Tag Archives: God’s peace

Jul13

All Welcome

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St Anns Church

“I bow before You, looking to Your holy temple, and praise Your name, for Your unfailing love and Your truth; for You have placed Your name and Your word over all things and all times.” Psalm 138:2 (VOICE)

As my family rounded a corner on a winding coastal road in Maine, we came upon this inviting sea-side chapel. We were drawn to its entrance by a sign out front that said “All Welcome.” It wasn’t a Sunday, but the front door of the church was standing wide open, welcoming inside anyone who wanted to enter. The church, built with sea-washed stones, has been standing in this spot for over 125 years, creating a symbol of unwavering permanence ~ just like God’s unfailing love and truth.

While walking around the exterior of the church, I imagined all the extremes in climate that this little building had weathered through decades of time ~ from tempestuous tropical storms and hurricanes, to the massive nor’easters and piles of snowdrift during the harsh New England winters. Yet through it all, this enduring chapel has survived. As we passed through the front door of the church, we immediately felt a sense of peace. The effect that this little place of worship had upon us was awe-inspiring. We wanted to bask in the reverent atmosphere and linger in the presence of God.

And just like the front door of this stone church, God’s arms are open wide, welcoming anyone to come inside. You don’t have to enter a sea-side chapel to experience His peace. His unfailing love and truth are for everyone. He is our Rock in whom we can take refuge. You can linger in the presence of God right where you are today. No matter the phase in life you are going through at this moment, remind yourself that God has placed HIs name “over all things and all times.” He’s there in your most joyous moments as well as the dark and grungy times; your seasons of elation, as well as frustration; your mountain-top experiences and your deep-in-the-valley periods; your days of good health and those of pain and suffering. And through it all His unwavering truth and unfailing love are constant. Step inside and experience His peace…All are Welcome!

“The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him.” Nahum 1:7

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Jan3

Be Still

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“Be still,

 be calm,

 see,

and understand…

I am the True God.

Psalm 46:10 (VOICE)

If your mind is whirling with anxious thoughts, take time to simply be still in the presence of God, thanking Him that He is already in your future. Relax in the knowledge that He is in control of every detail of your life. The things you are worried about right at this moment will probably never happen, so why waste your time and energy with useless, tiresome fretfulness? You don’t have to pre-plan for every possible scenario. Your Heavenly Father knows the future, so go to Him with all your apprehensions and concerns and trust that He will equip you to handle whatever comes your way.

Quiet your mind and take in deep breaths of His indescribable Peace. Allow His holy presence to permeate your thoughts and calm your spirit. Notice how the knots in your stomach gradually dissolve as you place your trust completely in Him. Be confident that He is watching over your life, and know that He is with you every step of your journey. Give all your cares to Him and receive the precious treasure of His Peace. Simply be still…and know that He is God.

  • Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are his people,the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3(NIV)
  • 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. John 14:27 (NIV)
May3

True Peace

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Peace

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.
John 14:27
 
 

Peace ~ tranquility of mind…inner calm…untroubled heart…serenity of spirit…stillness within…

Peace ~ it’s the amazing gift Christ left with His believers.  Like an inheritance, he bequeathed this priceless blessing to His children.  No amount of money can purchase true peace, because Christ’s peace was purchased with His precious blood on the cross.

This divine inward peace is the state of the soul of a believer who has peace with God through faith in Christ.  It cannot be given by the smiles of the world, and it cannot be taken away by frowns.  It isn’t earned through money, awards, health, acceptance or fame; and it isn’t lost because of bankruptcy, loss, disease, rejection or shame.  The peace of the world is fleeting, unstable and temporary, but the peace of Christ is everlasting and durable.  His peace enriches the soul and carries believers through all the difficulties and hardships of life.  It is a type of peace that is beyond the understanding of the human mind.

True peace begins with grace and is never-ending.  Christ calls this His peace, because He is our peace.  If you are longing for peace in your life, seek Him.  “If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.  His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (TLB)

Nov4

Peace Like a River

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“I am the Lord your God.
    I teach you what is best for you.
    I direct you in the way you should go.
I wish you would pay attention to my commands.
    If you did, peace would flow over you like a river.
    Holiness would sweep over you like the waves of the ocean.”

Isaiah 48:17b – 18 (NIRV)

 Click on the video above and take a moment to immerse yourself within the tranquility and serenity of that peaceful scene.  Listen to the gentle, flowing waters and begin to feel a quiet calm come over you.

Your loving Heavenly Father longs for you to have that feeling of inner peace continually ~ regardless of past, present or future events.  He wants to provide peace within your soul.  As a child of God, you are His precious possession, and He teaches you what is best for your life, directing  you in the way you should go.   If you learn from His teachings and follow His instructions, His tender mercies and grace will flow over you like peaceful river waters, and His blessings will wash over you like rhythmic ocean waves.

Perhaps you are experiencing turbulent events in your life, where torrid waters seem to be rushing over your head.  Miraculously, God’s peace can be present in your heart, mind and spirt, even amidst the most chaotic and catastrophic of circumstances.  When everything seems to be turned upside down, follow God’s directives, trust in His promises, and feel His divine peace flowing over you like a river, a peace that transcends all understanding.

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“Do not be anxious about anything,but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7(NIV)

“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.” ~ Jesus Christ

John 14:27 (NIV)

Oct27

A Safe Haven

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Beautiful Harbor North Lake Tahoe with boat

“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,
    and he saved them from their distress.

He calmed the storm to a whisper
    and stilled the waves.
What a blessing was that stillness
    as he brought them safely into harbor!
Let them praise the Lord for his great love
    and for the wonderful things he has done for them.

Psalm 107:28 – 31(NLT)

Just imagine the amazing feeling of relief and deliverance when sailing into a peaceful harbor after passing through a dark and tumultuous sea…

The disciples endured a similar experience as they were crossing the Sea of Galilee.  Jesus was on board the boat, but He had fallen asleep, seemingly unaware that they were in the midst of a sudden and fierce tempest.  High waves were breaking onto the boat, and it began to fill with water.  The disciples’ hearts were melting with fear, and they cried out to Jesus for help.  “When He awoke, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased and there was great calm.” (Mark 4:39)  The terrified disciples were struck with awe after witnessing this miracle and asked themselves, “Who is this man?” … “Even the wind and waves obey him!” (Mark 4: 41)

Are you sailing through a tempestuous season in your life’s journey? Your heart may be gripped with overwhelming fear as giant waves of affliction seemingly crash over your head.  You are tossed up and down with no ability to control your course.  As a child of God, there are no guarantees of smooth sailing throughout life, and sometimes there will be seasons of extreme turbulence. Like the disciples, you may be right in the middle of God’s will, doing exactly what He has instructed you to do, but still you may experience a sudden life storm.  In the midst of the turmoil, hold tightly to the promise that Jesus is always right beside you…He’s in your “boat” in the midst of the storm.  He stands ready to calm your turbulent circumstances and save you from your extreme distress. Instead of being fearful, trust completely in the One whom the wind and the sea obey.  Watch in awe as He guides you into a safe haven, and praise Him for His great love and the wonderful things He does in your behalf.  Peace!  Be Still!

 “This certain hope of being saved is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls, connecting us with God himself…” Hebrews 6:19(TLB)

Oct6

Cure for a Fearful Heart

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Say to those with fearful hearts,

“Be strong, do not fear:

Your God will come,

…He will come to save you.”

Isaiah 35:4 (NIV)

 

What are you afraid of today?  Is it fear of the future, fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of death, fear of enemies, fear of pain, fear of judgment, fear of financial ruin, fear of abandonment, or even fear of the unknown?”  Fear can be debilitating and paralyzing.  When you are fearful, you stand frozen in your tracks, afraid to make a move lest you cause your deepest, darkest fears to materialize before your eyes.  You feel that if ___________________ happens (fill in the blank), then you will certainly _____________________(fill in the blank).

In the face of uncertainty, a yearning for your most basic needs begins to bubble up to the surface:  security, peace, hope, love, and acceptance.  You spend your time and energy worrying about your circumstances ~ longing for peace of mind ~ and you never move forward in your life.  Ultimately, if you are fearful about something, you doubt that God is big enough to handle your unique situation.  God’s word tells us not to fear, but rather to trust in Him, and believe that all things are possible with Him.

 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41: 9 – 11

The divine neutralizer of fear is trust in God.  When you place all of your uncertainties, inadequacies, and apprehensions before Him, the heavy chains of fear begin to dissolve. Allow God to pierce through and deal with the insecurities of your fearful heart.  Tell Him about your most private fears and place them all in His capable hands.  With the assurances of God’s promises, you can have a heavenly peace of mind that transcends all understanding.  A fearful heart will no longer hold you captive, because God will replace your fear with courage and strength.  With God on your side, you can have courage in the midst of your crisis.

 “Don’t 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.”  Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
 

“Nothing on earth is its equal – a creature without fear.”  Job 41:33

Jan14

Divine Rest

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Capehart Sunnyside Barn - Version 2

 

“Come to me,
 
all you who are weary and burdened,
 
and I will give you rest.”
 
Matthew 11: 28

 

Are you tired? Weary? Worn out? Burned out? Struggling?  Burdened?  Are you carrying a heavy load in your life?  Jesus offers a cure for your weariness.   His gentle calling says, “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28 – 30MSG)

 

Whether you are carrying burdens of guilt or a heavy load of life circumstances, Jesus promises to give you rest.  The type of rest that Jesus promises is love, healing and peace with God, not necessarily the end of all our problems.  God’s divine rest provides a feeling of peace that is beyond human understanding.  Jesus lifts the cares and troubles of everyday life off of our shoulders and bears them for us.  Answer His gentle call and allow Him to bless you with His brand of rest for your soul.

 

 

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
 
My salvation comes from him.
 
Psalm 62:1