Saturday, December 23, 2006

CALM IN MIDST OF STORMS

"When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us:…peace. Galatians 5:22 NLT"
"The world is not terribly impressed with Christian T-shirts, billboards, and bumper stickers. In fact, truth be told, many unbelievers are turned off by these impersonal attempts at witnessing.
However, the world is stunned when it sees a Christian overflowing with peace despite a personal crisis.
"Her life is falling apart, but she isn't. How is that possible?"
"If I were in his shoes, I'd be a nervous wreck, but he is so calm. Why?"
The peace that the Holy Spirit produces within us is supernatural tranquility of soul.
Storms can be raging all about us, but within us is the calm assurance that God has already saved us from our worst predicament—sin and death.
Would he rescue us for the world to come only to turn around and abandon us in this world? Of course not!
The Spirit-filled Christian is peaceful because he or she knows the perfect love that drives away fear (1 John 4:18). Ask God to give you his peace in the midst of the storms you are experiencing.

Praying God's Promise:
I want to be marked by your peace, Lord. I need it so that I don't worry myself silly.
More than that, I need it for your glory—so that others might see the wonderful comfort and assurance that is available only in you.
Teach me how to rest in the knowledge that you are in control.

from Praying God's Promises in Tough Times by Len Wood (Tyndale) pp 154-55

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