Category Archives: Peace

Expectations in Prayer

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My expectations are from Him. Psalm 62: 5

what is my purposeThere are many examples in Scripture of where Jesus met the needs and expectations of people when they encountered Him during his earthly ministry.  Wherever He went, people would gather to meet Him as they knew and expected that He would meet their need.  We can trust and believe that when we come to God with our prayers in Jesus name, He will hear us and will answer our prayers.

When Jesus walked upon the earth, He reached-out to offer God’s love and mercy for all who would believe and receive.  Jesus always offers peace, love, grace, and healing.  Regardless of the circumstances we currently find ourselves, it is wonderful knowing that Jesus is ready to meet our needs.

The woman who touched the hem of His garment received, as she believed.  He was the answer to her prayer.

A certain nobleman encountered Jesus and pleaded with Jesus that his son would be healed.  The son was close to death.  Jesus told the nobleman to go to his son, and he would find that his body had been healed.  The nobleman left with faith knowing that Jesus had healed his child – and indeed the boy was healed.

Whatever our situation, we too must believe that Jesus will answer our prayers.  We must go to Him expecting that He will hear our plea.  I believe every single prayer, uttered in faith, and led by the Holy Spirit will be answered according to His divine will.

But, we mus also be careful to not reject an answer just because it looks different than what we assume we asked for.  His answer will come – and it will be covered in His love and grace.   We will know that our prayer was answered in God’s loving way.

Expectation is a powerful burst of hope that explodes on the inside to give you strength to hold on a little longer until you see with your own eyes the prayer answered.  So, be watchful with a renewed expectation that the answer to your prayer is almost here.

Above all, never give up!

Believe now that the answer to your long awaited prayer is almost here – maybe only minutes away.  Just hold on to His promise and you will surly see the answer soon.

In Difficult Times, God Hears Our Weeping

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The Lord has heard my cry for mercy;  the Lord accepts my prayer.  Psalm 6: 9

It seems that everywhere you go now people are discouraged, hurting, and afraid.  The news media gives us a steady flow of painful reports that often overwhelm us with concern, and attempt to steal our hope.

Unfortunately, in our cluttered and hyper-paced lifestyles we often rush through our challenges and attempt to control the outcomes ourselves.  We sometimes get drawn-in to the painful reports and feel overwhelmed with the difficulties.

It is important to recognize that in our times of difficulty, we have a resource we can turn to for comfort and guidance.  As the times become more difficult, we must discipline ourselves to spend more time He Who is our refuge in times of trouble.  In Him we will find peace during the storms.

Consider what David shared in Psalm 6.

1 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger
or discipline me in your wrath.

2 Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint;
heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.

3 My soul is in deep anguish.
How long, Lord, how long?

4 Turn, Lord, and deliver me;
save me because of your unfailing love.

5 Among the dead no one proclaims your name.
Who praises you from the grave?

6 I am worn out from my groaning. 

All night long I flood my bed with weeping
and drench my couch with tears.

7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
they fail because of all my foes.

8 Away from me, all you who do evil,
for the Lord has heard my weeping.

9 The Lord has heard my cry for mercy;
the Lord accepts my prayer.

10 All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish;
they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

Path of Life

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“Show me the path of life…” Psalm 16:11

stay on the pathGod knows exactly what is going on in your world. He has provided everything you need to live during these times; and actually He has provided a way for you to live in peace even during times of trouble.

Find the path of life, the peace of God. Once you find the path of life, stay there, don’t let your heart be troubled. Stop allowing yourself stray off the path, lost and fearful.

You have a choice; you simple stay on the path. You have a choice daily; so don’t allow your circumstances to be in charge. You have been given the choice and you can choose peace over fear, anxiety, and stress. You can choose faith over fear; it is that simple. When you choose faith over fear you just choose life instead of death. When you choose peace over anxiety and stress you have again chosen life. The enemy wants to convince you that everything is hopeless, but the God of all peace wants you to know that you have a choice, He says in Deut. 30:15-16, (paraphrased) “Choose life and you shall live.”

It is a choice of life over death, it is that important of a choice. Think about your last doctor’s visit. If you have a heart condition he made it very clear how harmful certain things like too much sugar and salt are to your health. It is hard to keep yourself from eating these things, but, for your health’s sake you can do it. Everyday that you overcome the temptation not to eat those things that are harming your body you feel a difference. You feel stronger and have more energy. Did you know that worry and fear are more harmful to our body than too much sugar and salt? That is why Jesus said, “Stop allowing yourself to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated, cowardly and unsettled.” I repeat, just stop allowing it; you do have a choice, choose the path of life and wal

Why Walk in The Valley?

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“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me ”  Psalm  23:4

Life in the ValleyDuring difficult times, I have often asked the Lord “Why do I have to walk in this valley“?  There have been times in my life that I have struggled with the weight of some difficult situations, and felt weakened by the load.

During those times, the Lord always reminded me of His presence.

Right now, life is difficult for a lot of people.  There is a lot of fear and turmoil around us, and people are hurting.  It’s comforting to know we have a Loving God who is with us during these difficult times.

I’m reminded of what a close friend used to share with me when I was struggling … If you didn’t have a valley, there wouldn’t be a mountain.

Right now, I live on the top of a small mountain.   I love looking at the mountains that surround us, and am always reminded of God’s Glory.

A couple of times I have climbed the mountain that is behind my home.   It’s tough climbing that mountain, but when you get to the top the view is absolutely amazing.  It certainly makes the climb worthwhile.

It would be hard for me to climb that mountain every day – and really, I don’t know that God would want that anyway.  I mean, wouldn’t that somewhat take-away the special moment if I traveled it more frequently?  I’m afraid I would probably take it for granted if I sat on the mountain too often.

I think we’re probably supposed to spend a little more time in the valley – so we always appreciate the beautiful view from atop the mountain.  From my experiences, the valley has helped prepare me for the mountain.  In the valley is where life is grown.

One of my neighbors is a wonderful farmer.  He actually owns the beautiful mountain across from us.  At the foot of the mountain is a beautiful stream that helps to irrigate his large garden.  He owns a farm where he grows corn and other crops, and raises livestock.  It’s the most fertile land I’ve ever seen.

So what am I saying?

While the mountain is incredibly beautiful, we obviously get life from the valley.  And, of course, without the valley there would be no mountain.

When difficulties come, we need to realize it is likely a valley.  Even though it may be tough, it’s important that we experience the fertile ground of the valley.

Also, while we’re in the valley we need to be careful with what we plant because we need a good crop to harvest.  Life is in the valley, so we should sow life.  If we sow discord, we’ll likely reap discord.

Pray that God will grant you wisdom and peace as you grow in the Valley.

How to Overcome the Enemy

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For it was not an enemy who reproached and taunts me, then I might bear it… Psalm 55:12-13

Words are powerful, destructive, and so very painful.  And the enemy uses those who are closest to us to speak out hurtful words because he wants to get a “close up” shot, one that will do some damage.  He uses their knowledge of the past and words that are connected to that painful event.  So, every painful event that has not been healed is his target.  A profound truth on how to overcome the enemy is you must work through all the wounded areas of your heart and remove all access points by grieving the losses.

It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.   Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.   The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.   Ecclesiastes 7:2-4

You can be very strong in the Lord until it comes to a place where you have experienced losses.  It is in these times of loss that we get hurt and even angry at God because we can’t understand why things happen the way they do. We can even begin to doubt His love and protection with questions like:  why did it have to happen to me?  Why didn’t God stop it?  Why was I the one that had to suffer this way?

All these questions must be wrestled with and resolved as you go through the process of grieving the losses and releasing the pain. Grieving Losses is necessary for your heart to heal through His Word and be restored by His Love.

The Way of Peace

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“The way of peace we have not known…”   Isaiah 59:8

The way of PeaceIsaiah was concerned about God’s people who did not know the way of peace. They were out somewhere, wandering in the darkness and didn’t know how to get to peace.  Isaiah knew they didn’t have a flashlight or a cell phone.  All they had was the “still small voice” and they weren’t listening or obeying this voice.

Do you know the way of peace?  Do you know how to get there and dwell there?  I woke up one morning and realized that I lived in a constant state of worry.  If I didn’t have something to worry about, I would think of something.  But that day, like the prodigal son, I woke up and came to my senses.  I am a Child of God! Jesus, the Prince of Peace, has saved me from all this! I don’t have to live here anymore.

So, I asked Jesus to show me the way out of this state of worry.  He said, “Ok, here we go, listen to me, pay attention, I am going to show you the way out.”   I listened as I drove down the road.  When I heard the news report, I heard Him say, “Fear Not.”  I obeyed and didn’t turn down the familiar street called fear.  It was hard, but I didn’t give in.  Instead, I turned the opposite way called faith.  At that moment I was at peace, by simply obeying His voice when He said, “Fear not.”

As I continued traveling down the road, I came to a four way stop.  There were four different people wanting their own way.  He said, “Stop, let them go on.” Again I obeyed, and continued on my way in peace.

In the last part of my journey, I found myself in a heated conversation.  I felt angry and hurt, and then I heard His voice say, “Forgive”.  I stopped, obeyed, and soon the “red light” inside of me turned green and I continued down the road in peace.  I found the way to peace that day.  As I obeyed the voice of the Lord, I was at peace.

The Lord Will Raise You Up

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“The Lord raises the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap and the dung hill, that He may seat them with princes, even the princes of His people.”  Psalm 113:7-8

God will Raise You UpThe plan of our Heavenly Father is to raise His children up to sit in heavenly places.  He wants to raise you up to a higher place than the place where you are sitting right now.  If you are poor and needy He wants you to shake off the dust of doubt and worry and trust in Him for your provision.

Even in the most horrible conditions, we can trust in God to lift us up.  He is a very present help in times of trouble. (Ps 62:1)  Even if, like the Prodigal son, you look around and wonder how you got yourself into such a mess.  At this very moment, you can come to your senses and realize as a child of God you are in the wrong place.  The low places are not the places where God’s children are to stay.

He wants to lift you up.  So, look up to your Heavenly Father and ask Him to take you up to the place where you belong as His child.

God Calls for A Time of Rest

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“Come unto me all who are weak and heavy laden and I will give you rest.”   Matthew 11:28

God Calls for A Time of RestAre you tired and weak from the busyness of life?  Are you tired from the heavy burdens you are carrying?  The Lord is calling you to come to Him and rest awhile.

The only way you can truly rest is by laying your burdens down.  Lay them down and let Him tell you what He wants you to pick back up.

God set forth times of rest from the beginning.  Even when everything He created was good, He didn’t just keep going.  He stopped on the seventh day and rested.  Even when everything we are doing is good, we still need to draw away from what we are doing to rest awhile.

Do you hear Him calling, “Enter into rest”? If so, pray the following prayer:

Lord, I hear Your calling to enter into a time of rest, to cease all busyness and draw closer to You.  In obedience to Your calling, I choose to enter into a time of rest.  Lord, I see this as a higher calling and I will gladly lay down those things You show me are hindering my time with You, which are _________________.

Lord, I know I need a time of rest because I am very tired and my burdens are heavy.  I need a quiet place to lay my burdens down until you tell me what to pick back up again.

I need a place, where I am not drawn to the expectations or demands of others, a place where I rest in You and hear Your voice.  Lord, I ask You to lead me to that quiet and peaceful resting place.

Lord, my desire is to cease all busyness and activities that are based on striving and performing.

Lord, every area of my life that is not at peace, I surrender to You.  I ask You to do a work of righteousness within me. (Isaiah 32:17) You have said the work of righteousness shall be peace.  I want every area of my life to be in alignment with Your will, Your plan and purpose for my life.

Search me O Lord and know my heart, try me and know my ways, and show me every way within me that is not Your way.

Show me the heavy burdens I have picked up that You did not give me to carry.

Show me responsibilities that are not mine that need to be laid aside.

Show me all the projects I have started for the wrong reasons and even the futile serving I have done out of my own need to be needed.

Lord, I want to lay down everything that it hinders my relationship with You.

So, as I cease from my labors for the next 21 days, I ask You to reveal Your will for my life, Your plan and Your purpose. Have Your way in me Lord.

In Jesus name,

Amen.

This is the way, so now walk in it

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Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk ye in it”  Isaiah 30:21 

Path of GodWhen we have decisions to make and doubts are flooding our soul and others suggest courses of action that are conflicting, when caution dictates one approach but faith the other, it is the time to stop and be still.  The scripture says, “Be still and know, I am God” (Psalm 46:10).  This gives us the permission that it is “ok” to quiet the intruding opinion of others around us and then calm ourselves into the stillness of God’s presence and wait to hear His gentile voice.

It sometimes takes courage to wait in silence trusting that He will not be silent. It takes courage to bypass all the words of well meaning friends.  It takes courage to not be pulled by those who are insisting on an immediate decision or action.  It takes courage to wait on, trust in, and rely on the Lord to direct you in those difficult decisions.

God is ever present in times of trouble.  When important decisions need to be made, you will hear His voice behind you saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” Once you hear clearly and the decision is made, a friend may then be used by the Lord to give confirmation and support. So be still and wait on the Lord, He is not silent.

“Unto you do I cry, O Lord my rock, be not deaf and silent to me…”  Psalm 28:1

The Right Path: Lord, as I still myself before You, help me to block out all intruding thoughts and opinions. I pray as David did that You will not be silent, I ask You to speak to me and give me direction in each decision I am making today. I desire to hear You say: “This is the way, walk in it.”

Search My Heart

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 “Search me Lord and know my heart, try me and know my ways and see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

All through Scripture we are encouraged by the Lord to examine our heart. In Psalms 139, David prays and asks the Lord to Search his heart.

David said, “any wicked way,” this would be any wicked way of thinking, feeling or acting.  The thoughts of our heart are sometimes hidden from view, but can be clearly seen by our actions and our responses. Psalm 23:7 says, “As a man thinks in his heart so is he.” You can have the right intentions and want to respond correctly, but find it very difficult if you have been hurt or offended.  That is why the prayer that David prayed in Psalm 139 is so important for us to pray today.

The thoughts of our heart determine our decisions, actions and how we respond to others. We need to examine the condition of our heart, especially after we have been hurt or wounded by someone and know we are offended.  I believe that taking up offenses is one of the greatest traps of the enemy today.

When you ask, the Holy Spirit will reveal the condition of your heart. Ask Him to reveal every area that is not at peace. Therefore, when you ask the Lord to search your heart, don’t be surprised when the Holy Spirit brings to your attention a relationship conflict that still needs to be resolved. The level of peace clearly indicates how much we have resolved heart issues so that, we are no longer controlled our circumstances. Peace is the inward witness of the presence God, as He leads us through every situation we face.