"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled…" —John 14:27
“God’s mark of approval, whenever you obey Him, is peace. He sends an immeasurable, deep peace; not a natural peace, “as the world gives,” but the peace of Jesus. If you are acting on your own impulse, or out of a sense of the heroic, to be seen by others, the peace of Jesus will not exhibit itself.” - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest
What is your expectation of God with respect to your faith and everyday living? Do you think that God is obligated to make certain that you do not have to endure hardship? That nothing “bad” will happen to you or the ones you love? No injury, no heartbreak, no death, no failure, no loss? That is a problem because the Bible does not promise that … God’s theme song might be “I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden!” In fact Jesus said (John 16:33) “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Our peace is in Jesus – supernatural peace … peace in spite of the circumstances you find your self in this world you live in .. a world full of sinners. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit .. a sense of quiet in your heart in spite of your circumstances … Because of your spiritual perspective and close relationship with the Lord, you see life, as it comes your way, differently. Oh, like everyone else, you want to avoid experiencing anything unpleasant and perhaps was hoping that your rebirth by faith in Christ would provide that for you. Sorry! But that does not mean that you can’t experience joy while your feet are still on terra firma. Joy being another fruit of the Spirit. Are you hoping the world will somehow get better over time? Not going to happen. Sin begets sin. Hurt people hurt people. The answer is Jesus. He is the Hope of Heaven. James said
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” - James 1:2-4
Look! All of us have experienced and are experiencing difficulties in this life. Every Christmas is a reminder that God showed His grace and mercy by sending a Redeemer – Jesus. And, like icing on the cake, He sent us a Spiritual Helper – the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus, He established the Church. During this Christmas season, let your light shine in the midst of this unreasonable facsimile of the celebration of the incarnation of the Savior of the world. The world wants to snuff out your candle. To replace Jesus with its god – money. Let your light burn brightly.
The truth that the world seeking peace needs to know is this.
NO Jesus - NO Peace but KNOW Jesus and KNOW Peace.
Let people know that our Redeemer lives! He is Jesus the King. He is the Christ. The Son of God. Who takes away the sins of the world. Shout hallelujah! And thank God for His wonderful gift … (Ephesians 2:8-9) “…salvation by faith … A Christmas gift from God”
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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