Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Jesus' Final Gift and Share the Shelter Linkup

Peace does not dwell in outward things, but within the soul; we may preserve it in the midst of the bitterest pain, if our will remains firm and submissive. Peace in this life springs from acquiescence to, not in an exemption from, suffering. ~Francois Fenelon

When my husband worked in Southern Indiana, we lived on a church campus.  I could stand at my kitchen door and see across the parking lot to the school. I enjoyed hearing the school children on their breaks and recess, knowing my children were among them, getting exercise, socializing, and having a great time.


On one day, I had a migraine and was lying down. It was then I realized that the basket ball hoops were only a few feet from my bedroom window. Each bounce of the ball echoed in my head. 
Needless to say, the "break's over signal" 
made me happy, and still today I can still feel the relief of silence.

Many times my heart is in distress as I feel pain from the frenzy of life. There's too much to do, friends are hurting over the unfairness of daily living, death comes to the young, and evil seems to be winning this war of life.  I feel each bounce of  phone calls, text messages or e-mail echo in my heart.  

It is then I need to remember the final gift Jesus left with His disciples. “I am leaving you with a gift -- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give" (John 14:27).  

It is into the devil's recess of life Jesus promises this peace. This peace-gift that Jesus gives not only brings calmness to our own hearts, but it enables us to live in peaceful relationships with those around us.  Paul urges us to "Work with living in peace with all men" (Hebrews 12:14).


How I'd love to pluck peace fruit and stand on the street corner shouting, "Peace," while offering the luscious fruit to those passing by.  Hawaiians use peace as a greeting -- "Aloha."  Jews use "Shalom," which also means peace, and even Jesus used the expression "Peace be with you" when greeting His disciples.  Yet, Jeremiah tells us that men call, "Peace, peace, where there is no peace."  

Why?  We must grow this peace in our own hearts, exchanging our fears and anxieties with trust. "Now that we have been made right with God by putting our trust in Him, we have peace with Him. It is because of what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us" (Romans 5:1).

This peace is beyond our understanding.  How can we feel peace at the same time our world is full of fear and sin? We can because Christ lives us in. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul encourages: "Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).

God wants us to have the Spirit's fruit of peace, plant it, cultivate it, and as it grows, harvest it to share with others.  

Fruit of the Spirit Posts
Love
Joy

 Share the Shelter

Share the Shelter is open to everyone. I love variety so link your craft and recipes ideas we can use for sheltering. Link your posts that encourage us in our walk with God. We're a family here at the Sheltering Tree so make sure you visit the link before yours. Feel free to leave a prayer request in the comments if you or someone you love needs prayer.




11 comments:

Mrs. Chrissy T said...

When I first became a Pastor'w Wife just a few months ago to be exact, I became so overwhelmed and burdened. I felt so many lives needed my attention but mostly my family. I was worried about everything...did I do this right, pray enough, invite enough, smile enough, who was going to do what, and how that was going to get done.

I prayed for peace and he led me to the whole chapter of Phil 4 and I try hard to not be anxious for nothing and let his peace help me.

Thanks for sharing this. Blessings.

The Charm of Home said...

Thank you for hosting!
Sherry

Sharon said...

It is because Jesus brought peace between a holy God and helpless sinners that we can indeed experience peace in our hearts.

When I am assaulted by anxious thoughts, it is the sureness of my relationship with God that stills me. Hope for the future puts a heavenly perspective on this life.

Thanks for sharing this, Pamela. I hear you!

GOD BLESS!

Denise said...

Another beautiful post dear Pamela! Yes, the world around us is ever-changing, but God does not change! He is steady and reliable, and no matter what the future holds, it's possible to have peace of mind rather than worry and anxiety when He lives in us. :)

Blessings, and thanks for hosting!
Denise

Stephanie said...

Thank you for hosting and the gentle reminder to cultivate peace in our lives. Have a lovely day!

Hugs to you!

Laurie Collett said...

The peace that passes all understanding rests not in our circumstances, but in knowing that He controls them and will work them together for our good. Thanks for the beautiful post & for hosting, & God bless!

Anonymous said...

A fine post, Pamela. A strong reminder that so much of this world lives without Jesus, thus without the peace of God.
To be in His Word, God will strengthen my heart and soul and body and guard me because He said it:
"His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
Thank you for visiting me tonight.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda

Brenda said...

Yes the peace we have when we trust in Jesus as we learn and grow in Him is a peace that is not experienced in the world. Lovely post.

Theresa Mahoney said...

Beautiful post! Thanks for sharing :)

Esther Asbury said...

Wouldn't it be lovely if your blog were made into a book?!
I love both your posts and your pictures -- most always they are timely with what's going on in my life right now!
Wonderful posts and wonderful peace that Jesus gives!

Courtney said...

I never thought of this as Jesus' final gift, but now I am so glad that you put it that way. Peace is a gift that I want to open my hands and receive; and I know that it only comes from Him. Beautiful post.