"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." - 2 Thessalonians 3:16
I hope that everyone is feeling blessed, I haven’t posted a blog in awhile due to a busy semester! Seven classes seems like a lot but with wonderful professors and great classmates, it wasn’t all that bad. ;) However, that is not the only reason. I’m not one to write about everything I think or hear. I write when I feel inspired to share what God has laid on my heart.
A common Bible verse or lyric to a song that is commonly quoted at Christmas time comes from Luke 2:14 which says “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” As I was reflecting on this verse, I had a “aha” moment as I was thinking of a few more verses from scripture. Shortly before Jesus’ death, He said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) A few chapters later in John 16:33, we see Jesus telling us again that “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
The English definition of peace is “freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility.” However, if you look at the Hebrew and Greek word for peace you will find that its’ meaning is so much greater. I strongly recommend that you all do your own research to find the meanings of shalom (Hebrew) and eiréné (Greek). Essentially the word peace means that we are completed and made whole. With the peace of Jesus, there is harmony, safety, security, prosperity, felicity, salvation, rest, reconciliation, health and so much more.
Jesus tells us that in this world there will be trouble and it is true, as we see tragedy, evil and horror but remember we are told to take heart (to receive courage and comfort) because Jesus did indeed overcame the world, and so have we. “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4)
Peace entered the world the exact moment that Jesus was born and His peace is still with us this very moment in time. We have nothing to be afraid of, so let go of all the worry and fear, and rest in the peace and promises that He has given us.
I hope that you and your family all have a blessed and Merry Christmas filled with God's peace, blessings and grace.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Hopeless Christians?
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” - Jeremiah 29:11
Hopeless Christians? Christians without hope? These two things should never ever be put together, so why are we seeing so many Christians living lives with depression, fear, defeat, failure, hatred and sadness? Yes, there is persecution, as it is very evident in the Middle East. This world is far from perfect but we need to stop living lives as though we are victims to the evil of this world. John 10:10 says, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus)have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Did you understand what the only begotten Son is saying?! He came to give us an abundant life that we could live to the fullest. He came not only to give us salvation but He came to give us hope and a future, He came so that we could fulfill the dreams that He put inside each and everyone's hearts. Yet, I see Christians thinking the opposite. We think and believe that in order to bring glory to God that we must live a life full of heartache and pain. What? What about the Bible that tells us that by Jesus' stripes we are healed? (Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24) Or Psalms 91 where it says that we don't need to fear because He loves us and will protect His children? (Psalm 91) Or when He tells us that we lack nothing? (Psalm 23:1), God takes care of the birds so how much more will he take care of his children? (Matthew 6:26) It is time to start living as if we are free because we are in free indeed. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." - Galatians 5:1.
It's time to change and renew our minds. The devil is clever, he likes to sugarcoat and twist things around, after all why would he want to see God's children free from diseases, poverty, fear and defeat? No, I'm not saying the Christian walk will be just butterflies and rainbows, as there will be mountains to climb, but what I am saying is that we need to see ourselves the way the Father sees us, and trust His word. If Scripture tells us that he has came to give us life and to give us healing, protection, peace or that we don't ever have to lack anything, believe it. When you find the truth, and experience His freedom, grace and favor, I'm telling you that your life will be forever changed.
Hopeless Christians? Christians without hope? These two things should never ever be put together, so why are we seeing so many Christians living lives with depression, fear, defeat, failure, hatred and sadness? Yes, there is persecution, as it is very evident in the Middle East. This world is far from perfect but we need to stop living lives as though we are victims to the evil of this world. John 10:10 says, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus)have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Did you understand what the only begotten Son is saying?! He came to give us an abundant life that we could live to the fullest. He came not only to give us salvation but He came to give us hope and a future, He came so that we could fulfill the dreams that He put inside each and everyone's hearts. Yet, I see Christians thinking the opposite. We think and believe that in order to bring glory to God that we must live a life full of heartache and pain. What? What about the Bible that tells us that by Jesus' stripes we are healed? (Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24) Or Psalms 91 where it says that we don't need to fear because He loves us and will protect His children? (Psalm 91) Or when He tells us that we lack nothing? (Psalm 23:1), God takes care of the birds so how much more will he take care of his children? (Matthew 6:26) It is time to start living as if we are free because we are in free indeed. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." - Galatians 5:1.
It's time to change and renew our minds. The devil is clever, he likes to sugarcoat and twist things around, after all why would he want to see God's children free from diseases, poverty, fear and defeat? No, I'm not saying the Christian walk will be just butterflies and rainbows, as there will be mountains to climb, but what I am saying is that we need to see ourselves the way the Father sees us, and trust His word. If Scripture tells us that he has came to give us life and to give us healing, protection, peace or that we don't ever have to lack anything, believe it. When you find the truth, and experience His freedom, grace and favor, I'm telling you that your life will be forever changed.
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