Tag Archives: Peace

“What Is” Series: Peace

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He is our peace

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”–St. Francis de Sales

What is peace? According to Merriam-Webster, peace (n) is:

  • a state of tranquility or quiet freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
  • harmony in personal relations
  • a state or period of mutual concord between governments–a pact or agreement to end hostility
  • used inter jectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting for farewell

Some phrases associated with peace include: hold one’s peace; speak now or forever hold your peace; at peace with; keep the peace; make peace; peace and quiet; peace out; peace of mind; rest in peace; peace offering; peace in the valley; and peace in the midst of the storm.

Of all the topics in my “What Is” series, I can honestly say that “peace” is one that I struggle with the most in my life. Quieting oneself in the midst of chaos/discord is not an easy task. One would have to ask the question, “Am I always in a state of tranquility, quiet or calm during difficult situations that arise in my life?” We probably all agree that life is not always quiet and tranquil, yet the Word of God clearly teaches us to “focus our thoughts on things of God because He is our source of peace.”

Let me share the following scriptures (NIV) as a reference to help us “in the midst of the storm” when we are on balmy waters:

II Corinthians 13:11 (Paul’s words to the Corinthians): “Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfections, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”

Luke 8:48: “Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

Romans 8:6: “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.”

Psalm 4:8: “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Ephesians 2:14: “For he himself is our peace.”

Psalm 29:11: “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”

I Corinthians 14:33: “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”

Galatians 5:22: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and peace.”

Whenever we have doubt, trouble, or chaos in our lives, John 16:33 (NIV) reminds us of Jesus’ words to his disciples: “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jesus also tells us in Philippians 4:6-7 that “we should not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ.” (NIV)

We began this series with Truth and ended the series with Peace. In John 14:6 (NIV): Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Finally, Jesus tells us in John 14:27 (NIV): “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

When we focus our thoughts on the things of God, he will be our source of “inner peace”.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May he make his face to shine upon you and give your peace.

Blessings,

Yvonne

Coffee Inspiration: Pour a Cup of Peace

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John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

For the past couple of weeks as I have watched and listened to the news, I have thought a lot about the meaning of “peace.” The Oxford Dictionary states that peace is “freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility.” Jesus mentions peace a number of times in His word, but in John 14:27 this scripture talks about the Holy Spirit–the Counselor whom the Father will send in His name–who will “teach us all things” and “remind us of everything” regarding how we are to live our lives for Him.

In the book, “Thank Heaven for Coffee (and other little pleasures)” published by Barbour Publishing, I found the following quote by Henry Drummond which summons up and is a reminder of how we should live our lives each day:

ONE CHANCE
“I shall pass through this world but once.
Any good thing therefore that I can do,
or any kindness that I can show to any
human being, let me do it now. Let me not
defer it or neglect it, for I shall not
pass this way again.”–Henry Drummond

At the end of the Sunday service each week at the UMC Church where I have been playing the piano, the congregation sings the following parting hymn which I believe sums up the word peace as it pertains to our world today (live peacefully, in one accord, and in unity with one another):

LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH by Sy Miller and Jill Jackson
“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me;
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God our creator, children all are we.
Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me; let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow:
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”

May God help each one of us to allow the peace that “passeth all understanding” begin in our own hearts this coming week.

Blessings,
Yvonne

Scriptures to Live by: Peace

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In our world today, we often talk about wanting peace for all mankind, and we often search for things that can give us peace of mind. The scriptures are filled with the answers to finding true peace through Jesus Christ.

John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Numbers 6:24-26 says, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

May the God of peace be with you today and always.

Blessings on you,
Yvonne