Peace In Troubled Times

How is it possible to have peace in a time like this?

For this world has much trouble and is in turmoil. There are wars of many kinds; between nations and even in our own hearts and minds.

Jesus is the One who can calm the storms. Even the wind and waves obey Him. For through Him all things were created and will be reconciled.

We can have peace because He has authority over all things and He is good.

When we were lost in sin and without hope, He saw, heard our cries, and answered with His own life.

When we are struggling to provide, He will be our provider.

When our souls are downcast, He will remind us of His many great works of faithfulness.

He is Lord and He is our peace in troubled times. Sing joyfully you Him today and thank Him for His lovingkindness!

#mpwarrior

#heisourpeaceintroubledtimes

#heislord

This Christmas, take a moment to breathe and enjoy the gift that was given to you before you were even born.

Your biggest and most stressful problem you will ever face has already been solved in Jesus and His finished work at the cross. Don’t let that stress block the joy that is yours.

His word tells us:

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:18‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Any sufferings we face are nothing compared to the amazing gift we have in Christ!

Keep perspective as you fight the crowds/WiFi speeds searching for the “perfect gift” knowing that the One, True Perfect Gift has already come to save us from our sins.

#MPWarrior

#TheGreatestGiftIsJesus

#TheJoyIsYours

There are times when I can get sucked into a mode of busyness and begin to travel at Mach V. When this happens there is no peace. No peace ruling in me or in my relationships.

I act more like the energizer bunny than a human. The pace is not sustainable and is not healthy for me or my relationships.

I’ve noticed this pace happens when I don’t begin my day feasting on God’s word and spending time Him in prayer.

Jesus is the ultimate example of peace. When the storm is raging, He is able to rest deeply. When He knew one of his own disciple would sell Him out and the rest would abandon, He was at peace.

How is this possible when He knew the cross was before Him? His faith and trust in the Father’s plan was unwavering. He knew His mission, had built a vision to carry it out. He stuck to the plan and walked it out in faith. He didn’t run it out.

You were called to let that same peace rule in your hearts, to which you were called into one body. You are not alone in this endeavor. There is no self-made peaceful Christian. You need Christ and you need others.

Peace comes when we begin each day and moment with Christ at the center. When we feast in His word, we too, are able to understand our mission and build a vision to carry it out. This is even more powerful when we carry it out together with other believers.

In faith, we are the benefactors of the Lord’s peace. As we walk with Him and meditate on His mighty works, our thankfulness fills to overflowing. The peace of God that passes all understanding guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:7)

Let your schedule reflect your purpose. Don’t let it be filled by default or overpacked with mindless entertainment. Intentionally let the Lord’s peace rule in your heart. Make time for Him and carrying out your mission first and throughout the day.

#MPWarrior

#LetThePeaceOfChristRule

#ScheduleOnPurpose

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As always God’s word gives us good solid instruction:

Think on these:

Whatever is true
Whatever is noble
Whatever is right
Whatever is pure
Whatever is lovey
Whatever is admirable
If any excellence
If any praiseworthy
Then practice:

These are not individual to do’s but a reference and framework for Paul’s teaching.  Teaching without application is pointless.  The great commission even reminds us to “teach them to observe”.  The implication is that we are practicing them ourselves or how else could we teach the observing part?

We are shaped by what we take in, but even more by what we practice. What and who will you give permission to shape your thoughts and actions?  The news, Enquirer or the Holy Scriptures?   Do you want a life filled with drama or God’s peace?  The choice is yours. 

Reflection

Does your life seem like it’s filled with excessive drama?  Take a break from the news and negative.  There are plenty of people around you that could catch you up and most likely with less details. 

Start a reading plan of His word to begin taking in pure wholesome goodness daily!
Prayer

Father, thank you for your word and wisdom.  Grow in us a desire to drink deep and be transformed by it.  Confirm our minds in the image of Christ and take every thought captive.  May Your glory and goodness reign over our lives forever in Jesus, Amen!

Whether motived by greed or fear, we cling to that which is perishing rather than the Giver of Life.  Do not make the same mistake, repent and draw near to God.  

Read Acts 19:22-41

1) What things stand out to you in the text?

2) What challenges or questions do you have to have answered to understand this passage?

3) What’s the overall main idea?

4) What is the application for the original readers?

5) Howbfoes this passage apply for believers today and you personally?

May God bless you today as you received His word into your heart!

Our Father in heaven knows that once we taste His goodness we can never be the same.  We may slip and fall, but we will never be satisfied with anything other than His goodness ever again.  

May you come, taste, and see the goodness of our LORD; that you too may be filled to full measure and overflowing with joy!

#truthtalk4life

@brianfriedl

The answer to that focus lies in His precious word.  As we fully take in today’s dose of spiritual food, consider this:  The peace won for you through the blood of Jesus pleases the Father.  What a loving Father we have in Him, that He would give what was most precious in exchange for our freedom!

He desired our reconciliation with Him and His plan of salvation is perfect. Satisfying the law and pouring out grace simultaneously.  It is suffering and surrender that produced the ultimate joy and victory.  We have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness into His family!  Let that blow your mind and minister to your heart today!

Personal Reflection

Spend time reflecting on the depth of God’s love for you.  Read a gospel account of the crucifixion.  Let the cost of your freedom sink deeply into you mind and heart.  How deep the Father’s love for us!  Sing out loud, to Him, your own song of thank you and praise. Don’t worry about rhyming.  Just let your thoughts pour out in song.  What a joyful noise it is when the love in our hearts spill over to our lips in praise!

Prayer Focus

Father, you are the greatest Giver of all!   You have paid the greatest price that we might be free and unified with You in Your glorious Son Christ.  Fill our hearts today with Your Love that we may carry the truth of Your salvation with passion and boldness to every listening ear in the Name of Jesus, Amen!

#truthtalk4life

@brianfriedl

How quickly our emotions can shift. An anxious thought is like lighting a whole pack of firecrackers on the Fourth of July.  The overwhelming noise can consume us. 

Anxiety; however,  is no match for the peace and joy God has for us in Christ.  In the midst of the greatest turmoil, thoughts of Him delight straight through to our soul and turn chaos to a sea of tranquility.  

Personal Reflection

You may be thinking: So how do I get some of that or I’ve tried doing that but I’m still anxious.  Here are a few tips that have helped me in times of difficulty. 

You are not alone – God has promised that He will not leave you nor forsake His inheritance.  Sometimes anxiety is driven by the lie that we have to do it all by ourselves.  Here’s an experiment. Request to join our Journey In Prayer Facebook group and post a prayer request.   You will quickly see you’re not alone!

Cling to His Word – His Word has the power to transform our hearts in an amazing way. To give hope where there is none.  It is the truth that has stood the test of time. It brings life into any situation.  As quickly as our emotions can overwhelm us in anxiety so God’s Word can settle us into a place of peace. 

Worship & Praise – Notice when the Psalmist has trouble seeing God, he returns to the truth of His Word and gives Him praise.  Worshipping God for all He has done is medicine for your soul.  Feeling anxious?  Sing to the LORD and thank Him for all He has done in your life and praise Him for what He will do.  The greatest songs of praise are not on the radio, but the ones that burst forth from your heart to your Father in heaven.  Praise Him as He deserves; with your whole heart!

Prayer Focus

Father in heaven, help us when we look at the waves instead of looking into your eyes filled with love. Help us to fix our eyes on you and to remember all of what you’ve done.  For you are mighty and hear our cries. Nothing is impossible with you.  Remind us that you are with us, may your Spirit that lives in us Bring all things into rememberance from Your Word, and may we praise you today in the Name of Jesus, Amen!

This tells me that God’s plan in me is destined for success.  It’s hard to grasp some days how I can be pleasing to the LORD.  Then I remember Christ is my righteousness.  When God looks at me He sees His beautiful and perfect son who is working in and through us; his blood cleansing us from all unrighteousness and we rejoice!

Personal Reflection

We ought to rejoice in the knowledge of this great truth.  God is carrying out His perfect plan of redemption in and through us. The more I meditate on the grace and truth of Jesus, the more I am in awe of the perfect plan of our LORD.   Have you taken time to reflect on all that God is doing in your life?  How is your life different now, than when you first trusted in Christ?  How has He equipped you?  How is He working in you that which is pleasing to Him?

Prayer Focus

Gracious and loving God, we praise you that we are part of your plan of redemption. Equip us according to your will and good purposes that we may light your world with Jesus. May you fill our hearts with love for those in need and our lips with the truth they need to hear.  Grant us your favor that we may bring you glory forever, in Jesus’ Name, Amen! 

Rather than be anxious, pray with thanksgiving.  This is a simple solution but not easy.  When our emotions are in high gear our biggest enemy can be ourselves.  Running to prayer instead of emotion takes practice and usually requires some close brothers and sisters in Christ to help.

I have to confess I’m still working on this one.  Life can get overwhelming at times for a guy with 8 minor children in our home.  Praise God that he is patiently teaching us that He is faithful in all things at all times!

Personal Reflection 

Prayer is powerful because God is powerful. He hears the cries of His people and has compassion in them.  What causes you the most anxiety?  Pray today that God would lead you through and give you victory over that which tempts you to be anxious.  He desires that victory for you.  Seek out a solid believer to walk with you in this journey.

Prayer Focus

Heavenly Father, we cry out to you for help as our emotions take us on roller coasters sometimes.  We know in our minds that we need not worry yet fears are relentlessly trying to overtake us.  Firmly guard our minds with the truth of your Word.  Sanctify us with that truth.  Fix our minds on the solid foundation of Christ. In His Name we pray, Amen!

@brianfriedl

#noanxiety

#powerfulprayer

#truthtalk4life