An Unparelled Peace

Here I go again, copying a lesson from my daily Bible study book, "Feature." I'm glad it's not copyrighted with a message stating that it cannot be copied because it has many good lessons.

            We live in a time where peace is scarce. Without jobs, unemployment running out, and people feeling desperate, hope and peace seem to be hiding in the depths of the ocean. Relationships are strained as finances become high wire balancing acts with the ends fraying rapidly. People begin to feel hopeless and worried, afraid that things will never get better. Alcohol and drug abuse often become easy escapes from the pressure, but the come-down only leaves those people feeling worse.

            Today, nations are seeking peace but failing to find it. Religions are looking for peace, yet it eludes them. Individuals are searching for various kinds of peace, but they lack peace more than ever before. Do you want real peace today and throughout this coming new year? It can only be found in Jesus Christ, the Living Word, and in the Bible, the written Word. Jesus promised His peace to those who would heed His Word and submit to the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter (John 14:26, 27). This peace is not available through the world. Only the genuine, perfect peace of God results in untroubled hearts and in the banishment of all fear. This peace can be ours even in the very midst of tribulation; we are to be filled with joy (not the same as happiness) at the assurance that our Lord has overcome the world (John 16:33). In these difficult days, Satan seeks to fill believers with fear regarding their overwhelming circumstances. But God's Word promises, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee" (Is. 26:3). Are we looking to Him when trials happen?

            It is important to realize that peace with God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1) is a prerequisite to experiencing  "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding" (Phil. 4:7). Also, we must not forget that this perfect peace is intrinsically coupled with prayer and thanksgiving—the only way to avoid anxiety (Phil. 4:6). We all need this divinely given grace in these troublesome times. If we truly want peace, we must remember that it cannot be obtained through determination or self-effort. With a yielded heart, we must "let the peace of God rule in our hearts" (Col. 3:15).

Cast All Your Care Upon Him

Many of our problems stem from disagreements over small things. My Sunday School children argue over who's going to sit in the front seat or whether something was done on Sunday or Monday, etc. Have you ever noticed that the attitudes of children seem to mirror ours as adults? They learn from the adults in their lives. Yet, we are born sinners and no one has to teach us to get angry, to hate, to lie, cheat or steal. Our problems, James says, come from wanting things for our own pleasure so we can brag about our possessions or puff up our self-esteem. All of these lead to discontent and strife.

I Peter 5:5-9 says, "
1Pe 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1Pe 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Satan wants you to be miserable. He wants you to have strife and not get along with people. This is just one of many passages in the Bible that give us instruction as to how to have peace. If we lovingly submit to the will of others (as long as it does not conflict with God's word), preferring their wishes to our own, we will have peace, contentment, and strong relationships. This life is not about us; it's about God and others.

If you would like a free bookmark, e-mail me at themarriagecounselor@yahoo.com with bookmark as the subject. I will not share your information with anyone else. May the Lord bless and keep you, make His face to shine upon you, and give you peace.

A New Poem

I received this poem in a Christmas card from a dear friend and felt compelled to share it with all of you. As you read this poem think of someone who may benefit from you with a helping hand or a word of encouragement. Don't forget to tell your family you love them, and please remember to thank them for loving you. "Thank you" are not very big words but most people greatly appreciate them. Please leave me a comment or suggestion. Thank you for reading this blog. May your life be filled with hope, joy, and comfort this blessed Christmas season.
Sincerely,
Aleta Kay

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give,
and to see just who in this home did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand,
and on the wall pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
a sobering thought came to my mind.
For this house was different, so dark and so dreary,
the home of a soldier, now I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,
not how I pictured a United States soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I realized the families that I saw this night,
owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas eve in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice;

I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,
my life is my God, my country, my corps."
The soldier rolled over and soon drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,
and we both shivered from the cold evening's chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,
whispered, "Carry on Santa, it's Christmas day, all is secure."
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night."
          By Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt

Shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School

The news today is unbelievably horrible. A young man at the age of 20 went to a local elementary school in Newtown, CT shot and killed 20 children and 6 adults. I cannot imagine the horror those people felt, nor the grief the families are experiencing tonight. Though I live in a state far from the event, still I feel the grief.  I am broken-hearted that anyone would have to go through such a nightmare.
     At times like this it seems an automatic response to blame God. I want you to know that it was not God who did this, but Satan, God's arch enemy. Satan has been a murderer from the beginning when he had Cain kill his brother, Abel, out of jealousy. Throughout history Satan has been killing children. Many ancient cultures would throw their children into the fire as an offering to their pagan gods. King Herod ordered all baby boys 2 years old and under killed when he found out Jesus Christ had been born. He knew the prophecy that said Jesus would be the King of the Jews and Herod didn't want that to happen.
     So in your grief, please lay the blame where it belongs. Satan will always have people to do his bidding. Most of the time they have no idea that they are being controlled by the supreme evil being. The only way I know to get through this kind of grief is to run to God's arms, repent of your own sin (because we are all sinners), invite him to be Lord of your life and ask Him to help ou through this most difficult time. Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." He wants to comfort you and take your grief. He wants to help you through this. He's waiting with open arms. God bless.

"Mending Fences," my second novel

     April heard the sound of a child screaming and the soul-wrenching sob of, "Dear God, no!" escaped her lips at the same moment the brakes squealed and crunched metal. The glass April had been washing shattered on the floor. Please, God, don't let it be Cassie. Her heart seemed to pound in rhythm to her mind's cry. She would always remember the ticking clock seeming so loud and slow while her heart was trying to pound its way out of her chest. Her eyes noted the time as she raced out the door, unaware of the dishrag she still held. The clock showed six-twenty-three. They had just finished supper, all except Robert, who was away--again.

     This is the opening paragraph of my second novel, self-published and available as an e-book from amazon.com. Post a comment. let me know what you think.

"Vengeance," my first novel

     Drip. . . drip. . . plop. . . drip. . . plop. . . limestone droplets dripping on my head, dripping down my back, my face, my arms. Dripping, dripping, in this cold, clammy, dark place. Odious smell of vermin. Shrieks. Bats? Rats? Creeping things. Palpable darkness. Water running down the pit. I can hear it dropping to the bottom, a deep sound. Can't see my feet, can't see the walls, can't see my hand in front of my face. Screaming, screaming. Oh, my God, it's my own voice and I'll never get out of here!

     This is the opening to my first novel. The person in the above paragraph is the nemesis of the main character, Fawn Larson. Fawn is hald Native American and half white. She clings to her Native American faith while God is seeking her heart, wanting to give her inner peace. What will it take for God to get Fawn's attention?  Available in paperback from barnesandnoble.com

Did You Know You Were Lost?

     Luke 19:10 says, "For the son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." These are just a few of the words of Jesus the Christ, the son of the living God, in fact God in the flesh (read the gospel of John chapter one). The Bible teaches us that we are all sinners. We cannot be born a Christian. We are unable to save ourselves from our sinful nature. We all have gone astray, and turned everyone to his own way (Isaiah 53:6). Until we meet Jesus and ask Him to forgive us, we are lost in our sin and on our way to hell. BUT JESUS, GOD IN THE FLESH, LEFT HEAVEN TO COME AND SEEK YOU! He is trying to win your heart, to save you from your sin nature. Not that you will ever be perfect in this life but He will help you live right in the sight of God, that you may live in paradise with him when this life is over. He wants to be your best friend.
     What great love God has for you. You are special to him. He created you on purpose because he loves you, even when it seems no one else cares. I'm writing this because I care.

     If you would like a free bookmark, leave a comment on any of these posts. E-mail me your name and address (I will not share it with anyone) and I will send you a bookmark made just for you. You can choose a rainbow, butterfly, bird, house, or favorite poem (short, no more than 8 lines). You can also choose a favorite flower. I look forward to hearing from you.