Tag: peace of God
Day 5–The Rubber Meets the Road
Scripture reading for March 6: Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God , which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
It was close to my bedtime on a cool fall night and I was in my sweatpants when my phone began to beep loudly signaling an emergency. “I am Responding” had broadcast a need to those willing to volunteer. A car wreck with possible fire and entrapment had taken place about five miles south of my home. I clicked on “responding” and “station 2”, and slipped on my jeans, grabbed my radio and flashlight and quickly took my pickup to the station a half-mile away. I met two other responders I regularly work with and we quickly dawned our fire gear and reflective vests. They took the big engine and I took the grass truck, praying as we sped to help.
Arriving at the scene, there were already a highway patrol, sheriff’s deputy, adjacent fire company and an ambulance soon arrived. The scene was chaotic and spread out. There were multiple fatalities and an entrapment plus one of the vehicles was on fire. There was construction on the four lane highway and it was blocked off. I parked my grass truck and immediately went to help the medics and other firemen attend to those who were injured. I got supplies from the ambulance and was directed to help with a relative who was hysterical over a deceased loved one. Two of the injured were young children with severe trauma. They had been pulled from a burning vehicle. I was particularly drawn to pray for them. We established a landing zone and one was taken by life-flight helicopter to the hospital.
God’s presence was there that night. His angels were ministering and helped as answers to prayers. The two girls recovered and those entrapped were cut out. Many responders worked together to meet needs and help the hurting. I had many opportunities to pray for people and share God’s love and comfort. I am confident that our Lord was present and is yet fulfilling His plans and purposes. We thank our Lord for His presence and mercy!
Don’t grow weary in doing good!
Scripture reading for September 23rd: 2nd Thessalonians 3, Psalm 40, Proverbs 5
Key Scriptures: 2nd Thessalonians 3:13-16 “As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”
Paul’s final words to the Thessalonians encouraged them to avoid those in the church who said they were believers but did not apply the truths Paul had brought them in this letter. True faith results in hearing God’s Word and applying it to your life. We should never grow weary of doing that and living by faith in all God’s Word and reaching out to do the good works He has prepared for us. When we do, the peace of God will rest on us at all times.
Faith Confession: I thank You Lord for the peace of God over my life. I am joyfully doing the good works You show me to do and to apply the Word of God to my life. I warn others and seek to encourage them to life faithfully because God is watching us.
Proverbs 5:21 “For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths.”
Rejoice! Always!
Scripture reading for October 3rd: Philippians 4:1-23
Paul’s letter from prison was full of encouragement to these Philippian saints, but one of the only corrections in this letter occurs when Paul calls two ladies to come into agreement. Euodia and Syntyche were evidently at odds in some dispute. They were in need of help to settle the matter and move on. Rejoicing would be much better than to be in strife!
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7) A cure for strife is found in rejoicing in the Lord! When we rejoice, our attitude lightens up and the troubles seem to melt. Gentleness should mark believers when they deal with problems between each other. Prayer and petitions about the problems should be given to God. A thankful heart is full of faith and God honors that! His peace will come over you and the problems will melt away!
After praying, setting our minds of the good things of God also helps. Paul was himself rejoicing in the Philippians concern for him expressed in their gifts. Paul had learned the secret of contentment in all circumstances–rejoicing in God’s goodness! “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” (Philippians 4:13) God always gave him grace to enjoy or endure!
Paul thanked the Philippians for helping him with an offering to meet his needs. Paul described their offering: “They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” God always rewards generous giving. Our offerings are like a fragrant sacrifice going up to God. God is pleased and we can be sure we will be blessed! Rejoice in the Lord! And again I say: Rejoice!