05/29/2011
“Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it,” [1 Thessalonians 5:21-24]
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things,” [Philippians 4:8]
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will,” [Romans 12:1-2]
The world needs peace but peace is not as easy to obtain as we might think. In fact, there is only one lasting peace in this world –but it’s not of this world. The only truly lasting peace is the peace that is offered to us from God. He is called the “God of peace” because peace itself is an extension of God’s Nature. Peace is established forever only where perfection and goodness exist. Every form of man-made peace will never truly last, but peace established by God cannot fail.
When we accept God’s “peace treaty,” we invite the God of peace to sanctify us. The word “sanctify” means to ‘set aside’ or ‘make more fully devoted.’ And if God’s peace is the only lasting peace, then it makes sense to let God have more control of every corner of our spirits, souls and bodies that still wage war. God really is faithful in establishing peace within us if we invite Him to do so. It begins when we accept the peace that can only be offered through His Son. This is vital because He is the only one who can penetrate our hearts –the place where all war really begins. We were once enemies of God, but we have been guaranteed peace through Jesus Christ. If I’m not careful, I can easily allow my flesh (body) to control my spirit (mind) and soul (emotions) and reject God’s peace. This is why it is important for all of us as children of God to pray for God’s peace to reign in our hearts, to renew our minds and cause our bodies to submit to Him.
This is the Message that the world does not want to hear: Peace begins within us when God sends His Son to reign in our hearts. Peace does not begin outside of us; peace begins within us. No policy, legislation, organization or committee can establish a lasting peace. World peace will never prevail on this earth until the Prince of peace returns in glory and power. Peace is not something we can create independent of God. Peace, real and lasting peace, is only found in the nature and character of God. If you are in great difficulty crushed by life’s circumstances, then ask God to bring peace and He will always be faithful to bring peace to those who seek it. But never forget that peace begins in us, not with someone else. Hold on to peace and allow the God of peace to establish you in peace: “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,” [John 14:27].
Love in Jesus,
George
“Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it,” [1 Thessalonians 5:21-24]
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things,” [Philippians 4:8]
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will,” [Romans 12:1-2]
The world needs peace but peace is not as easy to obtain as we might think. In fact, there is only one lasting peace in this world –but it’s not of this world. The only truly lasting peace is the peace that is offered to us from God. He is called the “God of peace” because peace itself is an extension of God’s Nature. Peace is established forever only where perfection and goodness exist. Every form of man-made peace will never truly last, but peace established by God cannot fail.
When we accept God’s “peace treaty,” we invite the God of peace to sanctify us. The word “sanctify” means to ‘set aside’ or ‘make more fully devoted.’ And if God’s peace is the only lasting peace, then it makes sense to let God have more control of every corner of our spirits, souls and bodies that still wage war. God really is faithful in establishing peace within us if we invite Him to do so. It begins when we accept the peace that can only be offered through His Son. This is vital because He is the only one who can penetrate our hearts –the place where all war really begins. We were once enemies of God, but we have been guaranteed peace through Jesus Christ. If I’m not careful, I can easily allow my flesh (body) to control my spirit (mind) and soul (emotions) and reject God’s peace. This is why it is important for all of us as children of God to pray for God’s peace to reign in our hearts, to renew our minds and cause our bodies to submit to Him.
This is the Message that the world does not want to hear: Peace begins within us when God sends His Son to reign in our hearts. Peace does not begin outside of us; peace begins within us. No policy, legislation, organization or committee can establish a lasting peace. World peace will never prevail on this earth until the Prince of peace returns in glory and power. Peace is not something we can create independent of God. Peace, real and lasting peace, is only found in the nature and character of God. If you are in great difficulty crushed by life’s circumstances, then ask God to bring peace and He will always be faithful to bring peace to those who seek it. But never forget that peace begins in us, not with someone else. Hold on to peace and allow the God of peace to establish you in peace: “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,” [John 14:27].
Love in Jesus,
George
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