Peace is a big topic these days, mostly because it's a rarity. People everywhere, every age, every income level, every educational level, even every religious affiliation including the category (None) are wanting more peace.
To understand real Peace we need to know where and how we can get it. First, let me say God is our Peace. In order to have the "Peace of God" we need to first have "Peace with God". To have peace with God much like all relationships we have to be connected with him. To be connected with Him we must repent of our sins and ask Him to come into our heart and life, and be a part of all we do, and who we are. We ask Him to be our Savior. Then, Jesus comes and cleanses us from our sins and makes us right with God. Jesus then justifies us meaning, makes us (just as if) we have never sinned. Now, we can have "Peace with God." As a child of God we have "Peace with God" knowing He has forgiven us of our sins, and has given us a place in the family of God. He will never leave us or forsake us. We will be with Him forever even when we die, and there is a place with Jesus that we will occupy even after death.
To understand real Peace we need to know where and how we can get it. First, let me say God is our Peace. In order to have the "Peace of God" we need to first have "Peace with God". To have peace with God much like all relationships we have to be connected with him. To be connected with Him we must repent of our sins and ask Him to come into our heart and life, and be a part of all we do, and who we are. We ask Him to be our Savior. Then, Jesus comes and cleanses us from our sins and makes us right with God. Jesus then justifies us meaning, makes us (just as if) we have never sinned. Now, we can have "Peace with God." As a child of God we have "Peace with God" knowing He has forgiven us of our sins, and has given us a place in the family of God. He will never leave us or forsake us. We will be with Him forever even when we die, and there is a place with Jesus that we will occupy even after death.
Once we are at "Peace with God" then we move on to having the "Peace of God." When everything around us is in turmoil or worst yet, when we are at turmoil within ourselves we turn to God, and ask Him to give us peace. Suddenly, He can do that. We have not, because we ask not. When we ask believing we receive, then we have whatsoever things we ask for. We know the scripture. But, there are four things we must be doing to assure the "Peace of God" will rule our hearts and minds. We will look at the first two today and then next two tomorrow.
1. Pray
2. Give thanks
See the verses below. We must not be anxious, but tell God what we want. We are to ask God for whatever we need and then thank Him for it as if we already have it! When we do that, then, the "Peace of God" begins to rule our heart and mind like an umpire rules the game. Yes, this transcends our understanding. Yes, this sounds too good to be true, but this is the "Good News" of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
1. Pray
2. Give thanks
See the verses below. We must not be anxious, but tell God what we want. We are to ask God for whatever we need and then thank Him for it as if we already have it! When we do that, then, the "Peace of God" begins to rule our heart and mind like an umpire rules the game. Yes, this transcends our understanding. Yes, this sounds too good to be true, but this is the "Good News" of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:4-9
"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.
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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
"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.
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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
ACTION STEP: Call on Jesus today in prayer and ask Him for whatever you need. Then, start thanking Him for answering your prayer. As long as your prayer is in line with the Word and Will of God, then He will hear, and He will answer. He will always answer with love. He is a good Father. It may not look like what you want, but it will be exactly what you need. Trust the Father to give good things to His children, because He is a good father. He wants to have "Peace with God" but, He also wants you to have the "Peace of God" in your heart and mind everyday!
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