Tag Archives: Peace

How Can I Be More Like Jesus?

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If you’re much like me you’ve given a lot of thought to becoming more like Jesus. To emulate (copy) another person’s characteristics is the greatest compliment you can give them.  One of the ways to do that is to know His attributes.  Now to do them all would take an entire library so I’ve selected just a few to consider.

Cross

 

 

LOVE  Doing what is best for others without expecting anything in return.                             1 Corinthians 13:4:7-8

JOY  Real happiness in every part of God’s creation.  Nehemiah 8:10

PEACE  A sense of tranquility which is a result of resting in His Spirit.  John 14:7

PATIENCE  Accepting all situations, even the really difficult ones, as part of God’s plan.  Ephesians 4:2

KINDNESS  A loving attitude toward all.  Ephesians 4:32

CONTENTMENT  Accepting God’s provision in whatever measure He gives. 2 Timothy 6:6-7

HOLINESS  Set apart to join Him in His activities.  2 Corinthians 7:3

SENSITIVITY  Opening our hearts and minds to compassion for those around us.  Romans 12:5

JUST  Doing what is right. Romans 2:11

SUBMISSION  Yielding to God’s authority in all things. Ephesians 5:21

GRACE  God’s free and undeserved favor.  2 Corinthians 12:9

There are so many more than these.  It’s interesting that each of us, through the Holy Spirit, has them all.  It really is our choice whether or not we let them shine through and out.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Who Has Your Back?

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Who has your back? Who’s on your six? Do you realize that in putting on the armor there is no mention of our backs ,  perhaps for good reason.   Let’s take a look at  Ephesians 5:10-18.

We are first commanded to put on the FULL armor of God.  All of it!  Not just once, but twice. When we have it all on we can stand against the evil one and the evil forces of this world.  Did you see the word stand.  No sitting down to get the job done.

Belt of truthThe Belt of Truth   Refers to personal integrity, i.e., knowing the truth and speaking the truth.  Simply put – Don’t lie.

 

Beastplate of righteousnessThe Breastplate of Righteousness   What is righteousness?  Honoring God by making the right choices.

 

 

800px-Caligae_from_sideFitted Feet   It was absolutely imparative that a soldier would have the solid footing given by strong and fitted sandals.  Then he could stand strong and move as needed to defeat the enemy.  The rest of this verse refers to the spreading the Gospel of Peace which is a reference to sharing the Word whenever the opportunity arises.  In other words – Be ready to talk about God.

shield-158587_960_720Shield of Faith  In battle the shield can be moved in any direction to deflect arrows, rocks, anything thrown at you.  Shields of ancient times were made of leather and soaked with water to extinguish fire.  The shield saves the soldier from harm just like our faith does for us.

 

160px-Helmet_typ_Weissenau_01Helmet of Salvation   The helmet obviously protects the head.  Simply said – God protects me.

 

 

300px-Uncrossed_gladiusSword of the Spirit  The sword is the only piece of offensive gear in this list.  All the others are used defensively.  It is used to reflect the Word of God.

 

 

And then we are to pray.  In any and all ways in the Spirit for all occasions for everything and everyone.  When this process is complete we are ready to face anything the evil one can throw at us.

But wait!  What about our backs?  Who has our back?  Quite simply, God does.  When confronting an enemy in battle our body is in a face forward position.  If someone sneaks in from behind we turn around.  The evil one is too vain to stay hidden, he wants to be seen eventually.  When all is said and done, God is really all around us.  Front, back, side, top, bottom…

Heavenly Father, help us to use the armor You have provided.  Give us strength, courage, faith, and wisdom.  Help us stay firmly rooted in Your Word, surrounded by Your love.  Lead us forward in the full knowledge that the battle is already won.  Make it so in Jesus name.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

You can also find this post in Pondering and Prayer.

Peace

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I’ve really been spending a lot of time searching my heart for what God really wants of my life.  This has really caused me some restless nights and a lack of peace.  I have followed through with leaving my career as an educator, knowing He was very clearly speaking to me about this.  As for what’s next…I am still praying on that.  I know he will make it very clear when He’s ready and not until He’s ready.  I love you all and covet (I know I’m breaking one of the Commandments but I think He really understands this) your comments and prayers.  I am so blessed by you.In several of the churches I attended as a child (We moved a LOT!) the pastor would use the words of Philippians 4:7 (And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.) as a benediction. To this day, when I hear these words an indescribable blanket of peace settles over me. Paul uses these words to describe the blessing we receive when we rejoice in the Lord, are gentle in our relationships, give our worries to the Lord, pray and give thanks for everything. When we obey and give in, through, and too His Name, peace is indeed ours.

Ah, Lord, God, let the peace that escapes our understanding invade our lives today.  Let us see it, feel it, and show it to the world around us.  Make it so!