Reflecting on the Scriptures: Peace

Our word for Strengthen through the Scriptures is ‘peace.’ How do you define ‘peace?’ Harmony? Free from chaos? Lack of disagreement? Do you feel at peace right now – this very minute? How do you find peace in times of chaos or discomfort? Be honest. Don’t give the answer that you think you should.

Romans 8:28 is a verse that I keep in my heart. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I can keep those words in my heart and understand them in my head, but sometimes that means I have to wait for God’s plan. The Bible tells us to be courageous and wait. I must admit when I am waiting, the feeling of peace is NOT within me! Then I have to remember John 16:33.  Jesus said, I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Let’s start the week with a look at Peace in the Proverbs.

 Proverbs 3:1-2
My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.

 Proverbs 3:17
Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.

Did you notice the ALL in that verse? ALL of her paths are peace!

Proverbs 12:20
Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.

Do you promote peace? Is promoting a high priority for you? There are so many that live for drama in their lives and sharing it with others. We should always aim to promote peace in our lives and the lives of others.

Proverbs 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Proverbs 17:1
Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.

Have you ever had a meal with family or friends that was full of contention and strife? How did you feel during the meal…and after?

Proverbs 29:17
Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.

This verse hits at home and goes back to God’s plan of giving instruction to our children. Is your life as a parent always going to be peaceful? Of course not. However, with teaching and disciplining your children will be more like to bring peace to you rather than turmoil.

Our challenge this week is simple and straight-forward. Look for peace in your life. Share with others how you found that peace and how they can find it also. Our memory verse this week can help us meet this challenge.

John16_33_Peace MV

Have a wonderfully, peace-filled week.

Kim_Oval

Welcome to Garlands and Crowns, Take 2

DSlide3o you ever stop and reflect on something that you’ve planned or perhaps that you’ve been doing for a while – and then decide you need to make changes? Well, that is exactly what I have done with this blog!

After much thought and prayer (and probably procrastination), I have decided to go with a different format. Rather than a multi-week study on one book of the Bible, each week will feature a study of the Bible focusing on one word or phrase. On Monday, a verse from the Bible will be presented, three (or so) questions to check our understanding of the verse, and a challenge for the week. On Wednesday, we will delve deeper into our study of the verse for reflection and application to our daily lives. Friday will bring a week-end check in and activity.

Studies of different books of the Bible will be available for you to study at your own pace. as they are written. (Philippians, the original study for the blog, will be available shortly.) These workbooks will be available to print, download, or (in the near future) order. I would like to start a private discussion group on Facebook for these studies of the books of the Bible, if there is enough interest from you.

So, hang on to your hats (or rather garlands and crowns). The new format will be published on Monday. Come back on Monday to see the first Strength From the Scriptures topic revealed.

Your sister in Christ,
Kim