Tag: John 14:27

How To Have Real Peace

Posted in Bible, Bible Verse, Blog, Business, Christian Business, Christian Businessman, Christian Businesswoman, Christian Writers, Devotional, Devotions, Faith, Faithful, Happy, Hope, Inspirational, Inspire, J Kepler, JA Kepler, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, Motivation, Prayer, Prayers, Verse1 Comment

Self-isolation, can’t go out to eat, avoid the beaches, Zoom Bible study classes, and live streaming of church services. It’s enough to make the most peaceful person anxious.

Or maybe like me, you’ve been tested for Covid-19 with the nose swab and had the COVID blood test to see if you have the antibodies meaning you had the virus. Fortunately, I tested negative for both. However, this upside-down world has robbed some of the usual peace of mind from me. I get anxious when I go to the grocery store or the pharmacy. Having peace of mind is hard for me. So …

What’s a man or woman to do? Where can we find real peace?

Everyone is searching for peace today. We seek real tranquility in our work, in our relationships, and yet the order that the world can give us is extremely fragile. It is temporary. 

The peace that God gives us is different from what the world offers. It is permanent. God’s peace affords tranquillity amid trouble. Seek His peace and experience a tremendous gift from God.

Three Kinds of Peace

1. Spiritual Peace – At Peace with God.

Romans 5:1 ESV – “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

2. Emotional Peace – The Peace of God.

Colossians 3:15 ESV – “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”

3. Relational Peace – At Peace with Everyone.

Romans 12:8 ESV – “the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”

John 14:27 ESV – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Key’s to God’s Perfect Peace

Key #1 – Obey God’s Principles

Psalm 119:165, 167 ESV – “Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. … My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly.”

Key #2 – Accept God’s Pardon

Micah 7:18 ESV – “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression … He does not retain his anger forever because he delights in steadfast love.”

Key #3 – Focus On God’s Presence

Isaiah 26:3 ESV – “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

Key #4 Trust God’s Presence 

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Key #5 Ask For God’s Peace

Jeremiah 33:3 ESV – “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”  I like to call Jeremiah 33:3 God’s phone number.

Remember, pray first, then you’ll find peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV – “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Photo Source: Image by michel kwan from Pixabay

The Source of Real Peace

Posted in Blog, Cancer, Caregiver, Caregiving, Devotions, Hope, How to be Saved, How to Become a Christian, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, Memoir, PrayersLeave a comment

The Source of Real Peace

9.1 My Story

I thought I was Superman. I believed I could handle anything that would come my way in caring for my wife as she battled Melanoma cancer.

I was wrong.

Over Mother’s Day Weekend in May 2016, my wife started an eleven-month treatment with prescription chemotherapy medications. In less than twenty-four hours of taking her first dosage, her temperature was 104-degrees. She was disoriented, non-communicative, and near death. I was scared and felt helpless.

All three of my grown children were home for the Mother’s Day Weekend. My wife’s two sisters had flown in from out of state to visit. They had good reason to come.

My wife’s PET Scan in late April had shown Melanoma had spread. It was in her left shoulder, lungs, between her lungs, in her thyroid, neck, pelvic area, right thigh, and in almost every area of the body except the brain. The oncologist said my wife would have weeks to months to live without the new chemotherapy prescription medications.

Miss Benita reluctantly agreed to the chemotherapy meds. Within hours of taking them, she wished she hadn’t. She knew death would be better than dealing with the sickness she was now experiencing.

I remembered the managing oncologist’s instructions as she started the medications. He had said she might experience elevated temperature. Her temperature of 104-degrees plus wasn’t elevated; it was extreme. He also said nausea was common. Her nausea was endless vomiting. I was told to call the doctor first before taking her to an emergency room at the hospital or calling 911 if she experienced these side-effects.

I called the doctor. He gave detailed instructions. I felt like I was now a critical care registered nurse. I felt overwhelmed, incompetent, scared, and responsible for my wife. He had me make sure she stayed hydrated. We stopped the chemo meds for a few days. We adjusted the dosages and their administration.

During this time my wife’s oldest sister’s faith in God, calm demeanor and trust in my caring for her sister guided me through the valley of the shadow of death through which I knew my wife was walking. Somehow my bride’s body adjusted to the meds. They were miracle drugs. He adjusting to them was equally miraculous.

Within six weeks, the PET Scan showed no traces of the Melanoma. For the next seventeen months, all scans and tests showed no Melanoma Cancer. The cancer stayed in remission from then until December 7, 2017, when the diagnosis of a brain tumor changed everything. My wife never had Melanoma Cancer recur anywhere in her body except in the brain. Unfortunately, the prescription chemo meds could not cross into the brain. The blood-brain barrier which prevented the crossing is a natural barrier designed by God to protect the brain.

During the process with the chemotherapy prescription medications, I saw an amazing peace descend on both my wife and me. Yes, it was a God thing. But it also was a family thing. Having sister’s in law that prayed and believed was a blessing. My children’s belief in my ability to care for their mother also helped. I confess I wasn’t short of hubris in this area.

God’s giving me peace of mind and an ability to keep on keeping on was the key. God is faithful. I can testify that I cried out to God, and He was there to walk with me through caring for my wife.

9.2 Real Peace Comes from God

Part of caring for a person with a chronic illness understands that real peace comes from God. Living to care for a person with a chronic disease can leave us overwhelmed.

The endless stream of questions from well-meaning family, friends, acquaintances, and coworkers drains us. We find ourselves emotionally and physically exhausted. At times we need more than rest. We need peace.

As we learn to care for a person with a chronic illness, we realize that real peace comes from God.

9.3 Bible Verse

John 14:27 (KJV), “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

9.4 What the Verse Means

The verse uses the Jewish form of greeting and blessing. Indeed, the hearers understand this wish for peace. Jesus wishes them the same serenity of soul as he experiences. He leaves the availability of this peace with them. 

Jesus lets them know his words are not idle or meaningless. He means what he says. His words are true.

Because his words are factual, we should not fear the future. No matter how difficult the challenges are that you face, stand firm. Remember, Jesus paid the price for your comfort, salvation, and redemption.

9.5 Prayer Using Scripture

  • Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of peace.
  • Lord, I pray my heart would not be troubled.
  • I pray I would not fear as I continue the battle against the chronic illness.

9.6 Responding to God’s Hope

  1. Have you asked God for peace of mind? Why not pray now?
  2. Have you turned your fears over to the Lord? He’s listening even now. I encourage you to start listing them. God will hear you. 
  3. Being afraid is normal. Thank God for giving you the ability to feel and care.

9.7 Takeaway

Real peace comes from God.

If you are not a Christian, accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior is a prerequisite to obtaining God’s peace.
Click HERE to find out how to become a Christian. You can trust Jesus Christ and become a Christian now.

Photo Source: Image by makunin from Pixabay

This blog is from the forthcoming book, “Caregiving: Biblical Insights from a Caregiver’s Journey by Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Ed.D.

To receive a notification when “Caregiving: Biblical Insights from a Caregiver’s Journey by Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Ed.D. is available and to get occasional updates on the writing of Jimmie Aaron Kepler, please complete the “Email Sign-up” found in the far left column of the blog.

Peace

Posted in Bible Verse, Blog, Caregiver, Caregiving, Devotions, God, God the Father, God the Holy Spirit, God the Son, Hope, Inspirational, Inspire, J Kepler, J. Aaron Kepler, JA Kepler, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, Love, Memoir, Peace, Prayer, Prayers, VerseLeave a comment

9 Peace

9.1 My Story

I thought I was Superman. I believed I could handle anything that would come my way in caring for my wife as she battled Melanoma cancer.

I was wrong.

Over Mother’s Day Weekend in May 2016, my wife started an eleven-month treatment with prescription chemotherapy medications. In less than twenty-four hours of taking her first dosage, her temperature was 104-degrees. She was disoriented, non-communicative, and near death. I was scared and felt helpless.

All three of my children were home for the Mother’s Day Weekend. My wife’s two sisters had flown in from out of state to visit. They had good reason to come.

My wife’s PET Scan in late April had shown Melanoma had spread. It was in her left shoulder, lungs, between her lungs, in her Thyroid, neck, pelvic area, right thigh, and in almost every area of the body except the brain. The oncologist said my wife would have weeks to months to live without chemotherapy prescription medications.

My wife reluctantly agreed to the chemotherapy meds. Within hours of taking them, she wished she hadn’t. She was sure death would be better than dealing with the sickness she was now experiencing.

I remembered the managing oncologist’s instructions as she started the medications. He had said she might experience elevated temperature. Her temperature of 104-degrees plus wasn’t elevated; it was extreme. He also said nausea was common. Her nausea was endless vomiting. I was told to call the doctor first before taking her to an emergency room at the hospital or calling 911 if she experienced these side-effects.

I called the doctor. He gave detailed instructions. I felt like I was now a critical care registered nurse. I felt overwhelmed, incompetent, scared, and responsible for my wife. He had me make sure she stayed hydrated. We stopped the chemo meds for a few days. We adjusted the dosages and their administration.

During this time my wife’s oldest sister’s faith in God, calm demeanor and trust in my caring for her sister guided me through the valley of the shadow of death I knew my wife was walking through. Somehow my bride’s body adjusted to the meds. They were miracle drugs.

Within six weeks, the PET Scan showed no traces of the Melanoma. Cancer stayed in remission from then until December 7, 2017, when the diagnosis of a brain tumor changed everything. My wife never had Melanoma recur anywhere except in the head. Unfortunately, the prescription chemo meds could not cross the barrier into the brain.

During the process with the chemotherapy prescription medications, I saw an amazing peace descend on both my wife and me. Yes, it was a God thing. But it also was a family thing. Having sister’s in law that prayed and believed was a blessing. My children’s belief in my ability to care for their mother also helped.

God’s giving me peace of mind and an ability to keep on keeping on was the key. God is faithful. I can testify that I cried out to God and He was there to walk with me through caring for my wife.

9.2 Real Peace Comes from God

Part of learning to care for a person with a chronic illness understands that real peace comes from God. Living to care for a person with a chronic disease can leave us overwhelmed.

The endless stream of questions from well-meaning family, friends, acquaintances, and coworkers drains us. We find ourselves emotionally and physically exhausted. At times we need more than rest. We need peace.

As we learn to care for a person with a chronic illness, we realize that real peace comes from God.

9.3 Bible Verse

John 14:27 (KJV), “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

9.4 What the Verse Means

The verse uses the Jewish form of greeting and blessing. Indeed, the hearers understand this wish for peace. Jesus wishes them the same serenity of soul as he experiences. He leaves this availability of this peace with them. 

Jesus lets them know his words are not idle or meaningless. He means what he says. His words are true.

Because his words are factual, we should not fear the future. No matter how difficult the challenges are that you face, stand firm. Remember Jesus paid the price for your comfort, salvation, and redemption.

9.5 Prayer Using Scripture

  • Heavenly Father thank you for the gift of peace.
  • Lord, I pray my heart would not be troubled.
  • I pray I would not fear as I continue the battle against the chronic illness.

9.6 Responding to God’s Hope

  1. Have you asked God for peace of mind? Why not ask now?
  2. Have you turned your fears over to the Lord? He’s listening even now. I encourage you to start listing them. God will hear you.
  3. Being afraid is normal. Thank God for giving you the ability to feel and care.

Photo Source: Pixabay

This blog post is from the forthcoming book, “Caregiving: Biblical Insights from a Caregiver’s Journey” by Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Ed.D.

To receive notification when “Caregiving: Biblical Insights from a Caregiver’s Journey” by Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Ed.D. is available and to get occasional updates on the writing of Jimmie Aaron Kepler please complete the “Email Sign-up” found in the far left column of the blog.

Real Peace Comes from God

Posted in Blog, Caregiver, Caregiving, Devotions, Hope, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, Memoir, Prayers6 Comments

Real Peace Comes from God

Part of learning to care for a person with a chronic illness is understanding that real peace comes from God. Living to care for a person with a chronic disease can leave us overwhelmed. The endless stream of questions from well-meaning family, friends, acquaintances, and coworkers drains us. We find ourselves emotionally and physically exhausted. At times we need more than rest. We need peace.

As we learn to care for a person with a chronic illness, we realize that real peace comes from God.

My Story

I thought I was Superman. I believed I could handle anything that would come my way in caring for my wife as she battled Melanoma cancer.

I was wrong.

Over Mother’s Day Weekend in May 2016, my wife started an eleven-month treatment with prescription chemotherapy medications. In less than twenty-four hours of taking her first dosage, her temperature was 104-degrees. She was disoriented, non-communicative, and I was convinced she was at death’s door. I was scared and felt helpless.

All three of my children were home for the Mother’s Day Weekend. My wife’s two sisters had flown in from out of state to visit. They had good reason to come.

My wife’s PET Scan in late April had shown Melanoma had spread. It was in her left shoulder, lungs, between her lungs, in her Thyroid, neck, pelvic area, right thigh, and in almost every area of the body except the brain. The oncologist said she would have weeks to a few months without taking the chemotherapy prescription medications.

My wife reluctantly agreed to the chemotherapy meds. Within hours of taking them, she wished she hadn’t. She was sure death would be better than dealing with the sickness she was now experiencing.

I remembered the managing oncologist’s instructions as she started the medications. He had said she might experience elevated temperature. 104-degrees plus wasn’t elevated; it was extreme. He also said nausea was common. Her nausea was endless vomiting. The doctor had also told me to call him first before taking her to an emergency room at the hospital or calling 911.

I call the doctor. He gave detailed instructions. I felt like I was now a critical care registered nurse. I felt overwhelmed, incompetent, scared, and responsible for my wife. He had me make sure she stayed hydrated. We stopped the chemo meds for a few days. We adjusted the dosages and the way they were administered.

During this time my wife’s oldest sister’s faith in God, calm demeanor and trust in my caring for her sister guided me through the valley of the shadow of death through which I knew my wife was walking. Somehow my bride’s body adjusted to the meds. They were miracle drugs.

Within six weeks, the PET Scan showed no traces of the Melanoma. It stayed in remission from then until a brain tumor was found on December 7, 2017. She never had Melanoma recur anywhere except in the head. Unfortunately, the prescription chemo meds could not cross the barrier into the brain.

During the process with the chemotherapy prescription medications, I saw a fantastic peace descend on both my wife and myself. Yes, it was a God thing. But it also was a family thing. Having sister’s in law that prayed and believed was a blessing. My children’s belief in my ability to care for their mother also helped.

God’s giving me peace of mind and an ability to keep on keeping on was the key. God is faithful. I can testify that I cried out to him and he was there to walk with me through caring for my wife.

Bible Verse

John 14:27 (KJV), “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

What the Verse Means

The verse uses the Jewish form of greeting and blessing. Indeed, the hearers understand this wish for peace. Jesus wishes them the same serenity of soul as he experiences. He leaves this availability of this peace with them.

Jesus lets them know his words are not idle or meaningless. He means what he says. His words are true. Because his words are factual, we should not fear the future.

No matter how difficult the challenges are that you face, stand firm. Remember Jesus paid the price for your comfort, salvation, and redemption.

Prayer Using Scripture

  • Heavenly Father thank you for the gift of peace.
  • Lord, I pray my heart would not be troubled.
  • I pray I would not fear as I continue the battle against the chronic illness.

Responding to God’s Hope

  1. Have you asked God for peace of mind? Why not pray for peace of mind now?
  2. Have you turned your fears over to the Lord? He’s listening even now. I encourage you to start listing them. God will hear you.
  3. Being afraid is normal. Thank God for giving you the ability to feel and care.

Photo Source: Pixabay

This blog post is adapted from the forthcoming book, “Caregiving: A Biblical Alternative” by Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Ed.D.

Peace    

Posted in Blog, Caregiver, Caregiving, Devotions, Hope, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, Memoir, PrayersLeave a comment

                                                         

Real Peace Comes From God

Part of learning to live with a chronic illness understands that real peace comes from God. Living with a chronic disease can leave us overwhelmed. The endless stream of questions from well-meaning family, friends, acquaintances, and coworkers drains us. We find ourselves emotionally and physically exhausted. At times we need more than rest. We need peace.

As we learn to live with a chronic illness, we realize that real peace comes from God.

Today’s Bible Verse:

John 14:27 (KJV), “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

What the Verse Means:

The verse uses the Jewish form of greeting and blessing. Indeed, the hearers understand this wish for peace. Jesus wishes them the same serenity of soul as he experiences. He leaves this availability of this peace with them. Jesus lets them know his words are not idle or meaningless. He means what he says. His words are true. Because his words are factual, we should not fear the future. No matter how difficult the challenges are that you face, stand firm. Remember Jesus paid the price for your comfort, salvation, and redemption.

Personalized Prayer Using Today’s Scripture:

  • Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of peace.
  • Lord, I pray my heart would not be troubled.
  • I pray I would not fear as I continue the battle against the chronic illness.

Photo Source: Pixabay

Thy Will Be Done

Today’s blog post is from the book “Thy Will Be Done: 60 Prayers for the Chronically Ill” by Jimmie Aaron Kepler. It is available in print and on Kindle for Amazon at Amazon Print or Amazon Kindle.

If you are an Amazon Kindle Unlimited member, the book is available to read for free in Kindle format. Over the next two months, I will publish each chapter as a blog post