For those of you who supported the Season of Peace ministry in 2002...

"This service you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God"

1 Corinthians 9:12

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears.

Psalms 37:4

Even when we are too weak to have any faith left, He remains faithful to us and will help us, for He cannot disown us who are part of Himself, and He will always carry out His promises to us.

2 Timothy 2:13

ON THE OTHER SIDE A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me, what lies on the other side?" Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know." "You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?" The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side of which came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing... I know my Master is there and that is enough."

-- Author Unknown

When being interviewed about the length of time it took to invent the light bulb and the thousand of attempts that failed, Thomas Edison was once asked if failing ever discouraged him. "I did not fail thousands of times," Edison replied. "I had thousands of successes. For each one led me closer to my eventual success."

Romance is fleeting, but love is long. Romance is flying, but love is a safe landing. Romance seeks perfection, but love forgives faults. Romance anguishes as it waits for the phone to ring    to bring a voice that says sweet things,    but love is the anguish of waiting for a call    that assures you someone else is safe and happy. Romance is suspense, anticipation and surprise,    but love is dependability. Romance is dancing in the moonlight, gazing deep into desired eyes,    but love is saying, "You're tired, honey, I'll get up this time." Romance is delicious, but love nourishes.

Anonymous

"Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

Colossians 3:12

I asked God I asked for strength, that I might achieve;    I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey... I asked for health, that I might do greater things;    I was given infirmity, that I might do better things... I asked for riches, that I might be happy;    I was given poverty, that I might be wise. I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;    I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God... I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;    I was given life, that I might enjoy all things... I got nothing that I asked for- but everything I had hoped for;    Almost despite myself, My unspoken prayers were answered. I am among all men most richly blessed.

By an unknown Confederate soldier

With God, all things are possible.

Matthew 19:26

"He replied, 'Yes, but even more blessed are all who hear the Word of God and put it into practice.'"

Luke 11:28

What do you "put into practice"? What is your daily focus, thoughts and dreams?

Interesting tidbit from Kiplinger Letter, Forecasts for Management Decisionmaking regarding Gen Xers and Gen Yers in the business world: "Gen Xers are starting to move into management in many companies. Ages 26-37, they bring a leadership sytle distinct from boomers, who are now dominate top ranks but will leave in droves in the next 20 years. They're often more practical and self-reliant than boomers. They take ideas from anybody, considering only if they work and how well. And they seek responsibility over projects, rebuffing micromanagement. Their downsides: Bluntness that ruffles the feathers of boomers. And sometimes a lack of discipline. They can have a tough time riding herd on poor performers or reining in subordinates who lack focus. See management potential in your Gen X workers? Groom them early. Give Gen Xers more clout now and chances are they'll stick with you. The recession chastened them a bit, making them less likely to job hop. Gen Yers are another story. People born between 1977 and 1994, also known as the Millennium Generation, thrive on open communication and team building. They're more civic minded and quicker to join forces to solve problems. They'll be more open tounion efforts than Gen Xers."

"So then those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."

1 Peter 4:19

"For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down�when we die and leave these bodies�we will have a home in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long for the day when we will put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will not be spirits without bodies, but we will put on new heavenly bodies. Our dying bodies make us groan and sigh, but it�s not that we want to die and have no bodies at all. We want to slip into our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by everlasting life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit. So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. That is why we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. So our aim is to please him always, whether we are here in this body or away from this body. For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in our bodies. It is because we know this solemn fear of the Lord that we work so hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too."

2 Corinthians 5:1-11

According to verse 5, our very purpose is simply this--heaven. God prepared us for heaven, not earth. Our bodies groan and grow weary here on earth, for we were not prepared, designed or purposed for this world--but the next. That's what God has created us for. And, we will stand before Christ to be judged, and we will receive whatever we deserve for the good and evil we have done. Your heavenly home will be filled with the rewards that you earned here on earth. That's amazing, and quite humbling! Are you storing up treasures in heaven for yourself?

A Time to Remember September 11th.

Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is to have no trouble. It is never to be fretted or irritated or sore or disappointed. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed hope in the Lord, where I can go in and shut the door and kneel to my Father in secret, and am at peace as in a deep sea of calmness when all around and above is trouble.

Andrew Murray

But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them. O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will be gracious if you ask for help. He will respond instantly to the sound of your cries. Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and affliction for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes, and you will hear a voice say, �This is the way; turn around and walk here.�

Isaiah 30:18-21

I listen carefully to what God the LORD is saying, for he speaks peace to his people, his faithful ones. But let them not return to their foolish ways.

Psalms 85:8

If you listen carefully, you can hear God's words of peace over your life. Tune your spiritual ear to his voice, and you will hear wonderful words of peace!

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you not forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Deuteronomy 31:8

When you are in a bad mood or irritated, always remember to be the person your dog thinks you are.

Connie Stevens, 1938

"What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later."

Romans 8:18

Sam and Rita, married 42 years, are sitting side by side on the train not saying a word. At the next station, a young couple board the train and sit directly in front of Sam and Rita. Rita looks on approvingly when every few minutes, the young man leans over and kisses his girlfriend. These amorous exchanges continue. The delighted Rita pokes her husband and asks, "Sam, why don't you try that for a change?" Irate and indignant, Sam uffs, "What is wrong with you, woman? I don't even know her!"

-- Peter Van Breeman's, The God Who Won't Let Go

Twenty-Six Little Soldiers All my life, my very favorite human invention has been the alphabet: twenty-six little soldiers ready to do battle at my command. They are all lined up there, neatly in alphabetical order, and when they are called out in squadrons, think of what they can do: they can shout orders, croon lullabies, scream in agony, whisper in ecstasy, dissolve ambiguities, resolve conflict, punctuate pretension, express tenderness, build up, or tear down. They can exaggerate or diminish. They can comfort or control. They can hurt or they can heal. Twenty-six little letters-the alphabet! Now you tell me a better invention. Alone, these individual units are all but meaningless, but when they come together they can change the course of history. And that's often the way we are as people. We need each other. Two are better than one. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4).

-- Luci Swindoll

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save that thou art: Thou my best thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

Ancient Irish Prayer, Translated by Mary Byrne

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

Psalms 143:8

"Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life."

Proverbs 16:31

I guess I'm becoming more righteous. :)

The prophet Elijah was intolerant of Jezebel; the apostle Paul was intolerant of witchcraft books. Thomas Jefferson was intolerant of King George Third, and George Washington was intolerant of British troops. Frederick Douglass was intolerant of slavery, and Susan B. Anthony intolerant of men only voting. Amy Carmichael was intolerant of child prostitution, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer was intolerant of anti-semitism. Winston Churchill was intolerant of Hitler, and Martin Luther King Jr of segregation. Lech Walesa was intolerant of communism, and Mother Theresa of abortion. Intolerance is a beautiful thing.

Randall Terry

Why are you so far from my groanings? I cry out and I hear nothing. How can I sing the songs of the Lord in a foriegn land? How long, O Lord, before you deliver me from all my distress? I want to sing a new song, but I can't right now. Darkness is my only friend. I cannot find you. The psalmists were realistic, so much more than we who worship a divine vending machine. Insert the correct spiritual change, punch the right button, and God delivers. What do you want? A new zest for life? No more homosexual desires? Godly kids? Coming right up. Just stick in the right coins--daily devotions, disciplined prayer, determined obedience, faithful church attendance. God will do whatever you ask.

Shattered Dreams by Dr. Larry Crabb

Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?

Lamentations 3:37-38

"I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things."

Isaiah 45:7

It's here! The Season of Peace Devotional has been published! Each of the one hundred messages include three discussion questions and a prayer. If you would like to order this devotional and help support Season of Peace Minstry, click this link. All donations and proceeds go back into the minstry to help reach those who are crippled and bound by fear, panic attacks and anxiety.

"Church is too often a place of pretense and therefore a place without hope. When brokenness is disdained, where the real story is never told, the power of God is not felt. Where brokenness is inviited and received with grace, the gospel comes alive with hope."

Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb

"Mark this well: The Lord has set apart the redeemed for himself. Therefore He will listen to me and answer when I call to Him.

Psalm 4:3

"Shattered dreams open the door to better dreams, dreams that we do not properly value until the dreams that we improperly value are destroyed. Shattered dreams destroy false expectations, such as the "victorious" Christian life with no real struggle or failure. They help us to discover true hope. We need the help of shattered dreams to put us in touch with what we most long for, to create a felt appetite for better dreams. And living for the better dreams generates a new, unfamiliar feeling that we eventually recognize as joy."

Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb

"I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me."

Psalm 57:2

Follow God�s example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins.

Ephesians 5:1-2

We are a love-challenged people. Do we truly live a life filled with love for others? Or, do we press through this storm of relationships focusing only on our need? Sadly, too many people are focused on their needs, their wants, their dreams and ambitions. After all, that's the American way! The pursuit of happiness. As I see it, the pursuit of happiness will take you farther than you will ever want to go because it's focused on self. It will never be enough. Rather, loving others, serving others, giving yousellf for others, is a cause that Jesus smiles upon. Why? Because we are to love our neighbors as ourself.

News: Season of Peace is now officially a non-profit, tax-exempt ministry recognized by the US government as a 501(c)(3) organization. We received our tax exempt notification on January 25, 2002. You can read more about Season of Peace vision and calling here. More News: The Season of Peace Devotional is now being published. If all goes well, we should be able to start selling the book in April. The self-published book is being printed by Morris Publishing.

�If you confess with your mouth, �Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, �Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame�. For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, �Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'�

Romans 10:9-13

What an awesome promise from God! It is with your heart that you believe and are justified. And, it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Did you catch all that? Heart. Believe. Justified. Mouth. Confess. Saved. Notice what it didn't say. It didn't say, "It is by your actions that you are made right with God and redeemed." No. It is by faith. It is with your heart, not your hands. Are you justified? Are you saved?

"You can get anything - anything you ask for in prayer - if you believe."

Matthew 21:22

"We�ve created a vending machine Jesus. We take our quarter, put it in the slot, tell the machine exactly what we want, and fully expect it to pop out. And if it doesn�t, then we get mad, hit the machine, shake it back and forth, and then stomp off vowing never to use that particular machine again."

Seminary professor Robert Smith

Sin will take you further than you want to go, Keep you longer than you want to stay, And take more than you were ever willing to give.

Unknown

Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches.

1 Corinthians 9:24-26

What race do you run? The rat race? The money race? The prestige race? Do you run God's race? Do you grab hold of your purpose and run the path God has laid out for you? I pray you do. This scripture just touched my heart in such a powerful way. When I read those words "with purpose in every step", it made me think. Do I run God's race with purpose in every step? I'm not sure. I hope I do. It's made me realize that I need to run this race carefully, planning each and every step with God's guidance. I don't want to miss any punches.

"Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step."

1 Corinthians 9:24-26a

Do you run this race of life with "purpose in every step"? I just love that phrase, "purpose in every step." It says so much is just those four words. Do you live your life on your own terms, or on God's terms? Do your steps have purpose, or are you just running to keep up with everyone else? Is there purpose in every step? I pray there is.

"Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord, where I can go in and shut the door, and kneel to my Father in secret, and am at peace as in a deep sea of calmness, when all around and above is trouble."

Andrew Murray

"Happiness or sadness or wealth should not keep anyone from doing God's work. Those in frequent contact with the things of the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for this world and all it contains will pass away."

1 Corinthians 7:30-31