God of Peace and the Peace of God

The situations we face in today's world, brings disquiet, fear and turmoil within us. It is nothing but natural if the God of peace is not in us.

I wondered how to keep the peace within us . The Lord reminded me of a verse from the Bible.

" Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."[Ph.4:6]

If we just give the matter that worried us to God in prayer and in faith thank Him for what He is going to do about it, He will take the responsibility of guarding our hearts and minds. Then we will be free from panic or worry even in very bad circumstances. We ourselves will wonder at the God given peace. It is a peace that passes all understanding and all misunderstandings. It comes by handing the matter into God's hand , leaving it with Him and praising Him in faith that He knows to handle it .

It is the God of peace or His presence with us that gives us this kind of peace.

The bible also tells us how to keep the God of peace with us: " Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."[Ph.4:8]
If the God of peace is with us, we will be in peace with God and others, have peace in every situation at all times and promote and spread peace.

God of peace help us to have you always with us, is my prayer.

The Salt of The Earth

"Salt is good, but if it loses it's saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other."
Mark 5:50

These were the words of Jesus Christ, the prince of peace. He also said, "You are the salt of the earth." There seems to be a close connection between having peace and being salt.

Jesus paved the way for us to be reconciled with God, by helping us to remove the sin that separates us from the Holy God. When we repent for our sins and decide to live for Christ, we become born again. This act brings peace with God and peace within us. We begin to grow like Jesus. Then we are expected to be salt in society and be a positive influence.

Salt prevents decay, preserves, gives flavour and promotes life and growth. In order to be a good positive influence around us, peace with others is essential.

I like to quote what St. Paul wrote in Romans 12:16 to 18: "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of every body. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with every one."

I see that it is pride that prevents us to ask for forgiveness and to forgive? Having humility helps us to be at peace with everyone. We cannot be salt in our society, which the Lord expects from us, unless we desire to please God and not our 'Self.'

I realized that I have to work much in this area. I am sure that many others too need to change. I asked the Lord for strength and grace for all of us.

If each one of us take this to heart and act on it, this world will a better place to live and God's name will be glorified.

Danger! Run for Protection!

"He shall cover you with His feathers, under His wings shall you trust. His truth shall be your shield and buckler"
Psalms 91:4

I remembered an interesting scene I witnessed, when I was a child in the countryside: A mother hen and her brood of about twenty or more chicken were having a cool time in the sun. The chicks were running all over the garden fearlessly, learning to get food and playing too. Suddenly, the mother hen made a noise. Immediately, all the chickens ran from wherever they were and hid under the hen's wings. Somehow the hen's two wings hid all the chickens and I could not spot a single one of them. The chicks were hidden under the wings till the danger passed. As a hawk flew away from the area, the mother hen let the chicks out of her wings into the open again. The little chicks hid themselves because of the warning signal the mother bird gave. The little ones understood it and knew what to do.

Above them, the hawk flew round and round, at times stooping down and then going up. It was aiming to get the chicks. The hen knew the danger and hid the chicks under her wings, where they rested safely and comfortably under the soft feathers! Had any one of the chicks turned a deaf ear to the mother's warning, that one would have been prey to the hawk that day!

The verse above compares the protection our Lord desires to give us, to that of the mother hen.

There are so many dangers waiting to prey on us in this world. The danger alerts are in the word of God. The Holy spirit too, warns us. Only those who heed the warning and act on it, will be safe from danger. Some may think lightly of it and not listen. Others may not want to obey and run for protection. Others still, may seek protection in the wrong places. They will be the losers.

There is protection, safety, provision and security, along with tenderness in the Lord. It is a place we can run to, when we fear. We could rest there in perfect peace of mind and contentment in the midst of the wickedness of this sin cursed world.

Lord help us to discern your voice and obey. May your truth be our shield and buckler.

The Negative Effects of Worrying

Everyone knows the ill effects of worry. Here are some that I read recently:

Jesus tells us not to worry about the needs that God has promised to supply, because of the adverse effects of worrying. [Mat.6:31-34] Yet people worry!

• Worry will damage both your physical and mental health.
• It will cause the object of your worry to consume your thoughts.
• It will disrupt your productivity.
• It will negatively affect the way you treat others.
• It will adversely affect your emotions.
• Worry will reduce your ability to trust in God.

[Taken from the Life Application Study Bible]

How many ill effects of worry you are experiencing today? Isn't it better to banish worry altogether and trust God?

Some confuse worry and concern. Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern: Worry immobilizes, but concern moves you to action. We should be concerned and not neglect matters of importance. We shouldn't worry about them and do nothing about it.

In Mathew 6:25-34, seven reasons are given not to worry:
1. The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life. [v.25]
2. Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today. [v.26]
3. Worrying is more harmful than helpful. [v27]
4. God does not ignore those who depend on him. [v28-30]
5. Worry shows a lack of faith and understanding of God. [v31-32]
6. There are real challenges God wants us to pursue and worrying keeps us from them. [v.33]
7. Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry. [v.34]
[Taken from the Life Application Study Bible]

Since God's word is true, we can never fail when we live by it.

Whose Side Are You On?

Most of us try to have God on our side. We want to do things to please Him; go to church and do many Religious works, just to please God and to keep him on our side. We know, if God be for us no one or thing can be against us.

I heard someone asking: "Are you on God's side?". If I am on His side, then sure He will be on my side. What makes me or marks me as being on God's side?

Jesus said, 'Thine they were and thou gave them to me; and they have kept thy word" [John 17:6] Keeping God's word in truth is very essential.

Lord Jesus makes His disciples His own possession. He expects us to remain in that position. Then God's claim comes first: "He that loves his father or mother more than me; He that loves son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me" [Mat.10:37]. Whatever we do will be to maintain a right relationship with love. Then we will be a perfect delight to Him. We will be entirely His. He is a loving God who delights to Bless those who are entirely His.

Lord, I desire to be a delight to you. Lead me and help me to become what you want me to be, is my prayer today.

Charged for the Day with the Powerful Name

"When nothing works, try the name of Jesus.", is a true saying. The name of Jesus is above every other name.

I studied why it is so:

His name shall be called Jesus. Luke 1:3
His name is power ... the mighty God. Isa. 9:6
His name is peace: The Prince of Peace. Isa.9:6
His name gives forgiveness. Luke 24:47
His name is above every other name. Phil.2:9
His name gives life. John 20:31
His name is healing. Acts 3:6, 16. [I recall my many personal healings I received]
His name is deliverance. Acts 16: 18

The name of Jesus is able to break every stronghold within us; It has power to set free every captive.

Today I hold on to the promise "What so ever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the father may be glorified in the son" [John14:13]

I know from experience it works. So, Jesus, I call on your holy name to answer my prayers today.

Incredible, Yet True

"In that day, the Egyptians and the Assyrians will worship together. In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on Earth. The Lord almighty will bless them, saying, ' blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handy work and Israel my inheritance'"
Isaiah 19:23-25

As I read this, I just could not believe it. These are enemy nations! They did not believe in the God of Israel. Egypt was the nation that enslaved the Israelites for four hundred years! At one time God did not want them to make alliance with the powerful Egypt against Assyria. All three unfriendly nations, "in that day". will be at peace, worshiping the same God. "Every knee shall bow every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord", will come to pass!

The book of Isaiah is full of prophecies of the messiah and the nations. Almost all of them have been fulfilled. The above is a prophesy of the coming kingdom of God that will be established in the future. It is not utopia as some say. Isaiah accurately prophesied in detail about the birth and suffering of the messiah. Many other political prophecies too have come to pass in history. Hence, what he said about the future Kingdom of peace will take place.

God wants everyone to be in that kingdom. Arrogance, pride and an unyielding spirit of rebellion prevent people and nations to acknowledge the Lord of all creation. Whether they believe it or not, He is the loving creator God. So, they are made to humble, not as a punishment, but in love so that the lord could draw nearer to them.

In our own lives too this is true. God makes us fit for His kingdom by a process of breaking and humility.

A great kingdom of peace and prosperity will soon be established. There will be no enmity. Isn't it time for us to shed our differences and start obeying the Prince of peace? If we ask Him He will help us to humble ourselves and forgive others and be at peace among ourselves in our small "worlds".

I decided to pursue after peace with others at any cost!