Let Peace Rule

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of 
one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

How can you overcome a tendency to gossip? What can you do if you have sown 
discord in the past? First of all, ask for forgiveness according to I John 1:9:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify 
us from all unrighteousness.

After you have made peace with God, then make peace with those you've hurt, 
as far as you are able:

Jesus Speaking: Matthew 5:22-24 " But I tell you that anyone who is angry with 
his brother will be subject to judgment. …Therefore, if you are offering your gift at 
the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave 
your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then 
come and offer your gift." 

Do all that you can to live at peace with your brothers and sisters in Christ 
particularly, but also with everyone.  Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it 
depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

I Corinthians 7:15b …God has called us to live in peace.

Hebrews 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; 
without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Especially strive to be at peace with leadership: I Thessalonians 5:12-13 Now we 
ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you 
in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love 
because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 

This is not "sucking up" or "brown nosing". This is being respectful and attentive 
in obedience to the Word of God. If leadership needs correction, God will supply 
it in abundance. It is not up to sheep to correct shepherds.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and if you let Him rule, you WILL have peace: 
peace with God and peace with one another.

Isaiah 9:6 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.

Jesus is known as the Prince of Peace but the peace that He brings does not 
come cheaply: it cost him his life. And peace within and without will come at a 
similar cost to us: we must submit our lives to God and die to our selfishness in 
order to obtain and to proclaim this peace. Only Jesus can "guide our feet into 
the path of peace".  

Luke 1:78-79 …"because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun 
will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the 
shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." 

So when discord abounds, what should you do? Let Peace Rule. When you are 
filled with anxiety and fear, what should you do? LET PEACE RULE. When you 
are tempted to spread gossip and bad news, what should you do? LET PEACE 
RULE!!!!

Of course the devil will try to rob you of peace, but you can ask the Lord to 
cleanse you and give you a supernatural anointing of peace that makes a a 
permanent change in your spirit and you will not lose it. It's like a shield of peace 
permanently around you, a wall or fortress of peace.

As Paul said in Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all 
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The Greek word for guard here is phroureo {froo-reh'-o} which means to guard, 
protect by a military guard to prevent hostile invasion; to protect by guarding, to 
keep by watching and guarding to preserve one for the attainment of something.

Praise the Lord! This anointing of peace is protecting our hearts and minds from 
hostile invasion, is watching and guarding to perserve our spirits as we strive to 
attain the high calling in Christ Jesus!

Peace is eirene {i-ray'-nay} signifying, rest, quietness, tranquillity, exemption from 
the rage and havoc of war; harmony, concord; security, safety, prosperity, felicity, 
(because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous). 
Specifically of the Messiah's peace: the way that leads to peace (salvation) of 
Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, 
and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever 
sort that is.

If you are not at peace today, why not start by making peace with God? Confess 
your sins to Him, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be born again - 
receive a recreated human spirit, be adopted as God's son, be forgiven of all 
your sins, be bought back from the rule of the devil, and live an abundant life 
forever!

If you are a believer, but are still struggling with doubt, fear, anxiety, depression, 
etc. , you too can receive an anointing of peace. Yield yourself to the Holy Spirit 
and allow His peace to guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 6:23 Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father 
and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my 
appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with 
you.

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Posted at Ask OldTimer www.members.tripod.com/~KarleenP/text/askoldtimer.htm