A life of godly character is a Christ-like life that begins when we receive the gift of salvation. It’s expressed through our walk of love, bringing the Kingdom of God wherever we go as we demonstrate God’s character. It’s how we are recognised, as we walk as new creations.
We can develop, cultivate and grow in the fruits in our lives, purposefully desiring to grow in every area. The Word is the same for each person, regardless of our past experiences and the Word will produce the same results in every heart, if the ground is good ground!
Mark 4:1-20: Different grounds
- Enemy taking away the Word immediately
- Trouble and persecution that comes because of the Word which causes offense and stumbling away
- Anxieties and desires of the world suffocate the Word
- Hear, receive and accept the Word with welcoming hearts
Isaiah 9:6 AMPC “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace. [Isa. 25:1; 40:9-11; Matt. 28:18; Luke 2:11.]”
It is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of our Saviour that brings peace.
Isaiah 53:5 AMPC “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.”
He is the Prince of Peace and He gave His peace to us. He paid the price so we could have peace! He is the God of Peace (1 Thes. 5:23).
John 14:27 AMPC “Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]”
He obtained peace for us, and left it to us, as our possession!
Faith brings rest
Hebrews 4:1-2 NLT “God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. For this good news—that God has prepared this rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God.”
By faith in God and His Word, we enter to His peace.
Romans 4:21 KJV “And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”
It’s not just about having head knowledge of a verse of the Bible, but a heart-faith towards His promises and His ability to perform it.
Prayer
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
The world is desperately looking for peace, rest and a tranquil state of living. Through prayer, it’s available to us as God’s chosen people in Christ!
Peace is security in Christ.
How to cultivate peace:
- Immerse yourself in God’s promises, and meditate on on the Word of God. Love His Word.
- Establish a consistent prayer life, learn to bring things before God, instead of loading on others around you.
- Abide in Him (Joh. 15:4-5), stay in His presence.
Peace:
- Allows us to keep the right direction, regardless of the winds outside.
- Never lose focus of the most important things: your relationship with Jesus!
- Freedom from being anxious about things not working out.
In these end times, it’s crucial we are living in His peace, as the world is going crazier! Don’t let your “heart to be troubled” but work towards living in peace!
Let peace be there in every decision you make.
We have a responsibility to stay in peace, just like with the other fruit of the spirit.