Peace - How do I respond?

As I was studying Galatians 5;22, 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

Peace - God's gift of wholeness

Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:18

And that which is sown in peace will produce a harvest of joys. Let others reap the fruits of contentions, and all the advantages they can propose to themselves by them but let us go on peaceably to sow the seeds of righteousness, and we may depend upon it our labour will not be lost. For light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart and the work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary

My response to different situations, effects not only those around me, but the entire atmosphere itself. Responding with anger, frustration, and an unwillingness to listen, automatically creates tension, discord, and at times even chaos. 

Responding with peace (God's gift of wholeness) can dampen any simmering flames of hate, discord, and chaos. 

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

Peace - God's gift of wholeness - is not something to just have. I am to live it out in my daily life. I am to respond to situations with peace. 

God's Gift of Wholeness

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Peace: (from eirō, "to join, tie together into a whole") – properly, wholeness, i.e. when all essential parts are joined together; peace (God's gift of wholeness). (HelpsBible.com) Peace between individuals, i. e. harmony

Love: what God prefers

Joy: grace recognized 

Peace: God's gift of wholeness

Peace. It's easy to have harmony and quietness when everyone agrees with ME! However, when others have a different viewpoint, how does one have peace? 

Peace is not about getting my way, or having all in agreement with me. Rather, peace is the quietness and comfort from God — first and foremost, being in harmony, in agreement with Him. That wholeness with God is only when I recognize who God is, and who I am. When I come humbly to the Holy God Almighty, I then can accept His gift of forgiveness and peace. 

Peace is a gift of God's wholeness. And when I am in harmony with God, then I can experience peace even in the midst of chaos. For when I humbly accept the gift of God's grace, I then can express that grace and forgiveness to others. And as I share grace, peace abounds. 

Does that mean I have to agree with everyone else in order to have and share peace? No. However, it does mean that I have to be wise in words, actions, and attitude and allow God's grace to rule my life. 

Peace a gift from God that brings harmony and calmness to my soul. And once my soul is at peace, I then can experience that peace and harmony with those around me— all because of God's grace. 

Thanks Living: VA ER

Thanks Living. 

Thinking back over the past two days and taking note of God's perfect timing. 

1. Last week, I had scheduled two Chiropractic appointments for this week. Normally, I just go 1x a week on Thurs or Fri, and I call the day before or day of for an appointment. But God knew this week would be different. I saw my chiropractor Monday morning at 9am. 

2. On the way home from the Chiro, I stopped and filled up the Chariot's gas tank. 

3. Arrived home and Dad said that we were going to the Tampa VA ER. 

4. After gathering a few things, we left. God gave us beautiful blue sky with amazing clouds as our view, and light traffic, as we traveled.

5. Arrived at the Tampa VA ER, dropped Mom and Dad off at the door and found the BEST parking spot ever. The 1st spot in the first row!

6. Although the time in the ER waiting room was LONG (over 6 hours), God provided so many opportunities to share His love with those waiting. 

7. I was able to go to the cafeteria and buy some sandwiches for us to eat in the ER waiting room. And while there, I met a lady who looked a bit lost. I helped her find what she wanted, and then I asked if I could pray for her. She stopped and started crying. Her husband was in the ER and she was all alone. We talked and she is a Christian, but needed to be reminded of God's peace and comfort. And I thought I was just going to the cafeteria to buy sandwiches. (Later "Bobbie" came through the ER waiting area, and we were able to encourage her again. Dad gave her a few Bible Studies and she was so thankful that one had verse printed on it. She so wanted to have verses to read to bring her peace. All God-designed appointments.) 

8. The ER waiting area is small and got a bit crowded, so I went outside to wait. As I was waiting a gentleman arrived and sat down in the wheelchair that was left outside. He looked very tired. I asked if he needed help. He said, 'yes'. So I wheeled him into the ER, and up the the check-in window. That simple kindness was appreciated by not only the man and his daughter (who arrived after parking the car), but others waiting. They were noticing that 'our family' was a bit different than some others waiting. Every action, word, and attitude reflects our God. God knew that I needed to be outside to help that gentleman.

9. When it was our turn to go back to the ER, I waited outside of Dad's room while they got him situated. A gentleman in the next room called to me. Mike and I talked for a bit. Once again a God designed appointment. 

10. Around 9pm, the Drs decided that Dad should stay for the night. So, I went to the Chariot to gather his things. And I didn't have to go far, because of that awesome parking spot! 

11. After getting Dad settled into the ER room, it would be a while before an available room upstairs, Mom and I left. We decided to spend the night in Tampa, rather than drive back home. God provided a room for us very near the Hospital. We both were able to get some rest. 

12. The next morning, we returned back to the VA, this time parking in the garage. God provided a nice shady spot for the Chariot. 

13. Dad's room had 4 beds (3 occupied), so there wasn't much room. They brought a chair for Mom and I spent time going back and forth from the room to the waiting area. Once again while in the waiting area, I was able to share God's love with others. 

14. Dad meanwhile was giving away his Bible studies that he's created. One Dr even was went to make copies to share with others! How cool is that!?!?! 

15. The doctors decided to discharge Dad and we waited for all the paperwork to be completed.

16. Finally after 3.5 hours, the paper work was completed. I left to go get the Chariot. As I came around one corner, there was a lady and gentleman from the ER the night before. We talked and got an update. Another God designed appointment.

17. I drove the Chariot to the loading area, and it was full, so I drove around again, but got stuck in traffic. But it was actually a God-designed delay. For when I arrived at the Loading area, again, I saw a gentleman who had helped me several times on Dad's floor. I rolled down the window and joking said, "Bring my Dad down next." He replied, "That's exactly what I'm doing! I was wondering where you were!! Stay right where you are!" Perfect timing once again. 

(And thinking back.... "Ken" knew me because I had asked him for help in finding Dad's room, in getting Mom a chair, and finding the waiting room. And Dad had given him a Bible Study. Those little encounters were once again God-designed because it would help Ken know who my Dad was.) 

18. God made sure we were on the road before the rush hour traffic got too heavy. And once again God gave us amazing blue sky filled with white clouds for the ride home. 

19. We arrived home and had Sunday's leftovers in the frig for a quick heat-up dinner. 

I'm sure as I reflect over the time in VA, I'll remember other things that God did to watch over us. I'm so thankful that God in the midst of chaos, provides peace and strength. 

And remember how my Monday, started with that chiropractic appointment? That was so needed in getting my headache and pain level lowered to endure the 2 long days at the VA. God took care of me even before I knew I'd need that extra care. 

Thanks Living. 

Knowing that God has it ALL under control, and that He is working behind the scenes orchestrating His perfect will in all things.

Thanks Living: You can hear me, now! (repost)

Thanks Living: Remembering. 

I've been reading some of my old posts. So thankful that God knows me and what is a happening in my life. The topic of this post is just as true as it was in 2013, and will remain true forever. God never changes! 

You can hear me, now!

This year (2013), I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today (April 5, 2013) I studied Psalm 29. Here is what I learned.

The voice of the Lord rolls over the water. The God of glory thunders. The Lord shouts over raging water. Psalm 29:3 (GW)

The Lord’s voice [thunder] is heard over the ·sea [waters; a symbol of chaos]. The glorious God thunders; the Lord thunders over the ·ocean [many/mighty waters]. Psalm 29:3 (EXB)

"The voice of the Lord is upon the waters." The thunder is not only poetically but instructively called "the voice of God," since it peals from on high; it surpasses all other sounds, it inspires awe, it is entirely independent of man, and has been used on some occasions as the grand accompaniment of God's speech to Adam's sons. There is peculiar terror in a tempest at sea, when deep calleth unto deep, and the raging sea echoes to the angry sky. No sight more alarming than the flash of lightning around the mast of the ship; and no sound more calculated to inspire a reverent awe than the roar of the storm. 

"The Lord is upon many waters." Still the Psalmist's ear hears no voice but that of Jehovah, resounding from the multitudinous and dark waters of the upper ocean of clouds, and echoing from the innumerable billows of the storm-tossed sea below. The waters above and beneath the firmament are astonished at the eternal voice. When the holy Spirit makes the divine promise to be heard above the many waters of our soul's trouble, then is God as glorious in the spiritual world as in the universe of matter. Above us and beneath us all is the peace of God when he gives us quiet. The Treasury of David

Chaos. Noise. Confusion. Anarchy. Pandemonium. Tumult. Turmoil. 

It’s amazing how chaos can rob me of the peace that God has given me. My chaos can be caused by focusing on the “what ifs”, or focusing me how I’ll fix things, instead of trusting God to take care of things. Man-made chaos creates noise, confusion, restlessness, and disharmony. The longer I remain in a state of chaos, the more overwhelmed and depressed I become. 

Thankfully, God’s love and peace is “louder” than any noise my chaos can produce. God “thunders” through my created mess, and assures me of His presence, and that He hasn’t gone anywhere, and had no plans to leave me or abandon me. 

“Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you.” Hebrews 13:5 (MSG)

No matter how loud the noise of my chaos is around me, I know I’ll have a positive day, when I hear, “You can hear me, now!” spoken by my Almighty, loving God.

Proverbs 11:23 What is my appetite?

The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. Proverbs 11:23

Desire: appetite, longing for, wish, longing

Righteous: just in conduct and character

Only: with a restrictive force, emphasizing what follows (good)

Good: pleasant, delightful, delicious, sweet or savory, be pure and clean, cheerful

Expectation: things hoped for, outcome

Wicked: guilty of hostility to God or his people

Wrath: overflowing rage, fury, an outburst of passion—anger

It's Christmas time and we all start making our Wish Lists. What do we really want for Christmas? As we get older, our wishes often change. Instead of wishing for things, we know the importance of being together with family and friends. 

When we have a wish or longing, we try to do whatever we can to make that wish come true. We strive to attain. Desire: an appetite that we want to be satisfied. 

If my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then my conduct and character will be righteous restricting my desires and appetites to those that are delightful and cheerful. 

Satisfying good desires and appetites brings about peace, contentment, and joy. 

BUT

The outcome of those hostile to God and His wisdom is an outburst of anger. We see it daily on the news—the actions of those who act out on their evil desires not caring if they kill or are killed in the process. Trying to satisfy the wicked desires creates destruction and chaos. 

What is my desire? What is my appetite? How will I satisfy it? 

If I want true peace, contentment and joy than my appetite must be restricted by God's wisdom.

Proverbs 10:23-26 Indefinite futurity!

To do evil is like sport to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom. The fear of the wicked will come upon him, and the desire of the righteous will be granted. When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation. As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy man to those who send him. Proverbs 10:23-26

Evil: wickedness in act

Understanding: the faculty, discernment

Wisdom: skillful, wisely, wit

Fear: terror, affright

Desire: a longing, lusting

Granted: to give, bestow

Whirlwind: that makes an end; judgments

Everlasting: indefinite futurity, with preposition for ever, always

Lazy: indolent, sluggard; (slothful and unprofitable servant)

As I read that first phrase, "to do evil is like a sport to a fool" it made me think of the riots and chaos we've seen in the news lately. Those taking part think stealing, burning down buildings, etc. is a sport. It's great fun. Sadly, they pay no attention to the consequences of their actions—people lose their merchandise, income, buildings, and livelihoods. All that is happening is destroying their very own communities. And soon they are left with nothing. 

The next phrase that caught my attention was, "but the righteous has an everlasting foundation". I like the definition of "everlasting": indefinite futurity. What a great security that is! Wisdom provides a foundation that is not only rock solid—but is indefinite futurity! 

As we look at what is happening in the world. The chaos and killings. No matter what happens, the righteous know that they have an indefinite futurity in Christ. Their foundation is rock solid and will last forever. 

An indefinite futurity foundation begins with a heart permitted with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). And as one learns and applies wisdom that foundation only gets stronger! 

Indefinite futurity! 

Peace in Protection

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 43. Here is what I learned.

God, you are my ·strength [refuge].  Why have you rejected me? Why am I ·sad [L going around in mourning] and ·troubled [oppressed] by my enemies? Psalm 43:2 (EXB)

You are the True God—my shelter, my protector, the one whom I lean on. Why have You turned away from me? Rejected me? Why must I go around, overwrought, mourning, suffering under the weight of my enemies? Psalm 43:2 (VOICE)

Strength: force, fortress, rock, strengthen, most strong hold, place or means of safety, protection.

Ever just want to run and hide? Want to disappear from all that is happening around you. Remember when we were young, and thought if we put a blanket over our heads, we’d disappear. There are days that I’d like to disappear. Yet, that isn’t possible. 

But I have to say on those days of overwhelming pain, or frustration, or whatever is causing chaos, it’s nice to rest in the security and protection of God Almighty. I can snuggle in His arms knowing full well that He is in complete control. That security provides an overwhelming sense of peace. 

God is my strength, my refuge, my shelter, protector. He’s there, all I have to do is rest in His provision. Yet, too often I try to continue  on my own.... for I’m the “all powerful Oz”...... yet, in reality I’m just a human full of hot air... just as the Oz was in the Wizard of Oz. 

To create a positive day, I need to rest in the security and protection of God Almighty—He provides great peace in protection from the chaos that surrounds me. 

BUT

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 29. Here is what I learned.

The Lord ·controls [is enthroned over] the flood [controls chaos]. The Lord ·will be [is enthroned as] King forever. Psalm 29:10 (EXB)

The Lord sat as King over the deluge; the Lord [still] sits as King [and] forever! Psalm 29:10 (AMP)

"The Lord sitteth upon the flood." Flood follows tempest, but Jehovah is ready for the emergency. No deluge can undermine the foundation of his throne. He is calm and unmoved, however much the deep may roar and be troubled: his government rules the most unstable and boisterous of created things. Far out on the wild waste of waters, Jehovah "plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm," "Yea, the Lord sitteth King for ever." Jesus has the government upon his shoulders eternally: our interests in the most stormy times are safe in his hands. Satan is not king, but Jehovah Jesus is; therefore let us worship him, and rejoice evermore. The Treasury of David

Ever feel like you are drowning or being suffocated by the chaos of circumstances? Ever feel like you’ve been left out in the storm and the flood waters are rising? 

I have. In fact the past few weeks, I’ve felt the flood waters rising—the deluge of frustration, the unknown, the lack of my control. Since my surgery on April 29, 2013, I have had a “new pain”, and quite severe in my back. First and foremost, I don’t like pain.... especially ‘new pain’. And secondly, I don’t like not knowing the cause of the pain. 

My doctors are trying to figure out the what and whys of the pain.... but even if they figure out the cause, there might not be anything they can do to relieve it. That fact alone causes the flood waters to rise even higher. 

BUT... I like that word... BUT God is in control of the deluge! God is in control of the flood waters! God is in control.... period! He KNOWS all the whats and whys. He KNOWS exactly why I have pain. He KNOWS and is controlling each and every aspect.

I don’t know WHY God is letting the flood waters rise around me right now. But (that word again) I was able to share some “Create a Positive Day” cards with some people when I had a CT scan done. (If you are one of those people, thanks for stopping by!)

The deluge may seem chaotic and overwhelming...BUT....to create a positive day, I only need to remember WHO is in control! 

Fear, Panic, and Chaos

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 11. Here is what I learned.

1. In the Lord I take refuge [and put my trust]; how can you say to me, Flee like a bird to your mountain?

2. For see, the wicked are bending the bow; they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they [furtively] in darkness may shoot at the upright in heart.

3. If the foundations are destroyed, what can the [unyieldingly] righteous do, or what has He [the Righteous One] wrought or accomplished?

4. The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold; His eyelids test and prove the children of men.

5. The Lord tests and proves the [unyieldingly] righteous, but His soul abhors the wicked and him who loves violence.

6. Upon the wicked He will rain quick burning coals or snares; fire, brimstone, and a [dreadful] scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.

7. For the Lord is [rigidly] righteous, He loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold His face, or He beholds the upright.

Psalm 11 (AMP)

In this psalm we have David's struggle with and triumph over a strong temptation to distrust God and betake himself to indirect means for his own safety in a time of danger.

In singing this psalm we must encourage and engage ourselves to trust in God at all times, must depend upon him to protect our innocence and make us happy, must dread his frowns as worse than death and desire his favour as better than life. Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible

Yesterday, at the end of the Boston Marathon, several bombs exploded. Fear. Panic. Chaos. Some ask, where was God then? Why didn’t He stop it? If He is so powerful, why does He allow bad things to happen. 

The first thing that I have to remember, is that God doesn’t owe us any explanation, nor does He owe us any “good thing”. We are sinners. He is a holy God. 

The second thing to remember is that actions of sinners have consequences. Yes, I’m a sinner, saved by God’s grace, and each action I do, has consequences. Some consequences impact more than just a single individual. 

Thirdly, God gave each of us a free will. We choose if we will obey and follow God, or ignore Him and go our own way. God did not create “robots” who will simply do as “programed”. Rather, God wants us to follow and obey Him because of who He is and because we love Him. 

Lastly, bad things do happen to good people, simply because we live in a world of sin. That does not mean that God doesn’t love us. His love is far greater than we can ever imagine. So, even in the midst of chaos, fear, and pain, God continues to love us. Assurance in Him calms our fears and we know that no matter what happens on this earth, because of God’s gift of salvation, we will spend eternity with Him.

To create a positive day, I need to place my trust in God, for He alone can change the fear, panic, and chaos, into courage, peace, and calm. 

You can hear me, now!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 29. Here is what I learned.

The voice of the Lord rolls over the water. The God of glory thunders. The Lord shouts over raging water. Psalm 29:3 (GW)

The Lord’s voice [thunder] is heard over the ·sea [waters; a symbol of chaos]. The glorious God thunders; the Lord thunders over the ·ocean [many/mighty waters]. Psalm 29:3 (EXB)

"The voice of the Lord is upon the waters." The thunder is not only poetically but instructively called "the voice of God," since it peals from on high; it surpasses all other sounds, it inspires awe, it is entirely independent of man, and has been used on some occasions as the grand accompaniment of God's speech to Adam's sons. There is peculiar terror in a tempest at sea, when deep calleth unto deep, and the raging sea echoes to the angry sky. No sight more alarming than the flash of lightning around the mast of the ship; and no sound more calculated to inspire a reverent awe than the roar of the storm. 

"The Lord is upon many waters." Still the Psalmist's ear hears no voice but that of Jehovah, resounding from the multitudinous and dark waters of the upper ocean of clouds, and echoing from the innumerable billows of the storm-tossed sea below. The waters above and beneath the firmament are astonished at the eternal voice. When the holy Spirit makes the divine promise to be heard above the many waters of our soul's trouble, then is God as glorious in the spiritual world as in the universe of matter. Above us and beneath us all is the peace of God when he gives us quiet. The Treasury of David

Chaos. Noise. Confusion. Anarchy. Pandemonium. Tumult. Turmoil. 

It’s amazing how chaos can rob me of the peace that God has given me. My chaos can be caused by focusing on the “what ifs”, or focusing me how I’ll fix things, instead of trusting God to take care of things. Man-made chaos creates noise, confusion, restlessness, and disharmony. The longer I remain in a state of chaos, the more overwhelmed and depressed I become. 

Thankfully, God’s love and peace is “louder” than any noise my chaos can produce. God “thunders” through my created mess, and assures me of His presence, and that He hasn’t gone anywhere, and had no plans to leave me or abandon me. 

“Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you.” Hebrews 13:5 (MSG)

No matter how loud the noise of my chaos is around me, I know I’ll have a positive day, when I hear, “You can hear me, now!” spoken by my Almighty, loving God.