Colossians 4:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
The child of God has a great responsibility to be a light in a world which is blinded by darkness. Paul starts by telling us that we need to walk in wisdom in this world. Walking has the idea of a continual pattern, a repetitive action which you have established in your life. We need to walk in wisdom. God’s wisdom is different than the “wisdom” of the world. God’s wisdom requires us to observe all things in the same way in which He would look at them. We then need to respond in such a way that would reflect the principles of scripture.
The people who are outside of the church need to see the love of God in God’s people. God’s people need to show His kindness and His unfailing forgiveness. God has chosen His children to be His examples of Jesus Christ to the rest of the world. The idea of “redeeming the time” has the idea of buying up every opportunity to be an example of Christ to others. Paul also wants to realize that there is urgency in letting others know that they are sinners and with a repentant heart, they can believe in Jesus in order to send them to heaven.
Paul also urges us to speak with grace. Grace is an undeserved, unearned gift, given purely out of love for the sake of the recipient’s best good. If our words are to reflect grace, we need to step back, think before we speak and then use the best words possible to help others. The only way that we can be able to do this is by the power of the Spirit of God. We need to start our day in God’s word and prayer, allowing God to prepare us, in love. We then can take on the challenges that will be ahead of us. We can then, by God’s Spirit, through God’s wisdom, respond to others in the ways in which God desires for us to reflect the light in a dark world.
It is interesting that Paul uses the idea of salt with our words. It only takes a small amount of salt to accent the flavor of food. Salt also causes the natural flavor of food to be tremendously enhanced. This accent makes us desire to eat more. Even so, we need to use our words sparingly and also use the greatest amount of care, love and grace within these words. If others find kindness, approval, encouragement and positivity in our words, they will then be drawn to the Savior, in whom all people need to believe and trust.
Once again, we need to constantly be aware of the fact that we must look at others from God’s perspective. Then we need to pick our words wisely in order to be shining example of Christ to a hurting, sin fallen world.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Thursday, July 5, 2012
The Sweet Fragrance of Prayer
Psalms 141:2-3 (NKJV)
2 Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. 3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth, keep watch over the door of my lips.
Throughout the Old Testament incense was burned within the temple. The alter of incense was an alter which burned a very aromatic incense which was pleasant to all the senses of the person who inhaled the satisfying aroma. Pleasant incense calms your body, puts you at rest and makes you want to prolong such a wonderful experience.
Both, in the Psalms and in the book of Revelation, incense is directly related to the prayers of the saints. When the saints of God pray, it is very pleasant in God’s sight, His mind is well pleased because people are seeking Him, and His heart is thrilled because His people are displaying faith. All in all it is an extremely pleasant aroma to God, pleasing Him to the uttermost.
Our prayers, which please God, can also be extremely satisfying to us. Christ is our advocate before the Father (I John 2:1-2). Christ is our representative to God, offering our prayers to the Father on our behalf. Since He paid the price of His life for our sins, He will only offer our prayers to the Father in love and with selfless intensity.
When our prayers are pleasing to God, this sacrifice is always worth the effort. Prayer, many times, causes us to lift our hands in praise. Many times prayer is not easy. We have an enemy that knows the power of prayer and wants to stop it. But, when we, through God’s Spirit, overcome our own feelings and participate in regular committed prayer, we will find it a pleasant aroma to God and to us.
What is our part in having pleasant, aromatic, lovely prayers unto the holy God of heaven? As David says in verse 2, we need to ask God to put a guard on our mouth and a watch on the door of our lips. Fresh water and salt water cannot co-exist without the pure being corrupted. Even so, a pure mouth cannot allow wickedness to proceed and then expect to praise God from the some well spring. Solomon says it well, “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue, keeps his soul from troubles”, (Proverbs 21:23, NKJV). James says that a man who able to keep his tongue from stumbling is able also to bridle his whole body (Jas 3:2).
When we choose to control our tongue, we can then, by the power of the Spirit of God, offer beautiful aromatic praise and thanksgiving unto a God Who is worthy of all praise and adoration.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
2 Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. 3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth, keep watch over the door of my lips.
Throughout the Old Testament incense was burned within the temple. The alter of incense was an alter which burned a very aromatic incense which was pleasant to all the senses of the person who inhaled the satisfying aroma. Pleasant incense calms your body, puts you at rest and makes you want to prolong such a wonderful experience.
Both, in the Psalms and in the book of Revelation, incense is directly related to the prayers of the saints. When the saints of God pray, it is very pleasant in God’s sight, His mind is well pleased because people are seeking Him, and His heart is thrilled because His people are displaying faith. All in all it is an extremely pleasant aroma to God, pleasing Him to the uttermost.
Our prayers, which please God, can also be extremely satisfying to us. Christ is our advocate before the Father (I John 2:1-2). Christ is our representative to God, offering our prayers to the Father on our behalf. Since He paid the price of His life for our sins, He will only offer our prayers to the Father in love and with selfless intensity.
When our prayers are pleasing to God, this sacrifice is always worth the effort. Prayer, many times, causes us to lift our hands in praise. Many times prayer is not easy. We have an enemy that knows the power of prayer and wants to stop it. But, when we, through God’s Spirit, overcome our own feelings and participate in regular committed prayer, we will find it a pleasant aroma to God and to us.
What is our part in having pleasant, aromatic, lovely prayers unto the holy God of heaven? As David says in verse 2, we need to ask God to put a guard on our mouth and a watch on the door of our lips. Fresh water and salt water cannot co-exist without the pure being corrupted. Even so, a pure mouth cannot allow wickedness to proceed and then expect to praise God from the some well spring. Solomon says it well, “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue, keeps his soul from troubles”, (Proverbs 21:23, NKJV). James says that a man who able to keep his tongue from stumbling is able also to bridle his whole body (Jas 3:2).
When we choose to control our tongue, we can then, by the power of the Spirit of God, offer beautiful aromatic praise and thanksgiving unto a God Who is worthy of all praise and adoration.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Confidence In God’s Work
Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul had a deep joy in his heart for the Philippian believers. Throughout chapter 1, he tells them over and over again how he is in continuous thanks to God for them and how much he loves them. In this verse he wanted to remind them that God began a work in them and God would keep this work going if they only allow Him.
When Paul used the word “confident”, he chose a word that means that he was tranquilized with persuasion that God would perform this. He was completely confident that Paul had begun a good work in them and God was going to perform this work. Paul’s confidence was in the promises of God (God’s very Word itself). Paul was so completely convinced of God’s work and promises that he gave no thought to anything other than God accomplishing His work.
The same is true for us today. When God begins a work in our life, He will always stay true to His promises. Salvation is one of these promises. When God says that he saves a repentant soul that believes on Jesus, God will deliver that person to heaven at death. The same is true daily. When God begins a great work in us, He will always perform it. But, our obedience is the determining factor on whether or not God can continue to bless us and complete that work. We cannot continue to live in sin and think that God will bless us. God will come through if we allow Him, we just need willing obedience.
David said, “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it”, (Psalms 127:1a, NKJV). We need to make sure that we are involved in the paths and projects that the Lord Himself wants and approves. God’s promises are throughout scripture, so we need to search the scripture daily, in order to find what these promises are and obey them. But, we all have individual purposes, gifts, talents and opportunities. Seek God with all your heart and He will show you what you need to do individually – both daily and long term.
Always remember that God’s time table is usually different from ours. Always be willing to accept God’s plans for your life. If we get ahead of God then we are just as much in disobedience as if we openly walk away or disobey God. Ask God daily for understanding, willingness and a filling of His Spirit in order to always be ready to follow God and not our own ways.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul had a deep joy in his heart for the Philippian believers. Throughout chapter 1, he tells them over and over again how he is in continuous thanks to God for them and how much he loves them. In this verse he wanted to remind them that God began a work in them and God would keep this work going if they only allow Him.
When Paul used the word “confident”, he chose a word that means that he was tranquilized with persuasion that God would perform this. He was completely confident that Paul had begun a good work in them and God was going to perform this work. Paul’s confidence was in the promises of God (God’s very Word itself). Paul was so completely convinced of God’s work and promises that he gave no thought to anything other than God accomplishing His work.
The same is true for us today. When God begins a work in our life, He will always stay true to His promises. Salvation is one of these promises. When God says that he saves a repentant soul that believes on Jesus, God will deliver that person to heaven at death. The same is true daily. When God begins a great work in us, He will always perform it. But, our obedience is the determining factor on whether or not God can continue to bless us and complete that work. We cannot continue to live in sin and think that God will bless us. God will come through if we allow Him, we just need willing obedience.
David said, “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it”, (Psalms 127:1a, NKJV). We need to make sure that we are involved in the paths and projects that the Lord Himself wants and approves. God’s promises are throughout scripture, so we need to search the scripture daily, in order to find what these promises are and obey them. But, we all have individual purposes, gifts, talents and opportunities. Seek God with all your heart and He will show you what you need to do individually – both daily and long term.
Always remember that God’s time table is usually different from ours. Always be willing to accept God’s plans for your life. If we get ahead of God then we are just as much in disobedience as if we openly walk away or disobey God. Ask God daily for understanding, willingness and a filling of His Spirit in order to always be ready to follow God and not our own ways.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Focus On God
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
We could avoid many of the struggles within our hearts by implementing the principles in these verses. Paul commands us to be anxious for nothing. Anxiety is a fear of the unknown. It shows that we are not fully trusting God. When Paul says “be anxious for nothing”, he means it. Do not let anything be allowed in your mind where worry can gain control.
We need to bring everything to God. Paul uses three forms of prayer we need to use when coming to God.
1) Prayer - Jesus said that we need to ask in order to receive. There is nothing too small or too large that we cannot tell God. He is concerned about all things.
2) Supplication - Bring your request before God time and time again. When God sees your unrelenting desire to ask for something (within His will), He then knows how much you want it. A cursory prayer shows a non-interest, but persistent beckoning before the throne shows God that you are serious.
3) The key phrase is “with thanksgiving” - We need to thank the Lord, as if He had already answered our prayer. A thankful spirit gives us a Mindset of gratefulness and a positive attitude which looks at the situation as claimed victory and not defeat.
We can thank God for answering our prayers during the difficulty because we know He is in control and He knows best. Many times God answers differently than our timing. He may be preparing you or another person or situation in order to answer in His perfect way. If He says no, we can thank Him for saving us from potential danger. If He says wait, He has something better for us later.
This spirit of thankfulness keeps our minds fixed on God and does not zero in on the request. Our anxiety will only get worse if all we do is concentrate on what we do not have. We must reflect on the bountiful blessings with which God has blessed us, both now and in the past. The child of God has plenty to thank God about, because He is generous in blessing, when we walk in His ways. Concentrating on God’s generous blessings can only bring peace.
This peace is beyond all understanding. When God grants His peace in the midst of the storm, our minds cannot fully comprehend the greatness of God’s gifts. Most people zero in on what they do not have and the fact that they are lacking that one thing. When we can keep our eyes on Jesus and not the item, God can now do the work, not us. His peace will then guard our hearts from discouragement and pain, by granting us His power to bear it while He works victoriously.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
We could avoid many of the struggles within our hearts by implementing the principles in these verses. Paul commands us to be anxious for nothing. Anxiety is a fear of the unknown. It shows that we are not fully trusting God. When Paul says “be anxious for nothing”, he means it. Do not let anything be allowed in your mind where worry can gain control.
We need to bring everything to God. Paul uses three forms of prayer we need to use when coming to God.
1) Prayer - Jesus said that we need to ask in order to receive. There is nothing too small or too large that we cannot tell God. He is concerned about all things.
2) Supplication - Bring your request before God time and time again. When God sees your unrelenting desire to ask for something (within His will), He then knows how much you want it. A cursory prayer shows a non-interest, but persistent beckoning before the throne shows God that you are serious.
3) The key phrase is “with thanksgiving” - We need to thank the Lord, as if He had already answered our prayer. A thankful spirit gives us a Mindset of gratefulness and a positive attitude which looks at the situation as claimed victory and not defeat.
We can thank God for answering our prayers during the difficulty because we know He is in control and He knows best. Many times God answers differently than our timing. He may be preparing you or another person or situation in order to answer in His perfect way. If He says no, we can thank Him for saving us from potential danger. If He says wait, He has something better for us later.
This spirit of thankfulness keeps our minds fixed on God and does not zero in on the request. Our anxiety will only get worse if all we do is concentrate on what we do not have. We must reflect on the bountiful blessings with which God has blessed us, both now and in the past. The child of God has plenty to thank God about, because He is generous in blessing, when we walk in His ways. Concentrating on God’s generous blessings can only bring peace.
This peace is beyond all understanding. When God grants His peace in the midst of the storm, our minds cannot fully comprehend the greatness of God’s gifts. Most people zero in on what they do not have and the fact that they are lacking that one thing. When we can keep our eyes on Jesus and not the item, God can now do the work, not us. His peace will then guard our hearts from discouragement and pain, by granting us His power to bear it while He works victoriously.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, June 7, 2012
The Completed Work of Christ
Jude 1 (NKJV)
Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ.
Jude is writing concerning the foundational matters of faith in Christ and walking with the Lord. He starts out in this first verse by showing that salvation is performed by Christ alone. Jesus calls all people to come unto Himself, but only those who repent of their sins and believe in Him are truly saved. The word “called” has the idea of being invited to a banquet. Heaven is a banquet that every believer can earnestly anticipate.
Paul tells us in Eph. 2:8-9 that salvation is “by grace” and “not of works”, it is “the gift of God”. We cannot earn or work for salvation in any way, so it is God must perform this work. In Jude 1, it also says that we are “sanctified” by God, which has the idea of being cleansed and dedicated to God. The tense of this word in the Greek describes an action which is viewed as having been completed in the past, once and for all, not needing to be repeated. Once we are cleansed by Christ at salvation, it is a complete and finished work done by Him that cannot be undone.
We know that this work cannot be undone because this same verse goes on to tell us that we are preserved in Jesus Christ. The word “preserved” has the idea of being guarded or kept in your current state in which you have been put. The amazing part of salvation that is so wonderful is the fact that Christ performs the work, preserves us, and promises that we will always be His. Since God has never yet broken a promise, we can rest assured that once we are His we will always be His. The tense of this word is also one of a work completed in the past, once and for all, not needing to be repeated.
Once we are saved, we now have a responsibility of our own. Even though we are securely preserved in Christ Jesus, we live in a sin fallen world and we must contend for our faith. Jude tells us in verse 3, “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3, NKJV). The word “earnestly contend” comes from a root word that has the idea of fighting with adversaries or struggling with difficulties and dangers. Living the life of faith is, by no means, simple. It is a struggle, because, just as the world hated Christ, even so it will hate us. But, in the strength of Christ we can make it though this life with Him. We may have to fight with strenuous zeal to keep the faith. The walk of faith is not as easy or simple as the gift of salvation. But, all believers can live a victorious faith if they only obey Him and His word.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ.
Jude is writing concerning the foundational matters of faith in Christ and walking with the Lord. He starts out in this first verse by showing that salvation is performed by Christ alone. Jesus calls all people to come unto Himself, but only those who repent of their sins and believe in Him are truly saved. The word “called” has the idea of being invited to a banquet. Heaven is a banquet that every believer can earnestly anticipate.
Paul tells us in Eph. 2:8-9 that salvation is “by grace” and “not of works”, it is “the gift of God”. We cannot earn or work for salvation in any way, so it is God must perform this work. In Jude 1, it also says that we are “sanctified” by God, which has the idea of being cleansed and dedicated to God. The tense of this word in the Greek describes an action which is viewed as having been completed in the past, once and for all, not needing to be repeated. Once we are cleansed by Christ at salvation, it is a complete and finished work done by Him that cannot be undone.
We know that this work cannot be undone because this same verse goes on to tell us that we are preserved in Jesus Christ. The word “preserved” has the idea of being guarded or kept in your current state in which you have been put. The amazing part of salvation that is so wonderful is the fact that Christ performs the work, preserves us, and promises that we will always be His. Since God has never yet broken a promise, we can rest assured that once we are His we will always be His. The tense of this word is also one of a work completed in the past, once and for all, not needing to be repeated.
Once we are saved, we now have a responsibility of our own. Even though we are securely preserved in Christ Jesus, we live in a sin fallen world and we must contend for our faith. Jude tells us in verse 3, “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3, NKJV). The word “earnestly contend” comes from a root word that has the idea of fighting with adversaries or struggling with difficulties and dangers. Living the life of faith is, by no means, simple. It is a struggle, because, just as the world hated Christ, even so it will hate us. But, in the strength of Christ we can make it though this life with Him. We may have to fight with strenuous zeal to keep the faith. The walk of faith is not as easy or simple as the gift of salvation. But, all believers can live a victorious faith if they only obey Him and His word.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Friday, June 1, 2012
Spiritual Warfare
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NKJV)
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ
Every believer in Christ Jesus has now entered a war. This war is not, as verse 4 tells, a physical war, but one of the mind. All who know Christ as savior are now on the enemy’s direct hit list because they are now God’s possession. They are also the instruments that God uses to spread His word.
We need to beware, the devil works deceptively, viciously and at the times that we least expect it. He does this by putting thoughts into our minds when we are weakest. He knows our every point of weakness and seeks to destroy and kill every thought that is good or right. He seeks to divert our thoughts from God and toward evil. He does this by pointing out what we are lacking and how incomplete our life is without that particular point of temptation.
If we entertain these kinds of thoughts the devil will gain a toehold in our minds. This can be removed easily by resisting the devil. But by continuing to entertain these ideas, he then gains a foothold. A foothold is a place the devil can stand and move around. If we do not properly deal with these destructive patterns, they will become an established pattern and turn into a stronghold.
Paul tells us in vs. 5 how to fight these fiery darts to our mind. “Casting down” has the idea of throwing something away with the intent of destroying it. We need to cast down (swiftly dismiss) the thoughts that the devil puts into our minds with vengeance. These kinds of thoughts that the devil implants in our minds come in the form of doubt, fear, guilt, loneliness, unforgiveness and many other destructive forms. Dismiss them quickly or they will gain a stronger hold over time. The greatest problem we have is that these thoughts are so subtle and they come when we least expect them.
We not only need to quickly and vengefully dismiss improper thoughts in our mind, but we need to seek passionately for the thoughts on which God wants us to dwell. The idea of “bring into captivity” has the idea of putting something into secure holding. We need to grab onto God’s desire of love, joy, peace and obedience to Him. Once we have these thoughts we need to seek them with all our heart and mind. Paul tells us, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things”, (Phil. 4:8, NKJV). Thinking on these thoughts needs to dominate our mind and not thoughts of vengeance, bitterness, unforgiveness and disobedience to God. If we spend all our time thinking on honorable thoughts and His word, we will not have time to do anything else.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ
Every believer in Christ Jesus has now entered a war. This war is not, as verse 4 tells, a physical war, but one of the mind. All who know Christ as savior are now on the enemy’s direct hit list because they are now God’s possession. They are also the instruments that God uses to spread His word.
We need to beware, the devil works deceptively, viciously and at the times that we least expect it. He does this by putting thoughts into our minds when we are weakest. He knows our every point of weakness and seeks to destroy and kill every thought that is good or right. He seeks to divert our thoughts from God and toward evil. He does this by pointing out what we are lacking and how incomplete our life is without that particular point of temptation.
If we entertain these kinds of thoughts the devil will gain a toehold in our minds. This can be removed easily by resisting the devil. But by continuing to entertain these ideas, he then gains a foothold. A foothold is a place the devil can stand and move around. If we do not properly deal with these destructive patterns, they will become an established pattern and turn into a stronghold.
Paul tells us in vs. 5 how to fight these fiery darts to our mind. “Casting down” has the idea of throwing something away with the intent of destroying it. We need to cast down (swiftly dismiss) the thoughts that the devil puts into our minds with vengeance. These kinds of thoughts that the devil implants in our minds come in the form of doubt, fear, guilt, loneliness, unforgiveness and many other destructive forms. Dismiss them quickly or they will gain a stronger hold over time. The greatest problem we have is that these thoughts are so subtle and they come when we least expect them.
We not only need to quickly and vengefully dismiss improper thoughts in our mind, but we need to seek passionately for the thoughts on which God wants us to dwell. The idea of “bring into captivity” has the idea of putting something into secure holding. We need to grab onto God’s desire of love, joy, peace and obedience to Him. Once we have these thoughts we need to seek them with all our heart and mind. Paul tells us, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things”, (Phil. 4:8, NKJV). Thinking on these thoughts needs to dominate our mind and not thoughts of vengeance, bitterness, unforgiveness and disobedience to God. If we spend all our time thinking on honorable thoughts and His word, we will not have time to do anything else.
Thoughts, comments, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
Thursday, May 24, 2012
The Peace of God
John 14:27 (NKJV)
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, neither let it be afraid.
Jesus promises His peace to those who trust Him. Nearly everyone is actively seeking for peace in their life. The greatest problem is the fact that many are seeking peace the wrong way. Jesus Himself said in this verse that peace cannot be achieved by worry or fear. We all have great concerns and are tempted to fear. But if we think about it, it is foolish to think that we can be at peace when there is turmoil and the apprehensive of fear going on in our mind.
It is interesting that when Jesus spoke this verse concerning peace, He was telling the disciples (and us) about another Helper. The more we allow the Holy Spirit to control our mind, the more peace and rest we will possess. As we learn to trust the Lord more and more throughout life, we will find that we can rest, knowing that the Lord is in control despite the wars and difficulties around us.
Jesus never said that we would have no problems at all. In fact He said the opposite. He said, “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.” (John 16:33, NKJV). When we trust Jesus as our savior we overcome eternal death. Even so, if we trust Jesus each day and moment by moment, He will grant us the strength and peace that we need to make it though each challenge in life. At these times we need our mind fastened on God and not the challenge. Isaiah says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV).
We will also face difficulties from others around us. In order to help this situation we need to actively pursue peace among others. David said, “Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14, NKJV). Paul reminds us to seek peace will all men. He says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18, NKJV). We may not always achieve peaceful situations among others. But Paul reminds us to do everything we can to live at peace with others. If they accept our peace, then we have obeyed God. But, if they don’t accept it, then that is their disobedience.
We only have peace when we are in Christ. Paul said, “For He Himself is our peace”, (Ephesians 2:14a, NKJV). The more often we trust Christ, we will find greater rest and less anxiety. Paul states it so well when he says, “6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV). Trust God, praise Him always, bring all things to Him, do not let anxiety overtake your mind and then God’s peace with guard you heart and mind with overwhelming amazement.
Thoughts, comment, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
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, neither let it be afraid.
Jesus promises His peace to those who trust Him. Nearly everyone is actively seeking for peace in their life. The greatest problem is the fact that many are seeking peace the wrong way. Jesus Himself said in this verse that peace cannot be achieved by worry or fear. We all have great concerns and are tempted to fear. But if we think about it, it is foolish to think that we can be at peace when there is turmoil and the apprehensive of fear going on in our mind.
It is interesting that when Jesus spoke this verse concerning peace, He was telling the disciples (and us) about another Helper. The more we allow the Holy Spirit to control our mind, the more peace and rest we will possess. As we learn to trust the Lord more and more throughout life, we will find that we can rest, knowing that the Lord is in control despite the wars and difficulties around us.
Jesus never said that we would have no problems at all. In fact He said the opposite. He said, “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.” (John 16:33, NKJV). When we trust Jesus as our savior we overcome eternal death. Even so, if we trust Jesus each day and moment by moment, He will grant us the strength and peace that we need to make it though each challenge in life. At these times we need our mind fastened on God and not the challenge. Isaiah says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV).
We will also face difficulties from others around us. In order to help this situation we need to actively pursue peace among others. David said, “Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:14, NKJV). Paul reminds us to seek peace will all men. He says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18, NKJV). We may not always achieve peaceful situations among others. But Paul reminds us to do everything we can to live at peace with others. If they accept our peace, then we have obeyed God. But, if they don’t accept it, then that is their disobedience.
We only have peace when we are in Christ. Paul said, “For He Himself is our peace”, (Ephesians 2:14a, NKJV). The more often we trust Christ, we will find greater rest and less anxiety. Paul states it so well when he says, “6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV). Trust God, praise Him always, bring all things to Him, do not let anxiety overtake your mind and then God’s peace with guard you heart and mind with overwhelming amazement.
Thoughts, comment, objections.
Daniel A. Smith
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