shalom: right relationships with God, one another, self, and with creation, no longer at “war” with anyone, or anything. wholeness in all of life
He [Noah] waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth.
Genesis 8:10-11 New International Version (NIV)
STEP 1: Embrace Hope
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 (NIV)
STEP 2: Release Anxieties
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Let Go & Let God
Release = peace
STEP 3: Accept Reality
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NIV)
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”
Isaiah 43:18 (NIV)
STEP 4: Seek God
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
Luke 12:31 New Living Translation (NLT)
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
Step 5: Engage Life
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
Embrace, Release, Accept, Seek, Engage = ERASE
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10 (NIV)
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.’”
Luke 3:4-6 (NIV)
What’s it Going to Take?