John 14:27 | From the Inside Out

Posts Tagged ‘John 14:27’

The Sum of All God’s Blessings

Posted in Blessings, God's Goodness, Peace, Uncategorized, tagged John 10:10, John 14:27, Peace, Shalom on March 9, 2023| 27 Comments »

Years ago Steve and I reveled in an eight-day tour of Israel where we visited many biblical sites: the ruins of ancient Jericho, Hezekiah’s tunnel, the church honoring Jesus’ birthplace, a hillside where he likely preached the Sermon on the Mount, the pool of Bethesda where he healed a cripple, and many more.

The excavation at the Pool of Bethesda

Along the way, guides, hosts, staff, and others greeted us with, “Shalom aleichem” (“Peace be unto you”)!

For thousands of years, this phrase has been a beloved greeting and farewell among the Jewish people. It first appears in the Bible, when Joseph’s steward used the phrase to reassure the brothers that all would be well (Genesis 43:23 NKJV).

In the New Testament Jesus greeted the disciples with “Shalom aleichem” when he first appeared to them after his resurrection (John 20:26).

Perhaps you’ve heard that shalom conveys more than the absence of conflict. It includes an overall sense of contentment and well-being.

The word appears over 200 times in scripture. In the New International Version, the word shalom is translated 70 different ways. Talk about a multi-faceted word!

The nuances of meaning create delight at every turn. In fact, one writer asserts that shalom is the sum of all God’s blessings [1].

Its meaning includes:

a state of calm without anxiety or stress, yet characterized by vigor and vitality

fullness and quality of life, prosperity of soul, and right relationship with God

completeness, harmony, and tranquility

When shalom resides in our hearts we experience joyful wonder, oneness with our Creator, and rest for our souls. Shalom includes wholeness, God’s goodness, and total satisfaction.

This is the abundant life Jesus talked about [2]–the way life ought to be.

But where do I find this shalom? someone may ask.

It’s not found; it finds us when we come to Jesus[3], the one who said:

Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.

Do not let your heart be troubled nor let it be afraid.

[Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]
John 14:27 AMP

Read the verse again and replace peace with shalom [4], keeping in mind all its shades of meaning. Did your heart fill with even more gratitude for this precious gift?

God even makes it possible for us to multiply shalom so that it permeates every nook of our minds, hearts, and souls:

Grace and peace [that special sense of spiritual well-being]

be multiplied to you in the [true, intimate] knowledge of God

and of Jesus our Lord.
1 Peter 1:2 AMP

And what knowledge of God and great thoughts of Christ might foster overflowing shalom?

Jesus is our light of confidence and strength, even in the darkness of distress [5]

Living by God’s wise ways makes it possible to participate in Christ’s fullness of joy [6]

Jesus gives rest to those who come to him with their cares [7]

Through the power of prayer, God provides peace of mind [8]

Out of God’s glorious riches he supplies prosperity of soul—far more valuable than anything this world offers [9]

He satisfies the hungry, longing soul with good things [10]

Of course, this is just the short list. But as we multiply the affirmations of such absolutes, we’ll develop a strong core of shalom at the center of our beings.

* * * * * * * * * *

Prince of Peace, how foolish I am to ignore the sum of all your blessings, SHALOM. You alone enable me to live securely in perfect and constant tranquility as I focus on you and live by your wisdom. You alone provide SHALOM at all times, in every way. Help me to enter into your rest.

(Isaiah 9:6, Psalm 4:8 GWT, Isaiah 26:3 AMP,

Proverbs 3:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:16)

[1] https://www.preceptaustin.org/shalom

[2] John 10:10

[3] https://vision.org.au/the-word-for-today/associated-blog/the-word-for-today-devotional-content/shalom/

[4] The word in the Greek New Testament is eirene, the equivalent of shalom.

[5] John 12:46; Philippians 4:13

[6] John 15:10-11

[7] Matthew 11:28

[8] Philippians 4:6-7

[9] Ephesians 3:16

[10] Psalm 107:9 ESV

Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.flickr.com (3).

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Haven of Peace

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, Jesus, Prayer, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged John 14:27, Prince of Peace, serenity, tranquility on March 29, 2018| 54 Comments »

Saturday afternoon provided the perfect circumstances for a cozy sit by the fire. The calendar was clear for the day and we could burrow into the quiet. Snow showers added to the tranquility as they gently outlined backyard trees in white.

The serenity of our sitting area is enhanced by the beloved hand-me-down decor: the clock, oil lamp and child-size rocker from my grandmother, lanterns that belonged to Steve’s Dad and grandfather, books of our parents’ youth, and a painting that once hung in the home of Steve’s parents.

Altogether, the golden firelight, familiar furnishings, and cozy comfort engender peace and contentment.

But as delightful as these moments are, this kind of tranquility is fleeting. At any moment the phone might ring and the caller share distressing news. Then we’ll hardly notice our snug surroundings as concerns and questions begin to demand our attention.

When that phone call comes, circumstantial peace will not be enough. But that’s the only kind this world can offer. What we really need at such times is a stillness of spirit that originates outside this world from the Master of Peace.

“My peace I give you,” Jesus told his disciples. “I do not give you as the world gives.”

Remember when he spoke those words? The night before he died. He well knew what was to come (1). The next day would be a maelstrom of suffering, climaxed by tortuous pain on a cross.

How could he speak of peace on the eve of such horror?

Because his heart was always directed Godward, resulting in radiant peace. Jesus faced rejection, false accusations, hateful treatment (from religious leaders no less), and even attempted stoning. And yet he remained unruffled.

“Christ’s life outwardly was one of the most troubled lives that was ever lived…But the inner life was a sea of glass. The great calm was always there” (2).

And this is the peace he offers us—a peace that includes tranquility, security, and prosperity of spirit in spite of circumstances. It is “a rare treasure, dazzling in delicate beauty yet strong enough to withstand all onslaughts” (3).

How do we avail ourselves of this treasure?

By reviewing the attributes and promises of our Prince of Peace–all day long.

“Great thoughts of Christ will pilot you into the haven of peace,” said Charles Spurgeon.

Perhaps we could word our great thoughts of Christ as a prayer:

You, Lord Jesus, are our Good Shepherd, always leading in the way we should go. You tenderly watch over us, meeting every need and protecting us from evil—including wild, fearful thoughts and emotions (4).

You are full of love for us. Out of your kindness and compassion you see us through every dark valley of life. Though we may not always be aware, you are ever-present, ready to offer strength and support (5).

You have said, “Everything is possible for those who believe” (6). And we know that’s true because we’ve seen your miracles. You’ve healed incurable diseases; you’ve protected and provided in hopeless situations. You’ve enabled others to transition to heaven with impossible grace and joy.

For these reasons and many others, we place ourselves in your attentive, all-wise, all-powerful care.

You are our Mighty One, our Rock, our Haven of Peace.

______________________________

P.S. I started rough drafting this post last Saturday afternoon, while sitting by that fire. Uncertainty had already moved into our hearts after Steve’s blood work last week turned up questionable results. The doctor immediately called for a cat scan that took place on Friday. Monday he shared the results with us: liver cancer.

Steve is now on an obstacle-ridden road toward a liver transplant, and the future holds much greater uncertainty than we faced last week.

Do you suppose it’s just coincidence that I’ve been reading, thinking, and writing about peace for the last six days?

I don’t think so either.

Notes:

(1) Luke 22:15-16

(2) Henry Drummond

(3) Sarah Young

(4) John 10:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; John 10:11

(5) Ephesians 5:1-2; Luke 6:35; Matthew 28:20

(6) Mark 9:23

Photo credits: http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.canva.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.wikimedia.org.

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The Power of Words

Posted in Christmas, Jesus, Joy, Salvation, Uncategorized, tagged 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 10:10, John 14:27, John 3:16, Proof the Bible is true, Significance of Christmas on December 17, 2015| 10 Comments »

Companies spend much time and money analyzing factors that grab our attention to their advertisements. They’ve discovered that certain colors, shapes, and layouts create impact upon buyers.

In fact, researchers have even determined the most powerful, persuasive words. They recommend advertisers use these top ten:

You – you matter; you deserve the product
Free – after all, everyone likes a deal
Because – people need reasons why they should buy
Instantly – we care about immediate results
New – everyone appreciates an improved product
Save – people like a bargain
Proven – we appreciate research that backs up an advertiser’s claim
Love – taps into what’s important to us, like family, safety, and security
Discover – hints of a promise that we’ll be satisfied
Guarantee – removes the feeling of risk

As I read through this list it occurred to me all these words are part of the glorious message of Christmas:

On that quiet night in sleepy Bethlehem, God sent his only Son into the world to be our Savior. Why? Because he loves us. Whoever believes on him will be saved from death and will receive the free gift of eternal life (John 3:16). That includes you!

Oh, but there’s more. When we fuse ourselves to Jesus, we become brand new people (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our outlook on life is revitalized; our values and motivations change. We instantly experience the peace of God and his joy (John 14:27 and 10:10). Each day is an opportunity to discover more of what it means to live a God-enhanced life.

And how do we know those statements are true? God’s Word is our guarantee that these blessings become ours through Jesus. The truth presented within its pages has been proven.

Over 150 years of archaeological studies back up the accuracy of numerous facts in scripture. Not one discovery has uncovered an inaccuracy.

Dozens of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah were fulfilled by Jesus. The mathematical laws of chance refute the possibility of coincidence.

Scientific and medical information in the Bible has been verified centuries later.*

Thousands of ancient manuscript fragments and letters (which include Bible quotes) corroborate the scriptures – many more than any other ancient text.

The influence of the Bible has been evident in the lives of individuals and upon the culture and history of the Western world. No other book has produced such impact.

There you have it. Ten words that researchers have found to be powerful and persuasive for selling products, or ten words that persuasively express the significance of Christmas and why it makes sense to embrace it.

The apostle John summarized the central truth of Christmas with these ten words:

(“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” John 1:14)

That is glorious, incredible news worth celebrating.

But Christmas isn’t just a happy one-day celebration, it’s meant to be a joyous, whole new way of living with Jesus — all year, every year.

Better yet? A day is coming when the joy of Christmas will be purified, intensified and extended for all eternity–on the day when he comes again!

*For one small example, see “Pathfinder of the Seas” about Matthew Maury and his discoveries.

(Art & photo credits: www.wordstream.com; http://www.beyondwaiting.com; http://www.outreach.com.)

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A New Wardrobe

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Provision, Service, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Peter 2:9, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 2 Timothy 3:16, Cinderella, Ephesians 6:14, Ephesians 6:15, Isaiah 49:18, Isaiah 52:7, Isaiah 61:10, Isaiah 61:3, John 13:34-35, John 14:27, Mark 6:15, Philippians 4:8, Romans 8:5, Royal Priesthhood, Zechariah 3:4 on October 5, 2015| 9 Comments »

The story of Cinderella always was my favorite fairy tale. The rags-to-riches, wrong-to-right, happily-ever-after story never grew old.

And that ball gown! How the illustrators of the various editions must have enjoyed creating the glory and splendor of that dress!

Rarely, if ever, are we common damsels provided opportunity to wear such grand finery. And I doubt many guys out there in the blogosphere have donned gold-braided jackets spangled with brightly colored medals. Such ostentation is almost exclusively reserved for royalty.

Ah! But whether we’re CEOs of the home front (stay-at-home parents) or CEOs of corporations, plumbers or painters, teachers or taxi drivers, we are priests of the Lord King of the universe. And that designation makes us a royal priesthood:

(“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood,

a holy nation, a people belonging to God,

that you may declare the praises of him

who called you out of darkness

into his wonderful light.”

–1 Peter 2:9)

Because we are his royal priesthood, God has provided a glorious new wardrobe for each of us, including:

Rich garments of salvation, replacing the sin-stained rags of our self-centeredness (1).
A robe of righteousness, radiant with the perfections of Jesus (2).
A belt of truth, studded with gems from God’s Word that inspire, instruct, encourage, and comfort (3).
Garments of praise, because he continually manifests his glorious attributes and showers us with blessings (4).
Ornaments of strength and joy (5).
A crown of beauty, as we allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and turn our thoughts to the positive (6).
Beautiful shoes of peace, equipping us to tread gently and share the peace of Jesus with others (7).

Note: None of this is earned, like the medals on Prince Charming’s uniform. Every radiant item has been magnanimously bestowed by our King.

Why would that be, we wonder. Is his purpose simply to display his generosity?

Surely that’s part of the answer. But the last half of 1 Peter 2:9 (above) reveals more: Now that we’re dressed in his garments of radiant splendor, we are commissioned to proclaim his excellency everywhere we go.

Sometimes we proclaim with words (Mark 16:15), as simple as “God is so good,” while sharing a story with a coworker.

Sometimes we proclaim with loving action (John 13:34-35), serving as a channel of blessing between God and others. That extra-generous tip to a waitress, for example, may pay eternal dividends especially if she saw us praying before we ate, and we engaged her in friendly, upbeat conversation (about her).

Sometimes we proclaim with our attitudes—simply reflecting the radiance of Jesus’ peace and joy on our faces (2 Corinthians 3:18)—especially in difficult circumstances. Someone may very well ask, “I don’t know how you do it,” giving you opportunity to proclaim God’s excellencies and the blessings of living in his wonderful light—just as that verse in First Peter suggests.

If our new wardrobe is on full display, people will notice.

“Let us put on the vestments of holiness

and minister before the Lord all day long.”

–Charles Spurgeon

Photo credits: www.pinterest.com (2), http://www.icould.com; http://www.kingdomcalling.com.)

___________________________________________________________________

Zechariah 3:4; Isaiah 61:10
Isaiah 61:10
Ephesians 6:14; 2 Timothy 3:16
Isaiah 61:3
Isaiah 49:18
Isaiah 61:3; Romans 8:5; Philippians 4:8
Isaiah 52:7; Ephesians 6:15; John 14:27

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New Meaning for “Merry Christmas”

Posted in Blessings, Christmas, Encouragement, God's Provision, Jesus, Prayer, Salvation, Suffering, tagged Appreciation, Blessing, Christ, Christmas, Encouragement, God rest you merry gentlemen, Hebrews 4:16, Jesus, John 14:27, Merry Christmas, Psalm 46:1 on December 12, 2013| 8 Comments »

When some folks say, “Merry Christmas” they mean, “I hope you have a fun and festive holiday.”

That would be in keeping with the definition of merry: full of high-spirited gaiety, delightful, entertaining, joyful, and mirthful.

But centuries ago the word merry denoted peacefulness and blessedness. “Merry Christmas” meant, “May you have a peaceful Christmas” and “May Christmas bring the blessing of God to you” (Christmas by Charles L. Allen and Charles L. Wallis, Fleming Revell Co., 1977).

An old carol highlighted this idea:

“God rest ye merry, gentlemen;

Let nothing you dismay.

Remember Christ our Savior

Was born on Christmas Day,

To save us all from Satan’s pow’r

When we were gone astray.”

Did you pause after the comma in the first line? Without it, the meaning changes. The anonymous poet was wishing peaceful, contented, joyful rest to others, as they remembered Christ their Savior.

“Merry Christmas,” then, can be a prayer within a greeting. Something like:

Oh, Lord, may your spirit of peace rest upon the life of this person. May he/she experience the blessing of your presence and your joy.”

There are many people around us who need a divine touch, especially during the Christmas season. The merriment around these folks seems a mockery of their despair. Perhaps that includes you. May the prayers below speak a Merry Christmas blessing to you, especially if you are:

Lonely. Oh, God, wrap a loving embrace of your comfort around those who do not have family or friends with them this Christmas. I thank you for the promise that you are our refuge and strength, always ready to help when we need you (Psalm 46:1). Be a warm solace, I pray, to the one who feels alone.

Enduring hardship. Oh, God, may the blessing of Christmas include grace and mercy for your children who are suffering through difficulty. Out of your compassionate mercy, ease their burden, and out of your unfailing grace, grant them strength and favor (Hebrews 4:16).

Struggling with painful memories of Christmases past. Oh, God, shower your tender, loving care upon those with hurts from the past, hurts that cast a shadow over the joys of the present. Grant them liberating freedom from emotional distress. May your peace cover those memories, so they no longer cause anguish (John 14:27).

For all of us, Heavenly Father, may the blessing of Christmas include renewed wonder for the indescribable gift of your Son. Thank you for providing through him the way to eternal life. Such peace and blessing are ours in that single assurance!

(art credit: www.christmasgreetingsmessages.com.)

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From the Inside Out

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Posts Tagged ‘John 14:27’

The Sum of All God’s Blessings

Haven of Peace

The Power of Words

A New Wardrobe

New Meaning for “Merry Christmas”

Nancy Ruegg

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