John

My Peace I Give To You - John 14:27

11:00 AM

 


John 14:27


After suffering a childhood trauma, I was diagnosed with PTSD. And as a result, I know first hand the debilitating effects anxiety can have mentally and physically in a person’s life. Feelings of panic. Spiraling irrational thoughts. And paralyzing fear. I used to deal with the anxiety by hiding myself away from the world. The safe little bubble I created kept the anxiousness at bay. But that’s no way to live. Because God wants us to live full abundant lives. To experience the peace that Jesus died to give us. 


I wish I could tell you there was a magic pill, a fool proof therapy, or a sure fire yoga pose to combat fear. But there’s not. Because what works for one may not work for the next. And even as a Christian, I fight the battle of anxiety every day. But I don’t fight it alone. This is a war I wage together with God. The moment I feel the fear start to creep in I cry out to my Father, sharing with Him every thought and feeling. I visualize His hand firmly gripping mine. And I recite out loud Bible verses reminding me of the Lord’s promise of peace. A promise that tells me if my fears never come to pass, or if my greatest dread is realized, Jesus is there.


We can’t just wish our fears away. We need to act on God’s Word instead of reacting to the situation. Today I challenge you to dig deep in finding the root of your anxiety. Begin with your doctor. Make sure there isn’t an underlying physical issue causing your symptoms. Talk to your minister, rabbi, pastor or priest. Ask around for recommendations for a good counselor. Share your feelings and struggles with those around you. And above all else, turn to the Lord. He loves you and wants to see you living in His peace. A peace, that dries our tears, quiets our fears, rejoices during trials, and sings in suffering.


Be sure to head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion!

Lyn Steriti

Friday Jan. 28th-Laying down anxiety and picking up God’s peace

6:00 PM

 



            

Father help me to keep my mind focused continually on things above and not on things of this earth.  Keeping my focus on You brings me peace and joy.  Help me to listen to Your voice telling me the way in which to go.  You are the One who makes me to lie down in green pastures, restoring my soul.  In You alone my soul finds rest.  You give me Your peace that quiets my heart.  I do not need to be troubled or afraid.  You perfect peace calms me and gives me courage and strength for everything I face in my life.  Keep me in Your word everyday so that I can know the truth and not follow the ways of the world. 

Selah

Lyn

anxiety

Friday Jan.7th-Laying Down Anxiety And Picking Up God's Peace

6:00 PM

 


Father, You did not give us a spirit of fear [worry, anxiety, panic. etc.] but of power [I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Phil 4:13],  love [I have loved you with an everlasting love Jer. 31:3]  and a sound mind [He whose mind is stayed on Thee, Thou will keep in perfect and constant peace because He trusts in You Is. 26:3].  Just as the proverbs 31 woman was, we can be strengthened with dignity and not have fear of the future.  We can stand firm in Your truth and righteousness.  You are the One who supplies all of our needs abundantly according to Your riches in Christ Jesus.  Father help us to rejoice in You always and  be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving we make our requests known to You with thanksgiving and Your peace God, which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus [Phil4:6-7].  In Jesus name, Amen.

 

2 Timothy

No More What If’s - {2 Timothy 1:7}

11:00 AM

 



Here we are finally! A new year overflowing with new possibilities! And that’s why we here at WitW, are so excited to be doing these monthly challenges. Each of us need encouragement, teaching, fellowship, and growth. And what better way to grow in our relationship with God and others, than to do it alongside fellow believers. So roll up your sleeves, get ready for change, and don’t forget to head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion! 


No More What if's! (2 Timothy 1:7)


God’s gift of emotions can be a double edged sword. For with one side we experience love, joy, and gratitude. Yet with the other, pain, fear, and doubt. And make no mistake. Satan wields the bitter side of that blade ferociously and without mercy. But get this. He can only attack if we let him. You heard me. The Enemy can only strike when we allow him a foothold into our hearts and minds. 


Paul makes it very clear in his letter to Timothy, that God fills our spirits with His strength, power and love. The very same power flowing through Jesus as He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and walked on water, resides in us! And that power of God waits with an extended hand for us to grab hold. Because overcoming fear is a two person operation. God gives us the power, but we have to use our sound minds to practice self control. Meaning we are to actively, and intentionally take ahold of our thoughts. And filter those thoughts through the sieve of God’s truth instead of Satan’s lies. 


We are in a battle of a lifetime, for my sisters I truly believe we are living in the last days. So how am I going to spend the time remaining? One thing I know for sure, is that I’m done wasting it being afraid. I’m tired of running scared. I’m tired of letting Satan control my thoughts. And I’m tired of going down the rabbit hole of “what ifs.” I’m ready to go to war, with God as my Captain. And in honor of this challenge, I’ve printed off the quote, “If you think anybody is going to scare me, you don’t know me or my God!” I’ve put it on my refrigerator as a daily reminder to dress in the armor of God, (Ephesians 6:10-18) laying down fear and picking up the Lord's peace.


So the next time I find myself afraid, stuck, and unable to move, I’m  going yell out the word FEAR as a call to my Father, Emmanuel, Adonai, and Redeemer. Ruler and Creator of all things, “the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (Deuteronomy 20:4)



And so I hope you will join me today as I step out in faith. Challenge yourself to take a step in courage with God leading the way. Maybe it’s trying something new. Or sharing your faith with a stranger. Whatever that step is, small or large, every one taken in overcoming fear is a great victory and testament of faith!


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I would like to encourage you to keep a journal as you go through these challenges. Each day write down the verse included with the post, along with your feelings, struggles, and victories. Look for “God winks”, the act of looking for God in your day and noticing or recognizing His work. And at the end, you can go back and see if you're not amazed at the work God has done in your life! 





come

The Great Exchange {Matthew 11}

9:00 AM

  Matthew 11


There is a weariness that requires more than eight hours of sleep each night. The rest Jesus is speaking about here is a spiritual rest. Since the seventh day of creation, God has demonstrated our need for rest, but many haven't heeded His invitation. It was rest that He promised His children in the wilderness, but "They failed to enter that rest because of their disobedience" (Hebrews 3:19). 

We see in the verses prior to Matthew 11:28, Jesus is rebuking the different towns which have refused to follow Him in spite of the many miracles He has already preformed in them (Mt. 11:20-24). God longs for His children to enter His rest. How about you?

I'm sure you thought, "Of course!", but do your recent actions convey that same sentiment? Remember, Israel refused even after wandering in the dessert!

We have a God who loves us so much that He desires to take our burdens off our own shoulders, place them on His, and give us His peace in return. I call that a great exchange; my burdens for His peace, but I've discovered in the past that I haven't always made the exchange so quickly. 

Do you feel buried under the burdens of this world? Stressed? Anxious? Is your heart at peace, or are you bombarded by worrisome thoughts? God is offering you HIS peace today if you will take some time to be “yoke” to Him and His teaching.

His ways are different from the world’s ideas. The world tells us we can only have peace when we’ve completed the job, life is settled, or we've gained the approval of man. God tells us over and over in His word to stop working in our own strength, yoke ourselves to His teaching, and get rid of all the stress and pressure of the world. “casting all your anxieties on him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) You have a God who cares about you!

He wants us to, "be still (let be, cease from striving), and know (recognize and understand) that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) He is able. Not even our best efforts can come close to all HE can do through us!

David knew this when he wrote Psalm 23, 

 The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. He makes me lie down in [fresh] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. He refreshes and restores my life (my soul); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake. Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.
In the most stressful time of my life. " - Psalm 23:1-4

During one of the most stressful times in my life, The Lord would wake me at around 2am each morning with the words, "Come away with Me, My beloved" taken from Song of Solomon. This passage speaks of springtime, and new life!

Song of Solomon 2:10-13

 My beloved speaks and says to me:
‘Arise, my love, my fair one,
   and come away;
 for now the winter is past,
   the rain is over and gone.
 The flowers appear on the earth;
   the time of singing has come,
and the voice of the turtle-dove
   is heard in our land.
 The fig tree puts forth its figs,
   and the vines are in blossom;
   they give forth fragrance.
Arise, my love, my fair one,
   and come away.

I did not hear these words spoken audibly, mind you, but they would come as a thought, and I would climb out bed, grab my Bible and journal and meet with Him out in my favorite chair in the living room. We'd read the Psalms and I shared all my concerns and questions, and He'd reassure me each time, and then I'd go off to sleep again until morning. We'd sometimes spend up to two hours in that chair, but I always woke refreshed and ready for the day, as if I'd slept for eight hours straight!

If you'd like to, or need to make a great exchange, here are three steps that should help:

1. Think about your life for a moment. In what areas do you need God’s peace today? 

2. Tell Him. Offer that area of your life to God and ask Him for His advice, (Js 1:56) Listen as you read His Word and keep listening throughout the day. 

3. Surrender yourself to Him; your thoughts, ideas, actions and invite Him to come take over.

 And remember He desires for you to enter His rest just as much, if not more, than you do!

Blessings, 

sue

29

WALKING IN WISDOM- JESUS CALMS OUR STORMS (MATTHEW 8)

8:00 PM

 
Today´s scripture: Matthew 8

Wow, in this chapter Matthew writes about many miraculous events! I was a bit overwhelmed as I was getting ready to write today´s post, because each one these are so unique! Jesus not only poured His loving healing power over the lives of those He healed, but over the lives of those who heard of these miracles, too!

-The healing of the leper  (8:1-4 )

-The healing of the centurion's servant (8:5-13)

-The healing of Peter's wife's mother (8:14-15)

-The healing of all the sick who were brought to the doors at evening time (8:16-17).

-The miracle of calming the storm which threatened their lives on the Sea of Galilee. (8:23-27)

-There is the healing of the two demon possessed men. (8:28-34)

What grabbed my attention is that the disciples had witnessed all of Jesus´ first miracles, since they decided to follow Him (4:23-24), and before they experienced the storm they were in and I wondered: why were they so afraid? I mean they had seen Jesus perform all those healings… such miracles they had never thought to witness or experience!  Shouldn’t  they  have felt confident nothing would happen to them, if Jesus was with them? But no, they were actually afraid to die!

“ 24 And suddenly a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves; but Jesus was sleeping. 25 And the disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us, we are going to die!” 26 He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?”  Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was [at once] a great and wonderful calm [a perfect peacefulness]. “ (8:24-26)

As I tried to put myself in their place, I sadly realized I would have probably reacted the same way, especially as I look back at all the difficulties and the struggles I´ve experienced throughout this year! I knew Jesus was with me all this time, but there were moments when my faith waivered!

I like how C. H. Spurgeon explains this:

“They did not know their Lord yet; nor do we. Perhaps we have to go to sea to learn more of him, I mean that troubles and trials of a greater sort than we have known before may yet have to come to be our schoolmasters to teach us what Jesus is. “They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters, these see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.” You landsmen are thankful for your quiet, but you do not see so much of Jesus as others of his disciples do, you must go to sea to be able to cry, “What manner of man is this?” C. H. Spurgeon

Yes, this is so true! Each one of the people who were healed in this chapter, were going through a terrible storm themselves, too! They needed a miracle, they heard about Jesus and they came to Him, believing He would heal them, and He did!

In the presence of Jesus our storms will turn to peace! And if He rebuked the winds and the sea for the sake of the disciples then, He can do it again in our lives, too for:

”Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 Amp)

Mari

(I am including this link. I hope thus song blesses you - Famous For-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USorGnKamks




Anger

Dealing with Anger Over Lemonade! {Ephesians 4:17-32}

8:30 PM


 ~ Ephesians 4:17-32

Aaaaaaah done!! I looked up at the clock just as I finished washing the kitchen floor and saw that I still had a few minutes to get everything ready for my guests that were due to arrive in about 10 minutes or so.

I immediately started to put the last finishing touches on the luncheon I was hosting when my children, seizing the moment, ran into the kitchen looking for refreshments! (They knew that at this moment I’d consent to just about anything just to get them to cooperate while I was busy with friends)

JD was thirsty so I told him he could have a glass of the lemonade I had just made that was still sitting in the pitcher on the counter. Too busy to pour it myself, I went ahead and allowed him to pour it. My daughter was also looking around for something to snack on. We were lighthearted and laughing about something when suddenly I turned around only to catch JD continuing to pour lemonade from the pitcher into an overflowing cup that was now not only running all over the counter, but down onto the floor! The FLOOR I HAD JUST CLEANED!! And it was the syrupy sticky kind of lemonade from concentrate!!  

For a moment I stood there in shocked silence! I stood there motionless and stared at all the lemonade running onto my floor while JD sat there laughing at his sister and not even paying any attention to what he was doing!!

Until finally something from waaaay down within me came spewing out, “JD!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!!?” He finally turned his attention back to his cup and stopped pouring, but it was too late!

I read him the riot act! Up one side and down the other! I chopped him down to peanut size until finally he stood there trying desperately to hold back his tears and said quietly, “I’m going to my room.”

And I lifted my arm with my pointer finger erect, just in case he had forgotten in which direction his bedroom was, and shouted, “GOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

JD slowly turned and walked out of the kitchen heading for the stairs and his sister silently followed right behind him. I guess she feared my wrath at that moment too and wanted to make a quick, silent exit.

I instantly felt convicted by the Holy Spirit. I not only broke my son’s heart, I’d ripped it out and crushed it to pieces!! I felt a moment of remorse, but my eyes quickly glanced back to the clock and to the sticky mess all over my clean kitchen and I immediately set to work cleaning everything up, for my guests would be arriving any minute now.

 And when they did, I slapped on my best hostess smile and went along as if nothing had happened!

Except I felt like a crumb on the inside. The Lord wasn’t going to allow me to get away with it that easily. My little ones remained quiet as little mice. I doubt my company even knew they were home, but my heart and ears were tuned into the silence coming from upstairs, and I couldn’t wait for my company to leave so I could climb those stairs and wrap my babies in my arms and beg them to forgive me.

I honestly can’t remember who came over that day, but as soon as I read, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil… Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”  (Ephesians 4:26-27, 29-32) my mind instantly flashes a picture of those minutes in my kitchen when I crushed my son’s heart to bits. It will always be available for me to press "instant replay" in my brain.

Both of my children now have children of their own; some even older than what they were at the time. I believe they are both far better parents than I was while they were growing up! They would make any momma proud. I don’t know if they even remember that day or that incident, but I know I will never forget it; especially now after almost 30 years!

What I wonder most is:
  • What if I hadn’t run up the stairs after my last guest departed? 
  • What if I hadn’t scooped them up and begged their forgiveness? (Little ones always seem to forgive more readily than us, adults). 
  • What if I had allowed the enemy to indulge my pride and self-righteous anger and never did ask forgiveness? 
  • What if I allowed my little ones to think my guests and what they thought of me was far more important than they were and what they thought of their momma?

Our actions have rippling effects. What if I had allowed a root of bitterness to begin to form in my children? These kind of things happen, and the Bible assume that there will be times when we grow angry, (Be angry and do not sin) but it’s what we do with our anger that can make all the difference. And when and if we do become angry, we need to go as quickly as possible to make it right.

Though I don’t believe it’s ever too late. If your conscience still bothers you about something... if you have a scenario that still plays in your mind at times, stop what you’re doing and go and make it right, for it still matters to God.

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,  leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24)




2 Timothy

Scripture Saturday~Pursue Righteousness

12:00 AM

Saturday, December 1, 2018


Welcome to Scripture Saturday!

This coming week's memory verse is 2 Timothy 2:22...

 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NIV)

 Have a blessed and precious day and week everyone!

1 Corinthians

Bloom Where You Are Planted {1 Cor. 7:1-9:27}

12:00 AM


During the days of Paul, the city of Corinth was a metropolis of wealth and immorality; a place in desperate need of the church Paul founded. This early church struggled in the midst of a pagan culture, so in response to the confusion of its members Paul wrote letters of both encouragement and instruction. One of the many issues Paul addressed, were the feelings of discontentment that plagued  some of those who were still being influenced by a society who glorified the idea of “more”. He urged the people to be satisfied where God had placed them by saying, “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise, he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.” (7:17-24)

Discontentment is nothing new. Even the Israelites, freed from bondage in Egypt, grumbled against God and the way He cared for them throughout their trek in the desert. Not content with what He provided, their desire for more caused them to think how returning to that same bondage would be better then what God had to offer. Sadly at times I have shared that same attitude. I too in my own discontent have grumbled against the Lord, wanting more and being unappreciative of all He has and continues to provide. I too have mistakenly thought that returning to the bondage of the world was better then the Lord’s offerings. But God’s way is always the best, and by reminding ourselves to trust, submit, and serve Him, we can find both contentment, and the joy and peace it brings. 

Trust-God knows us better then we know ourselves. He knows what we need and better yet, what we don’t. In verse 29:11 Jeremiah reminds us of God’s intentions writing, “I know the plans that I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Discontentment  creeps in when we try to impose our plans on God rather then trusting in His. Our Father loves us beyond measure and promises that when we trust Him to work in His perfect way and timing, He will fulfill every good plan He has for our lives. 

Submit-Submitting to God means surrendering our will to His. Often times we try to take matters into our own hands, playing the role intended for Him alone. Nothing happens without His say so, and many times God uses the circumstances in our lives to deeper our relationship with Him. Deciding how we think things should go and attempting to make them happen shows that we want to be the authority in our lives instead of God. Paul endured much. Yet he lived a life in submission to God and in return found peace saying, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” ( Phil. 4:11,13)

Serve-There is a Chinese saying that goes, “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” Serving God includes serving others. In 1 Peter 4:10 we are instructed, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Meeting the needs of others not only gives us the joy of pleasing God, it also shifts our focus. And when our focus is placed not on ourselves but instead on serving the Lord and others, we have little time to serve feelings of discontentment.

Being content with where we are and what we have is a choice each of us must make. Even if your circumstances may not be what you want, remember that they could always be worse and are always in God’s capable hands. Follow the advice of Paul and find contentment by pursuing those things which are good, aiming for godliness not gain. Strive to be satisfied with what God has given you and with where he has placed you in life. You can’t go wrong when you trust in Him, His love, and His plans for you. So wherever you are make the most of the calling God has given you, and bloom where you are planted!

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Tim. 6:6-12)


Angie Benjamin

The Gift of Peace {Isaiah 24:1-27:13}

2:32 AM


    You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.- Isaiah 26:3

Isaiah 26:3 promises that God will keep us in perfect and constant peace when are minds remain fixed in HIM. That is when we make the decision of focus our thoughts in Him and not on our circumstances.

When we allow our minds to wander and think of all what we have done or have to do we push ourselves out of the perfect peace of God and we open the doors to anxiety and worry.

Some time back I read that there are two days in every week that we should not worry about, two days that should be kept free from fear and apprehension.

One is yesterday with its mistakes and cares. Its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed. Nor can we erase a single word we’ve said. Yesterday is gone.

The other day we shouldn’t worry about is tomorrow. Tomorrow is beyond our control. Tomorrow’s sun will rise either in splendor, or behind a mask of clouds but it will rise. And until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is yet unborn.

This leaves only one day. Today. Any person can fight the battles of just one day at a time. It is only when we add the burdens of yesterday and tomorrow that we break down. It is not the experience of today that drives people mad, it is the remorse of bitterness for something which happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow may bring.




Here’s what God says about yesterday:


“…forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” (Phil.3:13)

“Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past.” (Isaiah 43:18)

Here’s what God says about tomorrow:


“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matt.6:34)

“Do not boast about tomorrow for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” (Prov.27:1)

Here’s what God says about today:


“This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Are you anxious or worried today? Turn your thoughts towards Him so that you experience His perfect peace. Peace that surpasses all understanding.

Creator

SoulSearching Sunday ~ He is So Good!

12:00 AM

Sunday, May 6, 2018


Week Eighteen

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Job 38 - Psalm 24:10...

 1. How much of a role does silence play in your life of prayer and worship? The spirit disciplines of silence and solitude are rarely practiced in the modern, Western church. Be honest with God about whatever is confusing or distressing in your life, and then be silent. Listen for His voice.

 “Then Job replied to the LORD, ‘I am nothing-how could I ever find the answers? I will put  my hand over my mouth in silence. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.’” (Job 40:3-5)

 2.  On the next clear night, spend time under God’s canopy, journaling, praying, and enjoying His glorious creation. Praise the Creator that He knows you personally and has crowed you with glory and honor.

 “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers,…what are mortals that You should think of us?" (Psalm 8:3-4)

 3. C.S. Lewis said, “The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance.” What words from the psalmist can you borrow to express your delight in God?

 “I will sing to the LORD because He has been so good to me.” (Psalm 13:6)

 4. Where do you seek rest and peace? How has God led you to “peaceful streams”? Thank God for His refreshment.
“He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams.” (Psalm 23:2)




Genesis

A Loving Invitation {Genesis 31:1-36:43}

10:30 PM



For so many years Jacob was a “supplanter” , someone who would always have his way. He became a successful man like many we would actually know, but he lacked of something no money could buy: the Peace of God.  Jacob was about to meet his brother and the angels of God appeared to Jacob, to encourage him with the assurance of the Divine protection, (32:1-2). This encouraged him to carefully plan meeting his brother… his enemy, but still he was consumed by fear! (32:2-8). Would this meeting be peaceful?

Jacob then prays with thankful acknowledgment of undeserved favors; he humbly confessed his unworthiness, his fears and distress!  He was finally seeking God with all his being! He was confessing with faith God’s promises to him: “ 12 And You [Lord] said, ‘I will certainly make you prosper and make your descendants as [numerous as] the sand of the sea, which is too great to be counted.’”   (32:9-12) For a while this prayer seemed to calm him a bit, then he continued to plan the meeting with Esau by sending  a great present to him: “… For he said [to himself], “I will try to appease him with the gift that is going ahead of me. Then afterward I will see him; perhaps he will accept and forgive me.” 21 So the gift [of the herds of livestock] went on ahead of him, and he himself spent that night back in the camp.” (32:13-21) Then he sends his wives, children and servants ahead of him and is left alone.

 “A great while before day, Jacob being alone, more fully spread his fears before God in prayer. While thus employed, One in the likeness of a man wrestled with him. When the spirit helpeth our infirmities, and our earnest and vast desires can scarcely find words to utter them, and we still mean more than we can express, then prayer is indeed wrestling with God. However tried or discouraged, we shall prevail; and prevailing with Him in prayer, we shall prevail against all enemies that strive with us. Nothing requires more vigor and unceasing exertion than wrestling. It is an emblem of the true spirit of faith and prayer. Those who would have the blessing of Christ, must resolve to take no denial. The fervent prayer is the effectual prayer. “  M. Henry

Jacob was blessed, and His name was changed from, Jacob =“supplanter” to Israel= “a prince with God”

Jacob gives a new name to the place. He calls it Peniel, “the face of God, “because there he had seen the appearance of God, and obtained the favor of God! (32:30-31)

What about you? Are you anxious about a particular situation in your life? Are you feeling distressed, weary? Let me remind you of a loving invitation from our Heavenly Father to you:

1 Chronicles 16:11 (AMP)
10 Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.11 Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually [longing to be in His presence].

Psalm 27:8 (AMP)
8 When You said, “Seek My face [in prayer, require My presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You,“Your face, O Lord, I will seek [on the authority of Your word].”

Amos 5:4(AMP )4 For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel,
“Seek Me [search diligently for Me and regard Me as more essential than food] so that you may live.

Jesus said:  “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation].” (Matt. 11:28)
We must remember: “If God is for us, who is against us?” If He is for us, we have the victory! 

Neither human nor demonic opposition can thwart the purposes of our sovereign God (Romans 8:31-39). Let us Praise Him as we wait on that which God has promised to do! Let us take a lesson from Jacob and hold fast to the One who has promised to never let us go!

Blessings!
Mari



contentment

Paul's Keys to Contentment {Philipppians 4}

12:00 AM

Just how content are you? Do you find yourself mostly critical and complaining, or thankful for all you have? Do you find your contentment varies depending on your circumstances, or is your contentment unwavering no matter what circumstances you find yourself in?

I’ll confess, I tend to allow my circumstances to dictate my contentment levels at any particular moment; which is why once I learned the conditions in which Paul was in when he penned this letter, I paid closer attention to his words. 

 You see, the Book of Philippians is primarily a thank you letter to the church at Philippi for past gifts Paul had received from them, but it’s where he is writing from that truly caught my attention. Paul had been falsely accused and imprisoned; chained to an Imperial Guard 24/7 when he exhorts his readers to, “Rejoice in the Lord always!” (4:4). He goes on later in the chapter to admit, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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.” Would you like to know Paul’s secret? Let’s see if we can find his keys to contentment hidden in this chapter.

Our first clue comes from the word itself! Contentment means being satisfied with what God has given you. It comes from an old English word containment, which refers to somebody who is self-contained. This means, his happiness doesn’t depend on his outward circumstances; Paul has learned to look to his inner resources to find contentment. For Christians, that inner resource is our relationship with Jesus Christ. Contentment is also our basis for our happiness in life; therefore just how can we find happiness in any and all situation, even- prison?

The first key to contentment Paul mentioned previously in Philippians 3:7–8, “Whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” In other words we need the proper value system. Which means, we must start to value what God values. Often times our problem with discontentment is we tend to place a high value and pursue  things that are temporal rather than that which is eternal. Think about the things you are currently striving for right now. Are they temporary or are they eternal? Are they things you’ll have to leave behind, or are you investing in our eternal future? Paul got it right? He put no value in all he had attained in his life, his only concern was what God valued.
Jesus told us that what God values most is that we love Him with all of our heart and love others as yourself.

The second key: trust in God’s sovereign plan for your life and stop worrying, “ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (4:6-7)
Psalms reminds us that every part of our physical being was planned before we drew our first breath. (Ps 139) And not only that, all of our days were written in God’s Book of Life before we lived the first one. (Jer 1:4-5) He has our life all planned out. (Eph 2:10) God has a unique plan for every part of your life and we know He can be trusted. We will find contentment when we begin to trust that God has a plan for us and He will accomplish His plan for your life.

The third key: choose to accentuate the positives. We need to focus on, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. 9 The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.” Phil 4:8-9 When we’re wringing our hands and dwelling on negative things, we’ve got to know those thoughts are not of God. Rebuke those thoughts and strive to be filled with His peace once more.

The fourth key: Be grateful and keep giving thanks!  “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!  Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near.” (Phil 4:8-9) Learn to be grateful for what God has given you. Did you know that it’s impossible to be grateful and discontent at the same time?

All of this is not only achievable, but easy when we remember the definition of contentment and turn our focus away from the circumstances around us to the source within us!