The Path to Perfect Peace

"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace." (Psalm 37:37)

The 37th Psalm is chock full of good things and among them dwell seven steps that form the path to peace and perfection. Brother Charles Grisham has often said, "The trouble with life is that it's so daily." We groan under the weight of the besetting-ness of interacting with the world around us. But when applied to our personal, daily lives, these seven steps make heavenly sense, bringing godly wisdom to bear on our ever so human circumstances and situations.

1. Verse 3 - Trust in the LORD. See Proverbs 3:5-6, and the song "Trust and Obey."
2. Verse 4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD. See Psalm 1:2; 35:9; Isaiah 58:14.
3. Verse 5 - Commit thy way unto the LORD. See Psalm 55:22; I Peter 5:7.
4. Verse 7 - Rest in the LORD. See Lamentations 3:26. This "rest" signifies total trust! 
5. Verse 8 - Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. See Psalm 73:3; Proverbs 19:3. Note: Three times this 37th Psalm says, "Fret not thyself"... 1.) because of evildoers [verse 1], 2.) because of him who prospereth in his way [verse 7], and, 3.) in any wise to do evil [verse 8]. Bear in mind, anything repeated three times within eight verses must be worthy of serious consideration!
6. Verse 27 - Depart from evil, and do good. See Psalm 34:12-14.
7. Verse 34 - Wait on the LORD, and keep His way. See Psalm 27:14; Isaiah 40:31.

The Path [Seven Steps] to Perfect Peace. We come to the conclusion of the matter, the wrap-up...!

"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them and deliver them: He shall deliver them from the wickedd, and save them, because they trust in Him." (Psalm 37:37-40)

Pastor/Shepherd

Pastor or shepherd, they're one and the same,

They take care of "sheep" and call them by name.

They feed the flock, lead them where they should go;

They guard them from danger, what e'er be the foe.

They know where the water runs cool and deep;

Where the grass is green, and the clover is sweet.

They lead, they don't drive - sheep follow by choice;

They only will listen to their shepherd's voice.

A shepherd keeps watch through dark, stormy nights;

When an enemy attacks, he stands up and fights.

Sheep tend to wander, and wander they will;

But shepherds seek the lost, o'er valley and hill.

Shepherds give from a heart overflowing,

And sheep are content because they are knowing...

They're safe in the care of a shepherd who's faithful;

Comfort like this makes the sheep truly grateful!

~ Marjorie Kinnee
June 20, 2010

Searching the Scriptures...

Found this poem, enjoyed its meaning and want to pass it on...

Cling to the Bible, this jewel and treasure
brings life eternal and shows fallen man;

Surely its value no mortal can measure;

Seek for its blessing, O soul, while you can.

(Author unknown)

Check This Out!

I am posting a link to "We Declare" - a website I recently reviewed and agree with wholeheartedly. (Please see the right sidebar under the category, "Links I enjoy..." for a direct connection to the "We Declare" website.)

I believe it will be a blessing and strength to your faith . . .

~ mjk

Come!

Come - bring all your doubt and fear,

Come - He's calling you to hear,

Come - leave all your wasted years;

Come to Jesus - Come!

Come - says the Spirit,

Come - says the Bride,

Come - if you're thirsty -

You won't be denied;

Come - come today,

Come - don't delay,

Come to Jesus - Come!

Come - Repent your sin and shame,

Come - Be Baptized in Jesus' Name,

Come - Be filled with Holy Ghost flame;

Come to Jesus - Come!

Come - Salvation's full and free,

Come - to life abundantly,

Come - to glorious liberty;

Come to Jesus - Come!

Come - to joy and righteousness,

Come - to peace and holiness,

Come - to life forever blessed,

Come to Jesus - Come!

by mjkinnee
Sept. 6, 2009

I Am Determined...

Webster says determine is "to fix conclusively or authoritatively; having reached a decision, firmly resolved; settling and ending controversy; a firm or fixed intent to achieve a desired end." Another source says it’s "resolute, staunch, decided, settled, resolved," and synonyms are; "inflexible, unfaltering, unwavering."

In the Bible, when the word, determined is used, the thing is set. When God determines a thing, it will be accomplished. Every Bible prophecy confirms this truth.

Because God gave man a free will, when man determines to do an evil thing, he will do it, unless God intervenes. For instance, Saul was determined to kill David, but the God-inspired intervention of Jonathan spared David’s life. In so doing, Jonathan became an example of self-sacrifice and true friendship.

Immediately after Amnon’s assault on his sister, (Tamar,) Absalom determined to kill him and waited years for the chance to carry out his plan. For Amnon there was no intervention – the law of sowing and reaping was in full force.

It is also possible and praiseworthy to be determined to do good.

• Solomon determined to build a house for the Lord. (II Chronicles 2:1)
• Jesus was determined to go to Calvary. (Luke 9:51; 22:22)
• The church in Antioch determined to send relief to Judea. (Acts 11:29)
• The Apostle Paul was "determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (I Corinthians 2:2)

This kind of determination caused Jonathan to recognize the anointing on David’s life and to deal with his own will and desires by blessing and helping David. This kind of determination helped Jesus ("the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame…") complete the course set before Him.

In the flesh, determination is dangerous. It can separate friends. Barnabas’ determination to take John Mark caused a long-term rift between himself and Paul. Unbridled determination easily crosses the line into self-will. Cain insisted his sacrifice was sufficient. His way led to stubbornness, rebellion, murder, insolence and banishment.

The Jews’ determination to see Jesus crucified was stronger than Pilate’s determination to let Him go. Their determination amounted to rebellion against God. Pilate’s determination was merely political. He knew their accusations were spawned from envy; yet, under their pressure and despite urgent warnings, Pilate traipsed out onto thin ice… It was only a matter of time before he caved in and was drying himself off, crying, "I am innocent of the blood of this just man."

By dropping an "e" and adding a "t", another word is formed... and determine becomes detriment, which is damage, harm or loss, or, something that causes damage, harm or loss. Without determination, one cannot achieve their goal. Thus, a lack of determination is a detriment and leads to defeat and failure.

When it comes to spiritual things, strong determination can make one bold and hold him steady. It can also thrust detrimental things out of the way. Daniel and the three Hebrew children purposed in their hearts (determined) not to defile themselves by eating the king’s food. Because of their determination, they proposed a ten-day trial. At the end of the ten days, when they were in better shape than those who were eating from the king’s table, all opposition evaporated.

We need the kind of determination that makes us stand fast, holding to the profession of our faith. It’s time to re-evaluate and re-commit ourselves. It is high time to say with Jonathan, Daniel, the three Hebrew children, the Apostle Paul, and the songwriter, "I am determined, I’ve made up my mind – I’ll serve the Lord!"

God's in Control

God's in control - sure as sunrise this morning,
His mercies were fresh and new;
My heart hopes in Him - my Spirit is renewed,
His Word and promises are true.

Dark clouds may rise - trouble's winds may blow,
But my soul finds rest and sings;
For I'm safe in His Arms - I fear no alarm,
While I'm sheltering under His wings.

By mjk - 3/29/09

Cubism... in a Round World

God has always made a practice of calling people out of the present world and its system and showing them a new and better way – one that leads to everlasting life. But His order and purpose runs counter to human wisdom. His perspective is the whole. He knows the end from the beginning. He works, shapes, molds and creates. He doesn’t fit into human molds. His Kingdom is not of this world. His promises include a future where He will be King of kings and Lord of lords. He has prepared a place – a city foursquare, where there is no night, no sun, no sickness, death, sorrow or pain, no sin, and where the riches of this earth are mere paving stones and building blocks.

This world is in a constant struggle to conform, to press, to force, to extrude your soul into their ideals, through their molds, and into their image. Their image is round, easily diffused. It morphs readily into ever lower forms, its tendency is to seek its lowest level. Blur any thought of breaking out of the mold. Hold the soul hostage to addictions, chains of habit, guilt, shame, traditions of men, and popular opinion. When all else fails, promote procrastination, second guessing and wavering. These are as effective as any physical lock in keeping one running in circles. Just as the physical world is round, so the flesh’s one thought is to conform to its dusty origins... circular, round and round, ever spiraling downward.

On the other hand – that which is born of the Spirit is transformed – into the image of His dear Son. It becomes a new creature. Old things pass away. Behold! All things become new! Now comes a clean slate, a new and lively hope, a new man, a new life, a new future. Called out of darkness, into marvelous light, free from the chains of sin, empowered to live a life of victory and to overcome this present world and all its shimmering illusions. This new man begins to realize he no longer fits into his old life. What you’ve found is worth way more than mere coin of the realm which is round like the world from which it comes. Life takes on new, heavenly shape; prune, purge, crucify – as the old gives way to a new dimension. What He is cutting away would interfere with your fit in the place He has prepared. Everything is different there – different weather, different economy, different shape, different dynamic – nothing of the old rules, the old mindset, the old life carries forward into that City built foursquare.

What’s more, your old life is also aware of the change. Old friends exert pressure. "You’ve changed!" they complain, "You’ve become so square, I don’t know you any more. Come on, loosen up a little!" What you need to know is that it’s a test. They want to know if you’re for real. God wants to help you firm up your confidence and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you’ve traded temporary, ephemeral, shadowy things for a substantial foundation and a sure footing – shifting sand for the Rock of Ages – hope in this life only for an everlasting, eternal, lively hope; one that anchors you to that Rock, which is Christ Jesus. He has called you out of a world headed for destruction and given you a new home, a new life, new goals, new purpose, a new way of thinking and living. He’s preparing you for the place He’s already prepared for you! His promise is that He will be with you always and assured you that He has already overcome the world. He also gives you the strength you’ll need so you can overcome it too. Nothing has been left to chance. You can make it... you have His Word on it!

Catch a glimpse of the promise on the horizon. The transformation is taking place even now. You are growing into the image of His resurrection. Just as earthly bonds could not hold Him, so bars of bone will not be able to hold your soul. Very soon now, the trump of God will sound and "the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord!" (I Thessalonians 4:16-17) "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!" (I John 3:2)

"And the City [our destination] lieth foursquare..."
(See Revelation 21:10-22:5.)

According to the Pattern


By faith, Noah, being warned of God,

saved his family;

He moved with fear, prepared the ark,

"For see that you build it," saith He...

"according to the pattern."

The priests of old served before the Lord,

as shadows of the heavenly;

Their tabernacle plan was ordained of God,

"For see that you make it," saith He...

"according to the pattern."

And when the Day of Pentecost was fully come,

A Holy Wind blew mightily;

As Peter preached the Word, anointed by God,

"See that you preach it," saith He...

"according to the pattern."

From age to age, through ebb and flow,

From sea to shining sea;

When e'er a heart opens to make Him a home,

"O see that you make it," saith He...

"according to the pattern!"

~ mjkinnee ~

Where is Your Faith?
[Inspired by a message by Sis. Connie Shepherd of Doniphan, Missouri.]

You’re in a violent storm. The shoreline is obliterated by the wind-driven deluge. Towering waves swamp your little boat and threaten your life. All your previous experience is no match for this foe, Herculean strength can’t bail fast enough. Fear rises in your throat like bile.

Look again! Do you see it? There’s a light in the distance. You rub your eyes and wonder, “Am I seeing things?” But no! It is there – and it’s coming closer. Your boat heaves and lurches but your eyes are riveted on that approaching light. You nudge the one next to you when you realize it’s not something – it’s someone! Then you recognize Jesus! He’s walking on the waves toward you!

His voice comes clear above the roar of the storm, “Fear not!”

“Oh Lord, is it really You?” your voice quivers.

And His reply is reassuring, “It is I.”

“If it’s really You, bid me come to You.” The words tumble out without forethought. Your mind can’t believe what you’ve just said.

Jesus speaks only one word – “Come!”

As if in a dream, you step out of the tossing boat and onto the surface of the stormy sea. One foot, then the other… step, step, step. “Wow!” you think, “Look what I’m doing!” You glance around, “Is this real?” You see the waves, the wind-driven rain, the depth of the darkness, the peril you’re in. All of a sudden, you think again, “Look what I’m doing!” and, “This is impossible!” In that moment your body begins to sink. Panic stricken, you cry out, “Lord, save me!”

Just that quick, He reaches out and takes you by the hand. You and He continue toward the still tossing boat. “Oh Peter,” He sighs, “where is your faith?”

As you both step into the boat, the howling wind abruptly ceases and the clouds dissipate. The moon shines a silvery path; stars are mirrored on the face of the now calm water. Lights twinkle on the shoreline and peace reigns.

You turn and bow low in awed worship, “Truly, You are the Son of God!”

Fast forward… Today’s headlines tout doom, gloom and despair. Mega-global financial problems feed a seething pot of political unrest and perplexity. Rampaging weather, raging seas, earthquake, fire and flood bring upheaval, death and destruction. New disconcerting stories surface every day. Homes are at risk, financial hopes evaporate, unseen forces threaten your health. Children face unbelievable pressures now and a bleak tomorrow. You feel overwhelmed and helpless in the face of it all.

But an important lesson is crystallized in the words, “Where is your faith?” If it is in your own strength or in the things of this world, it’s misplaced – for all these are destined to perish, either with the using or in the storms that assail.

Two kinds of faith co-exist – negative and positive. Both are powerful, both speak to outlooks and outcomes.

Hitler’s negative faith-filled utterances deceived many and brought unspeakable horror, World War and devastation.

David’s positive faith-filled words defeated Goliath and exalted God in the face of fear and unbelief. And the faith-filled words of the three Hebrew children honored God’s commands above those of an angry earthly king. As a result, God honored their faith.

Young David's victory put the entire Philistine army to flight. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego walked out of the fiery furnace unharmed, without even the smell of smoke. Each was a living testimony to the kind of faith God blesses.

Life brings many kinds of storms. Some are Goliaths, others are angry kings and/or fiery furnaces. The question is, where is your faith? At what are you looking? The words you speak into your situation are powerful. If you take your eyes off Jesus and place them anywhere else, negative faith will drown you.

But when your faith and your words focus on God’s Word and His promise, victory is assured. Whether the storm ceases or not, over HIM the storm and the waves have no power. With HIM you will walk on the stormy waves in perfect peace!

Commitment

I've counted the cost.
It's worth it all.
The price I'm going to pay.
I've made up my mind,
To reach my goal,
And to hear my Master say;
"Well done! My good and faithful child,
Your race is finally run.
Come! Enter in! My joy is yours,
And it's only just begun!"

And when I look back,
At commitments I've made,
In the light of eternity's shore;
There'll be no regrets - just a gladsome heart,
And the wish I'd committed more...

And the wish I'd committed more.

- MJKinnee

A New Year...

A New Year has begun and with it, new and updated hopes and plans, and the desire to improve, upgrade, and just do better. What makes that sentence anything other than the sentiments of millions, yea, billions of people around the world is what one does with it...

When I was a child, they used to sing a chorus that went like this...
"Nothing between my soul and my Savior,
So that His blessed face may be seen;
Nothing preventing the least of His favor,
Keep the way clear, let nothing between."

The desire to serve God with a clean heart and clean hands needs to be honed and cultivated. When our hearts and hands are clean and free from wrath and doubting, (I Timothy 2:8) we can approach God with confidence, (I John 2:28; 3:21) with a mind that is at peace, knowing that He hears our prayer and will attend to our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus. (I John 3:22) Here are seven "F's" that will free you and bring you victory in the New Year...

1.) Faith - confidence, belief, trust. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not [yet] seen." (Hebrews 11:1) Something there is about the ability to believe, about placing your confidence in someone or something, in trusting without reservation. Faith's power lies in the One in whom it's placed and its degree of commitment. Yes, there is an element of risk - big risk. Yes, quantum leaps into the unknown are involved. Yes, there is always the chance of loss, particularly where humans are involved. But the glorious exception is found in placing all your confidence in the One who created you, who sustains you, and who has made perfect provision for all your needs - past, present and future. Victorious faith rests in Him. His Word, and His faithfulness! "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (I John 5:4)

2.) Favor - friendly or kind regard, approval. "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." (Luke 2:52) While we have no business currying favor, there are a number of godly principles and attitudes that bring the peace of a good conscience within and the respect of others without. No amount of money can buy this kind of favor, for it is first attained through right relationship with God. Once that is established - "When a man's ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7)

3.) Fear - respectful dread, awe, reverence. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments..." (Psalm 111:10) "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10) It is a healthy thing to have the proper respect for the One in whose hand your very life rests. There is a kind of fear that is debilitating and demoralizing - that kind of fear is not of God - it makes grown men weak as kittens and demolishes the best of intentions. Jesus said, "...fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both body and soul in hell." (Matthew 10:28)

4.) Follow - to come or to go after. "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord." (Hosea 6:3) If the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, then it stands to reason that following on to know the Lord can not be anything but beneficial. Jesus called His disciples saying, "Follow Me" and spoke of the taking up of a cross in order to do so. Following requires a sacrifice - a sacrifice of self and selfishness. The Apostle told us to "...follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (II Timothy 2:22) and, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see God." (Hebrews 12: 14)

5.) Fruit - enjoyment, means of enjoyment. "I am the Vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit, for without Me ye can do nothing... Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples. ...I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit shall remain..." (John 15:5,8,16) "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23) "The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth." (Ephesians 5:9) "The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:18) (In a fruitful field, righteousness remains and produces great dividends - see Isaiah 32:16-17.)

6.) Forgiving - to give up resentment against or the desire to punish; stop being angry with, pardon. "Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32) "Forbearing [to keep oneself in check; control oneself under provocation,] one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." (Colossians 3:13) "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." (Matthew 6:14) Forgiveness is love's illustrated sermon. It is how all men will know whether you are truly His disciple - "...Freely you have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)

7,) Finally - coming at the end; last; concluding. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8) After you've contemplated and pondered over this entire list, you won't have much time left to dwell on anything negative. "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:2) Our focus must be upward - on His Kingdom, His will, and His priorities. "Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith..." (Hebrews 12:2)

These seven "F's" will help ensure a year full of growth in the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord.