In a world where both the interior and exterior peace of its inhabitants is under constant threat by one form of chaos or the other, is there any hope for lasting peace? This reflection explores the impact of Jesus' gift of peace to his disciples during his post-resurrection visits in John 20:19""31. Importantly, it carefully evaluates the relevance of this visit to all living in today's challenging and chaotic world. This work reveals that peace is a gift from God and that Jesus' salutation ("Peace be with you"), which communicates much peace and liberates every troubled soul, is still very much re-echoed to all today. Hence, it is still relevant for the continuous restoration and sustenance of peace in both the individual and our entire world. Faith and humility are prerequisites for receiving the peace that Christ offers. Also, the Holy Spirit is a principal agent in humankind's search for lasting peace, and peace is not primarily a characteristic of happenings in the world but also a human attitude and a characteristic of all who have received it. The title of this little book speaks for itself. The peace that Christ offers is still very much needed in every soul and in our world at large. It is what our world lacks and needs most today, and this is what I present to you in this little book. This book consists of five chapters. Chapter one is the general introduction. Chapter two is a broad overview on peace. Chapter three is a brief analysis of John 20:19""20. The fourth chapter contextualizes Jesus' post-resurrection visit and the peace he offered. The final chapter is a brief summary and conclusion of the reflection. Peace be with you all. Amen!
Nothing could have been more disturbing to the disciples than to know that Jesus would soon be gone. As as their hearts shuddered with fear of the unknown, Jesus comforted them with His promise of peace. In this examination of John 14:1-6, we are reminded of God's Spirit of peace that is available to us because of the death and resurrection of Jesus. As we put our trust in Jesus, we can find peace to calm our hearts, nurture our souls, and strengthen our relationships.
When you feel stuck in your job or relationship . . . when all you worked for leaves you feeling empty inside . . . when fear of what is to come consumes sleepless nights . . . when love seems like an impossible choice to make . . . when the world is not large enough to contain your grief . . . when you struggle to forgive the unforgivable . . . there is one solution that brings true peace. See the world through God's eyes. Look through God's eyes and you see that you are being guided in every moment with infinite wisdom and inexhaustible love, that life is unfolding with indescribable beauty and grace, that Spirit is gently urging you to align your will with Divine Will and be a source of love, hope, and healing energy to all who cross your path. If you have more confusion than clarity about how to live your beliefs, the ancient wisdom permeating "Through God's Eyes" offers the hope and promise that you can escape from the prison of human perception, welcome peace, love, and joy as the dearest of friends, and become a more positive and powerful force for good in the world. "Through God's Eyes: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Troubled World" is unique in two fundamental ways. First, it is the only book that presents a vast array of spiritual principles in an elegant, engaging format that shows how all these concepts interact, how to weave them together into a cohesive worldview, and how to practically apply this spiritual wisdom to daily life. Second, its inventive format alternates illuminating comments with inspiring quotes that support, build upon, and flow into each other to convey penetrating insights into the meaning and purpose of life and the vastness of human potential. TESTIMONIALS "Through God's Eyes" is s a superb book, a truly enlightened piece of work that is an essential read for all people who are truly devoted to the care and refinement of their soul. Phil is a contemporary mystic, a man whose life is a living commitment to spiritual service. I am honored to know him. Caroline Myss, author of "Defy Gravity" Regardless of how you conceive the Absolute-as God, Goddess, Allah, Universe, or simply as a sense of cosmic beauty and order-your belief will be enriched by "Through God's Eyes." This fine book is a refreshing departure from the preachy ideology of religious dogmatism. It reveals the richness, complexity, and meaning of everyday life, warts and all. Larry Dossey, MD, author of "The Power of Premonitions" In "Through God's Eyes," Phil Bolsta has assembled a Dream Team of spiritual wisdom. The book gathers together remarkable luminaries from every tradition-and non-tradition as well-and creatively organizes them into topical categories, like panelists in separate meeting rooms at a large conference; only these wise ones are available to readers any time they are needed. And we all need them. As we make our way along the spiritual path, with all its perplexities, complexities, mysteries, and ambiguities, these trusted companions can provide reliable, timeless guidance. Philip Goldberg, author of "American Veda" At first glance, this monstrous 538-page book appears to be a collection of inspirational quotes from cultural icons as well as sages throughout the ages. However, as you read the book carefully, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover that it actually provides a detailed road map for your spiritual quest for a meaningful and harmonious life. Here lies the genius of Bolsta-he makes the profound look simple and his simple steps can lead to profound changes in individuals and society. Dr. Paul Wong, author of "The Human Quest for Meaning" One of the most important books I've ever read. An incredible compilation of spiritual wisdom and insight. It's the owner's manual God should give you when you're born. Robert Peterson, author of "Out of Body Experiences"
How do you turn your struggles into strengths? Beloved Bible teacher Sheila Walsh teaches readers how the daily spiritual practices of confession, meditation on God’s Word, and prayer result in fresh freedom in Christ. In her long-awaited book, Sheila Walsh equips women with a practical method for connecting with God’s strength in the midst of struggle. From daily frustrations that can feel like overwhelming obstacles to hard challenges that turn into rock-bottom crises, women will find the means to equip themselves for standing strong with God. Using the spiritual applications of confession, prayer, and meditation on Scripture to form a daily connection to Jesus, women will learn how to experience new joy as a child of God who is fully known, fully loved, and fully accepted. In In the Middle of the Mess, Walsh reveals the hardened defenses that kept her from allowing God into her deepest hurts and shares how entering into a safe place with God and practicing this daily connection with him have saved her from the devil’s prowling attacks. Though we will never be completely “fixed” on earth, we are continually held by Jesus, whatever our circumstances. Sheila Walsh acts as our guardian in In the Middle of the Mess as she shows us we’re not alone in our struggles, guides us through a courageous journey of self-discovery, and reminds us where to find hope, comfort, and strength in tough times.
Modern life can often feel hectic, stressful and anxiety-inducing. Now more than ever it is harder to escape the sense of chaos in the world. Tiddy Rowan's timeless book is designed to help us find a sense of inner peace and greater harmony with the people we live near, our environment and the world. The Little Book of Peace is an anthology of musings, insights and stories on peace and how we attain it in life, drawing from the wisdom of philosophers, religious leaders, secular thinkers, writers, poets and artists. This beautifully designed book will inspire, soothe and uplift the soul.
The NIV is the world's best-selling modern translation, with over 150 million copies in print since its first full publication in 1978. This highly accurate and smooth-reading version of the Bible in modern English has the largest library of printed and electronic support material of any modern translation.
In 1951, with the Second World War not long over and the menace of the Cold War generating anxiety in the West, Martyn Lloyd-Jones preached eight sermons on John 14:1-12 at Westminster Chapel in London. These sermons, presented in Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled, were intended to comfort, strengthen, and build up Christians in their "most holy faith" and to bring unbelievers to a knowledge of the only way men and women can face matters of life and death. Lloyd-Jones went through these verses carefully, showing that the way to deal with our fears is first to recognize and confront them and then to realize that the answer is only to be found in the great and unchanging truths of the gospel. Pastors, Lloyd-Jones readers, and anyone needing encouragement will benefit from this work by one of the twentieth century's foremost preachers.
In a fast-paced world full of distractions, spiritual practice can help us become more centered-more in touch with ourselves and others, more in touch with the world around us, more in touch with God. Sacred Pauses is an introduction to this more centered way of life. The author, a pastor in British Columbia, begins with her own longing for personal renewal. What would it take to feel renewed every day? Instead of waiting for a vacation to smooth out the tensions of life, instead of waiting until the end of the week to shed our weariness, what if we could take time out every day? Live a renewed life every day? Be refreshed by God every day? Sacred Pauses offers simple ways for readers to do just that. Each chapter explores a different spiritual practice-from the classic disciplines of Scripture reading and prayer to other creative approaches such as paying attention, making music, and having fun. With plenty of stories from real life and ideas to try, this book is personal and practical. Its flexible format is appropriate for personal use or in a group, every day or any time. Free downloadable study guide available here.
"During her 70-year ministry the author spoke, through her pen, to young people, to church members, and to the world in the The Youth's Instructor, the Review and Herald, and The Signs of the Times. Selections for this book have been drawn from these three periodicals as well as from her books and previously unpublished manuscripts and letters"--Foreword.
