Be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. — James 5:7-8 As Christmas Day approaches, you can…
Peace: Unburdened and Able to Rest
Unburdened Come to Me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. — Matthew 11:28 NCV Isn’t it ironic that all our time-saving devices and technologies have made us more tired, not less? Statistics indicate that we are working longer hours than previous generations and that stress…
Peace in a Day of Trouble
Peace in a Day of Trouble May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high! — Psalm 20:1 NASB Unemployment, wars, terrorism, natural disasters, leaders’ poor decisions — times are hard. But as our older relatives will tell us, hard times…
Experiencing Peace Even When You Get Punched in the Gut
Beaten Up If you diligently obey the LORD your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. — Deuteronomy 28:1 NASB We all have those days when we feel like the stuffing has been beaten…
Hope Returned
“Mister, if you took Him, tell me where you put Him so I can care for Him.” Jesus said, “Mary.” Turning to face him, she said in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” meaning “Teacher!” — John 20:15–16 MSG All of us grieve in different ways. All of us are on different timetables. And all of us need to…
Peace: Construction Dust
Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. —Psalm 127:1 NASB Have you ever been involved in the construction of a home or a major remodel? Was it true for you that it came out double the estimated time and triple the financial cost? So many issues — ranging from…
Generosity: Triggering God
Give freely and spontaneously. Don’t have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers GOD, your God’s, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. —Deuteronomy 15:10 MSG Psychology has helped us understand that even a subtle gesture or the tone of someone’s voice can trigger a memory or a…
Peace and Goodwill to All
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men! — Luke 2:14 NKJV When we hear the word goodwill, most of us probably think first of Goodwill Industries International. Founded in 1902, the organization has the following as its mission statement: Goodwill works to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals…
Peace Treaty
It was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in [Jesus], and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross. —Colossians 1:19-20 We sign peace treaties and make peace accords. We call a truce and then shake hands to confirm our intent. We…