Experiencing God's Grace "Whoever acknowledges me
before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown
him before my Father in heaven. "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to
bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn " 'a man against his father, a daughter against
her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'
"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than
me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will
lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives
me receives the one who sent me. Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward,
and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. And if anyone
gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly
not lose his reward." (Matthew 10:32-42 KJV) Today's
devotion is one I read on Beth Moore's web site. www.lproof.org I hope you all have a great weekend.
Invite someone to church with you this Sunday. If you are not going to church, pray that the Lord leads you to a church
that stands on His Word. You are blessed! Love, Tracy Most of us can readily testify to at some time having been in the worst of circumstances and experiencing
peace, or in the best of circumstances and lacking it. Without a doubt, God’s peace is paramount to spiritual
and mental wholeness. The Greek word for peace is eirene, which simply means “peace of mind, tranquility.”*
Simply said, simply defined, and simply found in very few. Throughout
God’s Word we see evidence that God considers names to be of great importance. He names and renames to express
the essence of a person’s purpose or character. Scripture teaches that God knows even the stars by name (see Ps. 147:4). It stands to reason that God chose the highest and best of names to describe the character of His one and only Son.
The Messiah’s birth announcement in Isaiah 9:6 names Jesus the “Prince
of Peace.” “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.” However, if we compare
it to Jesus’ declaration of purpose in Matthew 10:34, we’ll uncover a problem. “Do not suppose that
I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Is Christ the Prince
of Peace or isn’t He? God uses apparent contradictions in His Word to force us to dig. Our Scripture reading
for today, Matthew 10:32-42, helps us capture the context of verse 34. Interestingly,
when I looked up the Greek word for “sword,” which is machaira, the Greek dictionary lists not only the
definition of the word, which is “knife,” but also the antonym for the word. Guess what it is? Eirene.
Peace. When the Word was made flesh to dwell among men, He came to bring the very opposite of peace. Throughout Christ’s earthly ministry, He accomplished exactly what He said He would. His
Word divided the righteous from the unrighteous, the humble from the proud, the faithful from the unfaithful, and the genuine
article from the Pharisee. His Word cut to the heart, dividing friends and families, saints and synagogues. Then—out
of the blue—the issue of peace toward men emerged in Scripture. Consider the following verses.
• “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world
gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
•
“While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you’”
(Luke 24:36). • “On the evening of that first day of the week, when
the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace
be with you!’” (John 20:19). •
“A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came
and stood among them and said,
‘Peace be with you!’” (John 20:26). Suddenly, we behold the Prince of Peace like a beacon in the
night. What happened? Let’s trace God’s way of peace and we’ll answer that question. Read
Colossians 1:15-23. How did God make peace according to verse 20? Through the blood of Christ that was shed on the cross.
And now we have been reconciled to God and presented holy in His sight, without blemish, and free from accusation (v. 22).
Hallelujah! Do you see it now? What happened to usher us from the sword of division to the peace of reconciliation?
The CROSS! We could not experience peace with God until the fullness of the Godhead made peace with death! Ephesians 2:18 shares the good news resulting from the outcome of our peace with God. “For
through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” ACCESS to God. Can you even imagine?
If such privilege has become commonplace to you, or if you simply desire a greater sense of awe to appreciate your access,
read Psalm 104 aloud at this time.
I don’t
know about you, but this psalm makes me feel rather miniscule, and yet we, of all creatures great and small, have access.
Why? Because Christ became our peace on Calvary.
I will never forget watching an evening talk show featuring the story of the parents and killer
of a young college student. The killer was his best friend. The weapon was high alcohol content inside a speeding
automobile. We’ve heard so many stories about drunk drivers and their victims. What made this particular
feature prime-time viewing? The parents had forgiven the young driver…and if that was not enough, they had taken
him in as their own.
This young man sat at the table in the chair which
was once occupied by their only son. He slept in the son’s bed. He worked with the victim’s father,
teaching seminars on safety. He shared their fortune and supported their causes. He spoke about the one he had
slain in ways only someone who knew him intimately could have.
Why did these parents do such a thing?
Because it gave them peace. The interviewer was amazed; I was amazed. I kept trying to put myself in the parents’
position—but I could not. Then, as the tears streamed down my cheeks, I heard the Spirit of God whisper to my
heart and say: “No wonder you cannot relate. You have put yourself in the wrong position. You, my child,
are the driver.” God was the parent who not only forgave, but also
invited me to sit as His table in the space my Savior left for me. As a result, I have peace.
Father, thank You for helping me understand how it is that Jesus came to bring a sword and
be the Prince of Peace. Thank You so much for the glorious, gracious access I was given through His blood, shed on the
cross. Thank You blessing me with Your supernatural peace. Please help me to be faithful to share the good news
of this peace with others. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Trust and Go On "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your
faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And
to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make
you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these
things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather,
brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For
so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."
(2 Peter 1:5-11 KJV)
I like the way it is worded in The Message as well ... "So don't lose a minute in building
on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline,
passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the
others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without
its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can't see what's right
before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books. So, friends, confirm God's invitation
to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now. Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing, the
streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ."
So many of us sweat the small stuff.
We analyze and think about things and worry our minds over things that have already been forgiven or settled. A reader
e-mailed me the other day and said "I just don't get it! How can I have a relationship with someone that I
can't see and talk to? I am trying to understand, but I just don't get it." You are trying to hard.
God speaks to us through His word in our hearts. You are not going to hear an audible voice saying - Tracy ... His words
are sweet and tender and speak to your heart and mind. Relax in Him. Placing your faith in Him to work in your
life and trusting Him to guide you, means just that. Peace and comfort come from Jesus because we trust that He will
lead us down a path that is our planned future. If we hit an obstacle or a valley, that is not a surprise to the Lord.
Pray and seek wisdom from Him. Whenever you start questioning something going on in your life, your prayer may go something like this, Lord, I am not sure why I am facing
this trial, I am not sure how to face it, but I know I am not alone. I am trusting in you Lord to guide me. Pray
that over and over and over again. Satan tries to defeat your mind - just remember that satan was defeated when Jesus
died for you. Plant your feet firmly in the ground and take a stand for Christ.
Don't keep trying to "figure something out"
on your own without submitting it to the Lord. He will provide a way if it is His plan for your life. If a way
is not provided - that is your answer ... it is not in God's plan for your life. So at that point we begin to pray
"OK Lord, I understand and accept that this door may be closed to me, but please reveal to me your plan and your will
for my life. Please help me see clearly the path I should be walking in for your glory. Amen! With each day we wake up, I know that it is human nature to try to figure things out on our own. But we are
not alone and do not have to face anything alone. If you are struggling and need a friend to pray for you, you don't
have to tell anyone the circumstances, God already knows what you face. Just ask that person to stand in the Gap for
you asking God to please comfort you and provide the answers you need to have peace about your situation.
I hope you all have a great Thursday.
I hope you are still counting your blessings! Please continue to pray for Rita (end stages of cancer) and Jeanne
(advanced cancer). Also Jack (Sandra's Dad) who is now on dialysis. Love, Tracy
There is a Time ... "To every thing there is a season, and a time
to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that
which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep,
and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time
to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and
a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? I
have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. He hath made every thing beautiful
in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning
to the end. I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also
that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. I know that, whatsoever
God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should
fear before him. That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which
is past." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 KJV)
It is hard to imagine sometimes that everything has a purpose.
Especially when we are facing a valley ~ it is hard to see the purpose in it. One purpose I can find in all of my times
when I am in despair is that I am drawn closer to the Lord. Whether it be reading the Bible more, listening to Christian
music or journaling. When I am in a valley He is calling me. A few years ago when I lost my mother,
that was a deep valley. Just as I thought I was getting through it then my father passed away ~ very sad times for me.
But my faith in the Lord brought me through it. There are still times when I get sad thinking about life without parents
to guide me ~ even as an adult. But then I am reminded by the Lord to turn to Him for guidance and direction.
He will always bring me through whatever I am facing.
So whether you face a lost job, a broken marriage, financial struggles, depression, health issues,
Jesus is your answer. Jesus holds your answer. He loves you and His desire is for you to come to Him.
Please pray for strength and healing
for my friends Mother in Law, her name is Jean. She just found out that she has advanced breast Cancer. Her
husband just passed away in November. I hope you all have a blessed Wednesday. Count your blessings. Love,
Tracy
God's Word ... Do You believe it? "Know ye not
that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,
nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners,
shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified
in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV
Before I even opened my Bible this morning I was thinking about this topic. For some reason Rosie O'Donnell
was on my mind. I guess because yesterday on some of the Internet headlines "Hollywood" was praising her for
the stand she takes. ARE THEY KIDDING ME? I must admit, years ago, when her show (the Rosie O'Donnell Show)
first aired - I watched. I got passed the gruffness and her obnoxious New York accent. But as episodes went by and her true self was "coming out"
I stopped watching. I really just don't understand people sometimes. Sometimes we just overlook sin as a part
of a person expressing themselves. But don't we care? Don't we even care what God says about it anymore?
In the Message here is how this verse is worded ... "Don't you realize that this is not
the way to live? Unjust people who don't care about God will not be joining in his kingdom. Those who use and abuse each
other, use and abuse sex, use and abuse the earth and everything in it, don't qualify as citizens in God's kingdom.
A number of you know from experience what I'm talking about, for not so long ago you were on that list. Since then, you've
been cleaned up and given a fresh start by Jesus, our Master, our Messiah, and by our God present in us, the Spirit."
It is clear. It is also pretty clear that sometimes - the world
- wants to live as the world, like a child ~ they live how they want to live, do what they want to do and deal with the consequences
later. What ever happened to living a spiritual and moral life? Getting back to the above subject ... Donald Trump isn't exactly the (in Rosies words) "moral
compass of America." But everything he has said about her is true. Sometimes I look at people like her and
I think, what went wrong when they were growing up that made them turn out so bitter and so sad. She has much money
... but no happiness. Money can't buy that. How about taking a stand for what will really make a difference
in the lives of others ... Jesus. How about taking a stand for something that can change America? Jesus.
Instead of using His name in vain, how about getting on your knees before Him and begging for forgiveness and change!
Why isn't there conviction anymore? We've gotten to a point in America that we want to please everyone.
Sorry. But when it comes to taking a stand on this issue - I am always going to believe what God says.
Doesn't mean we love someone any less. We need to pray for them more. This is not about passing judgment,
this is about taking a stand on God's Word - maybe there are some that have never read in scripture where it actually
says someone will be separated from God. (that is another devotion).
I hope you are praying for our country each day. I do forget someday's to do that. My prayer list
is getting longer and longer. Pray especially for your children. Our kids today need a hedge of protection from
the Lord. When I look back to my childhood, I had a life so much easier than my kids today. At 11 I was baby-sitting
4 children at a neighbors house. My children are 11 and 9, I am afraid to let them out of my sight! Pray
for your family and friends. Ask Jesus to guide and direct you today. It is never too late to change, until you
are no longer here. Then you are stuck with how you lived. Either it will be - well done my good and faithful
servant, or it will be depart from me - I never knew you. Which is it going to be? Are you willing to be humble
today and say, God forgive me, because sometimes I think I know it all. I have many mornings where that is my prayer. I
am praying for you today. Have a blessed Tuesday! Count your blessings :-) Love, Tracy
Walking the Walk "All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy
saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; To make known to the
sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy
dominion endureth throughout all generations. The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed
down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and
satisfiest the desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. The
LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them
that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the
wicked will he destroy. My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and
ever." (Psalm 145:10-21 KJV)
Over the weekend I watched the funeral for Ruth Graham, wife of Evangelist,
Billy Graham. I couldn't help but think about my own Mother's life, passing and then funeral. I
listened as Ruth's sister gave testimony to life growing up being a sister of Ruth. Very funny stories she shared
of her private moments with her sister, how they would fight one minute and the next day be best friends. I listened
as her son Franklin talked about the hard time he gave his mother when she tried to wake him up in the mornings. Just
a normal lady. Who did normal things. I think I wanted to put her up on this pedestal, thinking she just had this
perfect family and life because they were Billy Grahams family. Watching and listening to this service just made me
think how "real" they were. During the Eulogies, Dr. Graham spoke. A very frail man, he stood in his
spot and thanked everyone for their support and prayers. Then he said, "I wish you could see her laying in the
casket, she is so beautiful. Last night, I sat and stared at her for hours praying, because I know she had a wonderful
reception in Heaven." The papers have written that in the last few years that Mrs. Graham has been bedridden, Dr.
Graham has been by her side and he has said, "during those years of Ruth's illness we have rekindled our romance
of our youth." Just an amazing story of God's Grace. People dedicated to serve the Lord ~ no matter what.
How you ever thought you were not good enough to serve God?
Have you ever thought that your past is in the way of your future? The Lord has each and every person on an even playing
field. We are all just sinners saved by Grace. A man like Billy Graham came to know the Lord the same way any
of us have and will. By getting on his knees and asking Jesus to forgive him of his sins. A woman like Ruth Graham
served the Lord just like we can today, by getting up each day and praying for her family and seeking the Lord's will
for her life. Has she made mistakes along the way? I am sure she has. But having Jesus guide and direct
your way each and every day is the first step to walking the Christian walk.
I
hope that if you are not starting your day out praying for your family, that today is a new day. I hope that you start
each day out asking the Lord to forgive you where you've failed Him and that you ask Him to place a hedge of protection
over your household and to guide you to where you need to be serving Him. Make today a new day.
Have a great Monday morning. Happy belated Father's Day to all the Dad's reading today's devotion! Count
your blessings ... not your troubles :-) Love, Tracy
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