In Hebrew, the greeting, SHALOM-SHALOM, means perfect peace. It is yours if you keep your mind on the Lord and not the things of this earth.
히브리어로 샬롬, 샬롬이라는 인사말은 완벽한 평화를 의미합니다. 당신이 마음을 주님께 두고 땅의 것들이 아니라면 그것은 당신의 것입니다.
En hebreo el saludo, Shalom, Shalom, significa paz perfecta. Es tuya si mantienes tu mente en el Señor y no en las cosas de la tierra.
En hébreu, la salutation Shalom, Shalom, signifie la paix parfaite. Elle est à vous si vous gardez votre esprit fixé sur le Seigneur et non sur les choses de la terre.
Some people believe that God has stepped back from performing miracles. They suggest that the Age of Wonders concluded with the closing chapters of the Old Testament. Yet, many individuals have experienced His miraculous presence. This affirms that we continue to live in a New Testament era filled with His grace and intervention.
For the majority of us, life unfolds in a landscape often colored by illness and uncertainty. We seldom witness those breathtaking moments where a person, deeply entrenched in suffering, experiences swift and profound healing. Still, for those of us fortunate enough to have encountered personal healing, the experience is enlightening. Witnessing a loved one rise from the depths of despair also clarifies the fingerprints of divine miracles in hindsight. It is within the small, seemingly insignificant moments that we recognize the turning points in our narratives.
In times of distress, when health falters, medical professionals can only discern that something is amiss; the precise nature of the ailment remains elusive. They tirelessly search for answers, exploring the perplexing landscape of symptoms and the underlying causes. Then, through relentless research and rigorous inquiry, a diagnosis emerges like a beacon of hope, though the path to recovery still feels muddled and uncertain. The doctors, though armed with knowledge, grapple with the question of how to combat the illness itself: Which medications can alleviate the anguish? What treatments hold the promise of halting its progression, or even eradicating it?
Suddenly, a breakthrough occurs—a ray of clarity pierces the fog of uncertainty. Answers materialize, and treatment plans take shape, ushering in a renewed sense of direction. Some people without faith credit this transformation solely to scientific endeavor. However, I believe all creation, including the principles of science, manifests God’s will.
With the diagnosis in hand, a tangible course of action presents itself, fostering hope for positive outcomes. Each step forward is a silent testament to God’s handiwork. Whatever journey we traverse, God accompanies us. We awaken each morning—a miracle in its own right. As we navigate through illness, we are granted another day, even when it feels more like a burden than a blessing. Each round of medication and therapy eventually leads to a flicker of vitality. In these moments, fragments of our former selves break through the darkness of our trials.
Do we recognize these transformations as miracles or as the fruits of science? They result from scientific advancement. Yet, they are also infused with the miracle of divine grace that envelops our lives. When we take the time to express gratitude for these small miracles, we affirm that our Savior stands with us. We acknowledge this divine presence. As we give thanks for regaining our health, we realize we are never truly alone. This holds true regardless of the prognosis. Each day is a precious gift, inviting us to live fully, even midst the challenges we face.
We can open our hearts to the prospect of a grand miracle—the successful completion of a long-awaited operation, the elimination of daily medications, and the farewell to prolonged rehabilitation. We learn to persevere through the harshest trials, eventually arriving at a point where life feels vibrant and manageable once more.
Gratitude fills our souls for the time we have been granted. We cherish the renewal of our relationship with the Lord, who stood steadfast during our darkest moments of illness. With every breath, we embrace the present. We acknowledge the inevitable passage of time. We also recognize the certainty of death that awaits us all. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, we revel in the beauty of each day lived fully. We know with confidence that even amid life’s fragility, tomorrow can bring the promise of renewed hope.
The emergence of renewed hope grants us the invaluable gift of introspection. During moments of self-reflection, we come to understand that healing manifests in various dimensions of our lives. We experience physical healing as our bodies recover and regain strength. We go through emotional healing as we learn to cope with our feelings and overcome past traumas. Most importantly, we experience spiritual healing as we reconnect with a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. These transformative experiences are the miraculous gifts of life. Far too many overlook these gifts. They are bestowed upon us by our loving Father in Heaven.
As we close out 2024, reflect on the miracles in your life. List them, and count your miracles, then praise God for His interventions in your life. Our miracles are endless.
Scriptures:
Romans 15:19:
“They were convinced by the power of miraculous signs and wonders and by the power of God’s Spirit”.
Psalms 77:14:
“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples”
Mark 11:24:
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Romans 15:13:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
James 5:14-15:
“The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well”
Psalms 103:2-3:
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,”
Isaiah 38:16:
“Lord, by such things people live; and my spirit finds life in them too. You restored me to health and let me live.”
God’s knowledge existed before the beginning of time. In Jeremiah 1:5, it is declared, “Before I formed you in your mother’s womb, I knew you.”
Additionally, in Ephesians 1:4, it states, “Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.”
Hebrews 13:8 states, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” He healed people in the past, He heals people now, and He will continue to heal people in the future.
God declares, “I know the plans I have for you.” God knows what we will go through. Some challenges work together to help you become a mature Christian who submits to His will. Teaching you how to surrender your Will to the Will of God.
Once, there was a young man entrusted with the creation of a special mixture—an inherited family recipe—vital for launching the town’s beloved bicycle race. One day, as he diligently mixed the ingredients for the highly anticipated Hillside Mountain Race, the bell above his shop door chimed, announcing the arrival of a customer. Distracted by the arrival of the customer, he paused his work to help them. Sometime later, returning to his task, he was unaware that his brief interruption had caused him to miss adding a key ingredient.
This family recipe, which was handed down was not written down, it was in their hearts and was no ordinary recipe. It was crucial that the process be completed without interruption, ensuring every ingredient was carefully measured and blended. The mixture, placed in a balloon, would be ignited at the start of the race, releasing an explosion of fragrance and sound that signaled the beginning of the thrilling event.
That evening, the young man felt a vague sense of unease. Something did not sit well. He knew he overlooked something but exhaustion got the better of him. He decided not to revisit his work and went to bed, promising himself he would wake up early the next morning.
As he drifted into sleep, his dreams transported him back to the shop. He was mixing the ingredients again, but something felt off—just as it had during the day. In his dream, the scene replayed over and over until, with a start, he realized what was missing: the potent vanilla extract, the heart of the mixture. It was this ingredient that created the iconic scent everyone associated with the race.
The realization startled him awake. As he lay in bed, he prayed for clarity, asking God to confirm his suspicion. Deep down, he knew the omission wasn’t just an oversight; it was a metaphor for something greater in his life.
The young man hadn’t always wanted to continue his family’s work. He longed to leave his small town, explore the world, and find something more exciting. The apothecary shop felt like a burden, a tether keeping him from adventure. Yet, that night, he began to see his inheritance in a new light.
The next morning, as the race day buzz filled the town, he rushed to the shop. He opened the vial of the prepared mixture, sniffed it, and confirmed his fear—the vanilla extract had been forgotten. Quickly, he added the missing drops, carefully blending them in until the mixture was perfect.
At that moment, he realized something profound: this simple task, which had once felt mundane, carried significance far beyond what he’d imagined. Without it, the race wouldn’t begin with the same joy, excitement, and tradition the town cherished. His family’s recipe wasn’t just about starting a race—it was about creating a moment of unity and anticipation for everyone.
This realization shifted his perspective. His work wasn’t just a job; it was part of a legacy, a purpose handed down to him. He thought of Christ, who embraced His purpose as a servant, conducting His Father’s work. Just as Christ’s purpose was part of a greater plan, so too was his own role in the small but vital task of carrying on his family’s tradition.
In our lives, we often overlook the importance of the everyday tasks we perform. We get distracted, searching for something more spectacular, and fail to see the significance of what’s right in front of us. Like the young man, we may initially see our work as burdensome, but these very things are often tied to our purpose.
God has given each of us a unique purpose, woven into the fabric of His plan. It might not always feel grand or exciting, but it is essential. Christ lived His life as a servant, following the recipe given to Him by the Father. In the same way, our purpose is a gift from God, even if it feels small or ordinary.
If you find yourself dissatisfied with where you are, ask God for clarity and direction. Trust that He is weaving your story, preparing you for the next chapter. Sometimes, He reveals our full purpose all at once. Other times, He matures us through the smaller, unrelated moments of our lives, building the character and resilience we need for what’s to come.
The young man’s realization transformed the way he approached his work. He saw it not as a burden but as a calling. His family’s legacy now felt like a gift, and his contribution—though small in the grand scheme—played a vital role in bringing joy to others.
In the same way, our daily efforts, no matter how insignificant they seem, are part of a larger story. Each task, each challenge, and each moment of faithfulness contributes to God’s greater plan. When we embrace our purpose, even in the ordinary, we become part of something extraordinary.
The race began that day with the familiar pop of the balloon and the rush of fragrant excitement in the air. The young man watched with pride, knowing he had played a part in creating that moment.
And so, it is with us. Our purpose, no matter how small it seems, is a thread in the tapestry of God’s work in the world.
The Bible is the story of Christ and consequently the story of us. Several scriptures prove that God created our lives before time began.
Jeremiah 1:4-5, Now the Word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born.”
Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…
Psalm 139:15-16, my frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Here I saw my unformed substance; In your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
1 Peter 1:20, He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you. Ephesians 1:11, in him we have obtained an inheritance comma having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.
God created us and knew us before we entered the womb. Part of his creation was to give each of us a purpose. The purpose is our inheritance. Our inheritance is the gift of advancing God’s Word. God created all of us, some with exciting careers and futures others with essential jobs that are the cogs in the wheel. God has also given us free will to choose and change our direction. This story confirms that whatever your purpose is, do it for the glory of God. Like the young man, change your thinking from that of being burdened to that of advancing and protecting your inheritance. As you grow in the Word, your inheritance may evolve into something new having given you all to the development of earlier stages of your inheritance. For most, life is governed by God’s timeline and purpose. Always seek His direction, and wisdom, and plan for your future as you process through this life.
Remember these keywords: purpose and inheritance. Rick Warren authored the book, Purpose Driven Life. We should seek our purpose in life and live it accordingly. God’s inheritance is our gift. We are the object of God’s love and desire for us is reflected in all He does for us. We experience life through Him. He works on our behalf in ways we can see and in ways only known to Him. While He doesn’t promise an easy road, we may find ourselves on the one less traveled road. He doesn’t promise an easy life but is always with us. In all things, He promises to never leave us or forsake us. He is always with us.He will lead us into our future and guide us to our purpose, which is our inheritance from Him.
Lisa’s Daily Inspirations 