The Peace of God – Col 3:15

It is not impossible for a Christian to have his life void of peace because of what he goes through in life. However, irrespective of whatever we go through, good or bad it does not change the injunction upon the believer in Col 3:15 to allow the peace of God rule in his heart. This peace is a fruit of the spirit, with the implication that every man born again can experience it. This implies that if you are not born again you cannot experience this peace. They may run around outside of God seeking it – but such search is futile, for true peace can only be found in God. For those who are born again, Jesus brought us peace by His sacrifice at Calvary (Eph 2:13-14,Rom 5:1,Col 1:20). This peace was not given us because we have done anything, but as gift – and this is the basis of the peace which the believer is to allow rule his heart.

Peace here speaks of an inner calm resulting from confidence in one’s salvation. Many Christians do not experience peace, not because they have not been given it, but we do not always focus on what matters. As long as we are in this world we cannot avoid turbulence or problems. Tribulations are not something strange or unique to us (1 Cor 10:13). Peradventure we feel we are the only ones going through a difficult circumstance, the truth is that we are not. Jesus declared that as long as we  are in the world we shall have tribulations (John 16:33). What makes the difference is what Christ did for us which enables us to experience peace, irrespective of what we go through (John 16:33).

How can someone be at peace amidst calamitous or troubling situation? Only the peace of God can give that calmness. It is difficult not to be disturbed without it. It calls for constant refocusing on the truth when it eludes us. Situations are not just supposed to just keep us under. Whatever circumstances we go through is not indefinite or forever. It is a phase, and it  is not permanent. We have to constantly strive to ensure that our hearts are constantly in a state of peace. We might not be able to identify what the cause of our tribulations are, but nevertheless God’s word still makes it incumbent upon us to make peace our experience. This peace is not based on our circumstances or situation – rather it is a fruit of the spirit, just like joy and other fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:22). We should never let this peace elude us.

In Rom 8:35, Paul asked the question, “who shall separate us from the love of Christ”, and then went to list tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril or sword, death, life, angels, things present, things to come, height and depth, etc. The point is Paul concludes that nothing was potent enough to spate the believer from the love of God, not even tribulations. This should breed a sense of confidence and foster an experience of peace, irrespective of whatever problem we go through. Is it problems in the areas of a job, family, health, children or finances? We should know that God is more than enough and allow that knowledge to put our minds at rest. We should never allow such problems to let our minds be in a constant state of disturbance, but rather allow His peace rule constantly. This is why we have to remind ourselves who we are in Christ and what we have in God, then the experience follows .If He said take no thought for your life, then He means we should allow His peace rule in every spectrum of our lives (Mt 6:24-35).

THINGS THAT ARE NECESSARY WHEN TROUBLE COMES OR WHEN PEACE ELUDES US

See the invisible (2 Cor 4:16-18) - Rather than focus on our troubles or tribulations which are temporal, we should rather focus on eternal realities, which though invisible are very much real. We should always bear in mind that whatever situation we go through all things work together for our good (Rom 8:28). We should never focus on our problems, but rather keep we should focus on God and keep looking unto Him (Heb 12:2) who is invisible (Heb11:27). We may not see Him, but He is real nonetheless. This calls for constant refocusing and redirection of our minds. When we are in turmoil, if all we can remember is that God is with us, that alone is sufficient. No matter what, we should remember God is committed to us forever.

Pray (James 5:13) - it could be the last thing on Christians’ minds when peace eludes, and even when it is resorted to, it may not be inspired by faith. But James 5:13 specifically says, “if anyone is afflicted, let him pray”. This would promote the experience of the peace of God in our hearts, even amidst trouble (Php 4:6-7). You can also pray in the spirit, especially where you do not even have the words to pray. Praying in the spirit edifies believers and contributes to enabling us to allow God’s peace rule in our hearts.

Conclusion
There is a peace that ought to rule our hearts borne out of our relationship with God. We should never let it elude us no matter what we go through. We should always keep our focus on God.

Manifesting Your Reality

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. —Philippians 4:8

"Manifesting your reality" sounds like something from a contemporary self-help course, but the concept comes straight out of the Bible: As he thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). I like to say it like this: "Where the mind goes, the man follows."

Positive thoughts are the precursors to a positive life. On the other hand, our lives can be made miserable by anxious thoughts and negative expectations. We usually think our problems are the thing ruining our life, but usually it is our attitude toward them that does the ruining.

We all encounter people who have a great attitude despite being in trying circumstances. We also encounter those who have money and privilege to burn, yet they murmur and complain, are negative and critical, and are filled with self-pity and resentment. We have more to do with how our lives turn out than we like to admit. Learning how to think right is mandatory for good health.

Thoughts affect emotions, and they both affect the body. In order for you to be whole, you must maintain a healthy mind. Make a decision right now that you are going to have a healthy mind. Renewing your mind will take some time and effort. You must learn new, positive ways to think. But reading God's Word can help you do just that.

From the book New Day, New You by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2006 by Joyce Meyer.

When You Can't Understand, Trust God

'Trust in the Lord.' Proverbs 3:5

The Bible says, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths' (v. 5-6 NKJV). But what if your path leads through pain, pressure and problems? John the Baptist's did. He didn't deserve imprisonment. After all, he was the forerunner of Christ and the voice of God in the community. Plus, he was Jesus' cousin. So he sent Jesus a message asking, 'Are you really the Messiah, or should we keep looking?' Paraphrased: 'Lord, if I'm in your will, how come I'm in this situation?' It's a question motivated by unfulfilled expectations. We think, 'Lord, I've obeyed you, how come things aren't working out for me?' And it feels worse when you've faithfully served Him.

GOD and Love - 1 Corinthians 13

1 Corinthians 13
New International Version
1. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing
4. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
9. For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10. but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
11. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
12. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

The Chapter is self explanatory. Love is perfection, and the Bible makes us to understand in 1 John 4:8 that God is love. If we say that we are Christians, believers of God through our believe in Jesus Christ and we have no love, then we are liars for God is love, it is His essence.

Bible References:
1 John 3:10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.

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1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

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1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

Our Responsibility - God's Responsibility

"do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble." —Matthew 6:34

Every believer has the responsibility to live right—to be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer. Motivated by the reverential fear of the Lord, we can learn to live carefully and begin to make a difference in the world we live in. You and I need to be careful about what we allow into our spirits and how we live our lives.
Proverbs 4:23 says to guard our heart with all diligence because out of it flows the issues of life. I believe we should have a careful attitude about how we live—not a casual or a careless one. We need to be careful about what we watch, what we listen to, what we think about, and who our friends are.

I’m not saying we need to live according to the strict and demanding dictates of man. Some would say we must not wear makeup or that we must wear colorless clothing from our necks to our ankles. That is nothing more than legalistic bondage to a bunch of rules and regulations. I had a very legalistic relationship with God for years and was miserable, so the last thing I want to do is teach legalism.

What I am saying is that we shouldn’t compromise. We should recognize our responsibility as Christians to live our lives in such a way that unbelievers will be attracted to God by our behavior.

James 4:17 says, “. . . any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin.” In other words, if we are convicted that something is wrong, then we must not do it—even if we see a hundred other people doing it and getting by with it. They may seem to be getting by with it, but sooner or later, we will all reap what we sow.

We know that worry and anxiety are not characteristics of a godly Christian. Yet still, many Christians worry. You can choose to worry, or you can reject worry and choose to live with joy and peace. Most people don’t want to hear that message, and they seem to find an odd comfort in thinking that worrying is beyond their control. It is not. Worry is a sin against God.

As long as I’ve been in the church, I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone make that statement. But it is sin. It is calling God a liar. It is saying that God is not sufficiently able to take care of you and provide for your needs.

Faith says, “God can do it.” Worry says, “God isn’t able to help me.”

When you worry, you not only call God a liar, but you have also allowed the devil to fill your mind with anxious thoughts. The more you focus on the problems, the larger they become. You start to fret and may even end up in despair.

Think of the words of the great apostle: “I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]” (Philippians 4:13). Or think of the words from the psalmist: “Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:5).

Jesus told His disciples not to be anxious and, as quoted above, not to worry about tomorrow. But He did more than teach those words; He lived them out: “And Jesus replied to him, Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have lodging places, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20). That wasn’t a complaint but a simple fact of life. Jesus trusted His Father’s provision for Him even when He didn’t know where He would sleep or what He would eat.

Jesus taught that we are not to worry about anything in life. He wasn’t speaking about planning and thinking ahead. He was saying that some people never act because fear holds them back. They can always tell you ten things that can go wrong with every plan. Jesus wants us to live a stress-free life. If you are worrying about what might happen, you’re hindering God from working in your life.

I heard about a couple whose daughter was diagnosed with a serious illness that wasn’t covered by insurance. The parents were struggling to pay all the medical bills. Not knowing what else to do, they both went into their bedroom for a lengthy time of prayer. Afterward the husband said, “It was really quite simple. I am God’s servant. My responsibility is to serve my Master. His responsibility is to take care of me.”

The next day, the doctors told them that their daughter was eligible to be part of an experimental surgery and all expenses would be paid. The wife smiled and said, “God is responsible, isn’t He?” What a testimony to their faith and trust in God who remains faithful and responsible at all times and in all things. God is no respecter of persons. What He does for one, He will do for another (see Romans 2:11). I encourage you to stop worrying and start trusting in Him.

Lord God, I know that worry is a sin against You. In the name of Jesus, help me overcome all anxieties and worry and enable me to trust You to provide for every need I have. Amen.


From the book Battlefield of the Mind Devotional by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2006 by Joyce Meyer. 

Knowing God's Will For Us, Our Rightful Place, And Giving Thanks To Him

In all things we should give thanks to God for it is His will for us in Christ, we should appreciate Him for
what he has done for us; our life, the whole of it and everything attached to it is made is made and given
by Him.

His mercy is ever sufficient, His grace is ever present, His love made us and when we went astray He
sent His only begotten son to die in our place, so that He could reconcile us back to Him. He bore our
transgressions, took upon Himself our inequities, the chastisement of our sin was on Him, and by His
stripes, gotten from getting beaten, we are healed.

He left His glory, His place, all of it, to come suffer for us, to what end? It was simply for His love for us,
He couldn’t bear to see our suffering, and do nothing, even though it was our fault that we got ourselves
where we got ourselves to. He didn’t mind the shame and embarrassment, all He wanted was to save
us, to redeem us, and all He asked in return is that we acknowledge Him, reciprocate the love He has
for us by telling those who yet do not know what is in store for them and what has been done for them,
that they can also partake of His eternal, and all encompassing love.

He wants us to look up to Him for anything and everything, not to trust in our own strength which is
fleeting, which will fail us, because we are weak, fragile, and with too many flaws. He wants us to be
complete, perfect, but only in Him can we find perfection and completion. His desire is to see us happy,
joyous, and rejoicing.

He wants us to be is happy and full of His love. He wants us to be is with Him. Anything and everything
that happens to us while we are in, and with Him, is for our own good, growth (in every area),
betterment, and the prosperity of our souls.

No matter what atrocity or crime we have committed, He is willing to look past it, He wants to make
us better people, His sons and daughters, heirs to Him, and His unimaginable riches. People who will
reconcile others who are ignorant of their rightful place, even by His presence, love and glory that will
emanate from within us unto those around us.

Money, riches, gold & silver are the least things He is capable of doing for us. He has proven that
in many different ways. We have life, we can see, walk, think, act….many other things. We should
appreciate Him, give ourselves to Him unconditionally, and He will make of us what no man will ever be
able to comprehend, people that every generation will look up to and want to be like. Guiding lights to
the younger generation, and the joy of our generation, the apple in God’s eyes.

Bible References:
1 Thessalonians 5:18: give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.Psalm 34:1: I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Psalm 106
Psalm 107
Psalm 118
Psalm 136
1 Chronicles 16:34: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Luke 10:21: At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Hebrews 13:15: Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name.
Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace
Ephesians 1:8: that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understandingEphesians 1:9: And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ
Ephesians 1:11:In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will
1 John 5:14-15: This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

The Refiner

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

(Malachi 3:3) This verse puzzled some women in a Bible Study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver". She asked The silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in from of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refines?"

He smiled at her and answered, "oh, that's easy, when I see my image in it!!!"

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you!

Inception

The Bible says that "all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God" Romans 3:23, and the wickedness of men, which we still see today made God to destroy the earth by water in the time of Noah (Genesis 6:13, 7:4-21).

Because of His love for mankind, He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for the sins of the world (John 3:16) because without the shedding of blood there is no remission for sin (Hebrews 9:22, 1 Peter 2:24) . This is why Jesus had to be spotless and blameless, and then die so that we would be reconciled with our Creator, and gain adoption to become sons and daughters (Romans 8:15).

The point of becoming born again through the death to sin and resurrection through the redeeming power in the blood of Jesus(Romans 6:10-11, 7:4-6, 1 Peter 2:24) is where our inception begins.

Brothers and Sisters, believers in Jesus Christ, let us not begin to wander away from the path, for Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He has sent us the Holy Spirit, the comforter to come and dwell in us. Let us not take for granted what we have been given. I myself, I have made mistakes, of this kind but that was because I didn't yet understand fully, what Christ has done, and what He left us. We have God (the Holy Spirit) living inside of each and everyone of us who accepts the Lord Jesus as his/her personal Lord and savior, and we through Him we have grace, not as an excuse to sin, but an empowerment to become bona-fide sons and daughters for grace helps our limitations.

God bless you as you have a better relationship with Him daily.