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.
A year or two ago, I wrote a post about forgiveness and sin. I feel led to continue the conversation. Matthew 6:14, NLT shares “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your father forgive your trespasses.”
God teaches us that forgiveness is a gift—one that continues to give. When someone forgives, they become the giver, and another person becomes the recipient. This recipient may then reflect on the gift they received and choose to pass on the gift of forgiveness to someone else. By forgiving, your heart softens, allowing you to open the door to receive God’s forgiveness.
If you do not forgive others, the Lord will not forgive you. How can He? Sin and forgiveness cannot coexist. To be forgiven, you must let go of the sin that is holding you captive. Many of us know someone who is imprisoned by hate, anger, and disdain for someone who has wronged them. Who is truly hurting in this situation: the person harboring hate or the recipient of that hate? God does not want us to be bound by hate; instead, He desires for us to release it through repentance and forgiveness of those who have wronged us. He wants to set you free through your forgiveness.
Unforgiveness is sinful and stems from a lack of faith. This lack of faith robs you of your joy. It is impossible to feel hate and joy simultaneously; they cannot coexist. On the other hand, forgiveness is liberating. It is an expression of love, not directed at the person you are forgiving, but offered to our Lord and Savior. In turn, He acknowledges this change in your heart.
When you create space by forgiving others, God fills that space with His forgiveness for your own sins. This divine love fills you with joy, and that joy has a powerful impact. It opens the door for your renewed self to take control of your life.
Charles Stanley summarized it this way, “Through the grace of Jesus Christ, you have the spiritual resources to forgive others. When you release someone of a debt he or she owes, you were no longer bound by the spirit of unforgiveness or bitterness. You are free to see that individual as Christ does, anger no longer has the power to rule your life and decisions.
Forgiveness does not mean that what the person did was right. It means that you have turned him or her over to God. You are no longer holding on to the unforgiveness, and you are free to live fully for Jesus Christ.” (Life Principles Bible, Second Edition. pg. 1492)
The Misery of Sin, by Pastor Greg Laurie, Daily Devotional, April 22, 2022. Harvest Church.
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.” Psalm 51:12
There’s a difference between sinning, knowing it, and being sorry for it and intentionally, habitually sinning again and again. If you’re a child of God, then you won’t habitually sin. You won’t be sinless, but you will sin less.
If you really have accepted God’s gift of salvation, then you will be unhappy and miserable when you’ve sinned. The Bible tells us in 1 John 3:9, “Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God” (NLT).
This verse doesn’t say that if you’re a child of God, you won’t sin because everyone sins all the time. But if you’re a child of God, then you won’t be happy after you sin, you’ll feel convicted and you’ll want to get right with God.
There are sins of commission and sins of omission. A sin of commission is when you do what you should not do, while a sin of omission is not doing what you should do. The Bible says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8 NKJV).
If you want to be unhappy, then have unconfessed sin in your life. Happiness does not come from sinning. Misery, guilt, and repercussions come from sinning. That is why the Bible says, “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!” (Psalm 32:1 NLT).
After David sinned against the Lord, he wrote, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you” (Psalm 51:12 NLT).
Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NLT). It isn’t hard to be a Christian—it’s impossible . . . without the help and power of the Holy Spirit.
Forgiveness is a difficult undertaking, however, if you trust in the Lord the difficulty will melt away. 
When we get in our own way, we hurt, the world moves on.
Taken from the Facebook page of a friend. Too good not to share. Too true; so don’t ignore! —— ❤ The journey is short ❤ An elderly woman got on a bus and sat down. At the next stop, a strong, grumpy young woman climbed up and sat down beside the old woman, hitting her with her numerous bags. When she saw that the elderly woman remained silent, the young woman asked her why she had not complained when she hit her with her bags? The elderly woman replied with a Smile: “There is no need to be rude or discuss something so insignificant, as my trip next to you is so short, because I am going to get off at the next stop.” This answer deserves to be written in gold letters: “There is no need to discuss something so insignificant, because our journey together is too short.”
Each of us must understand that our time in this world is so short, that darkening it with useless arguments, jealousy, not forgiving others, discontentment and bad attitudes are a ridiculous waste of time and energy. Did someone break your heart? Stay calm. The trip is too short.❤️ Did someone betray you, intimidate, cheat or humiliate you? Relax – Don’t be Stressed The trip is too short.❤️ Did someone insult you without reason? Stay calm. Ignore it. The trip is too short.❤️ Did a neighbor make a comment that you didn’t like? Stay calm. Ignore him. Forgive that. The trip is too short.❤️ Whatever the problem someone has brought us, remember that our journey together is too short.❤️❤️ No one knows the length of our trip. Nobody knows when it will arrive at its stop. Our trip together is too short.❤️❤️ Let us appreciate friends and family. Let us be respectful, kind and forgiving.🙌🏻 Because we will be filled with gratitude and joy, after all Our trip together is very short.❤️
In Ephesians 3:17–19, Paul prays that the Ephesians will come to understand and experience God’s love. To truly understand and experience this love, you must accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. You also need to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Paul’s prayer was specifically for the Ephesians. (The Book of Ephesians is one of the sixty-six books of the Bible. The Bible is the living Word of God.) Paul was praying that the Ephesians understand and experience God’s love. His prayer extends to all living people today as well. If you are not a believer, are you being called to become a believer today? If you are a believer, are you in a fruitful relationship with the Holy Spirit? Do you think and function as if you are in control or do you submit to His influence?
Think about the nature of your relationship— are you fully invested in it? Are you content with the Holy Spirit simply residing in you, or do you desire something more?
Jesus promised you, and everyone throughout time, an advocate when He ascended to sit at the right hand of God. Luke the author of the Book of Acts teaches that the Holy Spirit is the advocate. He was sent to dwell in you the moment you become a believer. The Holy Spirit wants to influence your life. He desires more of you. Nonetheless, if you only accept Him as a resident, you are limiting His impact on your life.
As a believer, you entered a relationship that is instantaneously rooted and grounded in love. As humans, it is beyond our full understanding. In that moment, you realize you are filled with God’s fullness and that you belong to Him.
God, loves you unconditionally and dwells in you through the Holy Spirit. He desires for you to engage more deeply in your relationship with Him. He is a living partner. He serves as your advocate, guiding you on our journey. He speaks to the Father on your behalf. He redirects you, and He protects you from harm and so much more. In the Book of Acts, Luke encourages you to surrender to His influence.
As your advocate, He communicates with you, but how you respond is your choice. You can decide to listen to His messages or ignore them. When you surrender to His influence, you grant Him the authority to shape your behavior, character, and spiritual growth. When you let Him influence your life, the relationship deepens and grows more intimate spiritually.
Your greatest resource is the Holy Spirit. Your relationship with God is the most important one you will ever have. When you desire His influence, while keeping Him at a distance you have not fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit. You have not relinquished control over your life.
You are missing out on the fullness of God’s love. According to Charles Stanley, “We are filled with God’s Spirit the moment we accept Christ as our personal Savior. We are not repeatedly refilled, we have all we are going to receive of the Spirit at Salvation. As we grow in our Christian walk, we learn more about God’s ways, character, and presence within us through His Spirit. The more we know, love, and obey, the more we learn how to live a life to the fullest.” (Life Principles Bible, Second Edition. Thomas Nelson, 2011, page 1575)
In closing ask yourself, how can I move beyond selective listening to obeying His commands? What steps are necessary to fully submit to the influence of the Holy Spirit in my life? Am I willing to let go of the things that hold me back? Does my behavior prevent me from advancing to the next stage of my spiritual maturity? Is today the day I choose to surrender to the influence of the Holy Spirit?
Note: According to Charles Stanley’s Life Principles Bible, “the phrase ‘filled by the Holy Spirit’ was not used again, except for being mentioned in Ephesians 5:18. In that phrase, Paul talks about surrendering to the influence of the Spirit-not to the indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit, which every believer receives.”
Photo, LAB Photos and AI Pixi; Scripture, bible.com
Lisa’s Daily Inspirations 