Café Menu for Monday, August 23, 2010
Today’s Special is: Peace From God
Carefully prepared just for you by your friend, Amanda
Main ingredient: God’s Promise – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)
Entrée – Quite often I have to instruct my boys about being at peace with each other. Constantly I remind them that God doesn’t want them to quarrel with each other; they are brothers that love each other and they must choose to be at peace with each other. I too am constantly learning lessons from the choices I make. Just as love is a choice, experiencing God’s peace is a choice. I am learning that I can experience peace no matter the circumstances.
The key to peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of God in our lives through our conflicts. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again rejoice!” Always means rejoicing in all circumstances, choosing to turn to God with our troubles instead of focusing on our troubles.
(Philippians 4:5) “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” When we panic or worry we are failing to trust our faithful Father and we waist a lot of needless energy on being uptight or frazzled. Having a gentle spirit can be true for our lives too when we choose to rest in God’s peace and presence. Remembering and believing that He is in complete control of our situation can bring us comfort.
(Philippians 4:6-7) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The moment we feel ourselves starting to worry our response should be to immediately turn to God (prayer), ask for His help (petition), and then thank Him for being with us through our trouble (thankfulness). When we choose to trust Him with our fears, doubts, and worries, this releases us to rest in His presence. Then the Holy Spirit will begin to fill us with His Peace (guarding of your heart and mind).
When we choose to focus on God’s word and put His truths into practice then we will experience the peace that can only be from Him.
Take-out – Father, thank you for giving us peace and being our peace. Remind us to find our rest in you when the world makes us weary. Thank you for purchasing everlasting peace for us through the cross. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Dessert – Cut index cards in half and write out Philippians 4:4-9 one verse per card. Memorize one verse at a time. The cards can easily be taken with you in your back pocket!
August 23rd, 2010 at 9:03 pm
I just read your article and thought ” Wow what a great idea”. There are a lot of us out here who would love to join something like this…Praise the Lord for people like you who care enough to MAKE IT HAPPEN!