the Kingdom of God. The Beatitudes (aka The Jesus Manifesto) traditionally use the word “blessed”. …
“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Master Jesus the Messiah.” ~Apostle Paul
Can I do good? I want to but there is this evil nature that can get in the way. God shows …
Did some religious elite appoint me as a spokesperson for Jesus?
I am astounded at how many companions in faith I have. Due to the power of the world wide web, …
“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” ~Apostle Paul
The joy of deliverance is amazing. When God sets me free, rejoicing is in order. I was tied up missing God’s …
Peacemakers — The Importance of Pursuing Peace
I can’t make peace if I don’t have peace myself. That is the first task, find peace in Jesus. Then, …
“I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” ~Apostle Paul
Self-control is an issue of my heart. I must not be wishy-washy in my resolve. I must excerpt control of my …
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.” ~Jesus
It starts with faith. I need to get clear with my faith in Jesus. When peace leaves me, I need to …
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.” ~Jesus
God has a goal in mind for me. It could bring me into conflict with those I love most. Betrayal …
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” ~Apostle Paul
Should I renounce anger? Yes! Jesus does not exhort me to get angry, as if anger were a good motivator or energy for …
Holy — Becoming holy involves striving after God
The holiness of God is the most difficult of all God’s attributes to explain, partly because it is one of …
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” ~Jesus
Grace is a gift. God gives me grace when I am humble. There is no peace if I am proud …
Achievement — Is faith required?
Where does faith come from? Faith is not something I conjure up on my own, nor is it something I am …
Motive — Is God’s glory my highest motive?
Because the human heart is very deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), I can easily fool myself about my own motives. I can …
“Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger; if you try to make it better, you’ll only make it worse.” ~King Solomon
There is a natural set of consequences for angry people. There is a backlash. Something very real is going to …
Justice — It is Declared in Jesus the Messiah
Justice is a term used for what is right or “as it should be.” Justice is one of God’s attributes …
Discipleship – Joy is a Benefit and Results from Being a Disciple
Joy is closely related to gladness and happiness, although joy is more a state of being than an emotion; a …
“Jesus came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near.” ~Apostle Paul
Prophecies of peace are fulfilled in the coming of Jesus the Messiah. Peace is real. Jesus wants me to experience peace. …
“Happy are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” ~Jesus
The Jesus Manifesto continues. It may seem strange that Jesus should pass from peacemaking to persecution, from the work of reconciliation …
Goodness — Good Works will be Rewarded
In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists the “fruit of the Spirit”. “Fruit,” here, means “beneficial results,” the good things that come …
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” ~Jesus
Jesus is about to wrap His Manifesto. There is one final parable to lay it all out. There is a contrast …
“Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and — good-bye, friend!” ~King Solomon
Friendship is an amazing experience. It also can be a fragile relationship. Am I looking at the good in my …
Faithfulness — It is Seen to God as Marital Fidelity
Faithfulness is the proper response to God by his covenant people; seen in a steadfast commitment which reflects God’s own …
“Jesus rejoiced, exuberant in the Holy Spirit!” ~Luke
Jesus rejoiced. Jesus is exuberant in the Holy Spirit. Jesus came to usher in the Kingdom of God in the …
Victory — It is Complete in Jesus as He defeated Temptation
Jesus the Messiah triumphs over and disarms all the powers of evil arrayed against him. Jesus has won the victory. …
Joy — Deliverance sets it off
I want the joy of the Lord. I want to be more than happy. I want to celebrate God’s victory …
“A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” ~Jesus
Jesus is beginning to wrap up His manifesto. Jesus changed his brief metaphor from sheep and wolves to trees and …
Peace — We Find it in the Teachings of Jesus the Messiah
The Apostle Paul alerts me that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, …
Betrayal — It is a Part of a Disciple’s Experience
Betrayal is a gross violation of trust and can be one of the most devastating forms of pain inflicted upon …
Anger — Should I renounce it?
What is my mission? My mission, given to me by Jesus, is to love. That is it. That should be my …
Meekness — God’s Promises to the Meek is Good News
God’s promises to the meek is good news! Humility is the name of the game. Jesus challenges me to be …
Goodness – Good Works are a Characteristic of God
Goodness and good works are acts designed specifically to benefit others, which are characteristic of God. I can be good …
Love — It Comes from the Holy Spirit. It is a Gift and it is a Fruit.
Where does love come from? Love comes from the Holy Spirit. It is a gift. It is fruit that grows …
25 Mother Teresa Quotes about Living a Life of Purpose
A Nobel peace laureate, Mother Teresa (1910–1997) was an Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary. For much of her life, Mother …
Faithfulness — The Proper Response to God by His Covenant People
Faithfulness is the proper response to God by his covenant people. It is seen in a steadfast commitment which reflects …
Sanctification — It is the Work of the Holy Spirit
I avoid some things because they sound very geeky and smack of theology. Jesus talks about sanctification. Maybe I need …
Hope — It Can be Placed in God in the Face of Difficulty or Trial
I need to find more hope. God is good and in a good mood. Justice, while lacking here some days, will be done. …
Self-control — It Affects the Whole Person Including Physical Self-control
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. It is physical and emotional self-mastery, particularly in situations of intense provocation or temptation. It …
Kindness — God shows it to His people
I want the quality of compassion and generosity in my life. I need to learn how God loves the weak …
“A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.” ~King Solomon
I have seen it way too often. Something that starts simple escalates. It turns into all out war. My drive …
Peace — These Prophecies of Peace are Fulfilled in the Coming of Jesus the Messiah
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there …
“The Master is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear?” ~King David
I have a number of things I am afraid of. God is God and Jesus is working with me to …
Gentleness – In Dealing with the Wayward
I wander off. I am wayward. I drift. It happens. It happens to others I know. What is my attitude? …
Joy — The Holy Spirit gives Joy to Jesus the Messiah and to Those who were Anticipating His Birth
The Holy Spirit brings joy to believers, giving them an inner contentment and happiness which is not dependent upon external …
Goodness — God is pleased with the good works of his people
How am I doing with being selfless on behalf of others? It is a pretty telling question if I answer it …
Faithfulness — Is seen as steadfast commitment to God in unwavering devotion
Faithfulness is the proper response to God by his covenant people; seen in a steadfast commitment which reflects God’s own …
Self-control — The mark of a wise person and aspect of a disciples character
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. It is physical and emotional self-mastery, particularly in situations of intense provocation or temptation. …
Kindness — God shows kindness to all, evil and good.
In Galatians 5:22 we learn that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 …
Peace — Through the Father’s provision for the believer
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there …
Gentleness — In showing consideration to all
Gentleness is an expression of compassion, seen in God’s dealings with the frail and weak, and expected of believers in …
Joy — Can it become real in our relationships?
Joy is experienced naturally in many circumstances of my life in Jesus and most importantly in relationships I have with …
When I choose to obey Jesus’s call to follow and be a disciple, what will it cost me?
I want to follow Jesus’s call and be a disciple. What will it cost me? Am I prepared? There is …
Contempt – Issues of doctrinal differences of opinion
Am I a member of the “doctrine police” constantly issuing heretic alerts? That is a good question to ask. Why? …
Hypocrisy — Where does it come from?
Jesus is clear. Jesus hates hypocrites. Jesus calls it out all the time. My contempt allows me to ignore its …
“And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” ~Luke
Am I happy? Do you see my joy? Or am I just a grumpy old man most days? In …
Goodness — God’s people are called on to do good works
How am I doing with being selfless on behalf of others? It is a pretty telling question if I answer …
Is faithfulness encouragement to be trustworthy?
I am called to be faithful and trustworthy. I am challenged by this some days. When I think about it …
“Peace to you.” ~Jesus
Did you lock the doors? That was the compelling question the morning Jesus rose from the dead in an incorruptible …
Self-control — A discipline that is hiding along with the other fruits of the Spirit of God
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. It is physical and emotional self-mastery, particularly in situations of intense provocation or …
Peace — It is established in a believer’s relationship with the Father and Jesus
There are times I am clearly not at peace. I am not at peace with myself and I am not …
“Happy are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.” ~Jesus
Jesus is a kind, loving King. Jesus is not angry with me. Jesus wants me to be kind and gentle. …
Gentleness — A mark and part of the character of a follower of Jesus
Gentleness is a mark and a part of the character of a follower of Jesus. We know from Galatians 5:22 …
“Peace be with you!” ~Jesus
Here we are. It is “Resurrection Sunday”. I’m celebrating the resurrection of Jesus not bunnies and chocolate candy. That’s just …
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” ~Jesus
There is a break from the horror of Good Friday! Jesus is carrying out the plan of His Father. His …
What can I do about my bitterness?
Great message (and short) from John Piper on bitterness. When I harbor feelings of vengeance I show that I don’t have …
“At just the right time, when we were still powerless, the Messiah died for the ungodly. God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, the Messiah died for us” ~Apostle Paul
Good Friday, also known as “Holy Friday,” is the Friday immediately preceding Resurrection Sunday. It is celebrated traditionally as the day …
“What are you willing to give me if I deliver Jesus over to you?” ~Judas
According to the traditional interpretation of the Bible, Holy Wednesday is the day on which Jesus was anointed with spikenard during a …
“I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” ~Jesus to the religious leaders
Some of the religious leaders [Pharisees] in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” But Jesus answered, “I …
“Happy are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” ~Jesus
“Happy (aka Blessed) are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” ~Jesus Source: Matthew 5:9 (NASB) Jesus continues on with his …
“So don’t waste your time on a scoffer; all you’ll get for your pains is abuse. But if you correct those who care about life, that’s different—they’ll love you for it!” ~King Solomon
“If you reason with an arrogant cynic, you’ll get slapped in the face; confront bad behavior and get a kick in …
“Are you listening to this? Really listening?” ~Jesus
“Are you listening to this? Really listening?” When they were off by themselves, those who were close to him, along …
What is peace, how do we make peacemaking real and what is the promise of Jesus?
Jesus says “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” The commendation of peacemakers – It …
Hypocrisy – What it is, why it is evil and hated by Jesus
Hypocrisy is an outward pretense masking an inner reality. Jesus condemns hypocrisy, especially in matters of faith. Followers of Jesus …
Everything Jesus had to say about the homeless, wealth, prosperity, poverty, riches, the poor, the needy and giving
Jesus had a lot to say about the homeless, wealth, prosperity, poverty, riches, the poor, the needy and giving. Here …
“I have something hard but important to say to you.” ~Jesus
After sunset he came with the Twelve. As they were at the supper table eating, Jesus said, “I have something …
“Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money, and God-knowledge over a lucrative career.” ~King Solomon
Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money, and God-knowledge over a lucrative career. For Wisdom is better than all the …
Rest in Peace. Prince was a musical genius. He could make a guitar weep.
Originally posted on The Culture Alternative:
This is stunning. https://youtu.be/6SFNW5F8K9Y Prince, Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, Jeff Lynne and others perform “While My…
February 1, 1960 — A movement for justice started at Woolworth’s in Greensboro, N.C.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and you have neglected the weightier …
“But don’t resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this.” ~King Solomon
God has a goal for me. Primarily God wants me to grow up and not be a child my whole …
Breaking the Code v. 6
Originally posted on 4th Quarter Musings:
In many instances in the Bible, grace (see Breaking the Code 3) and peace are linked…
“You’re looking for proof, but you’re looking for the wrong kind.” ~Jesus
I want proof but I am not prepared to believe it. Jesus gives me proof. I get to decide whether …
“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
Relax, God is in control. I keep hearing that from our Father. He promised a rest. That is His goal …
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” ~Apostle Paul
Paul reminds me. I am at war. It is an ongoing war. It doesn’t stop. Who is the enemy? The …
“Watch out for doomsday deceivers.” ~Jesus
Jesus knows we will have lots of leaders who deceive us about the end of the world. It happened again …
“Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.” ~King David
We are asked to stand in awe of our mighty God. He is God. And there is a promise. Why …
