#peace – Tattoo It On Your Heart

Peace in Pandemic & Pandemonium

My word of the year for 2021 came early again—last August. So you’d think I’d have posted this sooner, but that’s another story.

“Okay, but God,” I said, “I don’t think I like the implications of that word.”

“Adapt.” He said

“Can You take that one back? May I have a different one? — Or perhaps You can add to it please, Lord?”

“Trust. Follow.” Jesus said.

Adapt doesn’t mean compromise truth, change the goal, or deviate from the message and call God gave us. But sometimes the route may require prayer and re-reckoning. We may need to adapt our sails to the change in wind. The only thing certain is uncertainty—that and God’s faithfulness.

Protesting Prejudice, Pursuing Peace

“You’ll like this one,” she said as she thrust the sign in my hands and ran off into the crowd, leaving me in a dilemma. I attended this peaceful anti-racism protest organized by friends of my seventeen and twenty-one-year-old children to keep a watchful eye for any trouble, to support several involved whom I love, and to learn. Well, it was a peaceful protest until we arrived at the state police barracks where the march ended. It got a little hairy for a bit when a couple of women attempted to take over while hurling a high decibel, disrespectful tirade of questions and demands at the law enforcement officers who stood in front of the barracks. “Once the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace,” the quote on the sign I held read.

Now (Guest Post on Southern Ohio Christian Voice)

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Some words get thrown around like confetti in January— “Happy New Year! What’s your New Year’s resolution?”

But what about when it’s not happy? What about when you don’t know which way is up, and what if you can’t see any resolution for issues in your life, much less make a resolution? While some began the new year with fireworks and hope, others look out on the future through the fog of uncertainty. What then? Continue reading “Now (Guest Post on Southern Ohio Christian Voice)”

Wishing You a Holly, Jolly, Holy Christmas (Guest Post on Southern Ohio Christian Voice)

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Rachael_M_Colby_Snowy_Portrait — Thanks to Janet Foley for my snowy portrait graphic.

I’ve been trying to figure out how to juggle writing, family, and church, without dropping the ball before Christmas got added to the list. My first impulse is to run and hide from this whole messy madness called Christmas in America. Right now, I’m busy procrastinating to avoid it all…

Honored to have my Christmas article published on Southern Ohio Christian Voice. Please click HERE to continue reading, Wishing You a Holly, Jolly, Holy Christmas.

Continue reading “Wishing You a Holly, Jolly, Holy Christmas (Guest Post on Southern Ohio Christian Voice)”

Let the Light In

We can’t always stop the demons from stalking us—ambushes happen. Sometimes they squeeze their way into our lives through the cracks we leave untended. Sometimes they batter down the door. Life happens. Depression, anxiety, fear, apathy, bitterness, anger, suicidal thoughts…. may show up at your house. Just don’t invite them under the covers and curl up in bed with them.

Get up! Cry out for help from God and from others. Remaining silent when we are in need can leave us alone in a crowd. Isolation leaves us open to the enemy.

“Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4:9-10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

God tells us in His Word to be anxious for nothing because He knew we would at some point find ourselves being anxious. Jesus said he didn’t come to condemn but to seek and save. The Word of God is meant to show us where we are and to instruct us how to get to where we need to be.

The Word of God, prayer, time spent with with those who make us laugh and challenge us, positive spiritual things such as Christian music help bring clear vision, strength, deliverance.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs‬ ‭27:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

A good friend doesn’t ignore problems. Neither do they just point out the problems, but rather, they help with solutions. They walk alongside you literally and figuratively. Sometimes what’s needed is just being there and saying nothing; but sometimes it’s taking a stand and saying something. A good friend battles with you and for you. Be one. Find one.

Prayer, the word of God, and love are ultimate weapons against all we face. The love of God trumps all.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

Did you notice this scripture says everything and requests? God wants us to bring everything on our hearts, not just our needs, but our requests to Him. He wants to do life with us.

I aim to use whatever the devil shoves at me against him.

“God, help me.”

Use struggle, pain, failure—to help someone else. That’s one way to win.

Fight back!

He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze II Samuel 22:35 (NKJV)

When I can’t rejoice in my own circumstance, I find someone to rejoice with over their victory, or someone to help with their struggle. Count your blessings, one by one. Gratefulness is one of the keys to contentment, joy and peace within, and to intimacy with God and others. Gratefulness seeks to serve others. Our greatest service to others is to share Christ and the hope we have in Him, that they too can be a child of the King and make Heaven their home.

I fail and falter all the time, but Jesus loves me anyway. He loves you too. God said all things are possible to those who believe—not all things are easy. It’s a battle.

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1 (NKJV)

LINK TO SONG: Morgan Harper Collins— I Can’t Save Myself

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.”
Isaiah‬ ‭54:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Seek wise counsel.

For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 24:6 (NKJV)

Run from the shadows of the cares of this world and into the safety found under the shelter of the wings of the almighty God.

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. John 14:18 (KJV)

Yet in all these things we more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 (NKJV)

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91:1 (NKJV)

Sometimes the way out is through. Jesus meets us in the midst of the raging waters and calms the storm. He will never leave or forsake us. There is joy in His presence.

SERMON: Helping Those Struggling with Depression & Suicidal Thoughts | Pastor Harold Warner | Door Church

LINK TO SONG: Shane and Shane— Psalm 46 (Lord of Hosts)

Light dispels darkness. So, let the Light in.

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)

Resources

Focus on the Family Counseling Services & Referrals:

To request a conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department with one of their licensed or pastoral counseling specialists at no cost to you: 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mountain Time https://www.focusonthefamily.com/…/counseling-services…/

24/7 Billy Graham Prayer Line number:

1-888-388-2683

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

24/7/ 365 days a year Call: 1-800-273-8255

Being a member of and attending a good Bible believing, Bible preaching church is part of God’s design for finding the best help and support for navigating life.

If you are not already connected to a church, please consider finding one. Here is a link that may help you find a church home:

https://www.cfmmap.org

http://www.worldcfm.com

Can We Talk?

Tattoo_It_On_Your_Heart_Rachael_M_Colby_Can_We_Talk I believe Christians ought to be able to consider another’s view, amicably agree to disagree on some things, and still appreciate each other.

I don’t believe in just tossing relationships because of disagreements, nor only having discussions with those we agree with. There is a give and take in relationship and it should be especially so in the Church.

Sometimes we will be right, and sometimes wrong.

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. Ephesians 2:2-4 NLT

Some things we won’t know for sure until we get to Heaven. What’s crucial and clear is that we adhere to the Bible’s instructions which dictate the road to salvation and share those with the lost and dying world.

Some issues are worthy of debate, and some aren’t. But even when they are, scripture admonishes us that there is a time to be silent and a time to speak.

All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NASB)

If we do speak, let this govern us:

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)

Regardless, we don’t need to take it as a personal assault or be offended because others have a different view. Neither should we be offensive.

But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness. 2 Timothy 2:16 (HCSB)

“Do you just want to be right, or do you want to be effective?” -Pastor Artie Aragon

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)

Someone’s passionate adherence to their belief is not necessarily a persecution of another’s. If our heart is to pursue truth and persuade others of it, then we ought not be offended with others’ attempt to proclaim their position, but rather, be patient and open to learn from and teach each other as the situation dictates. We can choose to use opposition as an opportunity to strengthen our beliefs by further study.

Reading is crucial to personal growth and gaining understanding of others and the world. We can’t effectively engage others and present truth if we don’t know where they are. What they believe is the starting point to reach them.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

Do not be hasty to close the door on relationships because of differences and lose the chance to influence others with truth.

My desire is to glorify God, to share the Gospel with the lost and encourage other believers.

“Lord help me to be faithful to Your call, to present Truth with grace and love. Help us to be quick to forgive each other when we fall short. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

The real issue isn’t which translation of the Bible Christians choose to read. The problem is people aren’t reading the Bible more—or at all.

May our discourse push us to study, to seek truth, strengthen our faith and pursue Jesus’ heart.

Now go find a lost soul to preach the Gospel to.

Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32 (NASB)

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32 (HCSB)

And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

Colossians 3:12 (KJV)

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:12 (NKJV)

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12 (NASB)

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

Colossians 3:12 (HCSB)

Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

John 13:35 (KJV)

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 13:35 (NKJV)

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35 (NIV)

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:35 (NLT)

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

John 13:35 (NASB)

By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35 (HCSB)

By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.