Peace what does it mean? 2/28/2013

Good Morning,

Starting today with a huge cup of Door County Hazelnut Creme Coffee.

When I think about peaceful places three come to mind for me. 1. Anywhere I can duck hunt early in the morning. 2. My deer stand in Michigan. 3. This desk where I am writing to all of you. Note each of the three always have three things in common, quiet, coffee, and a Bible.

But what does peace really mean?

For the Christian it is inward peace which Jesus gives when we obey instruction. 1 Peter 5:7 is one of my favorite verses that gives us instructions for inward peace. "Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you." One of our strongest witnesses to the power of our faith is this inward peace of which I speak of.

It is a peace that words cannot do justice. Jesus promised peace to His disciples before He died. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

He said it would not be like a peace the world has to offer. It would not be a temporary  peace like alcohol, lust, anger or drugs may give. Because these only deal with our feelings and not with real problems.

His peace on the other hand would be an underlying sense of power and confidence that all our issues and circumstances are in God's loving and powerful hands. It allows us to know that His purpose and will for us are always good even if it is tough or painful.

The Jewish word for peace is shalom. It has the meaning of wholeness and tranquillity. It tells us that peace is reliant on our relationship with Jesus Christ. We already have peace with God. In the sense that that our sin which made us enemies of God has been dealt with by Jesus dying on the cross.
Romans 5:1-5 

Peace and Joy

1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

What does this mean? Answer. When troubles are all around us, we have a a way to witness.  How do we do that?  1. Experience the peace given to us as a gift of the Holy Spirit within us.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  

2. We can use the peace within us to help us become peacemakers in the stressful situations helping others to be at peace with each other.  Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Are you at peace today? If not obey one of the many Bible Commands to turn it over to God. Are you at peace with God? Have you invited Jesus into your life as Lord and Savior? If not will you do so today? Do you have the peace of eternal life in heaven? You can ask right now. The following prayer is an example of a prayer you might say. The prayer is not what is important but rather what is in your heart. Your own words in prayer are just as good.

 

Salvation is a requirement to enter into Heaven. Salvation is for all who believe on Christ Jesus.

John 3:16-17 says: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Romans 10:9-10 says: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. This is why we say the Sinner's Prayer. The following is an example of a Sinner's Prayer that is used by many, however, you may use your own.

The Sinner's Prayer
Lord Jesus, I come before you and confess that I am a sinner. Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross, and that Almighty God raised you from the dead. I pray that you forgive me of my sin, and be my Lord and Savior. In the name of Christ Jesus I pray this request. Amen.
After saying the Sinner's Prayer, and meaning it with your whole heart, you are made anew in the spirit and your sins are instantly forgiven, simply because you have confessed and asked for forgiveness

 

God bless,

Marty