Peace

Peace....something I crave, something I long for...something God promises!

Therefore, today I will receive peace.  Jesus offers a peace that the world can`t offer.
He said in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

We can go to Jesus for His perfect peace. He tells us that He gives it...we only are to receive it.
His peace has no fear but is completely content.  The amplified version of Philippians 4:7 says it this way:
"And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Peace is described as being "that tranquil state",  "assured of salvation through Christ" and "fearing nothing", "being content".
Peace will keep us free from worry, fear, anxiety, restlessness.
By trusting in Him we are at peace.
The verse right before this one (Philippians 1:6) tells us how to get that peace..."Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God."

Give your wants to God....with thanksgiving.  Being thankful is so important to having peace.
A thankful heart receives the request through faith and trusts in God to take care of our every concern that we give to Him.
This, my friend is freedom.  

How do we keep this peace?  To find out, we need to read on in Philippians.

Philippians 4:8 reads "For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]."

Fix our minds on what is true. God`s word is true, and lovely and worthy of praise.
Meditate, think upon Him and His ways throughout the day and you will surely keep the peace that He so freely gives.
In everything give thanks, this is the will of God, and your peace (His peace in you) will remain.

Awake!

Awake!

Awake you who sleep. Arise from the dead. And Christ will give you light. (Ephesians 5:14)

It is time for us to awake to the light.

I spent the night at my parents`  summer home and my mom was concerned that the light from the window would wake me too early in the morning.

The sun rises early in June. Too early for me to get out of bed, so I buried my head in the covers and covered my face with my hair to keep out the light.

Light wakes us from our slumber.  God wants us to wake up to His light. He shines His light on our path so that we can see our way.  His word is a lamp to our feet.  He shines light on our next step so that we can see where we are going.

To Zechariah the angel of the Lord awakened him and said "what do you see?"  (Zechariah 4:2)

When the light of the Lord awakens us, we will see.

God wants to lead us.  Do not bury your head.  Lift your eyes to the light of the Lord and let Him show you all He has for you.  He will reveal to you His plans and purposes.

Awaken!
"Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you."  (Isaiah 60:1)