Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Peace

I have been dwelling on verses from the Gospel of John all morning, reminding myself that though the world is falling apart, I still have an Anchor to the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ. Here are just a few of the verses. I won't give any commentary on them, as they don't need any. Just let the Word of God speak to your heart.

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:1-3).

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Yes, only in Jesus, the Prince of Peace, can we ever find perfect peace and rest. Let's turn to Him with our whole hearts!

Blessings,
Melody

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Our Refuge

In a day and age where the world seems to be spinning out of control, when the stench of sin permeates the air you breathe, when economic collapse seems certain, when the sanctity of marriage is treated as worthless, when countless babies are sacrificed (i.e., murdered) on the altar of selfishness and convenience, and when you just don't know what to do or where to go, there is a Refuge.

This Refuge has been a Strong Tower through every storm. No tempest has ever marred its pristine walls; no tumult has ever shaken its foundation. Throughout the pages of history, this Sanctuary has sheltered the hungry, the naked, the weak, the sick, the persecuted, and the forsaken, and has given them food, clothing, strength, health, defense, and friendship. No other Refuge has ever stood so sure--so strong throughout the ages. No other has given of itself so freely, without expectation of return.

Within its walls, you can find rest, comfort, hope, sustenance, joy, love, and peace--peace like no other, and peace without end. Yes, this our Refuge, our Strong Tower, our Hope--our God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He calls to us, saying,

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).

And, "lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matthew 28:20).

Yes, our God is a refuge for us. Let us flee to Him, and rest in the shelter of His mighty hand.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).

"The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge" (Psalm 46:7).

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe" (Proverbs 18:10).

"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower" (Psalm 18:2).

"Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress." (Psalm 71:3).

"I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust" (Psalm 91:2).

Blessings,
Melody