Tuesday, January 1, 2019

















Peace Settles In

Peace settles in like a gentle snow
that coats the limbs of the woods I know.

Exalts is creation’s stately plan
to praise, with contentment, Heaven’s man.

A heart at rest walks among fir trees
and smiles through the snow up to her knees.

Christ-centered calmness, that goodly aim,
is felt by the woodland’s Master’s name.

Eternity loves the peaceful soul.
The Prince of Peace makes the dweller whole.


Peace Exalts A Christ-centered Eternity

Follow peace with all men,
and holiness,
without which no man shall see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14



Happy New Year 2019!

Follow peace on New Year’s Day
and the days that follow hence.
By your choice you honor Christ,
and can make a difference.

If you haven’t guessed it already, the word for the year 2019 is Peace!
Every post on my blog this year will end with the word ‘peace’.

These things have I spoken unto you,
But the Comforter. which is the Holy Ghost,
whom the Father will send in my name,
he shall teach you all things,
and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you.
Peace I leave with you,
my peace I give unto you:
not as the world giveth, give I unto you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:25-27

What a beautiful passage spoken from our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God!
The Comforter, or Holy Ghost, teaches everything. When Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven, He didn’t leave us as orphans. We’re able to understand and remember scripture by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus provides a solution to our human sin condition and tendency to forget things. God, the Father sends God, the Holy Spirit in the name of God, the Son, who is also the Prince of Peace.

The next part of this passage is very interesting too. ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.’ If Creator God gave you a gift, would you throw it on the ground? Jesus tells us He leaves peace with us. He gifts it to us and it’s up to us to freely receive it. This peace is not to be confused with what the world gives, which can’t be as good. Don’t make the mistake of not accepting God’s gift.

The opposite of peace must be a troubled, fearful heart. Jesus says don’t allow your heart to be troubled. This makes me think that we humans have the power to allow our heart to be at peace or troubled. Choices are to be made with the free will our Creator has given us. And I say, remember Jesus’ words and choose wisely.

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
Isaiah 32:17-18

The Prince of Peace establishes peace and makes rulings He desires. The Creator governs what He has created. There’s a connection between righteousness and peace. What does ‘the work of righteousness’ mean to you? I think it involves doing what is right according to God’s authority. It involves the ministry of reconciliation—us to God and mankind to mankind. It fuels the desire to become fishers of men and women.

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after these things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Roman 14:17-19

The dictionary says ‘edify’ means: to improve spiritually or morally by instruction or example. Because of the love of Jesus, let us examine ourselves to check that what we say and do promotes peace.

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Hebrew 12:11

This verse speaks integrity to me. It goes against the worldly attitude of self-indulgence. God wants us to exercise. He wants us fit, from the heart outwards. Since the kingdom of God is of peace, then we are in a sort of boot camp, training for our best.

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
James 3:18

Pray that you can be a good peace-maker, sowing righteousness. See if there is extra blessing for keeping the peace. Pray that you and your loved ones can follow the way of peace.

The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
Psalm 72:3
and
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Psalm 85:10

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, gives divine peace. And with that comes righteousness by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Is it possible to trudge through the snow with a smile on your face? Can one plod through each day with blessed assurance? In the midst of turmoil, can there be a centered quietness? Can we follow the leader?

Yes!

No Jesus, No Peace.
Know Jesus, Know Peace.

2 comments:

  1. Nice poem and post, Lisa! You know I'm loving your theme of PEACE. Blessed New Year to you, and may you live each day in the peace of His presence.

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  2. Happy New Year, Cheryl! Yes, I thought of you when I chose peace for the highlighted word of the year. May we follow the way of peace!

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