Work At It +

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

Hebrews 12:12-15 NLT

On occasion, I have thought I should have become a nun in a convent where they take vows of silence and then I might have stood half a chance of living in peace with everyone. I'm reminded of the comedian who said, "I had the right to remain silent, but I didn't have the ability." 

I used to think living a holy life was the hardest thing in the world to do. Don't take that wrong - in NO way, do I mean to imply that I don't think it still is difficult - I just think that living in peace with everyone is just as hard. I don't mean "pretend peace" - where no one is fighting or having words because no one cares enough to say anything. I'm talking about peace that passes understanding. The kind where - in your flesh - you'd really like to smack 'em, but the peace of God overshadows you and you realize there's a reason behind that person being a horse's patoot and compassion floods your spirit and you are compelled to pray for them with a love that you know was born of God... You know what I'm talking about. Yes, I have had days where I experienced that kind of peace... unfortunately, today wasn't one of them.

It started with the dog not appreciating the snooze alarm. I guess he didn't think he should have to wait another 9 minutes to go outside. Later, when I went to open the door on my car, I forgot to unlock it first, and actually pulled the outside handle out of the door. I suppose I should have been thankful that going to the gym is paying off, but I have to admit that it's taken me every bit of the 16 hours since it happened for the thought to even cross my mind about giving thanks. When I got to the gym, the pool heater wasn't working right. It should have cooled me off... literally, it really should have...

Colossians 3:12-15 reads, Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

But God... No buts. He sent His Son to shed His blood for the forgiveness of our sins. If there was never going to be a need for forgiveness, Christ wouldn't have come. He knew it would not be easy. He encouraged us through His Word. He said, Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life...

Work at it... and always be thankful.

Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for today and for Your awesome presence of mercy and grace. Thank You for loving me enough to correct me. Please continue to do so, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Peace Maker or Peace Breaker *

I did not write this. This is Jim Mackey's September Newsletter. Pastor Mackey is the director of Shepherd Springs Ministries, (http://www.shepherdsprings.com) in Texas, USA.

Are you a Peace Maker or a Peace Breaker?

Dear Friends,

To even the most casual observer, one would be hard pressed NOT to admit our present world is in chaos; the more closely you watch and listen, the more obvious it becomes. Whether looking at the international picture politically, socially or culturally, my attention is drawn to a systemic invasion of global violence, corruption and stupidity. It would not be far wrong to call it pandemic; violence and corruption are simply rampant and out of control. Stupidity is increasing rapidly; I mean that literally, it is not said lightly or tongue-in-cheek. In fact, more than once the past year I have said to Lynette that I wonder if a “spirit of dumbness or stupidity” has been released on the earth.

In the face of this, I find myself to have become more sensitive to the presence, or absence, of peace...internationally, within the lives of people, or within the church. I personally want peace more, I need it more. It is far more to me than simply a feel-good emotion…it is an evidence of the Lord’s government in life, even my life; am I allowing Him to rule, to really be Lord of my life? Unfortunately, we tend to reserve Isa. 9 for the Christmas season, “Unto us a child is born…” It is in fact an eschatological treatise on the Lord’s reign over corruption, evil and oppression…at every level.

Isaiah speaks frankly and boldly about Messiah’s government and rule. The weight of all government “will rest upon his shoulders” as the “Prince of Peace” …“of the increase in his government and peace there will be no end.” God’s rule and peace are inseparable. When we submit to God’s rule (His government), His ways and sovereignty: peace comes. When we resist it, establish our own way of doing life, operate out of our human reasoning and logic: peace leaves; whether it is internationally, individually, or collectively in the church.
For several years, I have tried to distance myself from relationships with people who have over time proven to steal my peace. Mine is not a self-serving agenda to just be “happy,” it simply means I have come to realize they are walking outside of God’s government in their life. Consequently, the world around them is filled with strife, tension, trouble, pain, division and confusion…and they bring that out-of-God’s-rule into my life. I can love and extend grace to the self-governed, but I cannot walk closely, for “how can two walk together, unless they are in agreement?”

When it applies to the church, apostolic counsel is, “watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles. For such persons do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve.” (Rom. 16:17, 18). Look at the emphasis Paul places on rule and government: they do not serve the Lord, but themselves. Self rules and peace leaves.

It is characteristic of the NT that peace is seen as a present possession of believers, not just futuristic, a blessing yet to come; in general it describes the state of the believer in this life. Peace is the desire and work of the Father, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father.” It is how the Holy Spirit thinks, “The mind of the Spirit is life and peace.” It is the daily desire of the Lord for each of us, “The Lord of peace give you peace at all times and in all ways.” Peace is our built-in-helper to make good decisions, “Let the peace of Christ rule (umpire, make the call) in your hearts.”

It would not be far off to suggest that peace is not an option, it is a must. It is to be our pursuit, even with carnal and difficult people, “Be at peace with all men, as much as is possible.” The only hang-up is that not everyone will allow peace to happen; with some people, they make peace impossible! Do not beat yourself up when the self-governed kill peace on the altar of their personal agenda. Do not press yourself too hard when it becomes obvious people are walking in the flesh and not in the Spirit.

When a person walks into a room…what do you feel? Peace or tension? 

What do people feel when I walk into the room? Ahh, that is the question!

If the Prince of Peace has brought His Sovereign government to my little kingdom, subdued it, and made me a transformed citizen of His kingdom, then I will bring you peace.

Blessings…and peace...always!

Jim

* What Price Peace?

[Jesus speaking] I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
John 14:27 NLT

We live in stressful times. I'm relatively certain that every generation since the beginning of time has uttered or written those words... Psalm 34:19 reads, The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.  In 2nd Timothy 3:11-12 NLT, Paul writes, You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 

Hmmmm...Doesn't exactly give you warm fuzzies, does it?

We think we could have peace if we could just get away or "veg" for awhile - not have to think about anything - or at least think about a lesser number of things. Zone out on mindless pursuits of amusement, but the Truth is that's not real peace. And when we're done trying to do it our own way, we find that peace is fleeting. It won't carry us through the storms of life and yet we keep looking for it in those things.

If I'm going to hunt seashells, I'm not going to look for them by the side of a road (unless I live in Louisiana or Biloxi). If I'm looking for a reliable car, I'm not going to a flea market to get one. If I'm in the market for a house, I'm not going to find it in an aisle at WalMart.  So why would we try to find peace where God is not? The Good News is God gave us a way to deal with the stresses of life. Christ went to the Cross to deliver us out of all our struggles. Isaiah 53:5 in the Amplified Bible reads, But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.  

When I feel most overwhelmed - totally stressed out by the things life throws at me - is when I'm trying to do it on my own. In my own strength - in what I believe to be my own ability...when I forget that any ability I have has been given to me by God. I cannot produce peace on my own. I cannot give out peace that I don't have... so why do I think I can find peace that passes understanding anywhere apart from the presence of the Lord?

And to get in His presence, I look for Him. In His Word and in the music about Him. One of my favorites is one sung by Becky Fender years ago. I've included the lyrics here.

Peace In the Midst of the Storm.
 

When the world that I've been living in collapses at my feet - When my life is shattered and torn
Though I'm windswept and battered, I can cling to His cross and find peace in the midst of the storm

There is peace in the midst of my storm-tossed life. There is an Anchor; there is a Rock to build my faith upon!
Jesus rides in my vessel, so I fear no alarm - He gives me peace in the midst of my storm

When in twenty-four short hours, years of living are brought to moments. And when life's final picture is taking form
In the dark room of my suff'ring there's a light that comes shining through! He gives me peace in the midst of my storm

And when my spirit has been broken 'till it's wracked by misery. Even when the doctors shake their heads and look forlorn,

Jesus comes to make my bedside a cathedral of hope and love and He brings peace in the midst of the storm

I thank my God for peace in the midst of my storm-tossed life! Oh, there's an Anchor, there's a Rock to build my faith upon
Jesus rides in my vessel, so I fear no alarm - He gives me peace in the midst of the storm.

He gives me peace in the midst of my storm.

****************************************************************

John 16:33 NKJV 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.

Prayer:

Father,

           According to Your Word in 1st Peter 5, we will humble ourselves under Your mighty power, and at the right time, You will lift us up. Father, we give You all our worries and cares, because You care for us. We will stay alert and watch out for the enemy. We will not be devoured by him. Help us to see past the roar to Your peace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen