“You May Have Peace” Part Five

This divine concern reaches into the temporal details of our lives. No child of God should ever become unduly anxious about the provision of his daily necessities. Jesus made this abundantly plain in His memorable Sermon on the Mount.

Pointing to the wildflowers blooming about Him, He said, “If God so clothe the grass of the field…shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?…for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:30-33).

What peace of mind we all would have if we followed this precious counsel! Of course, it does not mean that we should be slothful in our business arrangements, for indolence and improvidence are forbidden by other equally forceful passages of Scripture; but it does mean that we should cease from worrying so much about temporal matters and trust more confidently in the loving-kindness of God toward us.

To overburdened Martha, Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41, 42).

In so saying He did not mean to minimize the importance of home duties. He knew that such work has to be done. But He saw that Martha was more concerned with the housework that with God’s work. She was rushed and bothered because she thought she had no time to be with Jesus. Had she taken but a few moments to talk with Him, her soul would have been set at rest. It was a matter of putting first things first—and she had put them last.

Taking a little time now and thin to think about God and to talk with Hi is one of the surest ways of keeping your mind at peace.

If you know you are overwrought, nervous, quick-tempered, worried, it may well be because you are not praying enough. Communion with God is the most soul-calming force known. It will lift you out of the wild hurly-burly of a busy life into the serenity that surrounds His throne. It will correct your perspective and give events, people, and things their proper value. It will help you to realize that “the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Of course, it is easy to tell ourselves that there isn’t time to pray, what with the keen pace of modern life and radio, television, newspapers, and magazines, filling every vacant moment. Yet the more rushed life is, the more crowded our daily program, the more we need God. And if we would have His peace, we must find time to pray. Indeed, we must learn to bring all things to Him in prayer. As the apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6, R.S.V.)

With what result? “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (verse 7).

So, peace of mind is possible. God has made provision for it. It is one of the rich gifts of His love. You may have it if you want it. And you may have it now.

From “Your Bible and You”, by Arthur S. Maxwell, pg. 145-147

 

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“Abide In Christ”, Andrew Murray (Audio Book)

As you listen to this beautiful book, let the Holy Spirit open you to a new and blessed experience in fellowship and communion with Christ.

 

“Wholly For Christ”

Christ died for everyone…so that those who receive His new life will no longer live to please themselves. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Paul describes here a threefold life. First, the life of the Christian who lives according to his old nature: for himself alone. The second, the life of the true Christian: he lives wholly for Christ. Third, the life of Christ in heaven: He lives wholly for us.

We need to be convinced of the foolishness of living only for ourselves. At conversion we focus more on our own salvation and less on the claim that Christ has on us. Many Christians continue to live for themselves, content with doing little for the Master. Happiness comes to the believer who realizes the privilege of consecrating one’s life entirely to God.

The great hindrance to such a life is the unbelief which says it is impossible. But when the truth takes hold–Christ in heaven lives for me and will impart His life to me–then we know that He will enable us to live wholly for Him.

May this be your earnest desire, your prayer, and your firm expectation: Christ has not only died for me but lives in heaven to keep me, His purchased possession. Christ will keep you as a member of His Body, to work and live for Him. Pray for grace to live completely for God, whether in sharing with unbelievers or in serving His people. Take time to be united with Christ in prayer so that you can say with all your heart: I live wholly for Him.

From “God’s Word For Growing In Prayer: Devotional Thoughts On Talking With God”, Compiled From The Works Of Andrew Murray, pg. 30

 

 

“The Spirit Of Love”

For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. Romans 5:5

Is it impossible for a Christian to live this life of love? Often we make little progress in this spirit of love because of our unbelief and lack of faith in God’s promises.

We need continually to remind ourselves that it is not in our own strength that we can reach the love of Christ. The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts daily by the Spirit of God. It is only as we are wholly surrendered to the Spirit that we will be able to live according to God’s will. When the inner life of love is renewed from day to day, we shall love others.

You can pray with Paul: “When I think of the wisdom and scope of God’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father… that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will give you mighty inner strength through His Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love really is” (Ephesians 3:14-18). You may know this love on one condition: You must be strengthened by the Spirit so that Christ may dwell in your heart.

Take this message from God’s Word. Unless you are on your knees you cannot live in this love. A life of prayer will make a life of love to Christ, other Christians, and those without Christ a reality in your experience.

From “God’s Word For Growing In Prayer: Devotional Thoughts On Talking With God”, Compiled From The Works Of Andrew Murray, pg. 24

Handling Emotions

Jesus knows how it feels when we struggle with our emotions. He was a human like us and there were times when He felt negative emotions. But His relationship with the Father kept Him from giving in to them. If you would like to stop giving into your destructive feelings, learn how to give them to Jesus in this study.

Handling Emotions

Bible lessons are from “Real Time Faith” study guides.