Psalm 122:
1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
2 Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together.
4 Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the Name of the LORD.
5 For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
7 Peace be within thy walls and prosperity within thy palaces.
8 For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
9 Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.
Comment: As headlines cry, "Israel Under Attack!" - it's good to refresh our minds with God's perspective on current events. We may be caught unaware by news reports; but know that our God, who knows the end from the beginning, is never surprised by late breaking news headlines.
Bible prophecy will be fulfilled, God's promises concerning Jerusalem, both the judgments against her sinfulness and the overweening glory He intended for "her" from the beginning, will come to pass.
Jerusalem is a focal point in God's plan and purpose. He chose it. He calls it Zion. He also refers to it as the "city of David." It plays an integral part in His redemptive plan - toward Israel and toward all mankind. What's more, the earthly city is representative of the heavenly city, New Jerusalem. (See Revelation 21:1-3.)
Psalm 48:
1 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness.
2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
3 God is known in her palaces for a refuge.
...
8 As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah.
9 We have thought of Thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of Thy temple.
10 According to Thy Name, O God, so is Thy praise unto the ends of the earth: Thy right hand is full of righteousness.
11 Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of Thy judgments.
12 Walk about Zion, and go around her: tell the towers thereof.
13 Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.
14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our Guide even unto death.
For further study...
Isaiah 24:23; 62:1-4; 66:10-20; Jeremiah 3:17; Joel 2:32; 3:16-17; Zechariah 2:7-13; 8:20-22; 12:10.
Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
Friday, July 11, 2014
Monday, March 05, 2012
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.
"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)
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.
- Verse 3 - Trust in the LORD. See Proverbs 3:5-6, and the song "Trust and Obey."
- Verse 4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD. See Psalm 1:2; 35:9; Isaiah 58:14.
- Verse 5 - Commit thy way unto the LORD. See Psalm 55:22; I Peter 5:7.
- Verse 7 - Rest in the LORD. See Lamentations 3:26. This "rest" signifies total trust!
- 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!
- Verse 27 - Depart from evil, and do good. See Psalm 34:12-14.
- Verse 34 - Wait on the LORD, and keep His way. See Psalm 27:14; Isaiah 40:31.
"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)
Saturday, January 09, 2010
What's Ahead?
2010 - Here we come! No going back; no redoing any part of 2009. It's history, back there, the book is closed. Its joys, its pain, its heartaches, its victories, its defeats and failures - they're all tucked inside of the volume labeled 2009. There is only one way to deal with what's back there. "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9) Get it under the blood!
If you've failed - repent. If you've been hurt - forgive. If you've won a great victory - celebrate - but keep pressing on. Consign all the messes and mix-ups to "back there." Not only is 2010 a new year, it's a gift of unused minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months. What's more, it's a golden opportunity to start fresh and get it right this time.
In each new year we find a reminder of the precious promise... "Come now, let us reason together saith the Lord, Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be a white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18) One of the most precious gifts God gives to men is a new heart to replace the old stony one, a transformed mind, a new creation, "a new man walking in my shoes." This is the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's Salvation's hope!
What's ahead? I don't know. I cannot tell anyone what 2010 will bring.
If you've failed - repent. If you've been hurt - forgive. If you've won a great victory - celebrate - but keep pressing on. Consign all the messes and mix-ups to "back there." Not only is 2010 a new year, it's a gift of unused minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months. What's more, it's a golden opportunity to start fresh and get it right this time.
In each new year we find a reminder of the precious promise... "Come now, let us reason together saith the Lord, Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be a white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18) One of the most precious gifts God gives to men is a new heart to replace the old stony one, a transformed mind, a new creation, "a new man walking in my shoes." This is the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's Salvation's hope!
What's ahead? I don't know. I cannot tell anyone what 2010 will bring.
We see uncertainty all around us. Turmoil and questions abound. Humanity's best minds offer flawed and incomplete quick-fixes. Sin and sinful men run rampant. Insane busy-ness crowds our lives with competing demands, vying voices, persuading spirits and a constant push for more... but this one thing is sure. The Word of God contains promises that have the power to hold us in this chaotic world and these tumultuous days.
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." (Isaiah 26:3)
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11)
"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 14:27)
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." (Isaiah 26:3)
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11)
"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 14:27)
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
"And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Colossians 1:20)
"Lord, keep my soul from day to day,
Under the blood, under the blood;
Keep doubt and fear and sin away,
Under the precious blood.
I'm under the blood, the precious blood,
Under the cleansing, healing flood;
Keep me Savior from day to day,
Under the precious blood!"
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
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
Monday, April 07, 2008
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!
[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!
Friday, February 16, 2007
Peace-work
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?" (James 4:1, NIV) What is it you want? Are the desires of your heart in accordance with His desires for you? If you get what you want, who stands to profit? Are you seeking things of your own? These are important questions in the present distress and they need to be addressed if we are to avert disaster. Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)
If we would expend the same energy we spend in angst and concerns about our "rights" on seeking the things Jesus identified as the "first" things, we have His assurance that we would find a bumper crop of righteousness. Remember that He also said we would be known as His disciples by the love we show one to another and that we are to abide in Him so we can bear much fruit. James said, "The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:18) Quoting Jesus again, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." (Matthew 4:9)
As I pondered on these things, an awareness of the sacredness of the Body of Christ grew, bringing a strong caution to mind. Not discerning the Lord's Body is a recipe for disaster, both personal and corporate. Those who fight and bite and devour are not serving the Lord Christ. But peace and righteousness are so intertwined as to work in concert in ushering in the Kingdom of Heaven wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, "...be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless." (II Peter 3:14)
Making peace can be hard work, but the rewards are eternal! "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of rightousness quietness and assurance for ever." (Isaiah 32:17)
"Blessed are the peacemakers!"
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?" (James 4:1, NIV) What is it you want? Are the desires of your heart in accordance with His desires for you? If you get what you want, who stands to profit? Are you seeking things of your own? These are important questions in the present distress and they need to be addressed if we are to avert disaster. Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)
If we would expend the same energy we spend in angst and concerns about our "rights" on seeking the things Jesus identified as the "first" things, we have His assurance that we would find a bumper crop of righteousness. Remember that He also said we would be known as His disciples by the love we show one to another and that we are to abide in Him so we can bear much fruit. James said, "The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:18) Quoting Jesus again, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." (Matthew 4:9)
As I pondered on these things, an awareness of the sacredness of the Body of Christ grew, bringing a strong caution to mind. Not discerning the Lord's Body is a recipe for disaster, both personal and corporate. Those who fight and bite and devour are not serving the Lord Christ. But peace and righteousness are so intertwined as to work in concert in ushering in the Kingdom of Heaven wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, "...be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless." (II Peter 3:14)
Making peace can be hard work, but the rewards are eternal! "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of rightousness quietness and assurance for ever." (Isaiah 32:17)
"Blessed are the peacemakers!"
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