Perfect peace

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.  

Isaiah 26:3-4

 

The world offers imperfect peace. It is temporary at best, as it comes in the form of materialism, a person, a pill, or a bottle. This caricature of peace prolongs pain and leads to long-term disappointment and disillusionment. Artificial peace restricts or rejects the peace of God, only to eventually come back and seek out what’s real.

Are you able to sleep peacefully at night? Do you have an assurance deep down in your soul that Christ is in control and can be trusted? If not, let loose of the idols of worry and pride, redirect your energies to eternal solutions. Answers from above bring peace that’s within. Where there is trust in the Lord there is rest from fighting the enemy.

“When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7, NKJV).

Accessing the Lord’s peace begins by first making peace with Him. In humble surrender and submission we unlock the control of our hearts to Christ and trust Him to give us what we need to follow Him and serve others. When we exchange our agenda for His agenda, in total trust, we in turn receive the peace of God. Peace follows trust. Peace with God results in the peace of God. Why wait until death to make peace with God?

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2).

God’s peace gives us confidence to follow Christ in ministry, domestically and globally. His peace of mind is assurance that we can move forward in a relationship or a new responsibility at work. A home that is peaceful is a haven for family and for those who need a safe environment to feel secure and loved. Peace produces relational fruit that lasts.

Can the Prince of Peace be trusted to get you through this challenge with your child or this season of suffering? Yes, of course He can and He wants you to experience His peace so you can be an ambassador of peace for God. People in turmoil who engage with your peaceful demeanor, want to know more about what you know and have.

So, use the gift of peace that Jesus has given you as a platform to proclaim His truth. Give away this gift to all who will receive it, and oh what a difference it will make if only one life receives its benefits. You don’t have to look far for candidates: a single parent, the jobless, a confused child, a fearful parent, an addict, the sick or a lost soul. The perfect peace of God cuts through confusion and keeps your mind and heart on Jesus.

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:2-3).

Temptation and accountability

 No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it. 1 Corinthians 10:13  The Message

Temptation loses its teeth in the face of accountability. Just as a home security system alerts us when an intruder invades the premises, so loving accountability warns us of pending danger. Yes, temptation has its greatest influence when operating in isolation, but when exposed to a caring community, its illusions are dismissed. People who love us want what’s best for us. They are more objective and expose our unwise inclinations. Accountability keeps us honest.

Everyone’s battle is everyone’s battle. Thus, we are wise not to fight alone. There is a very practical reason foxholes are not manned by one individual. We cover each other’s backs when in close proximity to one another; we engage the enemy. Victory comes to a band of brothers or sisters who seeks the best interest of the group. Prayers for purity push back the taunts of lustful thoughts from the tempter. We do better when we know our friends closely observe our lifestyle.

“So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God” (Romans 7:4).

Pornography is a rampant problem that grips our culture. It destroys relationships, corrupts the moral infrastructure of society, and steals the respect of its victims. We’re all one mouse click away from unseemly images on the worldwide web. How can we guard our hearts and minds from pornographic pain? An effective plan is to give 24/7 access to our computers and mobile devices to our spouse and accountability partners. Invite them to inspect what’s expected of us.

Until we get real about our real issues of temptation, we will not experience lasting change. In our independent pride we will fall, but out of our interdependent humility we will stand. We all struggle with similar sins, why not name them and confess to friends our need to come clean. Our heavenly Father shows us favor when we are not ashamed of sharing our struggles. It’s much better to be humbled before a small group that loves us than humiliated before a large group who doesn’t know us. Temptation suffered alone succumbs, but together we overcome!

“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

Tricks of the tempter

The tempter [the devil] came to him [Jesus] and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Matthew 4:3

The devil tempted Adam and Eve to doubt God. He tempted Job to give up on God and he tempted Jesus to disobey God. Satan’s tactics have not changed. He still subtly and not so subtly seeks to steal, kill and destroy our faith. He sows seeds of doubt into our  taking seriously Christ’s commands and walking out plus exercising our faith. He plays mind games to get us to go against what we know is clearly right or wrong and stepping out of the will and purpose of God. The evil one masks a sinful choice by causing us to doubt God’s clear expectations. What God says does not require a second opinion, so we are wise to first do what He says to do.

The devil also tempts us to give up on God when our world is shaken. Like Job we may lose our children and see our finances slip away. Our health may fail and we may be tempted to think the Lord has failed us. However, it’s our faith in Jesus that offers stability during unstable situations. Our God is unmovable. He is a rock, refuge, and strong fortress against the deceptive tricks of the tempter. Yes, we lean into the Holy Spirit when unholy forces seek to force unfaithfulness.

“In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing” (Job 1:22).

Moreover, Satan appeals to our pride by tempting us to use power powered by the flesh. Our pride can easily run ahead of the Lord. Though a good outcome may come about, God does not get the glory when we are out in front of Him. Humility waits to be led and empowered by the Spirit. The devil also misapplies Scripture in an attempt to spiritualize his suggestions. He will twist the truth to sound inviting: “everything if done in moderation is ok.” Really? One click to a pornographic site is not ok, one car ride with a drunken driver is not ok, and one lie is not ok.

Therefore, we come against the enemy’s tricks, lies, and deceit with the Word of God. We are naive and defenseless if we try to defeat the devil with our own clever devices. We will win however, if we keep our prayer guard up and if we spend time meditating on and applying  biblical principles to our behavior. This is why we are engaged, not nonchalant in our spiritual disciplines. We stay aware of devilish schemes that try to convince us we are the exception to the Lord’s expectations. By God’s grace we win the battle of the mind by renewing our mind with truth.

“‘Why are you sleeping?’ he asked them. ‘Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation’” (Luke 22:46).

 

Trials and Tribulation

 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

What is temptation? It is a desire enticing you to make an unwise decision. To be tempted is not to sin, but it does mean a sinful desire is close to conception, awaiting birth. So, we are wise to see temptation coming and prepare not to fall for its power of deceit. Trials are an outward test that can lead to an inward temptation. When weakened by adversity we become a prime target of our adversary--the devil. So how can we be prepared to overcome trials and temptations?

For example, a job promotion can be a good thing, but what if it requires the test of travel? Time away from home cannot be properly replaced by any amount of money. And what are the agreed upon guidelines (with ourselves and if married, with our spouse) to keep us from falling for temptation? The moral temptation is to not remain faithful. The ethical temptation is to compromise our honesty. Peer temptation is to give into juvenile behavior. Intentional preplanning deals best with temptation. Avoid compromising situations: alone with the opposite sex, nightclubs or inaccurate expense reports.

“Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:14-15).

Moreover, there are those who desire to get rich. It is tempting because of the allure of affluence: freedom, nice homes, new cars, power and prestige. This test of prosperity requires a generous spirit to truly prosper, otherwise money creates idols of its own making. Those blessed materially learn how to leverage their possessions for God’s kingdom and not their own. They recognize the Lord as the owner and themselves as stewards. Generosity trumps the temptation of greediness.

Lastly, use trials to draw closer to Christ and not be tempted to pull away from Him. Don’t allow hard times to harden your heart, instead invite the Spirit to soften your heart. In His desert aloneness Jesus was tempted by the devil, but He answered his lies with the truth of Scripture. So, seek the Lord when He seems distant and He will draw you unto Himself. Furthermore, be transparent with mentors and friends who can support you in remaining faithful. Confessing your vulnerabilities weakens temptations grip. Christ provides a way of escape for patient endurance.
 
“Because he himself [Jesus] suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:18)

Forgiven to forgive

 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Forgiven people forgive, because they are eternally grateful for the grace of God’s forgiveness in their heart. They are keenly aware that outside of Christ, they are cursed to a cycle of unforgiveness, lost in their sins. Thus, the Lord raised them up forgiven, so they in turn can forgive. Forgiveness on earth flows from forgiveness in heaven. It is something to be passed on today, not to be stored away for some unique future occasion.

Unforgiveness encroaches on the health of our relationships. Its cancerous affect eats away at our enjoyment of God, family and friends. Suddenly, without advance notice, we lash out at those we love—because of someone we don’t love. Unforgiveness, like an inactive but rumbling volcano, waits to explode at any moment of disappointment. The embroiled embers smolder like sin and will erupt when pressure shakes its foundation.

Do you hold a grudge that has a hold of you? Does resentment hang over you like a bad dream, only you never wake up? This level of emotional upheaval is no way to live for the Lord. His will is not for you to be preoccupied with people who have stolen your joy and hindered your fellowship with Jesus. Forgiveness frees you from the bitter taste of bitterness and replaces it with the sweet taste of grace. Thus, forgive like you’re forgiven.

True forgiveness is sincere and all-inclusive. We are not in the position to judge who deserves forgiveness and who does not.. One test is to ask if you are tender hearted or hard hearted toward another. A hard heart has yet to be broken by heaven’s caring crush, it may take extended adversity to soften your heart to forgive.

Why wait in anxious resentment when you can be freed today from hatred and relational apathy? Moreover, make your forgiveness specific. Communicate clearly you are forgiving an exact amount of money—they are no longer in debt to you. Did a relative abuse you as a child? Were you fired over office politics? Talk with them—if they have abandoned you or are dead, write a letter expressing Christ’s love and your forgiveness.

What if you forgive someone and they are unresponsive and unrepentant? You cannot control another’s response, only your own. Trust that the Lord is working and that your humble and sincere example will begin a work of grace in their heart. Love and kindness tear down walls of anger—grace and forgiveness build bridges of hope. Satan’s destructive deception is exposed and destroyed in the face of your forgiveness.

“And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes” (2 Corinthians 2:10b-11).

Right before I die

 Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. Psalm 39:4-5

 

It's easy to live life like we have unlimited days before we die. Men especially can think they are bullet proof, indestructible to life’s constant flow of burdens and blessings. I acted like that until I encountered a life threatening health issue in my 20's.  Suddenly, my mortality caught up with my body because I was burning the candlestick from every side. Reality and fear of  possibly dying reminded me I might not see a  child be born, grow develop and mature into adulthood. As a result of this my perspective changed mightily I began to value each day as God’s unique gift.

Following death immortality in heaven is instant for the believer, thus we pass through this life on a mission for our Lord. If that so, why do we sometimes live like our purpose is for this life alone? Denial, we think, if we don’t think about death, it will stay at bay, or at least not depress us. But death is one of the Lord’s reminders of why we need Him. Our inevitable death is cause for utter dependence on our heavenly Father. Death’s unpredictability calls us to Christ’s predictability.

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

So by God’s grace, how can we live like we are dying? One way is to embrace and celebrate each day as a gift from God. A gift not to be squandered in self focus or taken for granted with thankless prayers. Gratitude adds energy to life and attractiveness to our attitude. Another idea is to enjoy what we have, not obsess over what we don’t have. Contentment contributes to peace of mind, physical health and emotional wholeness. We have all we need in Christ Jesus.

Lastly, we gain a heart of wisdom when we treat each day as an opportunity to be an ambassador for God. A heart focused on the Lord wants others to come to know God through His son Jesus. So, we humbly share the wisdom of God for the purpose of people knowing God. Wisdom has a sense of urgency based on the fact that Christ is in control, but aware that today may be the last day to invite another soul to Jesus. We live like we are dying when we share the everlasting gospel of Christ. Because we trust Him with our soul, we die daily and trust Him with our life.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

Get wisdom

 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. Proverbs 4:5-6

Anyone who knows me knows that I talk, teach, and preach about the availability of wisdom to all who seek it and ask for it.  

According to the Oxford Dictionary, wisdom has to do with the soundness of an action or decision. Makes sense, right? Wisdom is when you make good choices, and I imagine that most of us could do a little more of that.  

But where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes from God because He is the author of all that is. He made it all, so He knows how everything that concerns us is supposed to work. Okay, but how do we get wisdom?

Here are three practical ways to get the wisdom that God says will preserve our life.

First, listen to God. God is the source of all wisdom. Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. . .” Listening for the Lord’s wisdom happens when we spend time in His Word and quiet ourselves so we can hear the Holy Spirit. Leaning on our own wisdom will lead us astray but listening to God brings life. Can you imagine what jewels of wisdom we could receive this week by quieting ourself in His presence? 

Next, listen to wise people. When I think about the people I know in my life, there are several I consider to be wise. These people are gracious in their speech, thoughtful in their interactions with others, shrewd in how they handle difficult personal situations, calm in crisis, mature in their financial choices, loving, trustworthy, and they have a genuine relationship with Jesus. 

One wise man mentored me when I was in my twenties, and I learned from him just by spending time with him. Do you know someone who is wise? Reach out to them and ask them to spend time with you so you can learn from them, too. 

Listen to your circumstances. When I think about the past, I am grateful for what I have learned, not in spite of my failures, but because of them. My failure has been a good teacher to create greater wisdom in me. Without many painful experiences, I wouldn’t have grown, although I still have a lot to learn. 

That said, it’s not guaranteed that difficult circumstances will create wisdom in us. Instead, it’s listening to our difficult circumstances that create wisdom. Without looking back, our failures can produce little fruit. But when we reflect on what happened, they can prevent us from making the same mistakes again.  The person who does not learn is the person who is bound to repeat the same errors. But when we learn from the past, we can become more like Christ. 

Finally, do what you heard. Once you have listened to God, listened to wise people, and listened to your circumstances, it’s time to put into practice what you learned. When knowledge becomes action, that’s true wisdom. 

Maybe as you look back at your life, you see where you could have made some better, wiser choices. In closing, let me encourage you, wisdom is something we receive and grow into. It’s not something we have when we are born. 

Even Christ grew in wisdom. Luke 2:52 says, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” If you’re beating yourself up for “not getting it right the first time,” give yourself grace. Wisdom is something God wants to give His children and it’s something they grow in, just like Christ. 

Since God became man and felt the limitations of being human, He knows what it’s like to grow in wisdom too. 

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

Let Him flow

He that believeth on Me as the scriptures hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living waters.

John 7:38

The height and depth of walking with Christ and living as a believer is when God’s Holy Spirit

flows through you. The greatest challenge we face in ministry and in life is to get the flesh out of the

way of God’s movement. Our meditation for today points to how it can be done on a continual basis.

Jesus very clearly states on the last day of the feast that his invitation involves believing on Him as the

scriptures hath said. Let us keep in mind that those he said it to did not believe on him as the scriptures

had said; they had their own interpretation. 

I have a simple equation to offer to you today. It is: False

Doctrine= False God. Even today, there are so many churches and denominations that believe what

they want to believe about Jesus and have formed doctrines that have absolutely nothing to do with

him. When Jesus said, “He that believeth on Me as the scriptures has said,” there was no New

Testament written. The scriptures Jesus was referring to were what we now know as the Old

Testament. This tells us right away that anyone who forms a doctrine that eradicates the Old Testament

has already formed a false doctrine and created a false god. The challenge for us now is to go back to

the Old Testament and see how it points to Christ. Out of that belief and structure will unlock the door

to the invitation Jesus gave here in John 7:38.

I don’t know about you, but I want and desperately need God’s power to flow through me.

Notice here the way of God. He wants to pour Himself out through us. God’s power is never meant to

be contained. In other words, I can’t keep it to myself. This is the way Oswald Chambers puts it:

“If we believe in Jesus, it is not what we gain, but what He pours through us that counts.

It is not that God makes us beautifully rounded grapes, but that He squeezes the

sweetness out of us. Spiritually, we cannot measure our life by success, but only by

what God pours through us, and we cannot measure that at all.”

Beloved, we must examine the scriptures afresh today. We must believe on Jesus as the Old Testament

has said. The promise of Christ Jesus is that out of our belly shall flow rivers of living water. The Holy

Spirit will perpetually flow through us to accomplish His work. This is the height and depth of walking

with Christ. Our challenge is to simply Let Him Flow.