As I went throughout my day today seeking to walk in the Spirit and be filled with His peace, I felt very much that the Spirit was keeping troubling thoughts out of my mind. As soon as worry would start to arise, the peace of God would set in and remind me that He was in control. It was such a comforting feeling, to know that my mind was protected by the peace of God.
The verse that I shared in yesterday's blog from Philippians 4:7 says that the peace of God will "guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." God promises that His peace will protect us. Once we choose to have peace rather than worry, it's as if we put a protective helmet on our minds that shields us from the worry, strife, anxiety and stress that constantly bombard us. In the power to choose peace, we have the power to choose the very thoughts that enter our minds. Look at 2 Corinthians 10:4-5:
"For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."
When the peace of God is protecting our minds, we are doing just that- taking our thoughts captive and making them obedient to Jesus Christ. It's as if each thought is questioned at the "gate" as to its motives and purposes before it is allowed to enter our mind. Peace is the guard, the gatekeeper of the home where our thoughts, ideas, and intentions live.
I am so thankful for the protection of peace. If we had to maintain sanity on our own, we'd all be in the loony bin! :) But thank God, he gives us a guard and a gatekeeper to protect and take captive every thought before it comes into our minds. We truly can rest our minds at ease knowing that God is in control when His peace is reigning in our lives!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Day 16- The Key To Peace
So as I was praying today and asking the Spirit to fill me with His peace today, I got to thinking, I know what peace is, and I know it's a choice, but how do I get it? What is the key to having peace in your life? Obviously there are circumstances beyond our control that threaten to bring anxiety, worry and stress into our lives at any given moment. So what is the key to keeping our peace in the most difficult storms of our life?
As I was praying about this, the Lord reminded me of a verse I have known since I was a child.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
So you're probably thinking the same thing I was: "Okay Lord, but that still doesn't answer my question. I know your peace is beyond comprehension. But how do I get it?" It wasn't until later when I could look the verse up in my Bible that I got the answer. As you can see, this verse begins with a preposition, which means it is connected to the sentence before it. Guess what that sentence is? It's the key to peace.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6
I know! I had an "Ah ha!" moment when I read it too! The key to peace is prayer. The first part of that verse deals with what I blogged about last night- choosing peace. It says "do not be anxious". We are commanded not to choose anxiety and worry, so it has to be a choice we make, or else we couldn't be commanded not to do it. But then, praise God, we are told what to do, and that is to pray. The Message version of the Bible puts it so plainly and beautifully:
"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
Now that is an awesome promise of peace! Instead of worrying, we must choose to pray. We must choose to lay our requests and needs before the throne of the King. We must choose to let go, and let God. And when we do, He promises that His amazing, unexplainable peace will come over us and assure us that "all things work together for the good of those who love God."
We all know we should pray. But sometimes I think we believe that God isn't concerned with the little things that worry us. We think it has to be something major or a legitimate issue to bother God with it. Oh how wrong we are! In bearing these burdens on our own and not bringing them before our Heavenly Father in prayer, we are rejecting the peace He so desperately longs to give us. He cares. He wants to bear our burdens. Big or small, He wants us to lay them all at His feet and receive His peace in return.
I have been so encouraged by this revelation today, and I pray you will be too! We were never meant to carry our burdens alone. When the veil was torn and the blood was shed, a way was made for us to have an intimate relationship with God. Through that relationship and our communication with our Heavenly Father, we can lay every worry down before His throne and live in His indescribable peace and presence.
God's given us the key to open the door and live there. What's stopping us?!
As I was praying about this, the Lord reminded me of a verse I have known since I was a child.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
So you're probably thinking the same thing I was: "Okay Lord, but that still doesn't answer my question. I know your peace is beyond comprehension. But how do I get it?" It wasn't until later when I could look the verse up in my Bible that I got the answer. As you can see, this verse begins with a preposition, which means it is connected to the sentence before it. Guess what that sentence is? It's the key to peace.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6
I know! I had an "Ah ha!" moment when I read it too! The key to peace is prayer. The first part of that verse deals with what I blogged about last night- choosing peace. It says "do not be anxious". We are commanded not to choose anxiety and worry, so it has to be a choice we make, or else we couldn't be commanded not to do it. But then, praise God, we are told what to do, and that is to pray. The Message version of the Bible puts it so plainly and beautifully:
"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
Now that is an awesome promise of peace! Instead of worrying, we must choose to pray. We must choose to lay our requests and needs before the throne of the King. We must choose to let go, and let God. And when we do, He promises that His amazing, unexplainable peace will come over us and assure us that "all things work together for the good of those who love God."
We all know we should pray. But sometimes I think we believe that God isn't concerned with the little things that worry us. We think it has to be something major or a legitimate issue to bother God with it. Oh how wrong we are! In bearing these burdens on our own and not bringing them before our Heavenly Father in prayer, we are rejecting the peace He so desperately longs to give us. He cares. He wants to bear our burdens. Big or small, He wants us to lay them all at His feet and receive His peace in return.
I have been so encouraged by this revelation today, and I pray you will be too! We were never meant to carry our burdens alone. When the veil was torn and the blood was shed, a way was made for us to have an intimate relationship with God. Through that relationship and our communication with our Heavenly Father, we can lay every worry down before His throne and live in His indescribable peace and presence.
God's given us the key to open the door and live there. What's stopping us?!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Day 15- The Promise of Peace
"I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints— but let them not return to folly." Psalm 85:8
God gives peace to His people. It is a promise- and what a wonderful one! Peace is definitely something we all crave. When the telephone won't stop ringing, when the complaints won't stop coming, when the kids won't stop crying, when the stress won't stop building...our soul desperately screams out for PEACE!
Peace, as defined in the Merriam Webster Dictionary, is a state of tranquility or quiet; freedom from oppressive thoughts or emotions. Peace is being free from worry, agitation or turmoil. Peace is being free.
When Jesus Christ sets us free from the law of sin and death, He also sets us free from worry, oppression and turmoil- all the things that counteract peace. We no longer have to walk in the bondage to a state of emotional confusion or anxiety. We know in whom we have believed. We know our future is sealed in Him. Why let the troubles of this life steal away the promise of peace?
I am realizing in this Spirit-Led Life Challenge that, so far, the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit are definitely birthed in the Spirit, but they are also brought about by choice. The choice to submit to the life of the Spirit. The choice to live according to the laws of the Spirit. The choice to say "no" to how our flesh wants to react, and to say "yes" to the Spirit taking control in us. As with love and joy, peace is also a choice.
Yes, outside factors can make it easier or harder to have peace. But that is why the peace that the Spirit gives is so supernatural. When things in our life seem completely out of control, if we are walking in the Spirit, we can still have peace. We can still choose peace. God has given us a promise. A gift. But we must choose to open it up and use it in our lives.
It's funny...I've been given gift cards as gifts before (which I greatly appreciate) but for some reason, I have gift cards in my wallet that I've had for months that I haven't even used. I have even gone in a store with a gift card and walked out without buying anything because I just didn't want to use it yet. How often do we know we have the promise of peace in our back pocket, yet we don't use it? How many times do we choose, instead, to worry and fret over something (which accomplishes absolutely nothing) and "save" our peace for another time? Are we afraid it will run out?
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3
Peace and trust are completely intertwined. If we truly trust God with our life, finances, marriage, children, jobs, health and future, we can live and walk in the Holy Spirit's peace. There is no reason to be anxious when we know WHO is in control!
My friends, I am just as guilty as you to choose worry and stress over peace. But who are we kidding? We can't live victorious, world-changing lives if we are in turmoil! If we want to see the plans God has for us come to pass, we must trust Him and walk in His peace. I believe God will never lead me astray. If you believe that too, then set your guard down today and pull out your peace "gift card". It won't run out. It won't dry up. And that's a promise.
God gives peace to His people. It is a promise- and what a wonderful one! Peace is definitely something we all crave. When the telephone won't stop ringing, when the complaints won't stop coming, when the kids won't stop crying, when the stress won't stop building...our soul desperately screams out for PEACE!
Peace, as defined in the Merriam Webster Dictionary, is a state of tranquility or quiet; freedom from oppressive thoughts or emotions. Peace is being free from worry, agitation or turmoil. Peace is being free.
When Jesus Christ sets us free from the law of sin and death, He also sets us free from worry, oppression and turmoil- all the things that counteract peace. We no longer have to walk in the bondage to a state of emotional confusion or anxiety. We know in whom we have believed. We know our future is sealed in Him. Why let the troubles of this life steal away the promise of peace?
I am realizing in this Spirit-Led Life Challenge that, so far, the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit are definitely birthed in the Spirit, but they are also brought about by choice. The choice to submit to the life of the Spirit. The choice to live according to the laws of the Spirit. The choice to say "no" to how our flesh wants to react, and to say "yes" to the Spirit taking control in us. As with love and joy, peace is also a choice.
Yes, outside factors can make it easier or harder to have peace. But that is why the peace that the Spirit gives is so supernatural. When things in our life seem completely out of control, if we are walking in the Spirit, we can still have peace. We can still choose peace. God has given us a promise. A gift. But we must choose to open it up and use it in our lives.
It's funny...I've been given gift cards as gifts before (which I greatly appreciate) but for some reason, I have gift cards in my wallet that I've had for months that I haven't even used. I have even gone in a store with a gift card and walked out without buying anything because I just didn't want to use it yet. How often do we know we have the promise of peace in our back pocket, yet we don't use it? How many times do we choose, instead, to worry and fret over something (which accomplishes absolutely nothing) and "save" our peace for another time? Are we afraid it will run out?
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3
Peace and trust are completely intertwined. If we truly trust God with our life, finances, marriage, children, jobs, health and future, we can live and walk in the Holy Spirit's peace. There is no reason to be anxious when we know WHO is in control!
My friends, I am just as guilty as you to choose worry and stress over peace. But who are we kidding? We can't live victorious, world-changing lives if we are in turmoil! If we want to see the plans God has for us come to pass, we must trust Him and walk in His peace. I believe God will never lead me astray. If you believe that too, then set your guard down today and pull out your peace "gift card". It won't run out. It won't dry up. And that's a promise.
Day 12- Joy in Sorrow
"...to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. " Isaiah 61:2-3
Recently I have seen several people I know go through the sorrow of losing a loved one. Some deaths were expected, some were not. Either way, the death of a loved one is a tragic experience. Fortunatley, it is not something I have had to deal with much in my life. I know, however, the older I get, the more I will encounter the pain of having to deal with loss. It's not something that I look forward to.
But even this week, as I focused on the joy of the Lord and the choice to rejoice, I have been reminded of several people that, when dealing with the loss of a loved one, have exemplified the strength that is found in the joy of the Lord. I have sat in countless funerals, but there have been a few that really stick out in my mind. Not necessarily because of the person who was being celebrated, but because of the family, or spouse, who chose to rejoice in such a difficult moment.
As I have sat in funeral services and watched widows and children lift their hands in worship to the Lord at the time of the most devastating loss in their lives, I realize that this is what joy birthed of the Holy Spirit can do in someone's life. It does not mean that they don't still go through the greiving process. Some of them even had tears running down their faces as they worshipped- joy and grief wrapped in one beautiful package of worship to the Father. But when I think back on these experiences, this is what stands out to me most as supernatural joy that the world cannot duplicate. This is the joy of the Lord that strengthens us in our weakest moment so that when we can do nothing else, we can still rejoice.
I am so thankful that when the day comes when someone close to me leaves this earthly life, I have the hope of knowing that this is not the end. And I pray that in that moment, I will be able to offer up the gift of worship, wrapped in grief and joy, to my Heavenly Father, who I know will "bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."
Recently I have seen several people I know go through the sorrow of losing a loved one. Some deaths were expected, some were not. Either way, the death of a loved one is a tragic experience. Fortunatley, it is not something I have had to deal with much in my life. I know, however, the older I get, the more I will encounter the pain of having to deal with loss. It's not something that I look forward to.
But even this week, as I focused on the joy of the Lord and the choice to rejoice, I have been reminded of several people that, when dealing with the loss of a loved one, have exemplified the strength that is found in the joy of the Lord. I have sat in countless funerals, but there have been a few that really stick out in my mind. Not necessarily because of the person who was being celebrated, but because of the family, or spouse, who chose to rejoice in such a difficult moment.
As I have sat in funeral services and watched widows and children lift their hands in worship to the Lord at the time of the most devastating loss in their lives, I realize that this is what joy birthed of the Holy Spirit can do in someone's life. It does not mean that they don't still go through the greiving process. Some of them even had tears running down their faces as they worshipped- joy and grief wrapped in one beautiful package of worship to the Father. But when I think back on these experiences, this is what stands out to me most as supernatural joy that the world cannot duplicate. This is the joy of the Lord that strengthens us in our weakest moment so that when we can do nothing else, we can still rejoice.
I am so thankful that when the day comes when someone close to me leaves this earthly life, I have the hope of knowing that this is not the end. And I pray that in that moment, I will be able to offer up the gift of worship, wrapped in grief and joy, to my Heavenly Father, who I know will "bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Day 11- Joy In HIM
As I find myself towards the end of my "joy" week, I am learning that the supernatural joy that the Holy Spirit gives is something that is obtained more by growing in knowledge of the Lord than just a one-time dose of happiness. Sometimes I think we mistake the wonderful things that God promises to give us in His Word for just a quick-fix when we find ourselves lacking. But that is not at all how God intended His promises to take shape in our lives. He wants us to seek the source of those promises, rather than just the promises themselves. And in Him- our Source- the fullness of those promises is found.
On this Spirit-Led Life Challenge, I am finding that rather than seeking after more of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, I am much better off seeking after the Holy Spirit himself. God is the ultimate embodiment of all the characteristics I am seeking to have more of in my life. And as I read His Word, spend time in prayer, and live and walk in His presence, these characteristics become a side-effect of my relationship with Him.
I believe God wants to give me joy. Greater joy than what I've ever experienced! But if I only seek after joy (or any other blessing He promises to me) I will miss out on the best part of seeking God- knowing Him! Knowing God and walking in His Spirit daily is the greatest joy this life offers. I encourage you today to not only seek after the benefits God offers, such as His indescribable joy, but seek after God Himself- the source and center of true JOY!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Day 10- Contagious Joy
Today I was thinking about how easy it is to adopt the attitudes of people around you without even realizing it. The Bible talks about choosing good company, and that "bad company corrupts good character," but I'm not necessarily talking about good or bad people. I'm talking about their attitudes.
Of course, it is completely possible for a good person to have a bad attitude sometimes. But have you ever been around someone who is just negative? Who always sees the bad in situations, and in people? Have you found yourself influenced and affected by their negativity? Have you ever let it stifle your joy?
It's a crazy thing to watch the negativity of one person affect a whole group of people. I have seen the mood of a group of people change because one negative person entered the room. Why are we so easily influenced by negativity? I believe that even well-meaning people can be negative, without realizing it. They take their eyes off their destiny in Christ and start worrying about the state of the economy, future of our nation, and other issues that drag them down from joy into despair. Negativity is the enemy of joy, but such an easy mindset to slip into.
Fortunately, joy can also be contagious. The kind of joy that comes from a deep understanding of our destiny in Christ can keep us from being dragged down by the negativity of others, and can even combat that negative mindset. Supernatural, Spirit-birthed joy will change the atmosphere. Just as worship brings victory to our lives, joy brings a change in perspective that lifts us out of the depths of worry, stress and strife and places our eyes on the eternal rather than the temporary. Paul speaks of this when writing to Timothy. He says :
"I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy." (2 Tim. 1:4)
Here is someone whose life has the ability to bring about joy in someone else! When people sense that kind of joy in someones life, it can have a truly transforming effect. As failed, flawed humans, we are drawn to the heavenly. The hope of something greater than what we can see intrigues us. So when someone with a negative mindset is around someone who chooses joy, they can't help but be affected. It may not take shape in their attitude immediately, but it plants a seed and gives them hope that there is something worth rejoicing about.
I want my joy to be contagious. I want people to see me worshipping in the best AND the worst of times, and to see that my choice to rejoice is unchanged by my circumstances. I want the joy of the Spirit in my life to change the atmosphere wherever I go. My prayer is that the joy in my heart will be so great because of my choice to walk in the Spirit daily, that there will be no room for negativity to creep in.
When we choose to let our joy permeate our lives, it will overflow into the hearts and lives of others. And I don't know about you, but I think that this world could definitely use a dose of the joy of the Lord!
Of course, it is completely possible for a good person to have a bad attitude sometimes. But have you ever been around someone who is just negative? Who always sees the bad in situations, and in people? Have you found yourself influenced and affected by their negativity? Have you ever let it stifle your joy?
It's a crazy thing to watch the negativity of one person affect a whole group of people. I have seen the mood of a group of people change because one negative person entered the room. Why are we so easily influenced by negativity? I believe that even well-meaning people can be negative, without realizing it. They take their eyes off their destiny in Christ and start worrying about the state of the economy, future of our nation, and other issues that drag them down from joy into despair. Negativity is the enemy of joy, but such an easy mindset to slip into.
Fortunately, joy can also be contagious. The kind of joy that comes from a deep understanding of our destiny in Christ can keep us from being dragged down by the negativity of others, and can even combat that negative mindset. Supernatural, Spirit-birthed joy will change the atmosphere. Just as worship brings victory to our lives, joy brings a change in perspective that lifts us out of the depths of worry, stress and strife and places our eyes on the eternal rather than the temporary. Paul speaks of this when writing to Timothy. He says :
"I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy." (2 Tim. 1:4)
Here is someone whose life has the ability to bring about joy in someone else! When people sense that kind of joy in someones life, it can have a truly transforming effect. As failed, flawed humans, we are drawn to the heavenly. The hope of something greater than what we can see intrigues us. So when someone with a negative mindset is around someone who chooses joy, they can't help but be affected. It may not take shape in their attitude immediately, but it plants a seed and gives them hope that there is something worth rejoicing about.
I want my joy to be contagious. I want people to see me worshipping in the best AND the worst of times, and to see that my choice to rejoice is unchanged by my circumstances. I want the joy of the Spirit in my life to change the atmosphere wherever I go. My prayer is that the joy in my heart will be so great because of my choice to walk in the Spirit daily, that there will be no room for negativity to creep in.
When we choose to let our joy permeate our lives, it will overflow into the hearts and lives of others. And I don't know about you, but I think that this world could definitely use a dose of the joy of the Lord!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Day 9- The Sound of Joy
Continuing this journey into the joy of the Lord, I am finding that it is all about taking the focus off of the now and putting it on the Author of our life's story. He wrote the beginning and knows the end. Why should we worry and fret about the twists and turns in the middle when we can rest in the fact that our God has everything written out and planned for our good?
I know that this is easier said than done. As I stated in my previous blog, joy has not been something that has come easily to me. I am a planner and somewhat of a "control freak". I have a hard time dealing with the unknown. Consequently, when life throws me a curve, it is more natural for me to stress and get depressed than for me to jump for joy at the possibility of something better.
As this week goes on and I am praying for more of the Holy Spirit's joy in my life, I am constantly reminded of the choice I must make to worship God- to rejoice in Him- regardless of my circumstances. The sound of joy is worship itself! Rejoicing and joy are very connected to worship. Speaking, singing, and living praise to our Heavenly Father is the best and quickest way to take our mind off of our temporary troubles and get them on the truth of who we are in Christ and where our destiny lies. I am making a greater effort to keep His praise in my mouth and His song on my lips. This is a conscious choice we must make to REJOICE, and through that praise, to be made glad by our Savior.
I have learned in life that though I may not always feel like worshipping, I have never once regretted a single moment I have spent in worship of my Jesus. Time spent rejoicing and worshipping is never time wasted. Not only does it draw us nearer to the heart of God and align our steps with the Holy Spirit, but it brings joy into the darkest of situations. Whatever you are facing today, choose to worship. However down and depressed you may become, choose to rejoice. When you do, your eyes will slowly lift from the troubles of this life to the hope found in Jesus Christ, and your heart will be filled with a song that can only come from Spirit-birthed joy!
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor. 4:16-18
I know that this is easier said than done. As I stated in my previous blog, joy has not been something that has come easily to me. I am a planner and somewhat of a "control freak". I have a hard time dealing with the unknown. Consequently, when life throws me a curve, it is more natural for me to stress and get depressed than for me to jump for joy at the possibility of something better.
As this week goes on and I am praying for more of the Holy Spirit's joy in my life, I am constantly reminded of the choice I must make to worship God- to rejoice in Him- regardless of my circumstances. The sound of joy is worship itself! Rejoicing and joy are very connected to worship. Speaking, singing, and living praise to our Heavenly Father is the best and quickest way to take our mind off of our temporary troubles and get them on the truth of who we are in Christ and where our destiny lies. I am making a greater effort to keep His praise in my mouth and His song on my lips. This is a conscious choice we must make to REJOICE, and through that praise, to be made glad by our Savior.
I have learned in life that though I may not always feel like worshipping, I have never once regretted a single moment I have spent in worship of my Jesus. Time spent rejoicing and worshipping is never time wasted. Not only does it draw us nearer to the heart of God and align our steps with the Holy Spirit, but it brings joy into the darkest of situations. Whatever you are facing today, choose to worship. However down and depressed you may become, choose to rejoice. When you do, your eyes will slowly lift from the troubles of this life to the hope found in Jesus Christ, and your heart will be filled with a song that can only come from Spirit-birthed joy!
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor. 4:16-18
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