Security and Peace

How would you like to live secure? Wouldn’t it be nice to not have anything to worry about? Don’t you desire to have peace in your life? Wouldn’t you like to be at peace within your soul? Have you been seeking a secure life with peace? Where have you been looking?

Being at peace is something we all crave. We also desire security. We want to be financially secure, physically secure with our health, and job security. However, when we cannot obtain peace and security, we attempt to trick ourselves into thinking we have them.

God tells us that Jesus provides the peace and security we desire through the prophet Micah. Jesus is our good shepherd who cares for us and does so with the strength that only God can provide. Not only is Jesus our good shepherd but He has the majesty of God. Jesus is both our brother and our King. He can be beside us in the mud and the muck and yet reign from the throne.

Because Jesus is who He is and has the all the power of God, He provides us with security and peace. We are secure in our knowledge of spending eternity with Him. Our hearts and minds can be at peace knowing He is always with us. We simply need to put our faith in Him—give Him our whole heart, mind, and soul.

I pray we all know Jesus is our Good Shepherd. I pray we trust that God will provide for us. I pray each one of us seek our security and peace from Jesus and see Him as both our brother and our King. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Trust God to provide. Seek security from Jesus. Find your peace in Jesus.

Micah 5:4-5a

And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, 

in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. 

And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great 

to the ends of the earth; 

and he shall be the one of peace.

Right Time, Right Place

Being in the right place at the right time is important. We can make all our plans and still not accomplish it. We may consider it to be luck that puts there. We may believe it is fate. Yet, there is another reason for us to be in the right place at the right time.

God moves in our lives. The more we seek to follow his plan for our lives, the more often we are in the right place at the right time. Make no mistake, we can refuse to follow his plan. After all, we have free will. Yet, God even uses our disobedience to accomplish his plan.

The prophet Micah prophesied Jesus’ birth seven hundred years before He was born. God, through the Holy Spirit, gave Micah the prophecy to speak to his fellow Israelites. He stated the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. His prophecy stated the Messiah would rule in Israel, which is why they were looking for a king who bring the nation back to prominence.

Yet, when we continue to read what Micah prophesies, we see that the Ruler existed long before Micah. How can this be? The only answer is one that doesn’t make sense from a human point of view but does make sense according to God’s plan. God came into this world in the form of an infant and lived among us. In fact, one name he took on, Immanuel, means God with us.

Our challenge at times is understanding how God is moving in our lives. We must keep our eyes and ears open. We must keep an open mind and have a heart that is seeking to understand God’s plan. God is at work in our lives. He may not provide us with prophecy as he did to Micah, but he continues to have a plan for each of us.

I pray we all seek to understand God’s plan. I pray we know that God has a plan for us. I pray each one of us will keep our eyes, ears, and minds open to see and hear God working in our lives. Seek understanding. Know God has a plan. Keep your eyes open. Keep your ears open. Have an open mind.

Micah 5:2

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, 

who are one of the little clans of Judah, 

from you shall come forth for me 

one who is to rule in Israel, 

whose origin is from of old, 

from ancient days.

Pure and Sanctified

What comes to mind when you hear the word abolish? Do you think of abolishing old laws or antiquated traditions? What about sanctification? Is it some big religious word you don’t know what it means? Or is it something you are striving for? Are you trying to earn it?

The abolishing of old laws and traditions can be very good, liberating, and exhilarating. We can all think of things that were legal in the past that are no longer legal and be glad they are not. Abolishing the negatives to bring about positives is progress in civility.

But when we start speaking of sanctification, even some who have been members of churches for decades are not really sure what it means. We may think that being sanctified is only for those who are leaders in the church. In fact, far too many I know think that way. Yet, we are wrong when we think that way.

Jesus came to abolish the sacrificial system the Jews had been practicing for hundreds of years. He did so to establish a new system. One without the need for additional sacrifices. No longer do we need to sacrifice sheep, goats, pigeons, or doves. No longer do we need to bring grain and bread to the altar. Jesus has made the ultimate sacrifice to rid the world of the need to continue to sacrifice.

In the process of making His sacrifice, Jesus sanctified those who believe in Him. What does that mean? It means we are seen as clean and pure in the eyes of God. We are seen through the sacrifice of Christ. We can’t earn it. We don’t deserve it. But Jesus acted on our behalf and purified or sanctified us before a Holy God. Certainly something for us to be thankful for.

I pray we all understand the sacrifice Jesus made. I pray we know that His sacrifice has sanctified us. I pray each one of us knows we are pure in God’s eyes and thank Jesus for it. Jesus sacrificed for us. Jesus has sanctified us. Jesus has made us pure. Thank Jesus for His sacrifice.

Hebrews 10:9b-10 He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

No More Sacrifices

Have you ever thought about living a simpler life? Have you thought you would like to go back to a life without computers, tablets, cell phones, and electronic games? Have you thought about what it would be like to live in the old west? What about the time Jesus came into the world?

I must confess, I have often thought I could live in the old west. I have wondered what it might have been like to have lived a hundred years ago. I have even wondered what it might have been like in first century Israel. I try to understand that time period to better understand Jesus.

When Jesus was born, the Jews were still abiding by the sacrificial system. When you understand that roughly ninety percent of the population lived in poverty, living day-to-day, you quickly realize it was no piece of cake. They didn’t have machinery to use for building or farming. They used an abacus to make computations. Pulleys and ropes were used to move heavy objects or lift objects to a rooftop. Oxen and a single bottom plow were used to plow a field. Planting the field was done by hand.

Not only did the people live a day-to-day existence but they were required to provide sacrifices periodically to God for their forgiveness. Imagine barely scraping out a living to provide a home, clothing, and food for your family, then having to give up your firstborn sheep as a sacrifice. That is the world Jesus came in to.

When Jesus when to the cross so that no other sacrifices were required, imagine the freedom that provided for those who believed in Him. There was an immediate positive financial impact. There was an immediate feeling of relief. There was an immediate freedom from worry and anxiety over any sin someone might commit. They no longer had to forfeit the possibility of feeding their family to provide a sacrifice for forgiveness. We, too, live with this same freedom.

I pray we all recognize the freedom we live in. I pray we understand the impact Jesus’ sacrifice has had. I pray each one of us give thanks to God for the sacrifice Jesus made for us. You live in freedom. Understand Jesus’ impact. Thank God for his plan. Know your forgiveness comes through Jesus.

Hebrews 10:5-7 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, 

“Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, 

but a body you have prepared for me; 

in burnt offerings and sin offerings 

you have taken no pleasure. 

Then I said, ‘See, God, I have come to do your will, O God’ 

(in the scroll of the book it is written of me).”

The Good Life

What kind of roots do you have? How deep do they go? What are they deep in? Who are they deep in? Do your roots support the life you desire? Are you growing healthily because of your roots? Are you willing to plant your roots into a new place to be who you were made to be?

We all have roots. Our roots are planted into something. Yet, it is what or who our roots are planted in that will determine how well we live our lives. Roots planted in gutters do not create healthy plants or lifestyles. Roots in poor soil or rocky soil are not conducive to a healthy life.

But there is One in which our roots can be planted who will give us the proper nourishment to lead a healthy life. When God move Israel out of Egypt and planted them in the land he promised, they grew healthy. But even healthy roots and plants need continual feeding and care.

As humans, with the freedom to choose, we can choose to ignore the feeding and care. When we do, we have picked up our roots and planted them in an other than desirable location. Yet, we can choose to plant or replant our roots into the healthy soil and receive the proper feeding and care.

God is continually waiting for us to choose him over the dregs of life. He desires us to turn to him. When we are willing to accept God’s care, we will flourish and live a healthy life. Not only will we flourish but we will be the living proof that God can and will provide a good life to anyone who turns to him.

I pray we all choose to plant our roots in God. I pray we choose to accept God’s feeding and care. I pray each one of us will flourish and demonstrate the good life that only God can provide. Plant your roots in God. Accepts God’s care. Flourish in God. Live the good life.

Psalm 80:8-9

You brought a vine out of Egypt; 

you drove out the nations and planted it. 

You cleared the ground for it; 

it took deep root and filled the land.

Showing Christ

What is your idea of showing Christ to everyone you meet? Is it a pretty smile? Maybe a friendly “Hello”? Do you say “God bless” to others as you leave them? Are there specific actions you take to demonstrate how Christ is working within you?

At this time of year, it is common to hear many Christians say, “keep Christ in Christmas.” The sentiment is nice, but it is not nearly enough. If we are going to say it, we must put our words into action. How do we put those words into action?

Just as John the Baptist told those who came out to him to share what they have with others, we, too, must share what we have, if we want to show Christ. John did not say to give out of our abundance but to give whatever we have to help others. We are to remember that everything we have is a blessing from God and he blesses us so we can bless others.

There are many ways to share our blessings. We can donate to Toys for Tots, the Salvation Army, and many other charitable organizations. Yet, we often give to them out of our abundance. May I suggest giving a homeless person one of your coats? Or perhaps taking part of your meal to someone who needs it.

I know some will say it is scary to meet such people. Yet, if we are doing it with the love of Christ in our heart and trusting him to be with us, He will protect us. Not only should we be looking for ways to show Christ during this season, but we should do so every day.

I pray we all seek to show Christ to others. I pray we look for opportunities to bless others because we have been blessed. I pray each one of us goes with the love of Christ and shows Him to others. Know God blesses. Know God wants you to share your blessings. Look for opportunities to share with others.

Luke 3:10-11 And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.”

Be Like John

What do you know about John the Baptist? Have you ever thought what his life might have been like? How do you think he grew into an adult? What kind of teaching did he receive? What did his mother and father think of him? Why did he go into the wilderness?

John’s father was a priest in the temple. Though both his mother and father were older when he was born, his father likely taught him the Scriptures from an early age. John was chosen before he was born and probably soaked up the teaching his father gave him.

Zechariah, John’s father, was told by the angel Gabriel that John would have the Holy Spirit within him before he was born, and he would turn many hearts in Israel back to God. He was told John would go with the spirit of Elijah to prepare the way for the Messiah. This knowledge would have influenced Zechariah to be thorough in teaching John. He would have covered the law but may very well have spent more time on the prophets. For the prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah.

As foretold, John went into the wilderness and cried out. He baptized people for the remission of their sins. He turned people back to God. He may have even quoted the prophets while doing so. Though John was only six months older than Jesus, his ministry started well before Jesus’ did. He knew his job was to prepare the way. John was a man with a single focus. His dedication was beyond reproach. Perhaps our focus should be more on Jesus and telling others about Him.

I pray we seek to learn more about Jesus. I pray we seek to learn the prophecies about Jesus. I pray each one of us will learn to be more like John and tell others about Jesus. Learn about the prophecies. Learn more about Jesus. Be more like John. Tell others about Jesus.

Luke 3:3-4 He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, 

“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 

‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’ ”

God’s Peace

What are you worried about? Are you worried about providing for your family? Are you worried about paying the bills? Are you worried about your job? Are you worried about your children? Would you like to worry less? Would you like to reduce your stress level?

We worry about a lot of things. Every day it seems as though there is something new to worry about. It’s the children, the job, the bills, or other family members. Things happen that upset us, and we worry about them. We hold on to our worry. It may even give a reason to live.

As odd as that last sentence sounds, it is true for some. Yet, we don’t have to worry. Oh, it isn’t easy to stop worrying. It is hard work, at least for a while. But once we figure out how to stop it and put our trust in God, it becomes much easier. That doesn’t mean we won’t have that immediate worry when we hear concerning news. It does mean we won’t hold on to it.

Learning to turn everything over to God in prayer requires practice. Lot’s of practice. Our first step is to pray about whatever we are worried about. During that prayer, turn it over to God, asking him to take it from you. It will be difficult at first, because we want to hold onto it. Yet, the more we do it, the easier it gets.

What is the benefit of it? We gain the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding. That peace will guard our hearts and minds, which is as much physical as it is mental. That’s right. As we worry less, we put less stress on our heart, and we are better physically as well mentally. There is a lot to gain by turning our worries over to God.

I pray we all decide to turn our worries over to God. I pray we spend time praying to God, asking him to take our worries. I pray each one of us attain the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding. Turn your worries over to God. Spend time in prayer. Attain God’s peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Be Gentle

What does being gentle mean to you? Do you immediately think of the handling of a newborn baby? Do you think of cuddling with a puppy? Do you think of gently moving a piece of art? Have you thought about being gentle with someone who is going through a rough time?

Being gentle can apply in many situations. We may typically think of being gentle with our hands, gently handling a baby, a puppy, a piece of art, a glass vase, a birthday cake, and many other things. When teaching young children to be gentle, we may tell them to be easy.

Yet, the gentleness the Apostle Paul talks about is not about physically handling things. It means to be considerate. We are to be considerate of others. It goes hand-in-hand with Paul saying elsewhere to put others ahead of ourselves. We are to consider their feelings, situations, and needs.

Paul tells us to show gentleness or consideration to everyone. That can be a challenge. Who wants to be considerate to the person who cuts you off in traffic? Who wants to be considerate to the person who picked up the last Christmas ham just seconds before us? Yet, that is what Paul is calling us to do.

Why does Paul tell us to show our gentleness to everyone? He knew the promises of God and trusted in them. He knew there was something far better waiting for us. He knew that by being considerate of others we might bring them to Christ. He knew that by being different than everyone else, we would be attractive to them, causing them to wonder what made us different. We would do well to follow Paul’s instruction.

I pray we all determine to be gentle with others. I pray we are considerate in our interactions with everyone. I pray each one of us will imitate the gentleness of Jesus every day. Be gentle with others. Show consideration to others. Imitate the gentleness of Jesus.

Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

Restored Fortunes

What have you lost that you would like to have found or returned? Was it a relationship? Was it a job? Was it money lost in the stock market? Did you lose your home? What have you done to attempt to recover it? What would you do if it all was returned to you?

Sometimes losing things can be blessing. Other times it can be annoying. And still other times it can be devastating. A broken and lost relationship can devastate a person. Losing your entire fortune in the stock market can be devastating. A lost job may also be devastating.

We lose lots of things throughout our lives. It seems dryers eat up socks. They are lost forever. That may be a little annoying, but we just go buy some more socks to replace them. But when we lose something or someone very significant, we may never get over it. It may haunt us for the rest of our lives.

Through the prophet Zephaniah, God tells us he will restore our fortunes. He is not talking about our lost socks. He is talking about our true fortunes, which include relationships, dignity, feeling loved, eternal peace, and eternal joy. The material things of this world will no longer matter to us when we go to spend eternity with God. But reconnecting those lost relationships along with being loved and appreciated will feed our joy when God brings us home.

I pray we all know loss in this life will be made right by God. I pray we withstand our losses with God’s strength. I pray each one of us look forward to the day our fortunes are returned to us. Your valuable losses will be returned. God will restore you. God will return your fortunes.

Zephaniah 3:20

At that time I will bring you home, 

at the time when I gather you; 

for I will make you renowned and praised 

among all the peoples of the earth, 

when I restore your fortunes 

before your eyes, says the Lord.