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. 

Impossible Requests

Have you ever thought of the impossible requests God made of individuals?

I was thinking this morning of some of the "Impossible" requests, the responses to those requests by the individuals, and the reactions by others, the relationship between God and the person, and the amazing things God accomplished when people acted in faith to obediently fulfill His requests.

Examples:

Noah. He was told to build a enormous boat - that took "forever" to build because God would flood the earth.

Joseph. Not sure he fully understood all that God requested of him, but he remained faithful through all the struggles. And God put him in the exact place and gave him the authority necessary to help his family.

Moses. He was told to lead the Children of Israel from Egypt to the Promise Land. Not only did he have to face Pharaoh many times, he had to deal with all the complaining and hardships along the way.

Joshua and Caleb. They were excited to conquer the giants, but others were not. Then Joshua took over the leading of the people. And I love that Caleb, even in his old age, claimed the mountain that God had promised him.

Daniel. So much was requested of him and he remained faithful.

Those are just a few examples. As I was thinking about the requests, the obedience and all that God accomplished through individuals — I wonder..... how would my account, of obedience to what God has requested me to do, read?

Something to think about, and pray about..........

Chronological: Rebranding 1

Rebranding. 

Over the years, Companies have been known to change their logos, and "rebrand" themselves. Sometimes with good results, sometimes it has an opposite effect. 

As I've been studying about Name Changes, (another rabbit trail from my Chronological Bible Study), I realized that often it was a "rebranding" of an individual. Sometimes for positive reasons, and sometimes for a negative reason. 

Names are important to us. We like to be addressed by our name. It's our identity. What happens when God gives you a new name? What are the effects of rebranding? What impact does the rebranding have on the individual and those around them? 

Rebranding: Who?

Let's first take a look at WHO is doing the rebranding. In the rebranding of Abram and Sarai, it was God doing the rebranding. 

The Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God." Genesis 17:1

It's important to know Who is rebranding, as He has the authority to carry out the rebranding. 

Rebranding: Why? 

Abram. God changed his name to Abraham.

God changed Abram's name because of the promise God gave to Abram.

No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. Genesis 17:5

“No longer shall your name be Abram (exalted father), but your name shall be Abraham (father of a multitude); for I will make you the father of many nations. Genesis 17:5 (AMP)

God rebranded Abraham based on a promise — that God would fulfill in the future. Each time Abraham heard his name it would be a reminder of what God promised He would do. 

God changed Sarai's name because of the promise made to Abraham. She would be the princess of many nations. 

Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai (my princess), but her name will be Sarah (Princess). Genesis 17:15 (AMP)

The rebranding of the Abraham's and Sarah's names were to signify what God planned to do through them. He created a covenant with them and their rebranding was to signify their role in that convent to future generations. 

Rebranding: Owning it

Even though God rebranded Abram and Sarai, to remind them of the covenant, Abraham and Sarah, did not fully own the meaning behind the rebranding. They were still in the mindset of Abram and Sarai. 

For when God told them what and how He would fulfill His promise to make them the Father and Princess of a great Nation, there was laughter and disbelief. They did not grasp the full implications of their names, nor the One who rebranded them. Both Abraham and Sarah's attitude and reactions, showed their disbelief in what God could and would do. They were looking at the rebranding from their point of view, rather than Almighty God's view. 

Rebranding: New Identity

As we continue reading throughout Genesis, we learn that God did indeed keep His promise to Abraham and Sarah. Their new identities matched what God did through them. 

Rebranding only works when it is done by one who has the Authority. And the rebranding does has an effect on each individual and those around him/her.

Rebranding.

If God would change my name—would my actions and attitude accept and be worthy of that new brand?

Chronological: Promises

Promises. 

What does the word promise mean? One dictionary defines as such: an express assurance on which expectation is to be based.

As we look at the life of Abraham beginning in Genesis 12, we see something that is no unique to Abraham nor the time in which he lived— his actions did not always reflect the belief that God keeps His promises. 

God is always faithful. God is truthful. God keeps His promises. Abraham's actions are often inconsistent with the characteristics of God. 

Genesis 12 begins with a command. "Get out of this place — (go) to another place. That command is followed by the following promises.

I will show you the land. 

I will make you a great nation. 

I will bless you.

I will make your name great—and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those that bless you.

I will curse those that curse you.

Looking at the list of promises, it covers everything. And then we look at Abraham's actions. Sadly, his actions do not convey faith or obedience in God's promises. 

Genesis 12:10-20

Abraham lied. 

Abraham was scared. He thought he'd be killed because his wife Sarai was beautiful and the Egyptians would want her. So, he said Sarai, was is sister not his wife. Due to that lie, the Egyptians were cursed and Abraham and Sarai were  commanded to leave. 

Look at which promises that Abraham forgot at he entered Egypt. Yes, all of them. That's not a good start to Abraham's journey. 

God's Word is full of promises. Do I act as I believe those promises? 

Sadly, too often I am like Abraham, thinking that God doesn't really mean what He says. Or I think that maybe I know better than God. Or that God needs my help. That's just plain wrong thinking—period! That's when I need to stop and remember WHO God is! For when I have a correct thinking and understanding of WHO God is—my actions will then be such that reveal that I do trust God and I want to obey Him. 

Promises. When the promises are made by God Almighty—you can be assured He will keep them! 

Chronological: The Who

Continuing to my Chronological Bible Study. I am stuck on Noah right now.... Genesis 6-8. 

"This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God." Genesis 6:9

Verse 8, "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." 

Verse 9—tells us why: Noah walked with God. 

And the result: Verse 22, "Noah did according to all that God commanded him, so he did. Also, Genesis 7:5, "And Noah did according to all that the Lord commanded him."

Have you ever thought about what would have happened if Noah didn't obey ALL that God had commanded him? What if Noah decided that the dimensions of the ark just weren't right and recalculated them? What if Noah decided not use the pitch on the inside and outside of the ark? 

Yet, even if Noah didn't understand the NEED for all that God commanded, Noah knew WHO was giving the orders! 

That the key in the story of Noah. Not the ark, or all the animals, but the WHO—God Almighty. 

God created the World. (God said)

Man sinned. (he said)

Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. (He listened to God said)

God is Holy. God is merciful. God is patient. 

The WHO is the key—from the beginning throughout all eternity. 

If you don't have a respect for WHO God is, the result is the vile and sin that was rampant in Noah's day, and we see again in our generation. It's time for us to focus on The WHO—and remember that God is holy. God is just. God is merciful. God is patient—but for how long? 

Do my thoughts, actions, attitudes, words—reflect that I know WHO God is? Does the truth of WHO God is impact my entire life? Are the choices I make each and everyday honoring to God? 

"Did according to all the Lord commanded him." Can that be said of me?

Chronological: Questioning Truth—"He Said"

Questioning Truth— “He Said”

Genesis 3-5

What a contrast from Genesis 2 to Genesis 3. 

In Genesis 2 God Almighty is speaking with authority and power. Then in Genesis 3 creation speaks and immediately begins to question God and Truth. 

Genesis 3: 1 “And he said… Has God indeed said?” 

Genesis 3: 4 A blatant lie is stated. “You shall not surely die.” 

When you start to question what God says, don’t try to answer it on your own. Rather, go back to the source! Go back to Scripture. What did God REALLY say? 

We know the consequences of blatantly disregarding Truth and disobeying God’s word. Adam and Eve were ashamed before God, there was separation from God. Their relationship changed. 

Genesis 3:8-9 God still wanted a relationship with mankind, but now sin had to be dealt with—for God is holy. 

Adam and Eve and to live with the consequences of their disobedience to God. For questioning Truth started a pattern—that had deadly consequences. 

Cain the firstborn worked in the fields. Where as, his younger brother Abel was a shepherd. Both knew that they had to give an offering to the Lord, however, one did it truthfully, the other did not. Rather than seeking the truth of why the sacrifice was rejected by God, Cain chose to follow his own voice and killed his brother. 

Once again there are consequences to sin. Abel was dead. Cain was sent to wonder about and his livelihood would no longer support him. Genesis 4:13.

Look at the decedents of Cain. Genesis 4:16-24. The sin of Cain had long-term effects as his great, great, great, great, great grandson was prideful in his murdering and he knew what happened to Cain and it was of no consequence in Lamech mind. He said— Genesis 4:23, 24. 

In contrast, Genesis 4:36—“Then men began to call upon the name of the Lord.”

Genesis 5 is the genealogy of Adam. Several times throughout the Bible, we read genealogies. Why is a list of names important? Because when God says something—it is trustworthy. The genealogies throughout Scripture show us the line in which the Lord Jesus Christ would be born. God in His mercy and grace, was planning a way of redemption. 

Genesis 5 begins with Adam and ends with Noah and his 3 sons. Look in the middle of this genealogy at Genesis 5:24. A testimony to one who listened to “God said” rather than “he said”. “Enoch walked with God” That was the relationship that Adam had in the garden before sin entered the picture. The relationship Enoch had with God was possible, because Enoch believed and listened to the truth of God’s Word. He obeyed God.

Enoch walked with God. What a great testimony in the midst of others who are choosing to follow the ‘he said’ rather than what God said. 

Read Genesis 3-5 and take note of who people were listing to—God or Satan. God said. He said. 

In your life, are you listening to “God said” or “he said”? In our world today, the ‘he said’ is louder as people have ignored God and His truth for generations. However, God’s Word can still be heard—if you choose to hear it and obey it. 

What legacy will you leave—one who listened to the “he said” like Cain and Lamech? Or a legacy of one who listened to “God said” like Enoch? 

God said. He said. You have a choice to make. 

Chronological: The Beginning "God Said"

Today, I started a new Bible study. I'm going to be studying the Bible chronologically, starting in Genesis. 

The Beginning "God Said"

Genesis 1-2

As I read these two chapters, two word stood out. "God said." In those two words, we learn a lot about God. 

First, when God speaks there is Reason. He speaks to accomplish something. 

When God speaks there is Result. His Words produce something. They have a desired effect. 

When God speaks there is Reaction. There is a response. 

Reason.

Genesis 1:1 

In the beginning, God created. 

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created. Psalm 148:5

God created—for Himself. He the Almighty created everything with beauty, interaction, perfection—and He deserves our praise and honor. 

Result.

And it was so. And it was good.

Genesis 1:3, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 25, 31.

There is a chronological sense to Creation. God created in an orderly fashion so that the needs of each next day's creation would have its needs met. There is order and planning. A specific reason for each specific act of Creation. It was not haphazard, with out any planning.

Reaction.

What God says—happens. His speech produces exactly what He wants. He speech is powerful, because He is God! He is the creator of all. He is the sustainer of all. God says it—it's reality! 

Psalm 104

From Genesis 1-2, what do we learn about God? 

• He is the Creator of all.
• There is authority and power in His speech.
• He is mighty.
• He is worthy of praise.
• He cares about mankind. 
• He supplies all the needs of Creation. 
• He is orderly and does nothing haphazardly. 

God said. 

How should those two words and the truth of Genesis 1-2 impact my life? 

1. I have confidence in knowing that God's word is powerful.

2. Knowing that God has authority, and His words have power— I should obey what He says.

What else has God Said, that deserves my attention? 

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ Matthew 22:37 

So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:27 

God said. 

Two words with a mighty powerful result–that should impact my life as I realize the power and authority of God Almighty. 

Will I allow those two words to impact my thoughts, motives, actions, and words today? 

Pre-determined Responses

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 28. Here is what I learned.

Unto You do I cry, O Lord my Rock, be not deaf and silent to me, lest, if You be silent to me, I become like those going down to the pit [the grave]. Psalm 28:1 (AMP)

Don’t turn a deaf ear when I call you, God. If all I get from you is deafening silence, I’d be better off in the Black Hole. Psalm 28:1 (MSG)

When I pray do I turn off my ears? Think about it. How often do we ask God for something, but we have a pre-determined response which we want. And if we don’t get the specific response, we figure that God didn’t hear us. So we repeat the request over and over.... waiting for our pre-determined response. 

Yet, God hasn’t turned a deaf ear to us.... rather we have “turned off our ears” to hearing and receiving the response that God has chosen as the best. 

“The whole meaning of prayer is that we may know God.” Oswald Chambers

When I change my prayers from “all about me” to “all about God”, then my pre-determined responses are discarded and I’m open to receiving God’s amazing blessings that will accomplish His will and purpose. 

“I want to tell you a growing conviction with me, and that is that as we obey the leadings of the Spirit of God, we enable God to answer the prayers of other people. I mean that our lives, my life, is the answer to someone’s prayer, prayed perhaps centuries ago.

It is more and more impossible to me to have programmes and plans because God alone has the plan, and our plans are only apt to hinder Him, and make it necessary for Him to break them up. I have the unspeakable knowledge that my life is the answer to prayers, and that God is blessing me and making me a blessing entirely of His sovereign grace and nothing to do with my merits, saving as I am bold enough to trust His leading and not the dictates of my own wisdom and common sense.” Oswald Chambers

To create a positive day, I need to discard my pre-determined responses and listen to God as He responds to my prayers... and changes me and my heart to accomplish His will. 

Spontaneous Clapping!

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 47. Here is what I learned.

Applause, everyone. Bravo, bravissimo! Shout God-songs at the top of your lungs! Psalm 47:1 (MSG)

Clap your hands, all you people. Shout to God with ·joy [jubilant shouts/cries/sound]. Psalm 47:1 (EXB)

Show your happiness, all peoples! Call out to God with the voice of joy! Psalm 47:1 (NLV)

"O clap your hands." The most natural and most enthusiastic tokens of exultation are to be used in view of the victories of the Lord, and his universal reign. Our joy in God may be demonstrative, and yet he will not censure it. The Treasury of David 

Wherefore they are called upon to declare their joy and gladness by "clapping their hands"; which is a gesture expressive of exultation and joy. Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible 

"O clap your hands, in token of your own joy and satisfaction in what God has done for you, of your approbation, nay, your admiration, of what God has done in general, and of your indignation against all the enemies of God's glory, Job 27:23. Clap your hands, as men transported with pleasure, that cannot contain themselves; shout unto God, not to make him hear (his ear is not heavy), but to make all about you hear, and take notice how much you are affected and filled with the works of God. Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible

Clap your hands. A simple gesture that acknowledges a job well done, that you liked something, you appreciated something. Clap your hands. It’s not a forced response rather it’s automatic. Clap your hands. It’s a response from the heart, emotions, an overwhelming sense of joy, happiness. 

When was the last time I clapped my hands for God? When was the last time I clapped my hands to acknowledge what God has done and is doing in my life? When was the last time I was so overcome with joy simply knowing God that I clapped my hands in response?

To create a positive day, I need to allow the joy of simply knowing God to overwhelm me to the point that I break out in spontaneous clapping! 

It's cold....but you can make it warmer!

The other day I had to go out in the cold harsh Chicago winter... okay so it wasn't as cold as it is today (wind chills of -21), but it was still cold! As always, I find it interesting to how people respond to me. Since I use crutches, people know something is "wrong". Yet, since I've used them for almost 8 years now, I've learned a few tricks to getting around.

The responses can be broken into 3 categories: 

1. Some people want to go out of their way to help me.

2. Others stare as I maneuver around boxes and displays left in the middle of aisles.

3. And then others.... just shake their heads and shout a "don't worry you won't have to use them for much longer".

I find it interesting that the people most ready to help me, are the ones struggling themselves. They are either older or have a few kids in tow. They reach out to help, because they understand.

The people who stare, are often younger or middle aged. From their looks, I often wonder if they are thinking, "what if that was me?". When I see someone staring, I smile and tell them to have a great day! They usually quickly look away or run down the next aisle.

Now the ones who shout, "you won't have to use them for much longer". (I wonder what they know that my doctors and I don't.) But, I can take that comment as a compliment! I have learned to maneuver so well on my crutches, people think that I'm almost "healed" and ready to discard them. That means in the 8 years of using them, I've "MASTERED CRUTCHES"!! Wonder if there is an award or honor for that??!!

Why would someone shout something when they have no idea if it's true? It's simple. They mean well. None of us want anyone to be in pain or struggle. We can't imagine someone having to use crutches or canes for more than a few weeks, or maybe a couple of months. Crutches are associated with "short term" injuries. The people who tell me that it's almost time to get rid of the crutches are trying to encourage me. They want me to know that there is an end in sight. Even if for me, the crutches are long term, they want to offer hope.

Hope. Sharing hope will warm a heart....
if it's not false hope!

We can offer real hope, not some false hope
of getting rid of crutches.
We have eternal hope in God.

God loves us and provides eternal life. 
That is real hope!

Yes, it's cold outside, but you can make it warmer for someone else. Don't just shout "God loves you!" Put that truth into action! If you see someone who needs help, don't stare, or give advise..... just help. You may see a person struggling to open a door. Or a person trying to find a pen, or pick up something they dropped. Whatever, the situation, be aware of others around you and make the effort to offer a helping hand.

Offering aid to someone will warm your heart and believe me it will warm the heart of the person you help. It only takes a moment to offer a helping hand, but the warmth you generate will remain throughout the coldest day.

Creating a positive day is not always about you. More often then not, it's about reaching out to others and putting others first. You can make your day more positive by making the day positive for someone else. Your actions speak louder than words.... let others see that God loves them.... show them He cares.... it's easy....just be helpful and kind.