When we sense we have the least control, then He has the most control. So, we should set out to behave irresponsibly? Take no precautions? Not give due diligence? Absolutely not! We are to give our utmost to Him whenever we can, wherever we can. He accepts no less! But, He cannot receive the glory due Him, if we really felt the credit was due us. Not to worry! If we don’t already have it in our mind that the credit is only His, He will allow something to trip up our timing, so we are no longer in control. Sound familiar? “O our God, wilt Thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee” (2Chronicles 20:12 KJV). LORD, do for us what You have done for Your people time after time. Show us Your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen.
Peace of God
Jesus Said It Would Be This Way
When the world is making it hard to ignore all the calamities and tragedies all around us, then we are experiencing more than the everyday difficulties usually befalling us. Jesus did not come to bring a message of doom and destruction to the world, but to bring us the hope of forgiveness, restoration, and a new life in fellowship with Him. He only warned us about the tribulation we’d experience because we can’t escape this world without it. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 KJV). Jesus overcame, so we, too, would continually be overcoming. ‘Jesus said it would be this way’ is the theme of prophecy, so we should not become distracted by the calamities and quit living the supernatural, overcoming life of disciples of Jesus Christ. Then, God is glorified, and we will do the good we should. In the meantime, Lord Jesus come quickly, and help me to do all the good I can before the Father declares, Time is up, and we go Home. Amen.
Perfect Peace of Mind
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace [Hebrew, shâlôm, completeness, tranquility], whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee” (Isaiah 26:3 KJV). In Scripture, peace is not a lack of warfare or hostilities with man. Perfect peace is a state of mind, which comes from absolute confidence and trust in God. Said our soon-to-be-crucified Saviour, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Do not be downcast! “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (16:33).
Anxious for Nothing
“Be careful [Greek, merimnaō, anxious] for nothing” (Philippians 4:6 KJV) means we shouldn’t worry about anything. It’s practically impossible not to worry, unless we’re really persuaded God is listening to our prayers. “But in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6 KJV). We ask and petition God with gratitude concerning whatever is on our mind. Not only does He supply our needs, but it fortifies our faith, when we are doing whatever we can cooperating with God. What a wonderful exchange! “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 KJV). And, God is always giving more than we know to ask (Ephesians 3:20)!