Welcome back to womens online Bible study! We’ve just completed a study of Peace in week five of Living Beyond Yourself by Beth Moore. We saw five Portraits of Peace this week. Comforting, since we also know Satan is roaming the earth back and forth (Job 1:7) looking to devour our peace. Jesus comes with his sword, the Holy Spirit, and gives us peace. We have access to the Father and the Authority of peace.
(image: Unsplash)
We also learn that peace is not passive, it involves our participation. We must pray, give thanks and trust the Lord in our turmoil. We pour out our hearts to Him and trust Him with our peace. Beth Moore reminds us, “God is not a proponent of emotional annihilation but He gives us specific instructions regarding emotions.”
We seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14)
In the audio session for week five, Beth Moore says “If I am going to have personal peace it is because I am bowing down to the authority of Christ in my life in that situation.” In our reading this week, she reminds us there are times when we can be in a complete turmoil of circumstance and yet have a state of total peace. Other times we can have nothing to complain about, yet feel a complete loss of peace.
Let us pray: Father, we pray for peace in aloneness, peace in provision, peace in the storm, peace in the wait, peace in the tears, peace in your plan and peace in our death. Fill our hearts, , mind and soul with your peace. Take authority over our turmoil, fear, depression, confusion, anxiety and guilt. Where we lack peace, restore it. Where we seek peace, provide it. We claim peace in the name of your son Jesus Christ, amen.
Christ had perfect peace in the storm. -Beth Moore
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Assignment For Next Week
- Read Week Six in the workbook
- Listen to the Session Six Audio (optional)
- OR…Listen to the Session Six Video (optional)
Sad to say that I was not able to complete any of Week 5’s homework. But, I’m at peace with that and will go back and complete it as time allows. I’m starting week 6 today and look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store.
We never have peace if we are after the things of this world. My mom used to worry if she didn’t have anything to worry about. My neighbor is very paranoid and is all ways thinking someone is ” out to get him”. I feel so sorry for people like that. They have nothing to fall back on and are really so alone. With Christ we are never alone. He is always there when we have problems, happiness, or loneliness. He will never leave us. There is no substitute for the love of Christ and the peace He brings us. Sometimes we forget but He is always there waiting for us to call on Him. I am so thankful and so undeserving.
God bless you all.
I agree wholeheartedly! The love of Christ and His peace give a contentment that is beyond understanding… But oh… it is so wonderful!
I am reading the book “The Invisible War: What Every Believer Needs to Know about Satan, Demons and Spiritual Warfare” by Chip Ingram. It’s a book that connects to the spirit of peace, and I’ll lead a online bible study of this book next year.
I would love a study of this book!!
If we have enough people interested, we can start this study earlier than January. There is very little homework involved, mostly reading, with a group discussion once a week.
Boy, did I have to belive in spiritual warfare this week. I started going to church on Sunday and this week I was mistreated by my boss and a coworker, she is the type that will retaliate if you don’t do what she wants. It kept playing my head all day long yesterday. I tried so hard to stop the thoughts and I couldn’t. Then my sister was treatened by her convict exhusbands laywer because she doesn’t want to get her kids involved in the law suit that her exhusband is suing from a fender bender. She told the laywer I am a christian and my kids weren’t hurt in that accident, the lawyer said “well I know a family that Dcyf got involved because the mom didn’t want to do the same” My sister took her kids to the doctor and they are fine.
A less subtle form of invisible warfare can even attack out faith. For instance, Satan will be the first to remind you that you did not pray before a meal, were too tired to attend church, missed your devotions, or tithed after you spent your earnings on yourself. He knows the bible and God’s direction for us, so when we slip he will use this to cause guilt and shame. Remember that the Father ALWAYS speaks in love and never shames you. Satan will be the one to point a finger and say you’re behind in your bible study. The Holy Spirit will be the one to say “you’re right where I want you to be. Rest in me.” If you feel guilt, shame, anger, fear, bitterness and unforgiveness…you are listening to the weapons of the enemy. His goal is to steal our peace.
I would be interested and would love to participate in the study.
You can count me in for this study as well. I deal with situations that try to draw me away from God everyday… Some days are worse than others, but Im trying my best to live a changed life for God, myself and my family… The study on ‘The Invisible War’ would be beneficial and educational for all of us…
1. My life is (and has been) full of nonbelievers. In fact, I don’t have very many Christians friends at all. Anyway, being raised by nonbelievers, married to one, and most of my friends are nonbelievers … boy oh boy do I see a lack of peace! I see people leading “normal” happy lives, but deep down I don’t see a peace.
2. I am in a situation at work where there is lack of peace. My prayer, of course, is to get away from it! It was good to read that we can learn to have peace in the middle of a situation!
Maybe this is a garden tool (proactive):
I loved in the audio how Beth said she often prays face down. (I have heard her talk about this before.) Let me tell you, I was out in the parking lot at 7 AM bowing over my steering wheel praying for peace before entering the work building today.
So often we get in the middle of a situation … or worse yet, after a situation and pray. I’d like to remember to be proactive.
Praying Renee. Peace comes when you realize these are not your problems, give them to Jesus. You did not choose for your spouse, family or friends to turn from Jesus. You did not choose the situations at work. You choose Jesus and you walk on the same water. You choose life and will spend eternity with the One who created you. Peace comes from knowing who you are…His…Daughter of a King.
A circumstance in my life that challenged my peace was when I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. At first I was taken back and worried about all the what if’s. I turned it over to God, as I had with many circumstances and in Him I found peace. My friends could not believe the way I handled the news (with His assurance and peace)and thought I was in denial of what I was facing…and I can say when your the one going through the treatments and surgeries it is hard to deny. It was not denial but understanding God was in control and that brings peace to everything, whether it is health issues, financial issues, or relationship issues…issues period. Knowing God is in control provides peace to me in any circumstance.
Since my diagnosis 10 years and subsequent healing there have been times (a year ago) when the doctors thought the cancer had returned. His peace continued to be mine and I do not think I was even concerned. I have come to learn that no matter what with God I am okay regardless of how a circumstance or situation presents itself.
Dedie,
Be forever strong. It is your Faith that sustains you. I will pray that God’s mercy will continue to cover your life. You are a testament to the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. God Bless You!
1. I absolutely agree with Beth that we can’t manufacture our own peace. If we could we would see so much less fighting, suicides, broken families, etc.
2. There have been plenty of times in my life that have challenged my peace. Right now our family is in the midst of transition. We don’t know what my husband will be doing or where we will be living after the end of the year & we just made a temporary cross-country move so we can be near family during all this transition. Being someone who likes order & consistency this is a challenge for me, especially with a 4 & almost 2 year old. This study has been so relevant & timely as only God can be.
3. “Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,”
says the LORD, who has compassion on you. ” Is 54:10
Thank You God for Your compassion on me!
Love your verse!
I agree that man cannot create his own peace. As Beth put it “…peace belongs to Jesus alone. …you must receive it from Him.” Just like agape.
I am not a fearful person. So recently when my husband was out of town I was caught off guard by the fear of thinking someone was outside our house in the night. It was a very unpleasant, unwanted feeling. I thought I was always good at trusting God in those situations, knowing I’m in His perfect care. I knew God was there with me but did not understand why I had that fear. I prayed a lot and somehow I believe it is part of the work He is doing in my life. Anyway fear is so unsettling it is a beautiful gift to know the owner of PEACE. And that He is willing to share. 🙂
Psalms 4:8
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.”
This verse is so perfect for the situation that I just described. Thank you Lord!
(side note: it is wonderful to be caught up with the Bible study group.)
I have agreed with the statement “a man cannot create peace in his own soul,” because I have believed peace to be reconciliation with God. We are either friends of God or enemies of God and the only way to be a friend of God is to be covered with the blood of Jesus and forgiven for our sins. Even now, when I struggle with peace for difficult, painful, or uncomfortable situations my lack of peace is indicative of the struggle that I am yielding to God’s Sovereignty in the situation and trusting His resolution rather than imposing my own will upon the outcome. In these moments, my peace comes as I confess my willfulness as well as my own pride for the sin they are and surrender it to God’s direction and purposes so that it can produce what God desires. John 12:24 talks about the kernel of wheat falling to the ground and dying so that new life can spring from it. What touched me the most about John 14:27 and the peace God gives us is the fact that it is NOT as the world gives. His peace doesn’t require me to always have a back-up plan. His peace doesn’t demand 10’s of 1000’s of dollars in the bank “just in case.” His peace doesn’t mean that I must be afraid of the doctor’s diagnosis. His peace doesn’t require that I put myself first so that I can get ahead. No longer being at war with God is accomplished as I surrender, not as I fight. I die to live.
The most challenging time I experienced this was several years ago when I was hemorrhaging. I had an issue similar to the woman’s issue of blood. I had no money, no insurance, and every time I stood I bled without ceasing. When I finally saw a doctor, it was in the ER and they referred me to a specialist. The doctor agreed to see me with no money and no insurance. The treatment placed me on disability for a minimum of three months to stabilize my blood count and I was a single parent. I remember always feeling weak, alone, and dirty. I was at church one night and the pastor’s wife asked me if I minded them praying for my healing. I was so touched that someone cared but I knew what the Holy Spirit had been ministering to me. I gave her permission to pray with me about healing but asked that they would agree with me that I would allow God to work His will in my life, no matter what that looked like or how difficult it got. It was so scary but in the end I was able to have another child when I got married and I didn’t have ANY hospital bills at all. I go back to this time in my life all the time and remember God’s faithfulness and it helps me find courage to trust Him in the lives of my children, in my husband, as retirement gets closer, and even with the health of my parents. I am learning not to fight for control over situations but rather to allow God to do a work within whatever situation we find ourselves. HE IS MIGHTY IN THE MIDST OF US!
Thank you for sharing this, I am reminded of the many times God placed peace into my heart, especially when the doctors thought I had ovarian cancer. My surgery was scheduled, my mom was coming over to watch my children, my husband was prepared to take time off work. I started to visualize in fear: my life with cancer, my children without a Mom, and my husband without a spouse. Each time I felt fear, the Spirit was quick to remind me of scripture verses. I actually shouted them…yelling back at my fear THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD, I SHALL NOT FEAR!!! While I waited for the biopsy results, my doctor started me on pre-surgery medications. My biopsy came back negative, my symptoms went away, and the doctor said it was my choice to go forward with the surgery. I put my faith in God and canceled the surgery. Later, the day before the surgery was scheduled, the doctor called me again to prepare me for surgery and she had forgotten to remove my name from the surgery list! God had already removed my name.
Wow ladies! Thank you so much for sharing!
1) I agree with Beth’s statement that man cannot create his own peace. We need to receive peace from Jesus in order to truthfully be at peace.
2) Normal everyday life can bring a lot of worry. I am always worrying about by children, my husband, money, bills, keeping the house cleaned…you name it I will worry about it. Letting go of that worry and acheiving peace is not something I have been able to completely do, but I am working on it.
3)”The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11
4)With God in control, I will find peace.
I have had some struggles in completing the lessons. I am still on Lesson 4 but plan to work on them all and get to week six by tomorrow. If I don’t post it is also because my internet or pc (can’t figure it out) is down and I am trying to get that resolved. Right now I am just on it while it’s up which is never for more than a few minutes at a time. Just to let you know I am still here though and plan to stay with the study.
You can call or email me if you need encouragement.
Hi All,
What a wonderful Bible Study. Thanks again Christine for having us over to sup with you on the delectable Fruit of the Spirit. More than you know, lives are being changed, spirits are being renewed, and new hopes inspired by your studies. I myself have been under attack every since we started this study. So I ask that you all please pray for me and my Ministry. And though I have yet to bond with anyone here, it is a delight watching the (agape) love grow between so many of you. 🙂
Our study on peace this past week was particularly hard for me with this present spiritual battle. Yet, Beth’s insight and your comments has inspired this week devotion @ http://poeticword.org/live/?p=1237. There is a silent, serial killer called depression roaming the minds of many aspiring to destroy our peace with God. Isn’t it wonderful to know that the Holy Spirit is willing and able to help us acquire peace through the Fruit of the Spirit, with Christ as our intercessor in prayer? God loves us so much and to know that He has instinctively indwelled these great mechanisms to liberate us is especially gratifying. Now we must move on learn the power of Patience. I pray that each of you as I have, will continue to hold on to the unchanging hands of our loving Creator. Amen.
Praying for you and your ministry. I too have felt a full spiritual attack, so I started reading the book “The Invisible War.” I noticed that the womens group at Max Lucado’s church is leading a study of this, so I decided to explore it. I am thankful that I did, because I learned so much about how depression can result from a flaming arrow of the enemy. Some depressions are chemical related or caused by events from the past, while others are just spiritual attacks. Like you, I am learning to recognize the difference and respond to the attacks with victory, not fear or defeat. One of my favorite lessons in this book/bible study coming up is that spiritual attacks are often followed by blessings from God. The enemy knows God has something amazing coming for you, and so he sends flaming arrows to try to redirect us from the path. Stand firm, stand faithful, and praise the Lord while you’re in the midst of the firestorm. Victory belongs to the Lord!!!
So I just couldn’t get past John 14:27 this week.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled & do not be afraid.”
I wanted to know more about how Christ gives peace versus the world. What I found was that unlike the world Christ gives “sincerely, substantially & eternally” (Jamison, Fausset Brown Commentary). I also found that what the world passes off as peace is “unsatisfying, unsettled & transient (temporary)” while Christ’s peace is a “constant & even tranquility” (John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible). I don’t know about you, but that “even tranquility” sounds wonderful right about now. What God offers us is the real thing, while the world passes off a shallow imitation.
I used the free Bible study tools at http://www.biblestudytools.com to search the commentaries.
The book Fearless by Max Lucado is filled with examples of how Jesus demonstrated peace.
Your comments made me think of a status I posted on Facebook this week after reading that lesson…
An ocean is peaceful from a distance, yet waves still toss and turn. Peace isn’t about lack of waves, it is about going with the waves. Peter walked on water when his eyes were on Jesus, but started to sink when he looked at his circumstances. When we focus on our circumstances, we become overwhelmed. Jesus said, “…My peace I give unto you.” Forget about your circumstances. Let Him that calmed the storm calm you.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that God’s still in the weather business? Not only does he know the forecast, but He can be our umbrella when we are in the middle of the rainstorm1
Hi everyone, so sorry but this will be short this week. We are getting ready to move to an apartment(2 bedroom), from a seven room house(full basement), so my hands are kind of busy……moveing, taking care of my husband, running SATAN out of the HOUSE…. he is working overtime on my TEMPER!!
2. Yes, moving and SATAN…please see above.
3. Peace verse…….Psalm 34:14 Turn from evil and do good seek peace and pursure it.
4. A lesson I learned this week would be let the peace of God flow through me, and NOT LET SATAN take over…..the moving, but LET GOD MOVE ME!!!!!
Blessing to all and have a wonderful week. Happy Fall to all.
1. I think this is true. I think this is why we buy so much stuff, why we get into wrong relationships… why we look and look and look for things but are never happy with what we get. One thing I’ve noticed in the last couple of months is that I am happy, and that even when things go wrong, I still have a good outlook… and that is so not coming from me. It’s like there is a voice that says, “I’ve got this”…
2. My self-doubt. I often question things, including my reactions, my feelings, my abilitis. I get down on myself and it then causes a ripple effect of loss of peace in my day to day life, my home, my job, and my relationships.
3. Job 22:20-22 (New International Version)
20 ‘Surely our foes are destroyed,
and fire devours their wealth.’
21 “Submit to God and be at peace with him;
in this way prosperity will come to you.
22 Accept instruction from his mouth
and lay up his words in your heart.
4. Not sure about this… but the song “In the Garden” came to mind. There is nothing more peaceful than being outside in the sunshine, enjoying God’s beauty.
Thank you. I appreciate what you said so much. — the evidence of not being able to create our own peace…which reminds me of something Beth Moore said – we crave filling. we need it. we are created with a desire to be full. – God is the one to fill us. That’s how we have peace, as you said, not from shopping, etc. Thank you. And thank you for the verses.
I picked the same verse… I love that in order to get peace, we have to give up fighting it!
I loved the portraits of peace this week, especially the story of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Several years ago I published a book, “To See Him Face to Face” on Amazon that consists of stories like this. In the stories, I put myself in as one of the characters (I was Mary in this story). It was an amazing way of living the Bible and really seeing Jesus in a very personal way.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you……..” is my favorite scripture. Many years ago when my daddy was dying of cancer, I clung to that scripture. As a young mother of three children, facing death for the first time, God showed me the glory of heaven and gave me that supernatural joy and peace.
Garden Tool: I can’t have peace in areas where I refuse to allow Him to govern. WOW!!! slapping self in forehead with palm of hand. This is really getting down in my spirit the link between obedience, peace, and joy.
1. On page 97, Beth Moore says “a man cannot create peace in his own soul.” After reading this week’s lesson, do you agree or disagree and why.
Peace only comes through God, being in His will and via the Holy Spirit
2. Can you describe a circumstance in life that challenges your peace? (page 97)
Finances cause worry, it’s a constant struggle to feel I am being a good steward of God’s blessings on me, AND that I don’t mess things up. My step-daughter Stephanie, can cause me aggravation like no other! Both these remind me to take it prayer and petition!
3. Using a concordance of online bible such as Bible Gateway, search the word “peace” in scripture. Scan the verses and find one that captures your heart. Share your verse here with the group.
“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.
Job 22:20-22
The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.
Isaiah 32:16-18
4. Share a favorite “Garden Tool” a lesson you learned this week about peace.
Time, I cannot earn my way with the plant I tend to, I cannot make them bloom, when I want. Patience – time I can only allow them to do what they are designed to do by the nature God gave them. I cannot force things in my life either, I must be patient, be in God’s will then and only then I will have peace. You have to accept God’s will, I know in my own life lack of peace comes when I want to do it my way. There is a little plaque I found on a discount table that is a inspiration and encouragement, it has a little bird making a nest in a old hiking shoe… “grow where you are planted” Doesn’t Paul talk of being content in every circumstance?
I love that verse from Isaiah… how nice to know that through God, we can be quietly confident! Thanks for sharing!
1.On page 97, Beth Moore says “a man cannot create peace in his own soul.” After reading this week’s lesson, do you agree or disagree and why.
Yes, I do agree with this. If a man’s soul is not in alignment with that of the WILL of God, then there is no conceivable way that he will be at peace. Many have proven that there is nothing that they can fabricate that will bring about the “Peace that transcends understanding.” Only God blesses us with the real thing.
My job is my peace challenger. I adore my chosen profession, but I have been thrust into a position that is not what I want to do. On the days when I can simply be an employee and do my job, I am utterly happy and peaceful. But the other days when I have to be in charge, it’s a nightmare. I know externals are not supposed to govern our peace of mind, so I am hoping this study helps me ground myself in His Word, so my peace will remain intact under all circumstances.
Still behind but I am still here!
1. I agree with Beth- Only our creator can give us peace, a TRUE peace. A peace that surpasses all understanding!
2. My peace challenge- My husband is still out of work (or lack of). We live in trust daily that he will provide and meet our needs to stay “out of the radar” of who we own money to. He seems to meet us exactly where we are at! I am at full belief (which gives me the peace) that he has done this for a reason and when God has finished his work we will be fully back on our feet again. I have full vision of what he working on in my husband….It truly is a blessing! However, sometime challenging as I see the enemy come in too!
3. My scripture- Phillippians 4:7- And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hears & your minds in Christ Jesus! AMEN!!
1. I agree. I try and try to create my own “peace” and still I am constantly a frazzled mess. My peace can only come from the Prince of Peace.
2. My daughter- very strong willed and she tests me tremendously daily.
3. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
4. a) He can and will give me peace-I need to pray about it and receive it. He offers peace even in the midst of turmoil.
b) I have access to Peace! I just need to allow it to flood over my soul. I have that VIP badge: I just need to wear it and use it!
c) “Sit Down” took on a different context for me. Reminded me of “Be Still”. This is an action that I must practice daily.
d) I can be at peace with/in God and still grieve and weep in sorrow. I don’t have to be a stone of strength; He is my refuge and strength!
e) I have access to the peace that passes all understanding when I trust in Him and live in the Holy Spirit daily.
Share a favorite “Garden Tool” a lesson you learned this week about peace. Life without peace is not fun. You have to have peace and tranquility in you. You need to remember he is there for you no matter what. The price of peace knows that you have access to him so you have peace. I believe that if you stood still you will see the portraits of peace. A prerequisite of peace is to be reconciliation with all things.