Peace

Peace – Before the Change

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment

Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord Is Peace. To this day it still stands at Ophrah, which belongs to the Abiezrites. Judges 6:24 ESV

Before God had helped him defeat the Midianites, and while he and his family were still being attacked and robbed, Gideon built an altar to the Lord. While some of his family and nearly everyone in his town were still worshiping Baal, Gideon named his altar, “The Lord is Peace.” Gideon had peace in the middle of those circumstances, because he had heard from God. Though how Gideon heard was different than us, God has given us an even better way of listening to Him. Everything God wants us to hear is written in between the front and back covers of our Bibles. He has provided for us promises of forgiveness, eternal life and grace, which Gideon could not have known. Of course, in our twenty-first century world we don’t have Midianites raiding our homes and farms, but we do face the same spiritual forces of destruction, false prophets and fear. The good news for us is that just as Gideon discovered God’s peace, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes almost those same words for us:

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body and be thankful." 
Colossians 3:15 ESV

So, today, before any change in your situation, even if those closest to you don’t’ believe it, remember – Jesus is our Peace – and just as He was with Gideon, He will be with you. Jesus has promised to never leave or forsake us; He has promised to be with us right here as well as in Heaven. So, no matter how things look around you right now, do not fear, because the Lord is our Peace!

God is Watching Over You

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments

Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:4 ESV

This verse was in my morning devotional, and it touched me because it is one I struggle with. Yes, I believe God is watching, but there are nights when I still lie awake, wrestling with things I wish would change, worrying about the next day, or just having random thoughts racing through my mind. At those times, one of the most comforting things is remembering that there are others who God has put in my life to come alongside me in weakness. Yes, God watches, but he also sends widows to feed prophets, little boys to share their lunch with hungry multitudes, and spiritual mothers who stand by us when we are on the cross. God watches us, God’s love connects us and He will see us all through till the morning He wakes us to come sit by His side forever!

Be Still

/ pastorpete51 / 4 Comments 
"Be still and know that I am God"
I heard my Savior say
But instead
Just like a child 
I chose to run away

Then ran as fast as I could race
Till I felt my aching side
Then out of breath
With failing legs
I sat and simply cried

Then His voice called once again,
"Find peace in what I've done
Come learn My way
And take My yoke
Then rest in Me alone!"

Be  Still by Peter Caligiuri
Copyright 2023
All rights reserved

Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!” 
Psalm 46:10 ESV