News you won't see in controlled mainstream media.

"And now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in You."
Psalm 39:7

THE sea was beating against the rocks in huge, dashing waves. The lightning was flashing, the thunder was roaring, the wind was blowing; but the little bird was asleep in the crevice of the rock, its head serenely under its wing, sound asleep. That is peace--to be able to sleep in the storm!

In Christ, we are relaxed and at peace in the midst of the confusion, bewilderments, and perplexitites of life. The storm rages, but our hearts are at rest. We have found peace--at last!

Prayer For The Day:
Thank You, dear Lord, for the hope I have in Your abiding love, which surrounds me.

Billy Graham
Day By Day ~
Blessings, Abishag

The Search For Peace ~

Philippians 4:4-12
~~~~~
"The peace of God,
which surpasses all
understanding, will
guard your hearts
and minds."
Phil. 4:7

The world we live in cannot offer peace. It offers only poor options. Pleasure, power, and possessions are no substitute for peace of heart and mind.

Paul reminded the believers at Philippi, "The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:7). This is the peace God brings to those who have been reconciled to God by faith in His Son Jesus (Eph 2:14-16). It's a peace we are to share with a world that's desperate for it.

Peace--real peace--is found only in a relationship with Jesus. Have you received His peace? --
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. ---JESUS <><

Our Daily Bread ~

Blessings and Peace,
Abishag <><

JESUS is your PEACE !

'God's Promises for His people'--

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaian 26:3

"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the Blood of Christ.
For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Eph. 2:13,14

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ..." Romans 5:1

"The Lord will give strength unto His people: the Lord will bless His people with peace." Psm 29:11

"Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

"Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6,7

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." Col.3:15

Fellow Brothers and Sisters-In-Christ Jesus, let us call out these Bible Promises to our Sovereign Lord and Saviour, Jesus the Holy One, to 'find help in our time of need.'. Amen!

Blessings, Abishag <><

~~Spiritual Peace --

"These things I have spoken unto you,
that in me ye might have peace. In the
world ye shall have tribulation: but be
of good cheer: I have overcome the world."
JOHN 16:33
~~~~~~

THE peace that Jesus came to bring was not the peace of appeasement, or the peace of compromise and conformity. It was a spiritual peace. The world doesn't give peace, for it doesn't have any peace to give.

The world fights for peace, it negotiates for peace, it maneuvers for peace, but there is no ultimate peace in the world.

But Jesus gives peace to those who put their trust in Him. If you have received His peace, then you are in His camp. But if you have rejected it, then you are against Him. His peace is available to everyone who will receive it. ~
~~~
Prayer For The Day:'
Deep down I feel Your peace,
Lord Jesus, and the storms of my life
are abated. Thanks you, Lord, for Your
victory through life's storms. Amen~
----
Billy Graham
Day by Day
Blessings, Abishag

~~Friends with God

"I no longer call you servants,...
but I call you friends."
John 15:15

~~~~Through Christ's sacrifice, our past is pardoned and our future secure. And, "Since we have been made right with God by our faith, we have peace with God" Romans 5:1.

Peace with God. What a happy consequence of faith! Not just peace between conutries, peace between neighbors, or peace at home; salvation brings peace with God....

God is no longer a foe, but a friend. We are at peace with Him.

~~~~~~~
Max Lucado
In the Grip of Grace

Many of us have heard the sayings..
The only things certain in LIFE are death and taxes.'

'LIFE is what happens while you're busy makeing other plans.'

'LIFE is hard, and then you die.'

'LIFE is not fair.'

'LIFE is better together.'

Life is a gift from our Father, in Heaven, and it really IS better together.
LIFE--the hard stuff and struggles as well as the joys-- all of it is better together,
and much of it cannot be handled alone.
There are many opportunites to share life with others.

"I no longer call you servants,...
but I call you friends."
John 15:15

"That which hath been is that which shall be, and that which hath been done is that which shall be done; and there is nothing new under the sun. "

Ecclesiastes 1:9

"For in much wisdom is much vexation; and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. "

Ecclesiastes 1:18

"It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. "

Ecclesiastes 7:5


"All things have I seen in the days of my vanity; there is a righteous man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his evil-doing. "

Ecclesiastes 7:15

Calm in the Storm ~~

A woman caught in a frightening storm in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean had kept all the little children on board from panicking by telling Bible stories. After finally reaching the dock safely, the ship's captain approached the woman, whom he had observed in the midst of the tempest.

"How were you able to maintain your calm when everyone feared the ship would sink in this storm?" the captain asked. As she looked up, he noted the same quiet peace in her eyes that she had maintained throughout the journey.

"I have two daughters," explained the Christian woman. "One of them lives in New York. The other lives in heaven. I knew I would see one or the other of my daughers in a few hours. And it really didn't matter to me which one."

By: RON MEHL
From: "Surprise Endings"

THINGS WILL
GET BETTER ~~

Philippians 1:19-26
-----
I am hard-pressed
between the two,
having a desire to
depart and be with
Christ, which is far
better. --Phil. 1:23

---------------------
THE Bible warns us that we live in a world that in many ways is actually getting worse (2 Tim. 3:13). Daily we're faced with increasing evidence to support that contention. So how do we respond to the realities of life in such a badly marred world? With empty optimism? With hopeless discouragement?

While imprisoned in Rome, Paul wrote to the church at Philippi to offer them genuine hope in a broken world. He encouraged his readers by telling them that though life in this world is often hard and painful, for the Christian things will get better. He wrote, "I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better" (Phil. 1:23). It is a reminder to us that we can face the difficulties of living for Christ now because one day we will be with Him in an eternal home of splendor and fullness. Eternal peace, at last!

Life can be hard, but one day when we see Christ it will truly get better!
------
To see His face, this is my goal,
The deepest longing of my soul;
Through storm and stress my path I'll trace
Till, satisfied, I see His face!
___________________________
TO BE WITH JESUS FOREVER IS THE SUM OF ALL HAPPINESS.

Our Daily Bread
Blessings!

--Is Peace Possible
in Bad Times?

READ/JOHN 16:28-33
----
IS it possible to be at peace when you have just received a "pink slip"? When your 16-year-old daughter discovers that she is pregnant? When your spouse says, "I don't want to be married anymore"? Is it possible to be at peace when you fall into a deep depression? Yes! God's peace is available no matter how painful and hopeless your situation seems.

Peace is not gained by manipulating circumstances. Sometimes people think that if they could just rearrange their situation a bit, then life would be wonderful. That kind of self-reliance is both foolish and unbiblical. Fixing a problem outside of the Lord's will might result in temporary calm, but lasting peace will continue to be elusive.

A tranquil heart is the result of trusting the Lord, no matter how messy life gets. Jesus warned that believers would have trouble on this earth, but He has overcome the world. In other words, we can have peace in spite of our trials. Although a storm of trouble rages around a believer, he can travel through it with a sense of serenity because Jesus walks alongside him.

Thanks to a believers relationship with Christ, he receives all that he needs to face his trial--including courage, wisdom, guidance, and comfort. ~

EARLY LIGHT/ Jesus promised peace for those who trust in Him. Thankfully, He also "delivers" on everything He promises. Our part is to take one day at a time and believe that God will carry us through. Divine peace and everything else that we need will follow our faith. Have faith in the Lord Jesus.

Pastor Charles Stanley
In Touch ~
Blessings, Abishag / JESUS IS LORD!

Keeping Conneced.

Share the Good News Of Christmas!

Life can be hard, but one day when we see Christ it will truly get better!

Hi Lynn!

I really like your post. WOW! Neat! Thanks!
--------------------------

The Source of Peace -

READ/ JOHN 15:5-8

JESUS is our peace. God offers everyone serenity of heart, but only those who receive Christ can actually accept the gift. The Holy Spirit, who lives inside everybody that believes in the Savior, can keep peace flowing like sap from a vine to its branches.

But sadly, this internal wellspring of peace is overlooked by many believers. Misguided Christians instead make false assumptions:

1) Some wrongly think peace is the result of perfect conditions. Even if we were able to achieve an ideal existence on this earth, we certainly couldn't maintain it--or any resulting happiness--for long. This world is broken and will not yield serenity through circumstances.

2) Others believe peace and help must be requested from a faraway God. This is the best guess of people who don't understand the union between the Lord and His followers. We do not need tranquility delivered from heaven; it is available to us immediately from Christ, who lives in us.

The Living Bible translation beautifully captures how a vital, peaceful relationship with Jesus should look: "And now just as you trusted Christ to save you, trust him, too, for each day's problems; live in vital union with him...Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him" (Col. 2:6-7).
-----
EARLY LIGHT/ We cannot be forced out of a state of tranquility unless we decide to seek peace apart from Jesus Christ. Serenity is a direct result of keeping a right relationship with Him. No outside force or situation can tamper with that connection--we partake of Jesus' vital life through His Holy Spirit. ~~

In Touch
Pastor Charles Stanley +
Blessings, Abishag <><

--PEACE ON
EARTH? --

Luke 2:8-14 -
---
Peace I leave with
you, My peace I give
to you; not as the
world gives do I give
to you. --JOHN 14:27
---
I wouldn't want to pick a fight with a sky full of angels, but I must admit that I've always wondered about the promise of peace the angelic host made to the shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem. For the last 2,000 years, peace on our planet has been at best a rare commodity. Wars continue to ravage innocent lives, domestic violence is a growing calamity, divorce rates soar, churches split, and peace in our restless and wayward hearts seems to be an elusive dream.

Where is the promised peace? Actually, on reflection, we can see that Jesus brought all that is needed for peace in our world. He taught the principles of peace, calling for people to love their neighbors as they love themselves. And as He was leaving this planet, He promised, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you" (John 14:27). He told us to turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, forgive offenses, reject greed, tolerate each other's weaknesses, live to serve and love one another as He has loved us.

It seems that in large part, peace is up to us. Paul verifies that in Romans 12:18, "As much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men."

Let's live as we reflect the Prince of Peace, King Jesus.
------
When we experience peace with God,
we can share His peace with others.
---
ODB/JS

--A PRIZE
FOR PEACE~~

-Ephesians 2:11-18
----
These things I have
spoken to you, that
in Me you may have
peace. --John 16:33-
----
-ALFRED NOBEL made a fortune from the invention of dynamite, which changed the course, of warfare. Perhaps because of the horrors that wars inflicted with the use of dynamite, he made a provision in his will for a prize to be given annually to those who work to promote peace. Today it's called the 'Nobel Peace Prize'.

God's expression of peace to the world was His Son, Jesus. When Jesus was born, the angels' clear, unmistakable message to the shepherds was "on earth peace, goodwill toward men" (Luke 2:14).

The biblical definition of "peace" is first of all, peace "with" God (Rom. 5:1). Sin makes us enemies with God (v.10), but Jesus' coming to this earth and dying on the Cross turned away God's wrath. We can now be reconciled with Him. Having put right our relationship with God, Jesus now enables us to work at breaking down the barriers between us and others.

Another kind of peace is having the 'peace of God' (Phil. 4:7). There is no need to be anxious about anything, for we are told that we can make our requests known to Him.

Having brought peace, Jesus is now seated at the right hand of the Father (Heb.12:2). Today, we can have peace "with" God and the peace "of" God.

-Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild--
God and sinners reconciled!"
------------
--TRUE PEACE IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF WAR;
IT IS THE PRESENCE OF GOD. ~~

--ODB/CPH
<http://youtu.be/9HLyhEdh92E>
---------

----How to Experience Christ's Peace
---John 14:27-31 - (Recommended Reading)

"My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). Jesus spoke these amazing words just hours before His crucifixion. His peace isn’t dependent upon external circumstances, but rather, it transcends them. Although He gives His peace to every believer as a gift, our experience of it is related to our faith in the following truths:

God is in control of everything. Without this assurance, the world is a scary place.

He loves me and will see me through every circumstance, no matter how difficult or painful it may be.
To have Christ’s peace, I must surrender my life to Him. When I hold onto my ways and plans, I’ll experience turmoil.
I have a limited perspective and understanding of my circumstances and God’s purposes for allowing them. His goals for me are greater than my immediate comfort.
The Lord promises to work all things out for my good. He is continually working to transform my character into Christ’s image.
I must live in sync with God, walking in the Spirit and promptly confessing and repenting of sin.
Scripture is my foundation for peace. It increases my trust in the Lord’s goodness, assures me that He keeps His promises, and reminds me of His sovereignty over every situation.

Sadly, many Christians live their whole lives without consistently experiencing this incomprehensible peace. Perhaps faith and submission are the most challenging issues. But only as we surrender control of our lives to Christ and trust in His plans for us will we discover tranquil rest for our souls.

--IN TOUCH ~~

--KINDNESS and PEACE

-LEAP THE WALL
--Romans 12:14-21

--If your enemy is
hungry, give him
bread to eat; and if
he is thirsty, give him
water to drink.
--Proverbs 25:21
---------
-SGT. RICHARD KIRKLAND was a Confederate soldier in the US Civil War (1861-1865). When the Union's failed charge at Marye's Heights during the Battle of Fredericksburg left wounded soldiers abandoned in no-man's land, Kirkland got permission to help them. Collecting canteens, he leaped the stone wall and bent over the first soldier to lend assistance. At great personal risk, the "Angel of Marye's Heights" extended the mercy of Christ to enemy soldiers.

While few of us will face an enemy on the battlefield, those who suffer are all around us--people struggling against loneliness, loss, health issues, and sin. Their cries, muted by our many distractions, plead for mercy and comfort, for hope and help.

Kirkland's example of Christlike compassion put action to Jesus' command to "love your enemies" (Matt. 5:44). Paul expanded on that theme when he quotes Proverbs 25:21, "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink" (Rom. 12:20). "Do not be overcome by evil," he said, "but overcome evil with good" (v.21).

Paul's challenge compels us to emulate Sgt. Kirkland. Today is the day for us to "leap the wall" of safety to lend comfort from God to those in need.
---------
--Kindness is in our power even when fondness is not.-[Samuel Johnson]

--ODB/RK
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFW9Hyq1NcY&feature=share&list=PL71E1DF703B821B13>

--GOD IN
THE STORM~~

--JOB 37:14-24

EARLY one morning the wind began to blow and raindrops hit my house like small stones. I peered outside at the yellow-gray sky and watched as trees thrashed in the wind. Veins of lightning lit the sky accompanied by bone-rattling thunder. The power blinked on and off, and I wondered how long the bad weather would continue.

After the storm passed, I opened my Bible to begin my day with reading Scripture. I read a passage in Job that compared the Lord's power to the atmospheric muscle of a storm. Job's friend, Elihu said, "God thunders marvelously with His voice" (37:5). And, "He covers His hands with lightning, and commands it to strike" (36:32). Indeed, God is "excellent in power" (37:23)

Compared to God, we humans are feeble. We're unable to help ourselves spiritually, heal our hearts, or fix the injustice we often endure. Fortunately, the God of the storm cares about weaklings like us; He "remembers that we are dust" (Ps. 103:14). What's more, God "gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength" (Isa. 40:29). Because God is strong, He can help us in our weakness.
-------------
--GOD IS THE SOURCE OF OUR STRENGTH! AMEN!
<http://youtu.be/ZlCxwYWPUDk>
-----------

--WHY CAUSE GRIEF?

--Hebrews 13:17-19
--------
'Obey those who
rule over you,...
for they watch out
for your souls.
---Hebrews 13:17
-------
--PASTORS make an easy target for criticism. Every week they are on display, carefully explaining God's Word, challenging us toward Christlike living. But sometimes we look to find things to criticize. It's easy to overlook all the good things a Pastor does and focus on our personal opinions.

Like all of us, our Pastors are not perfect. So I'm not saying that we should follow them blindly and never confront error through the proper channels. But some words from the writer of Hebrews may help us find the right way of thinking about our leaders who are presenting God's truth and modeling servant leadership. The writer says, "Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account" (13:17 NIV).

Think about that. Before God, our Pastor is responsible for guiding us spiritually. We should want that burden to be joyous, not grievous. The passage indicates that causing grief for the Pastor "would be of no benefit" (v.17 NIV).

We honor God and make things better for our Church when we give honor to those He has appointed as our leaders.
---------
--Pastors who preach God's Word need a good word from God's people. Have you encouraged your Pastor lately?

--ODB/DB

--How to Live Beyond Yourself~~

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.
---Zechariah 4:6

I once heard a pastor give a sermon where he said, “In the Old Testament, God the Father was rejected. In the New Testament, God the Son was rejected. And today, God the Holy Spirit has been rejected.” What a stunning, yet very valid indictment on the church today. So many, for whatever reason, have discounted and forgotten the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Perhaps one reason for this is ignorance. Many people come to know the Lord, are told about the Father and the Son, but are never given guidance on the person of the Spirit. Someone told them to pray a prayer, walk an aisle, get baptized, come to church, and do the best they could. But no one ever taught them what it means to walk by the Spirit!

But the Christian life really comes in stages. We begin by hearing things like “Read your Bible,” “Pray,” and “Go to church.” These are things we can do. But then we must move to things like “Love your enemy,” “Fight for your marriage,” and “Die to yourself.” These are completely works of the Spirit of God in our lives.

As believers, we have to reach a point where we no longer rely upon our strength, fully trust in God’s power, and believer He is able to work in and through us to do things that are supernatural. Live life by the Spirit by surrendering control and living under the power of God. That’s how you’ll live beyond yourself!

LIVE BEYOND YOURSELF BY TRUSTING IN GOD’S SPIRIT, NOT YOUR OWN STRENGTH!

--PP/JG - / HOLY SPIRIT RAIN DOWN / HILLSONG
<http://youtu.be/7T-wspQwkCg>
-----------

---THE SECRET OF CONTENTMENT
----Philippians 4:4-13 (please read)

--In today's reading, the apostle Paul says he has learned the secret of experiencing contentment in all circumstances, good or bad. Does it surprise you that he wrote this when he was in prison, unsure of his future? There is no contentment if you have no peace. They are one in the same.

We're often discontent even when all is going well. Consequently, we wonder how it's possible to be truly content during our most difficult trials, especially when there's no end in sight. So what is genuine contentment? Paul is speaking of a freedom from worry and frustration about everything in life--even unfulfilled desires.

It's usually when we cannot control or change our situation that we feel discontentment. As long as our satisfaction depends on whether certain things actually work out, we'll allow circumstances to cheat us out of peace. I'm not saying there's some spiritual stage where you will never again experience anxiety or frustration. But what matters is how we respond when those feelings grip us.

This is something that the apostle had to learn. Paul endured amazing suffering, from shipwrecks and hunger to unjust imprisonment and beatings (2 Cor. 11:24-30). He had gone through countless situations that were uncertain, extraordinarily painful, and seemingly hopeless. But he finally discovered that contentment could not be dependent upon his circumstances.

How do you respond when circumstances are out of your control? Do you get angry? Do you try to escape? Does despair make you want to give up? Paul chose to give his anxieties to Jesus in exchange for peace that "surpasses all comprehension" (Phil. 4:7). That same peace is available to you! With peace comes contentment. With contentment comes peace. ~~

--IN TOUCH~~

--Through Times of Trial ~~
~~~~~~~~~~
--Genesis 50:18-21 (please read)
----
--If anyone had ample opportunity to become embittered by life's trials, it was Joseph. His brothers treated him with contempt even before they tossed him into a pit. Then, he was sold into slavery, transported to a foreign land, framed for a crime, and left to waste away in prison--all within a relatively short period of time. Despite the many injustices he suffered, this boy grew up in bondage became a man of diligent work ethic and gentle spirit.

It's almost impossible to understand how Joseph could seem so forgiving, peaceful, and even joyful. His secret to maintaining grace under pressure was a constant focus on God. He must have spent many hours recalling Jacob's stories about the Lord's faithfulness to their family--and also the divine revelations about his own future as a leader (Genesis 37:8-9). In spite of his afflictions, Joseph trusted those God-given dreams would become reality.

With spiritual eyes trained on God's glory, Joseph persevered. In the end, he had the power to punish his brothers for their treachery, but he chose to forgive. Joseph placed himself under God's protection, his heart was unhindered by negative emotions. He had the 'peace of God that passes all human understanding'. He trusted in the Lord, and thereby was content. ~~

--IN TOUCH~~ [God Will Make A Way ~~ Don Moen]
<https://youtu.be/RsMAXhc0QTs>
~~~~~~~~

--PEACE BEYOND COMPREHENSION
---Philippians 4:6-7 / (Please read)

--Once, after I gave a sermon on peace, a woman came up to speak with me on the status of her son, who’d been in a terrible accident. Doctors had given him little chance of survival, but he was slowly recovering. “What you said about peace passing our understanding is true,” she said to me. Even when her son was on the brink of death, her heart had been assured that the heavenly Father was near and in control.

Paul wrote from a prison cell to remind believers that giving their concerns over to God would result in peace. Having a quiet spirit in a storm of trouble doesn’t make any human sense—we’re “supposed” to become anxious; it’s only natural. But our God is 'supernatural', and He is living inside us in the form of the Holy Spirit, so we can remain peaceful.

No matter what harsh circumstances may challenge our faith, peace grounded in Christ can’t be broken. With the Father’s omnipotent hand protecting and providing for us, what reason do we have to be afraid or fretful? What we must do is keep our eyes and our faith focused upon the Lord. “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You” (Isa. 26:3).

We live in a world of conflict, and we often find ourselves suffering heartache. It’s easy to become fixated on a situation and how it has disrupted our lives. But peace comes from choosing to trust that God will bring about a resolution in His time and in His way. ~~
--IN TOUCH~~/ All the Way My Savior Leads Me~ Chris Tomlin
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1fMaJzev_s>
-------

--PEACE, BE STILL ~~

--BIBLE MEDITATION:
“Keep me as the apple of the eye…hide me under the shadow of Thy wings.” Psalm 17:8

--DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
-Charles Wesley was walking through the woods on a stormy day when a lightening storm broke out and the rain began to come down in torrents. A bolt of lightening flashed, and a little bird was so frightened that it flew down to Wesley and it tried to hide in his coat.

He was so moved by the scene that he wrote a song we often sing: “Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly, while the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high. Hide me, O my Savior, hide, ‘til the storm of life is past; safe unto the haven guide me, O receive my soul at last.” That’s what our Lord does. He hides us, sustains us, and keeps us.

--ACTION POINT:
Are the storms of life raging around you? Hide yourself in the dark clouds—they are just the shadow of His wing.~~
--Adrian Rogers~~
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffUsrMJAxeQ>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffUsrMJAxeQ

--HOW YOU CAN FIND PEACE IN A WORLD FULL OF CONFLICT~~

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
---(John 16:33)

--In 1919, when the first World War came to an end, many people called it, “The war to end all wars.” Just after, an organization called the League of Nations was formed, and many thought there would never again be war in the world because all disputes would be handled within the League.

Well, just the opposite happened. Within 22 years, many of the League’s members had left and Word War II was underway. The organization had failed in its objective to keep peace because it couldn’t force goodwill upon its members.

And even though the League of Nations was replaced by the United Nations, problems persist today. Wars are being fought daily. Crime, poverty, and injustice are rampant all over the planet. So how could we ever have peace in such a violent and harsh world?

-Peace is attainable... but not the kind you might be thinking. God’s peace comes from His presence in your life. And you can have that peace in your soul even with so much conflict going on around you. All you have to do is trust in Jesus. Because no matter what happens in this world, in Christ, you’ll always be able to say, “It is well with my soul.”

-TRUST FULLY IN CHRIST, AND YOU’LL EXPERIENCE REAL PEACE NO MATTER HOW MUCH CONFLICT SURROUNDS YOU.
--PP/JG--/ 'It Is Well With My Soul' --Chris Rice ~~
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFbp2FIMp5I>
------------

--OUR GLORIOUS BODIES~~

“We look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”
---(Philippians 3:20-21)

Two vivid contrasts are highlighted in this text: We now have a vile body that will be changed into a glorious body. Our Lord Jesus will fashion us after the pattern of His own body.

There is ample evidence, both in Scripture and in our own experience, that our present physical bodies are “vile.” The English word seems more intense than the Greek, which simply means “lowly” or “humble.” Christ humbled Himself when He took on our flesh (Philippians 2:8). The Virgin Mary saw herself in a “low estate” as she compared herself to the wonder of what was happening to her (Luke 1:48).

But one glorious day, the Lord Jesus will change our humble bodies into that which is reflective of His own. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). What a marvelous thought! Even “after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God” (Job 19:26).

The exciting description of those absolute changes are encapsulated in 1 Corinthians 15:42-58. We have a mortal body now, but then it will be imperishable. There is no honor to our bodies now, but then they will be glorious. Weakness is our burden now, but in eternity we will be endued with power..
"Thank You, Heavenly Father, for this majestic promise."
--ICR/HMM III --WHO AM I? Casting Crowns~~
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9hetEFcjGM>
------------

---THE PEACE OF CHRIST ~~

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

The peace of Christ is not the peace of the world. If history is any criterion, the search for world peace always will be futile, for there have been wars going on somewhere in the world practically every day throughout history.

But even if world leaders could bring peace to the world, it would not be true peace. “My peace,” said Jesus, “is not as the world giveth.” Peace is internal, not external. “From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” (James 4:1).

The true Christian will never be left at peace in the world, even when there are brief respites of peace between the nations of the world. Only in Christ is there real peace. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

The Lord Jesus Christ alone can give true peace, for only “he is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). He is the true peacemaker, for He “made peace through the blood of his Cross” (Colossians 1:20).
Before there can ever be genuine peace between man and man on Earth, there must be peace between man on Earth and God in heaven.

Once a person has been “justified by faith,” however, he has eternal “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Then, for daily peace, he can simply appropriate this truth in his life.

“In every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

--ICR/HMM
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oas1vwK6ALU>

--JESUS IS STRONGER THAN OUR FEARS ~~
----(Please Read/ Mark 4:39)

--The Sea of Galilee is about eight miles wide and 13 miles long. If you’d been sitting on its shore the evening Jesus calmed the fierce gale, you might have seen ominous clouds and lightning out over the water. Experiencing a thunderstorm while watching at a distance or from the safety of your home is easy and even thrilling. But it’s another thing altogether when your boat starts rocking wildly on the waves and the rain is pelting your face. Then, what is fascinating from a distance can set off panic in your heart—panic that’s not entirely unreasonable if you’re at risk of capsizing in the middle of the sea.

In this fallen world, everyone will face storms of some sort, whether they involve physical, relational, financial, or other issues. These adversities are hard and they hurt. But they’re not the whole story of our lives, especially if we are followers of the One who calms the storm.

When troubles hit, we might find ourselves wondering, 'God, where are You?' But He is where He’s always been; the problem is that we forget to look in the right direction.

So remember, it is Jesus whose voice commands nature, and He is also sovereign over every other type of tempest we face (1 John 4:4). Knowing that we are frail in storms, He stands with us, sheltering us from the full brunt of the pounding rain and speaking peace into our heart (Psalm 103:13-14).

A storm-tossed sea was no match for Jesus. With three words from Him, it calmed instantly. He’ll do the same for you and me every time if we just turn to Him and trust.
"Peace, be still," Jesus said, and the storm was calm.

--IN TOUCH~~ "Perfect Peace" Laura Story / <https://youtu.be/xizx6XM8o70>
----------

--THAT I MAY KNOW HIM~~

“That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.”
----(Philippians 3:10)-

One day I was making a call on a businessman with a friend of mine. This dear man of God began giving his testimony of how the Lord saved him. But then he said something that really shocked me. I was speechless. He said, “I used to believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and that He was buried and rose again. But I don’t believe it anymore.”

I was stopped dead in my tracks. Then with a smile on his face he said, “I don’t believe it anymore. Now, I 'know' it!”

Oh, to go from believing to 'knowing' the Savior! What a change of thought. What a change of heart. What a glorious revelation and transformation!

Do you know him? Really 'know' Him today? Or do you just believe that He died, was buried, and rose again?
---Adrian Rogers~~
--'GLORIOUS DAY' --Casting Crowns~~
<https://youtu.be/xODpgyqGCYM>
----------

---PEACE ~~

----
--Want to see a miracle? Try this.
Take a seed the size of a freckle. Put it under several inches of dirt. Give it enough water, light, and fertilizer. And get ready. A mountain will be moved. It doesn't matter that the ground is a zillion times the weight of the seed. The seed will push it back.

Every Spring, dreamers around the world plant tiny hopes in overturned soil. And every Spring, hopes press against impossible odds and blossom.

Never underestimate the power of a seed.

As far as I know, James, the Epistle writer, wasn't a farmer, but he knew the power of a seed sown in fertile soil.

"Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness."-(James 3:18)~~
The principle for peace is the same as the principle for crops; Never underestimate the power of a seed.

How good are you at sowing seeds of peace?

Pause for a moment and think about the people who make up your world. Take a stroll through the gallery of faces that are significant to you.

Want to see a miracle? Plant a word of LOVE heart-deep in a person's life. Nurture it with a smile and a prayer and watch what happens....Never underestimate the power of a seed.~~

--Peace/ML~
--(Read James 3:17-4:3)-
**Who is the Prince of Peace? (See Ephesians 2:13-17)
--"For He Himself is our Peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation."

**What things destroy your inner peace?
**What sense of responsibility do you feel for living peaceable with the people around you?

**In what kinds of life situations is it most difficult to sow peace?
**How does your life function differently when you are living at peace with others?~~

~~[Jesus] came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.--(2:17-18)
~~~~~~"PEACE BE STILL" / Lauren Daigle
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lJxib3_uuU>
-----------

--GOD IS UNCONTAINED~~

--Most people have small thoughts about God. In an effort to see God as our friend, we have lost his immensity. In our desire to understand him, we have sought to contain him. The God of the Bible cannot be contained. With a word he called Adam out of dust and Eve out of a bone. He consulted no committee. He sought no counsel. He has authority over the world and...He has authority over your world. He is never surprised. He has never, ever uttered the phrase, “How did that happen?”

God’s goodness is a major headline in the Bible. If He were only mighty, we would salute Him. But since He is merciful and mighty, we can approach Him. If God is at once Father and Creator, holy—unlike us—and high above us, then we at any point are only a prayer away from help!

---**'Before Amen'/Book by Max Lucado**
--"All of Creation" / Mercy Me~~(SPEAKERS NEEDED~)
[Because we know that our Sovereign One, Jehovah Yahweh, is *Omnipotent= All Powerful
*Omniscient= Knowing all Things
*Omnipresent= In all places at the same time
*Immutable= Unchangeable
*Veracity= Honesty and Truth/ We Can Call On Him At All Times. He is available to hear, help, and guide our steps.
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkdniYsUrM8>
------------

--Jesus is the Prince of Peace. There will not be peace on this Earth Until He Returns.
--"Even so, Come Lord Jesus." ~~

--JESUS IS THE AUTHOR OF PEACE~~

---AUTHOR OF PEACE ~~
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” (1 Corinthians 14:33)

Although these words were written with respect to church order, they express a general principle. “This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

--- But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated. . . . And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace” (James 3:15-18).

--Our world and our natural lives seem perpetually in confusion, turmoil, and strife, and the source is the evil one—“the god of this world”= the devil. (2 Corinthians 4:4). The only one who can bring true peace is the Author of peace.

This is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, for only “he is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). He is the Author of peace, just as the devil is the author of all confusion and strife. Note the other titles of our great Author of peace.

He is called “the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus” (Hebrews 13:20). He is also “The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Melchizedek, who was at least a type of Christ, if not an actual pre-incarnate theophany of Christ Himself, is called “King of Salem, which is, King of peace” (Hebrews 7:2). In 2 Thessalonians 3:16, He is “the Lord of peace.”

He is the Author of peace, the Lord of peace, the Prince of peace, the King of peace, the very God of peace! He is our peace! Someday, “he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth” (Zechariah 9:10). In that day, “the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly” (Romans 16:20), and “of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end” (Isaiah 9:7).

--ICR/HMM ---/ 'Peace Like a River' --Vinesong ~-(song comes in approximate 55 minutes) <https://youtu.be/mF6n49nKrXA>
-----------

---HOW TO FIND PEACE ~~

--"Let the peace of
Christ rule in your
hearts, since as
members of one
body you were
called to peace."
-(Colossians 3:15)
(--Today's reading: Colossians 3:12-17)--

--Paul was writing to a church he'd never visited but had heard about from his friend Epaphras. He was concerned that as they encountered false teaching, they were losing the peace of Christ. But instead of admonishing them, Paul encouraged them to trust Jesus, who would give them assurance and hope (V. 15).

We all will encounter times when we can choose to embrace or refuse the rule of Christ's peace in our hearts. As we turn to Him, asking Jesus to dwell in us, He will gently release us from the anxiety and cares that weigh us down. As we seek His peace, we trust that He will meet us with His love.
"You are loved with an everlasting love and underneath are His everlasting arms."

-'LORD JESUS, You give peace that passes all understanding. Help me embrace Your peace in every area of my life. You alone are my Rock and my Redeemer. Thank You, Lord."
~~
--ODB/ABP~--"It Is Well" / Kristene DiMarco <https://youtu.be/8Wb_WD1emFQ>
-------

---MAJESTIC PEACE ~~

-"God is not a God of
confusion but of peace."
--(1 Corinthians 14:33 / NASB) --

--WE LIVE in a remarkably ordered universe. The precision of the natural world is astounding. And the better our ability to observe and measure that precision, the more obvious it is. This is equally true in the spiritual world. Sometimes when we come to the topic of the Spirit of God, we ignore it or avoid it or are frightened of it, because we imagine it to be chaotic. If you have seen it expressed in a chaotic way, that chaos did not come from Jehovah G-D. He is not a God of confusion; He is a God of peace.
And the more we understand the Spirit of God and how to cooperate with Him, the more the peace of God, and the order of God, and the precision of God will be made evident and apparent in our lives. ~~

-PRAYER~
"Heavenly Father, how it excites me to see Your mighty hand at work in the physical world! From the diligence of the ants to the orbits of the planets around the sun, Your world is majestic to behold. Lord, reveal to me the working of the Spirit in my life and around me, that I might give You glory for all the ways You are at work in the spiritual realm. Holy Spirit, I want to cooperate with You--that Your work in me will be apparent. May my life reflect Your presence. In Jesus' Name~ amen."

--Turn Up The Light/GAJ~ ----"Peace Be Still" / The Belonging Co (Feat= Lauren Daigle) ~ <https://youtu.be/7lJxib3_uuU>

---PEACEMAKERS~~

"Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the
children of God." (Matthew 5:9) ~~

---In this seventh (out of the nine) of the Beatitudes with which Christs began His Sermon on the Mount occurs the first mention in the New Testament of the important word "peace."

But how can one be a peacemaker? Note that Christ did not say: "Blessed are the pacifists." There are many today who talk about peace, but how does one make peace?

The answer lies in the example of Christ Himself. He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and He "made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself" (Colossians 1:20).

The real problem is that there can be no lasting peace between man and man as long as there is enmity between man and God."Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:18).

With that problem settled, we are now in a position to become true peacemakers, for we also can lead others to God through Jesus Christ. He "hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we...pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

As ambassadors for Christ, we are true ambassadors for peace. The best possible contribution we can make toward world peace, racial peace, industrial peace, family peace, or personal peace is to help people become reconciled to God through faith in the peace-making work of Christ on the cross. "These things I have spoken unto you," says the Lord Jesus, "that in me ye might have peace" (John 16:33).
---ICR/HMM~

"Let the Peace of God Reign" (Rob Eastwood and Darlene Zschech= 1996) / <https://youtu.be/adhfUSF2x-4>
~~~~~~~~~~

---HE CALMS THE STORMS~~

--'But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”'

---(Please Read/ Matthew 14:27)


~~~Jim was frantically sharing about problems he was encountering with his work team: division, judgmental attitudes, and misunderstandings. After an hour of patiently listening to his concerns, I suggested, “Let’s ask Jesus what He would have us do in this situation.” We sat quietly for five minutes. Then something amazing happened. We both felt God’s peace cover us like a blanket. We were more relaxed as we experienced His presence and guidance, and we felt confident to wade back into the difficulties.

Peter, one of Jesus’s disciples, needed God’s comforting presence. One night he and the other disciples were sailing across the Sea of Galilee when a strong storm arose. All of a sudden, Jesus showed up walking on water! Naturally, this took the disciples by surprise. He reassured them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 14:27). Peter impulsively asked Jesus if he could join Him. He stepped out of the boat and walked toward Jesus. But he soon lost focus, became aware of the dangerous and humanly impossible circumstance he was in, and started sinking. He cried out, “Lord, save me!” and Jesus lovingly rescued him (vv. 30-31).

~~~Like Peter, we can learn that Jesus, the Son of God, is with us even in the storms of life!

"Lord Jesus, thank You that You have the power and authority to calm the storms in our lives. Help us to trust You. You are sovereign. We place our trust totally in You, in all seasons of our lives. amen"
--ODB/EPE----/"Sovereign Over Us" / Aaron Keyes / <https://youtu.be/Rl-a64eVr4k>
~~~~~~~~

---BE STILL~~

"The LORD will fight for you, and
you have only to keep still."
---(Exodus 14:14 / NRSV)

--""Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the Nations,
I will be exalted in the Earth."
--(Psalm 46:10)

--MY FRIEND went white-water rafting with a small group, and after going over a class IV rapid, she was tossed out of the raft and into a turbulent part of the river called a weir. Her natural instinct was to fight against the current and try to swim to the top, but she had been coached by her rafting instructor beforehand that the way to survive a fall into a weir is to be still. In this very tense moment, she remembered her instructor's words; she remained still, and the current spit her out.

What a reminder of Moses' words to the Israelites after God had led them safely to the other side of the Red Sea: "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still." Sometimes, when I'm experiencing turbulent waters in my own life, I find being still to be one of the most difficult things in the world. When Pharaoh's army was within sight and the Israelites felt that their lives were about to end, Moses' word to them was, "Be still." When we're confronted with life's challenges, our impulse is often to fight back or maybe to give up. But being still shows our trust that God is bigger than our challenges and that even when we are uncertain, Jehovah G-D is always faithful to us. ~~

"LORD G-D, in times of trial and doubt when we feel helpless, teach us to trust you. Thank You, our Lord and Savior that You are always with us. Help us when we grow weary and fret . In Jesus Name. amen"

--Upper Room/AB~~ --"Still"/ Hillsong United <https://youtu.be/4n01-5SQFa8>
~~~~~~~~~~~~

---TRUST YOUR ARMOR~ / TRUST IN JEHOVAH GOD~

----"Go, and the Lord be with you."
---(1 Samuel 17:37)

--[READ/ 1 SAMUEL 17:34–39]

---As a young writer I was often unsure of myself when I was in writing workshops. I would look around and see rooms filled with giants, if you will—people with formal training or years of experience. I had neither. But what I did have was an ear formed by the language and tone and cadences of the King James Version of the Bible. It was very much my armor, so to speak, what I was used to, and allowing it to inform my writing style and voice has become a joy to me, and I hope to others.

We don’t get the impression that David the young shepherd was unsure of himself when it came to wearing Saul’s armor to fight Goliath (1 Samuel 17:38-39). He simply couldn’t move around in it. David realized one man’s armor can be another man’s prison—“I cannot go in these” (v. 39). So he trusted what he knew. God had prepared him for that moment with just what was needed (vv. 34-35). The sling and stones were what David was used to, his armor, and God used them to bring joy to the ranks of Israel that day.

Have you ever felt unsure of yourself, thinking If I just had what someone else has, then my life would be different? Consider the gifts or experiences God has given specifically to you. Trust your God-given armor. David knew exactly Who he could trust. His confidence was in Jehovah G-D, that the battle belongs to Him. The Lord brought him through victoriously!

--"Sovereign God, at times it’s easy to feel unsure of myself, especially in situations where challenges feel like giants. Help me to trust that You’ve given me just what I need. You’ve crafted my life’s story. I trust completely in You, Jehovah Jireh. [Jehovah Jireh= Our G-D who Provides] "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." --[Hebrews 13:8]
--ODB/JB--"GOD OF ALL MY DAYS" / Casting Crowns ~ <https://youtu.be/RocPcgqCDE0>
~~~~~~

---LIVING PEACEFUL LIVES ~~

---“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
---(Matthew 6:34 /NIV) --

~~~In our hearts we know that worry doesn’t change anything, but it doesn’t stop us from trying. God created us and knows exactly what our needs are. His consistent message throughout Scripture is that if you make seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness your first priority, the things you need in life will come to you. If you reverse it and make seeking worldly things your first priority, no matter how much you accumulate, no matter how much of your future you think you have under control, those things can change in an instant. “Each day has enough trouble of its own,” so He doesn’t want us to look too far ahead and worry about things that may happen in the future. Some of us are prone to worry, and others have simply fallen into the habit. I encourage you to put that aside and focus on seeking God's Kingdom. He holds your future in His hands, after all, and He will see that your needs are met.

THINK ABOUT IT
You can’t add length to your life by worrying, but medical science warns us you can certainly shorten it by doing so. Trusting God is not only the appropriate thing to do; it’s the healthy response too.

PRAYER
--"Heavenly Father, shifting my focus from worrying, I put my trust in Your Word, my confidence in the total provision of Jesus’ blood. I give thanks for Your goodness. Let Your Kingdom come as I bear witness to Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen."
Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson--"Peace Be Still" /(feat. Lauren Daigle) // (The Belonging Company) //<https://youtu.be/dUpKZz0Nm7c>
~~~~~~~~

--Peace Is Found In Jesus~~

--As the early church faced great sufferings, Paul wrote to them about two things. First, some were caught up in false teachings, fixating on wealth and fame rather than devotion to Christ. Paul knew that hardship can purify us by revealing the folly of false teachings.
Second, Paul said suffering causes us to look upward and forward rather than seeking our own ease and comfort. He based it all on this: "The appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel" (2 Timothy 1:10/ ESV). ~~~~~~~

In these difficult days, we shouldn't fear suffering through plague or persecution because Jesus has abolished death, giving us eternal life. Death affects only the temporary body; our new body will live forever with Him.

Friend, let us rid ourselves of all the lies and false teachings and news being broadcast and seek Christ alone for truth and life. May you sense His presence in greater measure than ever. ~~
--"Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." -(John 14:27)
--"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."-(2 Corinthians 13:11).

--World Challenge/GW~
--"I Speak Jesus"//(lyrics/ Here Be Lions) & Darlene Zschech<https://youtu.be/p-2rRUQlEws>
~~~~~

~~Our Peace Comes From Jesus~~

--LIE DOWN~

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake."
--(Psalm 23:2-3) --

~~Our golden retriever can get so overly excited that he'll go into a seizure. To prevent that from happening, we try to calm him with a soothing voice. When he hears "lie down," he avoids eye contact with us and starts complaining. Finally, with a dramatic sigh of resignation, he gives in and plops to the floor.

Sometimes we too need to be reminded to lie down. In Psalm 23, we learn that our Good Shepherd makes us "lie down in green pastures." He knows we need the calmness that rest provides.

Our bodies are designed to rest. God himself rested on the seventh day after His work of creation (Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:9-11). Jesus knew there was a time to minister to the crowds and a time to rest. He instructed His disciples to go with Him "to a quiet place and get some rest" (Mark 6:31).

Rest is a gift--a good gift from our Creator who knows exactly what we need. Praise Him that He sometimes makes us "lie down in green pastures."

--ODB/CH~

--"Yet Not I But Christ Through Me"// City Alight//<https://youtu.be/xn84k3fcb2Q>
~~~~~~

---ENCOURAGEMENT~~

--[Please Read: 1 Samuel 30:1-25]
--"And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God." ----[1 Samuel 30:6]

--As I thought recently about the encouragement I have received from others, my mind went to David. He encouraged himself in the Lord even when the people spoke of stoning him (today's key verse). David's example puts me to shame. Many times I find myself discouraged in spite of having the Bible in my hands, a Christian church to attend weekly, friends who love me, and the Lord who is always available for me to come to. With all these blessings in my life, how can I so easily become discouraged?

I am afraid the answer is all too obvious--I become proud. Pride, or focus on ourselves, causes us to notice not what we have, but what we don't have; not the benefits given to us, but the benefits given to others; not the victories we have won, but the struggles we still have. Where can I find peace?

The solution is to surrender our "self" to be crucified with Christ and to die (Romans 6:6). When we do this, we will experience the new life that Christ gives to His followers. Then we can turn our spiritual eyes away from every distraction and focus only on Him who is our all in all, Jesus, our Prince of Peace.

Having "self" crucified also enables us to hear the still, small voice of God as Elijah heard it (1 Kings 19:12). This is very important in our noisy world today. God is constantly calling people to step away from the crowd, listen to Him, and find rest in quiet communion with Him. By hearing His voice we can encourage ourselves in God as David did--and encourage others too!
--Beside Still Waters/DR
--"Take Me In"//Catherine Mullins (lyrics)<https://youtu.be/cb1k3DxnpVQ>
~~~~~~~~

---Jesus did not come to bring peace, but a sword. `

---THE SWORD ~~

--"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34)

The Christian life is a life of war, and the Christian soldier must be a skilled swordsman if he is to survive and win. In our text, Jesus taught that a peaceful life would not be the Christian’s lot but a life of swordsmanship instead.

The first “sword” mentioned in the Old Testament was not a sword of metal but a “flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life” (Genesis 3:24). Likewise, the final sword mentioned in the New Testament is “the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth” (Revelation 19:21). This is the fiery sword with which the coming “man of sin” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) will be defeated, “whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming” (v.. 8). “He shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked” (Isaiah 11:4).

The mighty “word of the LORD” by which “were the heavens made” (Psalm 33:6) is still a flaming sword, turning every way, for “out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword” (Revelation 1:16), as John saw Him in His present glory.

Furthermore, we can wield this same sword by His Spirit, for “the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword…a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

The Christian armor, as outlined in Ephesians 6:13-17, is all defensive armor with the one exception of the prayerful use of “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (v. 17). In this wonderful text, the spoken “word of God” is in view—the sword applied, on either edge, turning every way, probing exactly when and where needed in each encounter of every battle of the Christian warfare.
---ICR/HMM

~~PEACE WITH GOD ~~

~~"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.
Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." --[JOHN 14:27/ NASB]--

~~MY husband likes to keep the television tuned to a news station a few hours each day. He watches it before work, during his lunch break at home, and in the evenings. Don't get me wrong--I do want to stay informed about what's going on in the world; I need to know how to pray concerning current events. But sometimes the video clips of evil and violent acts being played over and over get to me. I start to feel unsettled and anxious.

During those times it helps to remember some of Christ's final words before His crucifixion. In the New Testament times, a typical way to say goodbye was "peace" or "shalom." To the Jesus, this meant more than the absence of conflict, stress, or war. It implied the blessings of wholeness, completeness, health, security, joy, and contentment. Peace on the inside, no matter what's going on around us.

Even though the whole world seem to be involved in tension, conflict, and war, we can enjoy the special peace only believers can possess. The kind that Jesus made possible when He rose from the dead, returned to heaven, and sent the Holy Spirit to live inside His followers. The deep, lasting peace that sustains us through any circumstance.

The world around us may be in turmoil--or worse--but thanks to Jesus we can have peace with God, with one another, and within our Spirit. What a matchless gift!

-[**Please Read Philippians 4:6-9 to remind yourself how to experience the peace of God that will guard your mind and heart. Perhaps write the verse above (John 14:27), and put it on your bathroom mirror as a reminder, that the Lord Jesus is with you, and He is the Prince of peace. [ISAIAH 9:6] -]
~~~~~~~~~

--SURVIVING DROUGHT ~~

~~"The one who trusts in the LORD...will be like a tree planted by the water."
--[Jeremiah 17:7-8] --

--IN APRIL 2019, a suburban neighborhood in Victorville, California, became buried in tumbleweeds. High winds pushed the rolling thistles into the development from the adjacent Mojave Desert where the plant grows. At maturity, the pesky weed can grow to up to six feet in height--a formidable size when it releases itself from its roots to "tumble" with the wind to scatter its seeds.

Tumbleweeds are what I picture when I read Jeremiah's description of a person "whose heart turns away from the LORD" (Jeremiah 17:5). He says that those who draw their strength from "mere flesh" will be like "a bush in the wastelands" and be unable to "see prosperity when it comes" (VV. 5-6). In sharp contrast are those who put their trust in God instead of people. Like trees, their strong, deep roots draw strength from Him, enabling them to remain full of life, even in the midst of drought-like circumstances.

Tumbleweeds and trees both have roots. Tumbleweeds, however, don't stay connected to their life-source, causing them to dry out and die. Trees, on the other hand, remain connected to their roots, enabling them to flourish and thrive, anchored to that which will sustain them in times of difficulty. When we hold fast to God, drawing strength and encouragement from the wisdom found in the Bible and talking to Him in prayer, we too can experience the life-giving, life-sustaining nourishment He provides.
--ODB/KH~

**Quite often we think we can find peace in this world. But that is contrary to the Bible. When in need of peace = "You will keep him in perfect peace Whose mind is stayed on you" --(Isaiah 26:30).

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. [John 14:27]

"Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus." [Philippians 4:6,7]
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---"Peace" // Bethel Music & We The Kingdom // <https://youtu.be/_UREG0ZRhlY>
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