BEFORE THE PEACE
We all are searching for something. That particular object, substance, or someone to enhance our lives. It may be a career, home, spouse, car or a better life. Before obtaining any new venture, there is a preparation process, things may need to be researched or accomplished before receiving whatever you are seeking. Peace will enhance life. The hunt for peace, at times, seems unattainable. Especially if your life is chaotic, full of stress and distress. Before peace can be pursued and preserved there are things you must know and realize.
There are three questions that must be addressed and answered. Who gives the present of peace (and so many other gifts)? Where are the instructions on how to keep the peace? Why is peace given? The three questions to give attention and to receive a correct response are: Who is God? What is the Word? Who are you?
Who is God?
God is so many things to us. It is difficult to describe all the roles God plays in our lives. At this time, I will address 4 major roles.
God is love. People will shake their heads and say I know. Tell me something I don’t know. But the truth is, the word love has been watered-down and recycled in the world’s definition. Today, love is synonymous with lust, selfishness, pride and control. God’s love is an unselfish, loyal, kind, generous, unconditional affection for us.
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 (KJV)
God the beginning and end. God was there in the beginning and will be here until the end. In our lives, God has been there in the beginning, middle and end. God knows all about past mistakes or failures, we have made. And He can clearly see our future. With this concept, we can rely on God to help us with our yesterdays, todays and tomorrows.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8King James Version (KJV)
God is our Almighty Father. There are many who grew up without a father, mother or any type of parent. Others who had fathers, but the male parent did not live up to the guardian role or desired role model. We must remember, be taught or realize we have a Father in heaven. Who is there for us and will never let us down.
… Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10 (KJV.)
6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV).
God gives gifts. Because God is love and our Father, He provides us with tokens of His affection. One specific present, He gives is unmerited, undeserved favor, which is grace. God grants us grace, not because we are good, because He is good.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8. (KJV).
In the Holy Bible, gifts are also described by fruits. Fruit is a result or reward from activity or action. God supplies us with His fruits because of His activity of love and His action of His affection.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV).
What is the Word?
God gives us an instruction manual, the Holy Bible. The Word are the scriptures that gives us, God’s instructions and directions. The Word is given to learn about God, life and ourselves.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV).
The Word will teach the power of God.
… Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? Mark 12:24 (KJV).
The Word is God’s way of thinking and His insights.
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:3 (KJV.)
Who are you?
We are the righteousness of God. Once we can recognize, embrace and live with this realization, our lives will be transformed.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV).
We have protection, because of the righteousness of God.
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. Isaiah 54:17 (KJV).
The end results of the righteous is peace.
And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. Isaiah 32:17 (KJV).
In conclusion, to keep peace, we must know who God is, what is the Word and to know who we are in God. And, for all things we must acquaint yourself with God and peace will come and stay.
Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me. Isaiah 27:5 (KJV).
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Job 22:21 (KJV).
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (KJV).