Sound Mind Set

Matthew 16:13-17 NLT“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.”There was confusion amongst the people early on, even among his own disciples, about who Jesus truly was. Was He John the Baptist returned from the grave after his execution? Or was He one of the Old Testament prophets coming back for “round two?” Men were trying to identify Jesus as another man, when He was actually God.Is your faith your own? Do you feel you inherited it from someone or maybe felt pressure at some point in your life to believe?Listen closely once again: “Jesus … asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-16 NLT) Courage is making your own decision about Jesus and sticking by it. Each person must make their own choice and “own” their own faith. No one should be talked into a relationship with Jesus, so no one can talk them out of it either. As Jesus told Peter, “You didn't learn this truth from a human, but from God. He reveals the truth to hearts.”Today, for you, all that matters is who you say Jesus is, to you, for you.Let's pray: “Lord Jesus, You are who You said and say You are—the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. As above, so below. Amen.”

Luke 6:27-31 NLT“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don't try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.The world's definition of courage at times mirrors God's, but plenty of other times does not at all. One of the greatest examples is that the Jewish people were looking for a Messiah with the type of courage that rides in on a horse, wields a sword, and administers justice by force. But God sent His Son who became a carpenter that taught peace and unconditional love. His courage came to conquers hearts, not kingdoms.Jesus' words are just as counter-cultural today as they were back then. To offer love to those who offend … People then thought, “Who does that?” People today think, “Why would someone do that?”Who is one person that comes to mind that you can do the unexpected, unwarranted act of kindness towards? The person that requires courage to humble yourself and serve?Listen closely once again to Jesus, this time from the Message Bible: “To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more payback. Live generously. Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!”The Kingdom of God has always run in full opposition to the world's ways. Man says to hate the haters; God says to love the haters. Man says to get revenge; God says to repent. Man says to take; God says to give. Man says you only give to get; God says you get so you can give. Who does that? We should. Why would someone do that? Because He told us we should. That is real courage.Let's pray: “Lord Jesus, the only possible way we could have such courage and do any of the things You tell us is because You empower us to do so. Teach us, guide us, lead us, en-courage us to act like You. As above, so below. Amen”

Philippians 2:1-5 NLTIs there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.Paul was asking the believers at Philippi, first, have they received any benefit from being in their community of faith. Knowing their answer would be yes, he encouraged them with some basic dos and don'ts of loving one another. He closes the thought with the challenge of having the same attitude as Jesus. Why? Because we all know our attitude drives our thoughts, words, and actions.A community in Christ is going to be marked and known by its attitude that reflects His nature first. All else will follow from that source.Think for a moment about the circles you frequent. What is the attitude of each? How do they impact your own attitude?Listen again to Paul's very intentional words from the Message:If you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.This passage is about our attitude. As we close and you breathe a few deep breathes, ask God to reveal your attitude to you. Is it selfless and sacrificial or selfish and self serving?The good news of the Gospel is you can have the attitude of Christ Himself and your community will benefit by your choice.Let's make Paul words our prayer today: “Father, thank You for the encouragement in belonging to Christ, the comfort from Your love, the fellowship together in Your Spirit that allows our hearts to be tender and compassionate. In my own community, guide me to live in wholehearted agreement with others, love, and work with one mind and purpose. Help me to not be selfish; not work to impress others, to be humble, and think of others as better than me, to not look out for my own interests, but take an interest in others. May I have the same attitude as Christ. As above, so below. Amen”

Proverbs 27:17 NLTAs iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.If you take a dull knife and a sharp one and begin to rub the blades against one another for the purpose of sharpening the dull one, the reality is that both are going to be sharpened in the process. Even in mentoring relationships where an older and wiser person is pouring into a younger one, both are blessed by the interaction and learn from each other. So, the reality of our interaction within a Christian community is that iron sharpens iron—both ways. Everyone wins.For the Christ follower, interacting in a community is always a two-way street. Because of the very nature of Christ's Spirit living within us and leading us, we will always grow and mature by and through the relationships we share.Right now in your life, who are you in the sharpening process with?Listen to The Good News Bible's version of Proverbs 27:17:People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron.This slightly different twist allows for the fact that in the kingdom of God, even a brother or sister that we may disagree with on some issues, we can learn something of value from. Being an active part of a biblical community means teachability and humility are necessary dynamics for us all. Growing, challenging, teaching, sharing, and sharpening. Today, who is one person you can thank for being a constant sharpening force in your life - don't wait to let them know. And who might God bring to mind that you can be an active sharpening tool for in your circle?Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for all those in my life that sharpen me, whether in full agreement or some disagreement. Thank you for all those who allow me the privilege of sharpening them. May I stay teachable, humble, fully obedient to You. As above, so below. Amen”

Romans 15:4-6 NLTSuch things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.From the first day of creation, God birthed order, purpose, and unity into all things. Even after sin and rebellion entered the world, His ways were still available to practice as we see in the lives of those in the Old Testament. Regardless of how anyone else may choose to live, He has given us the ability to commune together in patience, encouragement, harmony, and unity. Both our individual work and our corporate worship can reflect His nature, producing good and blessing to others.At any age we are and any stage of life, the community to which we commit our hearts and minds is crucial to our personal quality of life and faith. Those we join together with will determine our life and our future.Is there a community you need to leave or have outgrown?Is there a community you need to commit to and add your voice?As you consider these questions, listen to this passage once more from the Message: … May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we'll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!A community that lives in complete harmony? Sounds a lot like Heaven, doesn't it? But Scripture is clear that we can get started right here, right now. What is one way you can move towards strengthening the harmony between those in your community today?Let's pray: “Father, while I wait for Your promises to be fulfilled, please give me patience and encouragement, help me live in complete harmony with others, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Lead me to join my voice to the community that gives praise and glory to You, Father. As above, so below. Amen”

Ruth 1:16 NLTWherever you go, I will go, and wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.This is, of course, the well-known answer Ruth gave to her mother-in-law, Naomi, recorded in the Book of Ruth after Naomi tells Ruth to go back to her own family, after both had lost their husbands.Ruth's declaration to Naomi that you are now my family and I am committed to you is as admirable as it is poetic.There is a strong connection in Christ that causes His followers to have deep roots that intertwine and strengthen each other in Him. This level of commitment that Ruth expressed is found in true biblical community. We have the same God, have made the same commitment, therefore we have a heavenly connection that He began and only He will separate if His purposes decide.Think for a moment about who you have this depth of love toward and who has the same towards you. Maybe this is a reminder to reaffirm and encourage someone in your life, letting them know how grateful and committed to the friendship you are.Listen once again: Wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. (Ruth 1:16 NLT) The key to this type of community in Christ is never about ourselves, but the other person. We place others first to love and care for them, trusting and knowing they will do the same, without expectation, without fear, in grace and truth. Is there someone in your life that you can say with this conviction - your people are my people? Does that person know your commitment to the connection you have?Pray with me: “Father, thank You for the freedom we can experience in friendship and community in You to be free to love and trust because ultimately what we share is in You and about You. Thank You for allowing us the privilege of sharing life with others, knowing You are our God. As above, so below. Amen.”

Proverbs 18:24 MSGFriends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.In our culture today, people have never been busier and never so isolated. Couple that dynamic with social media and we quickly find that real friendship, true friends of the heart and soul, have become somewhat of a lost art. For those who follow Christ, the opportunity to develop a core circle to go deep together will always be possible.We all know that friends we choose can become closer than some family. The kind of friend Solomon described in today's verse stays steady and true while others move in and out of our lives. We pick up right where we left off, no matter how long ago the last visit has been. You never have to explain yourself because you are forever understood and accepted.Picture in your mind those one or two friends that are there for you, no matter what. What are your favorite things about them? How do they make you feel when you are down? Thank God for them, the gift of true community.Listen again to Proverbs 18:24: Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.For the next few minutes, focus on the best Friend you will ever have, the One who is there during the victories of the day and the heartaches in the night, the One who created you, redeemed you, and brought you into His family forever—Jesus Christ.Ask God to reveal an even deeper level of intimate friendship with Him.Let's pray, friend: “Dear Jesus, thank You for my heart friends, my soul friends, those You have placed in my life that truly do stick by me closer than family. Thank You for Your friendship and allowing me to be Your friend. As above, so below. Amen”

Luke 18:15-17 NLTOne day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”Jesus made His message clear: He wants parents to bring their children to Him to touch and bless. He wants no one to stop His interaction with His kids for any reason. There is no such thing as “bothering” Jesus for you or your kids. In fact, He said His kingdom belongs to children. No matter how old someone is, the way to enter His presence is to have the heart and faith of a child.Is it time for you to take your kids to Jesus and, all of you, even you as their parent, become like little children before Him?How would it look different in your life to approach your Father as a little child? Maybe there would be less pressure on trying to be perfect to approach Him? Picture yourself coming to His open arms as the little girl or boy that you were.Read just verses 15 and 16 again with the emphasis only on the parents, the children, and Jesus:One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. … Jesus called for the children and said …, “Let the children come to me. … For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.”Today, for our closing prayer, in this quiet moment, envision bringing each of your children before Jesus.Ask Him to hold them, love them, and bless them.And while you're there, as His child, allow Him to do the same for you.“As above, so below, Amen.”

Today, we will focus on three verses on parenting from The Message Bible.A refusal to correct is a refusal to love; love your children by disciplining them. (Proverbs 13:24 MSG) God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children. (Proverbs 20:7 MSG) Discipline your children; you'll be glad you did—they'll turn out delightful to live with. (Proverbs 29:17 MSG) Because God was the first Parent, the Bible is clear that discipline is a natural and necessary part of the process. It is important to remember that discipline is not punishment. It is guiding, building into and yes, sometimes correcting them. God says He disciplines us because He loves us. If He did not care, He would not care if we changed either.Regardless of how you were raised, you can look to God to teach you how correct and balanced discipline can benefit both you and your children in a spirit of love and grace.God disciplines us because He loves us. You are His delight and He desires your relationship with Him to become more loyal and more honest each day. You can reflect that same deliberate guiding love to your children as You receive from God.Pray: “Thank You, Father, for discipline and correction. Help me when I get it wrong and help me to see when I get it right. Guide me, balance me, in Your love and grace. As above, so below, Amen.”

Psalm 145:3-7 NLTGreat is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.Every belief system is always just one generation from extinction. That is exactly why over and over we see in God's Word, how He wants us, first, to be a witness to our children. He wants us to show our kids through our words and actions that He is real and wants a relationship with us.Right now, in your life, what is God doing that your kids need to hear about from your heart?Let's take the psalmist's prayer and personalize the words to God from you:Great are You, Lord! You are most worthy of praise! No one can measure Your greatness. I will tell my children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on my tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. I will share the story of your wonderful goodness; I will sing with joy about your righteousness.Declaring these words is humbling. Telling our children what God is doing in us is powerful. Making Him real to them is a privilege. Allowing them to see Him through your life is exactly what God wants to do in your parenting. Be obedient to Him and He will be faithful to you and the generation you are raising now.Pray: “Heavenly Father, prompt me by Your Spirit to share with my kids the blessings You give and the burdens You take bear for us. Lead me to share Your story, in my story, as together we write their story. As above, so below, Amen.”

Psalm 127:3-4 NIVChildren are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth.When God allows us to be parents, He is blessing us with a responsibility and trusting us with the stewardship of life that He created. God made your children and is entrusting you with their lives. That says a lot about God, but also says a lot about how He feels about you.If you have never thought of parenting in that light, let that truth sink in for just a moment.Listen to the psalmist's words one more time, this time for the Message bible Don't you see that children are God's best gift?the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?Like a warrior's fistful of arrowsare the children of a vigorous youth.Oh, how blessed are you parents,with your quivers full of children!Loving parents are indeed warriors in the eyes of God. The concept in this verse means that one day, as a parent, you will draw back your bow with all the ways that you have invested in your child for so many years. And, like an arrow, each one of your children will fly out into the world, into their adult lives, to be all that God created them to be. So, for now, through prayer, through intentional time, through the grace of God, be a warrior … for your children … in Jesus's name.Let's pray: “Thank You, heavenly Father, for my children, for my heritage in You, in your long line of love and legacy of faith. Strengthen me, empower me, to be a warrior as both a parent and Your child. As above, so below, Amen.”

“He will bless those who fear the Lord, both great and lowly. May the Lord richly bless both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth.“ (Psalm 115:13-15, NLT)In today's passage the word fear is best thought of as great respect and awe. No matter how great or lowly we might be, or we might feel in the moment, God is worthy of our praise and admiration. We look to him for blessing us and our children. In seasons of good times, we can find it easy to feel blessed.But in the tough seasons of life or in a crisis, when blessings seem far away, that is exactly the best time for us to look towards and ask for God's blessing. All he asks is to acknowledge him for who he is. Creator, Father, God. Today, in this moment can you…will you…receive the rich blessing the Lord has for you and your children? Take in these words that are meant for you, no matter how you might feel today, and let God bless all who fear God. “Bless the small, bless the great. Oh, let God enlarge your families - giving growth to you, growth to your children. May you be blessed by God, by God who made heaven and earth. The heaven of heavens is for God, but he puts us in charge of the earth.” (Psalm 115:13-15, The Message Bible)I want you to believe with all your heart, soul and mind that those words were written for you and for your children. If you have committed the lives of you and your children into His hands, with God as our perfect Father, he desires to bless you all today. And in all the seasons to come. “Father God, I receive and accept your blessing for me, for my children, and our home. I believe you desire to bless me, and right now I ask you to bless (take a moment to name each of your children and ask him to bless each one). Father, please help me to have your heart for my children and to bless them as their parent as you bless us. As above, so below. Amen.”

Luke 18:15-17 NLTOne day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”Jesus made His message clear: He wants parents to bring their children to Him to touch and bless. He wants no one to stop His interaction with His kids for any reason. There is no such thing as “bothering” Jesus for you or your kids. In fact, He said His kingdom belongs to children. No matter how old someone is, the way to enter His presence is to have the heart and faith of a child.Is it time for you to take your kids to Jesus and, all of you, even you as their parent, become like little children before Him?How would it look different in your life to approach your Father as a little child? Maybe there would be less pressure on trying to be perfect to approach Him? Picture yourself coming to His open arms as the little girl or boy that you were.Read just verses 15 and 16 again with the emphasis only on the parents, the children, and Jesus:One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. … Jesus called for the children and said …, “Let the children come to me. … For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.”Today, for our closing prayer, in this quiet moment, envision bringing each of your children before Jesus.Ask Him to hold them, love them, and bless them.And while you're there, as His child, allow Him to do the same for you.“As above, so below, Amen.”

Today, we will focus on three verses on parenting from The Message Bible.A refusal to correct is a refusal to love; love your children by disciplining them. (Proverbs 13:24 MSG) God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children. (Proverbs 20:7 MSG) Discipline your children; you'll be glad you did—they'll turn out delightful to live with. (Proverbs 29:17 MSG) Because God was the first Parent, the Bible is clear that discipline is a natural and necessary part of the process. It is important to remember that discipline is not punishment. It is guiding, building into and yes, sometimes correcting them. God says He disciplines us because He loves us. If He did not care, He would not care if we changed either.Regardless of how you were raised, you can look to God to teach you how correct and balanced discipline can benefit both you and your children in a spirit of love and grace.God disciplines us because He loves us. You are His delight and He desires your relationship with Him to become more loyal and more honest each day. You can reflect that same deliberate guiding love to your children as You receive from God.Pray: “Thank You, Father, for discipline and correction. Help me when I get it wrong and help me to see when I get it right. Guide me, balance me, in Your love and grace. As above, so below, Amen.”

Psalm 145:3-7 NLTGreat is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.Every belief system is always just one generation from extinction. That is exactly why over and over we see in God's Word, how He wants us, first, to be a witness to our children. He wants us to show our kids through our words and actions that He is real and wants a relationship with us.Right now, in your life, what is God doing that your kids need to hear about from your heart?Let's take the psalmist's prayer and personalize the words to God from you:Great are You, Lord! You are most worthy of praise! No one can measure Your greatness. I will tell my children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on my tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. I will share the story of your wonderful goodness; I will sing with joy about your righteousness.Declaring these words is humbling. Telling our children what God is doing in us is powerful. Making Him real to them is a privilege. Allowing them to see Him through your life is exactly what God wants to do in your parenting. Be obedient to Him and He will be faithful to you and the generation you are raising now.Pray: “Heavenly Father, prompt me by Your Spirit to share with my kids the blessings You give and the burdens You take bear for us. Lead me to share Your story, in my story, as together we write their story. As above, so below, Amen.”

Psalm 127:3-4 NIVChildren are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth.When God allows us to be parents, He is blessing us with a responsibility and trusting us with the stewardship of life that He created. God made your children and is entrusting you with their lives. That says a lot about God, but also says a lot about how He feels about you.If you have never thought of parenting in that light, let that truth sink in for just a moment.Listen to the psalmist's words one more time, this time for the Message bible Don't you see that children are God's best gift?the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?Like a warrior's fistful of arrowsare the children of a vigorous youth.Oh, how blessed are you parents,with your quivers full of children!Loving parents are indeed warriors in the eyes of God. The concept in this verse means that one day, as a parent, you will draw back your bow with all the ways that you have invested in your child for so many years. And, like an arrow, each one of your children will fly out into the world, into their adult lives, to be all that God created them to be. So, for now, through prayer, through intentional time, through the grace of God, be a warrior … for your children … in Jesus's name.Let's pray: “Thank You, heavenly Father, for my children, for my heritage in You, in your long line of love and legacy of faith. Strengthen me, empower me, to be a warrior as both a parent and Your child. As above, so below, Amen.”

“He will bless those who fear the Lord, both great and lowly. May the Lord richly bless both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth.“ (Psalm 115:13-15, NLT)In today's passage the word fear is best thought of as great respect and awe. No matter how great or lowly we might be, or we might feel in the moment, God is worthy of our praise and admiration. We look to him for blessing us and our children. In seasons of good times, we can find it easy to feel blessed.But in the tough seasons of life or in a crisis, when blessings seem far away, that is exactly the best time for us to look towards and ask for God's blessing. All he asks is to acknowledge him for who he is. Creator, Father, God. Today, in this moment can you…will you…receive the rich blessing the Lord has for you and your children? Take in these words that are meant for you, no matter how you might feel today, and let God bless all who fear God. “Bless the small, bless the great. Oh, let God enlarge your families - giving growth to you, growth to your children. May you be blessed by God, by God who made heaven and earth. The heaven of heavens is for God, but he puts us in charge of the earth.” (Psalm 115:13-15, The Message Bible)I want you to believe with all your heart, soul and mind that those words were written for you and for your children. If you have committed the lives of you and your children into His hands, with God as our perfect Father, he desires to bless you all today. And in all the seasons to come. “Father God, I receive and accept your blessing for me, for my children, and our home. I believe you desire to bless me, and right now I ask you to bless (take a moment to name each of your children and ask him to bless each one). Father, please help me to have your heart for my children and to bless them as their parent as you bless us. As above, so below. Amen.”

Today, we close out Psalm 139 and our focus of how we were each created and designed to be a part of God's creation and community:(Psalm 139:17-18, 23-24 NLT)How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! … Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalm 139:17-18, 23-24 NLT) As good parents, we think of our kids when they are not with us. We wonder what they're doing, if they are okay, and hope they know we love them. God as the perfect Father is always with us, but even still He keeps us on His mind. His love, grace, and care keep us on His path to a full life today and eternal life to come.Invite God into your thoughts, your heart. Give Him room to show You His love and keep You close to Him today.Take in these words once again, this time from the Message bible:Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful!God, I'll never comprehend them!I couldn't even begin to count them—any more than I could count the sand of the sea.Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!And please, God, do away with wickedness for good! … Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life..How does it feel to know the God of the universe thought are about you right now? You are on His mind, right now.Let's make the psalmist's words our prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. As above, so below.”

Psalm 139:13-16You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.The psalmist David tells us how God planned each of us, mapped out our days, every moment with purpose. And then inside our mother's womb, He formed exactly and accurately the person we would become who could accomplish His plan inside His community of creation.When you have those days where you think your life is random, or an accident, or you question your purpose, remember this truth about your life.Have you considered that no one else in history has ever had your fingerprints, as if God signed the masterpiece He created in you?Listen once again to key phrases this time from the Message Bible:You know me inside and out,you know every bone in my body;You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something.Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day.God does indeed have a plan for your life. He made you to fit into His creation and community. No one else can ever be who you are or do what He intends for you alone to accomplish.PRAYER: “Thank You, Father, for my life. Thank You for forming me, as well as Your plan for my days. Help me to trust You and walk with You in each moment You have mapped out for me. As above, so below.”

Acts 4:32-35 NLTAll the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.All were united in heart and mind. Sharing what they had. No one needy among them.Only God can change the human soul to cooperate, unite, and love like that, selflessly, literally bringing Heaven to earth.Today, His life is available. His love is available. His Spirit can touch our lives to love, care, and share like those first disciples.This passage creates a longing to be united in heart and mind with other believers.Can you make yourself available to love selflessly today?Read once more this time from the Message Bible:The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn't even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That's mine; you can't have it.” They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them.And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale to the apostles and made an offering of it. The apostles then distributed it according to each person's need.No matter how independent we may think ourselves to be, we need care. We need help. We need others. True community is finding common ground coupled with unity. Focused on what draws us together, rather than divides. Peace over chaos. Responsibility over rights. Giving. Caring. Loving like Jesus.Let's pray together: “Lord of all, thank You for Your Spirit that unites us in one heart and mind. Thank You that in You we can meet one another's needs, share our blessings, and love with the kind of love that only Heaven can give. As above, so below.”

Psalm 139:1-5 NLTO Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.Living within the care and community of God means that He sees every aspect of who we are. What we do and what we don't. What we say and what we won't. From our hearts to our homes. From our ways to our work. No matter where we go, He is there. Aware. Available. Active.Can you sense God's presence everywhere in your life?Listen to the shepherd, king, and psalmist David's words again this time from the Message Bible:God, I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence.… I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going.Take a moment to reflect on the last verse: “your reassuring presence, coming and going..” Invite … allow … accept … feel … the Lord's presence on you right now—for no reason other than to bless you.Let's pray together: “Thank You, Father, that You know me intimately. My heart. My words. My actions. Everything I do and everywhere I go, You watch over me. Thank You for your blessing today. May my life bless You. As above, so below.”

Genesis 1:26-27, 30-31 NLTThen God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. … And that is what happened. … Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!God said “let us”—us being the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—“in our image.” We were created by a Community, in community, for community.The Father made us, the Son saves us, the Spirit guides us. Right now, when God sees you, when He looks at who you are, He sees you as “very good.”Can you, will you accept today that God looks at you with eyes of love and goodness?Listen again to these key phrases, this time from the Message Bible:God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature. … God created human beings; he created them Reflecting God's nature..… God looked over everything he had made; it was so good, so very good! (Genesis 1:26-27, 30-31 NLT) Right now, close your eyes and picture Your loving heavenly Father, Your Creator, looking at You, inviting You into His community, caring for You, and pleased with who He made you to be.Can you accept that He says this of you right now - God looked over everything he had made, He looks over you and says; it is so good, so very good!Pray with me: “Creator God, Father, thank You that you made me with purpose, for a purpose. You created me to live in community with You and for You. Help me to always remember that I am made in Your image. As above, so below.”

Today, we close out our week, focusing on hope.Romans15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.Hope is something that often eludes us. Day-to-day, we can get so lost in the stress and anxiety of our culture that our sense of hope feels diminished. That's why this passage cuts through. It starts by saying that we are sons and daughters of the ‘God of hope'. What is an area in your life right now that feels hopeless?It says we will be filled with hope, joy and peace as we trust in Him. Right now, can you reaffirm your trust in our God of hope?It also says the power of the Holy Spirit will cause us to overflow with hope.Can you invite the Holy Spirit to release the power of Hope in your life so that it ‘overflows to those around us?Pray with me: “God of hope, please fill me with joy and peace, and help me trust you in all areas of my life. I ask that your Holy Spirit would fill me with the hope that overflows into those around me. As above, so below. ”

Psalm 77:11-15I will remember the deeds of the Lord;    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.I will consider all your works    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”Your ways, God, are holy.    What god is as great as our God?You are the God who performs miracles;    you display your power among the peoples.With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,    the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.There is a Hebrew word that shows up often in the Bible; the word is  ZAKAR, meaning remember. Often when God had provided a way through or a victory, people who witnessed it would stop what they were doing, and build an altar to celebrate the faithfulness of God. Jesus, on his last night with his disciples before his crucifixion, told us all to do this very thing. To take the bread and the cup in remembrance of him. There's more to this practice than just calling back to mind something that has happened. It is ruminating on the faithfulness of God that anchors us. Can you think of a situation where you didn't see a way through, where you had come to the end of yourself, but God came through? Take a moment and put yourself back in that situation of desperation, feel the doubt, feel the fear, and now remember what it felt like when you realized things were going to be OK... when you saw God come through. Ruminate on what it felt like for God to deliver, and know that that same power is available to you right now, whatever you are facingLet's pray together: “Father, help me to commit myself to the act of remembrance. To remember Your faithful power that I have seen at work in my life. Help me to hold on to that awareness when I come into situations where I don't know what to do. As above, so below”

Psalm 107:1-9Oh, thank God—he's so good!    His love never runs out. All of you set free by God, tell the world!    Tell how he freed you from oppression, Then rounded you up from all over the place,    from the four winds, from the seven seas.Some of you wandered for years in the desert,    looking but not finding a good place to live, Half-starved and parched with thirst,    staggering and stumbling, on the brink of exhaustion. Then, in your desperate condition, you called out to God.    He got you out in the nick of time; He put your feet on a wonderful road    that took you straight to a good place to live. So thank God for his marvelous love,    for his miracle mercy to the children he loves. He poured great drafts of water down parched throats;    the starved and hungry got plenty to eat.This is a beautiful Psalm about the goodness of God. So many times in life, we can feel knocked around by circumstances. Feeling overwhelmed by the demands, the responsibilities and the challenges that we all face, can sometimes take our focus off the goodness of God . This Psalm has 34 more verses just like the ones we've read. Over and over, describing God coming to our aid in difficult circumstances and challenges. The common thread of all these verses explains the only thing that we are responsible for is calling out to him… and he comes through. Take a moment to realize the goodness of God in your life is just a request away. Crying out to him doesn't always result in us getting our way, but it does lead us to an abundant life, even amid the circumstances that we find ourselves in. That abundant life is God's goodness, and we can be expectant that he delivers His abundance, peace, and reassurance if we just cry out for him. Be aware that his goodness and presence are all around you regardless of your circumstance.PRAYFather thank you for your goodness which always comes through. Please help me to be patient. Help me to be aware and expectant that amid whatever challenge I find myself in, your abundance… your goodness is always available. As above, so below.

Today our scripture reading is from Colossians 3:15-17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Having a spirit of gratitude is one of the most powerful tools that God has given us. The act of giving thanks, of feeling gratitude can actually change our brain chemistry. No matter what situation you find yourself in, there's always something around you worth giving thanks for. It may be a small thing, it may be a significant thing. Every day we wake up with a choice. That choice is what we focus on. We can focus on a sense of lack, or what we're missing, or we can choose to find and focus on those things we are grateful for. And allow the peace of Christ to rule our hearts. Can you think of one thing that you are grateful for ?Maybe its a person, something that has happened, or something that is a blessing - like health, or provision.Focus on that one thing and everything about that one thing that you are grateful for. Feel it in your body, feel the gratitude and worship Your father in the spirit of gratitude.Pray with me: “Father I have so much to be grateful for. Help me to work into the discipline of choosing to be grateful, of choosing to find things to give thanks for. Let your peace rule in my heart. As above So Below. ”

2 Corinthians 12:5-10….I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.When we look at our lives, they are full of victories and full of setbacks. In these verses, Paul clarifies the true source of strength. God's strength. He also speaks of ‘a thorn in the flesh', placed there to keep him from being conceited. It's interesting to reframe the challenges in our life, failures in our life, and seeing even those play a divine purpose in our lives. What area of your life feels weak right now? What is the difficulty in your life right now?"When I am weak, then I am strong."This message is countercultural to our society which preaches self-reliance. Can you admit your weakness to God right now?Ask for him to give you not only the strength to make it through but also the awareness that in your weakness, He is strong, Turning all things for your good and His gloryLet's pray: “Holy Father, thank you for your power that shines in my weakness. I confess my failings, I confess my weakness, and I acknowledge those areas of struggle and hardship in the very areas where are you are shining brightest through me.”

Today, we close out our week, focusing on hope.Romans15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.Hope is something that often eludes us. Day-to-day, we can get so lost in the stress and anxiety of our culture that our sense of hope feels diminished. That's why this passage cuts through. It starts by saying that we are sons and daughters of the ‘God of hope'. What is an area in your life right now that feels hopeless?It says we will be filled with hope, joy and peace as we trust in Him. Right now, can you reaffirm your trust in our God of hope?It also says the power of the Holy Spirit will cause us to overflow with hope.Can you invite the Holy Spirit to release the power of Hope in your life so that it ‘overflows to those around us?Pray with me: “God of hope, please fill me with joy and peace, and help me trust you in all areas of my life. I ask that your Holy Spirit would fill me with the hope that overflows into those around me. As above, so below. ”

Psalm 77:11-15I will remember the deeds of the Lord;    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.I will consider all your works    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”Your ways, God, are holy.    What god is as great as our God?You are the God who performs miracles;    you display your power among the peoples.With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,    the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.There is a Hebrew word that shows up often in the Bible; the word is  ZAKAR, meaning remember. Often when God had provided a way through or a victory, people who witnessed it would stop what they were doing, and build an altar to celebrate the faithfulness of God. Jesus, on his last night with his disciples before his crucifixion, told us all to do this very thing. To take the bread and the cup in remembrance of him. There's more to this practice than just calling back to mind something that has happened. It is ruminating on the faithfulness of God that anchors us. Can you think of a situation where you didn't see a way through, where you had come to the end of yourself, but God came through? Take a moment and put yourself back in that situation of desperation, feel the doubt, feel the fear, and now remember what it felt like when you realized things were going to be OK... when you saw God come through. Ruminate on what it felt like for God to deliver, and know that that same power is available to you right now, whatever you are facingLet's pray together: “Father, help me to commit myself to the act of remembrance. To remember Your faithful power that I have seen at work in my life. Help me to hold on to that awareness when I come into situations where I don't know what to do. As above, so below”

Psalm 107:1-9Oh, thank God—he's so good!    His love never runs out. All of you set free by God, tell the world!    Tell how he freed you from oppression, Then rounded you up from all over the place,    from the four winds, from the seven seas.Some of you wandered for years in the desert,    looking but not finding a good place to live, Half-starved and parched with thirst,    staggering and stumbling, on the brink of exhaustion. Then, in your desperate condition, you called out to God.    He got you out in the nick of time; He put your feet on a wonderful road    that took you straight to a good place to live. So thank God for his marvelous love,    for his miracle mercy to the children he loves. He poured great drafts of water down parched throats;    the starved and hungry got plenty to eat.This is a beautiful Psalm about the goodness of God. So many times in life, we can feel knocked around by circumstances. Feeling overwhelmed by the demands, the responsibilities and the challenges that we all face, can sometimes take our focus off the goodness of God . This Psalm has 34 more verses just like the ones we've read. Over and over, describing God coming to our aid in difficult circumstances and challenges. The common thread of all these verses explains the only thing that we are responsible for is calling out to him… and he comes through. Take a moment to realize the goodness of God in your life is just a request away. Crying out to him doesn't always result in us getting our way, but it does lead us to an abundant life, even amid the circumstances that we find ourselves in. That abundant life is God's goodness, and we can be expectant that he delivers His abundance, peace, and reassurance if we just cry out for him. Be aware that his goodness and presence are all around you regardless of your circumstance.PRAYFather thank you for your goodness which always comes through. Please help me to be patient. Help me to be aware and expectant that amid whatever challenge I find myself in, your abundance… your goodness is always available. As above, so below.

Today our scripture reading is from Colossians 3:15-17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Having a spirit of gratitude is one of the most powerful tools that God has given us. The act of giving thanks, of feeling gratitude can actually change our brain chemistry. No matter what situation you find yourself in, there's always something around you worth giving thanks for. It may be a small thing, it may be a significant thing. Every day we wake up with a choice. That choice is what we focus on. We can focus on a sense of lack, or what we're missing, or we can choose to find and focus on those things we are grateful for. And allow the peace of Christ to rule our hearts. Can you think of one thing that you are grateful for ?Maybe its a person, something that has happened, or something that is a blessing - like health, or provision.Focus on that one thing and everything about that one thing that you are grateful for. Feel it in your body, feel the gratitude and worship Your father in the spirit of gratitude.Pray with me: “Father I have so much to be grateful for. Help me to work into the discipline of choosing to be grateful, of choosing to find things to give thanks for. Let your peace rule in my heart. As above So Below. ”

2 Corinthians 12:5-10….I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.When we look at our lives, they are full of victories and full of setbacks. In these verses, Paul clarifies the true source of strength. God's strength. He also speaks of ‘a thorn in the flesh', placed there to keep him from being conceited. It's interesting to reframe the challenges in our life, failures in our life, and seeing even those play a divine purpose in our lives. What area of your life feels weak right now? What is the difficulty in your life right now?"When I am weak, then I am strong."This message is countercultural to our society which preaches self-reliance. Can you admit your weakness to God right now?Ask for him to give you not only the strength to make it through but also the awareness that in your weakness, He is strong, Turning all things for your good and His gloryLet's pray: “Holy Father, thank you for your power that shines in my weakness. I confess my failings, I confess my weakness, and I acknowledge those areas of struggle and hardship in the very areas where are you are shining brightest through me.”

Jesus' words of promise in John 14:27-28:“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again.”Jesus offers you a gift not of this world that can only be found in Him. His heavenly peace for your mind and heart can overcome any temporary trouble or fear. The Prince of Peace is with You now and is coming back for You one day to live in His kingdom.What trouble, what fear, are you experiencing today that needs to be exchanged right now for Christ's gift?Jesus' words of promise again from the Message Bible:I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught. “You've heard me tell you, ‘I'm going away, and I'm coming back.'No matter what you may be walking through today, remember, for the Christ-follower, God's gift of peace is available now and His best is always yet to come.Prayer- “Father, thank You for Your gift of peace of mind and heart. Help me not to look to the world, to not be troubled or afraid, but to look to You and look forward to Your return.”AS ABOVE, SO BELOWAMEN.

Isaiah 26:3-4 encourages:You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.You know that on any given day, where you place your trust, where your thoughts tend to go, determines your level of peace. Isaiah offers that the only “perfect peace” can be found in surrendering your thoughts to the eternal, immovable, unshakable Rock.To whom, where, or how are your thoughts being displaced and distracted today?Listen again to Isaiah 26:3-4 from the Message bible:People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit. Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.Today, can you keep you mind set on God who promises to keep you whole?This passage promises we will be steady on their feet, because we keep at it and don't quit.Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.Pray: “Father, keep me in Your perfect peace as I trust in You. Keep my thoughts fixed on You. Help me to trust You today, Lord God, my eternal Rock.”AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.AMEN.

David writes in Psalm 29:11: The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.In God's kingdom, strength and peace work in unison. That is why you sense a quiet, calming reassurance when His peace enters your racing mind and struggling heart.What place of weakness today needs His strength? What struggle needs His peace?Listen to the passage again from the Message Bible The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace. God knows all about us and what we will be dealing with way before we do and He is quick to come to our rescue at any time.Notice the passage doesn't say anything about David's strength. It says “the Lord GIVES strength to his people”God's gift of strength is at the door of your heart right now. His gift of peace is at the threshold to your thoughts in this moment. Open up and embrace them both as His gifts.Pray: “Heavenly Father, give me Your strength. Please grant me with Your peace.”AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.AMEN

Listen to David's closing words in Psalm 4, verse 8:In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.David had many days and nights where his enemies were stalking, seeking to harm him. Living under threat, confessing that he would fully depend on God to protect him while he slept in peace was a strong statement of faith.Is there a situation in your life right now that feels like a stalking enemy, seeking to harm you?You believe in your head that God is capable of keeping you safe?Can you confess that belief out loud to yourself and to God, just like David did?Trust God with your safety and security. Let your heart find peace.Pray:“Father, grant me Your peace as I lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, will keep me safe.”AS ABOVE, SO BELOW.AMEN.

Jesus said in John 16:32-33:“Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”In Christ, you are never alone. There will always be troubles, trials, and sorrows here on earth, but in and through everything you experience, Jesus is there, offering His peace and encouraging you to “take heart.”What trial are you walking through today that needs to be overcome by the peace of Christ?You may be dealing with some things in life that are making you tired, weary, discouraged, dealing with grief, and ready to give up. That's exactly what it means to lose heart.When Jesus tells us to take heart it means to: be encouraged, to have hope, to be bold and confident, to not give up, to be of good cheer, to have courage! Whether we take heart or lose heart is simply a choice we make. The way Jesus uses the phrase take heart here in John 16:33 is as an imperative verb. That means that he is saying taking heart is an action, it's something we do, and that it is a possibility in our lives based off the choice we make…but it doesn't become a reality until we actually make the choice.What is one area of your life that you can make the choice to take heart? to be encouraged, to have hope, to be bold and confident, to not give up, to be of good cheer.Breathe in - inviting Christ's peace into your day. Exhale, letting go of weariness and discouragement.Move into the Balance of Christ's peace, which is with you.Pray: “Father, I know I am not alone because You are with me. May I find my peace in You and take heart that You have overcome my world.” As above. So below.

Our final passage for this week comes from Jesus, where He again promises peace as only He can give. Listen to John 14:24-28 … Remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.  I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. (NLT) When life gets crazy and the chaos ensues inside or outside our home, it is easy to forget that His Spirit lives within us. He has left us a gift of heavenly peace of mind and heart. When we are troubled or afraid, He is as close as the breath within. The peace He offers is not a momentary manufactured one, but the kind that has already set the world right and all we have to do is call on and receive what is already there.Listen to this passage once again in The Message Bible … The message you are hearing isn't mine. It's the message of the Father who sent me. “I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught. “You've heard me tell you, ‘I'm going away, and I'm coming back.'What have you learned about peace this week?What can you do to work peace into more of your life?How can you make your home a sanctuary where God is always at home with you and your kids?We pray you have found peace here this week. Words of peace that connect you to Christ.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit and Your gift of peace. I invite You into my heart and home to make them both what You desire. As above, so below.”

Today, once again we will focus on just one verse … Matthew 5:9 … God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. (NLT) In this world of war, trouble, and conflict, we realize peace never comes easy. Sin causes peace to be elusive. So to get peace, to be at peace, is going to take some work, some effort on our part. Yes, God's brand of peace is a gift from Him, but even that comes at a cost. We have to choose to sacrifice our own ways and surrender to Him to receive His peace.In our circles of influence, relationships, families, and homes, we can choose to work toward peace. When we do, God will bless and we will be known as His children.Listen to this verse in The Message Bible … You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.Where in your life, if you were honest, you know you have given up on peace?Where does peace seem to come fairly easy in your life? Why is that?Where do you need to work to show people how to cooperate instead of compete?Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, everywhere in my life, especially at home, help me, teach me to show cooperation and not competition. To show who I am in You and my place in Your family. As above, so below.”

Today, we will focus on one simple and single verse … Listen to Proverbs 29:17 … Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad. (NLT) In our western culture, we tend to always associate discipline only with punishment. But the true definition and connotation of discipline is structure, form, parameters, guardrails. Yes, punishment and consequences are involved, but that is the defense aspect of discipline. The offense is proper training. Think of today's verse this way … Give your children the proper training and structure and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.Listen to The Message Bible's take on this verse … Discipline your children; you'll be glad you did— they'll turn out delightful to live with.What if you were able to turn the meaning of discipline around in your home to be associated with delightful? Wouldn't delightful make your home more peaceful?Take a step this week toward this new concept of discipline—structure and form to operate within.What is one form of structure that you can do this week to bring a sense of stability and peace in your home?Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, guide me, teach me to bring more of the kind of discipline You as a loving Father want in my home. Bring peace. Bring delight. I'll take all of that I can get. As above, so below.”

Listen to Psalm 95:1-7 …Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods. He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. (NLT) One of the most powerful ways to create and cultivate God's peace in our homes is to make them a place of worship. While, of course, music can be a part of that experience, it's far bigger than that. Making God a normal, natural part of our everyday conversations and speaking of His life and work in our families is an important path to peace in our homes. Gratitude always changes the attitude.What would be one thing you could tell your kids today that God has done for your family that they might not know about? What if you began to share anything that you see happen that affects them, something you know came from God's hand?Let them know the Creator of the universe is blessing their lives. Teach them that worship can simply be acknowledging what He has done. Worship and gratitude are strong elements of experiencing peace in our homes.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, I recognize You as the Author of peace. Teach me to recognize Your work in our lives and share that with my kids. To worship all You do and who You are. As above, so below.”

We all know we live in a chaotic world filled with noise coming from all directions. We know that God ordained and blessed the family as the first union and community. So, for ourselves and our kids we need to take every step possible to make our homes into a sanctuary where God's presence and peace are welcome and manifested.Let's start this week with a very familiar passage. Let's take the words and apply them to our homes. Listen to Psalm 23 … The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. (NLT)Is there an action or attitude that you do or have that disrupts the scripture describes as ‘rest in green meadows' or ‘leads by peaceful streams' in your home?How can you make your home a place that feels like a green meadow or a peaceful stream where strength is renewed?We all experience ‘dark valleys” - our kids do too… Is there something that you can do to be what God describes himself as doing - being with us in dark valleys? How can we better be ‘with' our kids in their dark valley?Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible … God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.No matter how close or how far away you may feel Psalm 23 fits your home or is a place where you sense God's peace, we want to encourage you to find one, just one, step you can take to invite God's presence in. As you make your home His home, you and your kids will feel more at home than ever before.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want you to fill my home from floor to ceiling, wall to wall with Your presence. Make my home a Psalm 23 sanctuary, as only You can do by Your peace. As above, so below.”

Our final passage for this week is a familiar one, but has so many great applications for our lives to encourage us to seize the day … Philippians 3:12-16 … I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.  Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. (NLT) Let's focus on what Paul said he focused on … this one thing … forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. When we move on, but are constantly looking backwards, something is wrong. Remember—Paul had a lot of horrible violence in his past, all done in the name of religion. He had a lot to forget, but he stated exactly how he had to choose to move forward into what Christ had for his life. Great advice … Listen to this passage once again in The Message Bible … I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.What has God shown you this week?What has He called you to let go of … for the last time? Lay it down and never turn back?What has He called you to take on and never let go of?We pray you have found some healing and health this week. That's always our goal, to connect you to Christ.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, today, I need to, for the final time, let go of what You have told me to let go of. I need to listen to You and take up what You have called me to take up. As above, so below.”

Our Scripture today is Colossians 3:12-16 … Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. (NLT) In several places throughout Scripture, God used the concept of putting on His qualities just like we choose to put on clothing. The practical side of this is, one, we choose to put on what we wear, and two, that is the majority of what people see on us, our clothing. The same can be true of His qualities.What we may choose to quote-unquote wear from our past can still show in the present. People can literally see our hurts, pain, victimization, bitterness, and so on. There comes a point when we have to choose a new wardrobe and let people see the person Christ has forgiven and changed. The past is no longer our present and the future is no longer determined by anything, except the present.Listen to this passage in The Message Bible … So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.  Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives.What have you been wearing that you need to take off and throw away? It's worn out and old and you know it. What once may have been a security blanket is now a funeral shroud.What of Christ's qualities listed in today's passage, do you need to put on and keep on?If you choose peace in your heart, it will surely show in your life.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, today, I choose to put on love, humility, compassion, kindness, strength, and peace. As above, so below.”

Our own minds, along with the words of the Accuser, are going to constantly try to bring the past back up, acting as if it is today's headlines. The more we press into the Lord and His love, the less this will occur, and the more we can deal with it in health.Listen to Psalm 85:7-10 …Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, so our land will be filled with his glory. Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed! (NLT) For many of us, the past had plenty of foolish ways. So we have to constantly take inventory of our lives to invite the words God speaks, to listen carefully to Him as He speaks truth to us. When we hear Him and do what He asks, then our land—our homes—can be filled with His glory and love, truth, righteousness, and peace will mark our lives.Is there any foolish way from the past that you know needs to be kicked out of your house, so to speak?Is there a new level of listening to God, a new place of obedience, that you need to commit to hear Him as He speaks peace to you?Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, show me your unfailing love and grant me your salvation. I listen carefully to what You say as You speak peace. Help me to not return to foolish ways. My salvation is near, so my home will be filled with Your glory, Your unfailing love, truth, righteousness and peace. As above, so below.”

To make peace with our past, we have to understand that peace will always be a choice. Often a daily choice.Listen to the spirit of Philippians 4:6-7 … Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NLT) Notice that the peace that passes understanding comes only after we choose to let go of anxiousness and pray. We choose gratitude to God and give Him our requests. He promises peace will come to our hearts and minds after we decide to let go of the toxicity we can so easily hold onto.Like two nations at war have to choose to call a truce, come to the table, and talk, we have to come to Christ's table and lay down our past to then experience His peace.In repeating today's passage, let's now add verse 8 … Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.What from your past causes you anxiety today? What do you struggle to overcome that keeps robbing you of peace? What will it take for you to give up and choose the peace of Christ today? You don't have to understand it to receive it because it always transcends our understanding. We simply decide to experience His peace.As you sit with your eyes closed, open your hands and reach out as a symbol of letting go and handing the past over to God. Trade Him your past for His peace. That's exactly what He wants you to do.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, please take the past, the toxic feelings, the anxiety, all of it. I'm tired of it and want to trade my past for Your peace. As above, so below.”

To make peace with our past, the very first step, is to first, forgive ourselves and next, and for some of us this can be a really tough one, to forgive others. Essentially, we need to clean house of all unforgiveness. If we don't let go, the past is going to keep haunting us because we are giving it the power to stay current, which then hinders our future.A great place to start is with Jesus' own words from the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:12 … “… and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” (NLT) He continued this theme in verses 14 and 15 … If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (NLT) When we struggle to forgive ourselves, or someone else for past hurts, Jesus' words can feel like a threat or some kind of ultimatum. That is not the intention at all. He simply stated a spiritual truth about how God works.Think about it. It makes sense. Why should we expect to have something happen for us that we are not willing to extend ourselves? God knows our personal freedom lies in our ability to forgive.Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible … “Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. … In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part.”To make peace with your past, forgiveness is the first key to unlock freedom. Any bitterness that we carry causes us to also carry around that other person, causing more pain, while he or she is out free and not thinking about us at all. So we have to ask ourselves, is it really worth what I'm losing? Or am I ready to gain back my freedom?Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, give me the grace and the strength to forgive myself, everyone who has hurt me, and then help me keep my list clean, knowing You died to give me that freedom. As above, so below.”

Luke 22:39-42 …Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.” He walked away, about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (NLT) For most of us, when we want to avoid something hard coming at us, we pray for God to remove the suffering. And, of course, there's nothing wrong with that prayer.But then the key is if He doesn't, what do we do? How do we respond? Blame Him? Question His goodness? Think He no longer loves us?First, notice Jesus didn't say, “Father, if you can …” but rather “Father, if you are willing …”When we pray about anything hard, any kind of suffering, any sort of difficulty that we have to go through, asking God to take it away makes a lot of sense. But adding Jesus' last sentence is a huge step of faith and maturity. “Yet, I want your will to be done, not mine.” That is an entirely new level of faith and trust to be like Jesus to that extent, because to pray that, we have to know He wants the best for us, no matter what.Whether you are in a dark time right now, or the next time you are, remember Jesus' choice in the Garden—to trust God's will for You.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, I know wanting Your will isn't just about blessings. Trusting You in the dark times is what faith is really about. Help me to trust You and Your will with Jesus as my Example and Goal. As above, so below.”

Psalm 91 is one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible for asking God's protection and provision when troubles come. There is a hopeful tone in the words that cut through the darkness.Listen to verses 1 and 2 …Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. (NLT) When we struggle, when we are trying to find our way through days filled with trouble, knowing that God is the shelter where we can find rest and the refuge where we can find safety is a huge comfort and encouragement. But the key is in the final words: He is my God and I trust Him.Listen now to verses 14-16 …The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”When trouble lands on your doorstep, what is your first thought? Your first thought. Is it, how am I going to fix this? Why is this happening to me?One of the ways we can know we are growing in our faith is when our first thought is to invite God to work. To pray, “Lord, rescue me, protect me, answer me. I need to hear from You.”I want to encourage you to use Psalm 91 as a prayer for you and your kids. Words like these will help you look to God first when darkness falls.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, You are my Shelter, my Refuge, my Place of safety. My Rescue. My Protector. My answer. As above, so below.”

Today, our passage is about Jesus in John 1:1-5 … In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. (NLT) If you walk into a well-lit room at night to go to sleep, you don't think, “I need to turn on the darkness.” No. You think, “I need to turn off the light.” Only the absence of light creates darkness. Even a candle lit on a dark night can be seen for miles.Next, listen to Jesus' words further down in John 8:12 … Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”When you walk through darkness in your life, look for how you can let light in. The only way you can affect the darkness is by allowing in light.Where do you need “the light that leads to life” today? Pray and ask Jesus to be that in your life. Remember our first passage—"the darkness can never extinguish it.”Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, there is so much darkness today all over. Help me to remember You are the Light, my Light, to dispel the darkness and nothing can put that out. As above, so below.”

When we are walking through dark days, reading Scripture and praying Scripture can be very comforting, especially David's words in the Psalms. Listen to Psalm 40:11-13 … Lord, don't hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles surround me—too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can't see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage. Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me. (NLT) Did you notice how brutally honest David was with God? He held nothing back. In fact, he asked God to hold nothing back to help him. But he was also transparent about his own disobedience and need.As is often the case, the words of The Message Bible get a bit more straightforward … Now God, don't hold out on me, don't hold back your passion. Your love and truth are all that keeps me together. When troubles ganged up on me, a mob of sins past counting, I was so swamped by guilt. I couldn't see my way clear. More guilt in my heart than hair on my head, so heavy the guilt that my heart gave out. Soften up, God, and intervene; hurry and get me some help, Who is the one friend you have that you can say anything at all and know you won't be judged?Have you ever considered that is the kind of honesty that God welcomes from you when life is really hard? Remember—unlike a close friend, you aren't telling Him anything He doesn't already know.When darkness falls on your heart, pick a Psalm and read it out loud. Let the words become your own.Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, keep reminding me that I can say anything to You. Lead me to the words in Psalms that can best reflect my heart when I struggle, and use the words to pray. As above, so below.”