Hope & Peace in Christ | Susan Shepherd & Cathi Armitage
“Peace means so much more than an absence of conflict and distress. It means wholeness.” We are kicking off Advent a bit early here at Moms in Prayer to truly soak in Who our amazing God is. Today we hear from our USA Country Coordinator, Susan Shepherd, and our Global Ministry Director, Cathi Armitage. They share with us the blessed hope and glorious peace that is found in Christ despite our circumstances or what is happening in the world. Listen in and be washed over by the Word. The Moms in Prayer Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit ChristianParenting.org ABOUT OUR GUESTS Susan Shepherd joyfully serves as the USA Country Coordinator for Moms in Prayer International coaching, encouraging, and working with amazing godly women across the United States. She joined a Moms in Prayer group in 1996 when her daughters were in elementary school. Since then, she’s experienced the peace, power, and perspective of watching God work in the lives of children and schools and she is passionate about sharing this hope and joy with other moms. Susan is married to Joe, mom to two married daughters, and the grandmother of three with another grandchild on the way. Susan loves to pray, but she also likes coffee with friends, traveling, and a good book. Cathi Armitage is the Global Ministry Director for Moms in Prayer International and has been involved in the ministry for thirty years. Cathi and her team oversee the ministry in over 150 countries and counting. She and her high school sweetheart, Matt, have been married for thirty-nine years and have one daughter, three sons and two daughters-in-law who know and love Jesus. She now has the privilege to pray for a new generation with one granddaughter. Cathi and Matt live in Southern California where she enjoys cooking with and for her family. She also enjoys hiking in the local canyons and standup paddle boarding in the Pacific, where she watches the rest of her family surf. It is during those times that they all experience God’s glorious creation up close and personal. SCRIPTURES For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke 1:79 NIV Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to 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 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ Luke 24:36 NIV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 NIV The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6 NIV You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea; Isaiah 48:17-18 ESV Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not 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. Philippians 4:4-7 NIV Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23 ESV And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. Luke 1:46-50 NIV For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4 NIV LINKS MOMS IN PRAYER New to Moms in Prayer? How to get started How to Give Support Through Shopping Support Our Mission