Peace = Power

Thought Conditioner #4

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28, NIV

Perhaps the strain and burden of life have made you tired. If so, maybe you are carrying life too heavily.

Primarily, we do not get tired in our muscles but in our minds. We develop that “I’m swamped” feeling.

Allow this text to dissolve in your thoughts as a kind of spiritual lozenge. As you turn to Jesus in your thoughts, He will give you rest. And how does He do that? One way is by showing you how to work.

“Learn of Me,” He says. In other words, work by My method. “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). That is to say, easy does it. Don’t strain, don’t tug, relax. Do one job at a time using the light touch, the easy stroke.

~ ~  Norman Vincent Peale

 

Rest…a distant memory. My daughter keeps telling me “Mom, just breathe.” I respond “I can’t, it’s not on my to-do list.” As with Thought Conditioner #3 we must not only want the change but must make room for it in our lives.

One thing I learned more than ten years ago – when you need change scripture is the only way to achieve that change. Memorize it, even if it’s just key words, let it sink into your mind and spirit, repeat it a thousand time a day if needed and change will come. Just never give up.

If you need rest, a break from stress, leave it with Jesus. Close your eyes and imagine yourself falling into his arms.

Reflect: How do you find rest in Jesus? Share your experiences.

Thought Conditioner #2

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. John 14:27, NIV

Without a deep inner state of quietness, one becomes prey to tension, worry, and ill health. A song, a sunset, moonlight, the sea washing on a sandy shore, these administer a healing balm. But they lack power to penetrate the inner recesses of the soul.

A profound depth therapy is required to attain healing quietness. An habitual repetition of this one text will, in time, permeate your personality with a complete sense of peace.

When tense or restless, sit quietly and allow these words to pass unhindered through your thoughts. Conceive of them as spreading a healing balm throughout your mind.

~ ~  Norman Vincent Peale

There is nothing like spending quality time with God, in silence and solitude, to give your soul a sense of overwhelming peace.

When I lived alone this was easy, daily hours with God. I’ve never experience such peace. But just add people to the mix and everything gets messy and oh so noisy. Now living with my talkative twin girls, a high energy grandson and a schedule that just never quits, I find it difficult to attain any peace at all. Once what was easy for me is now a challenge.

I’ve had some health issues that I believe is a direct result of the loss of that peace. I don’t just have one schedule but five, three of which are always open on my computer: my daily calendar, Kai’s school, overall word press, detailed WordPress, and a menu. Oh and let’s just add my nine tasks lists each with a list of future to do’s. You see, boredom will never be part of my life but neither will peace as long as those calendars rule my days. I have learned to view most activities on the lists as optional and with computers it’s easy to drag and drop any activity to the next day, next week or put far into the future by adding it to my tasks lists. I am a work in progress and I thank God that’s he’ll never give up or leave me to myself.

Reflect: Have you experienced such inner peace? Thank God for showing you the way. If you still struggle with attaining the peace of God seek your heart, what keeps you from achieving that peace? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the way.

Pursue Peace

Quotes for a Peaceful Attitude

CS Lewis	God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.
Francois Fenelon	Peace does not dwell in outward things, but within the soul; we may preserve it in the midst of the bitterest pain, if our will remains firm and submissive. Peace in this life springs from acquiescence to, not in an exemption from, suffering.
Robert J Sawyer	“Learning to ignore things is one of the great paths to inner peace.”
Joel Osteen	“God wants you to have a good life, a life filled with love, joy, peace, and fulfillment. That doesn’t mean it will always be easy, but it does mean that it will always be good.”
Joyce Meyer	Many people feel so pressured by the expectations of others that it causes them to be frustrated, miserable and confused about what they should do. But there is a way to live a simple, joy-filled, peaceful life, and the key is learning how to be led by the Holy Spirit, not the traditions or expectations of man.
Norman Vincent Peale	Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel there is something special in them. Look at the sunny side of everything. Think only the best, be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
Francois Fenelon	Resign every forbidden joy; restrain every wish that is not referred to God’s will; banish all eager desires, all anxiety; desire only the will of God; seek him alone and supremely, and you will find peace.
Thomas Watson	God sweetens outward pain with inward peace
Joel Osteen	“It’s vital that you accept yourself and learn to be happy with who God made you to be. If you want to truly enjoy your life, you must be at peace with yourself.”
Joyce Meyer	“ We don’t have to work at trying to get rid of every stressful situation. We need to learn how to embrace peace. ”
Norman Vincent Peale	“I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world.”

There is a Peace

There is a peace, through kingdoms fall and crumble,
A peace amid this hurricane of war,
A quiet peace that “passeth understanding”
While chaos rages at our very door.

There is a peace, not brought by worldly honor,
Nor at the price of many millions slain.
But by the blood of One, God’s Son, who suffered,
And even now, he did not die in vain!

There is a peace deep down within the Christian,
A rock on which to lean in time of storm,
A lasting peace that will outlive the ages,
In spite of those who ridicule and scorn.

There is a peace! Let’s cling to it and hold it
In life or death, in days of peace of war,
That quiet peace which “passeth understanding,”
Through chaos rages at our very door.

Alice Hansche Mortenson

 

Peace to you & Merry Christmas

Peace in All Things

Faith endures as seeing Him who is invisible (Heb. 11:27); endures the disappointments, the hardships, and the heart-aches of life, by recognizing that all comes from the hand of Him who is too wise to err and too loving to be unkind. But so long as we are occupied with any other object than God Himself, there will be neither rest for the heart nor peace for the mind. But when we receive all that enters our lives as from His hand, then, no matter what may be our circumstances or surroundings—whether in a hovel or prison-dungeon, or at a martyr’s stake—we shall be enabled to say, ” The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places” (Ps. 16:6). But that is the language of faith, not of sight nor of sense.

—Arthur W. Pink

Cast Your Cares

How to Have a Peaceful Attitude

We create situations that lead us into being nervous, high-strung and upset but we can also create situations that lead to a peaceful attitude. Peace results from a continuous flow from God through us and then back to God. This is the process for our renewal both mentally and physically. It’s impossible to have peace with an accelerated life because the faster we go the less flow there is from God. He’s not going to try to keep up with your pace.  Most people today wouldn’t be comfortable moving at God’s slower pace.

Here are some ideas to help you create a more peaceful attitude:

• Fill your mind with a peaceful experience from your past then make a planned and deliberate excursion there in your mind. (I listen to music I heard on my journey, especially songs that remind me of when I was in the wilderness – deserts and mountains)
• Reduce your life’s tempo or pace. Norman Vincent Peale says that “many people are destroying their physical bodies by this pace, but what is even more tragic, they are tearing their minds and souls to shreds as well.” He wrote this in 1952 and today it’s only gotten worse. (this is a big challenge for me)
• Delegate authority, say no nicely and set up boundaries (another biggie for me, my family doesn’t understand the concept of a shut door)
• Develop the disciplines of silence and solitude
• Learn to live in the now because God only gives us enough grace for today
• Make the decision everyday to rejoice and be glad in that day
• Don’t strive to live without stress but aim to live in peace
• Be selective with how you spend your time and resist the temptation to procrastinate
• Modify your life, find ways to save time, avoid trouble and eliminate distractions
• Listen for the promptings of the Holy Spirit, He will guide you into peace
• Take on unseen partner in all your life’s endeavors – God

When you need peace concerning a decision you need to make try these steps:

1. Think of your decision the first way…how do you feel. Is there peace, a knot in your stomach or nothing at all?
2. Think of your decision in the alternative way… how do you feel. Is there peace, a knot in your stomach or nothing at all?
3. The way you should turn is the way you find peace. If there’s no peace don’t do it, if you’re anxious run the other way, if you feel nothing at all pray asking the Holy Spirit for guidance.
4. If you still can’t decide ask God to decide for you. Ask Jesus to create the conditions that either aid in your decision-making or to allow the decision to be made for you.

Many years ago I wanted to move. I found a bigger, warmer house. I loved the house and the price was much cheaper. It seemed to be an easy decision but I had no peace. I didn’t know why but I didn’t feel God in it. I just couldn’t make the decision, I had already made a verbal commitment and as a Christian I felt strongly about keeping my word. I prayed and asked Jesus to cause me to not get the house or I would believe my lack of peace was because of another reason. The next day the owner called and the deal fell through. I was relieved. I wouldn’t use this as your main way of decision-making but the Spirit is there to help in all of your ways and walk.

Attitude Challenge
Practice the discipline of silence. Spend at least 15 minutes of absolute quiet everyday. Don’t talk, write, read, think or anything that engages your mind. Put your mind into neutral and let it coast.

Book on finding peace
The Book of Mayuri: Why We Can’t Have Peace and How We Can Have Peace by Osundara Mayuri
The Way of Serenity by Jonathan Morris
Finding Peace: God’s Promise of Life Free From Regret, Anxiety, and Fear by Charles F Stanley

Bible Verses on Peace

Philippians 4:6 (ESV)	Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV)	Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
John 16:33 (ESV)	I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)	You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)	Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Romans 12:18 (ESV)	If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Matthew 5:9 (ESV)	“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)	Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Romans 15:13 (ESV)	May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
1 Corinthians 14:33 (ESV)	For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints
Psalm 4:8 (ESV)	In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Proverbs 16:7 (ESV)	When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Galatians 5:22 (ESV)	But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness
Romans 14:19 (ESV)	So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
Colossians 3:15 (ESV)	And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Isaiah 32:17 (ESV)	And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
James 3:18 (ESV)	And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Philippians 4:7 (ESV)	And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 5:2 (ESV)	Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Job 22:21 (ESV)	Agree with God, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you.
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)	and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Back to: A Peaceful Attitude
Next: Quotes for a Peaceful Attitude

Peace

The sun went down – a blaze of light
As twilight ushered in the night.
The moon arose – a silvery glow
I’m glad the Savour made it so.

The stars came out across the sky
To speak of other worlds on high,
And in my heart I found sweet peace,
From toil the night would bring release.

Vera Beall Parker

Inward Peace

A Peaceful Attitude

The Bible tells us in first Peter 3:11 to seek peace. We are to pursue peace within ourselves, with others and with God.

We lose peace when we…

• react to our emotions wrongly
• don’t use wisdom
• act out of random thoughts
• struggle with our own efforts
• don’t use God’s wisdom

Not enough silence and solitude will rob you of peace. We all need time alone to relax, reflect and unwind. We need to take time alone to heal. Our culture continually talks to us, the drawback of living contemporary society. Without quiet it’s hard to hear God’s voice.

“Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves”
Thomas Carlyle

We can’t follow another’s voice. Jesus said my sheep know my voice and they follow me. We can’t follow the voice of friends, family or the world. Any voice other than God can be used as a voice of deception by the enemy.

People who lack inner peace are often victims of self punishment. They have either committed a sin or been sinned against. What remains is a sense of guilt, shame, self unforgiveness and resentment. This affect the mind as well as the body.

“Many people suffer poor health not because of what they eat but from what is eating them”
Norman Vincent Peale

If there is no peace when we’re doing something or there’s no peace in a decision you need to make have the courage to stop. Colossians 3:15 tells us to let peace be the umpire in our hearts. Once you’ve lost your peace  be determined to learn how you lost it and look for ways to get it back.

We lose our own peace by squandering power and energy through fuming and fretting. We must discipline ourselves to quietness. Be calm and let it go.

“Emotional ills turn in upon yourself, sapping your energy, reducing your efficiency, causing deterioration in your health. And of course they siphon off your happiness.”
Norman Vincent Peale

The more we allow God to rule in our lives the more peace we will have. We can never enjoy the kingdom without peace. An attitude of peace says I trust God. God sent his Son, the Prince of Peace, so that we could know his exceeding peace.

A Prayer for Peace

Thank you Jesus for coming down to us, our Prince of Peace, so that we can know the peace that surpasses understanding. Help me to live at peace with myself, with others and with you.

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More Posts on a trusting attitude:
How to Have a Peaceful Attitude
Quotes for a Peaceful Attitude

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Links to other Attitudes in this series
Introduction to Attitudes

Attitudes of the mind:
A Positive Attitude (negativity)
A Confident Attitude (insecurity)
A Contented Attitude (anxious)
A Patient Attitude (impatient)

Attitudes of the heart:
A Joyful Attitude (discouraged)
A Kind and Caring Attitude (unforgiving, self-centered)
A Courageous Attitude (fearful)
A Determined Attitude (quitting, distracted)

Attitudes of the spirit:
A Hopeful Attitude (hopelessness)
A Humble Attitude (proud)
A Trusting Attitude (doubt, double minded)
A Peaceful Attitude (frustrated, anxious)

A Diet of Peace

No wise man can expect that…God should diet us with a continual feast. It would neither suit with our health, nor the condition of this pilgrimage. Live, therefore, on your peace of conscience as your ordinary diet; when this is wanting, know that God appointeth you a fast for your health; and when you have a feast of high joys, feed on it and be thankful! But when they are taken from you, gape not after them as the disciples did after Christ at His ascension; but return thankfully to your ordinary diet of peace.

—Richard Baxter

Still Waters

Soul Blockers: Courage in Fear

We all have fears and while fear can be beneficial, warning us of danger, negative fear can cause serious damage to our bodies, soul and spirit. The very thing we fear may just decide to pay us a visit. Stress resulting from worry wreaks havoc on our bodies and mind.

Paul tells us in Romans 8:37 that we are more than conquers, we know we have victory but we can’t run from what scares us. We must not fear.  God didn’t give us a spirit of fear but a calm well balance mind and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). When trouble comes we have the ability to remain stable without worry knowing all the while God will deliver us.

Fear brings torment. The Holy Spirit won’t put us in bondage or fear. That comes from the enemy. God won’t remove the issues we fear but he will give us the strength to live our lives and confront our fears. Where the spirit of God is there is liberty. We must not be in bondage to anything.

Difficulties are often the best thing for us because in the end they bring us closer to God. He will give us strength to go through whatever life presents us. Other times when we choose to continue doing the “stupid stuff” God stands back and permits us experience our problems and fears until we decide to give them to him.

So how do we combat fear?

We have to CONFRONT fear to get rid of it…do it afraid. We need the courage to confront our fears and not run from them. Rely on God to help you stop the strongholds that keep you from doing God’s will.

An important biblical concept is dwelling in PEACE. No peace, no power. We can’t defeat the enemy without it. We have nothing if we don’t have peace.

It’s not what’s on the outside that is important, it’s what on the inside we need to me mindful of. Be careful about THOUGHTS and the words of your mouth. Get in agreement with God’s word. Two can’t walk together unless they agree.

PRAY every morning before getting out of bed, pausing, THANKING and expecting good things. Romans 8.28 – everything comes back to this verse; all things work together for good for those who love God according to his purpose. Form a habit of BELIEVING good things will happen and stop looking for the bad. Whatever we look for we’ll find.

Remember, even in times of trouble we must trust God to make something good out of it. We can still have a positive outlook in a negative situation knowing God has good plan. When something negative happens in our lives we only help the enemy when we fear.

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for well-being and not for trouble, to give you a future and a hope.          Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

Next week: A Determined Attitude

An Inward Prayer

I ask not, Lord, a famous name,
Or wealth that plays a roulette game
I ask for strength of limb and hand,
And thoughts that turn to understand.

I as a heart that shares its hope;
A patient will that dares to cope,
I ask for love that gleans the husk,
And faith that pierces every dusk.

I ask for sight to take the path
That lifts my soul in aftermath,
And grace to keep a pleasant smile
When life demands its second mile.

I ask You, Lord, to lend a song
When skies are dark, and hours, long,
I ask for bread upon my board,
With grateful praise for common horde.

I ask for peace at my day’s end,
The love of thee – and one true friend.

by…Roxie Lusk Smith

A Ballast for My Soul

Life is like a stormy sea
That tosses to and fro,
But God’s Word will ever be
A ballast for my soul.
By its truth I’ll be held fast
Till I reach heaven’s shore
Where I will be home at last
And sail life’s sea no more!

—Perry Boardman

My Peace I Give Unto You

Blessed are the eyes that see the things that you have seen.

Blessed are the feet that walk the ways where you have been.

Blessed are the eyes that see the agony of God,

Blessed are the feet that tread the paths His feet have trod.

Blessed are the souls that solve the paradox of pain,

And find the path that, piercing it, leads through to peace again.

G. A. Studdert-Kennedy