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Peace

When Everyone Wants a Piece of You

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Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (NIV) Mark 1:35

The stress of day to day living by the Sea of Galilee…Jesus teaches the people:
They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. (Mark 1:21-22)

Same day…Jesus heals the demon possessed:
Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are– the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching– and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.” (Mark 1:23-27)

Jesus noteriety is quickly spreading:
News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. (Mark 1:28)

Same day…Jesus heals Peter’s monther-in-law:
As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. (Mark 1:29-31)

That evening…more ministry:
That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. (Mark 1:32-34)

Everyone wanted a piece of Jesus. Ministry was demanding. When that happens to me, many times I just crash. Sometimes I crash and burn. But, look at what Jesus did (and notice He didn’t sleep in):
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (Mark 1:35)

When everyone wants a piece of you, God offers peace to you.

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When Everything is Against You

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O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. (NIV) Psalm 3:1, 3

What do you do when the chips are down? Panic? Cry? Complain? If anyone had reason to complain or panic it was Israel’s King David. He was fleeing from his son and facing a military crises. His enemies were increasing to the tens of thousands (Psalm 3:6) and they were actively pursuing him. Did he go into a deep depression? No! Contrary to how we might act, David confidently cried out to God to help him and he received confidence and peace of mind. . . David went to sleep, knowing that “LORD sustains me” (v 5). Although his enemies had encircled him, he trusted God as he said: “Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the LORD comes deliverance” (v 7-8).

What do you do when the impossible seems to engulf you? Where do you go when your enemies come after you? To whom do you turn when you need help? Only God is our true Protector and Deliverer. If you turn to anything or anyone other than Him, you’re settling for less than the best! Turn to God. Cry out to Him, and He will give you a peace that guards your heart and mind!

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Forever Faithful

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Christ will be the incarnate God –
Prophecy: Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (NIV)

Fulfillment: Matthew 1:23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”– which means, “God with us.” (NIV)

Christ will be a descendant of Abraham –
Prophecy – Genesis 12:3; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 22:18 Genesis 18:18 Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. (NIV) Genesis 22:18″. . . and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” (NIV)

Fulfillment – Acts 3:25; Galatians 3:8, 16 Galatians 3:16  The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ. (NIV)

A Prayer: Father, as I work through some of the prophecies concerning Jesus’ birth, I am amazed at the specifics which You gave…and fulfilled. You planned all of it in such a precise manner and fulfilled it to the letter. You are faithful to Your Word. Nothing changes Your plans. When You speak, nothing changes what You say…and therefore, I can rest assured that what You say will happen in my life, will occur. . . Your promises are sure!

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Prince of Peace

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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (NIV) Isaiah 9:6

The Hebrew word translated “peace” is “Shalom”. Shalom depicts a satisfied condition; an unconcerned state of peacefulness; a sense of well being; a state of being unharmed or unhurt, both externally and internally. . . the deepest desire and need of the human heart. Shalom represents the greatest measure of contentment and satisfaction in life.

God in His own person, is perfect peace and we receive peace with God through Christ. The source of peace comes from only one place, God! It is the presence of God in our lives that brings peace. But, a peace that rules in our hearts and minds also depends upon the measure of our trust in God. It is through Christ that we have peace. . .there is no hope apart from Him.

Do you exhibit a satisfied life? A sense of well being? A life of contentment? Do you maintain a peace which transcends all understanding? If not, go to Jesus. For He is the One who is the Prince of Peace.

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The Ultimate Re-Arranger of Life

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Christmas reminds us that God is the ultimate re-arranger of lives. God radically rearranged Mary’s life when the angel, Gabriel, visited her. She probably was just entering her teen years. She was looking forward to marriage, to settling down, and to having children with Joseph. But, God had even greater plans for her. Gabriel told her that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Most High would overshadow her. “So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35)

Despite her potential fears, Mary was willing to accept the scorn of an accusatory society and an unbelieving nation. She knew that the penalty for an unmarried, pregnant woman in her culture was to be stoned to death. But, she allowed God to rearrange her life because she grasped the purposes and promises of God. Mary was full of faith, faith in the Mighty One who had done great things for her!

But, the greatest rearrangement of a life is seen in the birth of Jesus. The long-awaited day had finally arrived. The anticipation was high. The angels in heaven surrounding the throne stand in holy awe, for the time had come! Jesus, their beloved Creator, the One who created the angels is about to veil His glory, God’s radiance, and take on human form. Incredibly, the Creator would take on the form of a creature!

An angel of the Lord appeared to a group of shepherds and said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:9-12) Greatest of all surprises, the Messiah came as a baby! This long-expected Messiah was now cradled in a manger in Bethlehem. The angels suddenly broke out in praise saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)

Their adulation is fitting. In Christ’s birth the incomprehensible happened. The glorious Son of God forsook His splendor in heaven to become one hundred percent human, just as we are. He began His life as a baby. He was born into humble surroundings, completely dependent upon Mary and Joseph. He came down from heaven not to do His own will but to do the will of the Father who sent Him. And that baby grew up and lived out God’s purpose before returning to His Father. “After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” (Hebrews 1:3) Jesus voluntarily allowed the Father to rearrange His “life” and He entered into our world. He did so to become our Savior.

My prayer for you this Christmas is that you experience the peace which transcends all understanding…peace from Jesus Himself, the One who is, who was and who is to come. May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace this Christmas as you trust in Him. May the Prince of Peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. Join me this Christmas season in worshiping our Mighty King, Jesus Christ!

Merry Christmas!
Marji “Mike” Kruger

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Be Of The Same Mind With One Another

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  • Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. (Romans 12:16)
  • I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.  (1 Corinthians 1:10 )
  • Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. (1 Thessalonians 5:13)
  • Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. (1 Peter 3:8)

The word “harmony” in 1 Peter 3:8 is literally to be “of one mind” or “likeminded.” The actions of being sympathetic, compassionate, and humble all stem from having one mind. Or better said, thinking with the mind of Christ.

Having the same mind means knowing and understanding Scripture. From the Word of God we receive the infusion of God’s thoughts. Then, in faith we need to apply His Word as the Spirit shows us. Being of the same mind with one another is embracing the same kind of viewpoint or attitudes toward life and one another. We need to have the mind of Christ. . .to think with His values. . .to possess His vision. . .and to allow Him to change our attitudes which in turn will change our actions toward one another.

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Satisfied With Your Lot?

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“Contentment is not complacency, nor is it a false peace based on ignorance. Contentment is not escape from the battle, but rather an abiding peace and confidence in the midst of the battle.” (Warren Wiersbe)

Contentment is being satisfied with one’s lot. It’s an attitude that lets us be satisfied with whatever is available. . . with whatever situation we are in. . . with whoever is our “sand-paper” person (those that rub us the wrong way!). . . with wherever we live. . . with whatever we own . . . with whatever battle we are going through.

Are you satisfied with “your lot”? If not, go to God. . . for He supplies us with all that we need!

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The Worry Solution

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Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NAS) Philippians 4:6-7

What do you worry about? Do you dwell on the unforeseen? Do you worry about imaginary events that never happen? Do you worry over people or matters which you have no control over? Do you worry when you have nothing to worry about?

Which do you spend more time doing, worrying or praying? The Bible tells us, don’t worry about anything. . . but pray about everything!

The next time that you find yourself a worried mess, get alone with God. Begin by praising Him for who He is and then unload your heart. God will not be surprised by what you tell Him, He already knows all about it! But, after you’ve made your requests known to Him, don’t miss out on expressing your appreciation to Him. Thank Him for all He’s done for you. . . and all that He will do for you. . . “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” What an incredible promise: God’s peace will stand guard over your heart and mind! Notice that it doesn’t say that your problems will go away, but, that you will experience a peace, a quiet confidence, regardless of what is going on around you. I don’t know about you, but I find it’s a great trade-off, I get rid of worry and in return receive peace from God. Which will you choose?

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