Tag: peace

It’s Coming, Part 3

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

Despite the official start of spring tomorrow, warmer temperatures are hiding. We do not doubt that sunny days, brighter skies, and green leaves are coming—these longed-for signs of spring are just playing shy as the cold, gray weather continues.

The news headlines also seem cold and gray, offering dour reports and disputed solutions. How nice to know the media doesn’t have the last word! As sure as a new season is coming in nature, a bright future awaits us in eternity, one filled with promise and hope—where there will never, ever be reports of war.

We have a lot of never-evers to look forward to. We will never ever be deceived; everything we hear (and say) will be true. We will never doubt anyone or be suspicious. There will be no lies or innuendos. We will never misspeak; all our words will be wise and edifying.

Our understanding will not be dim or limited. We will comprehend wonders and appreciate scientific complexities and artistic beauty. Those wonders God confided to us on earth (see Psalm 25:14) will be expanded and expounded on in heaven—and we will have no problem grasping their intricacies! 

We will never ever feel self-conscious, embarrassed, or uncomfortable (pause and think about that)! We will never be deterred by physical or mental inadequacies. We will not mistrust others or second-guess ourselves. Our emotions will not be unruly, our feelings will not mislead, and there will be no fear to bully us. Our curiosity will be piqued and satisfied. Our interests will be sharpened and broadened. Our creativity will find uninhibited expression and produce unflawed beauty.

We will never ever be depressed, angry, or frustrated. We will not feel inferior, or superior. We will not hide from or shun anyone. We will not wrestle with pride, harbor unforgiveness, or hold bitterness. Every word we hear will be enlightening and beneficial. We will love and smile and encourage.

God will occupy our thoughts and speech. Our worship will flow as freely as we breathe. For eternity, we will realize fresh aspects of His nature and discover the beauty of His new creation. We will reunite with family and friends and meet servants and heroes we heard about. We will eat and dance and laugh together, and tell of God’s goodness.

These thoughts about Heaven could expand from three blogs to three books—there is no limit to imagining its glory. After Paul wrote, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him,” he added, “But it was to us that God revealed these things by His Spirit. For His Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets” (1 Cor. 2:9-10). We can only imagine the blessings that await us.

Heaven is a treasured assurance for all who believe in Jesus. Eternal spring is coming!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, 
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Want to read more about Heaven? Check out this site:
davidjeremiah.blog/what-does-the-bible-say-about-heaven-65-passages-to-get-you-started/

A Peaceful Perspective

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

Do you sometimes feel there’s too much noise, too much traffic, and too many demands? I can’t speak for readers in other parts of the country, but life is pretty hectic in North Jersey. On the other hand, if you live on planet Earth, it doesn’t matter whether you’re in the suburbs or the city, farming in a valley or living in hill country, turmoil will find you.

Sickness comes, debts mount, hatred invades, and opinions assault. Sin infects wherever people are found. Jesus not only knew this but experienced it, which is why His words carry weight.

He told His disciples they were about to face deeply challenging events, but they could find peace in Him. He added, “In this world you will have trouble.” That is not a maybe, but a certainty, and would sound pessimistic if He hadn’t added this clincher: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

 Jesus knew experientially what we can only imagine. Pain and sadness, loss and confusion, hatred and desertion—all will pass. The sorrows of this life are temporary.

We can endure what is temporary—a seedy hotel when it’s only one night, the pain of surgery when it promises relief, and tense conversations when the end is in sight. When we grasp the reality that all of life is temporary, we experience God’s peace!

Our future extends beyond what we see and feel. Anticipate the future and have peace.   

Isaiah and Jesus, Prince of Peace

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

The coming of a peace-keeping ruler had to sound as good in Isaiah’s time as it does today. As a remnant of God’s faithful people grieved at the surrounding godlessness, Isaiah’s words must have sounded sweet—a Prince of Peace would be born to rule on David’s throne.

Think for a minute about the conditions the Jews were living in. Their leadership was corrupt. their religion compromised, and their enemies roaring and advancing. While Isaiah warned the people about captivity as the consequence of their sin, he also prophesied deliverance—on two levels. They would be brought out of human bondage and, more significantly, they would be delivered from spiritual bondage by the coming Messiah. He would be the Prince of Peace. Peace—a word that fills the heart with longing.

“He will be called Wonderful Counselor, 
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, 
Prince of Peace.”

Now consider the conditions we currently live in. South Korea called for martial law. The Syrian regime was overturned. Gaza is decimated. Ukraine fights on, suffering bloodshed and destruction. Russia threatens nuclear warfare. Mysterious drones hover over New Jersey and Iran is suspect. In NYC a murderer has been praised and a hero has been demonized.

Isaiah steps into our chaos and assures us,

“A child is born, to us a Son is given,
 and the government will be on His shoulders.”

We need more than a political leader. We need the Prince of Peace whose government and peace will be endless and who will reign with justice and righteousness (see verse 7). But it is not for salvation from wars and wickedness so we can live in a safe environment.

We need the Prince of Peace who will rule in our hearts and minds now, and rule over the heavenly kingdom in our future. As much as we long for peace on earth, it is not enough—we need peace within and assurance for tomorrow. Jesus is brought to the forefront of our minds at Christmas. Let us make certain He is also in the forefront of our hearts.

Certainty & Confidence

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

Take heart! The upcoming election is secure. Anxiety gnaws, newscasts distress, opinions dither—but they only offer humanity’s feeble wisdom.

Remember! God reigns. He alone knows the end from the beginning. He sees what is yet to come. He is on His throne and is the ultimate authority in the affairs of earth.

Be encouraged! His purposes will stand. He will do what He pleases—to bless us, draw us, protect us—and to reveal Himself as the Glorious One and draw all people to Himself.

Isaiah 46:9b-10