Peace Like a River Part VI Conclusion

Please read “Peace Like a River” Parts I-V

The Christian walk is one of great exploration, affliction and responsibility. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19). The body of Christ has a divine responsibility to portray to the world an astounding difference in our lifestyle. When the world is in turmoil and chaos, we are accountable to exhibit God's peace and Grace to the lost. If we are not presenting God's true nature to the world, we are shaming Jesus. Please allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in repentance. I pray that God's peace, like a river flows into your life, and the lives of your family members. Peace is not an outward state of circumstances, it is the condition of a heart devoted to Christ. Four areas of your life that are integral to obtaining peace are: repentance, hope, obedience and prayer. Of course Jesus wants every area of your life to be open to Him, but if you are lacking peace these four areas are a good place to start looking for the source of your unrest. God loves you! It is painful to examine our lives and repent for our sins. God understands every aspect of your life and how you came to the place you are now in. He is not interested in harming you; nor is He interested in helping you continue in sin. He wants what is best for us at all times. It can be very difficult to impossible to see this at times.  Romans 11:33 tells us, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!"

If you have never given your life to Jesus Christ, or if you would like to renew your commitment to Him today, I ask that you pray this prayer with me.

Dear Jesus,

I am a sinner, in need of a Savior. I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that You are the Son of God. You were born of a virgin, You sacrificed Yourself for my sin, and You were raised on the third day to sit at the right hand of God's throne. Jesus, please come into my heart, forgive me of my sins and teach me to live in obedience to You. Lord, please fill me with your Holy Spirit, Who is the promised Comforter. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

If you have prayed this prayer for the first time, congratulations! You are now a child of God. Please tell a trusted friend of your decision, begin reading the Bible, and seek a solid Bible-based church to worship and fellowship in.

Patti

Peace Like a River Part IV

Please read “Peace Like a River” Parts I -III

Thirdly, there is peace in obedience. When we live our lives within God's parameters, we have peace in the knowledge that we are pleasing our Father. This is a logical peace as well as a spiritual peace. Enjoying the presence of the Lord ensues from obedience and friendship with Him. Exodus 33:11 speaks of this friendship, “And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.” This is not to say that we must be perfect, as it is obvious that no man can be. Romans 3:23 informs us this truth, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” The Grace that the cross has afforded us allows Christ's righteousness to be imputed to us. We are covered by His Blood and cleansed by acceptance of His precious sacrifice. Whether or not we fall down under pressure or intentionally walk away in sin, Christ's blood covers both scenarios as we come to Him, repent and turn away from our sins. Are you obedient to Christ in your own life? Are there sins in your life that you know you have not repented of? The Psalmist David cried, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silent, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long” (Psalm 32:1-3). Jesus is asking that you repent of your sin and come to Him in obedience. Most definitely, there is nothing worth holding on to compared to the freedom and peace of living life in obedience to Christ. I pray that we bend our knees to Him and allow Him to cleanse us of every sin that so easily besets us. Jesus please help us to do just that. Amen.

Patti