Peace

While Giving Thanks

“NEVER worry about anything. But in EVERY situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests WHILE GIVING THANKS. Then God’s PEACE, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will GUARD your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. .”

Philippians 4:6 GW

I don’t know about you, but sometimes what I need may seem imminent and BIG. Therefore my prayers are dominated with my needs, my worries, my concerns, my fears…..my, my, my. Nothing wrong with this, providing we don’t neglect the latter part of the scripture: while giving thanks.

Don’t let your petition outshine your praise!!

Praise is an important part to our prayer life and actually benefits us (yes us) in so many ways. Praising God while we cry out our deepest needs keeps us focused on the larger more important target: Our Heavenly Father.

Magnifying HIS Name helps to minimize our problems. Our mind will feast on what it focuses on, so fix your mind on Him and not your problem.

There’s something that happens when we make our petition with praise. “God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe. . .” Philippians 4:7

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Peace

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!” Isaiah 26:3 nlt

What a wonderful gift God has given to us. When we praise Him, focus on Him, keep our thoughts and mind on Him, He gives us peace that will guard our minds.

Let’s face it, when we are in desperate need of a move of God, we are often filled with worry and fear or even grief. Each one of those emotions can destroy us from the inside out if left unchecked. But praise God He gives us peace to protect our minds.

Don’t let your petition outshine your praise. Yes ask! Yes petition! Yes, tell Him your worries! But Praising Him will begin to minimize our petition and magnify The One Who is “able to do so much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of.” Ephesians 3:20 gnb

God is greater than our problems. And just as important, HE LOVES YOU and can’t wait to show you.

Live Faithfully, Not Fearfully

“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. . .” Isaiah 54:17a
“. . .in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome ALL the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Luke 10:19
“The Lord is my light and my salvation– whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life– of whom shall I be afraid?

The Lord is on OUR side!!!! Whom shall we fear? He has promised that weapons made against will fail. He has given us authority and power over ALL the enemy’s powers. Furthermore, God said, “I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you. (John 16:33 ampc).

All of this, because He loves us so much. He has equipped us for everything! The enemy wants us to live in fear and doubt. Be encouraged today by these scriptures that the Lord is on your side! He has equipped us to live faithfully, not fearfully. What a mighty God we serve!!

Hearts Like Flowers

I love plants! I’ve learned that each plant must have specific needs met in order to flourish. One of those needs is the proper sunlight. This means I can’t just place it any old place inside my home. I’ve also noted that no matter what, the plants will always bend toward the sun…leaning in toward its vibrant light.

Isn’t this a good picture of how WE should be with The Son? Leaning in toward His vibrant light…soaking in those life giving rays!! Lately, I feel God’s prompting to simply BE in His Presence…..to sit at His feet and SOAK Him in. Isn’t this what the flowers do? And what happens as a result of flowers staying in the presence of the sun is the unveiling of great beauty….the sprouting of new growth…..and later the prompting of a new seed for a new season.

Recently we sang a remake of an old song written in 1907 by Henry Van Dyke, “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee.” I’ve heard this song and played it on my piano many times, but on this particular Sunday my Spirit translated the lyrics like this:

Hearts unfold like flowers before You Oh God….Opening to The Son

During that worship service I could imagine how beautiful it must be to God…. to see every member of the congregation as a flower, opening before the Glory of the Son of God in complete worship…..completely reliant upon Him in every way. Sitting at the feet of Jesus!  In doing so….we have life! We live, blossom and flourish!

During the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, let’s don’t get so busy that we forget to be like the flowers before Him. Be Still in His Presence, and soak in The Son!!!

 

A Changed Mind….An Unchanged Circumstance

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While many may not admit it, Christians often struggle with doubt, anxiety, tormenting thoughts, fear, and the like. All of which will promptly steel your peace and be long gone before you even realize it. The thief in the night, you might say. I’ve been there recently. And this is the comforting word the Holy Spirit gave me:

My circumstances do not have to change in order for me to experience God’s freedom from tormenting thoughts. I can have God’s peace in the midst of a stressed filled situation!
His grace is enough!

Your circumstance may not change, but your mind can!!!! Keep your thoughts fixed on God, and He is sure to keep His promise of peace!