Feels Like Christmas - Peace
The PROMISE of PEACE.
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth PEACE to those on whom his favor rests.”
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth PEACE to those on whom his favor rests.”
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
And we KNOW that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose.
And we KNOW that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose.
How can you EXPERIENCE peace even when you don’t FEEL it?
During times of UNCERTAINTY God gets our UNDIVIDED attention.
Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
REFLECT on God’s GOODNESS and MERCY in your life until your EMOTIONS catch up with that REALITY.
Philippians 4:5 (NIV)
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
REVEAL your REQUESTS to God.
Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
REVEAL your REQUESTS to God.
Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
PRAY until the PEACE comes.
Prayer isn’t about CONVINCING God to do MY will; it’s about SURRENDERING to HIS will.
John 14:25-27 (NIV)
“All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
“All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
PEACE is EXPERIENCED through the PRESENCE of the Holy Spirit.
PEACE is EXPRESSED through the POWER of the Holy Spirit.
PEACE is a PROMISE God keeps.
A simple formula for Peace:
PAUSE, PRAISE, PRAY = PEACE.
PAUSE, PRAISE, PRAY = PEACE.