分类: Peace - Jethro TOOLS

Confidence in Crisis

12/1/2024

Isaiah 7:1-17
The musical honk of geese grabbed my ear and turned my attention to the ice covered lake. On this wind blown cold winter day the lake had just begun to freeze over. Yet there was a distant silver silhouette of steam that marked open water in the otherwise frozen lake. I strained to see if the geese were there. They were not. Then again and again I heard them until finally they appeared over the trees. There were hundreds of them, all in their signature “V” formation, heading to a warmer climate. Just because I did not see them did not mean they were not there. In the same way, just because I do not see God at work does not mean that He is not there and able to do the impossible. In Isaiah 7 we see that the king has just faced the opposition of two neighboring kingdoms (1). In the process of the failed attack, the prophet Isaiah appeared and challenged king Ahaz and his belief in God (1-9). Ahaz had the opportunity to calmly experience God’s peace in the problem (4), yet he did not have the faith to stand firm in the trial (7-9). In the following verses this plays out in his refusal to believe that God can work (12-13). Regardless, God promised an impossible sign that would challenge this stubborn king and encourage us today. The promise is the birth of a baby who would be called Emmanuel, meaning God with us (14). Like Ahaz, our belief in God for the impossible is required. The only way to find peace in a conflicted world is to trust in God and His salvation. Fear can control us, but God offers His assurance if we believe in Jesus as Savior. Remember that God’s perspective is completely different from what we can see. Just like geese, when He shows up to save us, it is a beautiful sight.

For More See ISAIAH or CHRISTMAS

Walk in Spiritual Victory

6/9/2024

Ephesians 6:10-20
Growing up in the country of snow and ice there was a simple process that was repeated in the fall and spring of each year. That project was changing car tires from summer tires to winter tires. Summer tires were good for dry or perhaps even wet roads, but winter tires were essential for traction in snow, and especially grip on ice. The main difference between winter and summer tires were the steel studs that are installed in the tread that provided control in slippery, ice covered road conditions. In Ephesians 6:10-20 Paul closes out his practical emphasis to the Ephesian church by challenging them to walk in spiritual victory and use the spiritual armor that God provides. Throughout this section of verses Paul describes the battle armor of the Roman soldiers that was known by his audience. Paul uses that that picture of armor to illustrate spiritual truth when dealing with the real enemy, Satan (12). In verse 15 Paul address the feet of the soldier that provide a foundation, direction and stability. Each soldier would strap a sandal to their foot that would have small nails in the soles. These prepared sandals would guard against slipping in battle. Likewise, Paul reminds the Ephesian believers that their security in life and stability in spiritual battle are found only in the gospel of peace (15). The schemes of the devil may be difficult and distracting. However, the one who believes in Jesus as savior finds the ability to remain calm even when under attack. Do we use what God has given to us when facing spiritual battles? We are in a real battle with a real enemy who seeks to destroy us. We need real protection and real power to stand in opposition to the enemy. The good news is that stability is found through trusting Jesus as savior. In Him we find peace in conflict, a firm foundation of grace, and the ability to stand without slipping when under attack.

For More See EPHESIANS

What is Salvation?

1/14/2024

Romans 8
Several years ago a dog was dumped in our neighborhood. She was a dirty, hungry mess and did not trust people. I first noticed her just lying in the road, most likely where her previous owners had dropped her. She soon became the conversation of the neighborhood as various ones tried to catch the dog, feed the dog and some even called the police to catch the dog. Nothing worked. She was lost and alone after being rejected by her previous owners. I decided to offer her a chance at a new life. One where she could belong, be fed and secure. That took time. I started by talking to her and letting her experience my presence from a distance. Gradually she tolerated me, to a point. Next, I introduced food, the tasty treats that enticed her and met her deep hunger for more. I remember tossing the treats and coaxing her closer and closer until finally she was eating out of my hand. As you can guess, the rest is history. I now have a 40 pound ball of fuzz who trusts me and enjoys being with me more and more each day. Is that not what God does for us? We are lost and alone in a world of sin and Jesus pays the price for our sin so we can be set free to live a new life with Him. He saves us from the power of sin and a life ruled by sin. He alone gives us peace and helps us trust Him each day. Finally, by believing in Jesus Christ as savior, we find peace and security in the presence of God as we move from this life to the next. Just like my dog, Jesus seeks to have a relationship with us and save us from sin, give us victory over sin and guarantee our future with Him.

For more see ROMANS or QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Questions of Peace

12/17/2023

Luke 2:14
I have four questions for you. First, Have you thought about the word peace recently? The simple word is often used as a greeting or parting wish. The words that we use show the deep desire for what we seek. Our words reflect our heart desire for what is calm and tranquil, without conflict. We desire our relationships and our world to be peaceful. We desire peace, but all too often it is only temporary.

Second, Have you thought about world peace recently? We are surrounded with all that is not peaceful. There is the tension with the family member, the ongoing problem with the neighbor, the clash with others at the worksite followed by what we see on the news with conflicts between nations. We long for peace within and without, but our surroundings and circumstances seem to keep peace at an unreachable distance.

Third, Have you thought about your peace recently? We all strive for peace. Some may seek peace through escaping society and heading out to the wilderness and quiet of nature. Others may seek peace through their opposition and protest of conflict that has erupted. Still, some others seek peace through their own dominance and tightfisted control, while others seek peace through possessions that will insulate and isolate them from the world. None of these will give lasting peace. To be completely fair, these may bring a form of temporary peace but nothing that is permanent.

So, Fourthly, Have you thought about God’s peace recently? Our desire for peace is not born within us and our own conscious desires for self preservation and comfort. So where does the desire for peace come from? We as created beings are a reflection of God who has made us. He is the one who has made us, and created peace. It is through Him that we can know true peace. In Luke 2:14 the angels are sent to the shepherds to announce the birth of the promised savior who will bring peace (Isaiah 9:6). This is a peace between God and mankind as God gives His peace through His son Jesus. This is based on God’s gracious display of His favor toward all who believe in His son, born as a baby to be the savior of the world. Do you believe that? Are you experiencing His peace in the midst of chaos in our world?

For more see LUKE or SONGS OF CHRISTMAS

Reflections on Worship

2/13/2023

Psalm 95:1-7
The sun was just setting in the western sky as I stepped our for a short evening walk. However, my eyes were distracted by the sight of flashing beacons on a plane as it flew overhead. My prayer was, “Lord, you know that we live in a busy world where we use what you have given us and flaunt our power only to neglect your power and grace that you display in the simplicity of the setting sun. Thanks for allowing me to see that illustrated before me.” In almost the next instant, my ears heard the scream of an ambulance and my eyes caught a glimpse of its flashing lights as they sought to solve someone’s emergency. Then in perfect contrast, from the other side, my ears heard the joyful honk of geese as they peacefully winged their way to their evening rest. Again my thoughts turned to praise, “Thank you God that you have placed us here to be your witnesses to people in pain, and yet we are still blessed to hear creation sing out your praise.” This simple stroll outside illustrates that worship of our great God can occur anytime and any place. Psalm 95 gives two invitations, first the invitation to praise God (1), and second the invitation to worship Him (7). As we recognize the greatness of God we should be drawn to honor and worship Him. Along with the psalmist, I invite you to come and sing out your praise to God through a heart full of worship. His greatness is on display for all our world to see. May you hear creation sing out our Creators praise, and hear the call to come and worship Him for His greatness and grace that He constantly puts on display for us.

For more see PSALMS

Conformity to God's Standard

11/27/2022

Romans 8:28
William Payne Stewart was an American professional golfer who lived from 1957-1999. He was at the peak of his career, having won eleven PGA events and three major championships, when he tragically died. At the age of 42 he was killed in an airplane accident because the plane cabin did not pressurize resulting in a lack of oxygen at high altitudes. The plane traveled for hours on auto pilot until it finally ran out of fuel and crash landed. People around the world grieved the loss of this flamboyant golfer who was in his prime. Yet, in the pain, God was at work. You see, Stewart and several others on board that doomed flight were believers in Jesus Christ. Through the sorrow of their passing God brought about His good. Others came to faith in Christ through their death. Often we define good as being what is pleasant to us. However, in Romans 8:28 good is defined in the context of the following verse as being conformed to Jesus Christ. Our conformity is based on confidence in the ultimate goodness of God’s work and His shaping of our character in the process. God works in the lives of those who believe Him to bring about His purposes displayed through their lives. Some of those life events may be peaceful from a human perspective while others may be painful. Ultimately, however long or short, our lives are to be lived to honor God. Though the span of years that God allows us we are to consistently display God’s power at work transforming us into the likeness of His Son. Like pottery in the hands of the potter we are molded and shaped under the watchful eye of our loving Father for the purpose of displaying His greatness. Who is shaping your life? Remember, God’s plans are to bring about His good in your life and display you as His masterpiece.

For more see ROMANS or MISAPPLIED SCRIPTURE VERSES

I Can Do All Things

11/6/2022

Philippians 4:10-13
This week a friend of mine sent me some pictures of my favorite car, a Ford Mustang. I don’t know why, but I have always liked that car. I can clearly remember the first time I saw one when I was about 6 years old. The car in the pictures was a much newer model, yet it still had some of the classic body lines and contours that reminded me of the much earlier version. We discussed, in jest, how I could convince my wife and possibly trade my current vehicle for this one. However, in the end I decided to be content with the car that I have because it is a gift from God, but that is for another story. You see things may make us content for a little bit, but if my contentment is wrapped up in things have I not lost my commitment to God? We can have all the material possessions of this world and lack peace in our circumstances. If we lack a contentment in what God has provided, and a commitment to Christ, we are spiritually lost. Christ provides all that we need for today and eternity. His powerful work of grace on the cross provides new life, new power and new perspective for all of life’s circumstances. If we do not have Christ we have nothing. We do not have His power for living and His joy that sustains. We need a commitment to Christ and a contentment with His provision to have peace in our circumstances. That is the message of Philippians 4:13 which states, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” We need joy in the Lord not our circumstance. We need joy for how God is working in others through our circumstance. We need contentment with what God has provided in the circumstance, and a commitment to God in all of our circumstances.

For more see PHILIPPIANS or MISAPPLIED SCRIPTURE VERSES

Why Are You Angry?

4/17/2022

Jonah 4:9-11
A while ago I found a five dollar bill after the snow started to melt. It was soaking wet and dirty. I had never found any thing larger than a quarter until that day. My regular finds were made up of simple pocket change. Did I really want it? How much is a dirty and soaking wet five dollar bill worth? It is still worth five dollars. I realized the value of my find, cleaned off some of the mud and brought it home. After it had dried I was able to take it to the store, spend it, and no one knew that it was unpresentable just a few days ago. Are we thankful that God does not treat us as our dirty sinful lives deserve? The book of Jonah displays a contrast between God’s response to the sinful city of Nineveh and Jonah’s response. God’s perspective of Nineveh’s sin caused the people to respond and turn from their sin (3:9). God in turn relented from bringing judgment on them (3:10). However, Jonah was angry at God’s gracious response (4:1-2). Jonah angrily wanted calamity on the sinful, but God displayed compassion (4:11). God’s grace made the difference for the sinful people of Nineveh. Out of his holiness, God would have been justified to display his anger in judgment on their sin. Jonah had no such foundation to provide righteous judgment. He acted in anger because he did not get to see sinners punished. God responded in grace and gave sinners life. God saw through the dirt of sin in their life and had compassion on Nineveh just as he does with us. That is why we celebrate Easter because God’s grace has overcome our sin. Because of God’s grace displayed through Jesus we can now have life, hope and peace and not God’s judgment. That is good news of great joy!

For more see QUESTIONS FROM GOD

The Life of the Believer

10/31/2021

Galatians 5:22-23
Lately I have been trying to paint two unfinished exterior walls of my house. If painting was all that I had to do, the job would be done in a day or two. However, there are other things that require my time and attention. Because other situations arise and normal responsibilities take longer than expected the painting project takes more time to complete. Currently, I am nearing the end of the painting project. All that I need to do is one more coat of white paint on the trim and then some touch ups where I slopped trim paint on the blue wall. It is interesting, when you stand on the street and look at the house you can’t see the small unfinished areas or the spots that need touching up. But the closer you get the more the flaws and the unfinished painting stand out. In Galatians 5:22-23 we see that God works in the life of the believer to produce certain specific character qualities described as fruit. These fruits are the results of spiritual growth and maturity that become more and more common in our lives. Just as my house could not paint itself so we can’t produce these spiritual results in our lives without the work of God’s Spirit. God’s work, like my painting job, will take time. For example, we are not instantly loving or continually filled with joy, but God is continually at work shaping our character to become more complete. So, as you consider these Christ like character qualities stop and ask, Which one do I need right now? Ask God to develop this area of your life. God will pick up His paint brush called grace and continue His process of making you a better reflection of Himself to our world.

For more see MATTHEW 28:19-20 or WHAT IS A DISCIPLE?

Dependence of Faith

10/10/2021

Exodus 13:17-22
Have you ever wondered where you are going? This is a question that involves more than just a road. This question involves a life direction and the purpose of that direction. A number of years ago I sat in Edward’s kitchen drinking coffee and talking with him late into the night. The conversation turned to how God leads us to certain locations at different times of our life for His purposes. I still recall his words, “God places you in muddy waters so you can clean them up.” Those simple yet profound words reminded me of God’s leading presence and my need to depend on Him alone. In my human perspective I may only see certain things, but God is at work not only in the situation but also in me to develop a faith that depends on Him. In Exodus 13:17-22 God leads the nation of Israel out of Egypt. The people needed a faith in God that depended on Him alone. God’s path out of Egypt required faith because it was not the direct route (17-18). God knew the people would turn back to Egypt if they faced conflict, so He led them in a different direction. In life we may want the direct route, but God sees the obstacles and wants to build our faith to depend on Him. We may want the efficient route but God measures efficiency in faith that depends on Him. God’s purpose in all the places that He takes us is to develop our faith to depend on Him at all times. God’s path is one of peace, as we depend fully on Him, even though the water may seem muddy at times. God’s purpose is to work in the situation and in us, to bring us hope and build our dependence on Him.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

Problem People and Grace

4/18/2021

Philemon 1-3
A favorite comic strip of many comes from the creative mind of Bill Watterson and his realistic yet devious characters of Calvin and Hobbes. Calvin is just a young boy with a wild imagination and his stuffed tiger named Hobbes. These two have a way of getting into all kinds of trouble. In Bill Watterson’s book, The Revenge of the Baby-Sat, he tells the story of Calvin and Hobbes backing the car out of the driveway and getting it stuck in the ditch across the street (p 75-80). In complete fear of their punishment they rush home, gather food and supplies then run away. In reality they end up in a tree behind the house and that is where Calvin’s Mom finds them. She reassures Calvin that the car will be fine and that he can come home. Still not completely convinced Calvin simply states that he wants to hear his Mom say that she loves him. The short book of Philemon contains a reminder to Philemon of how God has saved him and changed him so he could show grace and display redemption to Onesimus, a slave who ran away with his money. Paul is asking Philemon to accept Onesimus back and fully restore him because he is now a believer in Christ and therefore a spiritual brother. In the first two verses of this letter Paul addresses not only Philemon but also his wife, church leadership and the church as a whole. Paul wants to make sure that everyone understands that grace is needed and work to bring peace between these two men. Have you ever felt like your actions were unforgivable like Calvin or Onesimus? This letter makes it clear that God will continually remind us of His love and grace. The best part is that we get to pass it on to others as well, just like Philemon.

For more see PHILEMON

United Through Christ

3/28/2021

Ephesians 2:11-22
Have you ever walked into a room and realized that you did not know anyone? That happened to me the other day. I walked into a room and realized that everyone was looking at me and I knew no one. Did I feel uncomfortable? Yes, I sure did on a personal and cultural level. Did I turn around and leave? No, because I realized that those present were present at a church gathering where they wanted relationships with those present and a deeper relationship with God that would continue to transform their life. As we look at Ephesians 2:11-22 we note Paul highlighting the past relationships that the church had apart from Christ (11-12). They were distant from God, unconnected from others and hopeless. However, Paul states that this past reality is not true in the present because of Jesus (13-22). They have been brought near (13) to live a transformed life through peace with others (14-16), have a relationship with God the Father (17-18), and are unified for spiritual growth with others for God’s purpose (19-22). Like the Ephesian church, we may find others uncomfortable to be around, but God has them in our lives for a purpose. His desire is to interconnect us through Christ and unite us to grow us together. His relationship with us transforms our relationship with others.

For more see EPHESIANS

Greetings of Grace and Peace

1/10/2021

Ephesians 1:1-2
How do you greet other people? This is a serious question that deserves consideration. Some may use ‘Hi,” or the more casual “Hey,” or perhaps combined with the question “What’s going on?” We may not think of words as having power, but they do. The words we chose to greet others with will set the tone for the conversation. In Ephesians 1:1-2 Paul opens the letter to the Ephesians by greeting them with grace and peace. By themselves these words contain powerful truths. When used in combination they remind us that we have been given the undeserved gift of salvation so we can have peace with God. Grace is the foundation of salvation that brings peace between God and sinners. Grace also guides believers to live at peace with others. We do not have to look hard to see people and countries in turmoil as they seek solutions to their life problems without God. Our world desperately needs peace with God and others. They will only see grace and hear peace through us as we carry God’s life giving message of salvation to them. Greetings… grace to you and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:2).

For more see Ephesians

Prince of Peace

12/27/2020

Isaiah 9:1-7
A number of years ago I had to complete some outdoor survival and team training. One of those events involved intentionally tipping the canoe you were in, flooding it and then reversing the process by getting the water out and then climbing back into the boat. All this had to be done in the middle of the lake. It sounds impossible but it can be done. The three of us in the boat, along with all the others, were unceremoniously dumped. The funny thing is that some people just screamed, some shouted orders and others complained because their peaceful ride was upset. This year has been filled with screaming, shouting and complaining. We have wanted peace our way but none has been found. In Isaiah 9:6 the final name describing the coming savior is Prince of Peace. This name describes one who rules because He has overcome every obstacle to a peaceful rule. Jesus, the promised child in Isaiah 9:1-7, came to offer the final solution to all our problems. Our struggle is that we, all too often; scream, shout and complain because our plan has been upset. Remember, Jesus came as the Prince of Peace. That means that He not only has the solution, He is the solution. May we be people who submit to His leadership and rule in our lives this year.

For more see ISAIAH

Fear or Faith

11/12/2020

What is your response to the greatest problem that you face? As people we all have different emotional responses to the various situations that come our way in life. Some of us may respond in anger, some in tears and sometimes we may even runaway or withdraw completely. How can we find the stable calm peace throughout all of life’s situations? Let’s start by examining a core root of our emotions.

We are created by God as people with emotions. Some of us my try to suppress them while others may always seem to be filled with emotional extremes. As we look into the Bible we see Jesus, in Matthew 22:37, state that we are to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” The word heart refers to thoughts or feelings. So, loving God with all our heart soul and mind means that we are to love God with our total being.

However, the aspect of our heart thoughts or feelings is the most easily distracted and turned away from loving God. Something difficult happens in life and our response is, “God must not love me.” That is an emotional response. All too often the underlying foundation to our emotional response is fear. We fear the future because of some major change in our life so we become angry, we cry or we try to escape. We all respond those ways, but how often do we examine the source of the emotional response? Fear has a way of moving us into action or causing us to freeze in place. If God has designed our emotions, then how can we love Him with our emotions? How does Jesus address this emotional response of the disciples?

Jesus response to His followers is simply, do not fear. He repeats that phrase often to His disciples. His desire is for them to love Him by trusting Him alone above their fear.

Immobilizing Fear
Matthew 8:26 records that Jesus was sleeping in the boat and was awakened by the disciples because they feared for their lives. Jesus rebukes them for being timid or faithless. This type of fear immobilized the disciples from acting out of faith.

Terrifying Fear
Next we see fear as being frightened or extremely alarmed. In Matthew 10:26-31 Jesus is giving instructions and encouragement to the 12 disciples before they go out on a short ministry assignment. Jesus tells the disciples not to be afraid and comments on their value. In Matthew 14:27-30 Jesus and Peter walk on the water. Peter cries out in fear asking to be saved immediately after Jesus had told everyone not to be afraid (27). Then when Jesus was transfigured the disciples fell face down on the ground terrified, but Jesus told them to get up and not be terrified (Matthew 17:6-7). Finally, after His death the women went to the tomb where Jesus was buried (Matthew 28:1-10). They experienced an earthquake, saw an angel and fearful guards. Things were not normal, but the angel and then Jesus told the women not to be afraid.

Calming Fear
Jesus consistent response to the fears of the disciples was, “Do not be afraid.” He calmed their fears by reminding them that they did not need to be afraid. In each instance Jesus reminded the disciples of their value, His presence, His power, and His desire to be with them. That is comforting and empowering when facing new or unknown circumstances.

Are you facing terrifying or immobilizing fears in your life? God reminds us, just as He did the disciples, that we do not need to be afraid. Why? Because He desires to be with us and display His power to us as He strengthens our faith to face our fears. God’s desire is that our faith in Him be greater than that which makes us emotionally respond in fear. May God give us the faith to see His greatness and not the problems in life that cause us to fear.

Overcoming Grief

11/12/2020

Grief is difficult, but unexpected grief is often more difficult. How do we respond when we are filled with grief over unexpected events, loss of loved ones or tragedies in life?

In times like these we may often look to the past and ask, “Why?” That is partly a fair question because we are seeking to find answers from God to questions about the hurt and loss that we feel. That is good because God is big enough to handle our questions, but He may or may not fully answer them. The other part of a question involving “Why” is unfair because often we place ourselves into the situation.When we look back on the situation we unfairly believe that we could have done more. Please be careful in taking this position. When we take this position we add guilt upon ourselves and burden ourselves with believing that we can control all of life. God is in control of all things, and it is important to let Him be God. That does not mean that God is the author of evil. When we are faced with the pain of bad situations this just means that God has allowed the condition of our fallen world and sin to draw us closer to Him as the only one who can fix this mess.

In times of pain and grief perhaps a better question to ask is “How?” With this question we can look at where we are and perhaps how we arrived at this position, but also how we move forward. This is a place where we can admit freely to God our inadequacies and our need for Him to manage the situations in life and give us His perspective. God is the one who has solutions not just answers. My hope and prayer is that this point in your life is one where you draw closer to Him and find in Him the peace for your situation and salvation for your soul. God has given ultimate peace and purpose for your life through knowing and believing that Jesus has accomplished salvation for you. My prayer is that you will find in Him alone the solutions for any burdens and grief hat you may be carrying right now.

So how are you really doing? I hope that you are finding healing, rest and you are able to start moving on from the grief but not the positive memories that you carry. I also pray that your sorrow will not result in you pushing God away but instead draw you closer to Him and His grace. I pray that you will come to know God as the healer of your broken heart and restorer of your soul.

Dispute Resolution

9/21/2020

What do you do if a misunderstanding escalates into a full blown dispute? Something was said or done quite innocently or even unknowingly and it seems like gasoline was just thrown on a fire. There was a huge explosion and now nothing is the same with pieces of a relationship blown up and scattered all over the place. Where do you begin as you try and patch these broken relationship pieces back together? There are a number of helpful tips that we find in the pages of Scripture. The following are offered as tools to use in the midst of a dispute.

First, try using a mediator. Some cultures find this to be very valuable in avoiding the shame of face to face conflict. A mediator is a wise person that is called in an attempt to reconcile two parties who are in the midst of a conflict. Jesus Christ is the mediator between God and sinful humankind (1 Timothy 2:5). We need to model our lives after Christ and be that peace making party. If we are personally involved in an unresolved conflict it is always a good idea to call in a wise elder for counsel and help. They can speak with the wisdom of age and the wisdom of an outside perspective. Ultimately we need to use Christ as our mediator and pray about the situation, our involvement, the other party and ask God to help bring a resolution that would honor Him.

Next, we need to watch out for words of gossip and attitudes that seek to destroy the other person. Gossip is simply uncontrolled conversation that is not true. By using gossip we ultimately seek to tear the other person down and make ourselves look better. Gossip pridefully betrays a confidence (Proverbs 11:3 & 20:19). When we gossip it makes the problem worse (Proverbs 26:20) by spreading it to the larger community and involving others. Gossip in many ways is like a mold that grows on a piece of food. It will continue to destroy what is good unless it is cut off and removed. We need to correct our attitudes of pride that lead to gossip because others and God will see it for the sinful contamination that it truly is.

The third tool is to pray. We often think that prayer is just our conversation with God about us, but God desires that it be so much more. Have you prayed for your enemy, the one you are in conflict with? Romans 12:12 challenges us to be persistent in prayer even for our enemies. Jesus said that we are to love our enemies and pray for them (Matthew 5:44-45). In some ways, this is the easiest solution and yet it is the most difficult. Why? Well, there is part of us that thinks we are better than the enemy and we portray that to God when we pray. We want God to destroy the enemy rather than see them restored. We need God’s perspective and that can be gained through prayer.

Fourth, we need to act righteously toward our enemy. In Romans 12, Paul challenges his audience and even us today with three practical steps. The first thing he says highlights our sense of justice for being wronged. Paul says that we should not try and correct the injustice by turning around and acting unjustly (Romans 12:17). Our attitude and consistent desire should be one that constantly seeks to live in peace with others (Romans 12:18). Finally, Paul emphasizes the value of acting in a way that is contrary to conflict (Romans 12:20). When we can show grace and give to an enemy what is not deserved that is when we have truly understood God’s grace that He has shown to us.

May God give us the courage and the grace to be problem solvers not problem creators.

For more see CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Peace Filled and Content

8/30/2020

Philippians 4:10-23
The other day we had some friends over for a cook out. We cooked some hamburgers on the fire and had an enjoyable evening visiting with them. As I was cleaning up after they left I realized how noisy it was. You see when I think of a relaxing time I think of getting away from the noise of sirens and the squeal of tires and cars racing on the highway. It would be ideal to escape all of that but that did not happen and we still had a peaceful evening. I was able to find the peace by being content with what God had provided in the midst of the noise. Paul states in Philippians 4:12 that he has learned to be content. True contentment is a spiritual matter because it shows satisfaction with what God has provided. When we are satisfied with God we will find peace with God as opposed to not being satisfied and complaining to God that we need something more. God provides what is sufficient even when the circumstances may not be ideal, like noise from the highway.

Anxious Thoughts

8/30/2020

Philippians 4:1-9
Over the course of your lifetime you have seen people react to their life situations out of stress. They may scream and yell or they may just hold it in. They were worried, concerned or on edge about something or see event. This is very simply our human way of trying to solve dilemmas in our lives as our mind works overtime to try and figure out a solution.There are two problems with this. The first is that we often let our problems negatively impact others because they are in the way of our solution to our problem. The second problem is that in reacting this way we do not give our anxious thoughts to God, but instead keep them to ourselves. God calls us to live differently by faith. Philippians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing.” Paul leaves no room for any anxious thought. The opposite of anxiousness is peace which can only be found as we take out concerns to God and leave them with Him. We are called to act on our faith and give the anxious concerns to God. This instruction is directed at two women who were having an ongoing dispute and to the church in general. Just as in Paul’s day, we must trust God to work for His glory and our good in each and every situation in our life. What are your anxious thoughts? Give them to God in prayer and leave them there.

Folly and Wet Boots

4/1/2020

Proverbs 1:20-33
I remember when I was in grade school my brothers and I would have a competition… who could get across the frozen mud puddles without falling in. We would laugh at each other and the threat of getting wet feet. Some of us always went home with wet feet and had to face the wrath of Mom because she always told us to wear boots so our shoes would stay dry. The noise of laughter and a brothers dare caused us to not hear wisdom.

On the occasion that we would wear boots we would head to the same puddles in the spring time. However, this time the rules were different. The goal was to see how far you would dare walk into the water with out the water coming over the top of your boots. Inevitably, the ongoing challenges existed. If one of us seemed to be having success the others would throw large rocks into the puddle to create a splash and cause the water to flow into the others boots. The noise of laughter and a brothers challenge caused us not to hear wisdom.

Listening, it is one of the most difficult lessons that we must learn. We first learn this lesson from our parents, then from teachers in school, and then we turn around and expect our children to listen to us. Listening for life learning is important, but it is more important to be able to listen to God and the wisdom that He provides for life. Our world has always been a place full of distractions, yet God’s wisdom is always available. We just need to seek Him and listen to Him above the noise of our world. In the book of Proverbs the writer describes wisdom using human characteristics to help the reader relate too and understand the actions of wisdom. In God’s wisdom we find peace to guide our path in life. As we know God we know peace (33). Ultimately as we listen to and walk in God’s wisdom (20-21) we find that what He offers is useful in all areas of life (22-28). Wisdom has offered what is truly good but the fool has rejected what is good (29-31). Knowing God is the beginning of wisdom. Let us thank God for the wisdom that He gives and walk in it.

As we walk through this time in our life and our world it might be good to pause and ask ....
How is God calling to us to turn and listen to His voice? God's wisdom is available, just listen. Perhaps God has allowed this time to adjust your schedule to be quiet enough to listen to Him.

How are we responding to God's voice of wisdom? God's wisdom is useful, accept it. God reveals Himself and His truth in His book the Bible. Be wise and ponder what God reveals in the Bible for its usefulness each day.

How are we handling life? God's wisdom brings peace with Him as we walk with Him. When we know God we will know peace. Do you know Him and His peace?

Honk if You Want Peace

3/27/2020

Philippians 4:1-7
Spring is a great time to be out doors and see the grass begin to green, trees begin to bud and geese begin to raise a ruckus. Well, they do not make much noise as long as their nesting area is avoided. But watch out, if anything gets too close to the nest the nice peaceful looking bird instantly turns into a screaming villain. Head down with wings spread the protective goose will charge the intruder while making a loudest racket possible. All they want is peace. In Philippians 4:1-7 we are reminded how to practice a life of peace in the midst of problems. In order to persevere through a problem we must learn how to stand in the problem. That begins by finding our joy in the Lord. Conflicts have a habit of distracting us from the joy that God gives. The challenge is to simply be thrilled with God so much that the focus is taken off the problem and placed on God. Once the attitude is right we can then take all of the problems to God in prayer. The admonition is not to be anxious but pray knowing that God is greater than the problems. With the attitude and action properly aligned God’s peace will rule the heart and mind. You see we have a choice to anxiously charge and honk or rest in the peace that God gives through Jesus Christ.