Am I Filled With God's Peace?

Many of the devotionals in Jesus Calling refer to the topic of peace. I think there is a good reason for this - that we are all seeking the Peace that only God can give us! Today's devotional is such a blessed reminder that God's Peace "hovers over you, searching for a place to land." However, it is up to us to be still in the Presence of our Lord and ask Him to control our thoughts so that He can fill us with this Peace.

In addition to today's scriptures that are related to PEACE, the one from Isaiah 26 has repeatedly spoken to me and gives us such a clear guide for having God's Peace:
  "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." 
I pray that you will join me in allowing these words to dwell in our hearts as we focus on them. They also make up the essence of this beautiful hymn, "Perfect Peace."  What do you do to help your mind stay on the Lord?

Times of Silence and Solitude

I have recently shared with you my focus on two spiritual disciplines - silence and solitude. An additional step that I use is to write down any worries or tasks - before I actually start this meditation time. Sarah Young's words in today's reading reminds us of how easy it is to let our mind wander - unless we create "a haven in which we can rest in Me (God)."

 This devotional also emphasizes the importance of spending "focused time" alone with our Lord - including thanking Him for our blessings. How are you doing with setting aside a time every day to be with our Lord - ensuring that this is NOT a rushed time? I'm doing a little better but still have a long way to go; I totally believe that these spiritual practices (silence and solitude) are slowly changing my life. It has never been a "burning bush" experience as far as changes in me, but as I look back over the last several months, I can see a closer relationship with my Lord along with His Peace in my life.

I pray that you will become closer to our Lord and receive His blessings through daily times of silence and solitude. 

Emmanuel - "God With You"

What a blessing to know that GOD IS WITH US - in each and every situation that we face in life! When I began my training in spiritual direction, that was one of the first points that I learned - the importance of looking for God in ALL things.

My big "test" in holding on to this belief is when I tumbled all the way down a huge escalator at a local airport. I truly thought I was dying, but then the thought entered my mind, "Where is God?" That's when I hit the floor; on one side of me appeared an intensive care nurse and on the other was a paramedic - both who had just gotten off a plane! I have no doubt that these were God's "earth angels," as I heard my daughter say to the local security officers!

Another scripture that speaks so clearly about God's never-ending Presence is the one from Romans 8:38-39:
   ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Do you have other scriptures that you use when needing reassurance of God's Presence? I know that this is a good one to memorize but I'm also sure that there are many more.  

I Can Only Imagine Being With Jesus

As we draw nearer our Lord, there is no doubt that He will come closer to us. What a wonderful blessing and promise! Along with this will come "the radiant beauty of My (God's) Presence!"

As I was trying to grasp the full meaning of today's devotional and scriptures, I began thinking about a beautiful Christian hymn called "I Can Only Imagine." As the scripture from Psalm 145 says, "Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom."

I pray that we all may "feel overwhelmed" by God's Power and Glory as we worship Him today - and everyday! Please share with me and other readers any of these times.

Starting Our Days

Can you imagine what our lives would be like if every Christian started EVERYDAY by seeking God's face and becoming "clothed" totally in His Spirit? Today's devotional and scriptures are powerful reminders about the importance of becoming clothed with "compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

A hymn that has spoken repeatedly to me about seeking His Face and giving myself to Him is "I Surrender All." I pray that the words and music in this beautiful hymn make our worship time today especially meaningful as we strive to be "clothed" in His Spirit.

Perfect Peace

I praise God for the assurance given in today's devotional about the one thing in the world that never changes - God and His Love! With so many trials and tribulations, storms, and shootings, it does give me a sense of peace to realize that God is with me and you - no matter what!

Today's scripture passage from John 16:33 is one of many in the Bible that speak of peace.  A beautiful hymn written about finding God's Peace in the midst of profound turbulence is, "It is Well With My Soul." Please read the story about the hymn's writer, Horatio Spafford, who was able to express these beautiful words in spite of horrific happenings in his life. May the words in this hymn and today's devotional fill you with God's Peace and Love.

From Our Problems to God's Presence

One of the things that I appreciate about the devotionals in Sarah Young's book is that they recognize the fact that we don't live in a perfect, problem-free world! Today's reading and scriptures also remind us that it does no good for us to try to "fix" everything. Our task is to stay connected with our Lord and His Presence. "Together we can handle whatever this day brings" is such a blessed promise.

What are some of God's Promises that you hold onto when you need His help?

What Do We Think About?

I have heard so many people discuss the idea that they are unable to "think about anything but..."(whatever may be worrying them or in the news, etc.) It took me until recent months to understand and accept the belief that I CAN CHOOSE what is in my mind. Today's devotional is such a blessed reminder of the importance of keeping God's Presence in our mind/thoughts in order to receive His Rest and Renewal.

Another scripture passage that makes this point so clear and that has spoken to me time and again is from Philippians 4:8-9:
     ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

I pray that you will join me today in focusing on this passage along with the thoughts from today's devotional as we worship our Lord. Also, please share with me and others any additional scriptures or hymns that will help us keep our minds focused on God.

How Do You Start Your Day?

Today I was talking to a friend about practicing a few spiritual disciplines in order to be closer to God. She told me how she had been starting her days in recent years - by playing a computer game. She had the "revelation" this morning that there was a much better way to start her day which was by practicing silence, solitude and prayer.

For some reason, today's reading brought to mind the prayer of St. Francis of Assissi:
    

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

 

What do you think our lives would be like if every Christian used this or a similar prayer to start everyday? Do you have another one that you use that immediately puts your focus on God and His amazing Grace and Love? If so, please share with me and other readers. 

    

Acceptance

For many years, I struggled with accepting my life the way it is - which is not the way I had planned and dreamed! Many of the events in my life have been totally beyond my understanding. Today's devotional helps me focus on the thought of trying to see things through the eyes of our Lord. What a blessing that would be!

Some of Sarah Young's words in today's reading reminded me of the first verse of the Serenity Prayer, written by Reinhold Niebuhr, an American theologian:
      God grant me the serenity
      to accept the things I cannot change;
      courage to change the things I can;
      and wisdom to know the difference.


I praise God for His Promise that He is "the way and the truth and the life." It is up to us to keep our eyes focused on Him - no matter what is happening in the world. I have previously referred to the beautiful hymn, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" but it spoke again today in my  worship time and I pray that it will for you. Let's join together to turn and keep our eyes fixed on our Lord and then see what happens in our lives and world.

Switching Focus

The powerful words to "You Are My All In All" are really a prayer that should help us switch our focus from trying to be in control of our lives to being in God's Holy Presence. I pray that you join me today in our worship time as we direct our thoughts and hearts to these beautiful words - and sit in the Presence of our Lord.

Confessing Our Sins

I have no doubt that I and many other "good Christians" sin on most days. At my stage in life, many of my sins are more like "omissions" rather than "commissions." At the end of the day, I begin thinking, "Why didn't I send a card to... who is going through a hard time?" or "Why didn't I spend more time with...who really needed to talk?" Of course, there are also times when I say the wrong thing to a friend or family member and know that I have hurt them. In other words, I really have not shown that I am a disciple of my Lord.

It's at those times that I especially praise God for His Most "Amazing Grace!" and confess my sins before Him. I pray that you will focus with me today on the words of this beautiful hymn - and also share any other hymns that speak of the Grace of our Lord.

Safe and Secure in God's Presence

What a blessing is the wonderful Promise of our Lord that we ARE safe and secure in His Presence. However, I know that at times I forget about God's loving Presence and become fearful of what is happening in my life and/or in the world.

I have been writing recently about a few spiritual disciplines that I am working on to help me become filled with God's Peace and Presence at all times. I pray that you will share with me and other readers any ways that you use to remember this wonderful Promise of our Lord - and live it in your everyday life.

My Habits - or God's Guidance

The way I understand today's devotional reading and scriptures is that I/we have a choice about life - to continue with our habits or open ourselves to God's guidance and ways. For me, habits are easier to follow - even though they may not be good ones. It takes time and self-discipline to stand in God's Presence and allow Him to take control of our lives. In a book I am reading on silence and solitude, there was a focus on trusting God enough to give to Him our cares and worries in order that we can take the time to spend alone with Him.

From the time I first became a Christian, I think I must have believed that something "magic" would happen! I thought that since I knew I was a Christian and joined the church, I would gradually come closer to God and become more like Him. I now believe that can only happen by my commitment to spend time with my Lord. The words in the hymn, "Take Time To Be Holy," are good reminders of the need for this time. I pray that you will join me in making time for God a top priority everyday of life.

Solitude and Silence

As I have recently mentioned, I have been learning more about the importance of practicing spiritual disciplines - focusing in particular on silence and solitude. Today's devotional is a good reminder of the value of sitting quietly (in silence and solitude) in God's Presence. It is only through this kind of time with our Lord that we can begin to understand His great Love and "the fullness of My (God's) glorious riches."

The beautiful hymn, "We are Standing on Holy Ground" has repeatedly blessed me as I listen to the words. They tell us that when we stand in the Presence of our Lord, we ARE on HOLY GROUND. I pray that you will be blessed and enjoy this hymn in your worship time today as you stand on holy ground with Him.

Lead Me Lord

In yesterday's blog, I mentioned the recent discussion about a desire to spend time with our Lord. Another part of that discussion was when we talked about the need to totally TRUST God with all our fears, cares and troubles. I pray that today we will stand before Him and trust Him to lead us in the way we should go.

The video and lyrics of the song "Lead Me Lord" are beautiful reminders to let God guide us with His Purpose and Peace.

Spending Time With Our Lord

In a recent Bible study group, we were discussing our DESIRE to spend time with our Lord. However, we also discussed that it is sometimes challenging to spend that time in our busy, rush-rush world. As written in today's devotional, we may be filled with guilt at spending so much time with our Lord when we think we "should/could be" working at our job, taking care of our home, visiting with friends, watching television, working or playing on the computer or phone, etc. It's times like these that we need to talk to God and ask for His help and guidance.

I read recently in a pastor's writing that becoming closer to our Lord and becoming more like Him is like getting better at anything. It takes PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!  It doesn't just happen magically by itself!

I pray that you will join me in spending more time with our Lord and telling Him that "Here I Am, Lord!" This is a beautiful hymn for our worship time today.

Power in My Weakness

I'm not sure that I like to be called "weak" as in today's devotional! However, in reality, I know that I have always been weak and looking to God for strength.

I am reading a book about spiritual growth through spending time in "solitude and silence." It repeatedly discusses the importance of letting go of our fears and weaknesses - and giving them all to God. In this way, we can say to our Lord, "Here I am - including every part of me. I'm awaiting more of your Presence, Power, and Love in my life."

Today's scripture from 2 Corinthians 12:9 is one that I've referred to several times in this blog. What a blessing to know that God's Power "is made perfect in weakness."

Do I REALLY Trust God?

Today's scripture passages continue to be powerful ones in my life. In the passage from I Peter, we are reminded to "humble" ourselves so that we can be lifted up when God is ready to do so. In today's world where power, money, and prestige are sought by so many, this command can only be "lived" by being intentional in not considering ourselves greater than others.

There have been several devotional readings and scriptures on giving thanks in ALL circumstances. I heard a pastor recently giving a sermon on this topic. The way he explained this was that we CAN give thanks in all circumstances - that God is with us no matter what is going on in our lives and in the world. We can do this through our trust in our Lord; we then will be able to  attain His Love, Peace, and Presence.

I may have previously posted the link to "Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart". However, the lyrics to this beautiful hymn have touched me time and again - as I pray they do for you in your worship time today. 

REST - in the Lord!

After I re-read today's devotional, my understanding of it is this:  Quit trying to help and bless others by myself. Instead, ask God for His Presence as I reach out to others. Then, take time to "rest in the Lord." After all, Jesus had to do the same - rest and be restored. 

I have been writing in recent weeks more about spiritual disciplines, one of which is "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it Holy." Do you have a way to discipline yourself so that you take a Sabbath (which doesn't have to be on Sunday) to rest, be renewed and restored?  I found out from my own experience that is is more of a challenge that I imagined to truly keep the Sabbath - no work and only do activities to ensure that the day is holy. This is a day to worship our Lord, listen for His voice, and receive His gifts of Peace and Rest. What a blessing to be reminded that the Sabbath was made for us to receive these special blessings!

Life Without Anxiety!

Can you imagine how life would be like without ever worrying or being anxious? Today's scripture passage from Philippians 4 is a wonderful reminder that God does NOT want us to be anxious about anything. Along with that, we are told to thank our Lord in all situations. That is how we are given His Peace and Guidance.

I pray that you will share with me and others how you keep God's Peace in your life at all times. To me, this is a lifetime challenge!

Stressed!

I don't imagine there is anyone on Earth who has not felt the stresses of life! Today was one of those days - even though it was for trivial reasons. I was rushed to get ready to be picked up by a friend to go to a Bible class and had numerous telephone calls in which people needed my time. When I noticed my hands shaking, I decided it was time to STOP and seek God's guidance.

I've mentioned previously about striving to become more engaged in some of the spiritual disciplines that I know will bring me closer to my Lord. I had just read about the disciplines of silence and solitude. I turned in my chair to look out at the magnificent spring flowers in my atrium. I took a few deep breaths and said a simple breath prayer: "Peace."  After repeating that phrase a few times, I tried to empty my mind of my trivial stresses and sat quietly for a few minutes with God. When I returned to my tasks at hand, I did have God's Peace and I was able to do everything I needed - in a minimal amount of time.

I pray that you will join me in practicing some of the spiritual disciplines. The ones of silence and solitude are supposedly good ones to start with - but they do take practice to begin to really feel God's Presence. I will include some specific steps for these disciplines in the coming days, and you may have some to share with me and other readers.

Mistakes ARE O.K.!

I really appreciate the thought that mistakes are o.k. in the eyes of God! As an educator for many years, that's something I used to tell my students - that it's through making mistakes that we can "learn to do it better the next time." Sarah Young's words in today's devotional are ones that I have heard and believe - but also ones of which I need reminded. "Because you are human, you will continue to make mistakes."

One element of joy that I gain from this reading is the scripture from Romans 8:28. - To me, this means that God will take my mistakes and other bad things in my life and bring good from them! Praise God!

God Continues to Hold My Hand!

I thank God for words in today's devotional which remind us that GOD WILL NEVER LET GO OF OUR HAND! There's no doubt that life gives all of us troubles - even though it seems that some have many more than others! The blessing is that we have the Promise of God's continuing Presence.

I pray that the words in the song, "I'll Never Let Go of Your Hand" will reassure you as it has me that God is with me no matter what happens in life!

Trust and Obey

What blessed reassurance are the words of Sarah Young in today's devotional. - "If you learn to TRUST Me (God)-really trust Me--with your whole being, then nothing can separate you from my Peace." As I was reading this, it saddened me that my trust in our Lord must waiver at times since I still do worry and get upset about many of life's challenges.

We are constantly reminded about the importance of spending quiet time alone with God. It is through this time of meditation that we are able to quit asking Him to do many things that we think He needs to do. Rather, this is when we can open ourselves to Him and listen for His Word and Will. This is also a time that we can re-affirm our trust in God and attain His Peace. I pray that you and I will make it a top priority to spend time in silence and solitude with our Lord each and every day.

I also pray that today in your worship time you will focus on the words of the old hymn, "Trust and Obey." I truly believe that there is no other way to "be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey." How do you remain in "total trust" of our Lord?

Do We Try to Be in Control?

I often hear people talk about other family members and/or friends who try very hard to be in control  of the lives of most people around them! I say to myself, "I'm so glad that I'm not that kind of person," but in truth, I will have to admit that I want to be that "super controller!" If only...would do this, I think they would have a better life! If I don't say it, I often think those words!

The part of today's devotional that especially spoke to me were, "The harder you try (to gain control of your life), the more frustrated you become." It is up to us to keep our eyes on our Lord and let Him be in control of our lives - and He will give us the security and Peace that we are striving for.

This rendition of "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" is a piano version but with a beautiful word. Following are the powerful lyrics:
  
O soul, are you weary and troubled?

1. No light in the darkness you see?
   There’s light for a look at the Savior,
   And life more abundant and free!
   • Refrain:
     Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
     Look full in His wonderful face,
     And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
     In the light of His glory and grace.
2. Through death into life everlasting
   He passed, and we follow Him there;
   O’er us sin no more hath dominion—
   For more than conqu’rors we are!
3. His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
   Believe Him, and all will be well:
   Then go to a world that is dying,
   His perfect salvation to tell!

Come to the Lord With Thanksgiving

Most of us who read Sarah Young's words in Jesus Calling want to be closer to our Lord. Many of her devotions are written around the idea of thankfulness and gratitude. I started searching the Bible for the use of the words: gratitude, thanks, and thankfulness. There are at least 100 references to the word thanks and dozens more with the other terms. No wonder we need to spend time giving praise and thanksgiving to our Lord! As we are reminded time and again, being thankful is one of the "keys" to begin growing spiritually.

I have copied a few more verses that are related to those in today's devotional. These are ones that have spoken so powerfully to me. I pray that you will share with me and other readers any scriptures that you use as reminders of being thankful.

Philippians 4:4-6: 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 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.

Colossians 4:2: Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 3:15-16: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Worship Our Lord in the Beauty of His World!

I remember singing the hymn, "Morning Has Broken" when I was on a weekend retreat at a lake. However, we don't need to be on a lake or retreat to enjoy God's wondrous world and Love. I pray that at the beginning of this day and everyday you and I will "sing love songs" to God's name and give ourselves totally to Him. In this way, we will be filled with His Love and Presence.

The words to this hymn are wonderful reminders for us to see God in the beauty of the world - and all things. Please join me in seeking God's Presence wherever we go and in whatever we do today. 

Which Master Do We Serve??

When I first heard a sermon on this topic, I was almost offended. My first thought was, "Of course, I serve only God!" However, after I reflected on the scripture from Matthew, I realized that many times I serve "masters" - including money, power, material goods, etc.

Our church is focusing on a book/Bible study about becoming disciples for our Lord. One of many points of focus was on the spiritual discipline of "simplicity." One of our pastors reminded us that many of us have so much "stuff" that it distracts us in our worship time and keeps us from being in the Presence of our Lord. I haven't gotten there yet, but I'm working on simplifying my life by sharing with others some of the many blessings and "things" that I have in my home. I pray for God's guidance in doing so and that He will help all of us share our blessings as we strive to be His disciple.

Abundant LIfe by Depending on God

Today in the United States, we are celebrating the "Day of Prayer." I have read that many countries do this special time of focusing on God - but on different days of the year. I pray that everyone who reads today's devotional, scriptures and blog will take extra time to pray for God's Love, Peace and Presence to fill our world.

Today's scripture from John 10:10 is one that that has been meaningful in my life. I truly think God wants us to have an abundant life and to live joyfully. However, we are continually reminded through scripture and these devotional readings that it is up to us to trust totally in our Lord for us to have an abundant, joyful life.

The words of the hymn, "Sweet Hour of Prayer" are powerful ones about God's Love and Presence when we come to Him with an open heart. I pray that you will join me in focusing on these words during our worship time today. (I understand this hymn has been translated in many languages throughout the world. If you have a link to share of this hymn in a different language, please share it with me and other readers.)

The Precious Present

I am sending a book called The Precious Present to my newly-wed cousins. Today's devotional is certainly related to the meaning of this book - not to worry about tomorrow but enjoy God's gifts of today. However, Sarah Young's words remind us that in order to do this we have to stay in "constant communion" with our Lord. In that way, we don't have time for worry and are filled with God's Presence and Peace and are better able to enjoy the "precious present."

What are some ways that you use in order to stay in constant communion with God? Please share your thoughts with me and other readers as we strive to do His will everyday of our lives.