The Lord's Peace

The Lord wants us to find peace in Him. Sure you've heard the word peace plenty of times. But peace from the Lord is something different. It's something special. Philippians 4:7 says, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." God's peace transcends all understanding. This means it surpasses ALL understanding. The peace of God is something powerful. It's not a worldly peace. Our world sees peace as soothing music, a quiet beach, or maybe just rest. Now I'm not saying these things aren't peaceful. What I'm trying to say is that this is worldly peace that only lasts a while. This peace is simply what we make it. But the peace of the Lord is not of the world. God's peace is from His Word. God's peace is found in Christ alone. It's a peace that lasts. A peace that will "guard our hearts and our minds". John 14:27 says this, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful." The world's peace doesn't compare to the peace found in Christ. Colossians 3:15 says, "And let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called in one body, control your hearts. Be thankful." We are called to live in His peace and let this peace control our hearts. And be thankful. Be thankful for the gift of peace through Christ, which is so powerful yet so comforting. Always be thankful. 

His creation

Flying home from Colorado this summer, I was SO amazed at the Lord's creation. We always overlook the mountains and gorgeous sunsets or sunrises. Outside the plane window the mountains were so gorgeous and there was the perfect amount of fluffy clouds. At one point clouds just covered the entire sky. I was listening to Safe by Phil Wickham. It says "These are the hands that built the mountains, the hands that calm the seas. These are the arms that hold the heavens, they are holding you and me." What I realized was that the hands that created these mountains, formed these clouds, and painted this sky are the same hands that created ME! These hands knit me together and formed my being. These hands hold my heart and heal my wounds. These hands are wrapped around me when I'm broken and they reach out to me when I cry for help. These hands are God's hands. The God who loves me unconditionally and never leaves my side! Enjoy the pictures!

an amazing promise

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."              -John 15:7
This is an incredible promise given to us by the Lord. He promises to answer our prayers on one condition. We must remain in Him and keep His words in us. This means keeping Him before all else and setting our mind above (Colossians 3:2). It means hiding His word in our hearts so that we might not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). We are called to constantly think about Him/His Word and live our lives reflecting His love in all we do. If you live like this then "it will be done for you".

Love

1 John 4:16 says that "God is love."

If God is Love then we can say this about 1 Corinthians 13:4-7...

"[God] is patient, [God] is kind. [He] does not envy, [He] does not boast, [He] is not proud. [He] does not dishonor others, [He] is not self-seeking, [He] is not easily angered, [He] keeps no record of wrongs. [God] does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [He] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

1 Peter 4:8 says "[God] covers a multitude of sins."

1 Corinthians 13:13 says "Faith, hope and love remain. But the greatest of these is love." I think it's no coincidence that the greatest is love. If "God is love" then love ought to be the greatest. Love is a word so commonly used but there is so much power in love. Love comes from God. And we know this because God showed His love by sending His ONLY son to die for us. That's crazy love. God is love and those who claim to know God must walk in this love! Love God and love others! This is what we are called to do as His people.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. And love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." -Mark 12:30-31