Through the Bible - Deuteronomy 20-22, Mark14:53-72
Good morning,
One of the things that people desire most when going through difficult times is peace. Many things can rob us of this peace, from illness and loss of friends or family, to concerns over the economy, job loss, or any number of things.
John MacArthur writes, "As a Christian, you might be entering great turmoil and strife. But in your deepest being you have peace that passes all understanding. Many live in favorable circumstances, but without God they will never find peace, while those who cling to God in the worst of circumstances never lack peace."
The psalms are a great example of this, whether it is David or Asaph or another psalmist, where they focus their thoughts is an important part of finding the peace that we all long for.
Today's verse comes from Philippians 4 and speaks of this peace.
Phil 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. NLT
The verses point to the importance of our thought process. What we focus on. We are told to focus on the true, right, and pure things. Focus on Christ and His Word and "keep putting" these into practice, it's a way of life that will lead to peace in even the tough circumstances.
Have you experienced the peace that passes understanding in your life? Have you observed it in others? What or should I say who brought it?
God is peace, He makes peace with us sinners through Christ, and He only can give us His peace in times of trouble.
We are challenged to be peacemakers , the act of being a peacemaker can bring peace to our lives as well.
Matt 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God. NKJV
For they shall be called sons of God. NKJV
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
More tools available at: http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
More tools available at: http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Phil 4:2-10
Words of Encouragement
2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. NLT
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