Category Archives: Peace

Stressed and Distressed? Try Resting in His Arms

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“And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting looking and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him, [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless unbroken companionship]!” Isaiah 30:18 AMP

Have you ever sat for hours, listening to someone talk and thought to yourself, “I sure wish they would just get to the point?” I have! I have heard many teachers try to explain God’s love by using so many words and by the time they were finished, I had lost their point in the explanation. Over the years I have prayed, “Lord, just make it simple, so I can understand. I want to get it.”

As I read Isaiah 30:18, everything that describes God’s love to me was wrapped up in this verse. I felt completely safe, secure, and loved as I read it. Nothing could confuse or take the truth of His love from me. It was if I was taken up in His arms, and at that moment, I was held so securely I would never doubt again. He loves me so much and He has been waiting on me to fully receive His love.

He loves you too! He is looking, watching, and longing to be gracious to you. He has poured His loving kindness and tender mercies out and is watching and waiting for you to receive them. Like the father of the prodigal son, he was waiting, watching, and longing to see his son come back home. When the prodigal son finally came back home, his father wrapped his arms around him and covered him with the finest robe. Everything the father owned had been his.

That is how I see God; His arms opened wide with a robe just my size in His hands, waiting to wrap it around me. I am His daughter, and He has been patiently waiting on me. He says, “Daughter, I have been waiting on you to come and receive all I have prepared for you. All my blessings are contained inside of my love for you to receive.”

God’s desire has always been to show you how much He loves you. Simply receive it, and you too can rest in His arms all day.

In His Presence, There is Fullness of Joy

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“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; prayer, that goeth not out for feigned lips.”

(Psalms 16:11)

“Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.”

(Psalms 17:5)

As we travel down the path of life, the Lord will make the path very clear.  The right path of life leads you to do what is right.  You know you are on the right path by the peace that comes as you choose to do what is right. Sin draws you away from God’s presence and the right path.  When you continue in sin, you travel down a path farther and farther away from God. You feel lost and alone, far away from home.  The steps to get back home can be found in His Word.

The Psalmist declares  “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”   (Psalms 119:105)

Just like Adam, we still run and hide from God when we feel guilt or shame. When we have sinned, we need to run toward Him for forgiveness. We need to say, as David did, “I said, Lord, be merciful to me: heal my soul; for I have sinned” (Psalm 41:4).  We are all, at times, like a prodigal son that needs to run back home. As we repent, we begin walking on the right path to our Heavenly Father, who is always waiting at the door for us with His arms open wide to receive us.

Pray and ask God to help you to get back on the right path that will lead you home.

It is time to get on the Right Path

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“That we may do those good works which God predestined for us…” Eph 2: 10

Get on the right pathGod has preordained and planned before hand what your purpose is on the earth.  And He has used the situations in your life up to this very moment to teach you and prepare you for His purposes.

We can’t see clearly what God sees.  It is only after we pass through a situation that we see it clearly.  We can then look down from a higher perspective and see what good came out of it, what we learned, and how God will use it.  I know how it is to be in the middle of a bad situation.  We wonder what good thing could possibly come out of this! At that point, we can not see what God sees.  That is why all along the way and in every situation, we must learn to listen to His voice.  His ways are so much higher than our ways.  He has a plan that we can’t see so we must listen to His voice so we will choose the right way, the high way.

I believe God sets up situations just for learning purposes.  He wants us to learn from our past mistakes, so we will make different choices and take the right path the next time.  Paul said that if we take the path which He planned ahead of time, we will live the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live.  This does not mean that once we learn to walk on the highway, we will not encounter difficult situations.  It does mean that we will always have a clear path to walk on during those difficult times.  That’s why we go through hard times so we can learn how to identify God ways and God’s path that leads us though the valleys and hardships of life.


The Secret Revealed

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The secret of His will…Ephesians 1:9

In Him we also were made [God’s] heritage (portion) and we obtained an inheritance; for we had been foreordained (chosen and appointed beforehand) in accordance with His purpose, who works out everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His [own] will, Ephesians 1:11

Secret place of GodThe secrets of God can be discovered but they are hidden in the secret place.  We can go to the secret place and discover His secrets, His will, His plan and purpose for our life.  I believe we must spend time, maybe even hours daily in this secret place, to discover His will for our life.  Psalms 91 says that we can actually dwell in the secret place and abide there forever.  It is in this secret place where all the distractions of the world are blocked out and all you hear is His voice.

You were chosen ahead of time for a certain purpose.  You were actually appointed by God to do it.  You can’t wait on man to say it or depend on man; it is God that appoints you.  God may use a man or women as a mouth piece to confirm what He has already appointed for you to do.  Eph 1:11, says that God works everything out after the counsel of His will.  God will work all things together to accomplish whatever His will is.

Go to the secret place daily and listen for the secret for that day to be revealed to you.

The Resting Place

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“This is my resting place forever” (Psalms 132:14).

Would you like to find a restful place that is quiet and peaceful, but more than that, a place where you can experience the presence of God? According to Psalm 132:14, God has established resting places, literal places that are His resting places. God is calling each of us to find a quiet place, a resting place where we can get alone to spend time with Him. In the story of Noah, when the world was destroyed by the flood, the first thing Noah did was send a dove out to find a place to rest.

“Then he (Noah) sent forth a dove to see if the waters had decreased from the surface of the ground. But the dove found no resting place on which to roost, and she returned to him to the ark, for the waters were yet on the face of the whole land. So he put forth his hand and drew her to him into the ark” (Genesis 8:8-9).

Noah represents God, and the Ark represents the safety of the presence of God. Only when you enter into His presence will you find that place of peace and rest. I am sure in this account that the dove was weary of searching, so God stretched forth His hand and drew the dove back unto Himself. We are all like that dove, needing a safe place to land. A resting place here on earth, where His presence can be felt. When you find a resting place, you will know you have found it because your spirit will be at peace. A dove will not land where there is no peace. You may be like the dove, searching for the right place; a resting place, a peaceful place.

God has resting places here on earth where He has established a dwelling place of His presence, “This is my resting place forever” (Psalm 132:14). Trust Him to lead you to His resting place.

Enjoying His Presence

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“The king shall joy in thy strength, O Lord; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!” (Psalms 21:1)

We can find a deep, soothing joy that only comes from spending time with our Heavenly Father and basking in His presence. There are so many people who sit by the fireplace alone! They may sit by another chair, once filled, trying to restrain the tears that flow. They may sit alone, but there is someone who is unseen and just within their reach. Yet, for some reason, they don’t fully realize His presence. Realizing God’s presence can be limited by mood, feelings, physical condition, or even the weather. The rain or thick fog outside, the lack of sleep or intense pain, seem to block their ability to realize the fullness of His presence.

“Thou wilt show me the path of life; in thy presence is fullness of joy.” (Psalms 16:11)

There is more than simply realizing His presence; the greater blessing is to enjoy His presence. He is close to you, and His presence is real. He is always present, a warmhearted friend, and the all-powerful Lord. He is there to listen to what is on your heart and comfort you. This is a joyful truth for weeping hearts everywhere, no matter the reason for the tears. You are not alone, He is always there.

Spend extra time today just enjoying the presence of the Lord.

Are you living in the little house or the Big House?

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But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7


The little house is the house you grew up in, but it didn’t seem little until you began to grow up. Your earthly father and mother were there, and they had the opportunity of seeing who God created you to be. It is in this little house that you were groomed and prepared for the day you would walk out the door and begin to walk in your destiny. Your father had the awesome responsibility of affirming and calling you forth into maturity before you left his house. What a wonderful day for him when he releases and blesses you! Hopefully he can hear God say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” But if you were not blessed and affirmed, you may still be waiting for affirmation.

Your heavenly Father’s house is the Big House, and He invites you to come, enter in, and dwell with Him forever. But, first you must leave your earthly father’s house. Forgiveness is the key that releases you from the past and prepares you for your future. You may still be dwelling in a little house with a very limited perspective: all you see is the past. It is hard to even hear or see God’s great love and abundant blessings, much less believe they are for you. If you are still living in the little house, all you listen to are the same old tapes of mistakes and defeats. In the little house, you sit in the same little chair, and eat the same old stale bread. In the little house, you are bound by what others think and what they say. There are only two rooms in the little house; they are called “Fear” and “Doubt.” When you go into these two rooms, all you hear is, “I probably can’t do it,” and, “I doubt I ever will.” The choice is yours: you can move into the Big House, or be content to just stay where you are in the little house.

Embrace your full inheritance! You belong in the Big House, surrounded with all spiritual blessings. Broaden your perspective and expectations. You should be enjoying all the benefits of being an heir—a joint-heir—with Jesus Christ. Begin now carrying out your Father’s business as an heir. God is in the blessing business, and He wants His children to carry on the family business and bless others.

Many people are sixty years old and still stuck in the little house. What keeps you stuck there? If you did not hear your father say, “I love you, and I am so proud of you,” you may be stuck in the little house. The words your father said or did not say can keep you trapped in the past. When you are trapped in the past, you cannot move forward. Many people are stuck, still waiting for the words of affirmation that they never heard. They are unable to move forward by receiving His love and embracing the blessings He has prepared for them.

Even in a loving family, many times there is a void of affirmation. Instead of words that build up, words are spoken that tear down a child’s spirit. Words that tear down can have a harmful effect until they are released. Words can bind you up and shut you down and keep you from believing that God loves you and wants to bless you. When you release the words meant to tear you down and receive God’s Word, He gives you life, hope, and blessing. Then you can take your rightful place in the Big House which is your Heavenly Father’s House.

The Signs of His Presence

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“…The sign of your presence; You make the places where morning and evening have birth shout for joy” (Psalm 65:8).

Have you ever traveled down an unfamiliar road, earnestly looking for a sign that says you are on the right track?  I have.   It was such a relief to finally see the sign and to know that I was going in the right direction.

I would like to share with you a wonderful discovery that I saw in God’s Word this morning.  In Psalm 65, David said that we can see with our own eyes a sign of the presence of God.  It is obvious from many other Psalms, such as the Twenty Third Psalm, that David liked the beauty of God’s creation.  He gained revelation of God from observing all He had created. I like to follow David’s journeys and gain insight from his Psalms.

We all enjoy reading books and magazines that capture the beauty of rolling hills and beautiful gardens, as well as colorful birds and grazing flocks on the hill side.  But, David saw something different; what he saw as he looked at the beauty of creation was the sign of God’s Presence.  In Psalm 65:6-13, he says: “God’s Presence is in this place.”

In Psalms 65:8, David describes a special place he has discovered where the morning and evening give birth.   In this special place, he could see the beautiful sun rise and enjoy the beginning and the ending of each new day.

In verse 9 he says he sees God’s presence in the well watered ground that has been enriched with rain from heaven.  He goes on to describe how the well watered furrows and ridges are covered with soft green grass and abundant vegetation.

Then in verse 12 he says he watches and listens as the rolling hills actually come alive as they sing for joy.   In the last verse he says, “The meadows are clothed with flocks and the valleys are covered with grain; they shout for joy and sing together.”

Look all around and you can see, hear, and feel His presence in the beauty of His creation

This Is The Way, Walk Ye In It

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

Wait on the LordThe Lord is not silent; He breaks the silence by saying, “this is the way; walk ye in it.”

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

When 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 gentle voice.

It 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 not to 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 support and confirmation.  So be still and wait on the Lord, He is not silent.   ;

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.”

Jesus is Watching

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“He shall see [the fruit] travail of His soul and be satisfied…” (Isaiah 53:11) Amp.
 

Isaiah 53:11 says that Jesus will watch and see the travail of His soul and be satisfied as He justifies many and makes them righteous.  Can you appreciate what He did for you and receive His sacrifice and the travail of His soul?  Can you receive your redemption as a gift with a grateful heart? 
 
He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities.  His outward wounding was for our obvious transgressions or sins, the things we do, stepping over the line or crossing over the boundary that has been set up by God. He took the punishment that we deserve.
 
He was bruised for our iniquities. A bruise is a wound on the inside that shows up later on the outside.  An iniquity is also an internal problem that shows up on the surface later.  Iniquity is a hidden sin, possibly a habit of sin that has been in your family for generations.  The outward evidence does not show up for some time. Jesus died for obvious sins and iniquities, the hidden tendencies that you my not have even seen as sin.
 
Stop and open your heart to Jesus and ask Him to search your heart right now.  Confess all sins and sinful habits or iniquities as the Holy Spirit brings them to your attention.  As you have confessed your sins, receive His forgiveness. Jesus is watching to see who will receive His redemption. When you receive it, you will feel the peace of His satisfaction.