[James]

obtaining peace

Today we live in a time the prophets spoke of. The stage is being set for the rise of the antichrist, there is a generation that calls good evil and evil good and our nation, the last bastion of freedom left on planet earth, has been criminally taken over by communists and haters of God. There is a great opportunity for believers to lose hope, become anxious and have unrest in their hearts. In fact, Jesus warned us that in these last days that the love of many will grow cold. How to we find peace in these evil times?

Jesus gave us that peace over 2000 years ago. In the gospel of John, chapter 14, before His crucifixion, He preempted the anxiety His disciples would soon face and blanketed them with this promise. My peace I leave with you, my peace I give you, NOT AS THE WORLD gives it, but as I give it. Let not your heart be troubled and do not be afraid. If you look for peace in worldly measures it will be very illusive. First you must struggle to obtain it, then struggle even harder to retain it. Why is it that many people desire to win the lottery or gain a wealthy inheritance? It is not for material gain; it is because they believe it will bring them the peace they long for. “If I had all the money all my worries would be over”. But power and money enslave you in a desperate pursuit to stay one step ahead of losing it all.

Jesus’ peace is different. If you belong to Him, if His Spirit resides inside of you, then you have obtained Him. He is always with you. Therefore, His peace is always with you. You don’t have to ask Him for it, you already have it. Remember whatever you obey, that is what you truly believe. If you obey your emotions, your fears, your frustrations, the scenarios you create in your mind, then that is what you believe. If you, however, just rest in His presence then that’s what you believe, and His peace will fill your soul. In fact, if you are praying and asking God for peace, you are displaying an awesome lack of faith! Let me explain further;

In Mark chapter 4 Jesus was on a journey crossing the sea of Galilee with His disciples and some other boats following along. His disciples are no strangers to the salt life, many of them earned their living on the sea. These were men use to the elements, yet a sudden storm arose, and such a storm that it brought great fear to them. This storm seemed to be alive and, on a mission, to destroy them all. The waves crashed so high that the boats began to fill with water. The men were bailing and yelling and screaming in fear. Where was Jesus while all the was going on? He was in the back of the boat, lying comfortably on a pillow, sound asleep! The disciples shook Him awake and yelled at Him in frustration; “Master, don’t you care that we are about the parish?” Jesus calmly rises, looks at the storm raging around them…..and tells it to be still. Even the winds obey Him! They are astounded! They instantly go from panic to absolute awestruck wonder. Listen to what Jesus says to them; Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have such little faith? They were astounded at His power and authority; He was astounded at their fear and lack of faith. Why? Because Jesus was right there WITH them. I believe that Satan caused the storm. He wasn’t trying to kill the disciples; I think he could care less about them as they were no threat to him at all. Satan was trying to kill Jesus, as he had tried many times before. Jesus calmly displayed His absolute authority and power over Satan, over nature, over all of creation. You see nothing can harm or stop the God of all creation. It all bows to His majesty as He softly speaks His word. That is why they had no reason to fear. That’s why they should have had total peace in the middle of the raging storm. Because Jesus was with them, and they were with Jesus, and nothing can harm them because He is in authority over everything! Do you get it? Do you understand? Whether storms rage around you, or even if storm rage within you, nothing can harm you because Jesus is with you, and you are with Him. You don’t have to ask for His peace, you just need to rest in it and enjoy the ride!

Discussion

[UC]

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