Tag: peace

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PANDEMIC: HOPE OR FEAR

We all are aware that a deadly virus is spreading fear across our planet. What can we do? How shall we cope? Where can we find hope?

Many people offer ways to cope with fear, and some try to offer hope even in the midst of a pandemic. (I do not have all the answers, but I know Who does.)

That which we face right now is beyond our control, but we can choose how we react to our new world condition. So then… how do we react to the overwhelming uncertainty that is our current reality?

First each one of us needs to know without a doubt that we are God’s child. We can choose to exercise His gift of faith, and if we have prayed sincerely to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we can know.

When we know Him, then we can experience hope in whatever we face in life. We turn from going our own way to going His way. We learn His way by reading His Word and spending time with Him in prayer.

We need to refuse to dwell on fear and negativity. We can choose to focus on God’s Word instead. When we feel fear creeping into our minds, we can feed on Scriptures that share His hope and His promises.

We can pray for His peace and comfort in our current circumstance — whatever it is. We can choose to intentionally experience His presence knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us according to His Word. In fact, God’s Holy Spirit is here to comfort us.  Knowing this brings hope to any circumstance.

We can acknowledge that God is in control of our lives, and nothing takes Him by surprise. We can remember that He cares for us. He loves us so much that He provided our salvation — a sacrifice not given lightly to then leave us abandoned to the ways of a world spinning out of control or to an evil randomly having its own way. We can trust God to finish what He started in the world and in our individual lives. Again, knowing this brings hope to our lives.

May we acknowledge and accept God’s providential will when we recognize it. May we pray for discernment, so we will be aware of His purposes. When we understand His will we can experience His hope.

May we study His Book — the Holy Bible — so we can trust the ending of His story. If we do this then we can look forward without fear. May we believe that His way is best and that our future includes a glorious eternity in His presence with a home Jesus Christ has prepared just for us. When we trust Him for the world to come, we can trust Him in this one. That is real hope.

Also we can care for those around us. We can share the hope that we have in Christ with others, who may be struggling with fear. If we personally know His love, then we will have enough hope to share.

We will contemplate God’s love and care whenever we feel fear overpower our faith. We will practice prayer, choose faith, meditate on the Scriptures, and intentionally respond in hope not in fear.

I do not pretend to know the details of our future lives, but I believe the Bible that says all things will be for our good and His glory. Beyond this I will leave the details to Him. Although that is sometimes easier said than done, I believe He is worthy of our faith and trust.

He alone is God. In Him alone our hope is found. Since He is still on His throne, I can sleep at night knowing that He has got this pandemic.

 

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”  (1 John 5:13)

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?”  (Psalm 27:1)

“But He [Jesus] answered and said, ‘It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'”  (Matthew 4:4)

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper that He may be with you forever.”  (John 14:16)

“For I am confident of this very thing that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 1:6)

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  (Romans 8:28)

“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains from where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day nor the moon by night. The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.”  (Psalm 121:1-8)

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BIBLICAL WISDOM: HOPE & PEACE

You’ll probably agree that we earthlings live on a troubled planet and may be on the verge of even bigger trouble. Terrorists and tyrants share this planet with those of us who are peaceful law-abiding citizens. Unfortunately they don’t want to share with anyone who differs in political views, religion, or race. Therein lies the problem — with potential for worsening problems.

Are there lessons from history to prevent the most deadly and destructive effects of power-crazed tyrannical political leaders? Can we learn how to avoid repeats of history’s greatest atrocities? Shall we be hopeful regarding the state of the planet or just give in to utter hopelessness?

The attack of Pearl Harbor and WW2 was a very difficult time for America. Some have thought we can learn valuable lessons from that time and have urged us to remember its lessons.

Gordon Prang, author of Pearl Harbor: The Verdict of History, said, “Humanity cannot afford to forget the lessons of Pearl Harbor. The world is much too small, the risk is much too great, the time is much too late.”

President Franklin Roosevelt, to whom Americans looked for hope, said, “It is our obligation to the dead — it is our sacred obligation to their children and to our children — that we must never forget what we learned. And what we have  learned is this.

There is no such thing as security for any nation — or any individual in a world ruled by the principles of gangsterism.

There is no such thing as impregnable defense against powerful aggressors who sneak up in the dark and strike without warning.

We have learned that our ocean-girt hemisphere is not immune from severe attack — that we cannot measure our safety in terms of miles on any map anymore.”

I think history should be studied during times of peace and of uncertainty. Wise students are less likely to repeat the negative and more likely to follow the positive. Wisdom is a needed component while journeying through life. Believing this and knowing the Source of wisdom and accessing it are different matters.

If we all followed wisdom from above, then it would be easier to live with hearts full of hope. Even when all do not, we can still experience hope when we trust God as the Source of wisdom. Wise choices lead to righteous living, and sowing peace yields blessings to the  peacemakers. The Bible teaches wisdom to make wise choices and offers hope.

“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.

This wisdom is not that which comes down from above but is earthly, natural, demonic.

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

(James 3: 13 – 18)

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FREEDOM INITIATIVE: HOPE FOR RELIGIOUS PERSECUTED

You may think it’s rare to see a hopeful event in our world especially in the political realm. When it does happen, I want to be thankful and be hopeful. Maybe you, too, will respond with thankfulness and hope. Today I’m glad to share the following info.

Last month US President Trump took a stand at the United Nations to promote an initiative to protect workplace religious freedom.

“This initiative will encourage the private sector to protect people of all faiths…. True tolerance means respecting the right if all people to express their deeply held  religious beliefs,” said Trump.

He shared statistics of less than 20% of people in the world live in countries with religious freedom. He also pledged funds to protect religious sites and relics from  criminal attacks.

Trump also declared, “These evil attacks are a wound on all humanity. We must all work together to protect communities of every faith…. Today with one clear voice the United States of America calls upon the nations of the world to end religious persecution; to stop the crimes against people of faith; release prisoners of conscience; repeal laws restricting freedom  of religion and belief; protect the vulnerable, the defenseless, and the oppressed. America stands with believers in every country who ask only for the freedom to live according to the faith that is within their own hearts.”

It gives me hope that religious liberty is a priority for this President. I think these initiatives are worthy of his time and attention. May other nations follow his urging to increase prosecution and punishment of crimes against religious communities.

May we remember to pray for those in power who can lead us toward unity and peace.

 

“First of all then I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority on order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.”

(1 Timothy 2: 1-3)

“Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)

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CHRISTMAS NEWS: HOPE FOR IRAQI CHRISTIANS

According to “The Hill” News on December 25, 2018, the Iraqi government issued this announcement: “The Iraqi Cabinet has made Christmas Day, Dec. 25, a national holiday across its entire country.”

I believe this news brings hope for Christians in Iraq, who may now celebrate CHRISTmas openly. Because of the tragic history of persecution in Iraq by the Islamic State, I confess this announcement caught me by surprise. I consider it a huge blessing and pray for Iraqi Christians to be encouraged and filled with hope. I also pray that enemies of Christ will come to know the CHRIST of CHRISTmas personally and experience His hope, love, and peace.

A government tweet stated Monday this CHRISTmas greeting: ‘Happy Christmas to our Christian citizens, all Iraqis and to all who are celebrating around the world,’ and added Tuesday, ‘We extend our warmest wishes to Christians in Iraq and around the world for a very happy and peaceful Christmas.”

I am thankful that CHRISTmas hope still continues to be found on our planet!

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MEANING OF CHRISTMAS: GOD WITH US BRINGS HOPE

  1. As the Christian holy day nears, will you spend time pondering the true meaning of CHRISTmas?

In the book of Matthew in the New Testament we are told that the name of God’s gift to the world in the form of a baby was to be called Immanuel.

Immanuel means “God with us.” This name brings hope to our lost world. Surely there is no more hopeful reality than God Who loves the world enough to come be with us. He came to redeem us despite our falling short of His glory. He came to provide God’s salvation so we can be with Him throughout Eternity!

What could bring more hope than God with us? Yet too many people choose to ignore the awesome reality of the first CHRISTmas. Does it make sense to celebrate a birthday without inviting the Guest of Honor?

A “Scrooge” closes his (or her) eyes to the meaning of CHRISTmas. This results in being stressed and depressed and having too little peace in one’s own heart and no good will toward the rest of humanity.

In the busyness of life you may not give a thought to the One Who is CHRISTmas personified… God with us. Jesus Christ should be included in CHRISTmas of course. Even more than a passing thought, He should be our primary focus!

If you don’t know Jesus and want to… He is found in God’s Holy Bible, in God’s natural creation, in loving hearts of true believers. He can be found in your own personal life when you seek Him with your whole heart.

He came… He brings hope that makes our lives worth living… He is God with us!

 

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means, ‘God with us.’”  (Matthew 1:23 nasb)

“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”  (Jeremiah 29:13 nasb)

“Emmanuel, Emmanuel,
His name is called Emmanuel.
God with us, revealed in us,
His name is called Emmanuel.
We love Him so, we love Him so,
His name is called Emmanuel.” (Bob McGee)

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DATE OF INFAMY: HOPE TO TRIUMPH SO HELP US GOD

Seventy-seven years ago today was “a date which will live in infamy” as far as American history is concerned.  To remember this day and the Greatest Generation, especially the US servicemen and -women and their sacrifices during WWII, I will share the speech by President Franklin Roosevelt on December 8, 1941, to the Congress of the United States.

“Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces — with the unbounding determination of our people — we will gain the inevitable triumph — so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.”

(President Roosevelt)

By the way, I am an American patriot who is proud of my father, a WWII soldier who served his country to achieve peace and preserve freedom. My intent in today’s blog is not to indict Japanese citizens, who are close allies today thankfully.

May we all learn from history and refrain from repeating decisions that jeopardize peaceful relations with allies. May we still be resolved that “righteous might will win through to absolute victory” when peace without war isn’t possible.

It seems appropriate to borrow words from Winston Churchill, Britain’s great leader and our strong ally during WWII. May we “never, never, never, never give up” …hope to triumph with God’s help.

“For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4

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MEMORABLE SONG: MY ONLY HOPE IS YOU

Via my auditory memories I can hear my children’s voices singing, “My only hope is You….” Almost 30 years ago at summer camp in Kiamichi hills of eastern Oklahoma we learned this song written by Keith Lancaster.

It blessed my heart to hear the truth of the message in the simple lyrics, the sweet tune, and their precious voices singing of our hope… peace… joy.

Past, present, or future all that I need is Jesus, because “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

MY ONLY HOPE IS YOU

My only hope is You, Jesus,
My only hope is You.
From early in the morning to late at night,
My only hope is You.

My only peace is You, Jesus,
My only peace is You.
From early in the morning to late at night,
My only peace is You.

My only joy is You, Jesus,
My only joy is You.
From early in the morning to late at night,
My only joy is You.

All that I need is You, Jesus,
All that I need is You.
From early in the morning to late at night,
All that I need is You.

My only hope is You, Jesus,
My only hope is You.
From early in the morning to late at night,
My only hope is You.
From early in the morning to late at night,
My only hope is You.

(Keith Lancaster)