The Lord Gives Peace (Numbers 6:24-26)

Today’s scripture: Numbers 6:24-26

The people of Israel, God’s chosen people, were the most fickle folks around. The entire book of Exodus tells of God’s provision for them: He took them out of slavery in Egypt; He provided food in the form of quail and later manna; He guided them both night and day; and He promised them that He would lead them to the land of milk and honey that He’d promised.

You would think that they would be grateful, but time and time again, they complained and rebelled and outright sinned.

But God continued to love them and bless them and provide for them. In the book of Numbers, God gave Moses a blessing to give to the people. God’s words are written in today’s scripture.

No matter what His people did, God still wanted to bless them and keep them. He wanted to shine His glory upon them. He wanted to be gracious to them. And He wanted to give them peace.

And you know something? He wants the same for you. He wants to bless you and give you grace. And He wants to give you peace.

Do you sometimes think that you’re so far gone that peace just isn’t yours for the asking? Guess what? You can never be so far away from God that you can’t find His blessing, His grace, or His peace. You just have to ask. 

Final Prayers from Paul (2 Timothy 4:19-22)

Today’s scripture: 2 Timothy 4:19-22

As we wrap up this journey through Paul’s second letter to Timothy, I pray the same for you as he did for his protégé.

I pray the Lord will be with your spirit. No matter your circumstances, never forget that God is with you (Deut. 31:6, 8; Josh. 1:5; Ps. 27:9; Heb. 13:5). Jesus is helping to bear your burdens (Matt. 11:29-30). He will give you an overwhelming peace (Phil. 4:6-7). The Holy Spirit will work in you to manifest His fruit (Gal. 5:22-23).

I pray God’s grace will shower you. We know salvation comes from grace (Eph.2:8-9). But God’s grace—His unmerited favor—covers you each and every day. As He blesses you with a roof over your head (whether you own your home or are renting a room in someone else’s), with sustenance, with relationships, remember it’s because He loves you. None of us deserves God’s grace, but He loves us so much He chooses to bless us abundantly (Eph. 3:20-21).

And so I pray along with Paul:  "Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen" (Eph. 6:23-24).

Ahhh ... Peace ... (2 Thessalonians 3:16-18)

Today’s scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

As we finish our journey through Paul’s second letter to the church at Thessalonica, I leave you with the same words he wrote to them:  “… may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.”

No matter what happens, we can experience God’s peace. It’s a supernatural peace that doesn’t make sense to our human minds. How can we have peace through the pain? Through sorrow? Through times of hopelessness? By trusting God in all things and at all times. By taking our needs to Him. In another letter, this one to the church at Philippi, Paul wrote: “Be anxious for nothing, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (4:6-7, NKJV). Then the final words of Paul to the Thessalonian Christians: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.”

God’s grace … unmerited favor. Getting what we don’t deserve. It’s available to everyone who seeks it. And it covers us at all times.

God bless you!

The God of Peace ... (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:23

The God of peace … I wrote about peace in my book, The Best Laid Plans. Today’s verse ties in well with what I wrote eleven years ago:

Peace . . . what a wonderful word. Peace . . . what a wonderful feeling. As you’re reading these words, do you feel peace? Or are you reading this at the end of a stressful day? Perhaps you’re going through some crisis—you’re struggling with your health, with your finances, with your relationships. You feel nothing even close to peace.

Maybe you’ve bought into what the world defines as peace: having the stuff, having the home, having the hot-shot career. Maybe you’ve married that person you thought would bring you peace, but now you’d just like him to leave you in peace. You’ve done it all. You’ve tried it all. And yet, as you read these words, your heart is tight with tension.

So, now what? I know what you’re thinking: If this life I’m living is a plan of peace, somebody read the wrong dictionary. This is not peace …

What I’ve discovered is that I don’t have peace—never had, never will—when I’m trying to take control of my life. Now, it’s easy to say I’ve given up my will, my plans, to God, but there are many times when I just take a little piece back, or times when I try to do things according to my timeline, not God’s. And those are the times when I face crises, when I struggle with circumstances, when I don’t feel peace.

Be honest right now, right this minute. No one else is listening—well, no one but God. Think of your plans, your dreams, your goals. What are you holding onto? What are you certain you can do better, more efficiently, sooner, than God can? …

You feel the uncertainty in your heart, but you move forward anyway. Could it be, just maybe, that your uncertain heart is God’s voice telling you “no” or “wait”? Could it be that the lack of peace you feel is because you’re not following God’s plan? …

I promise you this: If you’re truly willing to give your life, your plans, your dreams to God, He will keep His promise. You will have peace. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but if you trust Him, you will have peace.

Don’t believe me? Will you believe God? There are quite a few references to peace in the Bible. Let me share one of my favorites. Read these words, hear them with your heart, and listen to what God has promised you: "Be anxious for nothing, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4: 6,7 emphasis mine). Do you know what this verse says to me? When I’m focusing on God, when I’m asking in His name, when I’m praying for His will, I can be assured of two things: I need not be anxious for anything, and I will have peace—a peace that surpasses anything I could experience without God in my life, a peace that surpasses anything that I could get from my earthly relationships, from my job, from my church, from my family . . . from anything else.

Isn’t that what you’re looking for? A peace that surpasses anything you’ve ever experienced? Ask Him. Ask Him now. Give your plans, your timelines, your dreams to Him. Trust Him to bring about that perfect will in your life. Then, and only then, will you have that peace. You will have that peace. I promise. More importantly, He promises. (excerpted from The Best Laid Plans © 2005 Sauni Rinehart)

The Peace of Christ (Colossians 3:15-16)

Today's scripture: Colossians 3:15-16

Nothing quite touches my soul than then concept of peace. God-given, all-surpassing peace. A peace that sustains me no matter the situation. A peace that reminds me that this world isn't my home. A peace that will "guard [my] heart and [my] mind through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7, NKJV).

I honestly don't know how someone who doesn't know Jesus has true peace. When circumstances are painful or difficult, where does she find comfort for her heart and soul? Through relationships? And what happens if those relationships fail? Through drugs or alcohol? These can destroy. Through a career? Careers end.

No, true, all-encompassing, never-ending peace comes only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This peace carries me through days when the pain and weariness are unrelenting. This peace covers me when earthly relationships fall short. This peace showers me with hope of eternity with my Savior.

And because of this beyond-understanding peace, I can rejoice. I can sing "with thankfulness in [my] heart to God."

Do you have this peace? This peace that "surpasses all understanding"? Surrender everything to the Lord. Give Him loving control of your life.

And then ask for peace. The peace of Jesus Christ.

Ah ... Peace ... (Philippians 4:6-7)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 4:6-7

Ah. Two of my very favorite verses. I can’t count how many times the Lord has brought these verses to mind when I’ve faced challenges or trials. In fact, my “trademark” talk is called “Peace—It’s not just another sign,” and I refer to this verse more than once.

I’ve sought peace all my life. As a child, asking Jesus to come into my heart. Through rough teen and early-twenty years, when I rebelled. During my struggle with infertility. And now as I deal with chronic health issues.

I seek peace. Contentment. Even joy.

And I’ve learned over the years, I don’t have peace—won’t have peace—unless I submit to the Giver of peace. My Lord God, Sovereign of all creation, loves me with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3), and He desires joy and peace for me.

Today’s verses give great guidelines for receiving God’s peace:

     ·       Don’t be anxious.
·       Be thankful.
·       Request from God.

Then, that wonderful peace of God that surpasses anything we can find on earth will guard our hearts and minds. It will flow through us. It will let us handle each and every situation we encounter. Every time.

It's All In the Words (Ephesians 6:21-24)

Today's scriptures: Ephesians 6:21-24

Some of my favorite words are in these verses. Faithful. Comfort. Peace. Love. Grace.

And as children of God, we experience all of these from God 

God is faithful. Utterly, completely faithful. He is unchanging and constant. He has always been and will always be. He will complete His work in His time.

He offers comfort. He promises to never leave nor forsake us. He is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in times of trouble. When we hurt, He carries us.

He offers peace. We know we don’t need to worry or be afraid. Even in the midst of the storm, He’ll reach out a hand to pull us from the waves. And when we come to Him with our anxious thoughts, He’ll fill our hearts with that pace that surpasses human understanding.

He offers love. He loves us with an everlasting love. He loves us so very much that He sent His Son, part of Himself to save us from our sins, and to bring us back into relationship with Him.

He offers grace. Salvation isn’t about what I do. It’s about what He has already done. Because of His love for me, He grants me unmerited favor. He gives me something I don’t deserve: Eternity with Him.

All because He’s faithful, loving, gracious, and the Giver of peace and comfort.

He’s so very, very good!!

Jesus ... Our Peace (Ephesians 2:14-16)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 2:14-16

Jesus provides reconciliation for everyone. Everyone. He “broke down the barrier of the dividing wall” between Jew and Gentile. He brought peace to all people.

And He’s still the Giver of peace. We can call the Father Jehovah Shalom, the Lord is peace.

One of my favorite verses about peace comes from one of my favorite books. Philippians 4:6-7 commands us to: “Be anxious for nothing, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (NKJV, emphasis mine).

I often speak on Jeremiah 29:11-13, and when I get to the part about God’s having a plan for our lives, I say:

Do you know what this verse says to me? When I’m focusing on God, when I’m asking in His name, when I’m praying for His will, I can be assured of two things: I don’t need to be anxious for anything, and I will have peace—a peace that surpasses anything I could experience without God in my life, a peace that surpasses anything that I could get from my earthly relationships, from my job, from my church, from my family . . . from anything else. Isn’t that what you’re looking for? A peace that surpasses anything you’ve ever experienced? Ask Him. Ask Him now. Give your plans, your timelines, your dreams to Him. Trust Him to bring about that perfect will in your life. Then, and only then, will you have that peace. You will have that peace. I promise. More importantly, He promises.

Are you seeking God’s peace? First, you need to know the Giver of peace. And then just ask Him.

Words to Bless Your Heart (Psalm 85:10-13)

Today's scripture: Psalm 85:10-13

These are really, really beautiful verses.

In the one true God, we experience both mercy and truth. Because He is truth, we can trust what He says. In His infinite, flawless knowledge, He will never do or say anything that is false.

Then there's this lovely phrase: "Righteousness and peace have kissed." Don't you love that? Our holy God is perfect and righteous. True peace comes through a relationship with holy God, through striving to live as He calls us to live.

Today's verses also tell us that the "Lord will give what is good," good according to His plan, that is. We may ask for things that God knows are not for our ultimate good. He gives us what we need each day, and He also gives us the desires of our heart that are within His will.

Finally, He "make[s] His footsteps our pathway." God is omniscient and eternal. He knows all things today and tomorrow and beyond. He knows the paths we will take ... and when we commit our lives to Him, surrendering everything to Him, He will lead us according to His will. We can walk His pathways with trust and confidence.

Trust the God of truth, mercy, and righteousness because He alone is worth of that trust.

God Speaks Peace (Psalm 85:8-9)

Today's scripture: Psalm 85:8-9

I often speak on the topic of peace. We live in a very peace-less world. Wars and rumors of wars. Depression. Anger. People hurting people. Children being abused. Homeless starving.

It's a world of conflict and tumult. We're stressed, exhausted, and worried. We speed about all day trying to get to the many items on our plates. We barely have time to sleep and eat, and we certainly don't have time to nurture relationships ... and frankly, for many of us, this time of the year is even worse.

The time when we should be experiencing the "peace on earth" we sing about, we find ourselves more stressed than ever.

Why? Because we don't spend time with the Giver of peace. We don't seek Him, and we don't listen to Him. He promises to "speak peace" when we quietly sit in His presence and hear what He wants to tell us. He promises to give peace when we ask.

This world is getting worse each day, but one thing remains constant: We can feel peace, an all-surpassing peace beyond our human comprehension (Philippians 4:7). We only have to ask.

In the Midst of Trouble (Psalm 18:7-8)

Today's scripture: Psalm 138:7-8

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble ..."

Oh, does that sound about right. Every day seems to bring its own brand of trouble for each of us. For me, it's my ill-health. For others, it's watching a loved one suffered. For still others, relationships are breaking apart or the proverbial tax-collector is at the door.

We're all walking through some kind of trouble, and frankly, I don't know how those who don't follow the Lord handle it.

As a follower of Christ, I live with the confidence that He will "revive me." I know that "His right hand will save me."

I rejoice that He "will perfect that which concerns me."

He will protect me and provide for me and give me supernatural peace in every moment of trouble.

Why? Because He is merciful and gracious and good. He is awe-inspiringly righteous and holy.

He loves me ... and He loves you.

Blessed With Strength and Peace (Psalm 29:11)

Today's scripture: Psalm 29:11

This is one of those mornings where I'm not functioning well ... mentally or physically. I can't seem to find the words to continue with Psalm 61, so I'm sharing a devotional I wrote as part of a short book on peace. It seems very appropriate for my day, and I pray it blesses you:

Often, I feel very, very weak—emotionally, mentally, spiritually. The world seems to be closing in, and I can’t seem to dodge the boulders being tossed at me, right and left.

Often, I try to take on the world and its challenges on my own, and I feel the weight crushing me, pushing me down until I lie prostrate on the ground.

I can’t do this, I think. And I’m right. I can’t do this—on my own, that is.

We humans are fleshly, fallen, frail creatures, and we don’t have the strength to combat what this world throws at us. We truly are incapable.

However, we do have Someone who can give us all the strength we need: our heavenly Father. He promises strength to us. In fact, as the apostle Paul wrote, we “can do all things through Christ who strengthens” us (NKJV, Philippians 4:13).

Along with that strength, He promises peace. He will bless us with peace.

Yes, we may be incapable, but He is more than capable. We can trust in His strength; we can trust in His peace.

When was the last time you tried to handle the world’s challenges on your own? How did it go? Maybe you’re trying to dodge those boulders right now. Ask God to give you His strength to help you through.
(excerpted from Peace: Devotions Leading to God's Peace © Sauni Rinehart, 2006)

Blessed with Peace (Psalm 29:11)

Today's scripture: Psalm 29:11

Often, I feel very, very weak—emotionally, mentally, spiritually. The world seems to be closing in, and I can’t seem to dodge the boulders being tossed at me, right and left.

Often, I try to take on the world and its challenges on my own, and I feel the weight crushing me, pushing me down until I lie prostrate on the ground.

 I can’t do this, I think.

And I’m right. I can’t do this—on my own, that is.

We humans are fleshly, fallen, frail creatures, and we don’t have the strength to combat what this world throws at us. We truly are incapable.

But we do have Someone who can give us all the strength we need: our heavenly Father. He promises strength to us. In fact, as the apostle Paul wrote, we “can do all things through Christ who strengthens” us (Philippians 4:13).

And along with that strength, He promises peace. He will bless us with peace.

Yes, we may be incapable, but He is more than capable. We can trust in His strength; we can trust in His peace.
(Peace: Devotions to Lead to God’s Peace © 2006 Sauni Rinehart. All rights reserved.)