The Pursuit of Peace

No one can expect inner peace unless their heart and mind are seeking Jesus. While a well-balanced life, exercise, a fun hobby and a good friend can help, we must recognize that deep and abiding peace — the kind that surpasses understanding — comes from only one place. Where? In the presence of our Heavenly Father. Let us be still and know that He is God.

Psalm 46

New Living Translation (NLT)

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Let the oceans roar and foam.

Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
Interlude

A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High.
God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
From the very break of day, God will protect it.
The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts!
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
Interlude

Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:
See how he brings destruction upon the world.
He causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.

“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.

It's "Marriage Prayer Friday!"

We can admire faith-filled people like Abraham and Ruth who embraced the adventures God placed before them. But let's do more than just be inspired. Let's pray for that kind of surrender, obedience, anticipation and blessing in our marriages!

A prayer for your own marriage—

HOLY GOD, thank you that you go out ahead of us, stay beside us, and hem us in from behind (Ps 139:5). My marriage is facing some new seasons and adventures today. On some level, we are aware of where you are leading us. In other ways, it's quite a mystery. That is both exciting and scary. When I keep my hope anchored in Your perfect wisdom and faithfulness, I remain excited because I am reminded that you always do immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine (Eph 3:20). But strengthen me to do my part in this marriage to stay anchored in You, Lord. Together, help me and my husband/wife to wisely make the most of every decision and opportunity because these days are evil (Eph 5:16). Keep us from being tossed back and forth by the culture, personal dreams or circumstances (Eph 4:14) but keep us grounded in relationship with You and each other so that the adventure is authentically joy-filled to us while glorifying to You. Equip us for what lies ahead — the comfortable and the uncomfortable — and teach us to say, together and without reservation, "We will go where You send us!"

AMEN

Something to pray for a friend's marriage—

HOLY GOD, thank you that you always go out ahead of us, stay beside us, and hem us in from behind (Ps 139:5). Some of my married friends are facing new seasons and adventures today. On some level, they are aware of where you are leading them. In other ways, they face a mysterious road. Whether they are excited or scared, please help them to keep their hope anchored in Your perfect wisdom and faithfulness. Remind them that you always do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine (Eph 3:20). Strengthen each of them to do their part in the marriage to stay anchored in You, Lord. Together, help them to wisely make the most of every decision and opportunity because these days are evil (Eph 5:16). Keep them from being tossed back and forth by the culture, personal dreams or circumstances (Eph 4:14) but keep them grounded in relationship with You and each other so that the adventure is authentically joy-filled for them while glorifying to You. Equip them for what lies ahead — the comfortable and the uncomfortable — and teach them to say, together and without reservation, "We will go where You send us!"

AMEN

FINDING GLORY Wednesday

What a blessed summer this continues to be as we explore together what it means to live out our faith and thrive in life even when times are challenging!

The scripture and discussion question this week are:

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7

When you have been in a season of adversity (currently or in the past), what were two or three things you could genuinely express gratitude about — to God and/or to others?

For more information about Finding Glory Groups, visit http://www.findingglory.com/findingglorygrou.html.