Peace… Lost in Translation

I didn’t grow up in a church that celebrated Advent. I’ve searched out What’s The Right Way To Celebrate Advent? and then did a post each week following the themes of Advent: HOPE, LOVE, JOY, PEACE, and then a special CHRISTMAS message from me.

Listen to the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Advent Series or the watch my Instagram Live Advent Series videos.

Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show: HOPE, LOVE, JOY, PEACE

Soul H2O Devotions/Posts: What’s The Right Way To Celebrate Advent?
Advent Themes Posts: HOPE, LOVE, JOY, PEACE, and a special CHRISTMAS message from me.

Instagram Lives: Wednesdays at 12-12:10pm EST in December

Soul H2O Devotion

Peace… Lost in Translation

My friend Claudia Raymundo only moved to Canada when she was about eight. Claudia is a certified translator and has worked on government projects to put English documents into Spanish or vice-versa. Even with all her training, when we’re talking, it seems there will always come a time when she’ll say, “Oh, how do you say this in English?” and sometimes she says there’s really no way to translate this word or phrase in English, so she paints me a picture with her words as to what it means.

Sometimes it’s just difficult to translate words from one language to another. And the word for peace in Isaiah 9:6 is one of those words.

Translating Peace

The English word translated peace here is Shalom in the original Hebrew. It truly is one of those “lost in translation” words. All of our Bibles translate this word to say peace but there really isn’t just one word that aptly defines it. The original word includes all of these definitions: well, happy, friendly; welfare, health, prosperity, peace, (good) health, peace(peaceable, peaceably), prosper(prosperity, prosperous), quiet, tranquillity, contentment, rest, safe(safety), salute, welfare, well, wholly. ¹

Do you see how translating shalom as “just” peace falls short of the original intent of what Isaiah was trying to convey? Jesus is the Prince of Peace but He came to bring much more than peace… much, much more. In our modern language I think holistically healthy and peaceful would be a better way to describe this little word Shalom.

Real Peace

In Luke 2:8-14 the angels proclaim to the shepherds how the Messiah would bring Peace on earth for all men, when they said: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” it wasn’t just some airy-fairy beauty pageant wish for “World Peace”, but a boots-to-the-ground, reality-ready, peace. That doesn’t mean you won’t have difficult circumstances, but that God’s presence, Emmanuel, God with us would bring peace in the midst of chaos, loneliness, and hurt.

Jesus knew what it was like to go through times where he faced complete distress. In the garden of Eden, before His crucifixion, Jesus was under so much anguish that he sweated drops of blood, which we know now is medically possible when someone is that stressed out. The issue isn’t that Jesus stressed this much but that He didn’t stay there.

Through prayer, Jesus released this toxic stress and put His faith in the Father, amidst the most difficult of circumstances. As you read the account of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, you don’t see a man in worry, fear, or distress… He seems unrealistically calm and peaceful, not allowing the difficulties of life to steal the peace in His heart and mind.

Jesus got to the place of peace through struggle, so he could fully become your Prince of Peace. Now, it’s time for you to apply that peace to your life.

Prayer

Father… Thank You for understanding my need for peace and sending your son .Jesus, I thank You for being willing to come down to this earth and suffer, to be my peace. I ask for your holistically healthy and peaceful presence to invade my mind, emotions, and physical body. Let your true shalom bring peace to every area of my life. In Jesus Name…Amen

Join Me Weekly For Advent Talks

Through The Themes of Advent
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December 1(Hope), 8(Love), 15 (Joy), 22(Peace)

Verses to help fill up your well.

1. Isaiah 9:6
2. Luke 2:8-14
3. Ephesians 2:14
4. Colossians 1:20

Soul H2O Resources

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Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/_cLhaZIBSpo

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Advent Series: Peace For The Holidays | EP #91

Peace For The Holidays is a part of the Advent Series on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show Episode #91.

You can find the Show Notes at http://www.soulh2o.com/91

Splash Online Event

Childlike Faith Series – Christmas Crackers
Expecting Good Gifts From God

Watch the recorded Facebook LIVE!

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Advent Inspiration for your Christmas Season

Devotions, Podcast Episodes, Recipes, Christmas Messages and more!
https://www.sherrystahl.com/advent-inspiration-for-your-christmas-season/

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

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ENDNOTES

1. Bible Hub Website Accessed: December 1, 2021 Definition of Peace https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7965.htm

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The Fight For Peace Of Mind

This week Remembrance Day ceremonies will be held all over Canada as our American friends honor Veteran’s Day. We live in some of the most peaceful places on the planet, but it didn’t just happen. Soldiers had to fight for us to experience the freedom that brings peace, much like you have to fight for peace of mind.

Soul H2O Devotion

The Fight For Peace Of Mind

A peaceful mind doesn’t just mysteriously happen, it will only be attained if you fight for it. Thankfully this conflict isn’t fought on the battlefield of combat but combatted in the battlefield of your mind.

I really think Philippians 4:6-8 is a great template for learning how to conquer in the battle for a peaceful mind, so let me remind you of what Paul said in Philippians 4:6-8.

Don’t be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

If you want peace in your life, you have to fight for peace in your mind first, before you deal with your problems.

The first way to peace in your mind is to not worry about anything

I bet you’re thinking, Seriously??? How can I do that? It’s unrealistic…If Paul was in my shoes, he’d worry…

I just wonder, if it make any difference when I tell you that Paul was in prison when he wrote these verses? If you compare all of Paul’s writings, I think you’ll see how the book of Philippians, over the others, exudes joy, and he wrote it from a place of wrongful imprisonment.

So, how do you not worry about anything???

Follow the second way to peace in your mind – pray about everything!

Turn fear into faith by disciplining your mind to pray, every time you worry.

When you start to feel afraid your kids are going to get hurt riding their bikes, driving the car or dating that guy…Pray… Lord, I thank you for protecting my children.

When you’re afraid of losing your job… Pray… Lord I thank you that this company is not my provider, You are. I look forward to seeing how you’ll provide for my needs.

If you’re afraid of your marriage falling apart… Pray… Lord I bring my marriage to You right now. Fill us with a deep love for each other that will stand the tests of time.

Turn fear and anxiety into catalysts for prayer.

My theory is that the devil will clue in and realize he’s bringing on good things by causing you to fear and eventually he’ll give up… maybe??? Ya, as if!

The third and last way to peace in your mind is to think on good things

And what is gooder than God? Nothing.

Put some worship music on, throw your hands up in the air and begin praising God. It won’t be long until your burdens are lifted, anxiety alleviated, and your heart healed. Then you’ll be in your right mind to deal with your problems.

Does God’s peace make sense?

Not at all, it transcends Understanding and goes beyond human understanding

• Don’t worry about anything
• Pray about everything
• Focus Your Thoughts on God.

Then, tackle your problems.

Rinse and Repeat.

The fight for peace of mind is just that simple.

Prayer

Father… Thank you for giving me the mind of Christ with the ability to control my thoughts. I’m so grateful you provided a plan for peace of mind in your word. Please help me to not be anxious, pray more and think on Your goodness to keep the peace. In Jesus Name…Amen

Verses to help fill up your well.

1. Philippians 4:6-8
2. Isaiah 26:3
3. John 16:33
4. John 14:27

Soul H2O Resources

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#musicpic SONG:
Peace Be Still by Hope Darst
Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsIpGiz3SfQ

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The Peace Project | EP #86

In Fight For Peace, Kay Wyma is back again, talking about her latest book, The Peace Project and how you can experience true peace on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast show.

You can find today’s Show Notes at http://www.soulh2o.com/86

Splash Online Event

Snakes & Ladders – Sometimes You’re Up, Sometimes You’re Down from the ‘Child-Like Faith’ Series is our November Online Splash event hosted by Sherry Stahl and the #SoulH2O Team.

Join us in the Soul H₂O Splash Facebook Group or sign up for Splash emails in the group and see us on Zoom.

Devotions Related to Peace of Mind

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

DOWNLOAD THESE REFRESHING RESOURCES TO HELP QUENCH YOUR SPIRITUAL THIRST!

ENDNOTES

1. None This Week

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300 and Being Outnumbered in Battle

Woohoo! I can’t believe that the devotion you’re about to read is my 300^th Soul H₂O Devotion!!!

Soul H₂O Growth

Are you as shocked as I am that it’s been six and a half years since I started sending out the Soul H₂O Devotions? First, they went out as emails, then through both the blog and email, next they were included in the first (gonna be more) Soul H₂O Devotional book, and now, heard weekly on the JOY Radio.ca Original Soul H₂O Radio & Podcast Show.

Some of you reading this have been here since the very first devo (linked below) and I can’t thank you enough for sticking around and being a part of my journey. Even if this is the first Soul H₂O Devotion you’ve read, I’m so glad you’re here!

Prizes Up For Grabs

This is kind of a BIG deal for me so, I’m hoping you’ll cheer me on… and I’m offering a contest prize for those who do. I’d love to hear how the devotions have impacted your life. They’ve helped me through a lot of tough times… *seriously* writing them has kept me in the Word and seeking to hear from God so, when troubles hit, my well had enough in there to keep me going and help me get through refreshed.

An Easy Win!

For all those who comment on how the below Soul H₂O Devo or others have helped them, they will be entered to win two signed copies of the Soul H₂O Devotional Book {one for you and one for a friend} along with a $30 Amazon Card (within Canada or the Continental USA). *Details Below

Let’s dive in, to today’s Soul H₂O Devotion, so you can get refreshed!

Soul H2O Devotion

Midian was subdued before the Israelites and did not raise its head again. During Gideon’s lifetime, the land had peace forty years.
Judges 8:28 NIV

300 and Being Outnumbered in Battle

Guys love the movie 300 but as a chick, I just don’t really get it. The Spartans, even with a very buff and beautiful Gerard Butler lose the battle. Now, I know that historically the 300 Spartan soldiers were crazy outnumbered by the Persian empire army and their valiant sacrifice did inspire the Greeks to reconvene and finally overtake their oppressors but by the end of the movie, they hadn’t won.

I really don’t like movies where the underdog or oppressed one doesn’t win in the end and would have much preferred if the movie 300 was about another completely inspirational battle fought and won by just 300 warriors.

A Better Story

That story is recorded in Judges 6-8. The nation of Israel had again fallen into sin, which during that time was worshipping other gods of the people around them which involved some very wrong ritualistic practices. As a result, God backed off. I mean why would he keep protecting them when they had made it clear that they weren’t following Him anymore? Like a rebellious child, they were going to have to learn a lesson the hard way. Israel became oppressed by the Midianites and were so afraid that they were mostly hiding in caves.

The Miraculous Part

Finally, people begin to come to their senses and call on God. In response, God calls Gideon to stand up and fight to protect his people from their oppressors and even though they were outnumbered by an army of nations about 450 times bigger than their measly 300 soldiers, God did the miraculous and they experienced peace that lasted 40 years! Now that movie, would end in triumph!

My 300 Battles

Throughout the past six and a half years of sending out Soul H₂O Devotions, before I got to my 300^th Soul H₂O Devotion, I’ve experienced times of being outnumbered and sometimes outsmarted by the enemy. The battle has gotten so difficult I felt like I was going to end up annihilated like the Spartans yet each time, as I went to God and His word, I was refreshed and strengthened to continue this fight for the abundant life.

Outnumbered

If you feel like you’re living a little outnumbered right now and that the enemy of your soul is sure to take you down, remember this story of Gideon and the 300 men who battled and won. Make sure to invite God in to be on your side, and the peace He’ll bring will be your victory!

Prayer

Father… I’m so thankful that you don’t leave me outnumbered. You and me are all that’s needed to stand strong in the face of any difficult circumstance. I ask for the grace needed to live in the midst of chaos yet bask in Your presence of peace because You sent Your son to be my Prince of Peace! So today, I will soak in this truth. In Jesus Name…Amen

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Verses to help fill up your well.

1. Judges 8:28
2. Isaiah 9:6
3. John 14:27
4. John 16:33

Soul H2O Resources

#musicpic

#musicpic SONG:
Overcome by Elevation Worship

Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/mvF9Hc5XZOo
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Tuning In God’s Voice | EP #69

Tuning In God’s Voice is Part 4 in the Hearing God’s Voice Series on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show Episode #69. You can find the Show Notes at http://www.soulh2o.com/69

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Where it all began

Want to read the first Soul H2O Devotion?
Repeats (Do Not Worry)

https://www.sherrystahl.com/repeats/

HOW TO ENTER
Comment on how today’s Soul H₂O Devo or others have helped them,
Winner chosen from the commenters

WHAT YOU WIN
(2) Two signed copies of the Soul H₂O Devotional Book {one for you and one for a friend} along with a $30 Amazon Card (within Canada or the Continental USA).

RULES
Must be within the Continental USA or Canada to win.

WINNER ANNOUNCED
Friday, June 18^thin a Facebook Live on my Author Sherry Stahl FB Page at 12:30pm EST

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

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ENDNOTES

1. None This Week

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Does Your Presence Bring Peace

Have you ever had friends or family over and their very presence causes your muscles to tense, heart to beat faster and teeth to clench? Maybe it’s not someone in your personal inner circle but a co-worker, boss, customer or client? Everyone knows people who by their very presence shift the atmosphere from peace to panic.

The Scripture Connection

During my morning devotions, I read Matthew 10 where Jesus is sending out his 12 main disciples on a ministry tour, giving them direction as to where they should go for this trip, and instruction on how to manage the financial expense of doing ministry. Remember, these guys left their jobs to follow Christ, some had family to feed and bills to pay. Jesus directed them to look for someone honourable to stay with when they got to where they were going; so much for planning! 🙂 It’s in verse 13 where God got my full attention as I read.

“let your peace come upon the house”
~Matthew 10:13 TPT

I had to reread the verse. Wasn’t it Jesus’ peace they should have been bringing to the people? I even checked few other translations, and this verse is saying that it wasn’t Jesus’ peace the disciples were supposed to bless the people with, it was THEIR presence that was to bring THEIR peace into the host’s home. Immediately, I sensed the Holy Spirit asking me…

Does Your Presence Bring Peace?

In the assessment of this question, I come up lacking. I really don’t want my presence to change the atmosphere in a negative way like the people I mention at the beginning of this devotion. In the past few years, I’ve been doing the hard work of soul healing and now, this year, getting healthy in my body. I believe these efforts are resulting in a more peace-producing Sherry.

I challenge you to ask yourself the same question… Does Your Presence Bring Peace? Allow the Holy Spirit to do a great work in you by letting the peace of Christ becomes so much a part of who you are, that your presence brings peace to the world.

Prayer

Father…I’m thankful that you don’t condemn me, even when I come up short and miss the mark. Jesus, I need your peace to permeate my life and heal my hurts, so I can respond in right ways to people and pass on a presence of peace to the world. In Jesus Name…Amen

Verses to help fill up your well.

Matthew 10:13 (similar in Luke 10:6)
John 14:27
John 20:21
1 Samuel 25:6

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Soul H2O Resources

#musicpic song
Peace Be Still
By: Lauren Daigle at The Belonging Church

Youtube Link
https://youtu.be/dUpKZz0Nm7c

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If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

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Contentment That Leads To Victory!

“Contentment makes poor men rich, and discontent makes rich men poor.“
Benjamin Franklin

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances…I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV) 13 (NLT)

Contentment That Leads To Robinson’s Victory

One of my favorite childhood memories from Disney World was climbing up the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse! The attraction was the best adventure at Disney for me! I was mesmerized by all of the inventions that helped them survive. The SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON book and TV series was an adaptation of the book, ROBINSON CRUSOE. The story inspired so many plays, movies and clearly Walt Disney!

In the original book, Robinson ends up shipwrecked on a deserted island. He finds a Bible inside one of the pirate chests. Reading the Word changes his life! As he reads, he begins to accept his situation and learn to live in his circumstances. Amazingly, after coming to peace while living in hard times, God blesses Robinson and provides a way out. He eventually breaks free of his captivity and returns to his homeland of England.

Paul Learned To Be Contented

Paul describes it well when he talks about how he “learned” to be content. It is NOT something that comes naturally! Well, at least not to me! Hebrews 13:5 says “be content with what you have because God has said ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you!” True contentment comes when we learn, like Paul and Robinson Crusoe that God is with us no matter what desert, or deserted island we face. When we are at peace in the middle of the storm, that’s when Victory has come and Freedom is following close behind!

Prayer

Father…Thank-you for always being with me. Thank-you for walking with me in every circumstance I face: When thing are going well, or when trouble strikes. Help me to always live in the confidence that You are with me so I can truly be content and see your Victory! In Jesus name…Amen.

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.

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peace

Soul H2O Devotion

Peace… Lost in Translation

Translating Peace

Real Peace

Prayer

Join Me Weekly For Advent Talks

Verses to help fill up your well.

Soul H2O Resources

Want a Refreshing Inbox?

Share With a Friend

#musicpic

Advent Series: Peace For The Holidays | EP #91

Splash Online Event

Advent Inspiration for your Christmas Season

Soul H2O Devotion

The Fight For Peace Of Mind

The first way to peace in your mind is to not worry about anything

Follow the second way to peace in your mind – pray about everything!

The third and last way to peace in your mind is to think on good things

Prayer

Verses to help fill up your well.

Soul H2O Resources

Want a Refreshing Inbox?

Share With a Friend

#musicpic

The Peace Project | EP #86

Splash Online Event

Devotions Related to Peace of Mind

Soul H2O Growth

Prizes Up For Grabs

An Easy Win!

Soul H2O Devotion

300 and Being Outnumbered in Battle

A Better Story

The Miraculous Part

My 300 Battles

Outnumbered

Prayer

Want a Refreshing Inbox?

Share With a Friend

Verses to help fill up your well.

Soul H2O Resources

#musicpic

Tuning In God’s Voice | EP #69

Splash Online Event

Where it all began

The Scripture Connection

Does Your Presence Bring Peace?

Prayer

Verses to help fill up your well.

GET WEEKLY REFRESHING

1 More Step – Confirm Your Email

Soul H2O Resources

Contentment That Leads To Robinson’s Victory

Paul Learned To Be Contented

Prayer

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Soul H₂O Growth