Tag: Karol Ladd

Victory of Peace

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The God of peace be with you all.

Romans 15:33

Peace between God and mankind began at Christmas as Jesus entered this world and the angels proclaimed, “Peace on earth to men of good will.”

Isn’t it ironic that during this Season of Peace, most people feel especially frazzled, overwhelmed and anxious? Between strained family relationships, crazy-busy schedules and over-the-top gift expectations, even the calmest of people can become a bit rattled. It’s easy at Christmas to lose sight of the fact that as believers in Christ, the God of peace is truly with us.

In the gospel of John, we read about Jesus preparing to go to the cross on our behalf. He reminded His disciples that the Father would send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to give us peace. Jesus said, “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). Jesus gave us a unique and wonderful gift, the gift of peace. Not a peace that the world gives, but rather a peace that only God can give, a peace that passes all understanding.

The cross was the ultimate victory providing peace with God through Jesus’ sacrifice. After Jesus ascended to Heaven, God did not leave us here alone to try to figure out life on our own. He gave us His Spirit.

Think about it – the very same Spirit of God who brought order from chaos when the universe was formed, is the Spirit that is with us!  Certainly He can bring a glorious peace to our restless hearts. So when you feel anxious or overwhelmed, remember this simple yet powerful phrase, The God of peace is with me. He will guide you and give you a new perspective. He will calm your chaos.

This is devotion also appears in Buckner International’s 2015 Advent Guide. Click here to download your free Advent Guide.

 

Prepare Your Heart

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Each year Buckner International assembles a group of writers to contribute to their annual Christmas Advent Guide. This year I had the privilege of writing a devotional for the guide. I wrote about the peace that God brings into our hearts through Jesus Christ in a message entitled “Victory of Peace,” based on Romans 15:33.

I encourage you to download a free copy of Buckner’s advent guide, so we can walk through the advent season together. Click here to download your free copy or you can order a booklet to be sent to your house. May the peace that Christ brings to our lives be very real to you this season.

In Light of Paris

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Alexander III bridge, Paris, France

This weekend, we watched in horror as the terrible news from Paris unfolded. It’s hard to understand how people could choose to cause such suffering and pain in the lives of others. Our prayers go out to the victims and their families, as we struggle to find ways to demonstrate our support for them.

There are certain Psalms I reflect on every Monday, and as I meditated on Psalm 34 I thought it was timely in light of the tragedies in Paris. God’s word is always a source of comfort, wisdom and strength, particularly in times of difficulties. Take a moment to reflect on these words written by David as he expounded on the hope of those who fear the Lord.

Psalm 34

1 I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
2 I will glory in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the Lord, you his holy people,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from telling lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
16 but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
to blot out their name from the earth.

17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19 The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the Lord delivers him from them all;
20 he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.

21 Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
22 The Lord will rescue his servants;
no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

The Bible leads us to find our hope in God. When life seems overwhelming or out of control, call out to Jesus. He is our source of salvation, comfort and strength. He is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. May you find your refuge in Him today.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the person who takes refuge in Him.” Verse 18

The Wedding Rehearsal  

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Grace and Jeremy's Rehearsal

Grace and Jeremy’s Rehearsal

Several weeks ago our daughter Grace got married in Pennsylvania. The wedding celebration was spectacular! The beautiful fall foliage and the relaxing ranch venue made for a perfectly memorable event and some great pictures too. Sadly, the day before the wedding wasn’t quite as glorious. Monsoon- style rains in Dallas prevented several of the girls in the bridal party (including our daughter Joy, who was maid-of-honor) from getting to the rehearsal the day before the wedding.

Grace felt both sad and disappointed. Her heart was set on having a special time with all her bridesmaids at the rehearsal dinner. Her perfect picture of what she always dreamed of for the rehearsal dinner had to be adjusted. We all needed to step back and look at the bigger picture, remembering that this weekend wasn’t about the rehearsal, it was about the wedding! Ultimately, it was the celebration of her marriage to Jeremy that really mattered.

Sometimes, we need that same perspective when it comes to the disappointments and difficulties in life. When our perfect picture of what we thought life should look like gets rearranged, it is important for us to view the bigger and broader picture, remembering that there is a better day coming. The apostle Paul put it best when he wrote:

We do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18

 Perspective is everything! May we step back and view our circumstances in light of eternity and remember that this life is simply the rehearsal for the next. What really matters is yet to come as we look forward to the great and glorious day described in Revelation – the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Let’s choose to keep our eyes on that day as we face the challenges of this day.

Join us for Positive Woman Connection, October 27 in Dallas

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Our topic this month is “Change Your Thinking, Transform your Life” based on Roman’s 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

If you have ever struggled with negative or defeating thoughts (and who hasn’t?) then make plans to join us, Tuesday, Oct 27 at Bent Tree Country Club for lunch and Bible study. For more info or to register, Click here

Last month we learned from Romans 12:1. Here’s a short message from me about living for Christ.