Where’s the Peace?

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27 (New American Standard Bible)

That which Jesus gives to us is always irrevocable. The same peace He gave to His disciples in the upper room on the very night He was to be arrested and beaten, is the peace He gives to each one who comes to Him for salvation. No matter the circumstances of one’s life, no matter the situations they find themselves in, no matter what, the peace that He gives is within us. Just as the stars are still present during the day when they cannot be seen, so is the peace Christ gives even when it cannot be felt or experienced.

What exactly is the peace Christ gives? A state of tranquility, harmony, security, safety, prosperity, assurance, quietness, restfulness, and being undisturbed. If that is the case, why does it seem like that is missing from our life at times? It is not missing, it is just not apparent. The reason for that sense of loss varies, but it all comes down to other things clouding our view and dulling our senses to its presence and reality.

I woke this morning with a fresh sense of peace….Christ’s peace was profound. Why? There was the absence of turmoil. Thoughts of rejection, distrust, loneliness, and frustration were not marking my path. Relationships seemed right. Truth was prevailing. Skewed thinking was arrested. It was so intense for me because so often it doesn’t seem to be my experience. Why? Because I have a sin nature and an enemy of my soul who is intent and persistent at seeking to destroy me.

My answer to this dilemma is to daily practice dieing to myself, opening my clenched fists to all that I should give over to God, resisting the enemy when his calling cards are present, centering my thoughts on the Philippians 4:8 list, turning my focus toward the One who gave me peace to start with, seeking opportunities to encourage others, and living out of the abundance of all that God continually gives to me.

As a child of God, I am called to walk in the light not the darkness. I am called to love others not judge them. I am called to embrace who I am in Christ. All that God calls me to do He equips me to do. When anything gets in the way of that, His peace is still in me but I am far from experiencing the reality of it. When that is the case, it is imperative that I seek out the cause and remedy the situation God’s way. The result will always be a fresh realization of what has been in me all along….peace.

Father, thank you for the profoundness of Your peace in me this morning. I have settled for less but desire to change. Amen.

Spirit of the Living God
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShhUWVKZnEk

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

That Which Prevails Against Me

Iniquities prevail against me; as for our transgressions, You forgive them. Psalm 65:3 (New American Standard Bible)

When that which resides in me, continues to show itself stronger than my resolve to fight it, and once again surfaces and prevails, I have a faithful God who willingly forgives. When what I have yet to conquer, conquers me, I am assured of God’s forgiveness. When the cycle of sin remains unbroken and the apologies are necessary AGAIN, I rest in the promise and possession of God’s forgiveness.

There are times, when I have failed to fight and stood in defeat once more, that my shoulders slump, the tears fall, and my head bows because I feel I will never overcome certain areas of my life. I may start the day with resolve only to fall apart in the battle. Yesterday was one such experience. Perceptions enveloped and encased me and I found myself telling God, “I will never beat this thing. I will never get it right!” Although forgiveness was forthcoming, today finds me apprehensive and fearful of the next time I am called to the same battlefield and scenario. In moments like this, joy eludes me and fear takes over. Why? Because my track record of failure stairs me in the face and the enemy of my soul works tirelessly to convince me things will never be different.

I have a choice to make. Believe the lies or review the truth that greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world. Not one thing defeated Christ here on earth. He stood Victor over everything. He is the One holding my hand and speaking words of assurance to me that He will do the work necessary for me to overcome. He is the One taking my face in His hands and turning my gaze toward Him rather than on my inabilities, depravity, and weakness. He is the One who knows my fears and is able to put them to rest. He is the One rewriting the endings to my stories that I am limited to see presently.

Hope is born when I see the possibility that things can be different. My past does not have to be my future. Yesterday’s failure does not have to be today’s scenario and it won’t be if my confidence is in Christ instead of myself.

Father, I long to experience freedom and victory in this area of my life that keeps prevailing. I want to know the joy of the victor’s song. I look to You to do in me what I am not able to do. Peter’s cry of, “Help me, Lord” is now my cry as well. Amen.

Warrior is a Child/Do I Trust You-Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pzu-jWpcdw

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time. 　

Freedom from Domination

Establish my footsteps in Your word, and do not let any iniquity have dominion over me. Psalm 119:133 (New American Standard Bible)

God’s Word is truth and it is what I must be fixed in, secured by, directed in, prepared with, fastened to, and restored by. When that is not the case, I open myself up to be mastered and dominated by such things as sin, trouble, sorrow, perceptions, and idolatry. Today’s verse became my heart’s cry and prayer throughout yesterday. It gave me direction and hope.

Of all the things I battle, my thoughts and mindsets top the list of potential for what can become domineering. I spoke with a friend last night about this very thing and through the course of the conversation God revealed to us the pattern I habitually repeat and the way of escape He offers me.

The pattern that so often plays itself out and spirals me down is wrong perceptions which lead to strong emotions and shame based feelings. The shift that transpires is soon followed by an internal darkness that can quickly gain control of my mind, attitude, actions, and demeanor. Once I am in that mode there seems to be a paralysis to my ability to put up a fight. Rather than fight I spiral until eventually I bring it to God and He brings me out of it. I cringe at both my heart issues and the spiraling that takes place. What I came to understand last night was that I take a wrong turn when the perceptions come and issues of the heart become evident. Rather than admit them to God and allow Him to free me from the results, I self condemn and encase myself in shame and embarrassment. At that point, I don’t want to admit the truth to myself, God, or anyone else. God is once again reminding me that what I refuse to acknowledge will always have control of me.

So what is His prescription for freedom? When the perceptions hit and the issues surface, bring them to Him. Admit the struggle. Admit the weakness. Admit the thoughts. Admit the feelings. Then, like a child in need of help, ask Him for help. Ask Him to replace the sense of worthlessness, rejection, and abandonment with His truth. Then continue asking until the pull of emotions is broken. I am so use to spiraling that I find it hard to believe there is another option. God is assuring me of not only another option but of His help in bringing about that other option. I want to be established in His word and set free from that which has dominated me. I covet the prayers of others in my pursuit of freedom.

Father, my track record is filled with failure in this area, but Yours is impeccable! I admit my need of You and I thank You in advance for what You are about to do. Establish my footsteps and free me. Amen.

In Christ Alone - Brian Littrell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7m5MU5qx7U

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

He’s Not Going Anywhere

For such is God, Our God forever and ever; He will guide us until death. Psalm 48:14 (New American Standard Bible)

The assurance and permanence of this verse touches me deeply this morning. I need the reminder at all times, but especially when I have gotten off track, failed, faltered, and stumbled. When I bring sin stained heart, mind, and hands to my Father, I need the assurance and comfort that He is still accepting of me, still desiring me, still walking with me, and still guiding me. I need the never changing promise that He will not give up on me…ever. This verse lets me know that His guidance is for good!

Last night, I brought to Him a stretch of pit dwelling once again. It is often hard to do that when I view myself as a repeat offender in the same areas of struggle. My view of God is revealed at times when I am in need of His grace, mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation. When I see Him as different than the father of the prodigal son or the king extravagantly forgiving a debt, I walk in the deception of my own skewed thinking and perceptions. His character and heart are unchanging as is His pledge to be my guide until death. Last night, as I confessed to Him my wrong attitudes and behavior, the forgiveness was instant….it always is. He simply waits for me to come.

Then comes the guiding part. My confession and subsequent forgiveness, open the door of my understanding to receive His guidance. Together, we review mistakes made and where it was I got off track. We talk about what steps to take in the future and what thinking to implement in the present. Like a father teaching a young child how to walk, God is constantly instructing me in how to take the daily steps necessary for growth and change.

At times, He will use individuals, but I must see them as His vessels NOT as His replacement. He is God alone and He is my Guide supreme. That must take precedence over my own fear of failure and realization that I don’t always get it right or do it right. Satan would choose to define me by my lack of perfection and inconsistencies. God chooses to define me by who He is and what He is doing in my life. While I must cooperate with Him and seek intimate relationship with Him, my confidence lies in His ability rather than my inability.

As the hymn states it so well, “Come just as you are.” It is not always pretty but it is definitely necessary.

Father, Your open arms still surprise me. Thank you for all that You do to change my image of You. Amen.

You Are My Hiding Place - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9UBxa_jRMo&videos=RPbhLvnpYeo

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Competent to Conquer

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 (New American Standard Bible)

The ‘these things’ Paul was referring to was quite a list. Tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, sword! They weren’t just sadness, heartache, loneliness, and loss. But whether the troubles in our life resemble Paul’s list or are less sever, we can claim this verse as our daily mantra! We can be more than conquerors (as the King James version puts it) as long as we keep in mind that it is through Him. Living out the Christian life is not merely positive thinking, self effort, and self reform. It is a daily reliance on and cooperation with our heavenly Father.

So what does that look like on a practical level? Think of the word “Stamp.”
Start each morning verbally yielding myself, my day, my agenda, and my schedule to God. Let Him and me both know that He is in control.

Take in God’s Word and applying it in every situation, attitude, and action I face throughout my day.

Ask the Holy Spirit to fill me on a daily basis…even a moment by moment basis. That means being under His control and influence.

Make sure that what I think and say are in agreement with God and His Word. It is so easy to find myself dwelling on things that can take me into a pit of despair and sadness. I have grown tired of being in the pit so now I do battle. I have an arsenal of tools that I use such as giving thanks to God, listening to music that glorifies God and edifies me, reading books that help truths to sink in, praying and simply asking God for help, reviewing God’s character qualities and involvement in my life. I am amazed how quickly these things can deter wrong attitudes and behavior.

Praise Him on a continual basis! He inhabits the praises of His people. He delights in it, desires it, and blesses it!
It is a daily journey of progress. Growth and change do not happen all at once or even quickly for that matter. But over time, the transformation of attitudes, desires, actions, words, and character qualities is quite significant. May God continue to do His work in me!

Father, if left on my own I would flounder at being victorious in anything! Thank You for what You do in me as I look to You. Amen.

Be Strong and Take Courage - Don Moen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvpdMdxzyrs&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Unnecessarily Alone

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 (New International Version)

If I broke my leg, I would have no trouble seeking the help of a doctor. If my car broke down, a mechanic would be the one I turn to. A tooth ache would send me to the dentist. I also have no trouble stopping and asking for directions if I am obviously lost. The help of others is invaluable during these times and many others. We can see that and readily agree. So why is it that we grasp this truth for our physical needs but fail to accept it for emotional or spiritual needs. God never intended for us to be “lone ranger” Christians.

Throughout Scripture we read phrases such as: pray for one another, encourage one another, comfort one another, strengthen one another, help one another, love one another, give to one another, fellowship with one another, admonish one another, esteem one another, praise one another, build up one another, forgive one another, and so on. We also see the many times God used people as instruments for healing, leading, instructing, and teaching. They are not a replacement for God but they are definitely a gift from God.

While God desires for me to have an intimate, personal walk with Him, He has never failed to bring significant people into my life to assist me in my growth as a Christian. I have a list of precious individuals whom God wove into my life at just the right times. I would not be who I am today without them. I have sought their advice, received their nurturing, and been helped tremendously by them. I treasure each one!

With that said, I find there are still times I think I have to make it on my own through the valleys, mine fields, and rugged places of this journey. In order to safe guard myself from becoming dependent on another person or appearing to be needy, I decide to go it alone. I remember a time when I began to wade through some internal issues. I surmised that with God, my Bible, and a “how to” book, I could do this. Six chapters into my book, I was over whelmed and fully aware of my need for help! Getting that help required prayer, honesty, and transparency on my part. People are willing to help if I will just take a step forward and ask them. As I take the steps and ask, God graciously works out the details.

Father, You never meant for me to be a loner. You have already gifted and equipped individuals to help me and for me to help others. Continue showing me Your truth and Your way. Amen.

For Good
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzrGFQysfYU

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Seeing the Truth

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in loving kindness to all who call upon You. Psalm 86:5 (New American Standard Bible)

It occurred to me this morning that I still have mindsets that God wants to free me of. One is in the area of His forgiveness. I often think there is a difference in the way God views a repentant person who is first coming to Christ for salvation and a Christian who is coming to Him for forgiveness of sin. Sort of like He is more accepting and understanding of the first over the second. I see Him with open arms and joy over the person coming to know Him as Savior but a more reserved reception for the one who is already His child. Maybe that is due to the fact that I am harder on myself now than before I knew Christ or maybe it is because the body of Christ can sometimes differentiate between the two. Whatever the reason, Psalm 86:5 is giving me a more accurate picture of God’s nature and heart in the area of forgiveness.

Remember the father of the returning prodigal son? He was looking for his return, ran to meet him, embraced him, and lavished him with a ring, robe, sandals, and a feast! He saw him as one who had not only come back home but had come back to life. He was overjoyed at having his son back. Did it mean his son’s actions didn’t bother him? No. Did it mean he was never heartbroken over the rebellion? No. It means when his son came to him in brokenness, sorrow, and confession he was extravagant in his reception of him. God is no different but rather exceeds even that picture! That is what is so amazing about His mercy, grace, and love! Unexplainable, uncomprehendable, and unfathomable!

With tenderness God is once again probing my heart with questions He wants me to answer in honesty. Just as in the area of forgiveness there are other underlying thoughts He wants to bring to the surface and expose to the light of His Word. He is asking questions to heal not to condemn. Do I sense delight or disappointment in His eyes? Do I view His love as extravagant and unfailing or limited and conditional? Am I striving for or resting in His acceptance? Do I grasp the innumerable times He thinks of me or do I feel invisible to Him? Do I think He plays favorites or am I secure in being His much loved child? Do I sense a distance or a closeness to Him? The answers I give will reveal a lot about how I view God and how I feel He views me. They will reveal what my relationship with Him is really like. He is inviting me to allow Him to give me an honest picture of Himself. He wants me to bring the doubts, uncertainties, and insecurities to Him once again and embrace the truth of who He is and what He is like. I use to fear these kinds of sessions with Him. Now I have grown to value them!

Father, when it comes to Your love, forgiveness, and acceptance let me not only see and embrace the truth, but let me walk and dance in it today! Amen!

Power of Your Love - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga6Qtxzd6vk

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.