Tag: Peace

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devotion

Embracing the Prince of Peace for Inner Calm

Devotion

Be Not Afraid

Scripture

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful. John 14:27

Reflection

It seems like the world tries to sell you this idea of “peace,” but really, it’s just loads of distractions, you know? Nothing beats a sweet holiday or a quick solution, right? These might make you feel better for a moment, but they don’t really solve the bigger problems underneath.

It’s like just throwing some paint on a wall that’s falling apart when it actually needs major repairs, not just a quick fix. On the other side of things, Jesus offers this incredible peace that’s not just handed down to you, but is honestly a deep and meaningful gift. He reassures you with the words, “My peace I give to you.” 

Finding this peace feels like having a strong defense against all the negativity that spills over in the news and the struggles you carry with you day in and day out. 

It encourages you to understand that deep within you lies the power to make a significant choice in your life. You can let all these stress and worries pull you down into sadness, or you can choose to find the peace that surpassed all understanding. 

Take a little time today to talk about what’s bothering you and share these worries with Him. This small act of reaching out can lead to profound relief and a renewed sense of hope. Ultimately, the choice is yours to find strength and comfort in His presence.

Take hold of the triple peace that’s available to you. The peace of God that soothes your heart and soul, the peace with God that encourages trust and understanding in your relationship with Him, and the peace from God that brings comfort and reassurance when you know that God has forgiven your sins.

If you really want to find some peace in the craziness of life, it’s super helpful to think about what Psalm 46:10 says: “Be still, and know that I am God.” It’s a nice little reminder to pause and tune into something larger than yourself, especially when things get a bit crazy. When things get overwhelming or you’re feeling a bit anxious, taking a step back for a second will help you sort things out and get your head straight. Holding onto this verse will guide you towards feeling calm and confident.

Story

Tsunami

In 2004, when that terrible Bali Tsunami hit, there was a story of this incredible woman caught in the crazy waves. In that scary moment, she held on tight to her faith and started singing a song called “Hide Me Now.” The lyrics below  really gave her the strength to face the tsunami:

“When the oceans rise and thunders roar, I will soar with You above the storm. Father, You are King over the flood. I will be still and know You are God.” 

Even when it felt like the whole world was out to get her, she not only got through the tsunami but also courageously opened up about her amazing testimony of hope and strength. Her experience really shows how faith can give you power, especially in tough times.

Meditation

Take a deep breath and really soak in the here and now. As you do, say out loud and with confidence: “Lord, I accept Your peace.” 

As you take a deep breath and let it out slowly, picture the stress or worry you’re clinging to just melting away. Remind yourself, “I’m letting go of my fear.” 

You can’t overlook how important this practice is. It is such a great way to discover a sense of peace and balance within yourself. 

When you understand how significant this move is, it’s clear that its impact stretches way beyond just relaxation. It sets up a vibe in your heart where peace can thrive, leading to a stronger sense of inner calm.

Give all your worries and stress to Jesus, the Prince of Peace. He’s here to bring you comfort when life gets crazy and uncertain. When you do this, you’ll feel a wave of peace and comfort from trusting Him, which helps you face your problems with a bit more ease. 

Once you get onboard with this idea, it will totally turn your stress into calmness by allowing Him to take care of your issues. Keep in mind, He gives peace that’s way deeper than what you can understand, leading you to live a much more peaceful life.

To really find peace, you need to let the Prince of Peace take the lead in your life. If you don’t give Him control and follow His guidance, you’re not going to feel this true calm. It’s through His presence that you can create real harmony in yourself and in your world. So, embracing the Prince of Peace is key to discovering that true peace.

Isaiah 9:6,  For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

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Dr Andrew C S Koh
Categories
devotion

Finding Peace in Life’s Storms

Devotion: Peace Be Still

Scripture

He awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39.

Reflection

The disciples, skilled fishermen who were used to the sea’s surprises, were suddenly hit by fear when a storm broke out, tossing their boat around like mad on that day they’d never forget. Despite all the chaos around him, Jesus managed to chill out and was sound asleep at the back of the boat.

It really makes you think that having that connection to Jesus doesn’t necessarily mean that life is always easy. No matter how spiritual you are, challenges and storms will pop up in life. The real game changer is having the Lord with you when these tough times hit. They can come as money issues, relationship issues, an unexpected diagnosis, or feelings that weigh you down.

You’re never really alone because the One who can calm the strongest storms is right there with you. He’s right there beside you to comfort you, letting you know that even if help doesn’t arrive right away, you can always count on His sweet whisper saying, “Just breathe, everything’s cool,” to settle your nervous heart.

No storm can overpower Him because His strength is always there and never runs out, no matter what you deal with. No matter how deep your sadness gets, He can always step in and bring you comfort and peace, reminding you that you are never really alone in what you are facing.

Honestly, there’s nothing too big or complicated that He can’t handle, showing just how amazing He is at fixing things and helping you heal.. The One who has the whole universe in His hands can totally lift you up and help you whenever you need it.

Story 

The story behind Footprint in the sand.

In this touching poem and song, the poet and songwriter remembers a peaceful stroll on the beach with God during a dream. While looking at the sand, she started feeling uneasy seeing only one set of footprints during her toughest moments. She felt confused and upset, asking God why He seemed to disappear when she really needed Him. In a flash of understanding, she realizes that those lonely footprints were proof of God being right there with her. During those tough moments, Jesus was not walking just alongside her but was carrying her all the way.

I really connect with this song. It hit me hard emotionally, making me cry when I sing it. It feels like a rush of emotion that speaks to my soul. The lyrics bring up some deep feelings that are both lovely and intense. It’s such a strong experience that shows how music, poetry, and faith all tie together.

Thought-Provoking Question

Just picture this. You’re in a boat, in the middle of a storm, and you really feel like Jesus is right there with you. It’s like His love is wrapping around you, making everything feel warm and good. It’s a vibe that’s hard to shake off. Do you really think you have to handle the storm all by yourself?

Don’t you feel that knowing how loving and powerful He is should make you want to trust Him more? 

I mean, instead of just depending on yourself, why not just lean on His strength? He’s all-powerful, everywhere at once, and knows everything.

Knowing that He’s walking alongside you will totally shift your mindset. What used to look like a huge obstacle now feels more like a faith journey. 

So, let me ask you this. Do you think your thoughts on that rough patch you’re in will change if you truly know that Jesus is right there with you, lending a hand and guiding you?God makes this great promise in the Bible, saying, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you,” and it just brings a lot of comfort, like in Hebrews 13:5. This will encourage you to trust that He’s always by your side, backing you up no matter what. This verse will help you focus on what’s truly important in life instead of just running after material things. At the end of the day, it’s really about being grateful for what you’ve got and remembering that you’re not on this journey by yourself.

Click on the link below and get a free ebook, 33 Days of Daiy Faith

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Dr Andrew C S Koh

Categories
devotion

Triple Peace Explained

Devotion: Peace That Surpasses All Understanding

Scripture

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7.

Reflection

The Hebrew word for peace is shalom, and it really means a lot in Jewish culture. Shalom is often used as a friendly greeting in the Hebrew-speaking community. It’s not just a way to say hi; it’s like wishing someone peace and happiness too. When you meet someone, especially in a Jewish setting, it’s polite to say shalom to help build a nice vibe. Using this greeting can definitely brighten up the mood and strengthen your connections with people.

Usually, feeling “at peace” goes hand in hand with being happy and just feeling good about life, where everything seems to click together nicely.. Your bills are handled, your kids are doing great, your boss is happy with you, and everyone at work is getting along just fine.

According to the Bible, peace means something different. It’s this deep kind of calm that you just can’t explain. This awesome feeling of peace can just show up when you least expect it. It doesn’t let outside stuff get in the way and feels super comforting even when you’re facing challenges.

Like when you’re sitting nervously in a hospital waiting area or trying to figure out the ups and downs of your relationships. You can totally feel the benefits of this peace without needing to understand every little thing about it. It’s like a shield that helps guard you from those heavy waves of anxiety and sadness. 

The Bible explains that there are three unique kinds of peace that you can experience when you’re justified by grace, showing just how meaningful this triple peace is. 

First off, there’s the peace of God, which gives you that calm feeling and security inside. Then, you have the peace from God, showing the blessings and comfort He shares with you when you reach out to Him. Lastly, there’s peace with God, which is all about fixing that relationship between you and your Creator. This is really important for a spiritual journey that feels meaningful.

In John 14:27, Jesus tells His followers, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” He’s making it clear that the peace He offers is different from what you will find in the world. Unlike the temporary and shallow peace that can come and go, His peace is deep and lasting. He encourages you not to worry and to let go of your fears. This really hits home as a soothing reminder that you can find true calm through Him.

Prayer

 Father, I’ve discovered something that really matters. I don’t need a perfect life without problems to really feel at ease and find my inner peace. 

I’m putting my energy into discovering this unique sense of peace that feels like a protective wall around my thoughts and feelings, helping me to deal with the day-to-day stuff with a little more grace and understanding. 

Instead of stressing about being perfect, I’ve decided to focus on finding the peace that helps me feel good and enjoy life to the fullest. In the end, it’s this peace that helps me face whatever the day throws at me with courage.

I can’t thank You enough for the beautiful gift of grace. It really brings this awesome peace that seems to surround me all the time. 

Your grace is far more than a mere abstract concept. It really changes how I live and gives me a wonderful sense of calm and confidence each day. Feeling forgiven brings a calm that fills my whole heart and mind that is beyond human understanding. I feel really grateful for this amazing experience that brightens up my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This devotion is taken from my book, 33 Days of Daily devotion. If you like to have a free copy of this book click on the link below:

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Dr Andrew C S Koh

Categories
bible study devotion

The stones will cry out: devotion

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Palm Sunday

a picture showing an open book
open book

Luke 19: 29-40

Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey. on Palm Sunday, seven days before Easter Sunday. Palm Sunday or the triumphal entry is recorded in all four Gospels. 

29 And it came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. 31 And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’ ”32 So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. 33 But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?”34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 Then they brought it to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on it. 36 And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. 37 Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, 38 saying: “ ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” 40 But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.

Luke 18:29-40

Reflection

On Palm Sunday, Jesus descended the Mount of Olives and entered the temple complex on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, spoken 500 centuries before Christ! The Mount of Olives directly faces the temple complex but on a higher level. If you visit the Mount of Olives today, you get a panoramic view of the Temple Mount, the site where the second temple previously stood. You can walk from the Mount of Olives down the Kidron Valley to the Lion Gate passing through the beautiful garden of Gethsemane. You can do this thirty-minute Palm Sunday walk to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. 

The disciples brought to Jesus an unbroken donkey. Meanwhile, a huge multitude was following Jesus to welcome Him. The disciples threw their clothes on the unbroken donkey and Jesus sat on it. An unbroken donkey will never allow anyone to sit on it but Jesus sat and rode on it without any difficulty! The multitude threw palm branches and their clothes on the road to welcome Jesus as Messiah, the King, who came in peace in the Name of Yahveh, Matthew 21:8, Mark 11:8. The multitude spontaneously acted out the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, and proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah. The multitude rejoiced, praised God, and recited Psalm 118:26, a messianic Psalm.

By this time, some of the Pharisees were offended. They demanded that Jesus rebuke and silence His disciples. Why? Because they could not accept Jesus as the Messiah claiming blasphemy. Jesus replied that if His disciples kept silent, the stones on the roadside would immediately cry out! During my visit to the Mount of Olives many years ago, I walked the Palm Sunday walk. I took many stones and brought them back as stones of remembrance to memorialize my trip.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey 

Zechariah 9:9

And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road

Matthew 21:8

And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road

Mark 11:8

 

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We have blessed you from the house of the Lord

Psalm 118: 26

Application

Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday seven days before Easter Sunday. This is recorded in all four Gospels.

He is the Passover Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world, John 1:29.

The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 

John 1:29

He is the Jewish Messiah, the King of Israel, and the Saviour of the world. He died on Good Friday as a substitutionary atonement for your sins. He rose from the dead on Easter Sunday to prove that He is God. He is alive today, interceding for you in the throne room of the Father in heaven. Prophet Zechariah prophesied Palm Sunday 500 years before Jesus was even born! Wow, this is incredible! And this is just one prophecy out of at least 300 prophecies that Jesus fulfilled in His earthly ministry! For this to happen by random chance is a statistical impossibility. 

Do you believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God?

Do you believe that Jesus is the Passover Lamb of God? 

Do you believe that Jesus died to pay for the penalty of your sins? 

Apostle John wrote his gospel so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in His name.

but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

John 20:31

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus Christ, the Passover Lamb of God, and the Savior of the world. Thank You Jesus, for coming to earth 2000 years ago, to live a perfect life, and died a cruel death on the cross for our salvation. Thank You for salvation by grace and justification by faith in Christ. Thank You for Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Help us to understand scripture and develop a love for your Word, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Dr Andrew C S Koh