Accept Peace

I am grateful to the One who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He considered me faithful in putting me into ministry, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus. This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” – and I am the worst of them! But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate His utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in Him for eternal life.  1 Timothy 1:12-16 NET

Jesus was came to mankind as the one and only perfect sacrifice for all of humanity’s sins. He is the sinless Lamb of God who bore all of our sins on Him so that in the shedding of His blood we received atonement and redemption once and for all. Salvation. 

It’s the most beautiful and priceless exchange made by our heavenly father to save all of His people.  

The only condition that is placed before us as we receive this free gift is to come before God with a repentant heart. My friends, Without repentance, forgiveness is cheapened. Without contrition, salvation has no value. God is still as Holy as He was during the time of Moses and Aaron. He is deserving of all the Honour, all the praise and and all of the Glory. He is awe inspiring in wonder and incredibly magnificent. No words can suitably describe His greatness and might. 

The Bible teaches that when we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us of all our ungodliness. Repent, The return of Jesus is near. 

Jesus’ sacrifice didn’t just purify us it also restored us. It restored our relationship with God since we can now approach God directly and also restored the hope of eternal life for every one of us who believe in Him! Hallelujah!

1 Peter 5:6-7 TPT If you bow low in God’s awesome presence, He will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in His hands. Pour out all your worries and stress upon Him and leave them there, for He always tenderly cares for you.

Only Jesus Christ can appease our fears, calm our troubled hearts, give us peace that is beyond comprehension and re-hydrate hope in the dry landscapes of our fractured world. 

Lets consciously choose to focus on only Jesus during every situation we encounter. It will eventually become such a habit to fix our eyes on Him and to view the world through the lens of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Hebrews 12:2 TPT We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because His heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be His, He endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!

Oh Lord, No matter where I am or who I’m with, I will choose to honor God with my life. 

Nothing but Jesus. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where everything happening around you seemed to be completely out of your control? 

Whether it was the customers at work or a family situation that seemed way out of hand, we have all had times when we’ve asked God, how did I get here?

There will be multiple times in life where we have no control of the people we’re around or the environments we’re in, but God still calls us to represent Jesus wherever we go. 

Ask Holy Spirit for discernment to see with Jesus heart, wisdom to respond with His grace. 

Uncomfortable environments aren't an excuse to shut the door on others and certainly not an excuse to conform to our surroundings, but are an opportunity to stand firm in who God calls us to be. 

1 Peter 2:9-10 TPT But you are God’s chosen treasure —priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience His marvelous light, and now He claims you as His very own. He did this so that you would broadcast His glorious wonders throughout the world. For at one time you were not God’s people, but now you are. At one time you knew nothing of God’s mercy, because you hadn’t received it yet, but now you are drenched with it!

Remember that! We are covered! Our world is in conflict. Conflict in relationships, between colleagues, neighbours and governments. My friends - We don’t have to worry about the world, let us instead focus on relating in a peaceful manner to those in our immediate circle – our family and friends, neighbours and fellow church goers. People may hurt us, but we can forgive. People are selfish, and we can choose to be generous. When people are angry, we can choose to be non-combative.  

And sometimes, we have to make peace with ourselves. Even after God has forgiven us our own misdeeds, we may not be forgiving ourselves.

Ask Him for grace to receive His truth, His forgiveness, peace.