Category Archives: Peace

Alone, Attitude, Bible, Calling, Clarity, Distractions, Holy Spirit, Indwelling, Peace, Restoration, Scripture

GOT TO GET AWAY

GALATIANS 1:17

“nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.”

Have you ever just had to get away? I mean, out of Dodge, away from it all. Sometimes that is nice. My wife and I like to go to the mountains. Others like the beach scene. But I especially like to get in the woods. If I am hunting, that’s just icing on the cake. The real treat is just to get away. That is not meant to be a slam against anyone. I love people. Getting away from all the “noise” allows me to hear God more clearly. How about you?

In today’s verse, Paul describes an event that is absent from the book of Acts’ description of his early years. Paul, obviously, knew where he was then better than Luke (the author of Acts) did. To recap – Paul gets saved and then goes away for a period of time into Arabia. We don’t know exactly where he was or what he was doing. We can only conjecture. The point Paul is making in today’s verse is that he did not get his message from men. He got it from God.

APPLICATION

What can we learn from Paul in today’s verse and how do we apply that to our lives? We can learn that even the most honored Biblical saints needed to get away. Paul had to “unlearn” a lot of his earthly teachings and begin to listen to the Holy Spirit. Hmmm? What can we learn from that? We need to listen, don’t you think?  One way is to get into His Word. I recently read that the Scriptures give us communication with God so we can commune with God and have union with God. I like that.

Luke 5:16 tells us something about Jesus that we see reflected here in Paul’s life. “But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.” If Jesus modeled this and Paul did this, why shouldn’t we? I have found value in doing this. It clears my head. Do I always come back with some great new insight? Nope. But do I come back feeling more in tune with my Lord? You better believe it.

We can’t live in the wilderness. Paul didn’t stay in the wilderness. Jesus didn’t stay there either. He had work to do. We have work to do. In fact, we have HIS work to do. May you experience some solitude so your attitude can give you the fortitude to advance His kingdom. (That last sentence is an original Carl quote, lol.)

O Father, I thank You for those times I am able to get away and hear You clearly. I want to hear Your marching orders.

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Bible, Connection, Grace, Peace, Scripture

CONNECTED

GALATIANS 1:3

“Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,”

When I was a young boy of 5 or 6, I would follow my brother everywhere. When he and some of his buddies got up a game of baseball, I had to be right there in the midst of them. He watched out for me. We shared the same bed until he went off to college. That was pretty common back in those days. You could say we were pretty connected.

But our connection paled in comparison to the connection Paul shows us in today’s verse. He gives his common salutation to the Galatians of “grace to you and peace,” and then includes “from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.” In this simple statement, Paul is showing the eternal connection between God the Father and God the Son. They are inseparable. They are the source of all grace and peace.

APPLICATION

So, what do we do with this? It’s a pretty simple statement but also so deep. The Expositor’s Greek Testament commentary says this about this verse. “These include the lifegiving power of the spirit as well as the assurance of God’s forgiving love in Christ and peace with an accusing conscience.” You see, you can’t separate “grace and peace” from the Father and the Son. Wow! That’s deep, right?

John 10:30 simply reads, “‘I and the Father are one.’” Jesus said this, so we know it’s true. There was no separation between them even when Jesus was on the earth in the form of man. He did not make a move that wasn’t directed by the Father. In John 5:30 He said, “‘I can do nothing on My own. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of Him who sent Me.’”

These questions need to be asked then. Are you connected to God? Are you connected to Jesus? What is your connection? Did you know, as a believer, the Holy Spirit is your connection to God? He lives in you and also coexists with the God the Father. I don’t understand it, but I am sure glad He does. Stayed connected through Him. Listen to Him. Seek Him daily as you pray and read God’s Word.

We are connected, Father, through Your Spirit and through the blood of the Son. Hallelujah!

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Abiding, Attitude, Bible, Blessing, Delight, Exalting, God's Will, Modeling, Peace, Scripture

SUCH A DELIGHT

MALACHI 3:12

“‘All the nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,’ says the LORD of armies.”

I can hear it now. I have heard people say about someone else, “Oh, she’s (or he’s) such a delight.” What do they mean by that? Well, they mean they are nice to be around. They are pleasant to talk to. They make you smile when you are around them. Shouldn’t that be the motive for all of us – to be a delight. We should let “delight” pour out of every pore.

The Lord is restating His promise to the people. You see the land and the people were synonymous. Albert Barnes says this, “The land stands for the people upon it, in whom its characteristics lay.” Why do you think the conquering nations allowed the people to flourish there? Because they had heard of the promises of their God – that through them all the nations of the earth would be blessed. So, if the people were blessed, the land would be also, and that blessing would carry on down to them.

APPLICATION

 In Isaiah 62:2-4 we see similar words from another prophet. “2 The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; and you will be called by a new name which the mouth of the LORD will designate. 3 You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal headband in the hand of your God. 4 It will no longer be said to you, ‘Forsaken,’ nor to your land will it any longer be said, ‘Desolate’; but you will be called, ‘My delight is in her, and your land, ‘Married; for the LORD delights in you, and to Him your land will be married.”

It is obvious from Malachi and Isaiah that the Lord wanted Israel to be blessed. Let’s jump to 2023. Is the land of Israel blessed today? I think so. They are a rich, fertile country. They are the envy of all the surrounding nations. They are a free people. I believe Israel is still the Lord’s delight, but they are lacking one thing – a love for Jesus. Sure, there are some believers there, but Christianity is a small minority.

Would you join with me this Christmas season in not only praying for the peace of Israel, but also that each person there would find true peace in Jesus? He is the only solution for the turmoil going on right now. Jesus is the One who bring all sides together in love. Is that too big of a thing to ask? I don’t think so. Pray big!

Father, bring Your Son, the true Peace, to Your delight. Let Israel experience revival.

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Abiding, Bible, Calling, Commands, Following, Justice, Peace, Scripture

THE ROLE OF PRIESTS

MALACHI 2:6

“‘True instruction was in his mouth and injustice was not found on his lips; he walked with Me in peace and justice, and he turned many back from wrongdoing.’”

When I read today’s verse, I said, “Hey, I know that verse.” Malachi 2:6-7 is one of the passages we memorize as leaders with our ministry, Every Man A Warrior. In fact, this passage was one of the very ones my boss drilled me on over and over. I have pondered this passage many times, so I am thrilled to share my thoughts with you.

The Lord is still speaking in today’s verse. He is reminding the priests of their roles. They were to have true instruction in their mouth. Nothing false should come forth. They were to ensure no words of injustice should fall from their lips. They were to walk in peace and justice, and most importantly, turn many from their sins.

APPLICATION

Did you know that these duties apply to every believer? Wait a minute, Carl. We aren’t priests. Oh no? God calls you that. You are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Take a look at those expectations I just listed for the priests. Which of those would not apply to you? Speaking truth? Walking in peace and justice? Turning others from sin?

We all have the responsibility to do these things. God has given us an incredible opportunity in each of these. When someone comes to you for advice, where do you turn? There is only one true source – His Word. Point them there. When asked your opinion on a matter, make sure you are speaking justly according to His Word. Getting along with others in your daily walk is critical. And by all means, share Jesus with the lost.

We are truly God’s priests today. We have a holy calling to uphold. What a privilege it is to be given these opportunities. Allow the Lord to use you this week. Do your best to fulfill your duties as His priest in the world today.

You have given me a holy calling, Lord. I take it up freely.

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Attitude, Bible, Enemies, Fighting, Peace, Scripture

IN-FIGHTING

ZECHARIAH 14:13

“And it will come about on that day that a great panic from the LORD will fall on them; and they will seize one another’s hand, and the hand of one will be raised against the hand of another.”

Name the worst place you have ever seen in-fighting. I can – Congress. Why do those who are on the same side of “the aisle,” in the same party, fight against each other? We are experiencing that right now in the House of Representatives among the Republicans. They can’t get together and agree on a new Speaker because of all the in-fighting. That will kill a group so fast.

We see in-fighting of a literal kind here in today’s verse. The LORD, on that day, will actually cause the enemies of Jerusalem to panic, and they will start fighting each other. That sounded familiar to me. In 2 Chronicles 20:23 we read, “For the sons of Ammon and Moab rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, completely destroying them; and when they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.” The in-fighting in today’s verse wasn’t a new tactic of the LORD.

APPLICATION

Now, in-fighting is not a good thing. It is certainly something we want to avoid in the body of Christ. In fact, we are told to do just the opposite. Look at Ephesians 4:1-3. “1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Did you see verse 3? It’s “the unity of the Spirit” that is the key to peace. It’s not us. We cannot do it. We will start arguing and fighting just because we can. Our flesh wants to fight. The Spirit does not. We believers must be one to show the world how to come to peace, to come to Jesus.

Will you stop your in-fighting? Will you seek to preserve that peace? We can each do our part and prevent it. As the world watches us, they need to see us united for Jesus. They need to see us walking worthy. Unfortunately, there is much division in the Body of Christ. Let us pray to see that dissolved.

Father of peace, let the Spirit in me drive me to do all I can to preserve the peace.

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Advocate, Allies, Belief, Bible, Messiah, Peace, Scripture

NO MORE WAR

ZECHARIAH 9:10

“And I will eliminate the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem; and the bow of war will be eliminated. And He will speak peace to the nations; and His dominion will be from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.”

The U.S. has been at war with terrorism for a long time – ever since September 11, 2001. The active battles may have subsided, but our country is constantly trying to root out those who want to inflict harm on our country and our allies. So much money has been spent on this effort. It was necessary, but it is difficult not to think how that money could have been used to help millions. One day we won’t have war anymore.

Zechariah continues the prophecy against the land of Hadrach that began in verse 2. I love what He says in today’s verse. He says, “the bow of war will be eliminated.” The Messiah will come and establish peace. He will cut off or break the bows of war. How? “He will speak peace to the nations.” Just as the world was created by God speaking it into existence, peace will be spoken.

APPLICATION

Peace is what we all need. Peace is available to us all but only through one source – Jesus. We can try to establish peace on our own, but it will not last. Once we have peace with God, we can establish peace with others. Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ, to which you were indeed called in one body, rule in your hearts; and be thankful.”

Let me ask you something. Are you at peace? Jesus tells us in John 14:27, “‘Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.’” Did you see what He said? It is His peace He gives you. That’s the same peace Zechariah referred to in today’s verse.

Peace is yours for the asking. Do you have it? I do, and let me tell you, it’s awesome. Do I still face trials? You had better believe it, but now His peace takes over. His peace calms my fears. His peace reigns in my heart. His peace is real. You can have it. I pray you do. If not, ask for it today.

I know Your peace is the peace that transcends all understanding. Thank You, Lord.

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Accountability, Bible, Commands, Direction, Exhortation, God's Will, Judgment, Peace, Scripture, Truth

CLEAR COMMANDS

ZECHARIAH 8:16

“‘“These are the things which you shall do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace at your gates.”’”

I remember many years ago, when I worked at the Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes, that I gave one of the boys in my cottage permission to wash my car to earn a little extra money. The kid was about fourteen, so I just assumed he knew how to wash a car. (A word to the wise – never assume anything, lol). Let’s just say the car wash had a lot to be desired. But he was so proud that he had done it. I didn’t have the heart to tell him how bad it was. So, what did I do? I decided the next week when he asked again that I would help him and direct him. It turned out a lot better, and he learned a new skill.

Clear directions are important. They help us walk with the Lord better, don’t they. Well, in today’s verse we see the Lord telling the people of Israel some pretty clear commands. He says, “These are the things which you shall do.” That’s pretty clear. Then He tells them to speak the truth to one another and to judge with truth and peace. If we could all do that, life would be so much less quarrelsome. God knew that. They were returning to their land. They were completing the temple rebuild. They were starting again. Here were some simple, clear commands to follow.

APPLICATION

Years ago, I was a trainer in Crisis Intervention. One of the skills I taught in that was for the staff to always give clear and concise instructions to the kids they were dealing with. Doing that would often prevent a kid from getting upset and confused. Most crises can be prevented if we practice those things. Our Father in heaven knows that. He gave us just ten commandments to follow, not a thousand. Man took those ten commandments and stretched them into hundreds. Jesus narrowed it down further when asked which was the most important commandment. I have referenced this passage before, but it bears repeating.

Matthew 22:36-40 says, “36 ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’ 37 And He said to him, ‘“YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.” 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” 40 Upon these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.’”

Can you follow that? Obviously, you can if Jesus told us to do it. He would never tell us to do something that He would not enable us to do. So, today, strive to follow the clear, simple commands of our Savior. It is total agreement with our verse from Zechariah today. Speak truth, practice justice and peace with all men. That’s my goal today. I hope it’s yours.

Father, I am not able on my own to do anything You ask of me. But through Your power and Your Holy Spirit I can.

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Abiding, Abundance, Bible, Peace, Rest, Scripture

OLIVE TREES

ZECHARIAH 4:3

“‘also two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left side.’”

I can’t recall all the times God has met our needs. They are countless. I do remember going to the mailbox and finding a check to us that we weren’t expecting. Most of those times, it was exactly the amount we were needing to meet our needs that week. God has a way of doing that, doesn’t He?

These two olive trees were there to supply the olive oil to the bowl on the top of the lampstand we talked about earlier. A perpetual source of oil to keep the lamp lit. Isn’t that cool? God put two of them there. Of course, we know the olive branch is symbolic of the extension of peace. Peace was promised to Israel. They were so ready for this.

APPLICATION

We all need peace in our lives, don’t we? God can give you His eternal peace. Jesus said so in John 14:27. We saw this verse earlier. “‘Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.’” Don’t you just love those words?

We find Paul saying something similar in Philippians 4:7. You probably know this verse. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Peace comes from one source – God. True peace – not the kind of peace the world offers.

Peace is a decision you make. You can choose to get upset in traffic or choose to be at peace. You can choose to be at peace with your husband or wife or you can choose to do battle. When you are at peace with God, you will be at peace with others. Let the olive oil of peace bring you peace today.

I have peace like a river, I have peace like a river, I have peace like a river in my soul.

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Bible, Comfort, Contentment, Peace, Rest, Scripture

PICNIC TIME

ZECHARIAH 3:10

“‘“On that day,” declares the LORD of armies, “every one of you will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and under his fig tree.”’”

People love to go on a picnic. You know, wicker basket full of fried chicken, potato salad, apple pie and sweet tea (of course). The tranquility of those times is precious. You can nap lazily under the shade or dip your feet in a nearby stream. The peace of these moments is hard to beat. Peace, peace, peace!

That is exactly what the Lord was saying here in today’s verse. After all the wars. After all the days of exile, they can now invite neighbors for a picnic under the vine and fig tree. He is telling them they can be at rest now. Don’t you know that thrilled their hearts? Don’t you know they felt that peace for the first time in a long time?

APPLICATION

Micah wrote of this in Micah 4:4. “Instead, each of them will sit under his vine and under his fig tree, with no one to make them afraid, because the mouth of the LORD of armies has spoken.” The same is true today. Jesus told us in John 14:27, “‘Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.’”

Aren’t you tired of the weariness of life? There is no need to continue striving, chasing after the wind, as Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes. Christ offers you the supreme peace. His peace doesn’t end when the picnic ends. Oh no. His peace is everlasting. It will never, never, never end. You can put your complete trust in that.

I am thankful I have the peace of God through Christ. This peace allows me to be at peace with men. Recently, I was starting a trip overseas. My flight was postponed three times before it was finally cancelled. I was rebooked the next day, only to get on board and have about an hour delay due to engine issues. But I was at peace. Why? Because it was His peace, not mine that ruled the day. I pray you can experience the same.

Oh, the sweet, sweet peace of Jesus, that rules my heart and soul.

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Abiding, Bible, Peace, Quiet, Scripture

STILL AND QUIET

ZECHARIAH 1:11

“So they responded to the angel of the LORD who was standing among the myrtle trees and said, ‘We have patrolled the earth, and behold, all the earth is still and quiet.’”

One reason I love to hunt is the stillness and quiet of the forest. You can’t really explain it or show a picture of what I mean. You really just have to experience it. Call me crazy, but to be twenty feet up a tree as day breaks is exhilarating. The feeling is truly unexplainable. The next time I head into the woods, you have to come with me, lol.

The stillness and quiet these angels reported was due to the lack of war at the time. Israel had been hammered by wars which led to their exile. Since returning to Israel, there had been more unrest. But at this moment they were experiencing a little peace. As we will see later in Zechariah, this peace would not last.

APPLICATION

The peace of Christ is the only true peace. Only through surrender to Him can we finally find that peace our soul is looking for. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28-30, “28‘Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30  For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.’”

Are you looking for peace? Are you looking for stillness and quiet? Look no further. Place your trust in Jesus. Maybe you are a believer, but you are still struggling resting in Him. Psalm 46:10 says, “‘Stop striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth.’” Listen to Him. He is offering you exactly what you want – peace and quiet.

I remember my mama saying when we would ask her what she wanted for her birthday or Mothers’ Day. She would say, “A little peace and quiet.” She might get that for a few minutes, but with four kids, it didn’t last long. She’s in her eternal peace now. That is what I long for. One day, we believers will experience that perfect peace. Amen?

Thank You, Lord, for giving us Your peace. I can rest in You.

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