peacewithgod – herbcotton.org

Do You Know How to Live A Worry Free Life in A Troubled World?

Today’s Bowl of Encouragement byHerb Cotton

Somebody is Praying for You Today

Bible Text for Today’s Meditation and Application:

Psalm 23:4 King James Version (KJV)

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

My Reflections on the Word of God Today:

The Bible instructs God’s people that we should not give space to worry in our life. We were not made to bear the burdens of the world on our shoulders. Instead, the Bible encourages us to pray about everything and to trust in God for all of our needs.

Philippians 4:6-7 J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

6-7 Don’t worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and the peace of God which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus.

Why not take all of the worries that are on your mind, write them down on a piece of scrap paper, and bring them to some safe spot and burn them until they are ashes. Leave your worries figuratively speaking in the ash heap, and in exchange receive the peace that comes from abiding in Christ.

John 15:7 King James Version (KJV)

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you

John 14:27 King James Version (KJV)

27 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.

Oh, my friends, you who are Christ followers, draw near to God, and leave your worries in the hands of your Redeemer; Jesus the Messiah of God.

Prayer Offered to Our Father in Heaven:

Our Father in heaven, we are so thankful for the privilege we have to come into your presence and to live every day and all the day long in Your presence.

Father, by faith, we put our worries in Your hands, and in exchange, we receive Your peace in our heart. We are so grateful for the blessing of being able to live worry free with trouble all around us in this world. We receive your instructions to be of good cheer because You are in charge. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

John 16:33 King James Version (KJV)

33 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.

—

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The Path from Suffering to Glory

Text:

Psalm 22:1-5 (ESV)

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?

2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.

3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.

4 In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them.

5 To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

Observation:

The goodnews for the children of God is that we can see through the words of the prophetic the description of the suffering of Christ, and His glory foretold by David, who was a prophet of God.

Acts 2:29-31 (ESV)

29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.

30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne,

31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.

Those of us who are Christ followers should not expect for the circumstances in a fallen world to ever be perfect. As a friend often reminds me when discussing the troubles of this world, Herb, this is the world, not heaven”. By the way, Jesus said this about the troubles of this world.

John 16:33 (ESV)

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

As believers there is something we can do about the trouble, and darkness in the world today. Here is another word from the lips of Jesus.

Matthew 5:15-16 (ESV)

15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, help us to see the purpose in our troubles, and find peace in the glory that awaits us in our eternal dwelling place. Father, help us to remember these words.

2 Corinthians 5:7-8 (NLT)

7 For we live by believing and not by seeing.

8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.

In the precious, and royal name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

—

Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
¹¹ So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

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What Is the Condition of Your Mind?

Text:

Isaiah 26:3-4 (HCSB)

3 You will keep the mind ?that is? dependent ?on You? in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You.

4 Trust in the LORD forever, because in Yah, the LORD, is an everlasting rock!

Observation:

The condition of you mind depends upon who you are dependent on, and who you are putting your trust in.

Notice what the Bible says. God will keep the mind that is dependent on Him in perfect peace if that person is trusting in God. That is how I read the verse. How do you read it? Have you received it?

What you believe, and who you believe in, will determine the condition of your life.

No matter what you are going through in your life, there is nothing that is impossible with God.

Romans 3:3-4 (HCSB)

3 What then? If some did not believe, will their unbelief cancel God’s faithfulness?

4 Absolutely not! God must be true, even if everyone is a liar, as it is written: That You may be justified in Your words and triumph when You judge.

This is what God said through the voice of The Prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah 26:4 (HCSB)

4 Trust in the LORD forever, because in Yah, the LORD, is an everlasting rock!

Prayer:

Father God, I praise and honor you for your greatness and your goodness. Lord, I am so glad that you loved me first.

Father, I am so grateful that your love is forever. Father, I am so thankful that you give to your people perfect peace, and that peace is forever. I trust in You, and I depend upon you with my whole heart. We, the people of God, who agree, say a hearty and full throat, Amen.

—

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What Is Stealing Your Peace?

Text:

John 17:25-26 (HCSB)

25 Righteous Father! The world has not known You. However, I have known You, and these have known that You sent Me.

26 I made Your name known to them and will make it known, so the love You have loved Me with may be in them and I may be in them.

Observation:

The topic of today’s devotional brings to mind another question that is useful before considering the question posed by today’s title.

Do I have the peace of God living in me? This is a peace that God gives His people, and no one can take His peace from you.

Consider some of the things that cannot rob you of the peace of God:

pain
persecution
sickness
slander
hatred
lies

All of these things and more were faced by the servants of God. Additionally, they were faced by Jesus, and His disciples. Today, you may be facing one or more of these peace robbers.

Our focal passage is a portion of the prayer that Jesus prayed for His people, and that prayer includes you. I am so grateful that Jesus is praying for you and me.

John 17:20 (HCSB)

20 I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in Me through their message.

The peace of God is a gift from God with Your name written on it. Believe Him, and receive your blessing.

John 14:1 (HCSB)

1 “Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.

John 14:27 (HCSB)

27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, thank You for loving us with the same love that You loved Jesus.

Father, I thank You for pouring out Your love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit that You have given to us (Romans 5:5).

Father, I thank You that the Son that You so loved is also alive in our hearts.

Father, draw us nearer to You, and I pray that we would always remember the precious gifts that You have given us in Christ Jesus our Lord. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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Have You Received the Gift of Peace?

Text:

John 14:27 (HCSB)

27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.

Observation:

I had one of those light bulb type experiences when reading a devotional by Oswald Chambers recently. He said this, “The angels did not prophesy about peace; rather they proclaimed peace”.

Who are the recipients of this peace?

Luke 2:14 (HCSB)

14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!

Romans 5:1 (HCSB)

1 Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The peace of God is alive today in the hearts of God’s people who have the divine presence of Jesus living in them. Is Jesus alive in you?

I am so glad that I can sing with a confident faith in God the words of this old hymn of the church.

“I’m possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure,

Since Jesus came into my heart;

And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure,

Since Jesus came into my heart”,

There is nothing in this world sweeter than having peace with God, and having the peace of God ruling and reigning in our life. Do you know Him? Have you received Him?

Romans 5:1-2 (HCSB)

1 Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Prayer:

Father hallowed be Your name. Father, I am so grateful for the grace of God that provides the means for the war to cease, and for those who are unworthy to be made worthy by the precious and royal blood of Jesus the Messiah of God.

Father, I am so grateful that as a child of God, I have peace that no one can steal. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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Do You Desire to Have the Peace of God in Your Life?

Text:

Philippians 4:7-9 (HCSB)

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.

9 Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Observation:

I realize that some people don’t have any interest in God. There are some who believe there is no God. However, I associate myself with those who believe in God. This God loves and cares for people like you and me.

One of the things that this good God gives to His people is the peace of God. Notice what Paul says about this peace, “The peace of God … will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”.

Isaiah 26:3 (HCSB)

3 You will keep the mind ?that is? dependent ?on You? in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You.

Paul writes to the church at Corinth this encouragement concerning what we can do to cooperate with God’s work in our hearts and minds.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (HCSB)

5 and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ.

How are you doing, with the aid and assistance of the Holy Spirit, in taking every thought captive to obey Christ?

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I am so thankful for the office work of the Holy Spirit of God in helping us to win the battle against the forces that would rob us of our joy and peace. Father, I pray that the God of peace will be in each of us. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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What Do You Say About Living & Dying?

Text:

Philippians 1:21-26 (HCSB)

21 For me, living is Christ and dying is gain.

22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose.

23 I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ—which is far better—

24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.

25 Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,

26 so that, because of me, your confidence may grow in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.

Observation:

This is what the Apostle Paul said about living and dying.

Philippians 1:21 (AMP)

21 For me to live is Christ [His life in me], and to die is gain [the gain of the glory of eternity].

The phrase from this verse that resonates with me is, “For me to live is Christ”. Yes, Christ alive; living in me gives me a reason to be hopeful, and fruitful. There are two hymns that I am singing in my heart.

“Living for Jesus, a life that is true,

Striving to please Him in all that I do;

Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,

This is the pathway of blessing for me.”

When Jesus lives in you and me we can’t help but have His character reflected in our living and our service.

“Lord, help me live from day to day

In such a self-forgetful way

That even when I kneel to pray

My prayer shall be for others.”

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, I thank You for providing the divine presence of Jesus in the hearts of Your people. Father, help us, and empower us to live for Christ in this present world. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

—

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What to Do When You Run Out of Energy?

Text:

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Observation:

Living in this world exposes us to constantly changing circumstances. Things happen to us suddenly, and without any warning of them coming. We never know when trouble will knock at our door.

Life is hard, and we all have issues that can be overwhelming if we allow them to linger and grow.

Why not make a list of your problems, needs, concerns, and anything else that causes you to fret and worry; things that rob you of your energy, and passion for God.

The answers to our problems and concerns are found in a person. It requires getting our focus off our situation, and placing it in the hands of our Savior.

Listen to the words of His invitation, “Come to me”. He will take the load that is too heavy for us, and exchange it for His yoke, which is well suited for us.

The promise of Jesus is this, “I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Let’s examine the rest that Jesus provides to His people. First, He provides peace with God.

Romans 5:1 (ESV)

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Second, He provides us with the peace of God.

Philippians 4:6-8 (HCSB)

6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. I am so thankful for the unfiltered access we have to You. We acknowledge that You are holy and righteous in all Your ways.

Father, we need Your help so that we can know your will, and have the power to do it.

Father, grant us the peace that only You can provide. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

—

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How to Have Peace in Bad Circumstances

Text:

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 (ESV)

16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write.

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Observation:

I like seeing the big picture before I get the details. I also appreciate a concise summary. Today the one word is peace. Is it possible to have peace in this troubled world? Let’s think about it together.

Today’s focal passage works for me. I get what the Apostle Paul wrote in concluding his letter to the church at Thessalonica. He left them with three encouraging messages.

Benediction – Verse 16
Final Greeting – Verse 17
Prayer for Grace – Verse 18

The Apostle Paul had a great affection for the people he wrote this letter to. The keyword in our focal passage is peace. People who are under persecution need peace. Notice the words Paul used, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times”.

Earlier in the letter Paul said this about them:

2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 (ESV)

3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.

4 Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.

These people were people of faith, and in the midst of the persecution, their faith was growing; also, their love for one another was growing.

The people who God lives in have faith, love for one another, and the peace of God all the time. The peace that God gives no one can take from you. Does the Lord of peace live in you?

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven.

Father, I pray that Your people will learn to trust in You with their whole heart, and draw nearer and nearer to the Lord of peace, who can give us peace all the time, and in every way. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.