Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Peace That Passes Understanding
Does the enemy (The Devil) cause you to be all stirred up: feeling anxious and in a frenzy. Maybe throws you into a tizzy. When this happens we do things we later regret. Then we are sorry we let the devil get to us again.
Has this ever happened to you? We have help in Philippians 4; 7. Paul writes, “ Then you will God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
This peace is superior above all other types of peace. It transcends , outdoes, surpasses, excels, rises above, goes beyond and over the top of any other kind of peace. You may look elsewhere, but there is no peace like the peace of God. It outshines all other peace causing it to stand in a category by itself. There is nothing in the world that can compare with the peace of God.
Paul also tells us that this peace surpasses and excels above all understanding. He tells us that this powerful peace produces in our lives: keeps our hearts and minds, it is a guard to control and monitor etching that tries to enter our hearts, minds, and emotions. If God’s peace is ruling us, nothing can get past that Divine guard and slip into our hearts and minds without its approval!
This is the good news, we can refuse to allow the devil to access us, throw us into a state of panic and anxiety, or push our buttons any longer. The devil can not enter our hearts or minds or play with our emotions!
Paul tells us God’s peace is like a band of Roman soldiers that keep dangerous nuisances from entering a city or breaking into special, private places. God’s peace guards us from, fretfulness, anxiety, worry and all the other things the devil from breaking into our lives. It protects, guards, keeps and defends us. Nothing compares to this powerful peace. God’s disables the devil’s ability to disturb us, or enter our minds and emotions. In order for God’s peace to be a reality in our life, we let it dominate our hearts, minds, and emotions.
Sunday, August 19, 2018
Monday, June 25, 2018
No Pecking Orders With Jesus
No Pecking Orders with Jesus
Love does not boast, it is not proud (1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV). Jesus has no room for pecking orders. His solution to man-made caste systems? A change of direction. In a world of upward mobility, choose downward servility. “Regard one another as more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3 NASB). Jesus flip-flopped the pecking order.
Would you do what Jesus did? He swapped a spotless castle for a grimy stable. He exchanged the worship of angels for the company of killers. If you knew that only a few could care that you came, would you still come? If you knew that those you loved would laugh in your face, would you still care? The palm that held the universe took the nail of a soldier. Why? Because that’s what love does! He loves you that much! Drink deeply of God’s love for you--and ask him to fill your heart with a love worth giving! #UpWords with Max
I read this today. It started me thinking about all Jesus has done for all of us, and still does. I wonder how many of us take time to stop and think about what Jesus’ sacrifices actually mean for us today. Do you know people who feel entitled and take God’s love for granted? Actually I do! At times I have been guilty of not remembering to be grateful for each day, and trust God, because He has the bigger picture and knows what I need, and to surrender. When I think back over my life I realize that I was never alone, God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit was always surrounding me with their love. Sometimes I think about writing a book to share all God has done on my journey of life. Instead I blog and share my thoughts on my blog site.
Today,June 25 is the Anniversary of our son Ron’s death. He died 15 years ago. There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t remember what a blessing he was and that we are so grateful for our memories and time God blessed us with his presence. . We know we will be reunited one day and experience all of God’s glory. We also are blessed with Chad & Kari, Jon & Lori, their children and grandchildren. So blessed with many memories of all of them. Everyday we express our gratitude to God for them. Although they don’t live next door, and we don’t see them everyday, I trust the Holy Spirit to protect, guide, equip and empower each of them. Living in a broken world, we will encounter trials and tribulations, but put your faith in the only one who will never fail you, who loves you unconditionally.
Remember God Loves you and so do I.
Monday, May 28, 2018
JESUS LOVED HIS DISCIPLES
Jesus Loved His Diciples
Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. (John 13:1-5 NLT)
Jesus knew the future of the feet he was washing. These feet will not spend the next day following Jesus, or defending His cause. They are going to dash for cover the minute the Roman soldiers arrive. By morning they will bury their heads in shame as they look down at their feet in disgust. They will remember the one who bowed down on His knees and washed them. He told them you don't understand what I am doing, but you will understand later.
Jesus had forgiven their sin before they had committed it. He offered them mercy before they sought it. Do you think Jesus found it hard to love His disciples. One minute they are listening intently then the next they are arguing who is the best among them. How was Jesus able to love them?
How would you respond if Jesus, knowing everything you had ever done, knelt before you to wash your feet. Certainly you would know you were loved and forgiven.
Do you want to be just like Jesus? Then you have to study His heart of forgiveness, to understand what a means to be just like Him. Want to be transformed into a loving person. Then read 1 Cor. 13: 4-7. Turn it into a prayer. Substitute your name each time the word "love" is used.
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NASB)
Then remember: . . . Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. (John 13:1 NLT)
Remember God loves you and so do I.
Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. (John 13:1-5 NLT)
Jesus knew the future of the feet he was washing. These feet will not spend the next day following Jesus, or defending His cause. They are going to dash for cover the minute the Roman soldiers arrive. By morning they will bury their heads in shame as they look down at their feet in disgust. They will remember the one who bowed down on His knees and washed them. He told them you don't understand what I am doing, but you will understand later.
Jesus had forgiven their sin before they had committed it. He offered them mercy before they sought it. Do you think Jesus found it hard to love His disciples. One minute they are listening intently then the next they are arguing who is the best among them. How was Jesus able to love them?
How would you respond if Jesus, knowing everything you had ever done, knelt before you to wash your feet. Certainly you would know you were loved and forgiven.
Do you want to be just like Jesus? Then you have to study His heart of forgiveness, to understand what a means to be just like Him. Want to be transformed into a loving person. Then read 1 Cor. 13: 4-7. Turn it into a prayer. Substitute your name each time the word "love" is used.
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NASB)
Then remember: . . . Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. (John 13:1 NLT)
Remember God loves you and so do I.
Monday, April 30, 2018
PRAY TOGETHER
“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18 NLT
Today I was reading the Upper Room. The title was; Pray Together. It was by Iverson Emanuel Martinez (from Cortes, Honduras). The Scripture was Romans 12; 17-21. The thought for the day: God can help me with my most difficult struggles. As I read the Scripture and the devotional I knew instantly that my Father was speaking to me.
Iverson Emanuel was in prison and after 3yrs., his children came to visit. Ashley his 8 yr., old daughter told her Papi that there was a boy at school who bothered her all the time. Sh asked Papi to please talk to him. Papi felt helpless and wasn’t sure how to respond. He relied on what he had learned from reading God’s Word from the Upper Room. He prayed for wisdom. He explained to Ashley that he couldn’t talk to her classmate or teachers, but they could pray together and ask God to help take care of the situation. Three months later the children made another visit to the prison. Papi asked Ashley how it was going with the boy who always bothered her at school. Ashley said, “Do you remember when we prayed? Everything is better. He and I are best friends now.”
My Father was reminding me that His word needs to be deep in my heart and mind as we work through lives challenges. That I draw courage, strength, wisdom and empowerment from my God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Prayer is a direct line to my Father. As a Prayer Warrior I can assure you the way to live is in FAITH and PRAYER. Accept God’s love, grace and mercy. Your Father will send you many blessings. The Holy Spirit will help you live at peace with everyone. Jesus tenderly speaks to our hearts. By prayer ask the Holy Spirit to open your ears to not miss any opportunity to hear Jesus speak to you about your life.
Remember God loves you and so do I.
Friday, April 20, 2018
A CHIDHOOD MEMORY
“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.”
Proverbs 18:10 NLT
A Childhood Memory
I read a Devotional by Glen Miller titled: More Cowbell,Please! He explained how and why ranchers used cowbells. It started me thinking about my childhood, growing up in Pawnee Okla.
The downtown was built round the courthouse which was in the very center of the downtown area. On Saturdays all the Ranchers and Farmers would come to town and park on the square. It seemed my parents new most the people around Pawnee. Mom was a telephone operator (no dial at this time) and Dad was a top notch mechanic. My Grandpa Nuttle had his own Taxi Cab Service. He had a phone and bench outside the pool hall. It seemed like most everyone knew each other.
I know you have heard the cliché: It takes a Community to raise a child. Not sure how it was for the other kids, but I knew that if I made a poor choice, someone would notify my parents so whatever I did would have consequences. Knowing this helped me think before I acted.
Churches in our community would take turns opening their doors after sporting events for the youth to gather for fellowship. The Episcopal Church didn’t have young people or a choir. Some of the youth including me would attend their early church and sing. They would then feed us breakfast and drop us off at our own churches.
As a child I felt safe and loved, by this community. I could walk to and from school without fear. I knew others were looking out for my safety.Times have changed. Communities are not the same today. Parents fear letting their children play outside unattended.
Mr, Miller said that the cowbell is put on the lead cow because the other cows will follow the sound. Also when storms came or danger threatened the members would run toward the sound to find strength in numbers, unity, protection.
You are wondering what does a cowbell have to do with us today. Mr. Miller reminds us that Jesus serves the same purpose as the cowbell. When threatened, hurt, lost or frightened, He is the One we run to in order to find peace, shelter, protection, guidance and acceptance. It is human nature to need to run to something bigger than ourselves. Yes most of have a community of faith, family & friends, but Jesus is the only true source to place our lives. He alone is our leader that can lead us safely home to the Father.
We are living in a broken world. We will walk through dark valleys. Listen for the cowbell Jesus is ringing. Run toward the solid sound and find safety.
Remember God loves you and so do I.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
CREDO / I BELIEVE
CREDO / I BELIEVE
“Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.””
John 20:29 NLT
What do you mean when you say you believe? You may mean you hope. It can be an expression of preferences or opinions or predictions. Example: would you die for your convictions about a brand of a car? Or would you easily change your conviction if a new car came along You liked better?
Many deeply held beliefs have the power to motivate us to action, sacrifice ‘and service. What are some of your most deeply held beliefs or convictions? How did you come to hold your convictions? (Your parents, or a particular writer or personal experience that touched you in a powerful, loving, beautiful, gratifying way)
Beliefs can shape you for good or bad: Ku Klux klan / Sisters of Charity. What you believe matters. The study of early Christians we find the creeds of the church. The most enduring creed is The Apostles Creed.
Belief is a decision of the will. I choose to believe certain things. The beliefs expressed in the Apostles’ Creed are foundational for Christians. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
1. Is there a God?
2. How can you know?
3. What evidence is there that God exists?
4. Does it matter?
5. If there is a God, what is God like?
I can speak from personal experience, God does exist. Of course we all have at one time or another been in awe of God the Creator. God thought about everything. Watching Hummingbirds, or a mama and daddy birds encouraging their babies to fly. Fall and spring with its beautiful colors. What about the galaxies, so big and beautiful.
God is a supreme being, an ultimate reality that created the universe. God is not simply as a force of nature, but as an entity, a being, that is both intelligent and powerful. God is the creative force, the source from which everything that exists derives its existence and upon which all that exists is contingent. God has attributes of personhood: intelligence, emotional reason logic and will. God knows, feels, loves, thinks, wills, acts, and creates.
Jesus addresses God as Father: very personal, intimate and relational term. God is the force and power behind everything.
I believe in God! Why? Because my time spent in prayer, study, reading God’s Word, meditating on it, I have felt my Father’s presence. He has offered me comfort, assurance, guidance, and grace. I have learned to trust and surrender. I have witnessed His miracles.. I have learned to listen and heard Him speaking to me. I feel the Holy Spirit’s presence, nudging me, guiding me and leading me.
Is there a God? To all who doubt, I don’t have to prove there is a God, you have to prove He doesn’t exist.
Remember God loves you and so do I.
“Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.””
John 20:29 NLT
What do you mean when you say you believe? You may mean you hope. It can be an expression of preferences or opinions or predictions. Example: would you die for your convictions about a brand of a car? Or would you easily change your conviction if a new car came along You liked better?
Many deeply held beliefs have the power to motivate us to action, sacrifice ‘and service. What are some of your most deeply held beliefs or convictions? How did you come to hold your convictions? (Your parents, or a particular writer or personal experience that touched you in a powerful, loving, beautiful, gratifying way)
Beliefs can shape you for good or bad: Ku Klux klan / Sisters of Charity. What you believe matters. The study of early Christians we find the creeds of the church. The most enduring creed is The Apostles Creed.
Belief is a decision of the will. I choose to believe certain things. The beliefs expressed in the Apostles’ Creed are foundational for Christians. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
1. Is there a God?
2. How can you know?
3. What evidence is there that God exists?
4. Does it matter?
5. If there is a God, what is God like?
I can speak from personal experience, God does exist. Of course we all have at one time or another been in awe of God the Creator. God thought about everything. Watching Hummingbirds, or a mama and daddy birds encouraging their babies to fly. Fall and spring with its beautiful colors. What about the galaxies, so big and beautiful.
God is a supreme being, an ultimate reality that created the universe. God is not simply as a force of nature, but as an entity, a being, that is both intelligent and powerful. God is the creative force, the source from which everything that exists derives its existence and upon which all that exists is contingent. God has attributes of personhood: intelligence, emotional reason logic and will. God knows, feels, loves, thinks, wills, acts, and creates.
Jesus addresses God as Father: very personal, intimate and relational term. God is the force and power behind everything.
I believe in God! Why? Because my time spent in prayer, study, reading God’s Word, meditating on it, I have felt my Father’s presence. He has offered me comfort, assurance, guidance, and grace. I have learned to trust and surrender. I have witnessed His miracles.. I have learned to listen and heard Him speaking to me. I feel the Holy Spirit’s presence, nudging me, guiding me and leading me.
Is there a God? To all who doubt, I don’t have to prove there is a God, you have to prove He doesn’t exist.
Remember God loves you and so do I.
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
ATTITUDE
ATTITUDE
Proverbs 23:7 – As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.
Life is pretty much what your attitude is! 10% of life is what happens to you and 90% is how you react to it. Attitude is a mental state relative to what we believe and affects our entire life. We express our attitude in our words and actions. Your attitude is easier to maintain than lose and regain. We can’t control what happens but we can control how we react. We have a choice. We can choose to react with a positive attitude or a negative one. You can see the glass half full or have empty. You have the ability to choose your own attitude. You need to concentrate on beginning each day with a positive attitude. All of us need to examine our attitude and make adjustments You need to surround yourself with optimists. Positive people have a magnetic influence which attracts, helps, and supports you in achieving your goals. Once you begin to develop a positive attitude you will accelerate your future success. Bottom line is your are in charge of your attitude. Just like the Israelites in the wilderness, you can be critical and complain about everything that happens to you or you can look on the positive side with an attitude of faith that the God who parted the Red Sea just might still be at work in the world.
Attitude affects relationships. Jesus told us to treat others like we want to be treated. What you send out comes back to you. Attitude works like a boomerang. Your life should impact others, just like Jesus has impacted your life. People who have bad attitudes are usually unhappy. Your relationship with God will determine the type of life you live. Satan wants to steal your joy but he can’t steal your joy unless you give it to him. When you conform your thinking, God’s way of thinking you will develop a new attitude.
Everyone experiences problems throughout their lives. Attitude changes problems. Problems are part of living. God trust you enough to allow problems in your life. He trust you to stay positive and grow spiritually. When they are solved and leave you, you will be a better person.
Most people don’t realize that failure isn’t final. Failure allows you try again and again until you get it right and succeed. Failure is a choice, who can choose to be a quitter or choose to succeed.
Your attitude should be like the mind of Jesus. God’s wants to use the attitude of believers to bring people to Christ, see things from God’s perspective strive to be positive about your progress. You have to take the initiative to change any negativity in your attitude. You need to base your attitude on God’s Word, not on your circumstances. Words can hurt and words can heal. Consider the words you say, be more selective about them before you speak. Be kind to one another. Have the same humble attitude Jesus had. Have an attitude of gratitude. Know who you are in Christ Jesus
There are five reasons why attitude Is important:
1. Your attitude determines your approach to life.
2. Your attitude determines your relationship with people
3. Your attitude is the only difference between success in failure.
4. Your attitude can give us an uncommonly positive perspective.
5. Your attitude is not automatically good just because you are a Christian. You must make positive choices.
Now for the question: Is your attitude like the mind of Jesus?
Remember God loves you and so do I.
Proverbs 23:7 – As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.
Life is pretty much what your attitude is! 10% of life is what happens to you and 90% is how you react to it. Attitude is a mental state relative to what we believe and affects our entire life. We express our attitude in our words and actions. Your attitude is easier to maintain than lose and regain. We can’t control what happens but we can control how we react. We have a choice. We can choose to react with a positive attitude or a negative one. You can see the glass half full or have empty. You have the ability to choose your own attitude. You need to concentrate on beginning each day with a positive attitude. All of us need to examine our attitude and make adjustments You need to surround yourself with optimists. Positive people have a magnetic influence which attracts, helps, and supports you in achieving your goals. Once you begin to develop a positive attitude you will accelerate your future success. Bottom line is your are in charge of your attitude. Just like the Israelites in the wilderness, you can be critical and complain about everything that happens to you or you can look on the positive side with an attitude of faith that the God who parted the Red Sea just might still be at work in the world.
Attitude affects relationships. Jesus told us to treat others like we want to be treated. What you send out comes back to you. Attitude works like a boomerang. Your life should impact others, just like Jesus has impacted your life. People who have bad attitudes are usually unhappy. Your relationship with God will determine the type of life you live. Satan wants to steal your joy but he can’t steal your joy unless you give it to him. When you conform your thinking, God’s way of thinking you will develop a new attitude.
Everyone experiences problems throughout their lives. Attitude changes problems. Problems are part of living. God trust you enough to allow problems in your life. He trust you to stay positive and grow spiritually. When they are solved and leave you, you will be a better person.
Most people don’t realize that failure isn’t final. Failure allows you try again and again until you get it right and succeed. Failure is a choice, who can choose to be a quitter or choose to succeed.
Your attitude should be like the mind of Jesus. God’s wants to use the attitude of believers to bring people to Christ, see things from God’s perspective strive to be positive about your progress. You have to take the initiative to change any negativity in your attitude. You need to base your attitude on God’s Word, not on your circumstances. Words can hurt and words can heal. Consider the words you say, be more selective about them before you speak. Be kind to one another. Have the same humble attitude Jesus had. Have an attitude of gratitude. Know who you are in Christ Jesus
There are five reasons why attitude Is important:
1. Your attitude determines your approach to life.
2. Your attitude determines your relationship with people
3. Your attitude is the only difference between success in failure.
4. Your attitude can give us an uncommonly positive perspective.
5. Your attitude is not automatically good just because you are a Christian. You must make positive choices.
Now for the question: Is your attitude like the mind of Jesus?
Remember God loves you and so do I.
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