Voices

To a great extent, living is a solitary act and our primary companion is ourselves. The voice that we listen to most is our own and our perceptions of each experience become our reality. We can also learn to discern between hearing God's voice and that of Satan's. It's important for each of us to be able to distinguish the difference.

Satan is the great deceiver who comes only to kill, steal and destroy. He doesn't wait until we are of age to attack us; he doesn't plan a party for the day we turn twenty one.  No, Satan begins early, with the children, and takes their perceptions of the world around them; fueling them with deceptions. He attacks their confidence with attempts to make them feel inferior. He shows them what insecurity means. He teases them with rejection and uses anger and lust and pride to make inroads in hopes that he can twist them.

On the other hand, God is everyone's Father and speaks out of love. He would never tell you do anything wrong or give any advice that would hurt you. He will never lie to you or deceive you and it's important for our children to get to know him. Recognize his voice. Read His word. He's available for anyone who needs Him. With God you are never alone.

Peace

      There is something about the old hippie in me that will never tire of the word, "peace." I no longer hold up my two fingers while saying this, well, maybe I do, but I really think the word is cool.

      Peace is something that we all hope for. Back in 60's and 70's we had Jesus freaks. They tried to spread peace by way of Jesus. I have to admit that I tried to avoid them, but I liked the message they were sending.

      So much of my life has evolved around this thing called peace. I use to try to find peace with my parents as a teenager, I try to maintain peace with my husband and I'm always praying for peace with my children. I find it's an important word and a valuable thing to seek. Most days I am very blessed to have peace in my heart even when things seem crazy in the world around me. But that peace isn't something I have learned how to have along the way. No, it is a blessing I've received from Jesus.

      In order to carry on with the hippie, "peace" tradition, I would like to encourage everyone to pray for peace and prosperity within their nation. In Jeremiah 29:7, NIV,  it states, "Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because as it prospers, you prosper too. 

      Our nations and governments will never be able to provide us with the peace that we are hoping to find. We need to seek out our peace in Jesus.