Peace, April 13

Peace, April 13

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Romans 15:4-5, Hebrews 13:8 www.solascriptura.com

Father, this says that whatever was written in the Scriptures was written for our learning. Oh how we need to read Your word as persons dying of thirst for more knowledge of You. Your prophets tell us that the day will come when the Word is no longer available. Here it is at our fingertips Lord. Help us, today, to commit to a plan of reading Your word daily.

You tell us that it is the Scriptures that give us hope. Would it be true Father that if we do not have Your word stored in our heart that, in times of need for Your instruction, we would be without hope? We all have some knowledge of the Scriptures, Father, but we know You would not have us remain as babes in that regard.

Strengthen our resolve to "listen to You" and to speak with You many times a day. You are the same, yesterday, today and forever. You are our Light, You are the Word in our hearts. Bless us we pray, in Jesus' name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, March 21

Peace, March 21

...where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 3:16-18, www.solascriptura.com

Father, James, the half brother of Jesus, taught us some wonderful things and we are so grateful for his words. Here he reminds us that envy and self-seeking lead us into evil and confusion. We know, Father, that all people naturally seek to have more and better stuff. That instinct leads us into very immature behavior, at times.

We do seek Your blessing but help us to know why You have blessed us and why You will yet bless us. You have taught us that to whom much is given, much is required. Your blessings to us should cause us to want to be a blessing to others. That seems so right and so natural compared to being envious or self-seeking.

It is Your wisdom we seek, Your gentle and peaceful nature rendered to us without partiality. Help us to be helpful to others today, to deliver peace where there is strife and to trust You in all things. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, February 18

Peace, February 18

Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?"
And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
"Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.
"They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;
"for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Revelation 7:13-17 www.solascriptura.com

Father, we know that the great tribulation will be a time of extreme testing. There are those who will endure the temptations to serve someone beside You, but here these saints, whose sins were washed away by the blood of Your perfect Lamb, Jesus, are depicted as an example of what You have in store for the faithful.

We also see that those who are saved will serve You. Father, sometimes we think of our future with You as moments of esteem, where we are honored for our faith. Yes, we will be honored for our faith but our eternal future will be one of being led by You to the living water and our tears we shed here will be remembered no more and we will abide in perfection; no hunger, no thirst, no excess heat, but just joy in serving You, not seeking to be honored but to be led and shepherded by You.

Remove from us our earthly bonds that we might be with You but until then, help us to joyfully and faithfully serve others and to love and obey You. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, January 25

Peace, January 25

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Finally, brethren... Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

James 4:8, 2 Corinthians 13:11 www.solascriptura.com

Father, this simple admonition by James is a verse that constantly reminds us where the initiative must lie. We often lament over our circumstances, we feel alone, deserted and not cared for. Here we are taught by Jesus' brother that when we set out to draw near to You, You will draw near to us. The ball is in our court. It is our responsibility to act rather to complain about feeling impotent, lonely or depressed.

Then, Father, Paul says, "Become complete". Paul did not say "be" complete because we are all in a state of becoming and we will keep seeking sanctification until we are in heaven.

Help us, today, to commit ourselves to taking action that will identify us, unmistakably, as yours; our actions and our countenance bearing witness of our love for You. We stand in a hostile environment but it is Your peace that strengthens us.
May the God of love and peace be with each of us, every moment. We pray Father for Your peace in our hearts. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, December 22

Peace, December 22

Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.
LORD, I hope for Your salvation, and I do Your commandments.
My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.
I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You.
Let my cry come before You, O LORD; give me understanding according to Your word.
Let my supplication come before You; deliver me according to Your word.
My lips shall utter praise, for You teach me Your statutes.
My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness.
Let Your hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts.
I long for Your salvation, O LORD, and Your law is my delight.

Psalms 119:165-174 www.solascriptura.com

Father, to such wonderful words we can only say "amen" and then read them over and over. Your peace, that feeling that is unmatchable without Your presence, is our circumstance if we but seek You and love You. In Jesus' Holy name we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, December 7

Peace, December 7

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
... let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

Romans 12:18, 14:19 www.solascriptura.com

Father, we can not keep people from not liking us or wanting to do harm to us. But when efforts at peace depend upon us, regardless of the actions of another person, You tell us to seek to live peaceably with all men. Is there any redemptive power in being angry and revengeful? No, Father, it is clearly a sin to try to help You correct the sinner.

Help us remember that each of us have sinned in different ways and that You, in Your mercy, have forgiven us. Help us this day to forgive someone that, up to now, we have been unable to forgive.

As we pursue peace with others we, according to Your word, actually edify and build up the other person. We, in fact, get the opposite of what anger would have yielded. Your way is always the best way. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, November 23

Peace, November 23

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding;
For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all
who retain her.

Proverbs 3:13-18, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we know that Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, asked You for the gift of wisdom and You granted it. Here we listen to Solomon praising wisdom, using the feminine gender, and considering wisdom in the same nurturing way as a mother is with a child. The gift of wisdom is a great comfort, a reassuring touch from You.

Father, we too seek wisdom, Your wisdom about earthly and spiritual matters. We often feel inadequate and unwise, but we know that as we turn to You that You lead us and teach us, as only You can.

These verses teach us that wisdom is more precious than any jewel, any riches or any earthly assets. It is a gift to be desired, a gift that enlightens us and gives meaning to the pursuit of life, whether we are rich or poor. Father, the challenges of life are too much for us, too often. Grant us Your peace and wisdom this day. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, November 10

Peace, November 10

A wicked man hardens his face...
If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.

Proverbs 21:29, 29:9 www.solascriptura.com

Father, our countenance sometimes tells everything about us. Help us today to try to be as You Jesus. We pray that our countenance will reflect love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We know that list embodies the "fruits of the Spirit". If we could but genuinely feel that we are as a tree, a Christian tree, bearing unmistakably good, plentiful fruit.

We know it confuses our acquaintances when we bear good fruit one day and bad fruit the next. It is consistency for which we pray. Help us to do the right thing, even when we simply do not feel like it. Keep our feelings from dictating our actions, we pray. We know, Father, that we will begin to feel better when we are doing Your will and that when we fail to do Your will, it makes us feel awful.

You also teach us that when we contend with a foolish man there is no peace. Help us today to focus on presenting ourselves as one who is not contending, but as one who is caring. Caring will seldom get us in trouble and we thank You for teaching us how to bear good fruit. Bless us this day, in Jesus' name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, October 25

Peace, October 25

Then I returned and considered all the oppression that is done under the
sun: and look! The tears of the oppressed, but they have no comforter—on the side of their oppressors there is power, but they have no comforter.
Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.
The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh.
Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind.

Ecclesiastes 4:1, 4-6 www.solascriptura.com

Father, Solomon sees the oppressors and the tears of the oppressed, but sees no comforter. Had Solomon been a prophet, as well as the wisest man that ever lived, he would have capitalized Comforter and assured us that You, Jesus, were coming. The Scriptures refer to You, Jesus, in many ways, including Comforter, Counselor, Savior, Redeemer and Son of God. We know there are oppressors and always will be until the day of judgment but thank You God for our Comforter, the Holy Spirit sent, by You, to help us every moment of every day.

Solomon teaches us that admiring the work of others and being envious of them is vanity, a pursuit of what is not, for what might be. Father, You give each of us gifts. Help us never worry about what we do not have, in the way of talent, but to embrace and run forward with that which we do have.

Solomon also helps us understand that idleness leads to consumption of what we have, without replenishment. Yet, if both hands are "full" without quietness and peace, we have achieved vainly and without a good end. You have taught us Jesus, that if we possess all the riches of the world and have not Your love, we have nothing. This day, help us to work hard, to value obedience to You and to enjoy Your peace and comfort in every circumstance. You are our Comforter. We praise You for Your presence. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, October 16

Peace, October 16

"Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God.
"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, Your exact and specific words tell us that we are never alone, never forgotten and never without Your eye upon us. This is impossible for us to grasp. Our perspective stems from our experiences and we are not able to fully understand the concept of omnipresence. We know You have many angels (perhaps more than we could ever imagine) and that if you know every single aspect of our physical being, Your attention to us exceeds our understanding.

It does give rise to the fact that we should trust You and wait patiently upon Your responses to our needs. It is not as if You do not know our needs, even better than we do, it is just a fact that You do. As to whether You have the same level of concern about those who do not profess to know You, we are unsure. We do know that You desire that all persons love You and that they seek a personal relationship with You.

Help each of us to, as Paul puts it, "apprehend" a relationship with You. Until we are with You we will not quite be there but we continue to run the race set before us. Thank You for giving meaning to the pursuit of life eternal.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, October 1

Peace, October 1

Blessed be the LORD, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness...
For I said in my haste, "I am cut off from before Your eyes"; nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You.
Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person.
Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Ps 31:21-24, www.solascriptura.com

Father, No one has shown us the marvelous kindness that You have shown us. None of us feel worthy of Your concern for us. Even when we cry out in despair, doubting Your love for us because of our circumstances, You ignore our immature attitude and You bring us back to You, stronger.

You call us saints but warn us that pride is our enemy. Even after we have committed our lives to You, pride remains a problem. When we do good works, even then, pride lurks and You do not want us to be prideful. Help us focus, this day, on the joy of serving You and not have it spill over into self-congratulatory feelings.

You tell us repeatedly, to be of good courage, that You strengthen the hearts of those that seek to serve You, all who have hope in You. In whom else could we possibly place our hope; none but You. Thank You for loving us even when we are imperfect. In Jesus' name we come to You, Amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, September 28

Peace, September 28

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
"For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Matt 11:28-30 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, if there ever was a verse that applies to us every day, this is it. We sure feel burdened, some days more than others, and we often feel we can never effectively deal with this burden.

Thank You Jesus for teaching us that is exactly why You came; to relieve us of our burdens, to allow us to continue in a very sinful world without losing hope and to cope with issues that we feel are beyond us, more difficult that we can bear.

It is Your yoke we seek to wear, not ours. Help us to unburden ourselves and to place our cares upon You. When we do so, You say our load will lighten immediately. We will, at that moment, move from the burden of trying to understand our difficult situations (why me?!!) to grasping the reality that You do understand and that You will see us through the transitional problems of life.

Help us see that problems here are not eternal problems and that suffering here is not to be followed by suffering there. Yes, we pray for clear sailing and no problems but You have told us, in advance, that trials will come, Satan is the great tempter and that sin will prevail on the face of this earth. That being the case, we choose to look to You for peace and comfort in the midst of difficulty. To whom else could we turn? In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, September 8

Peace, September 8

"... the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:26-27 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, these two verses form the foundation of our understanding of Your presence with us and in us. You earlier told us that unless You went to be with the Father, that the Holy Spirit would not be sent. You assured us that Your ascension would result in a powerful result that touches each of us.

The Holy Spirit is the gift You gave us. You did not leave us to our own resources. You told us that the Holy Spirit would teach us all things and help us to remember Your statements to us. You have told us that the Holy Spirit is the great Enabler, the Counselor and the Comforter.

Jesus, it is impossible for us to go forward in service to You without the gift of the Holy Spirit. If we try to serve You in our own power, with our own understanding, we will fail. It is Your power in us that makes it possible for us to serve You. Help us, this day, to be cleansed and refreshed by the power of the Holy Spirit and to experience the enduring peace of Your presence. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, August 20

Peace, August 20

"... these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.

"But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, 'Where are You going?'

"But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

"And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

"of sin, because they do not believe in Me;

"of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;

"of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.

"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

"He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

"All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

John 16:4-15 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, for this wonderful set of facts, we are so grateful. You tell us, in the first person, that the Holy Spirit, having been sent, will convict the world of sin. Your crucifixion and resurrection, and the gift of the Holy Spirit to strengthen and teach us, is also a turning point in Your relationship with every person. You have planted the truth in our hearts, You have turned on a Light that either accuses us or excuses us.

We know, as a result of the Holy Spirit being sent, the truth, and if we seek the truth we will be set free. We also know that we are now without excuse before You. Our thoughts and actions are all known to You. The Holy Spirit either lifts us up, assuring us of Your presence, love and confirmation of our faith or the Holy Spirit convicts us, making us know for certain when we are disappointing You.

You tell us, Jesus, that the Holy Spirit will guide and teach us the truth. Your word is truth and it is a light within us. Help us to be what we could never be without You. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, July 31

Peace, July 31

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

John 16:33, Gal 5:22-25 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, we know that having Your presence in our lives and hearts brings us peace. Yet, we do not always feel at peace. We sometimes say the wrong things, do the wrong things and think the wrong things. We know, Jesus, there is no peace in disobedience. Help us today to do Your will at all times, knowing that when we do, peace comes as a gentle breeze and encompasses us, even in the midst of tribulation.

Jesus, the fruits of the Spirit are always before us as measuring sticks. We either bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit or in failing to do so we experience a sense of defeat, brought on by our own mistakes.

You speak of those who follow You as having crucified the flesh. Jesus, the instincts of the flesh, which are the very opposite of the fruits of the Spirit, need to be extinguished and You provide the enabling power for us to do so.

We need to know that the fire extinguisher is always full and ready and that we are able to use it over and over and not run low on the resource of Your power. Help us, today, to not walk away from the victory You have provided. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, July 11

Peace, July 11

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles--
...ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--
to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
...who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever...

Eph 3:1, 13-21 www.solascriptura.com

Father, Paul, a Jew, tried, as we know, to preach to the Jews about Jesus. They, for the most part, would not listen. It was no surprise to You that the Jews would not listen. You then sent him to preach to the Gentiles. Paul did so under great pressure and distress but here he tells us that his tribulations bring glory to us; salvation to us.

If and when we suffer for declaring You, Jesus, among men, we know that our tribulations bring glory to You. We never can out give You. What You did to redeem us exceeds anything we could have hoped for. Our manifest love for You is our response to Your love for us.

May we, this day, be strengthened in the inner man, be filled afresh with the Holy Spirit and willingly love and obey You. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, June 16

Peace, June 16

And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Phil 4:3-13 www.solascriptura.com

Father, Paul was a wonderful messenger and his word rings as true today as it did then. Help us to join with Paul in serving You. Strengthen us, every day, to cope with whatever comes and help us trust in Your promised compassion and direction for every circumstance we face.

Jesus, help us this day to focus on what is good, noble, pure, lovely and virtuous. We know that is Your will for us. Remove all temptation and sin from our lives, minds and hearts, we pray, in Your Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, May 28

Peace, May 28

... we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;

2 Pet 3:13-14 www.solascriptura.com

Father, all of our experiences are here and our points of reference are here, yet, Peter tells us that we are to look for new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells. We know that righteousness, for most people, does not dwell here. Sin abounds.

Help us, today, not to believe that life here is anything like life eternal. We know that perfect peace awaits us if we can but be diligent in our pursuit of a relationship with You. We say "pursuit" because we have learned that perfection awaits, it can not be fully grasped here.

We can only be without spot and blameless, Jesus, because of Your cleansing. We are able to approach the Father as a Friend because we are cloaked in Your righteousness. You, Jesus, are the pivot point upon which all of eternity turns. Without You and the ultimate sacrifice You made for us, our sins would still be with us.

Thank You God for providing such a perfect solution to our dilemma in this place. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, May 6

Peace, May 6

Flee... youthful lusts... pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

2 Timothy 2:22, Hebrews 12:14, www.solascriptura.com

Father, some of us are far too old to still be pursuing youthful lusts. Age, in itself, does not point to fewer tests. Will Satan ever stop tempting us? We know the answer. Not only will he persist and we also know that You permit the temptations to come. But, at the same time You promise to get us through the temptations of life, if we will but turn to You and trust You (Go to I Corinthians 10:13 and memorize it!).

There will come a day when Satan is restrained and Your joy will reign in the hearts of men (The Millennium) and there will be an even better day when Satan and his allies are destroyed forever. Then, in heaven, we will find out what is like to enjoy Your peace, happiness and joy eternal.

We seek Your Holiness here, today, feeling that if we persist in unholy acts, behaving as though we never knew You, that we will not be permitted stand in Your presence. We know we all sin and we know it is the cloak of Jesus upon us that permits us to enter Your presence. Lord, bestow upon us Your gifts today that we may be like You, sanctify us now and forever. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, April 13

Peace, April 13

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Romans 15:4-5, Hebrews 13:8 www.solascriptura.com

Father, this says that whatever was written in the Scriptures was written for our learning. Oh how we need to read Your word as persons dying of thirst for more knowledge of You. Your prophets tell us that the day will come when the Word is no longer available. Here it is at our fingertips Lord. Help us, today, to commit to a plan of reading Your word daily.

You tell us that it is the Scriptures that give us hope. Would it be true Father that if we do not have Your word stored in our heart that, in times of need for Your instruction, we would be without hope? We all have some knowledge of the Scriptures, Father, but we know You would not have us remain as babes in that regard.

Strengthen our resolve to "listen to You" and to speak with You many times a day. You are the same, yesterday, today and forever. You are our Light, You are the Word in our hearts. Bless us we pray, in Jesus' name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, March 21

Peace, March 21

...where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 3:16-18, www.solascriptura.com

Father, James, the half brother of Jesus, taught us some wonderful things and we are so grateful for his words. Here he reminds us that envy and self-seeking lead us into evil and confusion. We know, Father, that all people naturally seek to have more and better stuff. That instinct leads us into very immature behavior, at times.

We do seek Your blessing but help us to know why You have blessed us and why You will yet bless us. You have taught us that to whom much is given, much is required. Your blessings to us should cause us to want to be a blessing to others. That seems so right and so natural compared to being envious or self-seeking.

It is Your wisdom we seek, Your gentle and peaceful nature rendered to us without partiality. Help us to be helpful to others today, to deliver peace where there is strife and to trust You in all things. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, February 18

Peace, February 18

Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?"
And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
"Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.
"They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;
"for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Revelation 7:13-17 www.solascriptura.com

Father, we know that the great tribulation will be a time of extreme testing. There are those who will endure the temptations to serve someone beside You, but here these saints, whose sins were washed away by the blood of Your perfect Lamb, Jesus, are depicted as an example of what You have in store for the faithful.

We also see that those who are saved will serve You. Father, sometimes we think of our future with You as moments of esteem, where we are honored for our faith. Yes, we will be honored for our faith but our eternal future will be one of being led by You to the living water and our tears we shed here will be remembered no more and we will abide in perfection; no hunger, no thirst, no excess heat, but just joy in serving You, not seeking to be honored but to be led and shepherded by You.

Remove from us our earthly bonds that we might be with You but until then, help us to joyfully and faithfully serve others and to love and obey You. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, January 25, 2009

Peace, January 25, 2009

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Finally, brethren... Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

James 4:8, 2 Corinthians 13:11 www.solascriptura.com

Father, this simple admonition by James is a verse that constantly reminds us where the initiative must lie. We often lament over our circumstances, we feel alone, deserted and not cared for. Here we are taught by Jesus' brother that when we set out to draw near to You, You will draw near to us. The ball is in our court. It is our responsibility to act rather to complain about feeling impotent, lonely or depressed.

Then, Father, Paul says, "Become complete". Paul did not say "be" complete because we are all in a state of becoming and we will keep seeking sanctification until we are in heaven.

Help us, today, to commit ourselves to taking action that will identify us, unmistakably, as yours; our actions and our countenance bearing witness of our love for You. We stand in a hostile environment but it is Your peace that strengthens us.
May the God of love and peace be with each of us, every moment. We pray Father for Your peace in our hearts. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, December 22, 2008

Peace, December 22, 2008

Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.
LORD, I hope for Your salvation, and I do Your commandments.
My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.
I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You.
Let my cry come before You, O LORD; give me understanding according to Your word.
Let my supplication come before You; deliver me according to Your word.
My lips shall utter praise, for You teach me Your statutes.
My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness.
Let Your hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts.
I long for Your salvation, O LORD, and Your law is my delight.

Psalms 119:165-174 www.solascriptura.com

Father, to such wonderful words we can only say "amen" and then read them over and over. Your peace, that feeling that is unmatchable without Your presence, is our circumstance if we but seek You and love You. In Jesus' Holy name we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, December 7, 2008

Peace, December 7, 2008

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
... let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

Romans 12:18, 14:19 www.solascriptura.com

Father, we can not keep people from not liking us or wanting to do harm to us. But when efforts at peace depend upon us, regardless of the actions of another person, You tell us to seek to live peaceably with all men. Is there any redemptive power in being angry and revengeful? No, Father, it is clearly a sin to try to help You correct the sinner.

Help us to remember that each of us have sinned in different ways and that You, in Your mercy, have forgiven us. Help us this day to forgive someone that, up to now, we have been unable to forgive.

As we pursue peace with others we, according to Your word, actually edify and build up the other person. We, in fact, get the opposite of what anger would have yielded. Your way is always the best way. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, November 23, 2008

Peace, November 23, 2008

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding;
For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all
who retain her.

Proverbs 3:13-18, www.solascriptura.com

Father, we know that Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, asked You for the gift of wisdom and You granted it. Here we listen to Solomon praising wisdom, using the feminine gender, and considering wisdom in the same nurturing way as a mother is with a child. The gift of wisdom is a great comfort, a reassuring touch from You.

Father, we too seek wisdom, Your wisdom about earthly and spiritual matters. We often feel inadequate and unwise, but we know that as we turn to You that You lead us and teach us, as only You can.

These verses teach us that wisdom is more precious than any jewel, any riches or any earthly assets. It is a gift to be desired, a gift that enlightens us and gives meaning to the pursuit of life, whether we are rich or poor. Father, the challenges of life are too much for us, too often. Grant us Your peace and wisdom this day. In Jesus' Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, November 10, 2008

Peace, November 10, 2008

A wicked man hardens his face...
If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.

Proverbs 21:29, 29:9 www.solascriptura.com

Father, our countenance sometimes tells everything about us. Help us today to try to be as You Jesus. We pray that our countenance will reflect love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We know that list embodies the "fruits of the Spirit". If we could but genuinely feel that we are as a tree, a Christian tree, bearing unmistakably good, plentiful fruit.

We know it confuses our acquaintances when we bear good fruit one day and bad fruit the next. It is consistency for which we pray. Help us to do the right thing, even when we simply do not feel like it. Keep our feelings from dictating our actions, we pray. We know, Father, that we will begin to feel better when we are doing Your will and that when we fail to do Your will, it makes us feel awful.

You also teach us that when we contend with a foolish man there is no peace. Help us today to focus on presenting ourselves as one who is not contending, but as one who is caring. Caring will seldom get us in trouble and we thank You for teaching us how to bear good fruit. Bless us this day, in Jesus' name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, October 25, 2008

Peace, October 25, 2008

Then I returned and considered all the oppression that is done under the
sun: and look! The tears of the oppressed, but they have no comforter—on the side of their oppressors there is power, but they have no comforter.
Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.
The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh.
Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind.

Ecclesiastes 4:1, 4-6 www.solascriptura.com

Father, Solomon sees the oppressors and the tears of the oppressed, but sees no comforter. Had Solomon been a prophet, as well as the wisest man that ever lived, he would have capitalized Comforter and assured us that You, Jesus, were coming. The Scriptures refer to You, Jesus, in many ways, including Comforter, Counselor, Savior, Redeemer and Son of God. We know there are oppressors and always will be until the day of judgment but thank You God for our Comforter, the Holy Spirit sent, by You, to help us every moment of every day.

Solomon teaches us that admiring the work of others and being envious of them is vanity, a pursuit of what is not for what might be. Father, You give each of us gifts. Help us to never worry about what we do not have, in the way of talent, but to embrace and run forward with that which we do have.

Solomon also helps us understand that idleness leads to consumption of what we have, without replenishment. Yet, if both hands are "full" without quietness and peace, we have achieved vainly and without a good end. You have taught us Jesus, that if we possess all the riches of the world and have not Your love, we have nothing. This day, help us to work hard, to value obedience to You and to enjoy Your peace and comfort in every circumstance. You are our Comforter. We praise You for Your presence. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, October 16, 2008

Peace, October 16, 2008

"Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God.
"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, Your exact and specific words tell us that we are never alone, never forgotten and never without Your eye upon us. This is impossible for us to grasp. Our perspective stems from our experiences and we are not able to fully understand the concept of omnipresence. We know You have many angels (perhaps more than we could ever imagine) and that if you know every single aspect of our physical being, Your attention to us exceeds our understanding.

It does give rise to the fact that we should trust You and wait patiently upon Your responses to our needs. It is not as if You do not know our needs, even better than we do, it is just a fact that You do. As to whether You have the same level of concern about those who do not profess to know You, we are unsure. We do know that You desire that all persons love You and that they seek a personal relationship with You.

Help each of us to, as Paul puts it, "apprehend" a relationship with You. Until we are with You we will not quite be there but we continue to run the race set before us. Thank You for giving meaning to the pursuit of life eternal.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, October 1, 2008

Peace, October 1, 2008

Blessed be the LORD, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness...
For I said in my haste, "I am cut off from before Your eyes"; nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You.
Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person.
Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Ps 31:21-24, www.solascriptura.com

Father, No one has shown us the marvelous kindness that You have shown us. None of us feel worthy of Your concern for us. Even when we cry out in despair, doubting Your love for us because of our circumstances, You ignore our immature attitude and You bring us back to You, stronger.

You call us saints but warn us that pride is our enemy. Even after we have committed our lives to You, pride remains a problem. When we do good works, even then, pride lurks and You do not want us to be prideful. Help us today to focus on the joy of serving You and not have it spill over into self-congratulatory feelings.

You tell us repeatedly, to be of good courage, that You strengthen the hearts of those that seek to serve You, all who have hope in You. In whom else could we possibly place our hope; none but You. Thank You for loving us even when we are imperfect. Amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, September 28, 2008

Peace, September 28, 2008

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
"For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Matt 11:28-30 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, if there ever was a verse that applies to us every day, this is it. We sure feel burdened, some days more than others, and we often feel we can never effectively deal with this burden.

Thank You Jesus for teaching us that is exactly why You came; to relieve us of our burdens, to allow us to continue in a very sinful world without losing hope and to cope with issues that we feel are beyond us, more difficult that we can bear.

It is Your yoke we seek to wear, not ours. Help us to unburden ourselves and to place our cares upon You. When we do so, You say our load will lighten immediately. We will, at that moment, move from the burden of trying to understand our difficult situations (why me?!!) to grasping the reality that You do understand and that You will see us through the transitional problems of life.

Help us to see that problems here are not eternal problems and that suffering here is not to be followed by suffering there. Yes, we pray for clear sailing and no problems but You have told us, in advance, that trials will come, Satan is the great tempter and that sin will prevail on the face of this earth. That being the case, we choose to look to You for peace and comfort in the midst of difficulty. To whom else could we turn? In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, September 8, 2008

"... the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:26-27 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, these two verses form the foundation of our understanding of Your presence with us and in us. You earlier told us that unless You went to be with the Father, that the Holy Spirit would not be sent. You assured us that Your ascension would result in a powerful result that touches each of us.

The Holy Spirit is the gift You gave us. You did not leave us to our own resources. You told us that the Holy Spirit would teach us all things and help us to remember Your statements to us. You have told us that the Holy Spirit is the great Enabler, the Counselor and the Comforter.

Jesus, it is impossible for us to go forward in service to You without the gift of the Holy Spirit. If we try to serve You in our own power, with our own understanding, we will fail. It is Your power in us that makes it possible for us to serve You. Help us, this day, to be cleansed and refreshed by the power of the Holy Spirit and to experience the enduring peace of Your presence. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, August 20, 2008

Peace, August 20, 2008

"... these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.

"But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, 'Where are You going?'

"But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

"And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

"of sin, because they do not believe in Me;

"of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;

"of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.

"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

"He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

"All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

John 16:4-15 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, for this wonderful set of facts, we are so grateful. You tell us, in the first person, that the Holy Spirit, having been sent, will convict the world of sin. Your crucifixion and resurrection, and the gift of the Holy Spirit to strengthen and teach us, is also a turning point in Your relationship with every person. You have planted the truth in our hearts, You have turned on a Light that either accuses us or excuses us.

We know, as a result of the Holy Spirit being sent, the truth, and if we seek the truth we will be set free. We also know that we are now without excuse before You. Our thoughts and actions are all known to You. The Holy Spirit either lifts us up, assuring us of Your presence, love and confirmation of our faith or the Holy Spirit convicts us, making us know for certain when we are disappointing You.

You tell us, Jesus, that the Holy Spirit will guide and teach us the truth. Your word is truth and it is a light within us. Help us to be what we could never be without You. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, July 31, 2008

Peace, July 31, 2008

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

John 16:33, Gal 5:22-25 www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, we know that having Your presence in our lives and hearts brings us peace. Yet, we do not always feel at peace. We sometimes say the wrong things, do the wrong things and think the wrong things. We know, Jesus, there is no peace in disobedience. Help us today to do Your will at all times, knowing that when we do, peace comes as a gentle breeze and encompasses, even in the midst of tribulation.

Jesus, the fruits of the Spirit are always before us as measuring sticks. We either bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit or in failing to do so we experience a sense of defeat, brought on by our own mistakes.

You speak of those who follow You as having crucified the flesh. Jesus, the instincts of the flesh, which are the very opposite of the fruits of the Spirit, need to be extinguished and You provide the enabling power for us to do so.

We need to know that the fire extinguisher is always full and ready and that we are able to use it over and over and not run low on the resource of Your power. Help us, today, to not walk away from the victory You have provided. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, July 11, 2008

Peace, July 11, 2008

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles--
...ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--
to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
...who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever...

Eph 3:1, 13-21 www.solascriptura.com

Father, Paul, a Jew, tried, as we know, to preach to the Jews about Jesus. They, for the most part, would not listen. It was no surprise to You that the Jews would not listen. You then sent him to preach to the Gentiles. Paul did so under great pressure and distress but here he tells us that his tribulations bring glory to us; salvation to us.

If and when we suffer for declaring You, Jesus, among men, we know that our tribulations bring glory to You. We never can out give You. What You did to redeem us exceeds anything we could have hoped for. Our manifest love for You is our response to Your love for us.

May we, this day, be strengthened in the inner man, be filled afresh with the Holy Spirit and willingly love and obey You. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, June 16, 2008

Peace, June 16, 2008

And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Phil 4:3-13 www.solascriptura.com

Father, Paul was a wonderful messenger and his word rings as true today as it did then. Help us to join with Paul in serving You. Strengthen us, every day, to cope with whatever comes and help us trust in Your promised compassion and direction for every circumstance we face.

Jesus, help us this day to focus on what is good, noble, pure, lovely and virtuous. We know that is Your will for us. Remove all temptation and sin from our lives, minds and hearts, we pray, in Your Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, May 28, 2008

Peace, May 28, 2008

... we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;

2 Pet 3:13-14 www.solascriptura.com

Father, all of our experiences are here and our points of reference are here, yet, Peter tells us that we are to look for new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells. We know that righteousness, for most people, does not dwell here. Sin abounds.

Help us, today, not to believe that life here is anything like life eternal. We know that perfect peace awaits us if we can but be diligent in our pursuit of a relationship with You. We say "pursuit" because we have learned that perfection awaits, it can not be fully grasped here.

We can only be without spot and blameless, Jesus, because of Your cleansing. We are able to approach the Father as a Friend because we are cloaked in Your righteousness. You, Jesus, are the pivot point upon which all of eternity turns. Without You and the ultimate sacrifice You made for us, our sins would still be with us.

Thank You God for providing such a perfect solution to our dilemma in this place. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, May 6, 2008

Peace, May 6, 2008

Flee... youthful lusts... pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

2 Timothy 2:22, Hebrews 12:14, www.solascriptura.com

Father, some of us are far too old to still be pursuing youthful lusts. Will Satan ever stop tempting us? We know the answer. Not only will he persist and we also know that You permit the temptations to come. But, at the same time You promise to get us through the temptations of life, if we will but turn to You and trust You (Go to I Corinthians 10:13 and memorize it!).

There will come a day when Satan is restrained and Your joy will reign in the hearts of men (The Millennium) and there will be an even better day when Satan and his allies are destroyed forever. Then, in heaven, we will find out what is like to enjoy Your peace, happiness and joy eternal.

We seek Your Holiness here, today, knowing that if we are unholy, we will never stand in Your presence. Lord, bestow upon us Your gifts today that we may be like You, now and forever. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Peace, April 13, 2008

Peace, April 13, 2008

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Romans 15:4-5, Hebrews 13:8 www.solascriptura.com

Father, this says that whatever was written in the Scriptures was written for our learning. Oh how we need to read Your word as persons dying of thirst for more knowledge of You. Your prophets tell us that the day will come when the Word is no longer available. Here it is at our fingertips Lord. Help us, today, to commit to a plan of reading Your word daily.

You tell us that it is the Scriptures that give us hope. Would it be true Father that if we do not have Your word stored in our heart that, in times of need for Your instruction, we would be without hope? We all have some knowledge of the Scriptures, Father, but we know You would not have us remain as babes in that regard.

Strengthen our resolve to "listen to You" and to speak with You many times a day. You are the same, yesterday, today and forever. You are our Light, You are the Word in our hearts. Bless us we pray, in Jesus' name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

To be removed click here:

http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=162881&c=207588

Peace, March 21, 2008

Peace, March 21, 2008

...where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 3:16-18, www.solascriptura.com

Father, James, the half brother of Jesus, taught us some wonderful things and we are so grateful for his words. Here he reminds us that envy and self-seeking lead us into evil and confusion. We know, Father, that all people naturally seek to have more and better stuff. That instinct leads us into very immature behavior, at times.

We do seek Your blessing but help us to know why You have blessed us and why You will yet bless us. You have taught us that to whom much is given, much is required. Your blessings to us should cause us to want to be a blessing to others. That seems so right and so natural compared to being envious or self-seeking.

It is Your wisdom we seek, Your gentle and peaceful nature rendered to us without partiality. Help us to be helpful to others today, to deliver peace where there is strife and to trust You in all things. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen.

Bruce Caldwell

To be removed click here:

http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=10466934&l=19402&s=O8UL&m=161549&c=207588

Peace #28

...You are my strength.
Into Your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.

Make Your face shine upon Your servant; save me for Your mercies' sake. Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!
You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; you shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Psalms 31:4-5, 16, 19-20, www.solascriptura.com

Father, without You, we often feel impotent, unable to cope with the challenges. But when our hearts are filled with the Holy Spirit, we acquire Your strength. We have not only committed our spirit but we have gained redemption at the same time.

Your face continually shines upon us, Your mercies are ever-present. The fact that heaven awaits, a place of perfection beyond our present understanding, motivates us to seek more of Your presence now.

Then You tell us that You hide us from the plots of man, You protect us from the strife that would overtake us without Your care. Help us today to look inward and to consider what it means to be in a secret place with You. We are never alone and never in only our strength. We thank You Jesus. Amen.
Bruce Caldwell