Tag: peace

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Giving Peace and Light

Sometimes I come up with original content.  Other times I come up with ‘borrowed’ content.  It’s probably a great debate about which one makes it better.  Today as yesterday will be borrowed.

I have tried to read more this month and I found some great reading plans at the YouVersion Bible site.  I have actually been reading two different plans, one that is discussing a Christmas carol a day, and the other that is just discussed different areas surrounded the birth of the Christ.  Yesterday there was a question posed at the end of the both readings and interestingly enough they were both very similar. One asked this

How has your life been a light to those around you? Make a point to be light during this season.

and the other this

What one thing could you change to give those around you a foretaste of God’s Kingdom of peace?

Great questions, how would you answer them?

 14-16“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16The Message (MSG)

 

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Being Peace

A few months ago, in a Sunday morning bible class, the instructor asked us what the our prayer was for our life.  I can’t remember the exact context of the conversation, but I remember the answer that immediately came to my mind.  And it come with so much authority and certainty that I actually felt like sharing it out loud, which doesn’t come easy for me in that setting. ( Which is really odd, since when I teach I love audience participation!)  Anyway, the prayer for my life on that day, and really ever since, was simple and powerful.  On that day I spoke these words:

I just want to be peace in storms.

I was sick – sick of the frustrating battles with my teenager, sick of the constant striving at work, sick of the ridiculous distractions that wrap me up and warp my viewpoints – sick of not just letting the spirit do what the spirit does.

That day was not the first time this thought was in my mind, but since that day I have prayed that prayer almost every day at some point in the day. And you know what – it has helped me grow is so many uncountable ways.!

So this past weekend as I cruised through Colossians I rediscovered this verse that I just love.  I hope it helps you as well.

 15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 New International Version (NIV)

Be peace, be thankful, be Christ.

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Shadows

I thought I had a really great thought this morning about being in Orlando, and being right on the edge of Disney World and how that could have  some symbolic meaning about being close to something that you really loved that you couldn’t get. 

And then I thought about how at the Holy Lands Park on Monday they recreated the crucifixion and the resurrection of Christ and his second coming, and again how that was just like a tease since it was something that we lots of us look forward to, but alas it is not here yet.

So I thought I had a great thought about shadows and how those glimpses into the future keep us motivated to keep moving.  I even thought that this verse in Colossians would be great for that,

17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ Colossians 2:17

But it was just a shadow of a thought, a passing glimpse, not even a real post, so I will just share this encouraging verse today instead:

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15-17

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Pi Day

Alright, its Pi Day! What is that?  Well its March 14, or 3/14 or 3.14 — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter.  I am so certain that all of you remember Pi times R squared -right?

Well what to do?  How should we celebrate this glorious day of mathematics?  Check out this page for some interesting facts.

On this day that we celebrate Pi and things mathematical, I think that is only correct to have a verse or two that  express simple formulas and demonstrate arithmetic operations.

For instance addition:

33″But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (New American Standard Bible)

subtraction:

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 (New International Version, ©2011)

And finally multiplication:

2May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you. Jude 1:2 (New American Standard Bible)

I think that last one will make a great formula for a successful and fun way to celebrate Pi day.

Let M = Mercy, P = Peace, L = Love and U = you. Therefore:

GreatPiDay = ((M+P+L)*U)^Spirit

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So Much To Do, So Little Time

There’s a children book called Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. This book has been made into a cartoon, that my guys used to watch when they were little.  I am sure Amy still shows it in the classroom.  Anyway, in the beginning of the story, the parents are going around the house singing a song that goes something like “Some much to do, so little time in the morning…”  Amy and I still sing that a lot as we bustle around in the morning trying to get “stuff” done.

And that’s especially me this morning.  Between coaxing a teenager to get ready for school, watering the garden, running, picking tomatoes, showering, ironing clothes, reading email, paying bills, and talking Fantasy football with Andrew I am plum give out and its not even 9 am! Phew.

I am sure y’all have days like this as well, and these are days when this stuff can crush our spirit.  I have already caught myself this morning, feeling this self induced anxiety coming over me, and knowing that whoever crosses my path better watch out.  That’s not good. It’s day’s like this we need to remember things like this:

10 “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (New International Version)

He’s in control, and he’s the one that we can can find peace in.  So if you find yourselves like me today – just a little frazzled.  Be still for a few moments, focus on Him and see what a difference it makes.

I know, I feel better and ready to head off for a day of cubical warfare!