I was talking to my cousin today about some disturbing situations going on around the world. I told her that I have turned the news off. I miss the days when Walter Cronkite reported the news. He did it without a bigoted agenda twinkling in his eye. He simply read the news. You have to admit, really, there is nothing on any platform that is like that now. It truly is, just noise.
When we look around at our world, it is saturated with noise that just keeps getting louder and louder. How do we make a way in this wilderness? How can we find ways to separate ourselves from the noise and find a way to the peace that God has offered us?
Paul’s letter to the Philippians was one of encouragement. He wanted them to know that their faith was something to always count on. Even though he most likely wrote this letter from his prison cell, he showed them that he was still strong in the faith even in the middle of the noise.
He shared with them in Philippians 4:6-8 to count on the Lord and accept the peace that He offers. He spoke to them about how to not let worry and anxiety overcome them, to take all of their cares to the Lord in prayer, dedication and thankfulness.
Paul then told them that God’s peace was different. It would go far beyond anything that they could ever imagine or understand. Through Christ Jesus their hearts and minds would be kept secure.
He urged than to think about things that were positive and uplifting, things that were true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report. He petitioned them to find words of virtue, and praise. He told them to think on those things.
What is the challenge from this passage? I think the challenge could be finding a way to turn off the negativity in the world around us and accept the peace that God offers.
How can we apply this to our lives? I believe that making a deliberate effort to bring good things into our lives is key to applying these verses. What do we put into our spirits? It seems that we need to tamp down some of the noise in our lives and find ways to soak up the positive and uplifting.
What does this mean to my faith. I am thankful and my faith is strengthened as I read the encouragement that Paul gives in telling me to pull into my life things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report…things that allow me to pull God’s Spirit in all around me.
Lord, You always know what I need. Thank you. Please be with our world. We have made such a mess of the beauty that You created. Help us find a way back to You. Help me to continue to trust in You and wrap Your peace around me.
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“6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:6-8 (KJV)
“But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.” Matthew 10:19 (KJV)
“Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.” Psalm 62:8 (KJV)
“Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.” Job 22:21 (KJV)
“Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” 2 Corinthians 8:21 (KJV)
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I feel that since God has given me the gift of this platform, I must always tell you about my Jesus.
What is your relationship to the all-knowing God of the universe? Do you know Jesus? Do you know the peace that can come only from an intimate relationship with Him? You can know Him. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, born into human flesh, sinless, crucified and giving His life freely, buried, arisen on the third day, will come into your life and change the outcome of your eternity. You just have to be willing to believe and accept His truth.
Here is a web page that will give you more information about making your decision for Jesus Christ: Start Your NewLife With Christ.
In addition, here is an excellent page that can give you additional information on peace with God: PeaceWithGod.net.
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Restricted Vision, Unburdened Sight 