I am so thankful and so grateful to all those friends and family who since hearing the news of Dude's upcoming deployment in December, have prayed and will continue to pray for Dude, as well as for me.
The Lord gave me this scripture this morning, as I continue to go to him more frequently about having complete peace about this.
He says in John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not be afraid".
I also read in Isaiah 26:3 - 4, another familiar passage, that has a whole new and fresh message for me - "You Lord, will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal". The Hebrew word for the peace mentioned here, translates into " a full, genuine well-being".
You might be in a place in your life when you too, need to know the peace that passes all human understanding. We all face different trials and tests of faith throughout our walk here on earth, and I pray that these passages will speak peace into your heart as they have done for me.
Blessings,
Janelle
Showing posts with label peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label peace. Show all posts
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
Our Relationship With Others
I want to start this first week of the new year off with a passage that is from Titus chapter 3:2-8
It speaks of our relationship to all people.
"Slander no one, be peaceable and considerate, and show true humility toward all men.
At one time, we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He asved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone".
Vs 2 tells us to be peaceable - quarreling only arouses the hostility of non-Christians. I'm sure you've seen such examples on the news. Arguing and throwing around harsh words at those whose beliefs are different doesn't do any good.
Vs 5 reminds us that it's nothing we do that earns us salvation - just being good doesn't get one into Heaven. I'm sure hell is full of a lot of good people. Our only way in is through our trust in Christ Jesus - the only righteous one.
With this new year, I really want to make a difference in other's lives. I want to study the scriptures more, which will guide me in the path God has laid out for me. I want to let him lead me to be more like the beginning verses of this passage speak about - to speak kindly to everyone; to be peaceable and considerate, and most of all - to be humble.
May this new week of the new year bring blessings and the peace of God into your life...
Janelle
It speaks of our relationship to all people.
"Slander no one, be peaceable and considerate, and show true humility toward all men.
At one time, we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He asved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone".
Vs 2 tells us to be peaceable - quarreling only arouses the hostility of non-Christians. I'm sure you've seen such examples on the news. Arguing and throwing around harsh words at those whose beliefs are different doesn't do any good.
Vs 5 reminds us that it's nothing we do that earns us salvation - just being good doesn't get one into Heaven. I'm sure hell is full of a lot of good people. Our only way in is through our trust in Christ Jesus - the only righteous one.
With this new year, I really want to make a difference in other's lives. I want to study the scriptures more, which will guide me in the path God has laid out for me. I want to let him lead me to be more like the beginning verses of this passage speak about - to speak kindly to everyone; to be peaceable and considerate, and most of all - to be humble.
May this new week of the new year bring blessings and the peace of God into your life...
Janelle
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
The Peace of Christmas
In hard economic times like our world is facing, many are worried, stressed and depressed daily; with the holidays just a few days away, it seems to make all those anxieties grow even worse.
There is an answer and a solution to it all, and Paul writes in Philippians 4:4-7 - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident that 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 minds in Christ Jesus".
Paul tells us to rejoice - repeating himself to emphasize the importance to us. I think the phrase in verse 5 where it says, "the Lord is near" could mean two things - 1. His return for the church, but also 2. his ever constant presence with us who are believers. It's that presence of his Holy Spirit that brings us into a place of his perfect peace - replacing the doubts, fears and anxieties brought on by the world.
Take the time this Christmas season to enjoy your family and friends. It's not how much you give, or how much something costs - it's always the little things in life that bring the best and the most memorable moments.
My daughter Sarah surprised me a year or so ago with one of the most invaluable gifts I could ever receive on Christmas - it was a dvd of a show that aired on TV when she was little, and we'd watch it each year. It was called "Claymation Christmas", and she said that her memories of that were to where she wanted it to be a tradition her new family participated in each year. Now I knew they enjoyed the movie when they were little, but I had no idea of the impact it made on their lives.
My son's most precious gift to me wasn't wrapped in paper; last year on Christmas Eve morning, I got a phone call from him, where he was telling me the names of streets in my neighborhood and that he couldn't find mine. He worked til midnight the night before, and then drove all the way down here to Florida from Nashville, to surprise his mama for Christmas. HE was my present, and there's nothing that can be bought anywhere that could ever come close to that!
Think about what you and your loved ones can do together this year that will bring cherished memories, instead of fretting about presents or the lack of them. I promise that your Christmas will be filled with the peace that came to us in the form of a little baby in a little town called Bethlehem.
There is an answer and a solution to it all, and Paul writes in Philippians 4:4-7 - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident that 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 minds in Christ Jesus".
Paul tells us to rejoice - repeating himself to emphasize the importance to us. I think the phrase in verse 5 where it says, "the Lord is near" could mean two things - 1. His return for the church, but also 2. his ever constant presence with us who are believers. It's that presence of his Holy Spirit that brings us into a place of his perfect peace - replacing the doubts, fears and anxieties brought on by the world.
Take the time this Christmas season to enjoy your family and friends. It's not how much you give, or how much something costs - it's always the little things in life that bring the best and the most memorable moments.
My daughter Sarah surprised me a year or so ago with one of the most invaluable gifts I could ever receive on Christmas - it was a dvd of a show that aired on TV when she was little, and we'd watch it each year. It was called "Claymation Christmas", and she said that her memories of that were to where she wanted it to be a tradition her new family participated in each year. Now I knew they enjoyed the movie when they were little, but I had no idea of the impact it made on their lives.
My son's most precious gift to me wasn't wrapped in paper; last year on Christmas Eve morning, I got a phone call from him, where he was telling me the names of streets in my neighborhood and that he couldn't find mine. He worked til midnight the night before, and then drove all the way down here to Florida from Nashville, to surprise his mama for Christmas. HE was my present, and there's nothing that can be bought anywhere that could ever come close to that!
Think about what you and your loved ones can do together this year that will bring cherished memories, instead of fretting about presents or the lack of them. I promise that your Christmas will be filled with the peace that came to us in the form of a little baby in a little town called Bethlehem.
Monday, December 8, 2008
The Countdown is On!
Good Monday Morning!
I'm anxiously awaiting for Wednesday morning to get here, so we can head up to Fort Benning, GA, to see Dude graduate from Army Basic Training. He called me Saturday night, and sounded excited in getting to see his family come up for the momentous time in his life.
Today will be spent packing up some WARM clothes, as the ceremonies will be held outside, and it's been rather cold there lately.
I pray that the next 6 years or so that he's contracted to be in the Army National Guard Reserves, that he'll not have to call me one day to tell me that he's being sent overseas. He's ready to go if they do call him, but as his mama, that horrifies me.
I told him Saturday when we were discussing this possibility, that I have to keep remembering back to Mother's Day 1981, when his father and I took him and Sarah to the platform of First Baptist Church - Orlando, and dedicated them to the Lord. I told him that I know the Lord has him in His hands, and that is what I have to hold onto in order to have peace.
Please pray not only for my son, but for all the other sons and daughters who serve our country. Also, don't forget to pray for their families - husbands and wives, children, and parents!
Have a blessed Monday....
Janelle
I'm anxiously awaiting for Wednesday morning to get here, so we can head up to Fort Benning, GA, to see Dude graduate from Army Basic Training. He called me Saturday night, and sounded excited in getting to see his family come up for the momentous time in his life.
Today will be spent packing up some WARM clothes, as the ceremonies will be held outside, and it's been rather cold there lately.
I pray that the next 6 years or so that he's contracted to be in the Army National Guard Reserves, that he'll not have to call me one day to tell me that he's being sent overseas. He's ready to go if they do call him, but as his mama, that horrifies me.
I told him Saturday when we were discussing this possibility, that I have to keep remembering back to Mother's Day 1981, when his father and I took him and Sarah to the platform of First Baptist Church - Orlando, and dedicated them to the Lord. I told him that I know the Lord has him in His hands, and that is what I have to hold onto in order to have peace.
Please pray not only for my son, but for all the other sons and daughters who serve our country. Also, don't forget to pray for their families - husbands and wives, children, and parents!
Have a blessed Monday....
Janelle
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Yesterday I got to go out "junkin" - thrift store and estate sale shopping - and I was fortunate to find a few old Baptist hymnals. I just had to get them, because they brought back such memories from my childhood, and always having those at our piano at home. I used to memorize what page numbers my favorite songs were on.
Today I wanted to share the lyrics to the song, "Great is Thy Faithfulness"; a favorite of mine, and in times like we're facing, a good reminder that God is faithful, no matter what circumstances or situations we find ourselves in.
"Great is they faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with thee
Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou has been
Thou forever wilt be
CHORUS
Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
ALL I have needed, Thy hand hath provided
Great is they faithfulness, O Lord to me
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love
CHORUS
Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
ALL I have needed, Thy hand hath provided
Great is they faithfulness, O Lord to me
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
CHORUS
Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
ALL I have needed, Thy hand hath provided
Great is they faithfulness, O Lord to me
With the economy of the world in a tailspin, and wars and violence all around, Satan wants to keep us all in fear as to what is going to happen to us.
BUT the Lord says that His faithfulness will get us through and bring us to a place of peace.
I pray that you will put your trust in God's faithfulness today.
Janelle
Today I wanted to share the lyrics to the song, "Great is Thy Faithfulness"; a favorite of mine, and in times like we're facing, a good reminder that God is faithful, no matter what circumstances or situations we find ourselves in.
"Great is they faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with thee
Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou has been
Thou forever wilt be
CHORUS
Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
ALL I have needed, Thy hand hath provided
Great is they faithfulness, O Lord to me
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love
CHORUS
Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
ALL I have needed, Thy hand hath provided
Great is they faithfulness, O Lord to me
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
CHORUS
Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
ALL I have needed, Thy hand hath provided
Great is they faithfulness, O Lord to me
With the economy of the world in a tailspin, and wars and violence all around, Satan wants to keep us all in fear as to what is going to happen to us.
BUT the Lord says that His faithfulness will get us through and bring us to a place of peace.
I pray that you will put your trust in God's faithfulness today.
Janelle
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Day 2008
Today is a pivotal time in our country, as history will be made no matter which candidate wins. Should God allow Barack Obama to win, it will be a first for a black man to take the high office of President; should God allow John McCain to win, it will be a first for a woman to have the office of VP.
As I've made known, my vote went to John McCain/Sarah Palin, based on their morals and strengths in experience with the military, foreign relations, and standing up for the innocent unborn babies; unlike Obama, who is in favor of partial birth abortions, and allowing babies who survive abortions to go without medical care to continue their lives; a man with no experience in leading anything, and he wants to be the leader of the greatest and most powerful country in the world?
Yesterday, the final verse of my study in Jeremiah 6 mentioned how everyone from the greatest to the least had turned greedy for grain (money); how even the priests and prophets practiced deceit.
Today I pick up with verse 14, which references back to those people, and what God has to say about them and their behavior.
Jeremiah 6: 14 - 17: "They (the priests) dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. 'Peace, peace', they say, when there is no peace. Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when I punish them, says the Lord. This is what the Lord says, ' Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ' We will not walk in it'. I appointed watchmen over you and said, ' Listen to the sound of the trumpet! But you said, ' We will not listen'".
The United States was founded by men who sought out the wisdom and direction of the Lord, as they penned out our Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Our laws were made with God's laws as their foundation. They looked to God and asked as it says above, "where is the good way so we can walk in it". Not so today - our leaders have no room or no time for God or his direction. And there are MANY who spout how devout they are in their Christian or Catholic faith, yet they support abortion. One who truly follows the Lord and has a relationship with him could not in any way say that to murder an unborn child would be ok in the eyes of the Lord. These leaders, like the priests in Judea, show no shame. Is this the kind of people you want to lead our country?
Today, we have strayed from the basics of these foundations, and we do hear "peace, peace", but there will be NO peace on this earth until the Lord Jesus himself, returns. He warned us to beware of those who say "peace, peace", while practicing sin and leading the people astray.
I pray for God's mercy to continue to our country who deserves his judgements, as he was pouring out on his people in Judea and Jerusalem. They too, had started off following God and obeying the laws He laid out for them, then turned their backs on Him, thinking that they could do a better job of leading themselves.
When you go to the polls today to cast your vote, I pray you will sincerely ask God for his wisdom and direction, and to make your voice as a Christian heard - to take a stand for what is good and what is right in the eyes of the Lord.
Janelle
As I've made known, my vote went to John McCain/Sarah Palin, based on their morals and strengths in experience with the military, foreign relations, and standing up for the innocent unborn babies; unlike Obama, who is in favor of partial birth abortions, and allowing babies who survive abortions to go without medical care to continue their lives; a man with no experience in leading anything, and he wants to be the leader of the greatest and most powerful country in the world?
Yesterday, the final verse of my study in Jeremiah 6 mentioned how everyone from the greatest to the least had turned greedy for grain (money); how even the priests and prophets practiced deceit.
Today I pick up with verse 14, which references back to those people, and what God has to say about them and their behavior.
Jeremiah 6: 14 - 17: "They (the priests) dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. 'Peace, peace', they say, when there is no peace. Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when I punish them, says the Lord. This is what the Lord says, ' Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ' We will not walk in it'. I appointed watchmen over you and said, ' Listen to the sound of the trumpet! But you said, ' We will not listen'".
The United States was founded by men who sought out the wisdom and direction of the Lord, as they penned out our Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Our laws were made with God's laws as their foundation. They looked to God and asked as it says above, "where is the good way so we can walk in it". Not so today - our leaders have no room or no time for God or his direction. And there are MANY who spout how devout they are in their Christian or Catholic faith, yet they support abortion. One who truly follows the Lord and has a relationship with him could not in any way say that to murder an unborn child would be ok in the eyes of the Lord. These leaders, like the priests in Judea, show no shame. Is this the kind of people you want to lead our country?
Today, we have strayed from the basics of these foundations, and we do hear "peace, peace", but there will be NO peace on this earth until the Lord Jesus himself, returns. He warned us to beware of those who say "peace, peace", while practicing sin and leading the people astray.
I pray for God's mercy to continue to our country who deserves his judgements, as he was pouring out on his people in Judea and Jerusalem. They too, had started off following God and obeying the laws He laid out for them, then turned their backs on Him, thinking that they could do a better job of leading themselves.
When you go to the polls today to cast your vote, I pray you will sincerely ask God for his wisdom and direction, and to make your voice as a Christian heard - to take a stand for what is good and what is right in the eyes of the Lord.
Janelle
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Perserverance
Well I last blogged about having faith tested in trials, and mine surely is being tested right now!
In less than a month, I will be turning 50. It's not a traumatic event - I'm pretty excited about it, and also about the party my oldest sister is going to be throwing in my honor.
I ask myself, "how did I get here so fast"? I notice that with each year that passes, I'm not able to bounce back as quickly when I get hurt or if I get sick, but I am developing a more peaceful attitude towards life; so contrary to my high strung nature I've always had.
I am praying for God's peace to flood all over me in the next week or so. In addition to the emotional trials I'm wrestling with regarding my son going off to boot camp, I have some health issues that are somewhat fearful, and I don't want to let fear get hold of me.
I trust the Lord with my salvation, so why is it so hard at times to trust him with things like our health, etc.? I tend to believe that it all comes down to an "I can handle this one by myself" attitude, and as surely as I (we) do, then it seems to open the door for fear and all it's buddies to come in and invade our sense of peace.
I have decided that my stance is going to be this - no matter what the outcome of some tests I have to have run this week, God is still in control and will get me through it, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
Perserverance is seeking to become my dear, close friend. I intend to embrace that friendship, and strive to seek the Lord more and more in order that I don't allow Fear to butt in and try to take its place.
Blessings,
Janelle
In less than a month, I will be turning 50. It's not a traumatic event - I'm pretty excited about it, and also about the party my oldest sister is going to be throwing in my honor.
I ask myself, "how did I get here so fast"? I notice that with each year that passes, I'm not able to bounce back as quickly when I get hurt or if I get sick, but I am developing a more peaceful attitude towards life; so contrary to my high strung nature I've always had.
I am praying for God's peace to flood all over me in the next week or so. In addition to the emotional trials I'm wrestling with regarding my son going off to boot camp, I have some health issues that are somewhat fearful, and I don't want to let fear get hold of me.
I trust the Lord with my salvation, so why is it so hard at times to trust him with things like our health, etc.? I tend to believe that it all comes down to an "I can handle this one by myself" attitude, and as surely as I (we) do, then it seems to open the door for fear and all it's buddies to come in and invade our sense of peace.
I have decided that my stance is going to be this - no matter what the outcome of some tests I have to have run this week, God is still in control and will get me through it, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
Perserverance is seeking to become my dear, close friend. I intend to embrace that friendship, and strive to seek the Lord more and more in order that I don't allow Fear to butt in and try to take its place.
Blessings,
Janelle
Monday, July 14, 2008
Contentment
After taking a break for a few days, I am back to finishing up the final chapter of Philippians.
Today I'm reading chapter 4: 11 - 13
"For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength".
This is one passage that I do understand because I have lived on "both sides of the fence". There was a time in my life when I had the financial means to have whatever I wanted, and at another point in my life, I was penniless and on the brink of being homeless.
God was there with me at all times, but I felt his presence more in my life when I was stripped of all material things and had to depend on Him completely for shelter, food, and all my other needs. Once I surrendered myself to rely on Him to get me through my situation, I had unspeakable peace. He taught me what contentment truly means.
It's not wrong to have "things", but it is wrong when we depend on those things for our happiness and well being. I am thankful that I experienced having the things I held as security, taken from me.
I pray that you have a blessed week, and that you seek the One who can bring you peace and contentment in your life, no matter what your circumstances may be.
Janelle
Today I'm reading chapter 4: 11 - 13
"For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength".
This is one passage that I do understand because I have lived on "both sides of the fence". There was a time in my life when I had the financial means to have whatever I wanted, and at another point in my life, I was penniless and on the brink of being homeless.
God was there with me at all times, but I felt his presence more in my life when I was stripped of all material things and had to depend on Him completely for shelter, food, and all my other needs. Once I surrendered myself to rely on Him to get me through my situation, I had unspeakable peace. He taught me what contentment truly means.
It's not wrong to have "things", but it is wrong when we depend on those things for our happiness and well being. I am thankful that I experienced having the things I held as security, taken from me.
I pray that you have a blessed week, and that you seek the One who can bring you peace and contentment in your life, no matter what your circumstances may be.
Janelle
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Anxiety
The final chapter of Philippians is so full of meaningful verses regarding Peace in our lives, I will take a few days to explore them all.
Today I'm in chapter 4: 4 - 7, "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".
I'm the type of person who you could say is "high strung", and I deal with anxiety, so these verses really speak to my heart.
What we're being told here is that no matter what circumstance we might be in, to rejoice. What's there to rejoice about, you ask? The words following tell us - "in the Lord". It says that He is near - closer than our very breath. Think about Jesus, who he is, and all that he is - no circumstance can match that.
I have to remind myself to RUN to the Lord everytime I start to feel anxiety about a situation try to overtake my mind and emotions. I get the "what ifs", and the Lord is telling us to come to him in prayer with those anxious feelings, giving thanks that He is Lord, He is listening, and that we know He is in control. It says that when we do this, the peace that He will give us goes beyond what we can comprehend. It's a supernatural peace - not psychological.
I have already been having anxious thoughts today about a situation I have to deal with this morning, and I am thankful that the Lord showed me these verses. I will be praying for the peace he says is ours if we take our fears and anxieties to him. I have to put the situation completely in His hands, and know that he will walk me through.
Today I'm in chapter 4: 4 - 7, "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".
I'm the type of person who you could say is "high strung", and I deal with anxiety, so these verses really speak to my heart.
What we're being told here is that no matter what circumstance we might be in, to rejoice. What's there to rejoice about, you ask? The words following tell us - "in the Lord". It says that He is near - closer than our very breath. Think about Jesus, who he is, and all that he is - no circumstance can match that.
I have to remind myself to RUN to the Lord everytime I start to feel anxiety about a situation try to overtake my mind and emotions. I get the "what ifs", and the Lord is telling us to come to him in prayer with those anxious feelings, giving thanks that He is Lord, He is listening, and that we know He is in control. It says that when we do this, the peace that He will give us goes beyond what we can comprehend. It's a supernatural peace - not psychological.
I have already been having anxious thoughts today about a situation I have to deal with this morning, and I am thankful that the Lord showed me these verses. I will be praying for the peace he says is ours if we take our fears and anxieties to him. I have to put the situation completely in His hands, and know that he will walk me through.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Living in Peace
We hear the word "Peace", and the world's view of it is not the same as God's view.
In Hebrews 12:14 it says, "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many".
This peace mentioned is that which comes from forgiveness - another word and action that is highly confusing. When we hold someone in unforgiveness, it opens the door in our hearts to a root of bitterness taking over. When that happens, everything and everyone in our lives is affected by it.
How do I know? I lived in that state of unforgiveness for many years. As a child, I was abused in many ways, held in the prison of silence, unable to share what had happened to me out of fear of my abusers. Not only did bitterness take hold of my heart, I also developed a hatred for those who hurt me.
I was at a women's prayer meeting in Orlando, FL in 1986 and the speaker changed the message she was going to deliver right before the meeting was to open. She said the Lord told her she needed to speak on forgiveness. I was not thinking that this message was going to be for me or my benefit, but BOY did I get a rude awakening! As she spoke, she began to tell a story which every detail sounded like she'd interviewed me, or had seen a movie of my life and all it's hidden and dark secrets.
I thought I was going to shake right out of my chair! How did this woman know this about me? Was there anyone else in the room, because I felt like I was the only one there and was glued to every word she spoke.
At the end of her message, she gave an invitation for anyone who needed prayer in this area. I literally JUMPED up out of my chair, sobbing like a baby, and said, "That was for ME! I am that person you were talking about". Little did I know that one of my older sisters had also been seated in that meeting; she was towards the back and I hadn't seen her come in.
As I made my way toward the front to get prayer, I felt my knees buckle and the presence of God overwhelm me. My sister joined me at the altar and confirmed to the speaker that everything she had said was in fact, the story of her little sister's life. A small group of women laid hands on me and prayed for me to let go of all the hurt that I was carrying, and for me to be able to forgive my abusers.
When they were finished, I felt like some kind of giant Q-tip from heaven had been inserted into my body and my heart.....I felt this freedom that I'd never known before - I felt CLEAN! I knew the Lord was telling me that I was to go to one of my abusers that day and tell him "I forgive you".
I found someone to watch my two young children, and drove the 40+ miles back to where my abuser lived. I approached him - the man whom I hated with a passion, and told him that I forgave him, and the look on his face and the physical demeanor of this man changed before my eyes. He broke; crying and telling me how sorry he was.
Did that make the things that he did ok? Hardly - but what it did do was free me from being eaten alive by that root of bitterness and hate. Those things are a wall of division between one and God, and on that day - the Lord broke down that wall and set me free. I was then able to worship Him in holiness, as is mentioned in verse 14.
If you are walking through life with unbearable hurt, unforgiveness and bitterness, I beg you today to take it to the Lord. He wants to free you from that prison and give your life a new meaning; a new direction, and a peace that passes all understanding.
He's waiting on you to ask Him to be your deliverer.
May July 1, 2008 be your day of deliverance....may your life be changed and be filled with the Peace of the Holy Spirit, now and forever more.
Janelle
In Hebrews 12:14 it says, "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many".
This peace mentioned is that which comes from forgiveness - another word and action that is highly confusing. When we hold someone in unforgiveness, it opens the door in our hearts to a root of bitterness taking over. When that happens, everything and everyone in our lives is affected by it.
How do I know? I lived in that state of unforgiveness for many years. As a child, I was abused in many ways, held in the prison of silence, unable to share what had happened to me out of fear of my abusers. Not only did bitterness take hold of my heart, I also developed a hatred for those who hurt me.
I was at a women's prayer meeting in Orlando, FL in 1986 and the speaker changed the message she was going to deliver right before the meeting was to open. She said the Lord told her she needed to speak on forgiveness. I was not thinking that this message was going to be for me or my benefit, but BOY did I get a rude awakening! As she spoke, she began to tell a story which every detail sounded like she'd interviewed me, or had seen a movie of my life and all it's hidden and dark secrets.
I thought I was going to shake right out of my chair! How did this woman know this about me? Was there anyone else in the room, because I felt like I was the only one there and was glued to every word she spoke.
At the end of her message, she gave an invitation for anyone who needed prayer in this area. I literally JUMPED up out of my chair, sobbing like a baby, and said, "That was for ME! I am that person you were talking about". Little did I know that one of my older sisters had also been seated in that meeting; she was towards the back and I hadn't seen her come in.
As I made my way toward the front to get prayer, I felt my knees buckle and the presence of God overwhelm me. My sister joined me at the altar and confirmed to the speaker that everything she had said was in fact, the story of her little sister's life. A small group of women laid hands on me and prayed for me to let go of all the hurt that I was carrying, and for me to be able to forgive my abusers.
When they were finished, I felt like some kind of giant Q-tip from heaven had been inserted into my body and my heart.....I felt this freedom that I'd never known before - I felt CLEAN! I knew the Lord was telling me that I was to go to one of my abusers that day and tell him "I forgive you".
I found someone to watch my two young children, and drove the 40+ miles back to where my abuser lived. I approached him - the man whom I hated with a passion, and told him that I forgave him, and the look on his face and the physical demeanor of this man changed before my eyes. He broke; crying and telling me how sorry he was.
Did that make the things that he did ok? Hardly - but what it did do was free me from being eaten alive by that root of bitterness and hate. Those things are a wall of division between one and God, and on that day - the Lord broke down that wall and set me free. I was then able to worship Him in holiness, as is mentioned in verse 14.
If you are walking through life with unbearable hurt, unforgiveness and bitterness, I beg you today to take it to the Lord. He wants to free you from that prison and give your life a new meaning; a new direction, and a peace that passes all understanding.
He's waiting on you to ask Him to be your deliverer.
May July 1, 2008 be your day of deliverance....may your life be changed and be filled with the Peace of the Holy Spirit, now and forever more.
Janelle
Monday, June 2, 2008
Psalms Alive
In the early 1980's I came across this album in the library at the church, and borrowed it to take home to listen to. It was called, "Psalms Alive. It was absolutely beautiful, and the presence of peace it brought into my home was astounding! My kids were little toddlers then, and they heard it so much, they had many of the songs memorized.
Today in my reading, I came across a Psalm where I had noted that it was from that album. I'm reading from Psalm 143.
This morning I'm battling a horrid sinus and ear infection, and just need the peace of the Lord, and to lean on Him for some rest, and this Psalm spoke to my heart about how God is always here to give us just that.
In verses 6 - 8 it says, "I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul".
I'm putting my trust in Him today that this morning, this word of his unfailing love will be my strength for the day. If you need someone to hold you up today, go to the Lord - read aloud this Psalm to him - I promise he will meet you where you are and lift up your soul.
Have a blessed day!
Janelle
Today in my reading, I came across a Psalm where I had noted that it was from that album. I'm reading from Psalm 143.
This morning I'm battling a horrid sinus and ear infection, and just need the peace of the Lord, and to lean on Him for some rest, and this Psalm spoke to my heart about how God is always here to give us just that.
In verses 6 - 8 it says, "I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul".
I'm putting my trust in Him today that this morning, this word of his unfailing love will be my strength for the day. If you need someone to hold you up today, go to the Lord - read aloud this Psalm to him - I promise he will meet you where you are and lift up your soul.
Have a blessed day!
Janelle
Monday, May 12, 2008
Peace
Today, I felt led to take a passage out of the Gospel of John, Chapter 14:27. This is Jesus speaking to believers.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid".
When we hear the word "peace", our human nature sees in a worldly view - free of war, people getting along, etc. It's more of an idea than a reality. We don't "feel" it, and we surely don't see it.
The peace that Jesus is speaking of can ONLY come from him - it is the absolute assurance that He is in control. One can only have that assurance as a believer - to have a one on one relationship with him. He sends us His Holy Spirit, The Comforter, and He makes his presence known to us be enveloping us completely with this peace He speaks about.
I recently found out that my son is enlisted in the Army National Guard, and my natural reaction would be that of fear and the "what ifs", but as my son spoke to me and told me the reasons behind his decision, I was overcome by the peace I am referring to today.
Yesterday in church, we were singing a song called, "Mighty is Our God", and I looked over and saw a young man in his twenties, standing next to his mother - he had a shaved head and was dressed in Army Dress Greens. I leaned over to Bill and asked him if that was the uniform I'd see Dude in at his graduation from boot camp, and he said it was. I felt tears welling up, and for a moment, I felt anxiety and fear try to rise up within me, and the Lord reminded me that He is in control, and to not be afraid, and the words of that song brought in the presence and peace of the Lord Jesus once again to me. After leaving church, my cell phone rang, and it was my beautiful son calling me to tell me Happy Mother's Day. Just hearing his voice, and him telling me how much he loves me and is proud to be my son, just reinforced the Spirit of Peace within me yet again.
God can and does use many things to speak to us and make himself known to us. Sometimes it's the little things that might go unnoticed, but if we keep ourselves in the attitude of putting Jesus first, and keeping our eyes and ears open to hear him, we can rest in the knowledge that He is God, He is on the Throne, and He will be with us in every situation that tries to trip us up and put us in bondage to fear.
May your day be filled with the Peace of Jesus -
Janelle
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid".
When we hear the word "peace", our human nature sees in a worldly view - free of war, people getting along, etc. It's more of an idea than a reality. We don't "feel" it, and we surely don't see it.
The peace that Jesus is speaking of can ONLY come from him - it is the absolute assurance that He is in control. One can only have that assurance as a believer - to have a one on one relationship with him. He sends us His Holy Spirit, The Comforter, and He makes his presence known to us be enveloping us completely with this peace He speaks about.
I recently found out that my son is enlisted in the Army National Guard, and my natural reaction would be that of fear and the "what ifs", but as my son spoke to me and told me the reasons behind his decision, I was overcome by the peace I am referring to today.
Yesterday in church, we were singing a song called, "Mighty is Our God", and I looked over and saw a young man in his twenties, standing next to his mother - he had a shaved head and was dressed in Army Dress Greens. I leaned over to Bill and asked him if that was the uniform I'd see Dude in at his graduation from boot camp, and he said it was. I felt tears welling up, and for a moment, I felt anxiety and fear try to rise up within me, and the Lord reminded me that He is in control, and to not be afraid, and the words of that song brought in the presence and peace of the Lord Jesus once again to me. After leaving church, my cell phone rang, and it was my beautiful son calling me to tell me Happy Mother's Day. Just hearing his voice, and him telling me how much he loves me and is proud to be my son, just reinforced the Spirit of Peace within me yet again.
God can and does use many things to speak to us and make himself known to us. Sometimes it's the little things that might go unnoticed, but if we keep ourselves in the attitude of putting Jesus first, and keeping our eyes and ears open to hear him, we can rest in the knowledge that He is God, He is on the Throne, and He will be with us in every situation that tries to trip us up and put us in bondage to fear.
May your day be filled with the Peace of Jesus -
Janelle
Monday, May 5, 2008
Confidence in God
Today, I'm taking a passage from the New Testament in the book of Philippians, Chapter 1:2-6.
I have a very dear friend, who I consider family, who has been going through a very rough time lately, and when I asked the Lord today what to share on here, this is what he showed me. This is my prayer not only for him, but for all those who I have had the pleasure of crossing paths with throughout my life.
"Grace and peace to you from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I think my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers, for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being CONFIDENT of this, that He who began a good work in you, is faithful to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ".
True grace and peace can only come from above. Paul is telling us in this letter to the Philippians that they need to remember that God doesn't start something that he doesn't finish; and we should be at peace because of that.
In our lives, we all face difficult times. Sometimes it makes us question our salvation, sometimes it allows satan to throw our pasts up and bind us in fear and torment. THIS is when you really need to have this verse buried in your heart and mind, and when the voices of torment come your way, speak out this verse with CONFIDENCE - God gave me a new life, and he will see me through until the day I am reunited with Jesus face to face.
Like Paul, I thank God every time I remember ALL of you.
Have a very blessed week, and remember that Jesus promised us that he will never leave us or forsake us - he's just a breath away, and is waiting for you to call out to Him.
Janelle
I have a very dear friend, who I consider family, who has been going through a very rough time lately, and when I asked the Lord today what to share on here, this is what he showed me. This is my prayer not only for him, but for all those who I have had the pleasure of crossing paths with throughout my life.
"Grace and peace to you from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I think my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers, for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being CONFIDENT of this, that He who began a good work in you, is faithful to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ".
True grace and peace can only come from above. Paul is telling us in this letter to the Philippians that they need to remember that God doesn't start something that he doesn't finish; and we should be at peace because of that.
In our lives, we all face difficult times. Sometimes it makes us question our salvation, sometimes it allows satan to throw our pasts up and bind us in fear and torment. THIS is when you really need to have this verse buried in your heart and mind, and when the voices of torment come your way, speak out this verse with CONFIDENCE - God gave me a new life, and he will see me through until the day I am reunited with Jesus face to face.
Like Paul, I thank God every time I remember ALL of you.
Have a very blessed week, and remember that Jesus promised us that he will never leave us or forsake us - he's just a breath away, and is waiting for you to call out to Him.
Janelle
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Keeping Watch
Today's passage from proverbs is taken from verses 20 - 23. It speaks of the vital importance of keeping God's Word active in our lives, and in our hearts.
"My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart, for they are LIFE to those who find them, and HEALTH to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life".
Let's break down some of the key words here -
BODY - The Hebrew word for this is "basar", which means: the pudenda of a man- the body; the flesh and the skin. It also means to be full, to announce good news, to be a messenger.
God is saying that His Word brings us life and health - this isn't just our physical life or health, but also our spiritual life and health, and when we have those in line with his Word, it gives us the strength in our physical body to be able to go out and be a messenger of good news. Even if one is sick, God will enable them with HIS strength to go out and be a messenger of the Gospel.
I saw this in my own life when my Mother in Law was suffering with cancer. That is when she turned her life over to Jesus, and although she was gravely sick - she was able to lean on God for strength and became a very strong witness to His love and grace, and brought others to know Him. She was able to use her sickness to reach out to others who were suffering and her life was FULL.
HEART - again, I go to the Hebrew to get the full meaning of this word, and it refers to the heart as the mind or inner being. God is saying that THIS is the most important thing to guard, for God's Word can and will change our way of thinking (our minds) and change our heart(our inner being) to place of health - calmness and peace of mind.
WELLSPRING OF LIFE - this refers to our spiritual vitality.
No matter what you are faced with today, turn to God's Word. Ask Him to speak to you, and to lead you to places in His Word to give you the answers you're looking for. Keep his words in your heart, and when you are faced with difficulties, His Holy Spirit will bring those words to your mind and strengthen you.
Have a very blessed Sunday!
Janelle
"My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart, for they are LIFE to those who find them, and HEALTH to a man's whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life".
Let's break down some of the key words here -
BODY - The Hebrew word for this is "basar", which means: the pudenda of a man- the body; the flesh and the skin. It also means to be full, to announce good news, to be a messenger.
God is saying that His Word brings us life and health - this isn't just our physical life or health, but also our spiritual life and health, and when we have those in line with his Word, it gives us the strength in our physical body to be able to go out and be a messenger of good news. Even if one is sick, God will enable them with HIS strength to go out and be a messenger of the Gospel.
I saw this in my own life when my Mother in Law was suffering with cancer. That is when she turned her life over to Jesus, and although she was gravely sick - she was able to lean on God for strength and became a very strong witness to His love and grace, and brought others to know Him. She was able to use her sickness to reach out to others who were suffering and her life was FULL.
HEART - again, I go to the Hebrew to get the full meaning of this word, and it refers to the heart as the mind or inner being. God is saying that THIS is the most important thing to guard, for God's Word can and will change our way of thinking (our minds) and change our heart(our inner being) to place of health - calmness and peace of mind.
WELLSPRING OF LIFE - this refers to our spiritual vitality.
No matter what you are faced with today, turn to God's Word. Ask Him to speak to you, and to lead you to places in His Word to give you the answers you're looking for. Keep his words in your heart, and when you are faced with difficulties, His Holy Spirit will bring those words to your mind and strengthen you.
Have a very blessed Sunday!
Janelle
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Coping
Today in my morning devotionals, I read Psalm 116, and in my Bible, I have notes and dates of when the Lord has spoken to me about certain passages.
This particular Psalm speaks about how when one is in distress, the Lord is there for us.
My daddy died on March 15, 1984, and on that day, part of me died too. I was in more emotional pain and distress than I've ever faced up to this point in my life. I went into severe depression and was angry at God for taking my daddy, then He spoke to me through His Word and his Peace enveloped me.
Verse 3 - 9 says, "The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: O Lord save me! The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living."
Down in verse 15 it says, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints".
This brought me so much comfort, and I know that we all face tragedies in our lives, and if we reach out to God in those times, he says that he is here for us, and he will pour out his compassion on us and renew our strength, that we may go on.
If there is something in your life that seems overwhelming; something that you think is unbearable, I encourage you to go to God's Word and get your strength and peace from him.
I close with this passage:
The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you
The Lord turn His face toward you and give you Peace
Numbers 6:24 - 26
Blessings to you today.
Janelle
This particular Psalm speaks about how when one is in distress, the Lord is there for us.
My daddy died on March 15, 1984, and on that day, part of me died too. I was in more emotional pain and distress than I've ever faced up to this point in my life. I went into severe depression and was angry at God for taking my daddy, then He spoke to me through His Word and his Peace enveloped me.
Verse 3 - 9 says, "The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: O Lord save me! The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living."
Down in verse 15 it says, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints".
This brought me so much comfort, and I know that we all face tragedies in our lives, and if we reach out to God in those times, he says that he is here for us, and he will pour out his compassion on us and renew our strength, that we may go on.
If there is something in your life that seems overwhelming; something that you think is unbearable, I encourage you to go to God's Word and get your strength and peace from him.
I close with this passage:
The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you
The Lord turn His face toward you and give you Peace
Numbers 6:24 - 26
Blessings to you today.
Janelle
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