God never changes and He will extend peace to us like a river…Issiah 66:12
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
Hebrews 1: 10-12 says “ You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth. And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will fold them up. And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not fail.”
The Son of God in this scripture is called Lord. He is the eternal, unchanging Creator, not part of the ever-changing and transitory creation.
Many times we quote this and sometimes believe it and some of us may just quote without thinking.
From my earliest remembrances, I have had a fascination with words. I love words. I think of words as a beautiful garden. I see words even more beautiful than gardens in spring in full bloom. (Isaiah 58:11-12 (MSG): “I will always show you where to go. I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places– firm muscles, strong bones. You’ll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry. You’ll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past. You’ll be known as those who can fix anything,
restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again.”
I learned to garden from my Mother’s knees and the above scripture is the beauty of a garden I was given.
My son and his wife gave me a beautiful metal tray for Easter from Wendell August , Est’d 1923 with ‘Lilies of the Valleys.’ The insert that came with the tray says, “These exacting methods used by our craftrsmen have varied little for more than 75 years, the same pride and precision of days gone by remains. This unique American-made giftware is still created one-at-a-time using hammers and anvils. Like snowflakes, no two pieces are exactly the same. Each creation bears the initials of the master engraver who hand cut the die and the individual hallmark of the craftsman who hammered it.” My son was so happy to see the “lillies of the valleys” on the tray and be able to give to me as a gift. Not because of knowing this flower but knowing about ‘The Daily Lily’ and how it stands for SOS 2:1 “I AM the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.” (I think my Mother had one of these trays that said ‘Give us this day’).
I think the love of words started with me when I often heard my Mother read and quote from Genesis 1:3 “God spoke and said “Let there be light and there was Light.” From that day to this day when God speaks it happens. I want my words to have meaning and be exact with beauty.
There are many scriptures and instructions on all subjects and about everything under the sun “when God speaks, what God says, will happen.”
Now, for the purpose of this blog I am not talking necessarily about world events. Although, God does speak on these issues as well and they will happen. But, I want to think about our sphere of life on a day-by-day basis.
I listen to emotions and not fact most of the time and most likely sometimes without thinking speak from emotions not fact myself. For example, listen to those around you, threats that parents speak to their children, “if you do �that’ I am going to do’ this’.” Watch, listen, the parents do not do the �this.’ The child repeats the behavior over and over and eyes the threatening parent knowing they won’t do the �this’ or just how many times it will take before they carry out their threat.
Now, take the same child to a church service and a teacher explains to them about how God, our Heavenly Father spoke and it happened. Will they believe it?
Now watch wives talk with or about their husbands or vice versa and/or maybe others in relationships. “I am doing this for you because �I love you’, or because �I love them’.” Is this Love or control? Which is the motive? Just hang in and watch or listen. Then the next phrase, they didn’t do what I told them or wanted them to do so I got angry and told them a thing or two. HUM, why did they or you get angry or why would you go there? If you did it in love and according to God’s standards and instructions, you don’t need to fret. God has a plan laid out and it works. So hold on to your emotions and use your energy for something more important.
Empty your bucket! What is in your bucket? Examine your motives for wanting someone to listen to you or do what you think best for them. Then examine what your reaction will be if they don’t. We need to set boundaries but we need to know what they are and be able to let others know what they are. Being angry and sounding off is like spitting in the wind. Or, maybe like a tornado or hurricane.
Let us work, grow and mature until our words have meaning. Let us plant seeds and watch a beautiful garden come forth and delight our souls and the souls of those we love with our words.
I love the song “I’ve got Peace Like a river” taken from Isaiah 66:12, , click below for music and sing with me. (words below)
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/g/igopeace.htm
I’ve got peace like a river,I’ve got peace like a river,I’ve got peace like a river in my soul,I’ve got peace like a river,I’ve got peace like a river,I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.
I’ve got love like an ocean,I’ve got love like an ocean,I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul,I’ve got love like an ocean,I’ve got love like an ocean,I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul.
I’ve got joy like a fountain,I’ve got joy like a fountain,I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul,I’ve got joy like a fountain,I’ve got joy like a fountain,I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.
thedailylily.com 
WOW! Did I need this article, today or WHAT? Daily Lily is DAILY, truly. God speaks to us where we are and for what we need to hear. Now, it is up to us to listen to His counsel, wherever we find it…in His Word; inspired writings like this one about CHANGES; sweet cousel from anointed friends.
Right now, the paces that I am going through are in the sense of the Book of James 1:2-8. What it says in this Daily Lily article and in James has been and is truth, forever. God does not change and when we have been tested …HE says, to let patience have her perfect work so that we might become whole, again, having greater INTEGRITY.
I know and thank God that I am not being tested like some others who are being physically persecuted for their faith,like those in Hebrews 11:36-38 or going through ravaging battles with disease, or great disasters and losses, but this is the TEST I have; these are the tests given for me. And with every test the Lord has made a WAY OUT, for James says in 1:17, “every good gift and perfect gift comes from the Father of Lights…IN WHOM THERE IS NO VARIABLENESS NEITHER SHADOW OF TURNING”…that is UNCHANGEABLE…not NEEDING TO CHANGE.
We must continually bring into focus that GOD IS IN CONTROL and He never changes…what He says He will do , He will do! We just need to DRAW on the strength of THAT WORD to us and we will pull through each testing with banners flying. HE SAYS SO!!!!
Thanks, Sara, for this “LILY”, while it is still TODAY!!!!
You have no idea how much I needed this message today! I am so glad God reminded me to check out the Daily Lily today! My finals in pharmacy school start Saturday and go through Thursday. The more I study, it seems the more stressed I get. I wear a ring everyday with the word PEACE engraved on it to constantly remind myself that “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” So “peace like a river” was something I needed today, at this moment, to get me through the upcoming week! Also, to have joy like a fountain as I take these tests will keep my attitude more positive and probably get me a better grade as well! 🙂 So I’m reminded to be filled with peace, love, and joy throughout these tests. Just like MG summed it up: God is in control–He will do what He says he will do! He will somehow pull me through each of my tests! (By the way, MG, thanks a bunch for writing those last 3 sentences–just what I needed to hear in the most simplified form possible!) Thanks, Daily Lily, for continuing to encourage me! Keep up the good work–God’s work, that is! 🙂
Heather, our prayers, thoughts and love are with you as you go through your finals. We think of both you and Erick often. You both are very special and we are so blessed to hear about your love for one another and your love for Our Lord.
How did your Missinary trip go in Mexico over Easter? Maybe after your finals you can write an article on The Daily Lily for us all to hear how God worked in your life while there and more about your schooling.
Many Blessings this week and each day of your life.
Dearest Heather,
You are in my prayers this week. I pray God will be with you every step of the way and give you joy and great peace with each and every test. I remember those college days and how hard it was when testing came. May you dance through this week and may each test be a cinch.
May your harvest be a product of all your sowing and care in each subject throughout the semester. You and Erick are a jewel to us.
I read this whole teaching and its true about spiting in the wind. When we dont stop to really check our reasons for saying things and doing things (we spit in the wind it blows back in our own faces)….we not only harm others but we harm ourself….dj
I enjoyed singing this song. Singing the words brought peace. Your article gave me an increased understanding of just how important my spoken words are and how carefully I must strive to be exact and consistent with them which is difficult for me. But your last sentence encourages me to work and grow until it happens. Then I will flow in God’s river of peace, His ocean of love and have that fountain of joy. Thanks.
As always, your words are so meaningful Sara. It is hard sometimes to remember that God is in control. I have always believed that, even as a child. I think that is why the book of Job has always been my favorite. The Lord has always been the same and He is the ultimate decider in what happens to us all. I believe in God’s plan and his ability to give us what we need. We will only have as much burden as He believes we can withstand. I plan to improve my ability to have my words match my thoughts and actions. It is an important characteristic to have and to model for young people. If I can demonstrate the connection between words and actions in my life it may help younger people believe in God and His word. Setting this example will lead me to peace within.
Stacie
I heard many praises about your work just recently. I was given many illustrations on how you speak, teach and how rewarding it is for the teachers, students and the others like myself that receive third hand how to handle some of life’s situations.
Thanks for being a good example in your teaching and resource skills and talents.
It means a lot to hear that, especially at this time of the school year! Thanks.
Oh how wonderful it was to read these words this morning. With the end of school before me it seems I’m on a fast track that will not stop. All the year end papers to fill out and last minute projects seem overwhelming. Emotions teeter or just about and it was so nice to be reminded that others around are also experiencing the same thing. May the peace of God be seen in me rather than the whirlwind of activity and emotions. May I sing I’ve Got Peace Like a River to remind me that God is in control and He will help me get through and help others go through peacefully too.
Rena