John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

The Promise and Gift of Peace Old Covenant—peace was safety, welfare, prosperity, soundness (in body), health, quiet, tranquility, and contentment. New Covenant—place of rest in relationship to God, the soul's safety for salvation, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot. The Gift--Holy Spirit’s ministry to us—instilling in us the availability of peace through grace.

What is Peace? Worldly Peace Temporary—short term Quick Fix Vapor—fades quickly Externally based Taking control Based on feelings

What is the Kingdom Peace? Grace removed the barrier and made peace between man and God. Eternal Quiet goodness Can’t be taken away by the world Not the absence of trouble Based on our relationship to the God Head Our anchor in the storm Internal Experiencing the tranquility of the soul that is not affected by surrounding circumstances And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:17

How Do We Get to that Place? Practice. Trust God—peace is based on His plan. * Responding instead of reacting. Give up the need to control. * Become encapsulated in Him. And let the peace from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Walking in Alignment Power to keep us from falling out of peace. Dispels the plan of the enemy. Enables us to experience the humanity of kingdom living. Alignment has to do with your soul’s attitude towards God. “…that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.” Col 1: 9-10

The Prince of Peace’s Desire for Us--Shalom Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:2

Footprints March 15 th Resting in Him Allowing Him to carry us

Trouble Shooting Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful. Avoid the “shadows” and look to the Son. Don’t go back to familiar patterns of reaction. Seek the Giver not the gift. Ken’s word--“our belief system where only the eternal values will remain.’’

Ponderings of Peace Grace and peace are dispensed by God, accomplished by Jesus, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Receiving is dependent on us.

It is Well With My Soul