Como podemos encontrar paz quando tudo à nossa volta e dentro de nós é confusão e caos?

Dennis Edwards:

Como cristãos, temos uma vantagem sobre os outros porque fomos apresentados ao Homem da Paz — Jesus Cristo. Contudo, o mundo e o próprio Satanás podem atacar-nos. As nossas próprias negligências, pecados e falhas também nos podem afetar negativamente. Podemos acabar por não ter a paz que excede todo o entendimento, a paz que Deus prometeu na Sua Palavra. Como podemos, então, cultivar ou recuperar a paz e o descanso de que necessitamos? Procuremos as respostas na Palavra de Deus.

Nos Salmos, encontramos o versículo: “Grande paz têm os que amam a tua lei, e nada os fará tropeçar.” [Salmo 119:165] O Senhor diz através de Isaías: “Tu conservarás em perfeita paz aquele cuja mente está firme em mim; porque ele confia em mim.” [Isaías 26:3] Jesus disse em Mateus: “Vinde a mim, todos os que estais cansados ​​​​e sobrecarregados, e eu vos aliviarei. Tomai sobre vós o meu jugo e aprendei de mim, porque sou manso e humilde de coração; e encontrareis descanso para as vossas almas. Porque o meu jugo é suave e o meu fardo é leve.” [Mateus 11:28-30] 

Em João, Ele diz: “Deixo-vos a paz, a minha paz vos dou; não vo-la dou como o mundo a dá. Não se turbe o vosso coração, nem se atemorize.” [João 14:27] Mais tarde, Jesus diz: “Tenho-vos dito estas coisas para que em mim tenhais paz. Neste mundo tereis aflições; mas tende bom ânimo, porque Eu vos abençoo e não vos atemorizo.” “Eu venci o mundo.” [João 16:33]

Na prática, o que devemos fazer para ter paz ou encontrar paz quando tudo dentro de nós e à nossa volta é confusão e incerteza? O primeiro passo é restabelecer a nossa relação com Jesus, caso tenha sido rompido ou necessite de ser fortalecido. Se estamos a experimentar a falta de paz, ou estamos a ser atacados pelo inimigo da nossa alma, ou os nossos pecados e/ou negligências nos levaram a um estado de letargia espiritual que está a prejudicar a nossa vida espiritual. Precisamos de começar a renovar o nosso homem interior. Precisamos de começar a renovar a nossa mente e a submeter os nossos pensamentos à Palavra de Deus. Talvez seja um bom momento para pegar no Novo Testamento e relê-lo, se já passou muito tempo desde a última vez que o fizemos.

Jesus disse: “Clama a mim, e eu responder-te-ei” [Jeremias 33:3]. Ele disse: “Procurar-Me-eis e encontrar-Me-eis quando clamarem a Mim de todo o vosso coração” [Jeremias 29:13]. Devemos começar com orações fervorosas, pois sabemos que precisamos da ajuda de Deus. Devemos invocá-lo com todo o nosso coração, mente, corpo e alma. Jesus disse que o primeiro e maior mandamento era: “Ama o Senhor, teu Deus, com todo o teu coração, com toda a tua alma, com todo o teu entendimento e com todas as tuas forças” [Marcos 12:30]. Talvez precisemos de redefinir as nossas prioridades. Mas Deus promete responder. A minha esposa acha útil caminhar na praia de manhã cedo, derramando o seu coração diante de Deus em oração. Faça o que funcionar para si!

O apóstolo Tiago aborda também o tema de como obter a paz de que necessitamos. Diz ele: “Deus resiste aos soberbos, mas dá graça (paz, descanso, fé) aos humildes. Sujeitem-se, portanto, a Deus. Resistam ao diabo, e ele fugirá de vós. Aproximai-vos de Deus, e ele aproximar-se-á de vós! Pecadores, lavai as mãos; vós que tendes a mente dividida, purificai o vosso coração. Lamentai, chorai e lamentai; transformai o riso em pranto e a alegria em tristeza. Humilhai-vos diante do Senhor, e Ele vos exaltará.” [Tiago 4:6-10] Precisamos de nos aproximar de Deus em oração. Precisamos de eliminar o pecado ou qualquer coisa que possa ser ofensiva para Deus na nossa vida. Então, precisamos de combater o bom combate da fé, crendo que Deus responderá às nossas orações e nos exaltará.

O apóstolo Paulo, na sua carta aos Filipenses, oferece a seguinte fórmula para a paz. Ele diz: “Alegrai-vos sempre no Senhor. Repito: alegrai-vos! (Ele está a dizer que precisamos de viver em louvor.) Não vos inquieteis com nada (ou não nos devemos preocupar nem ter medo), mas em todas as orações e súplicas, com acção de graças, apresentai os vossos pedidos a Deus. E a paz de Deus, que excede todo o entendimento, guardará os vossos corações e as vossas mentes em Cristo Jesus. Finalmente, irmãos, tudo o que for verdadeiro, tudo o que for nobre, tudo o que for justo, tudo o que for puro, tudo o que for amável, tudo o que for de boa fama, se houver algo de excelente ou digno de louvor, pensai nessas coisas.” [Filipenses 4:4-8] Aqui vemos a importância do louvor, da gratidão, da oração, juntamente com a meditação e a submissão dos nossos pensamentos à mente de Deus. Quando o fazemos, Ele promete enviar-nos “a paz que excede todo o entendimento”.

A Bíblia também nos ensina que “a fé vem por ouvir a palavra de Deus” [Romanos 10:17]. Acho útil ler e estudar a Palavra de Deus constantemente. Ler ou ouvir a Palavra de Deus ajuda-me a manter a mente focada nos Seus pensamentos e a minimizar as preocupações e os medos. Rever os versículos que memorizei também ajuda. Ler alguns dos Salmos, que são poderosos estimulantes para a oração, pode ser uma forma de combater o inimigo quando nos sentimos oprimidos e atacados pelas suas mentiras e medos. Precisamos de nos lembrar que estamos numa guerra espiritual e que o inimigo da nossa alma está a tentar destruir-nos, se puder. Empunhe a arma poderosa da Palavra de Deus e resista ao diabo. Ele fugirá de si.

O apóstolo Tiago exorta-nos também a pedir oração quando nos sentimos oprimidos, angustiados ou atacados pelo inimigo. “Confessai, pois, os vossos pecados uns aos outros; orai uns pelos outros, para que sareis.” [Tiago 5:16] “Um só pode perseguir mil, mas dois podem pôr em fuga dez mil.” [Deuteronómio 32:30] Nunca se envergonhe de pedir oração quando precisar. Há um grande poder na oração unida. Use-o.

Espero que estas dicas o ajudem a vencer nestes momentos de desespero. “Quando o inimigo vier como uma inundação, o Espírito do Senhor levantará contra ele um estandarte.” [Isaías 59:19] Mas nós devemos “combater o bom combate da fé” [1 Timóteo 6:12] e não dar lugar ao nosso adversário. [Efésios 4:27] Lembre-se, Jesus já conquistou a vitória sobre Satanás. Jesus ama-nos e também tem a vitória para nós, se perseverarmos e continuarmos a lutar!

Publicado originalmente a 31 de outubro de 2013

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How Can We Find Peace When All Around Us and Inside Us is Confusion and Chaos?

Dennis Edwards:

As Christians we have advantage over those of the world because we have been introduced to the Man of Peace - Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, the world and Satan himself can buffet us. Our own neglects, sins, and shortcomings can also affect us negatively. We can end up not having the peace that passes understanding that God has promised in His Word. How, therefore, can we nurture or regain the peace and rest that we need? Let us search God’s Word for the answers.

In the Psalms, we find the verse; “Great peace have they which love Thy law and nothing shall offend them.”[Psalm 119:165] The Lord says through Isaiah, “Thou shall keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon Me, because he trusts in Me.”[Isaiah 26:3] Jesus said in Matthew, “Come unto Me all you that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”[Matthew 11:28-30] In John He says, “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]  Later Jesus says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”[John 16:33]

Practically, what must we do to have peace or find peace when all that is within us and around us is confusion and uncertainty? The first step is re-establishing our relationship with Jesus if it has been broken or needs strengthening. If we are experiencing lack of peace, we are either being attacked by the enemy of our soul, or our sins and or neglects have led us into a state of  spiritual lethargy which is having a toll on our spiritual life. We need to start renewing our inner man. We need to start renewing our mind and bringing our thoughts into captivity to the Word of God. It's probably a good time to pick up the New Testament and reread it, if it has been a long time since we last did so.

Jesus said, “Call upon me and I will answer you.”[Jeremiah 33:3] He said, “You shall seek me and find me when you shall call upon me with all your heart.”[Jeremiah 29:13] We should start with desperate prayer because we know that we need God’s help. We should call upon him with all our heart, mind, body and soul. Jesus said that the first and greatest commandment was to, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”[Mark 12:30] We may need to get our priorities re-established. But God promises to answer. My wife finds it helpful to go and walk along the beach early in the morning, pouring out her heart to God in prayer. Whatever works for you, do it! 

Apostle James also approaches the subject how to gain the peace we need. He says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace (peace, rest, faith) unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands you sinners, and purify your hearts you double-minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up.”[James 4:6-10] We need to draw nigh to God in prayer. We need to eliminate sin or anything that may be offensive to God in our life. Then we need to fight the good fight of faith by believing that God will answer our prayers and lift us up.

Apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians offers the following formular for peace. He says, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say rejoice. (He's saying we need to walk in praise.) Be anxious for nothing (or we should not worry or be fearful), 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things be true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good-report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”[Philippians 4:4-8] Here we see the importance of praise, thanksgiving, prayer, along with meditating and bringing our thoughts into captivity to God’s mind. When we do so, He promises to send us “the peace that passes understanding.”

The Bible also instructs us that “faith comes from hearing in the word of God.”[Romans 10:17]  I find it helpful to read and study God’s Word constantly. Reading or listening to God's Word helps to keep my mind on His thoughts, and keep the worries and fears to a minimum. Reviewing verses I have memorized also helps. Reading through some of the Psalms, which are powerful prayer boosters, can be a way to combat the enemy, when we are being oppressed and attacked by his lies and fears. We need to remember we are in  spiritual warfare, and the enemy of our soul is out to destroy us, if he can. Take up the white hot weapon of the Word of God and resist the devil. He will flee from you.

Apostle James also admonishes us to ask for prayer when we are feeling oppressed or distressed or attacked by the enemy. “Confess your faults one to another, pray one for another that you may be healed.”[James 5:16]  One can chase a thousand but two can put ten thousand to flight.[Deuteronomy 32:30] Never be ashamed to ask for prayer when you need it. There is great power in united prayer together. Use it.

I hope these tips will help you overcome in those moments of despair. “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.”[Isaiah 59:19] But we must, “Fight the good fight of faith,” [1 Timothy 6:12] and give no place to our adversary.[Ephesians 4:27] Remember, Jesus has already gotten the victory over Satan. Jesus loves us and He's got the victory for us also, if we hold on, and keep fighting! 

Originally published October 31, 2013

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Are You Looking for the Peace of God?

Dennis Edwards

Are you looking for the peace of God? Are you looking for that peace of God that passes all understanding? In other words, are you looking for that inner peace that may not even be logical, a peace of mind and heart that you cannot figure out? Let us look at the peace of God spoken of in the Bible.

How do we find that peace?

Apostle Paul writes, "Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."[Romans 5:1] Paul is telling us that the way we find the peace of heart and mind is through Jesus, through our relationship with Him. To the Ephesians Paul writes, "For He is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us."[Ephesians 2:14] The first step in our pursuit of peace is accepting Jesus into our lives and letting Him bring us peace with God. He will give us peace and mind of heart for all the wrong we have done, if we just come to Jesus.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaking to His disciples of the His depature and the sending of the Holy Spirit as a Comforter says, "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] Jesus is telling His followers that the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, would come and give them the peace they would need to confront the difficulties ahead. He warns them not to be afraid as fear is the enemy to faith and the enemy of the peace that faith brings.

Jesus goes on to say to His disciples, "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] Have you ever noticed how we use words to comfort and assure others, maybe our grandchildren or friends, that everything is going to be all right? The fear they may be experiencing vanishes as they rest on our words, our assurances. Jesus is doing the same with His disciples who will soon see Him captured by His enemies.

Jesus is warning His disciples of the difficulties that lay ahead. He says, "I am telling you these things ahead of time that you may keep your peace. Don't be dismayed. Don't be discouraged. Be encouraged. Remember when you are going through your tribulations that I have overcome and will overcome the world and all the evil that it stands for."

Just as our grandchildren hold onto our words of assurance in moments of fear and anxiety, we, too, must hold onto the words of our Father, of our Big Brother Jesus and believe what He has said. The Apostle Paul gives us some more information of how we may have access to the "peace that passes understanding." Let us read from his letter to the Philippians.

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful (or anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Apostle Paul is giving us a step by step process to obtain the "peace that passes understanding." First, we begin by using praise and thanksgiving in our lives. Paul tells us to "rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice." He even emphasizes praise by repeating himself. Therefore, praise is an important element in our being able to find peace. 

In the psalms we find innumerable references to the importance of praise. "Enter into Thy courts with thanksgiving and into Thy gates with praise."[Psalm 100:4] In fact Psalm 22 says that God dwells in the praises of His people. In the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah and Israel we can read of marvellous exploits that God accomplished for His people because they sought Him in their difficulties and used praise and song as part of their military strategy.[2 Chronicles 20]

Apostle Paul tells us not to be anxious because he knows worry and fear debilitate us. Corrie Ten Boom said, "Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength - carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time.Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength." Jesus also commanded us to not take anxious thought for tomorrow because today's problems were sufficient enough to handle.[Matthew 6:34]

So far we have seen we need to use praise and thanksgiving. We need to resist worry and then, "Make your request be known unto God through prayer and supplication." We need to pray and cast those burdens, fears, worries, all up into the hands of God and let Him take care of them. The psalmist writes, "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee."[Psalm 55:7] Jesus said if we come unto Him with all our heavy burdens, all our problems, He would give us rest.[Matthew 11:28] What is rest, but peace of mind and heart.

The formular that Apostle Paul presents is number 1.Praise and thanksgiving. 2.Do not be anxious or worried. 3. Prayer and supplicate to God. 4. God will send you His peace for the situation. 

Mother Teresa had another formular. She said, "The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of service is peace." In other words, if we stop and get quiet the effect that quietness will have on us is that it will lead us into prayer, into approaching God in some form with our heart, mind, and words.

Prayer will cause us to find God and give us faith. Faith will then cause us to realize God's love for us. The love we receive from God will transform us into wanting to love and serve others. Our love and service for others will result in the peace we sought at the first. We have all experienced when we have volunteered to help others, that it is indeed "more blessed to give, than to receive."[Acts 20:35]

In Isaiah we see a similar formular as Mother Teresa's. "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." Again we see that the fruit of righteousness ends up being peace and quiet assurance. But God's word is clear to remind us that our own righteousness is stinking menstrual rags. It's only as we find His righteousness that we come into peace with God and have the possibility to live at peace with our fellow man. 

The Enemy of our soul tries to stop us from entering to the peace of Christ, the peace that passes all understanding. In the book of Hebrews its called "entering into His rest." We enter into His rest when we cease from our own strivings, our own self-righteous accomplishments, and come humbly into the arms of Jesus and accept His love, mercy, and rest - the peace that passes understanding. It is not anything we deserve or work for. It's the gift of God's love and mercy and in humility must be received.

But we must wage militant warfare against the Enemy of our soul lest we become wearied and faint in our minds. The Lord says, "I shall keep you in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Me, because you trusts in Me."[Isaiah 26:3] Apostle Paul gives us the same admonition in his letter to the Philippians which we have been reading above. He says,

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."[Philippians 4:8] 

We must fight the good fight of fight. That fight is often in our own minds. Our minds are the battleground. We must bring our thoughts to be in line with God's good Word. "Great peace have they which love Thy law, and nothing shall offend them."[Psalm 119:165] Loving and meditating on God's word will help us find peace.

The Apostle James, also, touches on the topic of peace. Let us read from James:

"Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descends 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 entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."[James 3:13-18]

Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."[Matthew 5:9]

If we listen to the admonitions of the prophets and disciples, and Jesus Himself, we can find that quiet assurance, that peace of mind, that we search for. We will find it because we have Christ's presence with us. He is our peace and enables us to have peace with one another. It is He that gives us His peace. It is He that sends us His peace as we seek to live for Him and serve others. 

Then we can say and do as the psalmist: "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makes me dwell in safety."[Psalm 4:8] Or as we find in another psalm: "The Lord will give strength unto His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace."[Psalm 29:11]

Let us end with an old prayer of blessing found in the words of Moses: "The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."[Numbers 6:24-26]

Originally published July 6, 2021.

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Blessed Are The Peacemakers

 

Words from Jesus

Audio length: 9:35
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“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”—Matthew 5:9¹

The sights and sounds of war ring out across the nations—cries of despair, guns firing, bombs falling, smoke rising, the displaced and the dying, stripped of hope. Everyone suffers in times of war and civil strife, as peoples and ethnic groups are driven further apart from each other.

I weep for the dead and I weep for the living. I weep for those in the world who choose evil over good, and I weep for those who suffer because of the evil perpetrated by others, as nation rises against nation, one ethnicity against another, rich against poor, one political system against the other.

Wars are the result of man’s choices and desire for power, for evil over good. No side wins a war—all are losers. Many lives are lost and even more are shattered. Countries and economies are destroyed; lives are broken; suffering and sorrow flourish. Children lose the innocence of childhood, young men and women lose the joy of youth, and the elderly lose the peace of their twilight years. Everyone loses in war.

Even those who wage war—and think they win because they come out on top—lose also, as those who live by the sword will also die by the sword.² Those who sow evil will reap the fruit of evil in the world to come. Those who have war in their hearts and who destroy the earth will not prosper.

My love is the opposite of man’s wars. Love and salvation are My gifts to redeem and save life, to help people live and flourish and be at peace with one another. In the world to come, there will be no more death or dying; no more suffering, killing, and death. When I return as I have promised, I will establish righteousness on earth.

The entire world is at war in the universal battle between good and evil, between right and wrong, between love and hate, between righteousness and wickedness, between happiness and misery, between life and death. Sadly, many do not see the warfare waging around them, but have grown complacent and disinterested in the plight of others. All that is necessary for evil to flourish in this world is that good men and women remain noncommittal.

I have said that blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God, and they will inherit the earth. You can do your part to work toward bringing peace to the world today—the peace of mind and heart that will carry you through no matter what conditions surround you.

You can promote true peace using tools far more powerful than the weapons possessed by the armies of this world—tools of faith, love, and compassion, kind words and deeds.

Do not think that you can’t make a difference in the world. Even one man or woman empowered by My love can make a difference. You can change your part of the world—the world around you—by pointing people to true peace and My salvation.

God’s position on war

“From where come wars and fights among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?”—James 4:1³

The skies are black with clouds—the clouds of the smoke of war. The ground is red with blood—the blood of innocent lives caught in the flames and torments of war. Is any cause worth so great a cost in human life? Are injustices on the part of one government corrected by the injustices of another?

No army can claim to be waging war on the side of “right.” War, killing, death, and destruction are not a part of My plan. Humankind was placed on this earth to work together in harmony and to love and care for one another. But because of sin, selfishness, and greed, man continually resorts to war and armed conflict.

Those who wage war in the name of God, claiming My blessing upon their cause, are mistaken. Those who truly know and love Me will seek and strive for peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”⁴ I went so far as to say that you should “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, and do good to those who hate you.”⁵

It is a law of nature that you will reap what you sow. Those who wage war, who pursue the domination, destruction, and devastation of other lands and people, will reap sorrow and bloodshed themselves. Every man and woman will give account before Me in the day of judgment, and I will reward the peacemakers.

I could use My power and omnipotence to force humanity to do what is right, but I have granted humankind the majesty of choice. I allow each person to determine their own ultimate destiny through the choices they make. I do not impose My will or My plan upon mankind.

Are you a peacemaker? Are you a child of God who has accepted My sacrifice on the cross for the salvation of humankind? Testify of My truth to others. Ask Me what part I am calling you to play to stand up for truth and justice and what you can do to change the world around you for the better.

Pray for peace. Pray for the innocent and the victims of war and civil strife.

Will you be a peacemaker?

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us. … And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”—Isaiah 9:6⁶

Nobody wins a war; everyone comes out a loser in some way. I am a proponent of peace. War is the result of man’s wrong choices. Everyone has a choice. You can choose to live and work toward peace, to be an advocate of peace, or you can choose to stand with those who wage war.

I am sovereign over all parts of nature. I send the rain. The thunder roars at My command. My influence reaches realms unexplored by man, yet I do not force you to follow My ways. I know your innermost thoughts. I know the intentions of every human heart. Nothing escapes Me or is hid from Me. Yet I have placed the majesty of choice in your hands.

Those who choose My ways will be blessed; those who choose wrongdoing will suffer the consequences. As sure as the sun rises every morning, whatever a man sows, he will sooner or later reap. I will not turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the cries of the poor.

My ways are love, humility, peace, and harmony. I ask you to look to Me to resolve problems. Peace and freedom will not come through death, violence, suffering, and killing. I have the solutions to the sad state of the world today, and I will give these solutions to those who sincerely look to Me for guidance with an open heart. My solutions do not include trampling on the weak, turning a deaf ear to the helpless, exploiting the innocent, or waging warfare.

I am the only One who can make the world a safe place to live in. I am the only One who can establish a future of peace and prosperity, which I will do when I return to the earth as I have promised.⁷

Just as I taught My first disciples, you can pray for My kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. In My kingdom there will be no more war, for I am the Prince of Peace.

Published on Anchor July 2021. Read by Gabriel Garcia Valdivieso.

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¹ NIV. ² Matthew 26:52. ³ AKJV. ⁴ Matthew 5:9. ⁵ Matthew 5:44. ⁶ NAS. ⁷ Matthew 24:30.

 https://anchor.tfionline.com/post/blessed-are-peacemakers/

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Finding Peace in Life's Storms

Words from Jesus

Audio length: 9:48
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“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”—Psalm 46:1–31

When the storms of life blow around you, and you feel tossed and buffeted with the winds of distress, adversity and difficulty, seek My face and come into My presence and seek refuge in Me until these calamities are past. Come to Me and trust that I will care for you and be your strength and ever-present help in times of trouble.

This is the refuge that I have promised you—the solace of My love, the comfort in My arms, the peace that flows from My heart to yours, that envelops you and transports your spirit to the heaven­ly realm.

In those quiet moments when we commune together, I can change your perspective and fill your heart with My peace that passes all understanding, as you step aside from the storms of life and come into the chamber of My refuge.

Through the storm

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”—John 14:27

I can’t promise to spare you from the storms of life, but I can promise to be with you through them. My help comes in a variety of forms. It may not always come in the form you expect, but it will always come. I will never leave or forsake you.2 I will never leave you to struggle on your own.

When you ask for My help, I will answer your prayer. When you are worried or fearful, I will give you faith to trust Me, peace of mind, and courage to carry on. When you are weak and weary, lean on Me and I will give you strength. When your heart is broken, I will mend it.

I can’t keep you from all hardships and sorrows, but I can give you the strength to bear the troubles of life and bring about good from every circumstance you face. I can help your spirit rise above the storms of life to My heavenly kingdom where the sun is always shining.

I am your sunshine on a rainy day, and the rainbow after the storm. I am the bright ray of hope that puts the sparkle back in your eyes. The present storm will pass. In the meantime, trust that I will keep you through every storm you face in life.

My unfathomable peace

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

My Peace is the treasure of treasures: the pearl of great price. It is an exquisitely costly gift, both for the Giver and the receiver. I purchased this Peace for you with My blood. You receive this gift by trusting Me in the midst of life’s storms.

If you have the world’s peace—everything going your way—you don’t seek My unfathomable Peace. Thank Me when things do not go your way, because spiritual blessings come wrapped in trials. Adverse circumstances are normal in a fallen world. Expect them each day. Rejoice in the face of hardship, for I have overcome the world.

I am above all things: your problems, your pain, and the swirling events in this ever-changing world. When you behold My Face, you rise above circumstances and rest with Me in heavenly realms. This is the way of Peace, living in the Light of My Presence.

I guarantee that you will always have problems in this life, but they must not become your focus. When you feel yourself sinking in the sea of circumstances, say “Help me, Jesus!” and I will draw you back to Me. If you have to say that thousands of times daily, don’t be discouraged. I know your weakness, and I meet you in that very place.

Refuse to worry! In this world there will always be something enticing you to worry. That is the nature of a fallen, fractured planet: Things are not as they should be. So the temptation to be anxious is constantly with you, trying to worm its way into your mind.

The best defense is continual communication with Me, richly seasoned with thanksgiving. Awareness of My Presence fills your mind with Light and Peace, leaving no room for fear. This awareness lifts you up above your circumstances, enabling you to see problems from My perspective. Live close to Me!3

Entering in His temple

“God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”—Ephesians 2:64

When you feel worried with the strain of it all, come to Me and commit all your cares and anxieties to Me. When you feel like all is stormy and cloudy, and your heart feels heavy to where you’re not sure if you can take one more step, that’s the time to seek My presence and retreat into My heart of love. Let Me give you rest and the peace you need to carry on.

You’ll never have the strength nor the stamina to withstand the pressures of life if you don’t pull back and come to Me. Breathe deeply of My heavenly air. Breathe in and relax. Sit back and revel in My beauty and meditate in My temple.5

Prince of Peace

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”—Psalm 46:106

Once, when I was crossing the Sea of Galilee with My disciples, a storm arose and threatened to sink our small boat. My disciples were frightened, but I commanded the storm to cease—“Peace! Be still!”—and the wind and waves obeyed Me.7 One day I will say “Enough!” and cause the storms of war, calamity, disease, and natural disasters to cease.

The problems of today’s world prove that people cannot solve their own problems. The world cannot survive without its Savior. True, lasting peace is not possible without Me, the Prince of Peace. One day, My peace and righteousness will cover the earth, just as the waters cover the sea.8

In the meantime, you can have My real and lasting peace in your heart—peace that can withstand anything, no matter what storms you face in life—by turning to Me, the Prince of Peace, in your time of need. I will always be there for you.

Published on Anchor October 2020. Read by Jon Marc. Music by Michael Dooley.

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1 NIV.

2 Hebrews 13:5.

3 Sarah Young, Jesus Calling (Thomas Nelson, 2010).

4 NIV.

5 Psalm 27:4.

6 NKJV.

7 Mark 4:36–39.

8 Habakkuk 2:14, 3:3.

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Peace in the Midst of the Storm!

https://soundcloud.com/nightlightshows/215-nightlight-peace-in-the-midst-of-the-corona-storm

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Through the Storm

Words from Jesus

https://anchor.tfionline.com/post/through-storm/

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Remember the account when I calmed the sea?1 My disciples were panicking and thought that they would certainly perish. But when they looked to Me for help, rather than looking at their circumstances, I came to their rescue in spite of the waves and the storm.

It’s the same for you. There are many waves, and you may even see storms brewing on the horizon of your life, but if you look to Me and the assurances of My love and care for you, of My wisdom to guide you, you will find the answers you need. These worries about the future are like the waves washing over you and your little boat. The situation around you is like a menacing storm. At times you might be tempted to think you will capsize.

If you will ask Me to calm the storm, I will. Or I will show you how to weather the storm. I will do it, just as I have always done it in all these years you have so faithfully trusted in Me. Remember that I am in the boat with you.

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Your life’s journey is like that of a ship out on the open sea. Sometimes the seas are calm and the sky is blue and the sun is shining, but frequently there are great gales, with massive waves, and angry dark skies. These are like the difficulties and challenges of your life.

Sometimes you wish that you could just tie up in port, in some safe and sheltered bay, whenever the dark clouds start building on the horizon. But I didn’t make your ship for the sheltered bay; I made it for the storms! I built it to withstand the storms and the crashing waves, so long as you face into the wind instead of trying to run and hide from it. And the more you face the storms, trusting Me and letting Me pilot, the more weathered you become, and better equipped to face the storms and challenges of life.

During the storms of life, the wind may blow so fiercely and the waves loom so high that you feel like you’re going to capsize sometimes. But meanwhile you often find that you’re being propelled onward in your life so much farther and faster than if you were on a flat and placid sea with not even a flutter of a breeze.

So bravely face the storm, and cherish the peace I give you in the midst of it. The storms will come, but know that I have the power to say, “Peace, be still,” when necessary, and most importantly, to steer you safely through each one, so that you come out on the other side so much farther along in your exciting journey around the globe, exploring new lands and bringing My light to the far corners of the Earth.

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During a storm, it’s easy to become preoccupied with keeping your boat steady and above water. That’s understandable. But never lose sight of the fact that I am at the helm of your boat. The key is seeing Me in all things—even in the wind and the waves—and then, in a spirit of faith, trusting Me to see you safely to the shore of victory, just as I always have.

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No matter what, you will always have My unconditional love. It will see you through anything. It will be a light in dark places, a compass when you are lost, an anchor to hold you fast in a storm, and a warm blanket to comfort you when you are alone and cold.

Treasure My unconditional love. Know that it doesn’t cost you anything‚ but has been freely given to you from someone who loves you to the core.

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My child, I am the Lord Who does not change. People and circumstances in your life continually change, creating undercurrents of anxiety. When anxiety threatens to overwhelm you, come to Me and praise Me that I am holding you ever so tightly. When the waves of life roll around you, cling to Me as the One Who never changes. I am Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. Praise Me continually, especially during tumultuous times. When you dare to praise Me, I will strengthen your confidence in Me as your rock. I am your refuge and strength, a continual help, even during seasons of transition. I am your security. My presence goes with you through every changing season. Do not fear tomorrow; I am already there. I lovingly call you to new adventures. Change in your life doesn’t happen by chance. Nothing can thwart My plans for you, plans for good and not evil. In the midst of this changing world, I am constant and never change.2

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For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat.—Isaiah 25:4

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1 See Mark 4:37–41.

2 Becky Harling, The 30-Day Praise Challenge (David C. Cook, 2013). For scriptures referenced in this passage, see Hebrews 13:8,15; Psalm 46:1,7; Job 42:2; Jeremiah 29:11.

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Be Still and Know That I Am God! - Psalm 46

Dennis Edwards

Yesterday I received a e-mail from a friend of mine in Jordan. She runs an NGO which helps with the refugees and poor and needy in that country. Jordan is basically a country of refugees. There are Palestinian refugees, Syrian refugees, refugees from the Iraq war. My friend is usually very busy during the year helping to supply the needs of the poor in that country. But suddenly, because of Corona Virus, everything has stopped. The whole country is in quarantine. Those living in a city must stay in the city. Those living in a village must stay in the village. The police and military are monitoring people’s movements. One is only allowed out to buy essential needs like food or medicines. 

Maybe you are experiencing the same scenario. Yesterday in Portugal the government enacted the State of Emergency. It is the first time that a State of Emergency has been called not during a period of war. And yet a war is taking place: a war against the corona virus, and perhaps a financial or economic war between the economic and political systems of the world. Bill Gates in his Ted Talk back in 2016 predicted that the next global catastrophe would be an uncontrollable virus. And now we are told we can’t go out except for those essential needs. What is going on here? Won’t stopping the economy lead to the final collapse of the present day financial system and the ushering in of a new one? 

My friend in her e-mail asked the question, “What’s happening?” Her conclusion was that she felt like she was experiencing the calm before the storm of a hurricane. Everything has stopped. The running to and fro has stopped. The frantic fight for more has stopped. We are all forced to sit at home and reflect on what’s happening and why. Yes, we want to prevent sickness from spreading. Yes, we are willing to do what it takes to save lives and people’s health. Yet, we wonder what happens if this takes longer than is forecast? What happens if the essential food supplies go short? What happens if we can’t pay our bills or run out of money? Where is all this leading to? Will the banks close and we’ll lose all our savings? Will the bank repossess our homes because we can’t keep up on the payments? Will the government really help us? Or will it end in world wide confusion and war? 

The best place to look for guidance at times like these is in God’s word. God’s word promises to be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our way. God’s word promises to give us understanding. God’s word promises to give us peace of mind and heart. Therefore, spending time in God’s word needs to be a priority for each and every one of us. 

In Psalm 46 we read, 

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”[Psalm 46:1] 

So here we see God promises to be present with us in our times of trouble. He promises to be very present. Not vaguely present, but truly present with us, leading, guiding, and comforting us. The psalm continues, 

“Therefore will not we fear,”[Psalm 46:2] 

Again God’s word tells us some 365 plus times to not fear. We should not be panicking like others because God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.[2 Timothy 1:7] The Apostle John tells us that “fear has torment,” but if we walk in love, we won’t have fear.[I John 4:18] Winston Churchill said during WWII that there was only one thing to fear and that was fear itself. Why? Because fear incapacitates us. Fear is the opposite of faith and love, and faith and love have the power to cast out fear. There is only one thing we should fear, and that is God Himself. Jesus reminded His disciples, 

“Fear not them which can kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul, but rather fear Him who can cast both soul and body into hell.”[Matthew 10:28] 

God is whom we should fear, not man, not the Corona Virus, not the fragile economic situation, not the Chinese, not the Russians, etc. Solomon so rightly wrote, 

“Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man.”[Ecclesiastes 12:13] 

In the Proverbs he said similarly, 

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”[Proverbs 1:7] 

In other words, if we want to be smart, if we want to really understand what is happening in the world, the beginning point of understanding and knowledge is to have the fear of the Lord. If we have a healthy fear of the Lord, we won’t be afraid of anything else because we know that we are in His hands. Therefore, we will not fear... 

“though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.”[Psalm 46:2-3] 

The imagery used by the prophet is one of an earthquake and or tsunami. Figuratively, mountains often signify kingdoms in the scriptures. So here we see the kingdoms being carried into the sea which roars and is troubled. The seas sometimes symbolize peoples, people who are roaring and troubled can rise up and overthrow their existing leaders or governments or kings like in the French Revolution, a time of great confusion or tribulation. 

In the words of Jesus as ascribed by Luke we read, 

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring: men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of the heaven shall be shaken.”[Luke 21:25-26] 

Apostle Paul wrote, 

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”[2 Timothy 3:1] 

Is this the fear we sense, that the great day of His wrath is at hand? As children when we did something wrong we had that guilty feeling knowing somehow we would get caught. Are our hearts failing us for fear because we suspect that the world deserves a judgment, or chastisement? As the Bible says, 

“A fearful looking for of judgment.”[Hebrews 10:27] 

But back in Psalm 46 the prophet assures us, 

“There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.”[Psalm 46:4] 

That’s the same river we see Apostle John describe when heaven is finally on earth. John writes, 

“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life. clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb (Jesus).”[Revelation 22:1] 

The psalmist continues, 

“God is in the midst of her (the city of God which consists of God’s people); she shall not be moved; God shall help her, and that right early.”[Psalm 46:5] 

Again we see that God is going to help His people “and that right early.” 

“The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved,”[Psalm 46:6] 

No matter what the Corona Virus brings to our health, or to the economy, what deaths she brings to us or our loved ones, or what economic crisis loams ahead of us; God is ultimately in control and promises to bring good out of all that happens to us if we continue to love and trust Him. 

“He uttered His voice, the earth melted.”[Psalm 46:6] 

If there’s going to be global warming it’s because God has allowed it. But God’s word informs us that that the complete melting or burning of the surface of the earth does not take place now, though it will take place in the distant future. 

“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah”[Psalm 46:7] 

God is a refuge for the oppressed, for the poor, for the downtrodden, for His people, therefore will we not fear but trust in His capacity to hear our prayers and answer and save us. 

“Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he has made in the earth. He makes wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and cuts the spear asunder; he burns the chariot in the fire.”[Psalm 46:8-9] 

One day God is going to stop all the wars, even the biological virus wars and all the world will know that God is God. 

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”[Psalm 46:10] 

Are we using this time to get quiet with God and hear from Him? Are we stopping our own activity sufficiently to let Him talk to us? God wants to talk to us. God wants to be exalted in our lives. God wants our lives to exalt Him. He wants our lives to be a testimony for Him. God wants us to shine his love and light of truth into the darkness of hate and greed and selfishness of this world. And we can do it because, 

“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”[Psalm 46:11]

Please let us pray that we, his children, can be a help and an encouragement, and even a refuge for those in trouble and in need like many may feel today in the uncertainty of tomorrow. Jesus has told us to take no anxious thought for tomorrow for sufficient are the problems that we have to face today.[Matthew 6:34] He has also promised to be with us to the end of the world.[Matthew 28:20] 

And He has promised to give us the gift of peace. God’s word says that those that love God’s word will find great peace, peace of mind and peace of heart even in times of trouble. Why? Because we know we are in His hands. 

Jesus said, 

"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] 

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”[John 16:33]

Even if there is trouble and confusion all around us, we can have peace that passes all understanding because our minds are stayed on Him and we are holding onto His dear promises.[Philippians 4:7] We can be more than overcomers because we known whom we have believed and we are persuaded that He is able to keep that which He has promised to us for He has said, 

“I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.”[Hebrews 13:5] 

My friend, take time to be still and know that God is God. He will eventually be exalted above all our other gods and all the world will know and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Will you? Call upon Him today, He’s only a prayer away! 

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