Challenges to Our Peace

It's difficult to maintain a sense of peace, no matter how perfect our personal space happens to be. We grow and change during each phase of life, so we often yearn for something new and challenging. God made it possible for change to occur throughout our lives, even when it disrupts our daily status quo.

We learn by living that peace is fragile in relationships and within ourselves. Winning an argument or gaining control doesn’t guarantee peace and contentment. Peace may never be achieved when pride and contempt are allowed to dominate.

If this is your situation, consider what Jesus said in Matthew 5:9. "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God." A name for God is Jehovah Shalom, “the Lord is peace.”  How do you obtain his peace? This is his promise: "If you walk in my statutes and keep them, ... I will bless you with peace." Having peace with God, others, and oneself is a treasure of great worth.  

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 So now, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith in his promises, we can have real peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

~Romans 5:1 The Living Bible

 

May the Lord himself, who is our source of peace, give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.

~2 Thessalonians 3:16 Good News Bible

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Peace That Satisfies

The generation that came of age during the 1960's and 70's was introduced to political upheaval, war, and a challenge to the established spiritual  and social values. It was a time of disharmony, yet out of that generation came the Jesus Movement and the sign for peace based on the Hebrew word shalom.

Peace without contentment, however, is rarely satisfying, but it’s possible that a fragile peace with its limitations can give way to a lasting and secure state of harmony. Even when peace is fragile, it’s possible to find joy and fulfillment by serving others and the Lord rather than focusing on discontentment.

God’s name is Jehovah Shalom, “the Lord is peace.” When He becomes our peace then stress and strife are subject to becoming manageable. This happens by accepting Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace. He then instills in us a new attitude and perspective on how to live and enjoy the peace he gives.   

     

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 “I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.”

~John 16:33 Contemporary English Version

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Peace, the Only Source for Happiness

Peace is a wonderful state of being that most of us take for granted, whether in our mind, our relationships or on a worldwide basis, until a crisis takes it away. Wherever peace exists, turmoil has trouble gaining a foothold. However, peace can be fragile where forces exist that have the power to steal it away.

Peace is the only source for sustained happiness, yet enticements abound that promise to satisfy our yearning for happiness. We’re soon disappointed, however, by realizing something else more promising exists to give us contentment and peace. It seems this process is never-ending.

The Hebrew word for peace is ‘shalom’. Jehovah Shalom is a name for God that means “the Lord is peace.” As an attribute of his being, God instills his peace within us. As we willingly yield more of our lives to Jesus the Prince of Peace, striving for that which is only temporary gives way to peace that is permanent.   

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God himself was pleased to live fully in his Son. And God was pleased for him to make peace by sacrificing his blood on the cross, so that all beings in heaven and on earth would be brought back to God.

~Colossians 1:19-20 Contemporary English Version

 

May blessing and peace of heart be your rich gifts from God the Father, and from Jesus Christ our Lord.

~1 Thessalonians 1:1 The Living Bible

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Jesus As Our Banner

Six flags have flown over Texas during the past 300 years. Some of these banners represented foreign powers while one flew over Texas as a nation and currently as the State of Texas. And the sixth is the flag of the United States of America. When the Israelites were on their way to the Promised Land, each tribe flew its own banner.

In Isaiah 11:10 Jesus, as the promised Messiah, would be a banner for all people’s salvation, for he is our Savior and Lord. Jesus asks us to take up our cross and follow him, a banner carried in our hearts. It means representing Jesus wherever you happen to be.

Jehovah-Nissi means “God is my banner.” Claiming this banner means committing to the purpose of serving Christ Jesus. With Jesus as your banner, he provides the necessary armor for you to be successful. He provides love, mercy, and strength to endure and overcome whatever confronts you each day.   

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But you have given us a banner to rally to; all who love truth will rally to it, then you can deliver your beloved people. Use your strong right arm to rescue us.

~Psalm 60:4-5 The Living Bible

 

In that day the heir to David’s throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place.

~Isaiah 11:10 New Living Translation

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Winning Each Day's Battles

The American Civil War was a war where Americans fought each other and, in some cases, brother fought against brother. On the battlefield, what gave each side a clear identity were the flags at the front of the battle lines. These banners were a rallying symbol that inspired the men onward, resolute to win.

The enemies and forces we face may not be as well-defined, but there is a tangible symbol of power filled with encouragement and hope. For Christians that banner is God’s word. After a hard-won battle Moses built an altar and named it Jehovah-Nizzi, meaning “God is my banner.”

We need positive reinforcements each day to accomplish God’s purpose for us. Jehovah-Nissi, “the Lord is my banner,” is the author and perfector of your faith. Whatever battles you're facing, do so depending on the presence and power of Christ Jesus, for he is your sword and shield, your confidence and strength, and your banner. 

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In all these things we win an overwhelming victory through him who has proved his love for us.

~Romans 8:37 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

 

In your day of trouble, may the Lord be with you! May the God of Jacob keep you from all harm. …May there be shouts of joy when we hear the news of your victory, flags flying with praise to God for all that he has done for you. May he answer all your prayers!

~Psalm 20:1,5 The Living Bible

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Managing Resistance from Within and Without

In sporting events, teams have symbols that portray the spirit and identity of the players. Some schools honor the American flag as students recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Following 9-11 our flag symbolized the unity of Americans as it flew over the chaos and rubble of what had been the twin towers of the World Trade Center.

When the Hebrew people were on their way to the Promised Land, they encountered resistance from both within and without. During one battle, as long as Moses held his hands up toward God the Israelites were successful. After defeating this enemy, Moses built an altar and named it Jehovah-Nissi, meaning “the Lord is my banner”.

Each person encounters struggles that must be confronted. Each person’s faith represents the one to whom their allegiance belongs. Jehovah-Nissi, “the Lord is my banner,” can be your choice. It means the Lord God will constantly guard, protect, and strengthen those who love him and are committed to him.                           

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How I love you, Lord! You are my defender. The Lord is my protector; he is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with him I am safe. He protects me like a shield; he defends me and keeps me safe.

~Psalm 18:1-2 Good News Bible 

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The Sustaining Presence of God

Where were you when you first became aware of the presence and power of God? Was it communicated by a parent or in worship or Bible study? It might have been in some dreadful, horrible place where, in a moment of crisis, there came a realization that you were not alone, but that God was there even in that despicable place.

God’s name, Jehovah-Shammah, means “the Lord is there”. Jacob discovered God's presence when he was running for his life. He saw God's presence in a dream as angels descended and ascended on a stairway. Here he made a commitment to God, but it took decades for him change and mature. Yet, God’s presence remained constant.

Jehovah Shammah is present in the darkest, most frightening moments. The Apostle John would declare, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory.” He’s there for you in each moment, and you can count on his presence for assurance and encouragement, however the ‘moment’ is defined.                          

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So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.

~Deuteronomy 31:6 New Living Translation

 

And I will make my home among them. Yes, I will be their God and they shall be my people.

~Ezekiel 37:27 The Living Bible 

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Confluence: Flowing Together with God

There has always been an active interest in how God chooses to reveal himself to his people. A name for God is Jehovah-Shammah, meaning “the Lord is present”. The Apostle Paul quotes God as declaring, “I will dwell in them and walk with them; I will be their God and they shall be my people."

God is there with you now regardless of your surroundings. This can produce uncomfortable feelings if your behavior is out of compliance with his purpose for you. It’s important to realize that God is wherever you choose to be, longing to direct you to himself.

In everything that surrounds us there is confluence, a coming together or merging of all life toward God and in God. Everywhere I look, in every sound, God can be seen and heard when I take time to look and listen for him. As I look and listen, I’m surprised by what I see and hear. God reaches out to everyone everywhere constantly.                     

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Is there any place I can go to avoid your Spirit? To be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you’re there! If I go underground, you’re there! If I flew on morning’s wings to the far western horizon, you’d find me in a minute – you’re already there waiting! Then I said to myself, “Oh, he even sees me in the dark! At night I’m immersed in the light!” It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you!

~Psalm 139:7-12 The Message

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A Bridge to Better Judgment and Choices

One benefit of growing older is possessing wisdom that builds a bridge to better judgment and choices. Pressing onward toward the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus becomes more urgent. Those who love God can realize he has been continuously present throughout life’s struggles as well as the joyful, happy days.

Some mistakenly think God is present only for unique events when his power is witnessed touching the lives of worshipers. God is constantly present, for his name is Jehovah-Shammah, “the Lord is there”. In Exodus 23:20 God told Moses, "See, I am sending my angel ahead of you to guard you and bring you to the place I have prepared."

In Psalm 139 David asked God, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" It's awesome to realize that God is everywhere continuously. God is always there, so let this fact be a source of comfort and assurance for whatever you’re facing at this moment.                            

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Now we can come fearlessly right into God’s presence, assured of his glad welcome when we come with Christ and trust in him.

~Ephesians 3:12 The Living Bible

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Become a Partner with God

Each day we set aside time for work, meals, entertainment, and sleep. To be spiritually set apart by God is to be sanctified, the process of becoming holy. In Genesis God sanctified the Sabbath day for rest and worship. The nation of Israel was sanctified as God's people to be a model of His love, mercy and forgiveness.

The people were to be partners with God in redeeming all people.  Remember these words from Jesus? "Go to all people everywhere and make them my disciples; baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Teach them everything I taught you." Sanctification continues throughout life.

The process of sanctification includes maturing personally and spiritually by permitting the Holy Spirit to prepare you for the purpose of God, who declares, "I am Jehovah-M’Kaddesh, the Lord who sanctifies you." He has the power to save you, to sanctify you and make you holy, for he is holy. He calls you and sets you apart because he loves you.                            

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[Paul wrote:] He chose me to be a servant of Christ Jesus for the Gentiles, and to do the work of a priest in the service of his good news. God did this so that the Holy Spirit could make the Gentiles into a holy offering, pleasing to him.

~Romans 15:16 Contemporary English Version  

 

But now since you have been set free from sin and have become willing slaves of God, you have your benefit, resulting in sanctification [being made holy and set apart for God’s purpose], and the outcome of this is eternal life.

~Romans 6:22 Amplified Bible

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Prepared to Serve

Being prepared for a special occasion is a wise choice because it lowers stress to a more manageable level. Preparing for a job interview by reviewing potential questions helps reduce anxiety. Knowing how to dress appropriately helps present a favorable first impression. Taking time to rest and sleep is critical to preparation.

God taught the Hebrew people how to consecrate themselves for worship by coming into his presence with a clean heart. Listen to Leviticus 20:8: “Consecrate yourselves and be holy because I am the Lord your God." Consecration includes being committed to God for the purpose of meeting him in worship.

God desires to give you faith so his work of sanctification can set you apart for the purpose he specifically designed for you. God clearly communicates that he is Jehovah-M’Kaddesh, the Lord who sanctifies.  This means to be made clean, forgiven, and dedicated to a new life in Jesus Christ.                            

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With eyes open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my brothers [and sisters], as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him.

~Romans 12:1 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English 

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Set Apart for Holy Service

When I was an older adolescent visiting friends, I noticed their mother seemed happy and joyful. When I inquired about her joyfulness, she informed me she had received salvation by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior and that she was returning to church that evening to receive sanctification.

As I listened, she explained to me that sanctification means to be set apart in holy service for Jesus Christ. She and others who had received salvation were to be dedicated and consecrated permanently to Christ. She believed an inward transformation created by the Holy Spirit had resulted in a newness of life that would replace her old sinful self.

Another name for God is Jehovah-M’Kaddesh, “the Lord God who sanctifies" and makes you righteous and holy for now and all eternity. Whether it's an instant transformation or one that gradually takes place, it's important to remember the Holy Spirit sets you apart for a new life in Christ Jesus. Thanks be to God!                       

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May the God of peace make you holy through and through, until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is utterly faithful and he will finish what he has set out to do.

~1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

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Happiness Equates to Contentment

Recently I asked a man on the elevator how he was doing. "I am blessed because God has given me this day," came his reply. That made me realize how thankful we should be for all God provides. We enjoy our work and loved ones and all who bring blessings and joy.

During World War II Anne Frank wrote in her diary: "Whoever is happy will make others happy. He who has faith and courage will never perish in misery." It’s amazing that this young girl, who later died in a concentration camp, possessed such wisdom. She was content with the little she possessed in her hiding place.

Anne Frank was thankful for trivial things like writing in her diary. We can be at peace when we’re thankful for what God continues to provide. Ecclesiastes 5:19 reminds us, "When God gives a man possessions and enables him to enjoy them, he should be thankful, for they are gifts from God." So rejoice and be thankful for God’s goodness and kindness.                        

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Give thanks to the Lord because he is good; his love is eternal.

~1 Chronicles 16:34 Good News Bible

 

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Make it a habit to give thanks for everything, for this is God’s will for you through Christ Jesus.

~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

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Necessary for Happiness

How hard are you working for what you believe is essential for your happiness? In a nation of abundance how difficult is it to "Count your blessings, name them one by one; and it will surprise you what the Lord has done. Count your blessings, name them one by one; count your many blessings, see what God has done”?

A wise person concluded, "He who is not thankful for what he has, will not be happy with what else he acquires." Hezekiah the king of Judah became sick and believed death was imminent. God graciously gave him fifteen more years to live. Interestingly, Hezekiah was too proud to express gratitude to God for healing him.

Before we rail to heavily on Hezekiah, we would do well to be reminded to demonstrate thanksgiving for the blessings we've enjoyed from God. In our hurried lives, it's difficult to remember God, Jehovah-Jireh, “the Lord who provides all good things”. Why not stop for a moment and express your sincere thanks and gratitude to God?  

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I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

~Psalm 9:1 English Standard Version

 

I praise you, Lord, for answering my prayers. You are my strong shield, and I trust you completely. You have helped me, and I will celebrate and thank you in song.

~Psalm 28:6-7 Contemporary English Version

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