Perfect Peace

The holidays are upon us and most people would scoff at the idea of finding peace, let alone finding perfect peace. Studies show that depression and suicide increase during this supposed joyous season. The bar has been set so high and demands are so extreme that the holidays have become just one more excuse for stress and anxiety to rule our lives. Celebrating the birth of Jesus is frequently overshadowed by shopping, finances and other holiday-related issues.

Ironically, the whole reason for the season is actually a peace offering. “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6.

Jesus warns us that we will face difficulties, but encourages us to remain peaceful in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

So how do we maintain peace in our lives when the world around us seems to be crumbling?

1. Pray – Although God already knows of your needs before you ask, share your concerns with Him and rest assured that He’s got your back. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.

2. Give God thanks and praise – No matter how dismal our situation seems, thanking God for all the blessings in our lives and focusing on the positives will diminish our problems and allow Him to continue blessing us. Keep in mind that grumbling and complaining put a kink in the plumb line of blessings. “I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.” Psalm 7:17

3. Keep the faith – Faith is having confidence or trust in something that we cannot prove, so when we cannot see a reasonable result, we must have faith that God is working on our behalf. ”You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3.

While we were not put on this earth to live perfect lives or to skirt every oncoming obstacle, we can maintain perfect peace because we know that God will use every situation we endure to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” Psalm 119:165

Merry Christmas and “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14.

Do Not Be Deceived

When we look at the condition of our world today, it’s apparent that we’ve all been deceived in some way or another. From overt deceptions inciting, the more the merrier, to subtle delusions that we’ll be just fine because everyone else is doing it, most of us are misled into following worldly ways. No doubt, there’s trouble hiding behind those fallacies as Romans 12:2 indicates, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Jesus also warns us in Matthew 24:4-5 “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.

To grasp a deeper understanding of the word deceit, I looked up its definition and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as dishonest; behavior meant to fool or trick someone, concealment of the truth. Its antonyms are truth, honesty, and sincerity. Since Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and the opposite of truth is deception, we can conclude that deception comes from the enemy. And we’re all aware that the enemy comes only to steal, to kill, and to destroy so falling into worldly ways will surely lead us to destruction.

Satan began deceiving the world in the Garden of Eden when he tricked Eve into eating the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and he hasn’t stopped since. While we are clearly no longer in the Garden of Eden, we are still under his attacks (and more so today because he knows his time is very limited). He also knows that most of us aren’t willing to deliberately bow down and worship the devil, so he’s become very creative in concealing his identity to trick us into sin and evil. After all, he is the Master Deceiver and the Father of all Lies. Satan wants you to believe that:

1. God is holding out on you and He’s trying to keep good things from you, but God says, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

2. Money is the key to happiness, but God says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10

3. You can trust and act upon your own thoughts and feelings, but God says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

4. Hell and the devil don’t really exist, but God says, “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8 and "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

Although the devil is consciously fighting a lost battle, he will continue his deceptive schemes until the end of our earthly time. When in doubt, refer to the only source of absolute truth, the Holy Bible and fear not because we have an Advocate who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins. No matter how much adversity we encounter, we can rest assured that victory is ours because Jesus tells us in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Discipline (not desire) Determine Destiny

There are so many things that I desire to do.  Some aspirations are recent and some dreams I’ve had ever since I can remember.  Whatever the goal, I’ve come to realize that it takes more than desire to accomplish anything.  It takes discipline.

Proverbs 5:22-23 tell us, “The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast.  For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly.”  Those seem to be extreme consequences because I’ve never considered lack of discipline resulting in death or deception.  But no matter how we choose to perceive this proverb, it clearly warns us that the absence of discipline leads to no good.

Jesus is Coming Back!

Bible-believing Christians know that Jesus is coming back for us because Matthew 25:31-32 tells us, “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne.  All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”

In addition to these verses, there are many more references in the Bible that foretell the return of Jesus for His people. The $64,000 question seems to be when?  Throughout history, futurists have incorrectly predicted the date of His return, sending packs of people into chaos and fear even though the Bible clearly tells us that no one knows when. “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father,” Mark 13:32.

Most recently, a global advertising campaign, spending enormous amounts of money is predicting that May 21, 2011 is the big day and it even goes as far to claim that through hidden mysteries, the Bible guarantees this is The Day!  I’ve read the reasoning (and the Bible) and I’m still unable to completely comprehend exactly how they’ve drawn to their absolute conclusions, but the real question is, “Does it really matter?”  In the dozens of articles I’ve read and researched regarding this apocalyptic prediction, the only concern seems to be with determining the date.  Nowhere have I read about the importance of His return and how we should be preparing for that glorious day whether it happens to be tomorrow or long after I’ve left this earth.



We should not be so consumed with when, but more with what.  What am I doing to serve Him faithfully and to fulfill His perfect plan for my life?  What am I doing to live a godly life, not just for my own salvation, but for unbelievers’ whose only glimmer of God may be the light He shines through me?  What am I doing to spread the good news of His promise that all turmoil in this world will be wiped away and there will be no more sorrow or pain?  What am I doing to live the abundant life that He died to give me, filled with peace, joy and love?



What I do in preparation for that wonderful day of the Second Coming is much more important than the actual day itself.  That day does me no good if I’m not prepared. In 2 Corinthians 6:2, He tells us, “In the time of My favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”



Do not allow another day to pass without intentional purpose and preparation for your eternal life because although we are guaranteed of His return, we are not guaranteed salvation.  As a matter of fact, we know that not everyone will be saved because He warns us in Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?”  Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you, away from me you evildoers!”



So in conclusion to all this end-times hoopla, I’ve decided that I won’t jump on any fanatic bandwagons and sell all my belongings or celebrate like there’s no tomorrow (I’ll have plenty of time for that in heaven), but I will be obedient to His Word expecting to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.  Come and share your Master’s happiness.”

From Mess to Message-What is Your Story?

Let's face it.  We all have a story, a messy one.  I have yet to meet a single person who doesn’t have regrets or disappointments.  We’ve all had instances and experiences that we wish we could erase from our past; some of those instances producing uncomfortable or even lifelong consequences.  Furthermore, the old adage, “Hindsight is 20/20,” just confirms the probability of former flawed decisions.  Fortunately, none of us have to remain in the past nor do we have to live with the guilt or shame that may have stemmed.  Romans 8:1-2 tells us, “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” 

The Power of a Name

Many of us are familiar with the power of a name.  Whether it’s your own name or someone you know, we have all experienced the weight that names and titles can carry.  For example, the title President, generally describes someone with the authority to make important decisions. The title, Medical Doctor, typically refers to someone deemed capable of diagnosing and treating illnesses.  The title, Mom, most often signifies someone who will love, accept and understand you more than any other human being.  Needless to say, there are powers and privileges in a mere name. However, all of these names still have limitations.  There is only one name with infinite ability and that name is Jesus! 

Philippians 2:9-11 tell us, “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue shall acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Don't Miss the Boat (of Salvation)

There was once a man who was stranded at home during a flood.  As the waters rose, he assured himself that Jesus would save him.  Just then, a boat came by and asked if he needed help and the man answered, “No, I’m waiting for someone else to come get me.”  The waters continued to rise when another boat came by and asked if he needed help and again he answered, “No thank you, I’m waiting for someone else to come get me.”  A little while later, a third boat came by and pleaded with him to get in, seeing that the man was already standing on his rooftop with the waters rising quickly and again the man answered, “No, I’m waiting for someone else to come get me.”  Shortly after that, the waters rose above his rooftop and drowned him. 

Feeling that he had been left to die, the man angrily stomped passed the pearly gates, straight to Jesus and said, “Where were you, I waited for you to come get me and you never showed up.”

Jesus answered, “I sent three boats for you and you never got in.”

Receive God's Gifts!

Driving home from the mall the other day, my seven year old son blurts out, “Mom, you are the best mom in the whole wide world and I love you so much.”  My heart leaped with joy, but considering that he had been disciplined a few times that day, I curiously asked, “Why do you think that?”

I sheepishly confess that I anticipated a juvenile, unsophisticated answer, but his faithful response spoke volumes to me.  He said, “Because even though I was a little bit bad today, you still bought me something special.  It lets me know that you still love me and you’re not angry with me.”

As I chuckled to myself at his conservative opinion about being just "a little bit" bad, I was moved by his humble gratitude and complete understanding of where he still stood with me.  Even though his behavior was less than praiseworthy, he knew that my grace and mercy continued to embrace him.  Regardless of his faults, my love for him remains the same, similar to what is written in Psalm 100:5, “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”   

I don’t make a habit of presenting my children with gifts when they are disobedient, but there are times when I want to bless them with goodness no matter what mistakes they’ve made.  In doing so, it reminds me that God feels the same way about us as He tells us in Matthew 7:11 “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!”

Many of us do not come to God’s throne expectant or willing to accept His gifts because we don’t think we deserve them.  We either fear that He’s angry with us or we hold out on Him until we can “get our act together” or “put our lives in order.”  The truth is that no matter where we are (or aren’t) in our spiritual journey, none of us are worthy of God’s goodness, but He is still faithful to bless us because He loves us so much.  All we have to do is ask!  How simple is that?  God does not treat us as our sins deserve, rather He tells us that as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for us. 

I rest assured in this promise because despite all my iniquities, I look around and see constant blessings in my life.  No matter what I do, He is still the same loving, forgiving, gracious God.  He wants us to trust in Him the same way we long for our own children to trust in us. He desires that we stand before Him boldly and expectantly knowing that whatever we ask in His name, according to His will, He is ready to give.  Matthew 7:7-8 declares, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Your problems and circumstances are no surprise to God because He knows the end from the beginning.  He is completely able to identify with our sufferings because He, too, walked the earth, fully man.  He faced all of the same testings and trials that we do plus much more! “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16

God did not come to condemn us for our evil ways.  Instead, He came to call us to repentance and bless us abundantly.  Our Heavenly Father is rich in mercy and grace and all that is good. So call upon Him today knowing that He is faithful to respond no matter how undeserving we are!

Vanessa

God Is Doing a New Thing!

Last year was a very grueling year for me.  In my career, I was forced to make decisions I never imagined I would have to make.  And once I made those decisions, I endured consequences I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.  After nearly eight glorious years of happily running my own business publishing magazines and believing I had settled into my lifelong purpose, I was suddenly called in a different direction.  For more than a year, I deliberately ignored the new vision I felt God was impressing upon me.  “Certainly, He must not realize that I don’t need a new dream because I love my job and I'm very pleased with my life,” I thought. 

I prayed for more spiritual growth in my business hoping to steer God back to my plan and when that didn’t work, I began to bargain with Him making deals and promises – all to no avail.  The longer I ignored Him, the worse things got.  Sales that had once sky-rocketed were barely trickling in and clients who’d been faithful for years had all but vanished, pinching pennies in hopes of keeping their own businesses afloat. 
  

As I continued with my own plans down my own path, minor snags became colossal problems. The more I tried, the more obstacles I created.  There was no longer anything I could do in my own strength to get the business back on track and the passion and fire that had been the driving force for so many years were hardly a flicker. 

I woke up one day and realized this was not the vision I had for myself and more significantly, it couldn’t be the vision God had for me either.  Nowhere in His Word does He encourage us to stress, toil or be anxious.  As a matter of fact, He says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

So I feebly relinquished my selfish determination and presented this simple request, “I am here to do Your will.  Please guide me and give me the strength to follow You into all You have created me to be.”  And although I’d like to say that my situation transformed instantly, it didn’t.  However, God was immediate to hear my prayer and to let me know He was working on my behalf with plans to prosper me and to give me hope and a future.

I have since moved to a different city, finalized the closing of the business and started a new career, but still I see God doing a new and exciting thing!  So many opportunities have come my way, stirring long lost dreams and desires.  Each day I awake is a new adventure and He is so faithful to do as He promises in Isaiah 43:19 “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Today, I encourage you to surrender your life to God and know He is faithful to do good things.  Even when our eyes cannot see and our minds cannot fathom a reasonable result, God will make a way.  He reminds us in Isaiah 55:8-9  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

Trusting Him is so exciting and rewarding even when my limited vision cannot see the way!

Vanessa

The Light of the World

In a recent conversation with a former colleague, I innocuously professed the goodness of God and His many blessings in my life.  As I excitedly gushed and raved about my wonderful Jesus, a dark, defensive mood oozed from her spirit and filled the room.  Puzzled, I quieted down and apprehensively awaited her response.  Had I said something wrong?  Was there a valid reason why she seemed so offended?

What came next couldn’t have been more appalling and disappointing.  An array of heartbreaking emotions swirled as she blatantly denied the existence of God and denounced the belief of Christianity.  In a lifeless tone, she said, “I don’t believe there is a God.  I believe there may be a higher energy that the world creates, but I’ve never had any reason to think that a real god exists.  I’m agnostic and we believe there is no proof that substantiates the existence of God." 

As if the fact that she was standing before me, breathing, healthy and employed wasn’t enough proof of His unmerited favor over her life, I composed myself and feverishly began to defend my Friend and ultimately blurted out, “The Pharisees needed proof and look what happened to them.” 

As tensions grew, I was passionately ready to duke it out and go toe to toe with her when a firm, silent voice in my spirit said, “It isn’t your job to prove that God exists, it is your job to act like He exists.” 

I was then reminded of Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”  

What a sobering and accurate message!  I am here as a vessel for the Light of Christ to shine through me.  Whether it is a contagious joyful spirit, an unfaltering faith during difficult times or a peace that surpasses all understanding, others should see something so significant and outstanding in me that they would be impressed to believe a much greater power is within me than anything I could possess in my own strength.  My calling is not to force my beliefs on others or to fight for the truth in His name, but to allow Him to prove Himself through me.   Ezekiel 20:41 says, “I will accept you as fragrant incense when I bring you out from the nations and gather you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will be proved holy through you in the sight of the nations.

How liberating it is to know I am not responsible for ensuring that others believe the truth.  I can just stand firm in hopes that they see the truth!

Vanessa