In 1 Peter 5 the devil is called the adversary and is compared to a roaring lion. The devil threatens, the devil growls and tries to scare you, but he has no power—he can only attempt to intimidate you and silence your voice in the world!
Jehovah Shalom means “The Lord is our peace.” This word shalom literally has the essence of nothing broken, everything fixed, everything being repaired. Shalom is total restoration and total peace for all that we need. This is God extending Himself to humanity saying, “I love you!”
No other religion has its scribes read their holy books then expect their god to confirm what was just read. When you preach with a confirmation of signs and wonders you will never have a problem getting a crowd to listen!
Even after you have chosen to forgive, memories of wrongs suffered and the associated negative feelings will still try to rise up. But hold on to forgiveness! Remind yourself that you made a decision to forgive!
Jesus prayed: “Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come; on earth as it is in heaven.” No sickness in heaven! No poverty in heaven! No weakness in heaven! No tears in heaven! If it doesn’t look like heaven, we are commissioned and empowered to change it!
There is a very real God whose presence you can know, whose hand you can hold, who will speak with you and His voice will not be somewhere in the distance, but rather IN you. He loves you and wants to live with you and through you!
The sacrifice of the holy blood of Jesus that covered the sins of all people is enough! Scripture says that now anyone can come to the throne of grace with boldness because we were all covered with the blood of Jesus, and the keys of the kingdom were given to each one of us!
Scripture says we are to “love others as we love ourselves” (Mark 12:33, author’s paraphrase). Maybe the reason there is so much harsh treatment of others is that people hate themselves. They don’t see themselves as good enough or worthy enough, and they project the same attitude toward those around them!
If you are all that is on your mind, then your thinking is very small! When you place your hurts in the hands of Jesus, then you’re free to heal the hurts of others. What He has done for you is now your privilege to do for others.
God is FOR you! He gave you the gift of eternal life so you would have peace of mind about your future. He breathed into you part of Himself so you would have awareness of His presence. He gave you the name of Jesus so you would have authority over all evil spirits. He gave you His promises for every area of your life so you would know His best for you. God is not hard, He is benevolent!
