Peace

John 14: ²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

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Talking too much escorted me to detention once. Climbing on a factory and being forced to jump into a tree as the only means to get down left bruises. Smashing a brick to the ground enabled me to get seven stitches in my finger. I can still see the scar.

• Reflecting on my past sins can really get me down.
• Reliving my past over and over can cause me to get stuck.
• Reviewing what I could have done better only makes me more anxious.

Stupid decisions seem to precede me when the choice of sin is involved. I mean if you ask me whether I would choose GOD’s way or my way, I’m going to choose my way which always leads to the wrong way. Once I find myself in trouble and without “peace” then I come running to GOD asking HIM to fix things.

• JESUS says “I allowed people to murder me on purpose to save you from eternal death.”
• JESUS says “I sent you an Advocate who is the Comforter so you will never have to be worried.”
• JESUS says “I love you so much that I only want what’s best for you, so I give you the HOLY SPIRIT to remind you of MY words.”

So many stupid decisions which led to my sin have caused me to get in a world of trouble. Some of the consequences of my past sins took decades to surface. My past along with my present caused me to worry about my future. GOD says “the past, present and future are MINE.” “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

In other words, GOD says “I got this one.” “Don’t you waste any time worrying, because I am stronger than any person, bigger than any situation, and more powerful than any plot against you.” “In fact no one can thwart MY great plans I have for you if you believe in ME.” That gives me peace!

• Are your past sins catching up with you?
• Are you busy blaming others and not focused on strengthening your own faith?
• Won’t you put your trust in GOD and expect great things from HIM?
• Will you give GOD your worries and accept HIS peace by saying “I accept whatever YOU give me in this situation LORD?”