Will you join me in praying for peace and protection in Israel?
During all of our history, one of the United States’ most worthwhile endeavors has been its consistent regard for the plight of the Jewish nation and people (By the way many Arabs live within the borders with Jews).
No nation in the history of this world has a better record of befriending.. of treating individual Jews in Israel with love and respect than does the USA. Don't get weary in well-doing, love people to Christ and then some more of course! It's who we are and what we're about.. hello!
Hey college students and others here: It's always too early for Americans (as well as others globally) to stop lovingly praying for Israel!
Let's pray for Israel today (I so feel for them) as well as for people in the USA under this Administration now funding two wars! Fear not and act wisely, believer.
"Jesus has won and there is nothing in this world to be afraid of." —Alistair Begg
The Bible says (in Deuteronomy 7:6-8) of Israel: "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt."
God’s eternal purpose is to bless the world through Israel. Already He has done so in measure, for "salvation is from the Jews" (John 4:22), but the fullness of future blessing is indicated in the wondrous promise of Isaiah 27:6: "In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit."
Church, let's pray for Israel and by the Holy Spirit become a blessing to all the people we can!
The declaration that "salvation is from the Jews” suggests our immeasurable debt to God 1st and then to His beloved Israel. All that we have worth having has come to us through the Jews. Our Bible is a Jewish Book, and our Savior Jesus is a Jewish Savior. Let us never forget to pray for God’s chosen people. It sadly true that Israel (a secular nation), today, is in the place of rejection. The nation is largely unbelieving (as to the claims of Scripture and their Messiah, Jesus Christ); but "..at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace" (Romans 11:5). It's true we Americans have sinned, and they too have.. yet some Jews (like is happening here stateside) are individually being "saved" (that's a Bible term) and are becoming members of the body of Christ through faith in their Messiah. It's cuz God loves us and Christ is the only way in.
Jews are (biblically speaking), the "chosen people of God" and dearly loved by Him. Yes, there are. Woe to anyone who seeks to defeat God's good plan for His people; “whoever curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3).
Several News Networks twist and lie, but Netanyahu wisely needs to defend Israel.
The Bible in Exodus 20:13 commands, “You shall not kill,” but listen.. that's addressing murder and not Bibi's command to go to war against Israel's attackers.
The Hebrew word literally means “the intentional, premeditated killing of another person with malice" - a.k.a. murder.
Check it out in history how God at times ordered the Israelites to go to war with other ungodly nations (1 Samuel 15:3; Joshua 4:13).
Go check it out how God ordered the death penalty for numerous crimes even (Exodus 21:12, 15; 22:19; Leviticus 20:11). So, God is not against all types of killing in all circumstances, but only against murder.
You and I know that War is never a good thing, but sometimes it is a necessary thing. "Love.. always protects." In a world filled with sinful people attacking other people (Romans 3:10-18), war is sadly inevitable.
Sometimes the only way to keep sinful people from doing great harm and destruction to the innocent is by going to war.
Ecclesiastes 3:8 declares, “There is.. a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”
In a fallen-world filled with sin, hatred, and evil (Romans 3:10-18), war is inevitable. Christians should not desire war, but neither are Christians to oppose every war where decent people are protecting the innocent.
Let's all celebrate, and fight on. Yep, on our knees! (Okay, so this is a different but sound take on Christmas.)
The Bible tells us believers to, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Tim. 6:12
Let’s pray and praise and worship the Lord our commander. Let's talk about that war declared in the heavens. It was before Adam and Eve. A great resistance to direct Authority there. You remember...
“And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel." Gen. 3:15
Puffed up, rebellious Lucifer and a third of the angels really lost out. They got booted out of heaven. We’re still seeing a heated cultural battle here that’s been getting worse.
Now we spiritually reborn believers live in the target zone.. in the war zone but the weapons of our warfare are not carnal.
“For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. Theweaponsofourwarfareare not the weapons of the world. Instead,they havedivinepowertodemolish strongholds. We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ..”
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
“I’m not afraid of the devil. The devil can handle me—he’s got judo I never heard of. But he can’t handle the One to whom I’m joined; he can’t handle the One to whom I’m united; he can’t handle the One whose nature dwells in my nature.” ~ A.W. Tozer
So what verses go along with these words? Kind of a unique Christmas passage does. The Bible says...
“Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth. And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne. Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.” Rev 12:1-6 nkjv
What do we see? The incarnation (of Jesus), the exaltation and the coronation.
* Who is the Murderer (verses 1–6). The Child here is Jesus Christ, and the radiant woman here is NOT Mary nor is it the Church. The radiant woman in this passage actually represents Israel who brought the Savior into the world (See ”..on her head a garland of twelve stars” representing the 12 tribes of Israel.
Genesis 37). Sure, think about it. Christ is the one who gave us the Church, and not visa-versa. The dragon here is Satan who tried to keep Jesus from being born and attempted to kill Him after He was born. Remember that happening? Satan still wants to rule this world and receive worship, and he will not submit to the King of kings (verse 5; Ps. 2:9).
Historians tells us that King Herod (or Herod the Great, as he liked to be called) was a cruel, power-hungry ruler who destroyed anyone he feared was trying to topple him from his throne. He even killed several members of his own family because he thought they were plotting against him. When a group of wise men (or scholars) came to Jerusalem shortly after Jesus was born they asked one question: Where could they find the newly-born king of the Jews? They added, “We have seen His star in the east and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2, NKJV). When word of this reached King Herod, he sent for them and urged them to find the child, so he could worship him, too. But Herod was lying. His real goal was to destroy the child, fearing (illogically) that in time Jesus would take over his throne. God warned the wise men of Herod’s plot in a dream, and after Herod realized they had evaded him, he ordered the death of every child in Bethlehem below the age of two. Herod wasn’t the last to try to destroy Christ and His people; even in our own day evil men and women rise up against God’s work. But God’s Word is true: “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” Matthew 16:18 kjv
* Who is the
Deceiver (7–9). Warren Wiersbe here says this is a picture of the fall of Satan (Isa. 14:12–17). Sure, he was able to deceive one-third of the angels into following him (v. 4), and now he deceives the world into worshiping him.
* Who is the
Accuser (verses 10–12). Satan has access to God’s throne where he accuses God’s people (Job 1–2; Zech. 3). The Lamb overcomes him because of His victory on that Cross at Calvary (Rom. 8:31–34; 1 John 2:1–2) and because of the power of the Word (Eph. 6:17). The cross put and end to the war. Yes, the devil is a defeated foe, but is ticked off and dangerous still. The devil is not in the lake yet, nor is he in hell today making sinners shovel coal. Nope, but he’s a lot like a wounded animal about to be no more.
”The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” - Rev 20:10
* Who is the
Persecutor (verses 13–17). The war may be over in heaven, but it is just getting more intense here on earth. Satan knows his time is very limited. And he is really angry -- he seeks to destroy the Jews and make war with anyone who trusts in the Lord Jesus. But God is able to shelter His people in spite of Satan’s cruel attacks, but be sure you wear the full armor (Eph. 6:10–18) and trust your heavenly Father because. Trust Him because of blood of the cross of Christ. And keep on obeyin’, prayin’, fightin', praisin’, and worshipin’ Him!
“I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along The unbroken song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way, The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, A chant sublime Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth The cannon thundered in the South, And with the sound The carols drowned Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent The hearth-stones of a continent, And made forlorn The households born Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said; "For hate is strong, And mocks the song Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail, With peace on earth, good-will to men." ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“Happy Christmas, Kyoko. Happy Christmas, Julian
So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young
A very Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas (war is over)
For weak and for strong (if you want it)
For rich and the poor ones (war is over)
The road is so long (now)
And so happy Christmas (war is over)
For black and for white (if you want it)
For yellow and red ones (war is over)
Let's stop all the fight (now)
A very Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear...
A very Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
War is over, if you want it
War is over now
Happy Christmas!”~ Beatle John Lennon
..J.L. was a seeker, who some in his later days say he professed a faith in Christ. He even went to a church. Me, not sure. None of us like a stupid world war -- such a waste!
Happy Christmas! Rejoice and fight on, believers, but not with each other or in the flesh. Who needs that? Nobody! (Blog)
Photos by Carla Dyck, Mr. De Predicated and World's best Hotels 2014.
Our victory ain’t in our own practical savvy or clever know-how, it’s in the living Christ who loves us!
Do you feel down or discouraged? Have you been cheated out of.. or fully ripped off? Unseen forces of wickedness (that hate people and God's truth), as well as their thugs here (who could at any time repent and be forgiven, but have chosen to align with them here) often fight against God’s people. It gets old. Let's not be lethargic, passive, lukewarm, distracted, or apathetic!
Remember Israel’s exodus out of Egypt (you know how that's a type of this corrupt world system here). Well, there was no mightier army on the face of the earth than Pharaoh’s army at that time. Imagine what it must have been like for the Israelites just to see that army pursuing them with chariots, weapons and horses. Yes, with shields, sharp swords and spears.
If that were happening today, it would have been drones, stealth bombers, tanks and upgraded hummers coming at them... all at the same time. Man, the Israelites thought they were dead meat so to speak.
So how did Moses respond? What did he tell them to do? He said, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm” (Exodus 14:13–14 nlt). Just rest in Him, stay calm as He helps you to. We hear fear not so many times in God's Book cuz it's so important. God delivered His children. He does that over and over again all through the Bible.
It's No Time For Lethargy Or Passivity. There's Indeed Some Stuff For Us To Do. It's Too Early To Quit Or Be Lazy, But The Battle Is the Lord’s!
“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47 (See context)
Go meditate upon Ephesians 6. God tells us about the believer’s spiritual armor to put on.. the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the sword of the Spirit, and so forth. But before the apostle Paul begins describing this spiritual armor, he writes, “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” Ephesians 6:10 nlt
Question. Have you been backed up into a tough corner, or into a really hard spot? As you pray without ceasing.. stand still and watch the Lord rescue you.
You know it’s impossible to live this Christian life or to fight on ..right in your own strength. Sometimes the giants of life can defeat us again and again because we face them in our own strength. Many don't wait on the Lord for His directives or timeing. Instead we lean on our own understanding. We rely upon our on devices to win. Perhaps you've never done that and we can learn from you? I hope we all learn better.
Listen, the battle really belongs to the Lord, believer. That is why David said to Goliath, “Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands” 1 Samuel 17:47
Choose not to become weary in well doing, and know that praying is the smartest well doing here. Ephesians 6 tells about the various pieces of armor that believers are to wear. But before a single piece of armor is applied, Paul gives us these words: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).
I recognize I am weak, but at the same time, I acknowledge that God is great and powerful. I need to know that I cannot win the spiritual battle in my own strength. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
We need to know about the incredible resources God has made available to us as Christians. Paul prayed that the believers at Ephesus would discover what God had done for them. He said, “Therefore I.. do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:15–18).
You don’t fight for victory. You fight from it. Start living in that power.
Have you been under attack? Have you experienced fierce opposition lately? God is there for you. Near! I know these words (below) were originally addressed to the praying believers at Rome but perhaps they will minister to you as well.
"I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." ~ Paul, Romans 16:19-20
See the whole context, but God is still more far than able to come to your aid, believer. He can intervene and still do miracles. God never changes...evvvvver! Jesus is totally the same and mighty (not weaker, deaf, feeble or lacking or older -- he lives outside of time), yesterday, today and forever and He promised to meet all your needs. All as in all. None are stronger or wiser and He’s there for you. Would you pray something like...
God, we look away to You now. All-Mighty Warrior of Heaven, Lion of Judah, Captain of the strongest Armies in the whole universe,
At this time, please open our eyes to the invisible realm around us. Tear away the veil so to speak.. of deception that the enemy has hung over our minds, eyes and our hearts.
Show us that for every aspect of Your truth, Satan has a twisted counterfeit. He and all those fallen angels with him are defeated foes, they are no match for you, God.
Give us wisdom, insight and discernment to detect what’s going on..
Mr. Lu-Cifer’s twisting of the truth, his ugly accusations, cruel slander and full on lies that are in stark contrast with Your Bible truth, His suggestions in contrast to Your clear commands, His temptations in contrast to Your kind promises, His destruction in contrast to your gracious salvation, His pleasures of sin that are so fleeting and end in death, His plans that are for any human anywhere.. failing, His evil purposes that are so lame and futile, And his position that is completely fraudulent.
Thank You that You have not left us defenseless for The Battle.
...God, we choose to intentionally put on the whole Armor in Christ—to hide ourselves in You today. Yep, we put on Jesus and claim the mind of Christ. Therefore, we choose to…
…Wrap ourselves in the Truth of Your Word so that our thoughts remain pure, so that our decisions are effectual, and so our actions are in line with what the Holy Spirit would say and has biblically said.
…Guard our Hearts with the keen awareness that we are right with You (in right standing cuz of Calvary’s Cross) and to the best of our ability, right with others.
…Stand firm on Your Good News that invites anyone and everyone into a personal, permanent, life-saving, life-changing relationship with You through the Cross, and that without Jesus there is no way to come to You.
…Trust You During Times of Peace and times of fierce Attack or War; in times of health and times of sickness; in times of wealth and times of poverty; in times of prosperity and times of adversity; in times of life and in time of death.
…Claim the Blessed Assurance that We are 100% Yours and You are 100% ours. We choose to believe.. we will not doubt our salvation or our eternal security because You guarantee both through the shed blood of Your Son and the indwelling Seal of Your Powerful Spirit.
…Take up Your Word as we read it, study it, love it, apply it, obey it, and tactfully share it with others.
…We Humbly and Prayerfully ask You To Keep us Alert for Your Kingdom to come, and Your will (not our’s) to be done here, on earth as it is in heaven.
We take up the shield of faith and will face our foe with nothing to protect our backs because we are not turning around in retreat. We will not cowardly run away. We will not bow, bend, or back down! We will simply stand our ground with You as our Leader, and having done all, we will keep standing firm.
Refill, Help, and Saturate us in Your Spirit of Truth, Lord…
Flood our hearts with Your love, yes.. Fill our whole being, each one of us today, with the one and only Holy Spirit, Dead-bolt our eyes if you will.. Spirit, firmly fix our eyes on our Savior, Lord, and King of all kings.
Cover us with Your blood. Give us courage to call Satan out when we hear his mocking, taunting, threatening, derisive, insinuating accusations. He is a liar. He is a toothless old lion. But You are the mighty Lord.
So considerate of You to rescue us in need -- THANKS. Give us strength today from Your muscular grace to persevere until we see You in the Rapture, in death, or at Your return to earth. With this encroaching darkness, fill us and refill us again.. with Your holy Light that directs people to the one living Hope that is found in You.
In a world swirling and swarming with demons, and confusion, and chaos due to fake news instead of the Good News, teach us to use the Sword of the Spirit effectively while wrapping it in unceasing biblical prayer. Yes, in believing prayer to You.
In a world of weird ploys, deception, coup attempts for power.. both unsuccessful and successful here. God, please cleanse our lips and give us holy boldness to declare, to clearly proclaim, to wisely speak Your truth so that people will come to faith in Jesus. Please use, direct and keep us as we share Your Gospel without any compromise. Make us warriors a lot like You are.
We pray this in the name of the Rider on the white horse, whose name is Faithful and True, who one day will return to fix it all. Yes, followed by the all the armies of Heaven. We pray in the name of the One who fairly judges with justice and makes war, with eyes of blazing fire. We pray in the name of the Loyal, Victorious Warrior who one day will vanquish Satan, and remove all sin, evil, wickedness, rebellion, Arrogance, hatred, injustice, and lies away from this planet.
Yes, we pray and know You hear us when we call out to You. In the name of JESUS make haste to act.
Our Land is in peril now as enemies do all they can to lock up down and shut us up. God, go to battle now against all those stubborn and unrepentant fools who repeatedly battle against your kids. Don’t let them get away with their serious crimes. Oust all those haters who keep seeking with lies to oust and hurt ..or even kill your children. They’ve killed so many and You saw. Grant us victory, Jesus..
For the glory of Your Name. Yes, we give You all the thanks and glory in advance. Amen!
Photos by Whoislimos and Jacob Bentzinger. Thanks.
Friendship with God starts with honesty -- it’s what brings each of us personal peace.
There is a time to be militant like in prayer, but why war with Him who is for you -- be on the Lord's side. Remember back in the day when that rascal Jacob went from wrestling to nestling in his relationship with the Lord? Let’s also do that! God turned this flawed dude into a world-changer. Can do it with you too!
The Bible says, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” Romans 5:1
Some may think they’re neutral about God if they don’t have an opinion about him one way or the other. They aren’t outspoken atheists, after all. But prior to becoming a Christian, every person is at war with God. That is what the Bible teaches.
We read in the fifth chapter of Romans that we were the enemies of God before we were reconciled. And Romans also tells us, “For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will” (8:7 nlt).
Live sold out to Christ. Wisely prioritize. Choose to diminish all your distractions. Delete what's unnecessary..what's far less important.
Just months before America entered World War II, a young Marine from Ohio named Walter Osipoff, boarded a DC-2 transport plane. He and several other Marines took off on a routine parachute jumping exercise as pilot Harry Johnson headed aloft into a beautiful blue San Diego sky. Nine men jumped from the plane and then disaster struck. Osipoff was standing near the jump door when his ripcord caught on something and deployed. His 'chute flew open and he shot from the plane like a rocket, hitting the side of the aircraft. The impact broke two of his ribs, fractured three vertebrae, and, as Osipoff plunged toward the ground, he was yanked to a stop and then jerked backward. His parachute had wrapped around the plane's wheel and the hapless Marine found himself dangling 15 feet below the plane's tail. He was literally hanging by a thread.
And it gets worse. The 'chute's chest strap and one leg harness had broken, so Osipoff was dangling in midair upside down, suspended by a single strap which had slipped down to his ankle. His weight put tremendous pressure on the plane and Johnson was struggling to keep from nosediving. Furthermore, Johnson had no radio contact and the other men in the plane couldn't reach their buddy. The dangling Marine, injured and terrified, kept his eyes squeezed shut against the rushing wind. Blood dripped from his helmet. He was stuck and he was facing certain death.
Man, poor marine -- he was left dangling when we left him. You know, those Marines have a motto: Semper Fi, always faithful. They're not people who easily give up.
Walter Osipoff was hanging by his ankle, pulled behind a plane by the cords of his parachute which were entangled in the plane's wheels. The pilot, Harold Johnson, was running out of fuel but he knew if he tried an emergency landing he would kill Walter Osipoff. So he descended to about 300 feet above the ground and he started circling around the airbase. Most people who saw the plane thought it was some towing piece of equipment situation, but one pilot, Lieutenant Bill Lowrey, looked up and he knew what was happening.
Spotting a nearby Marine, John McCants, Lowrey shouted, "There's a man hanging on that line", and they jumped into an SOC-1, a two-seat open cockpit plane, and they took off without even knowing if the aircraft was fueled. Suddenly, everybody on the ground realized the nature of the emergency. Every eye was transfixed. There were no radios on the planes but Lowrey hand-signaled Johnson to head toward the Pacific and the two planes rose to an altitude of 3000 feet. The SOC-1 maneuvered beneath the larger plane and McCants stood upright in his rear cockpit seat and lunged for Osipoff. Grabbing him by the waist, he pulled him across the tiny seat. But Osipoff was still attached to the harness.
Now both planes and all the Marines were in mortal danger. Somehow, I believe it was by the grace of God, Lowrey inched his plane closer and closer to the DC-2 and actually bumped it. But in the process, the propeller sliced through the remaining cords of Osipoff's parachute and freed him up. After flying through the air for more than a half an hour, dangling on a parachute line, Osipoff was free but he wasn't safe. Now, the cut parachute cord became entangled in the SOC's rudder and Lowrey struggled to maintain control of his plane. But he did and when he landed, a roaring shout came from the crowd. They had just witnessed what was later called one of the most brilliant and daring rescues in Naval history.
Poor hapless Marine, he spent six months in the hospital and as soon as he recovered he went right back to jumping out of airplanes again.
Good for him. Have you been lukewarm, carnally minded, worldly, just hanging around but not growing too long? Prioritize, delete things of lesser importance. Know Jesus well, and find out what this Lord (God) wants you to do. Wisely go do it. Make knowing Him and his will your number one thing and then organize your life around that one thing and God will move you forward into his grace.
Proverbs 23:17 says this: "Be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day". Paul said that we are to be, "His own special people, zealous for good works". When you seek first Christ, his will for you, His Kingdom.. you'll grow and place yourself in the path God has promised to bless!
We're to love God most and then our neighbors. Believe it or not, we have 7.7 billion of them on earth. We can't know or personally care for each of them but the Lord knows exactly how to lead us to those that we need to help and serve. When there’s too many around us, Spirit guided service matters more than trying to love and serve em all.
Live passionately, zealous, on-fire for Christ. I distinctly remember the day I became a Christian. I felt as though a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I’ve also talked to many people who said they experienced the same thing.
As an 18-year-old in the Newport Beach area of California, I remember the evening I repented, believed in Jesus and was born again spiritually. I felt like a heavy burden had been lifted off of me. What a relief to find Him.
The Bible calls this the peace that passes all human understanding. It isn’t contingent on circumstances; it’s independent of them. In fact, sometimes you’ll notice this peace even more in the midst of very difficult circumstances.
For example, I have visited people in hospital rooms who are receiving treatment for cancer, and they have ministered to me more than I have ministered to them.
They’ve said things like, “Greg, I sense such peace in my heart that God is in control. … I’m just rejoicing in the Lord.”
Meanwhile, I’m standing there in awe. I’m in awe of their faith, but I’m even more in awe of the fact that God gives us what we need when we need it.
You cannot experience the peace of God, however, until you first have peace with God. And his terms of surrender are simple: You give in. You simply say, “OK, you win. I lose.”
In this instance, losing is winning. When you lose you win, because when you get to the end of yourself you get to the beginning of God.
The Bible tells the story of Jacob, a conniving, dishonest guy who made a mess of his life. But one day the Lord came down and engaged him in a wrestling match. Jacob literally wrestled with God. He fought with all his might, yet he could not overcome the Lord.
Eventually, the worn-out Jacob gave in. He said, in effect, “All right, Lord, I give in. Now, I’m not going to let you go until you bless me.”
So the Lord blessed him and changed his name from Jacob to Israel.
Jacob went from wrestling to nestling. He went from fighting to trusting. And that is what we all need to do.
Stop fighting with God. Stop running from God. Then he will give you the peace, the tranquility that comes from a relieved conscience. He will give you the peace that passes all human understanding.
You can have that today -- you need to do it God’s way and go your own way.. not try to earn it on your own.
Drugs never will give you this peace. Alcohol never will give you this peace. Possessions never will give you this peace. There is no relationship with anyone, as wonderful as they may be, that will give you this peace.
Philosophy will not give you this peace. Even religion or good works will not give you an inner peace. Only Christ can forgive you and give you peace.
You can find it in your life by saying, “Lord, I’m tired of spiritual compromise, this inner fighting with you. I’m tired of running from you. I want to know you well and make you well known. I want to be your close friend.”
Why war with your first love. Wisely surrender.
Friendship with God is what brings personal peace. The Bible says, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us” (Romans 5:1 nlt).
What did we do to deserve all of this? The simple answer is nothing.
We can have a friendship with God because Jesus made it possible. He already has made a way for us. He has already paid the price on the cross for us and rose from the dead. Now he stands at the door of your life and knocks. And he says that if you will hear his voice and open the door, then he will come in.
Have you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sin? Do you have the confidence that comes from knowing that God has forgiven your sin, from knowing that you will go to Heaven when you die? Or, is your heart and mind filled with turmoil and friction and anxiety and fear and apprehension?
To replace this with the peace of God, you must first meet God’s conditions.
What are they? First, admit you’re a sinner. Then turn from that sin. Repent of it. And then ask Jesus Christ to come into your life to be your Savior and Lord. Believe in him and enter into this friendship with God.
We Christians have the hope of Heaven. We have the hope of a reunion with loved ones who have gone to Heaven before us. Do you have this hope and assurance?
Do you now have peace with God? That inner peace can be yours right now as you turn and trust Him. Wise application? First, just end your personal war with God. Right now, right here, right with Him! Do you feel awkward in this? Choose to serve humble. Remember that 'lil donkey Jesus used for entry? Know that the Father can use you to bear his Son in this world as His rep. What's your story of faith? You can live as His witness and verbalize your faith as His witness.
Guard your thoughts, your hearts and your habits.. diligently. Wise thought-choices and habits will keep you real close to the Lord. Tight spiritually and right with the Father. Best place to be -- in His will and Word.
Would you pray something like...
Dear Lord Jesus.. I mean Jesus of the Bible.. Since You are alive and love me as the Bible clearly teaches.. then please forgive me now, come in and be Lord. I turn and trust in you as my Savior. Wash me all the way, show me why I was created. Fill me with the Holy Spirit -- I want all you have for me, and want to do what you want me to do. With you being my Helper, I won't be ashamed or embarrassed to walk with You..and Home by your side. Take the lead and feed.. me and others through me. Send a biblical revival in great spiritual Awakening here again. Let it begin with, in and through me. Amen.
Have you returned home to be with your Father? My oldest son, Stephan John, is on a plane right now with his mandolin in hand and is flying here to see us and to play music for us (he will be landing in a couple hours). It will be a good day for hugging, music, feasting and laughing in our home – the Lord makes all things beautiful in His time. Stephan has been serving in Iraq (with the Air Force), and in Germany, Korea and North Dakota …of all places. We have not seen him in over five years – the time when he started with the Air Force. Many tears have been shed as you can imagine. He has recently recommitted his life to the Lord and is very excited to see us again. He unfortunately won't be seeing his brother Nathan this time, because Nathan is still serving in Iraq. But Nathaniel (as his wife Holly affectionately calls him) will also be home in the States in a few months.
It's good that Stephan is still around to visit us – we're grateful, because some dads no longer have their oldest sons around. Have you lost a son in war ..or in some other way? Our hearts really go out to you. My former pastor sadly doesn't have an oldest son who will be returning to see him (Check out the video and please do remember Greg and Cathie in your prayers).
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” (Psalm 27:1-8, nlt)
