Sunday, December 9, 2012

Peace

This verse from Philippians has been my go to verse ever since I was in the hospital a few weeks ago. I quoted it over and over again as I was lying in the hospital wondering about how I would pay for the hospital bills, wondering what all was wrong with me, wondering about all the unanswered questions. As I quoted the verse, and took my concerns to God I was truly overwhelmed with peace - peace that transcends all understanding. It was pretty cool and I was so amazed at how God just took all of my concerns and gave me His peace to cling to during all of the uncertainty about everything that was going on.

Last night I watched the American Giving Awards which award different charity organizations with money to help them in their charities. I was overwhelmed watching the many stories of all these charities... from organizations working to get girls our of forced prostitution in countries like Africa, to a man providing meals to immigrants looking for work. I was overwhelmed as I watched and realized how much I have compared to so many people in the world. All of the sudden my hospital bills seemed like nothing. I have a roof over my head, I have food in my refrigerator and the means to go buy more food when needed. I have a good job with good benefits, I have wonderful supportive friends who I know would drop everything to help me in my time of need (I've experienced them doing so!) I had total peace knowing that I have SO much compared to so many - beyond all the "stuff" I have - I have a relationship with the Living God, the Creator of the Universe, who loves me enough to call me His beloved daughter. WOW!

This morning I wasn't feeling well when I woke up. I had a horrible headache and thought about just staying home. However, I really was looking forward to a morning of worship, teaching, and fellowship with my family. So, I got to church and today's sermon message: "The Radiance of Christmas: Transcending Peace" Hmmmm.... God, you trying to tell me something?

Some points which really hit close to home for me today. Thank you Pastor Marty Rietgraf for allowing God to speak through you today!

We can have peace with ourselves through seeing in Christ (seeing ourselves as God sees us)
       Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
      Matthew 10:30-31 "and even the very hairs of your head are numbered. So don't be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows."

Ask God to help you to see yourself as the MASTERPIECE He sees you as.

This really spoke to me - God has been challenging me to see myself  through His eyes... as one of my recent blog posts said, I often see myself as the "fat friend" - when I look in the mirror I don't like what I see. I'm asking God to help me to see what He sees - His beloved child whom He loves dearly... so much that He sent His Son to die for ME!

We can have peace with the future through knowing Christ.

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
          * Jesus give us HIS peace. I never noticed that before. He gives us HIS peace, peace that He has with the Father He gives to us so that we do not need to be troubled or afraid!
          * If Jesus promises to never leave you or forsake you then you have NO reason to worry!

Thank You Lord for reiterating to me this peace that truly transcends all understanding. Thank You for helping me to realize how very much I have and that You are my Father and You will take care of me. Help me to live a life that demonstrates this peace so that You may be glorified through my life!

Peacefully yours,

Sherri