Posts with the tag “peace”

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6   Some questions have answers that almost feel automatic. Growing up in Sunday School, “Jesus” seemed to be the answer to everything. Who’s your hero? Jesus. What’s the greatest gift you’ve ...  Read More

"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." - Micah 5:2   When Isaac Watts finished writing "Joy to the World," he wrote at the top of the page: “The Messiah’s Coming and Kingdom.” That was the heart of the song, the anticipation of Chris...  Read More

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!" - Psalm 98:4   What’s your favorite Christmas song? Take a moment to think about it. Maybe it’s “Silent Night” or “Away in a Manger.” Or perhaps it’s a classic like “Joy to the World.” Whatever it is, Christmas songs bring joy, warmth, and a sense of celebration. But have you ever stopped to think abou...  Read More

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.” - Isaiah 26:3-4   Here’s the thing about trust: when it moves in, worry moves out. But when worry moves in, trust leaves. Worry is like a big flashing sign that says trust has taken a backseat. So, what is trust, really?  In the Bible, trust car...  Read More

“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will.”- Hebrews 13:20-21   Worry has a way of creeping into your life, doesn’t it? Maybe it’s your health, your finances, your children, or even your future. What are you worried about today? It’s easy to...  Read More

"For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come." – Hebrews 13:14    How many of you would say today that you're living "the good life"? When I think of that phrase, I’m reminded of Robin Leach and his show, "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous." I used to watch it and think, "Wow, that's living the good life." For many, 'the good life' conjures images of luxu...  Read More

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23    Remember playing "dress up" as a kid? Maybe you dressed up as a superhero, a princess, or an army man. When I was young, my friends and I would play "Army Man," and the moment we put on our army gear, in our minds, we were real soldiers.  The battlefie...  Read More

"He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." — Ephesians 1:5   The Bible tells us that when we are saved, we immediately become part of the family of God. This adoption into God's family is not something we earn; it happens instantly upon salvation. As children of the King, we receive the same rights as Jesus Himself. In th...  Read More

"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 1:2    When Paul used the phrase "grace and peace" in his letters, it wasn't just a cliché to sound spiritual. This phrase carried deep significance and helped Paul connect with various subgroups in the first-century church. It's hard to grasp its full meaning in English, but in Paul’s context, it bridged cultural ...  Read More

"To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus." - Ephesians 1:1   Let’s talk about being a saint. Sainthood isn’t achieved, it’s received. And it’s only received through the person of Jesus Christ. As I read that this week, I thought to myself… according to the Catholic Church, it is nearly impossible to become a Saint.  But the Bible says something completely different. God calls everyone wh...  Read More

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23    Today’s key verses tell us that when we are “in Christ,” God gives us access to new attributes through His Spirit. This passage lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. G...  Read More

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1   It's easy to proclaim hope, joy, and peace when life is sailing smoothly. But when the storm clouds gather, and darkness envelopes our days, it's a different story. In those moments saturated with doubt, fear, and grief, hope can seem like a distant memory. Consider Naomi, a woman who walked thro...  Read More

"Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.' When he had said this, he breathed his last." - Luke 23:46   As Jesus hung on the cross, bearing the weight of humanity's sin, His final words echoed with complete trust and surrender to the Father. With a loud voice, He declared, "Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit," before breathing His last breath. In t...  Read More

"About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' (which means 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?')." - Matthew 27:46   In the midst of His crucifixion, Jesus uttered a cry of anguish that resonates with the depths of human suffering. His words, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" reveal not only the intense physical pain He was experienc...  Read More

"But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5   Reflecting on the portrayal of the crucifixion, it's easy to recognize how our modern depictions often fall short of capturing the true horror and brutality of the cross. We may have grown up witnessing Passion Plays, wher...  Read More

"Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." - Isaiah 43:7   Have you ever paused to ponder why God created you? The Bible provides a clear answer: God created us with the intention that our lives would bring glory to Him. In Isaiah 43:7, the LORD declares that everyone who bears His name is created for His glory. It's a profound truth that shapes the v...  Read More

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to find ourselves caught up in moments of frustration, irritation, and anger. The pressures of work, relationships, and everyday challenges can push us to the edge, testing our patience and triggeri...  Read More

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7As believers, we are called to embrace a peace that transcends all understanding. It is a peace that comes from knowing and trusting in God, regardless of our circumstances. Philippians 4:7 reminds us of this divine promise: “And the peace of God, whi...  Read More