Peace – John 14:27

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 (NLT)

Jesus and His disciples are gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem. As His crucifixion approaches, He prepares them by giving the gift of peace. Jesus also gives us calmness, a lasting hope, the reassurance that He is always with us, and peace of heart and mind.

When we face difficulties, it is easy to worry and be afraid, but we can find strength, courage, and peace by placing our faith in Jesus. In the world, you’ll have trouble, but as Jesus says in John 16:33, be courageous, for I’ve overcome the world.

I have told you this so that through me you may have peace. In the world you’ll have trouble, but be courageous—I’ve overcome the world!” John 16:33 (ISV)

We can move ahead without fear, knowing Jesus is always with us, giving us peace and comfort. This peace is a gift that comes from our relationship with Him, and His peace is permanent, guaranteed, and eternal.

Peace is not the absence of problems and trouble; it is the feeling of hope, comfort, harmony, and security that comes from having Jesus in our lives.

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Lord Jesus, we struggle in this world with trials and difficulties. Help us to find solace in Your unwavering love and protection. Teach us to reach out to you when we are afraid instead of worrying. We thank You for Your love and Your gift of peace and strength to deal with our problems. Like the open blossoms of the camellia, let us be open-hearted and blossom in Your love. Amen.

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Compassion: Isaiah 54:10

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)

My word of the year this year is compassion. Surprisingly, it pops up often, usually when I least expect it. When I think of Jesus, I think of compassion, for He is the model of compassion. One definition of compassion; is a feeling you have when you become aware of another’s suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering. God has compassion for us. He cares about us and gives us His unfailing love. He wants to help us. However, in turn, we need to take our worries and troubles to Him. To pray and to follow His path of righteousness.
How has dwelling on the word compassion changed me? I have tried to really listen to others and to view everyone as a child of God. Right now, however, I am still a work in progress.

When is it difficult to be compassionate?

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you for your unfailing, unshaken love. When a variety of flowers and grasses are grown together, color and beauty increase. Teach us, to grow together in compassion and love. As one flower may be stark, grouping with other flowers makes the results spectacular. Lord, help us, in turn, to work together to achieve harmony and compassion. We thank you for the beauty of our world. In Jesus’s holy name. Amen

Peace I Give to You: John14:24

John 14:²⁵(NIRV) “I have spoken all these things while I am still with you. ²⁶But the Father will send the Friend in my name to help you. The Friend is the Holy Spirit. He will teach you all things. He will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷I leave my peace with you. I give my peace to you. I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be troubled. And do not be afraid.

Dear Lord, We give thanks to you for all you give to us. Thanks for the wonder of nature. Especially, the beauty of flowers that reflect and glow in Your light. Let us be like these flowers and glow with Your inner light. Let our light shine in the dark places that need illumination. Help us to have a strong foundation in Your Word. A foundation which upholds us like the straight strong stem supports the sunflower. Let us reach upward with prayers to you as the sunflower reaches for the sky. This we ask in Jesus Holy name. Amen.

Where in nature do you feel God’s presence?