Give thanks

There is turmoil all the world around but we have such peace on the inside. How could that be? Because we absolutely, totally love and trust God. We have found our place of rest in him.

We all may have troubles now but yet we can have rest in God, he gives us the peace that passes all understanding. Here are a few scripture verses about God's peace.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 ~ Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Isaiah 26:3 ~ You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Matthew 5:9 ~ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

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 hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Colossians 3:15 ~ And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful

Here are the keys to staying in God's peace:

1 Choose to stay in God's peace. God gave us a special privilege when we became born again....the ability to renew our minds. It means we can change our focus at any time. To in a sense move our focus to be on him and what he says.

Listen to these words:

Phillipians 4:8/9

8 Finally, [b]believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. 9 The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you

Amen

2 Give God Thanksgiving. When we have an attitude of gratitude, we recognise we always have something to give God Thanksgiving for. It's not about how we feel or what surrounds us, it's about being in love with God and we therefore are always praising him. Dear friends when we think of it - it is wonderful to know God and be in relationship with him and because, he is such a good father, we know he showers us with blessings. If we only look at things differently we would know we have a lot to be thankful for.

This song comes to mind:

1 When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings; name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

[Chorus]

Count your blessings;

Name them one by one.

Count your blessings;

See what God hath done.

Count your blessings;

Name them one by one.

Count your many blessings;

See what God hath done.

2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings; ev’ry doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.

Count your many blessings; money cannot buy

Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

4. So amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged; God is over all.

Count your many blessings; angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end

Amen

May we count our blessings. When we count our blessings it will automatically prompt us to give God thanksgiving. Thanksgiving leads to praise and if we "stay" praise leads in worship.

So here is the key to having good days, choose to remain in God's peace, begin each day by giving him Thanksgiving. Recognizing that nothing in this world is worth such deep grief or striving. Leave these problems at the foot of the cross and trust that God will work all these things out for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28)

May we simply my friends count it all joy

James 1:2 to 4

2 Consider it nothing but joy, my [b]brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing

Amen

Walk good in Christ

Till we meet again

Pastor J