“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:15 KJV
In today's world it seems almost impossible to have peace in our heart, however for those who are followers of Jesus Christ; those who have made Him LORD, it is the norm!
I had never known what peace was, until I dealt with the sin hidden in my heart. In confession and repentance, the darkness left and so did the torment. In its absence was the peace God promised.
How do I keep His peace?
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2 KJV
I can't do that if I am looking at the things of the world!
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 KJV
If all I do is fill myself with news, politics, sports, and other entertainment, then I am setting my mind on earthly, temporary things. The things of this world seem to be spinning out of control! Events occur and our lives can and will change in a moment. But God is still on the throne! Knowing that there is peace!
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Colossians 3:16 KJV
I must read my Bible! I must spend time in His Word!
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 KJV
I must be kingdom minded to have His peace.
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Colossians 3:17 KJV
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” Colossians 3:23 KJV
It's easy to fall into grumbling and complaining when doing something that doesn't fall into my job description, however, I find whatever I do, no matter how tedious, repulsive or menial the task, doing it for Jesus (as unto The LORD) makes what I do a pleasure! And THAT pleases Him! (There is nothing quite like feeling your Father's good pleasure!)
However, it's so easy to listen to the lies of the devil and compare myself to someone else. There is always those who have more, look younger, seemingly are healthier and happier. However, those temptations are designed to rob me of my peace.
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;”
Colossians 3:5-9 KJV
When we put on the "new man" we are to die to "self". It doesn't come easy, but with the help of God and a little practice it can be accomplished!
Little by little we become more like our Master, as we purpose to follow in His ways!
“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”
Colossians 3:12-14 KJV
When I miss it and fall down, I get up, repent and put my eyes back on Jesus!
“Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”
Colossians 3:24-25 KJV
I must:
Walk in repentance!
Walk in forgiveness!
Walk in love!
And you must too!
“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”
Colossians 3:14 KJV
Repent while there is still time.
Even so - MARANATHA!
From 4/9/16
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