The Rule of Peace: Day 10

“The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.”

My family and I have ridden out several hurricanes as we’ve lived now in several different states.The most recent one we’ve added to our list was Irma. 

Just like everyone else in FL, we watched and listened to all of the forecasts with baited breath while we grappled with the decision to stay put or evacuate.

It ended up, that we stayed put out of necessity because my daughter, who works at a local animal hospital, had to work through the weekend (as much as was reasonably and safely possible).

I am not too ashamed to tell you all that it was with great trepidation and anxiety for me that we stayed put....I’m not certain why, but there’s something about going to bed with a hurricane raging around me that simply strikes fear and unrest in my heart. Call me crazy, but I can ride out a hurricane like a champ all day long, but once night falls, the champ in me quickly exits stage left!

Maybe it’s the feeling of lying in bed helpless and unaware of what’s transpiring in my surroundings that terrifies me the most, and causes hurricanes to seem much more ominous to me at night, but whatever the case, it’s true....I simply lose it.

Prior to Irma’s arrival, I had opportunity to study today’s Scripture reference. I was reminded that peace, true peace, God’s peace is a blessing imparted to us by Him alone.

So, as I was lying there in my bed, staring out into the darkness and listening to the winds rage....I caught my mind drifting to this verse and as I did so, a prayer began to form...

“Bless me with Your peace in the midst of this storm, Lord. I choose to remember that You are God over all of the elements. You speak and they have to listen. I thank You for the gift of Your peace each day and every day. I especially thank You for that gift tonight. I know that Your eyes are upon us; watching over us, and Your mighty angels are standing guard over us even now as You have commanded them to do. Thank You, Lord for Your many blessings....In Jesus’ Name I pray....

And as my prayer trailed off, I must’ve drifted off to sleep because before I knew it, I was opening my eyes to the light of another day....with very little to no hurricane left in sight....

Oh sure, there were remnants left from the night before...but ultimately, the storm had passed....as they always do.

I don’t know what you might be facing today, Sweet Sister....the storm you may be traveling through...but remember your God, The Giver of peace and strength.....Trust that He will eventually speak to the elements behind your storm...and know that when He does; they too will have to listen....and cease.

The Rule of Peace: Day 9

"When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." Proverbs 16:7

Let me tell Y'all! I LOVE this verse! What a Mighty and Awesome God we serve! In your Biblical text you will probably notice that the name "Lord" is in all caps. 

This is simply one of the reasons that the Word of God captivates me so. There is so much in it to learn, not to mention the layers within it that lends us deeper understanding of our Great God and King. Today's verse is no exception.

You see, whenever we see "Lord" written in all caps within Scripture, we are literally being told that this is a rendering of the distinctive personal name of the God of Israel.

This, my friend, gives us even more validation of The Who behind the truth found in this scripture.

The God of Israel Himself causes even our enemies to live at peace with us when our ways/lives are found to pleasing in His sight!

So, this tells me...better yet, reminds me to concentrate on living a life which brings honor and glory to God because He undoubtedly has control of ALL of the rest!

                            ~Prayer~

Thank you LORD, The God of Israel, that You are for me! You alone order my steps, the direction of my life, and are powerful enough to cause even those who would make war with me to live at peace with me instead. Help me and strengthen me to live a life that brings You  alone all glory and I thank You for guarding my life from the hands of my enemies....natural & supernatural! In Jesus' Name! Amen!

The Rule of Peace: Day 8

"Deceit is in the heart of those who plan evil, but those who plan peace have joy." Proverbs 12:20

Today's Scripture reference begs one simple question of you & I, Sweet Sister. Would you rather that your heart be filled with deceit or joy?

Undoubtedly, it is the truest desire of each of us to have hearts that are filled to overflowing with the joy of our Lord. In that case, may we purpose to always plan and deploy peace in our interactions with others.

                       ~Prayer~

Father God, make me a counselor of Your peace. May my mind, mouth, and feet always be quick to deploy and engage in establishing peace among my Brethren and all people. Especially in my personal interactions. Bring any deceitful ways, thoughts, or speech patterns quickly to my awareness that I might deal with it as sin and repent of it. I want that nothing would stand in the way of my being able to fully worship and walk with You in Spirit and truth. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!

The Rule of Peace: Day 7

"And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

The ESV Bible Commentary tells us that "Paul echoes Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 6:25-34) that Believers are not to be anxious but are to entrust themselves into the hands of our loving Heavenly Father, whose peace will guard us in Christ Jesus. Paul's use of "guard" may reflect his own imprisonment or the status of Philippi as a Roman Colony with a military garrison. In either case, it is not the soldiers of today or yesterday who ultimately guard Believers-it is God Almighty. Because God is sovereign and in control, Christians can entrust all their difficulties to Him, who rules over all creation and who is wise and loving in all his ways!"

                          ~Prayer~

Father, I rejoice that in these dark and uncertain days I have the certainty of Your presence ever with me, watching over me, and caring for me. Thank You, that Your peace guards my heart and mind in times of distress; surpassing all of my finite human understanding. Forgive me when I forget and doubt Your peace and quickly remind me that I can always rest and trust in You! In Jesus' Name! Amen!

The Rule of Peace: Day 6

"And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness" James 3:18

The ESV Bible commentary tells us that " the legacy of those who bring peace rather than conflict is a harvest of righteousness. The fruit that comes from peacemaking in the Christian Community will be righteous conduct that God will bless."

Do you know 2 or more Believers who are struggling with a difference of opinion or are just plain at odds?

Are you standing back shaking your head, clicking your tongue thinking "They should know better?"

While that may be true, let's not forget that Satan is crafty and very good at what he does....Jesus made no bones about Satan's mission here on earth...he comes to steal, kill, and destroy....

Please don't stand back and choose a side between your siblings. Don't add injury to those who are already injured. Don't allow your Spiritual Family to be divided without the slightest acknowledgement or glance.

Instead, may I encourage you to wisely meddle a bit? Lovingly step in and ask God how you can help bring peace and resolution to an already tumultuous situation before Satan is successful in waging more war amongst siblings within the Body.

We need more peacemakers who will plant the seeds of peace. Those who can not only see the forest for the trees in our disappointments and disagreements with one another, but are also willing to help us find our way out.....

There are few things more devastating than injury sustained within the Body, and there's nothing more witness shattering than when we stand by, along with the world, and watch it happen....

So, to all our peacemakers....Please, stand up!

 

                             ~Prayer~

Grant me a sensitive heart to discern when there is a need for me to sow the seeds of peace. Guard me against harboring love that grows cold and is indifferent to the conflicts and hurts of others. Give me clarity and wisdom in exercising the ministry of reconciliation. Make me an ever-increasing instrument of Your peace, Father. In Jesus' Mighty Name! Amen! 

The Rule of Peace: Day 5

"See that no one repays evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people." 1Thessalonians 5:15

I was 10 years old in 1978. I recall it like it was yesterday. It was just a few weeks before Thanksgiving; just before the Guyana tragedy took place, when my otherwise happy, sheltered childhood took a violent turn.

My 33 year old cousin, whom I adored, was murdered by a self-described White Supremacist. He lured my cousin to his home under the guise of friendship, then as they sat across the table from one another, he proceeded to shoot my cousin once between the eyes and twice in the chest. He stripped him of all of his clothing, and dumped his body on the side of a highway over some 50 miles away from our home.

Now, you may be wondering what in the world does that horrific memory have to do with today's scripture reference?

To be sure, there are many more layers to that memory for me, but what stands out most  in my mind from that time of deep trauma for my family, is my father's firm governance & leadership of us through that dark season.

Although my father was his uncle, my grandfather had passed away several years before this took place, so my Dad offered our family a "voice" in that season. 

I can still clearly remember hearing him speak the words...."This is a tragedy for both families; ours and his (the young man who killed my cousin). We will put our trust in God and the justice system to take care of this, but ultimately, nobody wins here...."

And that was it....the tone had been set. We had our marching orders and they had EVERYTHING to do with today's scripture reference....

My family are God-fearing followers of Jesus, and the mandate was clear. It still is today. We do not repay evil for evil. In fact, we are to repay evil with good, and are to bless and pray for those who would do evil to or against us.

I believe my father knew then what it has taken me time to understand in light of this matter. Sin is a universal ill that denotes great tragedy for all of us....

He was correct. In sin, nobody wins. Jesus is our only means of victory over the futility of sin; and because He paid the price to deliver us from the depravity that grips us all, we can stand firm against the urge and temptation to repay evil when it is committed against us. "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." 1 John 3:8

                          ~Prayer~

Father, when I am confronted with evil, help me to remember never to repay that evil with more evil. Strengthen me to walk out the calling for which my Jesus died to win me. Help me to always confront, repent of, and overcome my own tendencies towards sin so that I may not cause pain to those around me. Give me eyes and a heart of compassion towards those who have been wounded by the sins of others. In Jesus' Name! Amen!

The Rule of Peace: Day 4

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Drink this verse in, Precious Sis! Breathe it in. Let it run through your bloodstream and then do exactly as it says.

Humble yourself, run to our God & King and cast all of your current worries and cares upon Him.

The beauty inherent in this verse is not that we can simply give our cares to God because He's a big, mighty, powerful, God...all of which is absolutely true, but as the verse clearly states; we are called to cast over or give all of our cares to Him because He cares about us!

He cares about every detail, every weight, and every burden that besets you. Give it ALL to Him. He can be trusted! His strength can't be matched, His wisdom can't be paralleled, and His plans can't be thwarted.

Unload your worries on the One who can manage and govern them best. Hand Him your worries and let Him fill the void left behind with His all-encompassing peace.

                        ~Prayer~

Father God, I give you all of my cares concerning (tell Him your worries). I trust that You know and see all that is currently going on in my life. I trust that nothing that is happening has caught you by surprise. I know You are in control and working all things together for my good. Strengthen me as I wait on You and give me Your peace in exchange for my worries and anxieties. In Jesus' Name! Amen!

The Rule of Peace: Day 3

"Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it." 1Peter 3:11

The wording in this verse leapt off of the page at me while reading it once again in the context of understanding what it means to walk out a life clothed in peace.

This verse makes that process a verb. We are told not only to turn away from evil and do good, but we're told to actively search for peace.

The definition of search in this context means "to try to find something by looking or otherwise seeking carefully and thoroughly."

Isn't that exactly what we seem to have to do these days? In a world wracked by conflict and confusion, we have to resolve ourselves to be intentional about pursuing and infusing peace in our surroundings. This is no time for passivity. We must act decisively with the wisdom & power of God given to us through the Holy Spirit.

This pursuit and search for peace may look differently in its manifestation in each of our lives but the end result should appear the same. The refreshing life-giving waters of peace should flow in is, but most importantly....through us.

                       ~Prayer~

Father God, give us eyes to see opportunities for peace, feet to seek it out, and hearts that desire nothing more than to maintain it for Your glory!

The Rule of Peace: Day 2

"Work at living at peace with everyone; and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord."

This verse wisely correlates holiness and living in peace because a right relationship with God leads to a right relationship with others; especially fellow Believers.

Yes, it seems (and feels) as darkness and lawlessness increase in our country and the world that there are some amongst us who just will not allow you to be at peace with them. They aren't interested in maintaining peace, yet our mandate is clear. We are to live in such a way with our Spiritual Family and others where peace is the rule of our days and the drumbeat by which we set our cadence.

As Dr. Vernon J McGee boldly asserts in his commentary series, "We should make this one big cross-country race where there are a lot of us running the Christian life together."

We need it now more than ever, wouldn't you agree, Sweet Sis? So, run on! With peace as your banner and holy living as your compass!

                         ~Prayer~

Father God, may the setting of my heart be ever increasingly tuned towards maintaining peace. May I share it, bear it, and carry it well....to the glory of Your mighty name! Make me an instrument of peace, a vessel in Your hands to be used to promote healing & restoration wherever they are needed. In Jesus' name! Amen!

The Rule of Peace: Day 1 cont.

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness...." Galatians 5:22

This verse reminds us that it is the very indwelling of the Holy Spirit within us that produces the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

Among those fruits, is the fruit of peace, a much needed ingredient in the midst of troubled and uncertain times, such as those we're living in.

Peace is the stabilizing foundation which allows all of the other fruits of God's Spirit to build off of and flourish within us because peace is the cornerstone of a sound heart and mind.

If we desire for the fruit of peace to grow within us, we must remember to remain connected to our Power Source. The True Vine. (John 15:4-5). Practice His mighty presence at all times, Sweet Sister! In keeping your mind focused on Him, He will keep you in perfect peace.

                        ~Prayer~

Father, as I trust You to continue to grow and cultivate the fruits of Your Spirit within my heart, I pray today for an extra measure of Your peace. Make me a stabilizing force of love, grace, faith, reconciliation, healing, and hope in the lives of those I encounter today and everyday.

In Jesus' Name! Amen!

The Rule of Peace: Day 1

"And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members in one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful." Colossians 3:15

The Chronological Life Application Study Bible states that "the word rule comes from the language of athletics. Paul tells us to let Christ's peace be umpire or referee of our hearts. The heart is the center of conflict because that is where feelings and desires clash-fears and hopes, distrust and trust, jealousy and love. 

How can we deal with these constant conflicts and live as God wants? Paul explains that we must decide between conflicting elements by using the rule of peace; along with her close companion, gratitude."

In light of the world we're living in, we must strive more than ever before to know God and decide daily to allow His peace to reign supreme on the throne of our hearts.

                         ~Prayer~

As the days ahead of us are sure to only grow darker. Father, may Your peace be one of the chief beacons to light the road before me as I await the day my Jesus enters the clouds and raptures me from this lost and dying world. Fill me to overflowing with Your Spirit and Your peace and let them spill out of me to bring hope and healing to the world around me.

In Jesus' name I pray! Amen!

Welcome to The Rule of Peace

Hi Ladies!

I can't tell you how excited I am to begin our 31 Day Devotional journey together!

Beginning tomorrow, I will share a Scripture reference with you and some quick insights God has put on my heart concerning each verse.

Then, there will be a "prayer starter" for you to close out the devotion. You can pray this prayer as it is written or simply use it as an inception point to pray more in depth as the Holy Spirit leads you. Feel free also to use the Scripure reference and even write your own devotion! The point is...to just stay open to the leading of the Spirit!

My fervent hope and prayer have been that we'll each experience God's peace in a more profound way as we make it a priority to meditate together on this topic.

It goes without saying, that we especially need the peace of God to reign and rule supreme in our hearts and lives now more than ever! I pray that we'll become pillars of calm & strength for others to see, lean on, and emulate in these dark days, and in doing so, point them to our Jesus!

Have a fantastic day & thank you ever so much for allowing me the great honor of speaking into your hearts and lives!

Blessings, 

~Courtney