Month: December 2021

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3

Jesus was raised to life and is now in heaven at the right hand of God. Now I can know for sure that when I die I will be raised to life with him in heaven forever. I can totally rest in my God knowing that nothing can separate me from him. One day I will be with him forever.

All those who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3

All we need to get to heaven is faith. To believe that he meant what he said, that we could come to him and he would forgive everything. No limitations. Once we believe we are purified and God sees us just as our King, Jesus, perfect.

“For I know the plans I have for you, ‘declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

It is hard at times not knowing what the future holds for me. I do have good people taking care of me and so far I can do most things for myself as far as keeping busy and basic needs. My body needs help getting up, showered, and dressed. Will I get worse? I can’t stand anymore and my feet and ankles are bent pretty bad. I know I will decline as I age. But God will take care of me.

“My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm.” Isaiah 51:5

Justice is difficult to describe, but God is very just and will eventually bring punishment to those who deserve it. He will make all right.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12

It is hard to wait for things we need and want and this can bring angst. But when good finally does come we rejoice in God who is so faithful.

“May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.” Psalms 25:21

When I spend my time doing things that are good, following his commands and his example it does bring rewards. It brings joy, peace, and blessings. His ways work and are always worth it.

“For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.” Psalms 37:9

When we get to heaven there will be no evil, and wicked people, those who have been forgiven and are free from past mistakes. We are totally new creatures. We will be perfect in our perfect home.

“Hope in the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed you will see it.” Psalms 37:34

One day we will be rewarded for all of our efforts to serve patiently. Those who have not done God’s will and have lived evil lives will have to face his wrath.

“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” Psalms 39:7

The Lord knows just what I need. I have learned that he will provide even if there is not much I have control over. Lately because of illness the people doing my laundry have been running behind getting my clothes back. I joked with caregivers that I would have to go naked tomorrow because I had no more pants. Well bright and early they came in with a stack of clothes. Just in time. Thanks God.

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalms 42:5

I wake up each day with hope and expectation, I didn’t always but I can think of a million reasons to choose joy and not sadness or anger. The biggest one is that I only want good so I choose joy. It never causes regret or anxious thoughts.

“For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.” Psalms 52:9

Coming together as a common people to worship and learn more about God with people who believe the same way is so important. We hold each other up. Community, us and God. A threefold strand will stand strong.

You are so good to me and you have given me awesome daughters that always make sure I have everything I could need and want. Thanks!

You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.” Psalms 65:5

You are always working and you are always good and that will never change.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3

Our minds can travel many different paths during our day but we need to be training our minds to always remain on God, Satan is busy trying to control our minds and we need to deliberately refocus them back to keep peace.

“The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; it’s effect will be quietness and confidence forever.” Isaiah 32:17

Righteousness is getting closer to God’s perfect example every day. That will not happen unless we battle our flesh every minute of every day.

“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:18

Keeping peace around you is not easy. But it is worth the effort. I have learned to work with people and try to see them through God’s eyes. We all want to be liked and respected so treat others kindly and respectfully.

“Now may the God of peace, through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20

Our savior was willing to do so much for us because he loved us so much. We should in turn show him the same love by listening to him.

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

Forgive and let things go that upset you. Just as Jesus so freely let the people who were to sacrifice him do what they had to do and still said, “father, forgive them …”.

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11

Just as any athlete trains his body by exercising we need to train our bodies to do God’s will. Our sinful bodies don’t wish to change but as children of God we are called to be changed. To be different from the world.

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16

As we consciously keep our thoughts on God and all his promises, and keeping his will, we will be overcome with peace and joy.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

When you just realize how much God greatly loves and thinks about each of us, how he will bring about good in our lives and will continually work to see us grow, you will begin to want that also in others lives. I do want peace to reign.

“But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord only if his prediction comes true.” Jeremiah 28:9

People will not find peace until they earnestly seek God and his will. People will see the peace in your life when you have completely put your trust in him and his ways.

“I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.” Jeremiah 33:6

As we trust in him and spend time in his presence we will have abundant peace.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 14:7

I never understood about peace that was so consuming and unimaginable before I went through some dark places. One was when I almost died from my stroke. When you have no control over your outcome, peace just flooded my soul and I knew I would be ok.

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it in practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Phillipians 14:9

When you watch someone else going through very difficult situations and can still see them smile and be calm, you will choose to be more like them .Prison, beatings, flogging, and shipwrecks but still have peace.

“If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well being like the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:18

People complain about all of their troubles and woes but if they aren’t keeping God’s commandments they shouldn’t expect his blessings.

“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 stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

The blood of Jesus Christ has paid for so many curses. There are so many wrongs in this world that come about because of that very first sin. But because of his blood we can receive healing, forgiveness, freedom and deliverance.

“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” Isaiah 54:13

As parents I believe that our number one goal is to raise children to love, respect and follow after the Lord. Teaching them to do the things that will bring peace to their lives.