A Nugget from New Life Network
(excerpts from Bob Gass Ministries)
Scripture for the Day (June 3, 2016)
Great peace have they who love your [word], and nothing can make them stumble. (Psalm 119:165, NIV)
One of the last things Jesus told His disciples before leaving this world was, “In this [life], you will have trouble!” (John 16:33, NIV). And He was right, wasn’t He? We all experience stress, occupational demands, deadlines, expectations and personal pressures ganging up on us and constantly trying to rob us of the peace we desperately desire. No one is immune to stress, frustration, and the feeling that we’re on the “autobahn of life.” What is all this but the absence of peace? And the answer can’t be found in a pill, a possession, or a pleasure. All those things wear off or wear out.
The Bible talks about three different kinds of peace. Let’s look at them:
(1) Peace with others. As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18, NIV). This is external peace, and it’s necessary for human relationships to flourish. Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. (Psalm 119:165)
(2) Peace with yourself. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts (Col 3:15 NIV). This is internal peace, a rest of mind and soul that escapes most of us. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
(3) Peace with God. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1, NIV). This is eternal peace, and it comes from knowing you have a right relationship with God. The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. (Psalm 29:11)
So here’s how it works: When you’re at peace with God you’ll be at peace with yourself, and when you’re at peace with yourself you’ll be at peace with others. That, in a nutshell, is the “Peace” process!
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 4:9)
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
