Soul Sister Time

              On the night before Jesus died on the cross, He began talking to the disciples about peace.  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27). The first words out of his mouth when He appeared to them about the resurrection was the word Peace .  While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, Peace be with you (Luke 24:36). Peace , not love—the new commandment He gave to them.  No, Jesus said Peace .               The peace Jesus speaks about is no ordinary peace.  This peace is an extraordinary peace.  It is a peace that is only available to Christians. The world cannot know this peace.  It is through this peace that Christians are able to forgive the most heinou...

            Jesus first words to His disciples after His resurrection were: Peace be with you (John 20:19).  I am convinced that Jesus’ most priceless gift to us living here on earth is peace given through the Holy Spirit.  Jesus gives us peace with God through our faith in His work for our salvation.  He also longs to give us peace every day that we live on earth separated from God though the Holy Spirit.             Jesus lived on earth with the same kind of peace He wants us to have.  He was never worried; rather He constantly instructed others to not be afraid.  He was bewildered by His disciples’ lack of faith from life threatening storms, or threats of violence by religious leaders.  After all, they belonged to God now, why should they be afraid?             Yes, this world is full...

            It’s Christmas Eve.   The last week of Advent this year will last only two days.   All four candles of the Advent Wreath burn brightly as the days before Christmas draw near.   The Feast of the Nativity is celebrated on December 25 when the Christ candle (white center candle) is lit for just one day.             Peace is definitely what this earth needs most this Christmas.   Americans have been crushed by the horrific tragedy that occurred in an elementary school this 2012 Advent season.   On everyone’s hearts and minds we wonder, How will the loved ones of innocent children and teachers cope this Christmas?   At the Newton, Connecticut, memorial , President Obama spoke these words of truth: We know that much of our time will be spent groping through the darkness so often unable to discern God’s heavenly plans.   There is...

            Recently I had a conversation with someone from another country who did not grow up hearing the Christmas stories about Jesus.   She asked me an interesting question.   She asked me if I could show her a picture of God.               Like any good-hearted American I pulled out my Iphone and googled picture of God .   Up came several famous ones—like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel painting.   As I showed them to her, I told her about the Bible and the Ten Commandments, explaining that the first four Commandments talk about our relationship with God.   I explained that God is the one who told us not to make an image of Him.   I told her about Noah wanting to see Him and how God hid Moses in the crest of a rock and passed by so that he saw His back as He passed by.   God did this so Moses could see Him and live.   Our sin kee...