Study of Romans 12 – Verse 18

    It was important that we took the last two weeks to slow down and properly understand the instructions given in Romans 12:17 because we need to wholly submit to God’s commands to “repay no one evil for evil” and “have regard for good things in the sight of all men” in order to better obey the command given to us in verse 18:

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18 NKJV)

    Let’s take time this week to dig deeper into this command.

If It Is Possible

possible (Strong’s Greek #1415 ‘dunatos’) describes what is made possible through the power/ability exerted by the subject. In other words: “as much as depends on you”.

    Thought and effort is necessary. Remember in our study last week, “Have regard for good things” meant that we prepare ourselves to know what is good (through reading/study of God’s word) and we cling to it (Romans 12:9); we apply it to every single situation, every single day. Our regard for good things will be obvious when people hear our words, and observe our calm attitude and composed conduct.

Live Peaceably

live peaceably (Strong’s Greek #1514 ‘eireneuo’) means to be at peace, to live in peace, to keep peace. It means to cultivate peace (prepare oneself in order to bring peace about), bring about harmony. Take time to read these passages: 2 Corinthians 13:11, Mark 9:50, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

With all men

    Just as we saw in the last lesson, the term “all men” does not allow for any loopholes. We cannot use any other person in this world as an excuse for not obeying this command – if you are in a situation, you, as a Christian who walks as Jesus walked (1 John 2:3-6), are to be prepared (through study and practice) to approach that situation in peace and with peace.

“For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:14 NKJV)

• It could be through silence (not engaging, 1 Peter 2:20-23)
• It could be by thinking on scriptures that remind you of what is true, good, proper (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10)
• It could be through a soft answer (with mercy and grace, Proverbs 15:1-2, Luke 23:39-43)
• It could be by walking away (if nothing else is helping, Luke 4:30, John 10:39)

    All of these actions require wisdom, discernment, and prayerful practice. We cannot accomplish any of them if we are not first immersing ourselves in God’s word, and through obedience, developing our trust in the power of His might that we may be able to stand and withstand in the evil day (Ephesians 6:10-18, 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, 1 Peter 3:15).

When a problem comes up between brethren: If we do not do our part in obeying this command, we are letting down the body of Christ (the church), and giving a foothold to the devil (Ephesians 4:16, 26-27).

When a problem comes up with anyone else: If we do not show them a different way, how will they ever know (Matthew 5:14-16)?

We do not compromise the truth to keep the peace;
 we stand for the truth in a peaceful, peaceable manner.

    Reacting to evil with evil will only lead to more evil – and no one will be benefited – but responding to evil with wisdom (James 3:17) and peaceful intent can diffuse the tension and shift things for the better. For one thing, it will keep you on the right path, and for another, it may open the eyes of the perpetrator to a better way of thinking/speaking/behaving.

    Are you willing to bring peace to a situation?  Even if it does not immediately resolve the problem, are you willing to keep showing up with peace and in peace?

With God it is possible.

You can do it! So can I!!

Flourishing in Peace - The Faithful Will Find Peace

“Mark the blameless man, observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace.” (Psalm 37:37 NKJV)

    Have you considered that fact that you can be at peace knowing that one day you will be at peace? This is not a “fake it ‘til you make it” idea, quite the opposite. Fully trusting in God, believing that no matter what you are going through, He will strengthen you and help you every step of the way, brings peace.

    My Mom had a phrase that became synonymous with her: “This too shall pass.” I know now that it was said as a reminder to both herself and the person she was speaking with to ‘be at peace, and trust that peace will come.’

    David wrote these words to show that those who are blameless in God’s sight, who walk uprightly in humble obedience, they will find peace. He closes this psalm with even more peace-providing facts for the righteous:

“…the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.” (Psalm 37:39-40 NKJV)

    These verses remind me of the praise Peter offered to God in 1 Peter 1:3-9, please take the time to read this passage. Our faith is proven and our trust is fortified through various trials and in the end, salvation!

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good, blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8 NKJV)

    Are you ready to feel at peace while you wait for peace to come? Dig into God’s word – start with the Psalms (31, 34, 40, are all good psalms to meditate on!), read the letter to the Ephesians – fill your mind with all the good God has done, all the blessings He continues to provide, all the promises of help and hope He has promised to those who love Him and faithfully serve Him! 

    Let your peace of mind, your “this too shall pass” mindset, be an example to those who are searching for hope and peace. Point them to God and His way, show them how to lead an upright and blameless life before Him, show them how to walk in peace, fully trusting our glorious God and Father to fulfill all that He has promised!

You can flourish in peace! God will provide! Trust Him and remain faithful to His way!

You can do it! So can I!!

Flourishing in Peace 101

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:15-18 NKJV)

    If there was a class called “How to Live Peaceably 101,” Romans 12 and 13 would be the curriculum!!

    Looking at just the small portion I have selected from chapter 12, we find so much valuable information on how to live in a peaceful way with others:

• Don’t let jealousy or revenge taint your love for others – be joyful in their joy and feel their hurts as though they were your own (v15)
• Don’t name drop and brand brag. Exhibit your understanding of 1 Timothy 6:6-8. Be down to earth, allowing people to feel at ease and valued while they are with you (v16)
• Be a listener – a REAL listener, not a 'locked-n-loaded-just-waiting-to-respond-er.' Listen and let others share and develop their thoughts. Pray for wisdom, practice humility (v16)
• Never become a mud-slinger, even if you’ve already been hit. God tells us to do the exact opposite (Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:19-21)! Go to Him, seek the greater good for everyone involved (v17)
• Provide good to all situations. Do what is honourable, good, and proper; let that be the lasting impression you leave with all people. See also 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (v17)
• It is within your power and capability – “as much as depends on you” – to be peaceable with all men. 

"Do not be overcome by evil , but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21 NKJV)

    Take time to read Romans 12 and 13 this week. Take time to really discern the things that you need to work on. God wants us to behave like Christians, His children, reflecting His light into the world around us. Use your baskets to gather your blessings not to cover your lampstand!

You can do it! So can I!!

Righteousness Leads to Flourishing Peace

“The work of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and assurance forever.” (Isaiah 32:17 NKJV)

    The Berean Study Bible says, “…the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever.” That is what righteousness will give you – enduring quiet confidence, assurance forever!

    Faith is confidence in God. Peace is a quiet, calm confidence that we are living right before God and we are accepted by Him.

    The first epistle of John is filled with confidence-building statements. “By this you know…” and “By this we know…” are found 18 times in this one epistle! Please take time over the next few days to read through 1 John 1-5 and note these statements that give assurance to God’s children!

    When we do the things that John outlines, we can have peace with God! Living right before God – “keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight” (1 John 3:22) – will result in “know”ledge (“By this we know…”), “confidence” (1 John 2:28), “boldness” (1 John 3:21), “assurance” (1 John 3:19), and “perfection” (spiritual maturity, 1 John 4:12-19).

    It is worth every effort to learn what is right and pleasing to God (Ephesians 5:8-10, 15-17)! You can experience true peace and quiet, confident assurance of hope through Jesus Christ! God promises it! He has provided all we need to know and to do in order to attain it! Use your time wisely, walk in the light and find out what is acceptable to the Lord, and come to understand His will so you can flourish in peace!

You can do it! So can I!! 

Remove Roots of Bitterness So You Can Flourish in Peace

    Last week we looked at Hebrews 12:14. We learned that in order to flourish in peace we must not compromise our holiness by calling wrong right for the sake of peace. This week, I would like to look at the verse that follows:

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.” (Hebrews 12:14-15 NKJV)

    Defiled is the opposite of holy. We don’t want defiled to describe ourselves or others. Defiled means we’ve chosen our ways over God’s ways; holiness was not sought for and therefore not obtained (consider Proverbs 14:12, 14, and 16). When we realize our situation we can either humbly repent or we can allow roots of bitterness to spring up, take root, and cause serious trouble.

    What is a root of bitterness?  This term is mentioned in Deuteronomy 29:18-19, when God commanded the Israelites to get rid of their foreign idols. I think it is worthwhile to put those verses in front of us.

“ …and you saw their abominations and their idols which were among them—wood and stone and silver and gold); so that there may not be among you man or woman or family or tribe, whose heart turns away today from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations, and that there may not be among you a root bearing bitterness or wormwood; and so it may not happen, when he hears the words of this curse, that he blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall have peace, even though I follow the dictates of my heart’—as though the drunkard could be included with the sober.” (Deuteronomy 29:17-19 NKJV)

    A root of bitterness can crop up when we become resentful of being told what to do, what we have to change about ourselves, and/or what we have to give up.

    Have you experienced a root of bitterness yourself? I have! Usually, these roots first test the soil of our hearts when we are young and become resentful of our parents telling us “no” all the time.  And when they aren’t saying no, they’re telling us to ‘clean your room,’ ‘take out the garbage,’ and ‘lose that attitude!’ In our childish minds we may have even grown bitter and angry, plotting and planning parental avoidance methods, so as to bypass hearing their endless rules; and it made life miserable for everyone involved.

    When this same resistance transfers to God and His commands, we not only continue to make life harder for ourselves, but we also are endangering our souls and those around us (think on Matthew 18:6-9, Luke 17:1-2, Romans 14:13). We, like the mistaken Israelites, may say in our heart, ‘I don’t have to give that up, I can still have peace’ or ‘I don’t need to do EVERYTHING God says; His words are more suggestions for good behaviour than actual commands! I’m fine, I can just do what suits me! As long as I’m a good person and God loves me! It’s all good!’

    We cannot follow the dictates of our own heart and claim peace for ourselves. We cannot disregard God and think we will be counted among the righteous (1 John 3:4-10).

“Woe to the rebellious children,” says the LORD, “Who take counsel, but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin.”” (Isaiah 30:1 NKJV) 

    True peace only comes from God. His ways are constant – they do not/will not become obsolete or outdated – they are consistent in their benefit and their wisdom! God tells us that if we want to have a good life and a peaceable life, we need to depart from evil and do good, we need to seek peace and chase after it diligently, we need to tirelessly pursue it (Psalm 34:11-15, 1 Peter 3:10-12)! We must do all that is necessary on our part to always come back to a place of peace with God first, and then live at peace with others around us (Romans 12:18).

    Are you ready to deny self, take up the cross and follow Jesus in obedience to all God has commanded (Matthew 16:24-26) for your own sake and for the sake of others around you? It is an essential part needed to flourish in peace! God’s ways are a perpetual benefit! His commands are abounding with wisdom! Turn away from your own notions of what you think is good, let God’s words guide you towards true peace!

You can do it! So can I!! 

Flourishing in Peace with Holiness

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14 NKJV)

    We need to make every effort to live in peace and to be peaceable (Romans 12:18), but it should never come at the expense of our holiness; without holiness we will not see the Lord.

    Holiness means to be set apart, sacred. It means that we speak/behave less like the world and speak/behave more like the Lord: in love (1 Corinthians 13:1-13, 1 John 4:7-11, 17), in purity (1 John 3:1-3), and in holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16)  

• We need to be kind without becoming soft toward sin.
• We need to be loving without disregarding or watering down God’s truth.
• We need to be just without lacking in mercy and compassion.

    Jesus exemplified all these qualities for us. He maintained His holiness while teaching and admonishing people. He loved people so much that He couldn’t bear to let them remain unknowledgeable about God and His goodness. He pointed people toward the One source from which they could obtain true peace. He, with love, corrected them, guided them, and taught them.

    “Speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:14-15) will go a long way in helping others know God and it will help us to grow up in Jesus! There are so many man made doctrines, and “the trickery of men” is all around us, leading unknowledgeable people astray – they seek peace but cannot find it in ever-changing/constantly-adapting doctrines – but with God there is TRUE PEACE, because with God we find the Truth that has never and will never change (1 Peter 1:22-25), allowing us to know without doubt how to be holy and acceptable Him and how to remain holy and acceptable to Him (read and consider Romans 12:1-2)!

    Think on these things and consider these verses today:

“Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20 NKJV)

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2 NKJV)

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” (Jude 20-23 NKJV)

Side note: God is serious when it comes to warning the wicked and erring – He has always “rose early” to tell His children the truth and give warning (Jeremiah 7:13, 25, 25:4), sending His prophets to inform even the pagan nations to repent before it is too late (see the book of Jonah). Please read and consider Ezekiel 3:18-21 to understand just how important it is to God that people are warned away from their wickedness and sin.

    If we choose “peace” with man by remaining silent about the Truth and not warning them, we will not be holy as God is holy, we will not be at peace with Him, and our hopes of seeing the Lord will be diminished, but if we choose to be in peace with Him, we will learn to speak the truth in love, proclaim the true peace that is available to all (the gospel message, Ephesians 6:15), we will maintain our holiness, and our hopes to see Him will flourish!  

    We know the glories of God, His goodness, and His grace! Let’s never compromise our love and appreciation for Him by calling wrong, right (or ‘okay’), for the sake of “peace.” God calls us to be holy – that is top priority. Peace comes through speaking the truth in love.

    Are you ready to do that? Are you willing to stand against the wiles of the devil and speak God’s truth without compromise?

You can do it! So can I!!

To Flourish in Peace We Need to Understand Peace

    I would like to share with you something that I read while studying and researching the word ‘peace,’ which in Hebrew is ‘shalom’ and in Greek, ‘eirene.’ 

“Shalom really means everything that makes for a man’s highest good, all that makes life life indeed. In English peace has come to have something of a negative meaning. It is apt to mean the absence of war and the absence of trouble. For instance, if in a campaign hostilities actually came to an end and there was no more fighting we would be likely to say that there was peace; but quite certainly the Hebrew would not call a situation where there was a blasted earth, and where people still regarded each other with a kind of terrified suspicion, peace. …The greeting salaam does not simply express the negative wish that a man’s life may be free from trouble; it expresses the positive hope and prayer that he may enjoy all good gifts and blessings from the hand of God. In thinking of the meaning of peace, both in the Old and New Testament, it is essential to bear in mind the positive meaning of the word.” (William Barclay, Flesh and Spirit, 1962)

    Can you understand why love comes before peace in most every list of qualities a Christian is to have?

    We need to have a heart that learns to truly love – undefeatable goodwill and benevolence that seeks only good for the other – in order to pursue peace which is a sincere wish that the other will be blessed with ‘everything that makes for man’s highest good.’

    All too often we are content with a peace that is only visible on the surface. We think, ‘there are no negative interactions, no outward upset, so we’re at peace right?’ Yet our hearts are disappointed, discouraged, angry, frustrated, irritated, or fuming. Our hearts are so darkened that the very idea of hoping that our fellow man has everything that makes for their highest good is something we sneer and scoff at. God wants us to pursue true peace, and it begins in the heart.

 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15 NKJV)

    We are to let the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), rule in our hearts. “Rule” comes from the Greek word ‘brabeuo’ (G1018) which means to govern, prevail. So we are to let the peace of God govern our hearts, to let it prevail in our hearts.

    Prevail means to prove more powerful than opposing forces. It wins. It should always win. Paul tells us that the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7), it will prove itself more powerful than any opposing forces, when we let it rule in our hearts.

    So, how do we flourish in peace and let it rule in our hearts, and conquer our negative thinking?

Give your concerns to God and be thankful (Philippians 4:6-9, Colossians 3:15-17) Burdened with ‘what-if’ thinking and imagining worst-case scenarios? Give every one of your worries to God and then use your thinking for good by taking inventory of all that you have in your life (Psalm 68:19) and all that you have been blessed with through Jesus (Romans 8:31-39, Ephesians 1:3-14, 1 John 3:1-3) and thank God for them all! Then busy yourself with doing good for your household, your brethren, and your neighbours while remembering how abundantly He has blessed you (2 Corinthians 9:7-8, Ephesians 2:10, Galatians 6:9-10, Titus 3:8, 14)!

Follow Jesus’ instruction (Matthew 5:44) Are you finding yourself having imaginary conversations, arguments, or confrontations with someone, in your mind? This type of thinking prevents peace from ruling in our hearts – Jesus gives us a better way:

• Do you have an enemy? Don’t be an enemy to them, instead be kind toward them, love them.
• Has someone cursed you or spoken evil against you? Don’t retaliate with the same, instead speak only good about them, bless them.
• Does someone hate you? Don’t let your heart build up hate toward them, instead search for ways to do good to them.
• Does someone purposefully try to hurt you, belittle you, or infuriate you? Don’t seek revenge, instead overcome the evil with good by purposefully praying for them.

    Doing it God’s way will allow peace to rule in your heart, it will allow you to truly hope that God’s blessings will be upon them. And although these trials may continue for some time, going through them with God and His instruction will allow you to flourish in strength, resilience, wisdom, faith, and peace.

    God’s way IS the best way! How wonderful that He provides SO much help to us so that we can serve Him properly and thrive in this life!! To God be the glory, great things He has done!!

    Consider your heart this week and consider what peace truly means. Are you allowing God’s peace to rule in your heart? Is your heart truly at peace with your family, friends, brethren, and neighbours? Can you sincerely hope for them everything that makes for their highest good?

    Take time to read 1 Peter 3:8-12 each day this week. Be mindful of your many thoughts and determine to let God’s peace rule in your heart! Always seek for His peace so you can truly flourish in it and share it with others!

You can do it! So can I!!   

Flourishing Even More in Peace - Think on These Things

    Peace, perfect peace.

    It is more than just a quiet moment after a chaotic day. It is a quiet mind and a calm heart even amidst the chaos.

    Is it attainable? YES! What God commands, we can do; what God promises, He will do!

    Consider for a moment James 1:5-8. James warns against being double-minded (vv6-8). The term double-minded holds the idea of being anxious, that stress-inducing battle between rational and irrational thought. It is a mind that is not at peace.

    God wants us to have peace. He instructs us to "be anxious for nothing" in Philippians 4:6, and He does not leave it at that, He tells us exactly what needs to be done to overcome anxiety and ‘be at one again’ in our mind and heart: "in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

    While your Bible is open to Philippians 4, continue reading through verse 8; God in His loving provision also gave us instruction in how to maintain the peace He grants us, instructions that will help us develop a new focus for our thoughts as we obey the command to “meditate on these things.”  The things mentioned in this verse – things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy – give us a multi-faceted defense against the devil’s ploys and deceptions.

Anxiety comes from giving ear to the devil, but peace comes from giving everything to God.

    By giving us a command to meditate on these things, God is training us to ward off the devil:

• The devil will tell us lies (John 8:44, Revelation 12:9), but if we are meditating on what is TRUE you will not believe his lies and you will quickly squelch them by recalling the truth to your mind (Hebrews 5:14).
• The devil will try to draw our attention to immoral people (celebrities, influencers, athletes) that appear to ‘have it all’ (read and consider Psalm 73) and try to convince us that they are worthy of our awe and fandom, but if we are meditating on what is NOBLE, we won’t be easily impressed or swayed by worldly standards of nobility.
• The devil will try to convince us that anger, retaliation, and revenge is the best way to treat people who have hurt us (consider Cain in Genesis 4:1-15, and Simeon and Levi in Genesis 34, 49:5-6, and Joshua 19:1-9) but if we are meditating on what is JUST we will be well-versed in God’s true justice and learn mercy and grace because we have needed it so very often ourselves (consider Matthew 5:44-48, 6:14-15).
• The devil will infiltrate every form of media with impurities – commercials, TV shows, movies, videos, music, books, magazines, podcasts, etc. – to fill our minds with impure thoughts and impure judgments (consider Matthew 15:19-20), but if we are meditating on what is PURE we will be repulsed by impurities and flee from them (Romans 12:9, 2 Timothy 2:22).
• The devil will try to convince us that we must attain the world’s standard for “beauty” (as well as its immodesty and vanity, consider 1 Peter 3:3), but if we meditate on what is truly LOVELY we will not become self-centred and vain, and our standard will be to behave in a way that is “very precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:4).
• The devil will try to tempt you into gossip and slander (Proverbs 26:22), but if we meditate on what is OF GOOD REPORT we will be repulsed and stop the gossip in its tracks so “the fire goes out” (Proverbs 26:20-21).
• The devil will try to lower our standards so we give of our time and our means to worthless pursuits. He will try to keep us from seeing what is truly worthy of our time and attention, but if we are meditating on what is VIRTUOUS we will keep a higher standard and make better use of our time and we will also support those who are making efforts in doing what is good and right (Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15).
• The devil will try to make us feel hard done by so that we grow lax and begin to forget all that God has done, is doing, and promises yet to do, but if we are meditating on what is PRAISEWORTHY we will be filled with ever-increasing gratitude and appreciation for God and His wondrous way, His lovingkindness (mercy) and His faithfulness (Psalm 92:1-2, Romans 12:1-2).

    We go through many struggles and hardships in our lives, but through it all God is more than willing to supply His abundant peace, all He is asks of us is to give over our worries and anxieties, ask Him for His help, and keep our minds thinking on what is good (Colossians 3:1-17) so we can daily quench the fiery darts of the devil (Ephesians 6:16, James 4:7).

    Our gracious Father is ready, willing, and able to provide His peace! Are you willing to give your worries to God in exchange for His perfect peace? Are you ready and willing to learn and meditate on all the good and proper things that God has provided in His word so you can maintain His perfect peace? Let’s determine today to trust God more, to believe His promises (Hebrews 11:6), and flourish even more in peace!

You can do it! So can I!!

Flourishing Even More - in Peace with God

    It is time for new study, something more we can flourish in, let’s now try to flourish even more in 2024 in peace. If the Lord wills, over the next few weeks we will study to gain a better understanding of peace so that we can truly “seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14) as God commands. We will look at all things that pertain to it: how to attain it, how to maintain it, and how to be at peace with God, our brethren, and mankind.

    For today, I would like you to consider these two verses that command us to pursue peace:

“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (1 Timothy 2:22 NKJV)

“Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.” (1 Peter 3:11 NKJV)

    In both of these passages we are given instruction to turn and run away from evil, and eagerly seek after peace. The peace spoken of in both these verses means 'being at one again.' When we sin we are no longer ‘at one’ with God (consider Isaiah 59:1-2), we have followed after something in the opposite direction from God (James 1:14-15).

    Jesus is our peace (please take the time today to read Ephesians 2), it is Jesus’ sacrifice that grants us access to the Father so we may come boldly to the throne of grace and obtain mercy and find grace (Hebrews 4:16); it is only through His willing sacrifice that we can be forgiven (1 John 1:5-10), when we wholly repent* of our sin.

*Repent means to: recognize you are lost in sin, regret what you have done, resolve to turn your back on sin and sinful habits, reform your life to keep from sin, and return to your Father, wholly submitting to His will (borrowed from my Dad’s sermon yesterday morning)

    If you are not a Christian and realize you have sinned, you need to repent of your sin and be baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:26-29, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38), because every spiritual blessing, including redemption and forgiveness of sins, are only found in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14). When you are baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3-4), it is described as being buried with Him into death (putting to death and burying the sinful person you were) and just as Jesus was raised by the glory of the Father, you too are raised to walk in “newness of life” – with a clean slate – a new life in which you learn to choose God and His way every day (alongside those who also call on the Lord out of pure heart, 2 Timothy 2:22-26) instead of the ways of the devil (1 John 2:15-17, 5:18-20).  

    If you are a Christian and realize you have sinned you need to repent of your sin and run to God and confess your sin to Him; He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

    We are no longer to be participating in sin – Jesus died to redeem us from the bondage of sin and grant us peace with our Father, why would we choose to return to the destructive ways of sin when we have access to restorative peace with God? Appreciate Jesus’ sacrifice and joy in your peace with God! Turn from evil, abhor it and its ways, and cling to God and His way (consider Romans 6:1-23, 12:9, and Ephesians 4:17-24)!

    Jesus provided the way – take it! Make your life right with God! If you need to come to the Lord or come back to the Lord, let today be the day!!

You can do it! So can I!!

If you would like to talk more about how to become a Christian
please email me – I would love to talk to you about it!

I've written a Bible study/devotional book for women titled, Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs, and it is available in the United States, direct from the publisher: Gospel Armory Publishing 

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Flourishing in Fruit: Our Conduct is Our Fruit (Part 2)

The Fruit of Righteousness   

    In our last lesson we learned about the fruit of repentance and how Paul’s rebuke (see 1 Corinthians 5) led the Corinthian brethren to bear that fruit (2 Corinthians 7:8-12). I believe we can also conclude that the Corinthians went on to bear the fruit of righteousness, because Hebrews 12:11 teaches us that God’s chastening yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness by those who are trained by it. When we are corrected by God (through His word, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 1:16-17) and allow ourselves to be molded and trained by what He says – repenting by removing the bad and implementing the good (just as the Corinthians brethren did) – then we, too, can go on to develop the fruit of righteousness!

    In Philippians 1:9-11 we read Paul’s prayer for the brethren in Philippi:

• that their love might abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment (v9)
• that they might approve the things that are excellent (v10)
• that they may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ (v10)
• be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God (v11)

    Righteousness is doing what is approved by God. For example: walking in love (Ephesians 5:1-7, 1 John 4:7-11), walking in the light (John 3:16-21, Ephesians 5:8-14), and walking in wisdom (Ephesians 5:15-21). It is the daily, ongoing determination to obey God’s commands and instructions (1 John 3:7), not our own notions of what we think is “right’ or ‘good’ (consider 1 Corinthians 10:2-3). Read and think on 1 John 2:3-6; if we walk just as Jesus walked and follow His steps (1 Peter 2:20-24) we can be sure of the path - and God will be glorified!

“He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honour.” (Proverbs 21:21 NKJV)

    Another needed part for the production of this fruit is found in James 3:18; there James tells us that the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (James 3:18). He states this truth immediately after talking of the untamable tongue and the need for wisdom that comes from above (Hebrews 3:1-17); a wisdom that teaches us good conduct (good fruit production) by purifying our hearts/minds of cursing, bitter envy, and self-seeking.

    God’s wisdom enables us to live in peace (and contentment, Philippians 4:4-13), because when we walk uprightly (Psalm 37:37), we can be at peace with God (1 John 1:9, Acts 8:21-24) and with man (Matthew 5:22-26, 44-48, Ephesians 4:26-27). We are to pursue peace with all people (Hebrews 12:14, Romans 12:18, 1 Timothy 2:1-4), without it we cannot hope to see God. If we want to be aligned with God, we must ask Him for wisdom (James 1:5) and use that wisdom to develop the fruit of righteousness (Ephesians 5:17)!

    What you do is your fruit. What are you doing?  

    Do you recall God to your mind each morning, ask Him for wisdom, and determine to walk with careful consideration of His commands and instructions throughout your day? Do you do your very best to learn what is right in God's sight by reading and studying His word and by putting it into practice; making it an ongoing effort throughout your lifetime so you can abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment (Hebrews 5:14)? Do you train yourself to recall God's instructions to your mind and follow them so that you can walk in sincerity and without offence and live in peace with Him and with mankind? These choices will encourage the fruit of righteousness to develop and flourish in our lives!

You can do it! So can I!!

 

"God of... Peace"

    The description of God we are looking at this week is one that is only used in the New Testament: God of peace.

peace is the Greek word, eirene (Strong’s #G1515), means to join together into a whole, wholeness.

‘God of peace’ means that the Lord is the author and promoter of wholeness.

    Used six times* in the N.T. this description of God may, at first glance, seem insignificant and simply a term Paul (and the Hebrew writer) liked to use, but if we take a closer look at each usage I think we will discover something of significant value.

*Romans 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 4:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 13:20-21, and “Lord of peace” found in 2 Thessalonians 3:16, which I decided to include in this study, as it is used only once.

    This is what I have learned from these verses:

When will our God of peace act?   

• When we need to withdraw from disorderly (idle, undisciplined, unruly) brethren who do not walk as the apostles gave example/instruction (context of 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Matthew 18:15-20)
• When we note those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine and need to turn away from (avoid) them (context of Romans 16:20)
• When we obey the command to “be of one mind and live in peace” and humbly hear correction, learn to acknowledge our sins, and seek God with repentant hearts (context of 2 Corinthians 13:11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• When we give our anxieties to God, ask for His help, train our minds to focus on thankfulness and whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy, and follow Paul’s example and instruction (as he followed Christ, 1 Corinthians 11:1, 1 John 2:3-6, context of Philippians 4:9)
• When we need to do our part and also patiently help those who are unruly, fainthearted, and weak (context of 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Romans 12:1-2; 9-21)
• God has done, and continues to do, His part and He wants to bless us when we do our part in humble, submissive obedience (context of Hebrews 13:20, John 3:14-21)

What will our God of peace do?

• He will give you peace always and in every way (2 Thessalonians 3:16, Philippians 4:6-7)
• He will crush Satan under your feet shortly (Romans 16:20)
• He will be with you (1 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 4:9)
• He will sanctify you completely; our whole spirit soul, and body preserved blameless at Jesus’ coming (set you apart, 1 Thessalonians 5:23)
• He will make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 13:20-21)

    We serve a God who is whole and wants us to be whole in Him. When we do what He asks we can be at peace with Him and in following His instructions we can, as much as depends on us, live in peace with our brethren and our neighbours. God has provided all we need to do this! Let’s be of one mind, follow His commands, and learn to live in the wholesome peace He grants us.

You can do it! So can I!! 

Fix It So You Can Flourish: Are You Repaying Evil or Regarding Good?

    I've been thinking a lot lately on Romans 12. It's a great chapter, jam-packed with great instructions and so much information to meditate on! This week in our "Fix It So You Can Flourish' series, I would like you to consider Romans 12:17-18:

"Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." (NKJV)

    Have you heard this before: "Don't sink to their level."  This phrase (which I heard often growing up) always brought an image to my mind of people standing in thick, slimy mud - the more upset they got, the more they struggled, the further they would sink into the mud.

    It's a simple statement that restates the biblical admonition we find in Romans 12:17 - "repay no one evil for evil." It's an instruction telling us to not 'follow suit.' Do not sling the mud back at the mud-slinger.

    God requires us to be different (Romans 12:2). He desires for us to choose His way - a path different from the common heavily traveled one we find in the world. How do we walk on this good pathway? By having regard for good things in the sight of all men!

    God does not want us wasting our mental energies on retaliation plans (Micah 2:1) or thinking up the perfect thing to say that 'would put them in their place.' God does not want us abusing our verbal skills by uttering hurtful/harmful/hateful words (Ephesians 4:29-32, Titus 3:2, James 3:9-10). Instead, God wants us to hone our skills in thinking on and speaking up with suggestions that provide good in all situations.

    Rather than adding to the negativity of any situation (our own or that of others), God wants us to offer a suggestion that will bring resolution and peace. God does not want us to be part of the problem, He wants us to be part of the solution!

"If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men."

    Plain and simple - If it is possible live peaceably with all men. The important bit is the 'as much as depends on you.' All interaction is akin to a tennis match - a game of back and forth. When you have a negative, hurtful interaction and the 'ball' is in your court ("as much as depends on you" - your response is a big factor in how the game will play out!) you have the choice to either hit back with the same behaviour/words that are hurting you (repay evil for evil) OR provide good to the situation by responding with grace, mercy, and kindness -     

    Romans 12 finishes with a clear instruction in verse 21:

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

    So from this day onward, provide good. Build your skills in peacemaking and use your mental prowess to develop good suggestions that could make for peace. And as much as it depends on you, step skillfully and carefully out of the mud puddle and help your companion out of it too!

    Leave the rest up to God. Go to Him in prayer, ask for wisdom (James 1:5). He will help you if you desire to obey His instructions. God is AWESOME like that!! :)

    If you have been in the habit of repaying evil for evil - or simply dwelling on imaginary scenarios that revolve around such - please consider the instructions in Romans 12 and fix it so you can flourish! Read, study, and pray to better appreciate the grace and mercy God continues to extend to you each day, so that you can extend it, yourself, more willingly to others! Grace and mercy enables good solutions to flourish and good solutions bring glory to God (Matthew 5:16, Titus 3:8)! Are you ready to flourish in your regard for good?

You can do it! So can I!!

Those Who Call on The Lord Out of a Pure Heart

“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace 
WITH THOSE WHO CALL ON THE LORD OUT OF A PURE HEART.” 
(2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV)

    We have spent time this year in understanding what righteousness, faith, love, and peace look like and we learned why it is so important to obey this command and continually pursue these so we can live righteously, faithfully, in love, and at peace.

    We are to pursue these things with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

    We have recently learned that ‘calling on the Lord’ is appealing to God for help, for guidance, for worship; fully acknowledging Him as supreme in authority, to the point that we desire to be named after Him/His Son --> “Christian” (Acts 11:26). We can rightfully wear the name Christian when we are IN CHRIST, part of His body, the church (Ephesians 5:23, Colossians 1:18).

IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE: How do we get INTO Christ? We must not only believe in Jesus, we must not only repent of our sins, we must not only confess our faith, we must also be baptized for the remission of our sins. Many churches today do not teach the necessity of baptism, teaching instead that it is merely a sign to show others that we’ve already been saved. The problem with that teaching is that the Bible says otherwise. Please read 1 Peter 3:18- 21 – BAPTISM saves us! Sounds rather necessary, doesn’t it? This act, if done in faith, is the point that we obey God fully, and it is the point when God washes our sins away. Why else would Ananias, who was directly instructed by Jesus to inform Saul of Tarsus of what he must do, instruct Saul to “arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16)? Faith alone won’t save us. Repentance alone won’t save us. Confession alone won’t save us. Even baptism alone won’t save us. But when put together, in full obedience to the only God of this universe, we can be saved because His Son, Jesus Christ, died for our sins, allowing us to be forgiven by God’s grace. That’s what the message of salvation in Jesus Christ sounds like as found in the Bible.  That is how you are granted the name “Christian,” that is how you become part of the body of Christ (in Christ), the church (Romans 6:1-14, Galatians 3:26-29, Colossians 2:11-14)!

“THOSE WHO CALL ON THE LORD OUT OF PURE HEART”

    We have learned that having a pure heart means to have a heart that is innocent, sanctified, and set apart to God, a heart that is morally pure. So, I draw the conclusion, that those who seek God, who make appeal to Him, and have hearts that are morally pure and innocent (whose sins have been “washed” away) are the very same who make up His church. We are to flee youthful lusts and pursue after righteousness, faith, love, peace with the church belonging to God’s very Son, the church He established in Acts 2! We are to help one another flee sin and pursue God and all His ways!

Consider now, this passage: 

“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love for the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.” (1 Peter 1:22-23 NKJV)

    We purify our souls in obeying the truth (see note above), and we are to love one another sincerely and fervently with a pure heart. When we love one another sincerely and fervently, we will be willing to encourage and correct in order to benefit the other (Ephesians 4:19, James 5:19-20). When this is done with a pure heart, godly wisdom should be what guides our words (James 1:5, 3:13-18, Ephesians 4:12-16), because we appeal to the God of heaven, the only source for true wisdom! And having been born again (please read John 3:1-7, baptism IS necessary!) of incorruptible seed – see 1 John 3:1-3 – through the word of God, we purify ourselves, keeping ourselves pure through continued learning, obedience, and appeal to God through prayer and thanksgiving!

    Continue to flee youthful lusts as you grow up in Christ (Ephesians 4:15-16). Continue to pursue righteousness (living right before God, humbly obeying all His commands), faith (without it, it is impossible to please Him, Hebrews 11:6), love (selflessly seeking the higher good for others, to be a benefit to others), and peace (with God and with man). Allow members of the church to help you and look for ways to help them too (Galatians 6:9-10). We are all in this together!! Keep trying! Don’t give up!!

    God provides all you need to succeed!! Do it His way – it is always worth every effort!! What you’ll get in return is unfathomable – blessings upon blessings!! Continue to pursue God today!!

You can do it! So can I!!