“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Phil 4:7 NIV
How is that; peace that transcends understanding!!! So that means that even in a difficult situation you can have this peace!!! Wow !!!
I have been reading Ps 23 and it it such an inspiring, soothing, focussing on God psalm.
Just studying out the meaning also gives it such depth Psalm 23 Explained.
Following another link Feeling connected with God, made me realize we can live in a state of bliss in a spiritual way.
I know that in a worldly way we can live in such a state temporarily but I almost feel guilty to live like that in a godly way.
When we get baptized for the forgiveness of our sins after we have repented and became a disciple we should feel this bliss all the time !!!
Sadly we don’t always.
What is it then that bogs us down and make us unhappy ?
Isn’t it the “The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.” – Mat 13:22 NIV
So not being fruitful is a sign that we are being choked!
Riggggght ! So what is the fruit that the bible is referring to ???
It can be: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Gal 5:22-23, but to what end?
Is our lives only meant that we live a happy life by ourselves peaceful in the woods in a cabin, self sustained by a big lake and catching fish?
No, God would not allow us to live a selfish life with no end !!! I believe the fruits of the Spirit should lead to the other part of the greatest commandment, “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”” – Mark 12:31 NIV
How do I love myself? It is that picture by the lake, but with my neighbor. Pretty simple hey?
No, that involves sharing my faith (That is not an invitation to church), awkward talks, constantly following up, denying myself, even being rejected time and again by my neighbor because of God; even if he is very religious but not righteous.
How will I be able to to that? Only being part of God’s family that lives like that. We need the support, encouragement and likemindedness to be able to “Survive” / cope with non christian people.
Are you fulfilling your purpose that God commands you to do?
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”” – Mat 28:18-20 NIV
You might say but that was only meant for the apostles.
The bible says: “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.” – Mat 28:16 NIV
So Jesus was speaking to his disciples and telling them to go and make what ?
Disciple’s!!! So a disciple makes a disciple. Wow! An article for another day!
What happens then ?
You baptize the disciple. Why?
“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 2:38 NIV
Wow, for the forgiveness of your sins and the receipt of the Holy Spirit. Amazing!!!
Is that where it stops?
Nooooo, teaching them to obey. Why does it say that we need to be taught to obey? Because it is not natural in the world to love someone unconditionally, it is tough. That is why we need the Holy Spirit and our friends teaching us to obey.
Let’s wrap up.
We started with the need to have blissful peace and love in our lives. We thought we will attain it by a selfish life. We discovered that love; is not love if it not shared. We realize to share love is not that easy, but to conclude what the richest man that had everything his heart desired concluded.
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” – Ecc 12:13-14 NIV
It is about fearing God (A healthy respect) and keeping His commandments. And that my friends is our duty.