I am writing to you from the Authorized King James Version of the Holy Bible. In Saint John chapter 14 vs 27 Jesus said: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Perhaps you are not feeling tranquil (calm/peaceful)? Perhaps you are feeling anxious (nervous or worried)? Perhaps you, have lost a loved one? Or are separated from a loved one? Some people believe that stress can cause between 80-90 percent of health problems! There are many reasons why you might have become anxious (nervous or worried) or depressed. Reasons that you know, and reasons that you are not aware of natural and spiritual.
We can cause untold damage of spirit, mind and body if we harbor resentment, hatred, jealousy, pride and envy; if we judge and do not forgive others - if we are self-centered. We also loose our peace of mind of course! Many people will say, "I will forgive, but I will not forget". In Matthew 18:22, Jesus told Peter to forgive: "... I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven" which means over and over again without limit. The person who believes he has forgiven, but is still harbouring the hurt, resentment, judgement and bad feelings, and has not really forgiven at all! Perhaps he is confused why the person he should have forgiven acted in such a terrible way and he is understandably hurt. We read in Colossians 3 vs 13: "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." Jesus said, "forgive, and you will be forgiven."
If you feel a brother/sister has offended or really hurt you do not judge, condemn, hate or resent them - although this seems to be what a lot of people do instead of lending a helping hand, or loving him/her as God would love them. God's word speaks to us concerning this matter in Galatians chapter 6 vs 1, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
The object of this whole message is to show you how you could have lost your peace, and how to regain it again. How to walk in tranquility, to have less stress and worry! To get rid of the rubbish in your life, and fill it with light and love, and health healing and holiness. God's word warns us in Ephesians chapter 6 vs 11 and 12, "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." God's warning, that we should put on His complete armour because our souls are not struggling against a physical power, but a spiritual one. One shouldn't take this warning lightly! The Bible states that "the Devil has come to steal, kill and destroy" and that means taking our peace away! It is not a natural warfare, but a spiritual one. We need to learn the depth of the Holy Spirit, to walk and talk with Him each day, to pray without ceasing, reading God's word - and above all love, love, love one another. We need to be spiritually minded, using the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. God is alive, and the Devil is alive too! The Bible says resist the Devil and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you! God is all power; do not put a limit on Him by unbelief! Jesus said, "all power is given unto me, in heaven and in earth!" If you hate someone, do they feel it? No, but you do, and it will destroy you, and eat into you, but it will not do anything at all to them!
When you become resentful, bitter and angry it will not affect the other person - only you! The damage will be done to you, your spirit, mind and body, and you will loose your peace of mind - the other person will not even be affected! "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:14-15. We read in Philippians chapter 4 from vs 8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things".
Do not allow negative people to affect you. Do not let people control you and "wind you up". Do not listen to the voice of the Devil! Be at peace with God! Praying, and loving your enemies can achieve this! Walking in holiness! By the grace of God! Do not be influenced by the systems of this world, be objective not subjective. Walk in the Spirit!
God loves, God forgives! The Old Testament word for peace is "Shalom" meaning well being, soundness and completeness.
Written By Rev. Arthur J. Milton
All scripture in this message is quoted from the King James Version of The Bible.
