Peace of God

Before Jesus was born, the prophet wrote about Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 : For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

If you are troubled by anything that has happened or is happening in your life, then this message is for you: Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Peace and rest is found in Jesus alone; and He is the Answer to the storms that you are facing in your life. 

If you have not yet experienced His salvation, you can come to Him, believing Jesus is the Son of God. And He will wash all your sins away, grant you a new Life here on earth that will last forever.

For those who have believed in Jesus, I say, know that we have a High Priest in Jesus Christ, not in the Levitical order of priesthood, but of a higher order- according to the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 5:6). Melchizedek means King of righteousness; and he was the king of Salem- meaning peace. And Jesus is a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek-He is the Prince of Peace. Now in this light, see that we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses… Jesus wants us to have His peace in all our circumstances and situations. Bless Your children LORD with Your peace!

Jesus spoke to His disciples: Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give you to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. [John 14:27].

If your heart is troubled today, let this verse speak peace to you; it is what Jesus is giving to you. He is able for he is the Prince of Peace; He is willing to give to you that peace that only He can! If you have never experienced His peace, it is time first to experience peace with God.

Once we were far away from God… we had our own plans, own will and own agenda. But through faith in the precious blood of Jesus, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification, we have been brought near to God. Now, through our belief, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).

We have been justified not by our ‘good works’. People of this world have problems in accepting the imputed righteousness that comes by belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. They think that one has to strive and undergo penance and pilgrimage, along with good works, to somehow earn salvation. But the good news is that: Jesus died for our sins, He rose again to justify us; we have been declared righteous because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross. If you believe that you have peace with God.

Now do not stay in the place of peace with God; but go on to experience peace of God.

Jesus specifically spoke of troubles that His disciples would face. But added: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

His peace is for us-a peace even in the midst of tribulations of this world; a peace that passes all human understanding; a peace that is found IN Jesus alone. This is the peace of God that is given to us. It is wonderful to be saved and experiencing peace with God; but let me explain to you 5 practical steps that you may take to appropriate this peace of God in your lives.

1. Pray

Phil. 4: 6, 7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Let your requests, (general and specific,) be made to God (through prayer and supplication, respectively). I love this verse in Philippians, because the whole imagery that crops up in your mind, as you read this verse by Paul, is that of security- a security that comes because of the peace of God. He writes that the peace of God will GUARD our hearts and minds… a peace that surpasses all understanding. You may have seen the bigwigs, political and otherwise, surrounded by armed guards for their security. We have something better as believers, that will guard our hearts- yes, it is the peace of God.

Abandon your worries, and let anxieties cease- as you cast your burdens on the Lord in prayer and supplication. He cares for you-this is the reason why you should cast your burdens on to Him (1 Peter 5:7); do not go about your life thinking that nobody cares! Let thanksgiving abound as you experience the peace of God; gain the insight that He holds the future and He will surely make a way.

2. Believe in God

Jesus said: Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. (John 14:1)

Have faith in God. We may not see with natural eyes what God is working in our lives. And we cannot see what will happen tomorrow. But today, experience the peace of God in believing. And let not your heart be troubled.

His word is truth; His promises sure. His thoughts are higher and His works marvellous in our eyes. While you wait for the answer, believe and experience the peace of God. Begin thanksgiving even today-even before you see the answer to your prayer.

3. Walk in God’s ways

You cannot go about doing your ‘routine’ if it is not pleasing in God’s eyes. If God is looking for changes in your doings, here is the rule to measure it- the peace of God. At times, when we are at the wrong place, or in the company of wrong-doers, or when you are looking for a life-partner, look for the peace of God in your hearts. For if it is not of God’s will, He withdraws His peace from within us; and we can know that we are in the danger zone. Col. 3:15 says: And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

So, in those times, when you experience a lack of peace in your hearts, heed the warning signal of God; look for what is wrong in your life- and avoid that place, or peers or a wrong relationship, against which God is warning you. Do not go on and fall into a ditch. Be thankful for the peace of God and let it rule your heart always.

4. Ask for the heavenly wisdom

James 3:17 goes like this: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

If you read the previous verses of this chapter, the Bible also talks about earthly, sensual and demonic wisdom. This kind of earthly wisdom is self-seeking, envious and bitter. In your workplace, you will find that people play politics; they gossip for a devious cause and try to make you stumble-and the world thinks that this kind of people who do that are street-smart! Hypocrisy, to them, is not bad at all!

But for us as believers, God’s wisdom is also God’s peace. Short term gains can never compensate what God has planned for those who trust Him. Be gentle and merciful, without hypocrisy in your God-given wisdom. Let peace continue…

5. Seek peace with fellow-men

1 Peter 3:11 encourages us: …turn away from evil and do good; … seek peace and pursue it.

Peter is talking about peace in our relationships. Start with people you are close to-your spouse. Do you seek peace in your relationship? Do not just seek peace, but also pursue peace! What about your relationship with your family members-maybe your children, or your father or mother, or brothers and sisters? The rule is the same: Seek peace and pursue it. Do good!

Also look at Romans 12:18 that says: If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Seek peace with your neighbours; peace in your workplace. Jesus said to His disciples during that Sermon on the Mount: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

If you read further in Matt. 5, we can know who the ‘peace-makers’ are-they are those that love their enemies, and pray for those who persecute them. Show love to all unconditionally; for we are sons of our Father in heaven and sons of peace.

Let me close with the benediction found in 2 Thess. 3:16: Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. Amen.

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph)

Responsibility of God's people - to PRAY!

(Message on 16 Aug 2009 by Pastor Philip Joseph at NLF, Vashi. Developed from what I recall on Monday... may not match word to word, but must convey the spirit of the message. Happy reading!)

Yesterday, August 15 was the Independence day. I was praying for our nation and for God's word... and God impressed upon my heart this verse. Let us turn to the familiar verse in II Chronicles 7:13,14 "When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

We have a special privilege as God's people; a thing that others can't do; a value-addition - an unique gifting that ONLY WE, can accomplish in our country, India - TO PRAY and SEEK GOD'S FACE on behalf of our nation. "When I shut up heaven and there is no rain..." - Look around at the situation in Maharashtra and other states that are expecting monsoon... The government is on the verge of declaring this year as a drought year! There is insufficient rain... Farmers have sown their seeds; they wait for the rain - for a crop and harvest! When rain fails, their hearts sink, their hopes fade and some farmers even go to the extent of taking their own lives! We can hear about these things, see them on news channels and yet be indifferent to their plight! We can just talk to God of - Me, myself and my family - Bless, bless and bless! Let the government do whatever it can to alleviate the pain of farmers! Let the scientists do whatever they can for cloud-seeding and artificial rain! But, WE can stand up as God's chosen people, take responsibility and claim God's promise according to this verse and PRAY for the rains! Yes, it's a land filled with idols and worthy of God's judgement - but we - who are called by His name, are here, and we entreat our God to have mercy, to forgive our sin and to heal the land! Jesus said "...(God) sends the rain on the just and the unjust" (Mat. 5:45). Still, about a month is left before the monsoon season ends! God, who is in heaven, (if only we would PRAY) will hear our prayers!

The verse 13 also talks of 'pestilence' - meaning an epidemic disease; now in Mumbai and elsewhere in India, there is a lot of attention to 'swine flu'; a sort of plague, that kills. You can see many moving around in fear - wearing a mask. But WE are called to exercise FAITH! God has promised in Exodus 15:26 "...I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you" (Jehovah Rophe). That He will make a difference between God's people - called by His name, and others. (Ex. 11). I'm not saying 'Don't wear a mask!' - well, if the Government says so and if the doctors advise it, go ahead... but what I'm saying is that we have a protection that is better than all masks! In Psalm 91, we read "No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling" (Ps. 91: 10) and "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways" (v11). The Lord who heals - that who He is! 'If there is a pestilence in the land, and if my people - who are called by My name... pray and seek My face... I will heal the land' - That's God's promise. We know how He turned away the plague of the Egyptians overnight... The same God will hear us too!

Turn with me to Jer. 29:7. "And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace". Here Jeremiah the prophet writes to the people of Israel who are in a foreign land - Babylon, where they are held captive. Yet, he instructs God's people to '...pray to the Lord' for the city and 'seek the peace of the city'. We too can think of praying to God for peace in this city - Mumbai; for communal harmony, for inter-state harmony. We thank God for India - one of the developing countries not facing recession; while quite a few developed nations face it! We can seek the welfare of those around us and pray for them - seek the welfare of our country and pray for it!

In I Timothy 2:1,2, Paul exhorts a young Timothy, "first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." In the earlier chapter (ch. 1), Paul talks of how Timothy's conduct should be and how he conducts himself! But in starting ch. 2, Paul clearly instructs that "...first of all...supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made...for all men... and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life..." We thank God for freedom to proclaim the good news (giving of thanks)! We have the state elections coming up soon! We can get involved and PRAY to God for the election results before it happens!! That God would reinstate a secular government (intercession)! Else, we would be a mere 'spectator' once the results are out. God is not looking for 'spectators', but for 'participators' - people who get involved by praying for those in authority; praying for all men and leaders! We can pray that God would endow our leaders with wisdom and vision! (supplication).

In 3 John 1:2, apostle John says "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in good health, just as your soul prospers". It is God's desire that WE prosper in all things and be in good health. Not just spiritually, but also in material things... just as our soul prospers! Here John is writing (to Gaius)... that he is praying for Gaius to prosper... We too can learn to pray for the prosperity of God's people; pray for the prosperity of the nation. For in the progress and prosperity of the nation, we too will have prosperity. We can pray to God for people who have lost their jobs - that God will provide them jobs and meet all their needs; that God's people called by His name, will prosper in all things and be in good health...

Finally, WE can pray for revival. Throughout history we see that every revival is preceded by prayer of God's people. In Matt 9:37-38, Jesus said "...The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest". We are called to be concerned and prayerful regarding revival... How about Vashi or Navi Mumbai? If we want to see the harvest, we can start praying for this place. When we see our neighbours and colleagues, we can be concerned of them too... apart from exchanging simple pleasantries. We can pray that God use us at every oppurtunity to be his laborer. God is looking for laborers, saying "Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?" Like Isaiah, we say, "Here I am Lord, Send me". The responsibility of sharing the gospel is given to Us - human beings; and not to any angels. Even a just man like Cornelius, an angel appeared and only instructed that he call for Peter, who in turn shared the Gospel to Cornelius.

Even in a city like Mumbai, in one part of the city, we see people coming to the Lord daily in dozens (in the western suburbs); a new house group being formed every day. Young people taking up the responsibility of leading the house-group. How can it NOT happen here? If we do not stand up and be counted, what is the use of many people coming into God's fold here? Who will lead and guide them? He's the same God, answering the prayers of his people... If we pray, we can see a revival here!

Finally, let me sum up -
WE can pray for the rains and God will give the rains and the harvest;
WE can pray for the pestilence and God will heal the land;
WE can pray for the peace of the city
WE can pray for leaders and those who are in authority
WE can pray for prosperity and good health
WE can pray for revival in this nation.
God bless you.