Greetings!    
 

The love of the Lord our God surrounds and comforts us like a warm blanket. 

This sure is a chilly winter for many of us in the northern-most regions of the country.  Yet the stillness of the winter season brings a peaceful feeling as if the Lord is covering us with His blanket of love to warm us up - like a warm blanket of snow or a ray of sunshine.  With each snowflake that falls, it's like a kiss to your eyes, or that tropical breeze as a soft touch on your cheek.  You can feel love greeting you and warming your heart with peace.

The light of the Lord's love and presence enters, and you feel at peace!  Sometimes we face challenging moments, yet each one can be filled with peace when we focus on God.  Tuning-in to His love and the gifts of the season God created, helps us to know that He is near and there is peace on earth.  

  "The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." - Zephaniah 3:17

After a busy day, I reflect on this and ask myself, how did I spend my time with the Lord and did I serve Him well today?  This is my gauge for creating peace within myself each day.  If we can be peace in this way, the doing can be as natural as breathing.  We then create the peace we long for in ourselves, for others and love flourishes as a result.

Dr. Peale often suggested this: "Repeat to yourself, John 14:27 - "Imagine Jesus Christ as placing His hand on your head and saying to you: My peace I give unto you... let not your heart be troubled."  Then say those words again aloud.  Try using the tone you think Jesus Christ used when He said them.  Sit in a relaxed posture for two or three minutes while thinking the kindliest, most spiritual, most outgoing thoughts you can develop. Think generously, think gratefully, think peacefully!"

Reaching out in compassion and love to others can surround your life with love to create a peaceful heart and soul. Who needs my love today? How can I be ready to love all I meet as I would treat and love Christ - as Christ loved?

Is it a close or distant relative, someone you need to forgive, a friend, a neighbor,   your spouse, someone who works for you or with you, a classmate, a total stranger, a teacher? Who is in your life that needs a caring heart and gesture of compassion that would unlock the door to peace and love.

"Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you."
 - 2 Corinthians 13:11

Experiment with prayerful greetings of love.  Greet others by reminding yourself, "what is divine in me recognizes and greets what is divine in you", or said in a slightly different way, "the Christ in me greets the Christ in you."

"Love" is what draws us closer to the Lord.  When we recognize His love for us and the possibility for us to love others as He does, there really is peace, comfort and a feeling of wholeness.  And, when we pray for another, this is a way we can give our love unconditionally.  Prayer is a form of this unconditional love.  Through unconditional love and peace, you may also see someone through Gods loving eyes.

  CLICK HERE for God's Perfect Peace Day of Prayer - February 13th

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you." - Isaiah 26:3

  

 Daily Reflections

  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
 

A Time to Think

Answered Prayers 

Prayer is the foundation of which we build our lives. Take time to pray for your own needs and the needs of others. Spend time with God and feel the embrace of his loving care for you. God is peace, and through prayer He listens.

Come pray with us!