My brother is dying. Cancer is slowly depleting his strength and stealing his body's ability to sustain life. It has been a long sad time.
Early in the summer we heard the news that the cancer we thought was gone had returned. The prognosis was very poor. He would not survive this, but chemo could help curb the symptoms. He decided that he would not let the doctors intervene and so the waiting began.
The family waits and prays in faith that God will heal him with a miracle. The weaker he becomes the more we pray a litany of requests for him: healing, no pain, getting to see everyone he wants to see, completing his project, more days. God has answered our requests, except for healing.
DJ is a young man by modern standards. Fifty eight years is much too young to face death. I have thought that asking for more days would be enough but why not ask for years? Cancer is a thief. The years have been stolen. We can only hold on to the treasure of each day.
God has been so good to me during this time of waiting. He has given me peace and hope that is so real that I feel it as a presence surrounding me. Songs and scriptures hold a new meaning for me as I hear them amid the realities I face. My prayers have become thought-filled. I question my thinking and avow my convictions with passion. I ask with living faith. And so it was this past Sunday as I spoke to God saying, "I don't want to wait for DJ to die!" My Father in Heaven responded quickly saying, "Wait for him to live!" His words have changed me. I now wait for my brother DJ to live. I wait for him to live eternally. That is my hope and my peace. God the Almighty Sovereign and Good Father is drawing DJ to himself. Every day gives my brother time to choose life, life eternal. It is in God's faithfulness that I trust and wait.
Father God, You are my security. You have given me all I need to face this sad time. I am so glad that You have turned my waiting for death into waiting for life! I know I can trust You. Thank You for every blessing and every lesson I am learning from this time. Thank You for being strong when I am weak. I ask only that I remember these days and not forget the things You have done. I love You, Lord.
Showing posts with label peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label peace. Show all posts
Monday, August 24, 2015
Monday, December 10, 2012
Swaddling Hugs
Every baby needs to be swaddled. When they are bound tight in a blanket, they feel safe. They relax and rest. It is not only babies who surrender themselves into peace with the swaddling of a blanket. Adults may not get that sort of comfort often, but we need it.
When I am fearful, worried, or not feeling well, I need a warm blanket wrapped tight around me. We all know what it is like to want to curl up in bed after a tough day. Tears may be shed but the warmth of being swathed brings comfort and eventually we relax and rest.
Soft, warm blankets, are often given as gifts this time of year. They are appreciated, not only for their practicality, but also for the comfort and love that comes with the present. Clothing that is soft and warm is also a gift that is more than the covering for our bodies. We wear what fits our mood and some clothes swathe us.
In the Garden of Eden, before clothes were necessary, I want to believe that God wanted people to offer everyday gifts that would express God's image and likeness. Hugs were a reminder of the presence, comfort, safety, protection and grace of God. Maybe in the time of temptation a hug could have helped Adam and Eve to make a wiser choice.
That brings me back to Christmas. Jesus was swaddled in cloths by Mary because He was now fully human and needed what all humans need. I think He was the first one to offer hugs to those He met while He was here on earth. Why? Because I know He is always with me to give comfort and peace. He hugs me with His word, His presence, and His church.
You, O Lord, my God, are Comforter, Peace, Protector and Savior! You are the Promise of Emmanuel, God with us! Your presence swaddles me in love and grace. You are my hiding place, my hug in the midst of my need. Thank You for the hugs of my loved ones. Thank You for the strength and well being those hugs bring. Thank You for my arms that can reach out to others to share the gift of You. Teach me to be generous in my giving.
When I am fearful, worried, or not feeling well, I need a warm blanket wrapped tight around me. We all know what it is like to want to curl up in bed after a tough day. Tears may be shed but the warmth of being swathed brings comfort and eventually we relax and rest.
Soft, warm blankets, are often given as gifts this time of year. They are appreciated, not only for their practicality, but also for the comfort and love that comes with the present. Clothing that is soft and warm is also a gift that is more than the covering for our bodies. We wear what fits our mood and some clothes swathe us.
In the Garden of Eden, before clothes were necessary, I want to believe that God wanted people to offer everyday gifts that would express God's image and likeness. Hugs were a reminder of the presence, comfort, safety, protection and grace of God. Maybe in the time of temptation a hug could have helped Adam and Eve to make a wiser choice.
That brings me back to Christmas. Jesus was swaddled in cloths by Mary because He was now fully human and needed what all humans need. I think He was the first one to offer hugs to those He met while He was here on earth. Why? Because I know He is always with me to give comfort and peace. He hugs me with His word, His presence, and His church.
You, O Lord, my God, are Comforter, Peace, Protector and Savior! You are the Promise of Emmanuel, God with us! Your presence swaddles me in love and grace. You are my hiding place, my hug in the midst of my need. Thank You for the hugs of my loved ones. Thank You for the strength and well being those hugs bring. Thank You for my arms that can reach out to others to share the gift of You. Teach me to be generous in my giving.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
The Wrapped Gift
Have you ever opened a big box just to find many smaller boxes inside? Each present inside is wrapped and filled with wonders and delights. I don't ever remember getting a gift like that, but I have given a few.
Today As I came into our church sanctuary, I saw the beautiful Christmas decorations. My eyes were drawn to the center of the back wall. Around the cross a white cloth was draped. It was beautiful!
I thought about the baby Jesus being swaddled in a cloth, and then I also remembered that He was wrapped in a shroud as well. The beginning and the end of His time on earth was marked by the wrapping of the gift: His life.
The presence of God was given to all of us in a man-child named Jesus. He brought us many gifts. We discover them by opening our hearts and opening the Word. I want to take pleasure in discovering anew the gifts I have unwrapped in the past. I also want to find a deeper joy in the revelation of new gifts.
Today Pastor John spoke about the gift of peace that Jesus offers. Peace that passes understanding must come from a good God. The One who can make all things work together for our good is the One who walked in the frailty of flesh and knows intimately how to find the peace for which we all long. This Christmas season I would like to look intently for treasure found in Jesus, the gift that God wrapped especially for us.
Father God, You are the Giver of all good gifts. You are the author of time and Your timing is perfect. Sometimes I forget that and struggle against the wait. Forgive me. Thank You for the Gift of Jesus. Thank You that You cared enough to wrap him up and let us open so many gifts in Him. Open my eyes to see the gifts You offer me each day. Open my heart to receive those gifts with excitement and joy. I begin today by unwrapping Your peace. Thank You!
Today As I came into our church sanctuary, I saw the beautiful Christmas decorations. My eyes were drawn to the center of the back wall. Around the cross a white cloth was draped. It was beautiful!
I thought about the baby Jesus being swaddled in a cloth, and then I also remembered that He was wrapped in a shroud as well. The beginning and the end of His time on earth was marked by the wrapping of the gift: His life.
The presence of God was given to all of us in a man-child named Jesus. He brought us many gifts. We discover them by opening our hearts and opening the Word. I want to take pleasure in discovering anew the gifts I have unwrapped in the past. I also want to find a deeper joy in the revelation of new gifts.
Today Pastor John spoke about the gift of peace that Jesus offers. Peace that passes understanding must come from a good God. The One who can make all things work together for our good is the One who walked in the frailty of flesh and knows intimately how to find the peace for which we all long. This Christmas season I would like to look intently for treasure found in Jesus, the gift that God wrapped especially for us.
Father God, You are the Giver of all good gifts. You are the author of time and Your timing is perfect. Sometimes I forget that and struggle against the wait. Forgive me. Thank You for the Gift of Jesus. Thank You that You cared enough to wrap him up and let us open so many gifts in Him. Open my eyes to see the gifts You offer me each day. Open my heart to receive those gifts with excitement and joy. I begin today by unwrapping Your peace. Thank You!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Proverbs Sixteen
Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
I do not like to think that I may have enemies, but I do know that over the years I have had people who have been very angry at me for one reason or another. Funny thing is that sometimes I am my own worst enemy!
Most of my enemies are made with words misunderstood, words spewed out in anger, or haughty words that bring the other person low. It is only when the other person reacts that I realize that I have made an enemy. But, I don't like to have enemies, and so I become desperate to resolve the problem.
When I try to fix the wrong doing myself it usually turns out worse. My pride or anger is heightened by someone not admitting that I am right and they are wrong. Oh, yes, I try to repair the damage with more of my word weapons. It is like a using a flame thrower to heal a sunburn. OUCH!
It is only when I go to the Lord and ask Him what to do that I find myself on the road to peace holding out the white flag. Through changing my thinking and my way of looking at a situation, I can diffuse the pride and anger in me first. It is His ways that can lead me to peace with my neighbor that has been hurt and wounded by me. It is His ways that allow outstretched arms to embrace the hostile enemy and offer peace and healing. His ways are not my ways, but His ways please Him and eventually please me and my enemy.
Lord of Peace, You are mighty to bring down the strongholds within me. You wash away my guilt and lay out a pathway of healing and peace, if I only will make my way pleasing to You. Thank You for turning my heart toward peace when I am so inflated by self. Thank You for healing me and helping me be a part of the healing in others. Make me a vessel of Your peace.
I do not like to think that I may have enemies, but I do know that over the years I have had people who have been very angry at me for one reason or another. Funny thing is that sometimes I am my own worst enemy!
Most of my enemies are made with words misunderstood, words spewed out in anger, or haughty words that bring the other person low. It is only when the other person reacts that I realize that I have made an enemy. But, I don't like to have enemies, and so I become desperate to resolve the problem.
When I try to fix the wrong doing myself it usually turns out worse. My pride or anger is heightened by someone not admitting that I am right and they are wrong. Oh, yes, I try to repair the damage with more of my word weapons. It is like a using a flame thrower to heal a sunburn. OUCH!
It is only when I go to the Lord and ask Him what to do that I find myself on the road to peace holding out the white flag. Through changing my thinking and my way of looking at a situation, I can diffuse the pride and anger in me first. It is His ways that can lead me to peace with my neighbor that has been hurt and wounded by me. It is His ways that allow outstretched arms to embrace the hostile enemy and offer peace and healing. His ways are not my ways, but His ways please Him and eventually please me and my enemy.
Lord of Peace, You are mighty to bring down the strongholds within me. You wash away my guilt and lay out a pathway of healing and peace, if I only will make my way pleasing to You. Thank You for turning my heart toward peace when I am so inflated by self. Thank You for healing me and helping me be a part of the healing in others. Make me a vessel of Your peace.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Proverbs Twelve
Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.
My grandlady, Paige, called me the morning of my surgery. She was worried about me. She said she was afraid that I would die and she would never see me again. I was able to diffuse her fears by asking where I be if I died. Of course she said I'd be in heaven. I then told her that she, too, would be in heaven if she stayed close to Jesus. So she had nothing to worry about.
Our little exchange brought her peace. She was no longer afraid of what "could" happen. She was only aware of what the truth of our relationship with Jesus and each other meant. That is what I wanted for her. I want her to have peace and joy, not the lies of the enemy. It takes planning to bring peace.
The planning begins with faith in the goodness of God. The foundation of that faith can make all things work together for our good. Knowing God's goodness means that I must spend time in relationship with Him. Like most every relationship, it is not easy. It is hard work and priorities must be made.
It is time to make a plan for peace that will lead to joy.
Lord, Lead me in the paths of peace. Remove the deceit from my heart and keep evil far from me. Thank You for the joy You give ! Thank You for the peace in my heart. Let me share it freely with others!
My grandlady, Paige, called me the morning of my surgery. She was worried about me. She said she was afraid that I would die and she would never see me again. I was able to diffuse her fears by asking where I be if I died. Of course she said I'd be in heaven. I then told her that she, too, would be in heaven if she stayed close to Jesus. So she had nothing to worry about.
Our little exchange brought her peace. She was no longer afraid of what "could" happen. She was only aware of what the truth of our relationship with Jesus and each other meant. That is what I wanted for her. I want her to have peace and joy, not the lies of the enemy. It takes planning to bring peace.
The planning begins with faith in the goodness of God. The foundation of that faith can make all things work together for our good. Knowing God's goodness means that I must spend time in relationship with Him. Like most every relationship, it is not easy. It is hard work and priorities must be made.
It is time to make a plan for peace that will lead to joy.
Lord, Lead me in the paths of peace. Remove the deceit from my heart and keep evil far from me. Thank You for the joy You give ! Thank You for the peace in my heart. Let me share it freely with others!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Doors
We bought a new front door today. It is beautiful, and I think it will be a welcoming addition to our home.
Doors are entry ways to new places. We walk through a doorway and the environment changes. Homes, doctor's offices, workplaces, churches, and stores all have their own atmosphere. The door is the gateway to whatever lies behind and often gives us clues as to what we can expect.
We walk up to some doors with fear, others with anticipation, and still others with curiosity. Some doors are meant to be opened by us and others need to be opened by the person on the other side. Some doors should never be opened at all, but we will talk about that at another time! Do all doors hold opportunity? I think the ones that should be opened do. Every entry we pass through presents us with a new experience or new people or both. We can learn something about ourselves, others or God with each open or even locked door.
Since not all doors lead to welcoming and happy places we must be prepared to face whatever may wait behind a door. Faith is the key that makes each door, no matter what lies behind, to be something good for us. Faith in a good God who promises that He will make all thing work out for our good is the only prerequisite for entering a door with peace.
What door will await me in the coming days? I don't know. I only know that my faith will make the passageway peaceful.
Jesus, You are the door to peace with God. You also knock on my door every day wanting to come in and commune with me. You are so good! Thank You for my new door. Thank You for the lessons from our world that teach me about You. Thank you for the peace that comes with faith and trust in You. Let my focus be on You and not the door I face. It is You I seek behind every door.
Doors are entry ways to new places. We walk through a doorway and the environment changes. Homes, doctor's offices, workplaces, churches, and stores all have their own atmosphere. The door is the gateway to whatever lies behind and often gives us clues as to what we can expect.
We walk up to some doors with fear, others with anticipation, and still others with curiosity. Some doors are meant to be opened by us and others need to be opened by the person on the other side. Some doors should never be opened at all, but we will talk about that at another time! Do all doors hold opportunity? I think the ones that should be opened do. Every entry we pass through presents us with a new experience or new people or both. We can learn something about ourselves, others or God with each open or even locked door.
Since not all doors lead to welcoming and happy places we must be prepared to face whatever may wait behind a door. Faith is the key that makes each door, no matter what lies behind, to be something good for us. Faith in a good God who promises that He will make all thing work out for our good is the only prerequisite for entering a door with peace.
What door will await me in the coming days? I don't know. I only know that my faith will make the passageway peaceful.
Jesus, You are the door to peace with God. You also knock on my door every day wanting to come in and commune with me. You are so good! Thank You for my new door. Thank You for the lessons from our world that teach me about You. Thank you for the peace that comes with faith and trust in You. Let my focus be on You and not the door I face. It is You I seek behind every door.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Thunderstorms Coming
Early this morning the news has issued warnings of severe weather coming our way. Possibilities of lightning with the storms as well as tornado watches. So far nothing has been seen at my house except for overcast skies. The cloudy skies make me sleepy, the warnings of coming storms keep me alert.
In the same way, God has given us warnings in the Bible. A tribulation will come (See Mark 13:24-27). We may or may not experience the Great Tribulation described in scripture, but in life we will confront trials that will shake us and cause us to seek shelter from the storm. Will we heed the warnings? Will we seek shelter in the strong tower or in some hastily built faith or good works hoping to make it through?
Storms can come through our lives quickly or linger for years. They can also vary in intensity. Whatever the storm, Jesus has proven to be the One we can turn to. He is our strong tower, our ark, our peace. I can sleep through the warnings or I can stay alert and be ready when the time comes. Jesus has made it clear that He wants me to stay awake and alert. We may need to ride out the storm to the end, but Jesus always brings peace to us if we let Him.
Lord Jesus, Calmer of the storm and Prince of Peace, Thank You for being my shelter and covering. Forgive me for the times I fail to seek You for protection from the enemy, the world and even my own sinful nature! I want to run to You every time, but I sometimes get tripped up and fall into so many traps from which I cannot free myself. I need You in every storm of life. I need You
In the same way, God has given us warnings in the Bible. A tribulation will come (See Mark 13:24-27). We may or may not experience the Great Tribulation described in scripture, but in life we will confront trials that will shake us and cause us to seek shelter from the storm. Will we heed the warnings? Will we seek shelter in the strong tower or in some hastily built faith or good works hoping to make it through?
Storms can come through our lives quickly or linger for years. They can also vary in intensity. Whatever the storm, Jesus has proven to be the One we can turn to. He is our strong tower, our ark, our peace. I can sleep through the warnings or I can stay alert and be ready when the time comes. Jesus has made it clear that He wants me to stay awake and alert. We may need to ride out the storm to the end, but Jesus always brings peace to us if we let Him.
Lord Jesus, Calmer of the storm and Prince of Peace, Thank You for being my shelter and covering. Forgive me for the times I fail to seek You for protection from the enemy, the world and even my own sinful nature! I want to run to You every time, but I sometimes get tripped up and fall into so many traps from which I cannot free myself. I need You in every storm of life. I need You
Monday, December 13, 2010
No Mistletoe
Yesterday I shared about my vision of God kissing the world and Jesus was born. After contemplating the kiss I have a few thoughts to share again on this subject.
Mistletoe was known as the peace plant in Scandinavia. When enemies met in the forest under a tree with mistletoe, they would lay down their weapons for a day of peace. Today we kiss under the mistletoe. Kissing is also a sign of peace. Though mistletoe is interesting and its history and folk lore are a captivating read, God does not need this parasitic plant to entice Him to peace or kisses.
Gods' kiss on the world, even without mistletoe, was meant to bring peace between Himself and His creation. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. God is willing to kiss us with Jesus the Peacemaker! Jesus was willing to be betrayed by a kiss so that we might have His peace. Are we willing to lay down our arms and receive the peace and love He offers?
Prince of Peace, God of love, You need only Your true self to pour out Your peace and love upon us. I enjoy the mistletoe tradition and pray for peace with those I am estranged when I see it hanging from the trees or hang it at Christmas time. I know that I do not need the mistletoe to make peace. I need only You. You have made peace with me and I should do the same. Thank You for the symbols of peace in our warring world. Thank You for the kiss of Jesus. Teach us to live peacefully with our neighbor. Fill us with peace this Christmas and throughout the year.
Mistletoe was known as the peace plant in Scandinavia. When enemies met in the forest under a tree with mistletoe, they would lay down their weapons for a day of peace. Today we kiss under the mistletoe. Kissing is also a sign of peace. Though mistletoe is interesting and its history and folk lore are a captivating read, God does not need this parasitic plant to entice Him to peace or kisses.
Gods' kiss on the world, even without mistletoe, was meant to bring peace between Himself and His creation. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. God is willing to kiss us with Jesus the Peacemaker! Jesus was willing to be betrayed by a kiss so that we might have His peace. Are we willing to lay down our arms and receive the peace and love He offers?
Prince of Peace, God of love, You need only Your true self to pour out Your peace and love upon us. I enjoy the mistletoe tradition and pray for peace with those I am estranged when I see it hanging from the trees or hang it at Christmas time. I know that I do not need the mistletoe to make peace. I need only You. You have made peace with me and I should do the same. Thank You for the symbols of peace in our warring world. Thank You for the kiss of Jesus. Teach us to live peacefully with our neighbor. Fill us with peace this Christmas and throughout the year.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Captivated Women
This Saturday our women's Ministry is having a half day retreat called Summer Lite. I will be one of the speakers for the break out groups. The theme of the day is finding Peace in.... Where do we find peace?
Do we find peace in forgiveness? crafts? Is there peace in our homes? There isn't much peace in our world. Which is more important, peace in our hearts or peace in the world? Peace: we fight for it and we seek after many things that promise peace but it so often eludes us.
I've been listening to Beth Moore on Wednesdays when she teaches a short study for Life Today with James Robison. She has been teaching on finding the God of all comfort versus desiring comfort at any cost. I relate comfort and peace together. Do you? It seems to me that more often than not we seek comfort and peace at the same time.
Curling up in bed with a good book, watching a chick flick lounging on the couch, avoiding issues with our loved ones for fear of losing the plastic peace that sits between us, or grabbing that sweet dessert and savoring its comfort. Many things pretend to bring us peace and Beth moore says that when we Desire these comforts more than the God of all comfort we live lives of relational disasters, lives full of addictions, and we will miss our calling because our calling will only be found outside of our comfort zone.
I think Beth is right about comfort, but when I look at it through this window, I must say I am wrong to bind comfort and peace together so securely. Yes, the lack of peace leads to relationship disasters and addictions, but I think we can have peace without having comfort! Even in the most difficult circumstances we can have peace.
Jesus is our Prince of Peace (Is.9:6) Jesus is our peace (Eph.2:14a) and He fills us with the Holy Spirit so we may bear fruit, of which one is peace. The question arises how do we get this peace Jesus offers?
I am certain that the first step is to be captivated by God. We must be overpowered by the desire to seek Him in His word, and to be with Him in relationship throughout each day. It is when we are bound to Christ that we can find peace in any situation. When turmoil is thrust at us and we find ourselves sinking, we know that Jesus is with us. We believe He will get us through the trial and make all things right in the end as He promised. Of course we don't know when the end will be, but we really can trust Him. He has proven Himself to be faithful. He has proven Himself to be my Prince of Peace.
For you I pray that He will fill your hearts with peace that passes understanding. May You always know the peace He offers and refuse plastic peace. I also hope and pray that you will find comfort in Him alone!
Have a great day!
Do we find peace in forgiveness? crafts? Is there peace in our homes? There isn't much peace in our world. Which is more important, peace in our hearts or peace in the world? Peace: we fight for it and we seek after many things that promise peace but it so often eludes us.
I've been listening to Beth Moore on Wednesdays when she teaches a short study for Life Today with James Robison. She has been teaching on finding the God of all comfort versus desiring comfort at any cost. I relate comfort and peace together. Do you? It seems to me that more often than not we seek comfort and peace at the same time.
Curling up in bed with a good book, watching a chick flick lounging on the couch, avoiding issues with our loved ones for fear of losing the plastic peace that sits between us, or grabbing that sweet dessert and savoring its comfort. Many things pretend to bring us peace and Beth moore says that when we Desire these comforts more than the God of all comfort we live lives of relational disasters, lives full of addictions, and we will miss our calling because our calling will only be found outside of our comfort zone.
I think Beth is right about comfort, but when I look at it through this window, I must say I am wrong to bind comfort and peace together so securely. Yes, the lack of peace leads to relationship disasters and addictions, but I think we can have peace without having comfort! Even in the most difficult circumstances we can have peace.
Jesus is our Prince of Peace (Is.9:6) Jesus is our peace (Eph.2:14a) and He fills us with the Holy Spirit so we may bear fruit, of which one is peace. The question arises how do we get this peace Jesus offers?
I am certain that the first step is to be captivated by God. We must be overpowered by the desire to seek Him in His word, and to be with Him in relationship throughout each day. It is when we are bound to Christ that we can find peace in any situation. When turmoil is thrust at us and we find ourselves sinking, we know that Jesus is with us. We believe He will get us through the trial and make all things right in the end as He promised. Of course we don't know when the end will be, but we really can trust Him. He has proven Himself to be faithful. He has proven Himself to be my Prince of Peace.
For you I pray that He will fill your hearts with peace that passes understanding. May You always know the peace He offers and refuse plastic peace. I also hope and pray that you will find comfort in Him alone!
Have a great day!
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