The Wedding Feast – No one showed up -No one was there. Matthew 22, Message of Ezekiel 2

I dreamt:
   I was on a beach before a great ocean. Off to the right and towards the water was a big White Pavilion or tent on the sand and it was set up for a large wedding. I had my three small children with me, and in the dream they seemed to be about 4-7 years old. I held their hands as we walked on the beach over to the pavilion. I said to my children, “Look, there is supposed to be a great wedding right now -today”- but no one was there. The tent was a bright white with posts in the sand. There were chairs for everyone.The wind was blowing and the white linen or chiffon was blowing in the wind – so pretty. The tables were covered in white cloths with beautiful decorations. It was completely ready for the party – a stage, musical instruments for the band, dance floor, tables, chairs, everything….but there was no one there. As we walked through and between the tables admiring everything, I stopped and looked down at my children and said “Look, they were getting married, but the bride didn’t bother to send out the invitations- so no one came. She just assumed everyone would be here. She never took the time to invite anyone and so no one bothered to come”

And that same year, the Lord spoke to me as I was praying…

He said

And to the Churches:
How are you reaching the Lost?
Are you bringing them in?
You come to my house and raise your hands,
but you must gather as many as you can

Sept 2010
The Heavens are His Mighty Throne
And the earth is His footstool
He will slam the Nations with His feet ( I saw wrath)
For the whole world has started to turn from Him
And to the Churches:
How are you reaching the Lost?
Are you bringing them in?
You come to my house and raise your hands,
but you must gather as many as you can.

 

   Be bold and invite the lost and those perishing to be a part of the great wedding feast of the Lamb. How sad it will be if no one shows up. Get out of the world and away from all it’s cravings and lusts. Turn back to Him and gather in those around you.  Don’t let the devil silence you any longer. We are not warring against flesh and blood, but against evil principalities in the unseen world- and we know that we can do all things in Christ -so what do we have to fear? In Him, there is overwhelming victory. Ask the Lord to open new doors of opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Parable of the Wedding feast Matthew 22

There is a message in Ezekiel 2, 22 and 12:25 for some of you today, listen……

Ezekiel 2 : And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.  And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me. And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.

⁴ For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God. And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.

⁷ And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.⁸ But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.⁹ And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein;¹⁰ And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe. ²⁴ “Son of man, give the people of Israel this message: In the day of my indignation, you will be like a polluted land, a land without rain. ²⁵ Your princes^[c] plot conspiracies just as lions stalk their prey. They devour innocent people, seizing treasures and extorting wealth. They make many widows in the land. ²⁶ Your priests have violated my instructions and defiled my holy things. They make no distinction between what is holy and what is not. And they do not teach my people the difference between what is ceremonially clean and unclean. They disregard my Sabbath days so that I am dishonored among them. ²⁷ Your leaders are like wolves who tear apart their victims. They actually destroy people’s lives for money! ²⁸ And your prophets cover up for them by announcing false visions and making lying predictions. They say, ‘My message is from the Sovereign Lord,’ when the Lord hasn’t spoken a single word to them. ²⁹ Even common people oppress the poor, rob the needy, and deprive foreigners of justice.

and Ez 22:24- “Son of man, give the people of Israel this message: In the day of my indignation, you will be like a polluted land, a land without rain. Your princes plot conspiracies just as lions stalk their prey. They devour innocent people, seizing treasures and extorting wealth. They make many widows in the land.  Your priests have violated my instructions and defiled my holy things. They make no distinction between what is holy and what is not. And they do not teach my people the difference between what is ceremonially clean and unclean. They disregard my Sabbath days so that I am dishonored among them. Your leaders are like wolves who tear apart their victims. They actually destroy people’s lives for money! And your prophets cover up for them by announcing false visions and making lying predictions. They say, ‘My message is from the Sovereign Lord,’ when the Lord hasn’t spoken a single word to them.  Even common people oppress the poor, rob the needy, and deprive foreigners of justice. “I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one.  So now I will pour out my fury on them, consuming them with the fire of my anger. I will heap on their heads the full penalty for all their sins. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!”
Ez 12:25 For I am the Lord! If I say it, it will happen. There will be no more delays, you rebels of Israel. I will fulfill my threat of destruction in your own lifetime. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!”

Lord God Creator of Heaven and Earth,
       Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be above all the earth.  My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed and I will sing and give you praise. I will praise you, O Lord, among the people and I will sing about you to the nations.  For your mercy is great unto the heavens, and your truth unto the clouds.  Be exalted, O God, above the heavens: let you glory be above all the earth.

       Empower your people with strength and courage to gather in the lost. Lord, Fill us with your Holy Spirit and speak through us.  Give us the right words at the right time to bring hope and salvation to those perishing around us. Prepare their hearts for your Word and your Truth.  What can we do without you, O Lord? Lord,  you chose us before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before you in Christ Jesus to do the good things you had planned for us long ago. Lord, I ask for your blessing and anointing on us, strengthen your people for the work you have planned for each one of us. For you, O Lord, You are here to help us, we have set our face like flint to do your will and we will not turn to the right or left, never being ashamed or disgraced. May you strengthen your people with all glorious power so we may have all the endurance and patience we need to run the race that lies before us.
   Lord, look down on your people and hear our prayers. May your name be honored among the Nations and let every knee bow down and every tongue proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord. Amen and Amen in Christ Jesus

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.
Revelation 3:2 Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God.

A cloud of witnesses Hebrews 12 : The Lord watches you and KNOWS YOUR MOTIVES

But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Jeremiah 17:10

      Two years ago I had a dream about my uncle, who at the time, had just gotten into a very bad accident and barely made it out alive. I dreamt that I was watching a conversation about his life. The conversation was between a great angel that was charge over him and three beings who I could not see as clearly. The angel was standing in the room (or through the room because he was taller than the room) facing my uncle. I was watching and listening to conversations between the angel and three others. They were back and forth in discussions over my uncles life.  I could plainly see my uncle sitting on a couch in a living room (when I drew the dream out for my aunt with details like bookshelves, couches, doors, etc, she said it was exactly the picture of the living room of her house where he was staying after surgery) The angel was invisible but I could see it’s dimensions and understand what was said. Walls and doors made no difference- it’s as if they weren’t there at all. The angel was huge and it’s height reached over the roof, so I’d say the angel was over 12ft tall. Off (and higher up) to the right – almost in another dimension, I could see three others in discussion about my uncle’s life. The three were located just over the roof on the right, but also in the heavens- they were there, but not. There were three of them, I was more limited in what I saw with the three. With the angel, I could see an invisible shape, it’s height and it’s movements. With the three, I could only tell that there were three and from my limited allowance at the time, they seemed as if they were more like men, not angels- but not men – but not angels.

   The three were discussing, analyzing, reviewing my uncle’s life and I could hear them. They were making decisions and it seemed to take a while; they were discussing whether to allow my uncle to live or not. They went on in discussion, the three making a decision, telling the angel and the angel would respond to them. This went on for a while, back and forth, back and forth between the three and the angel -still discussing if my uncle should be allowed to live any longer.

    Finally a decision was made. I could see a 17 over his head- the allowance for his life. The three and the angel finally came to an agreed decision – he could have 17 more years to live. At that moment I saw the angel lean forward bending toward my uncle who sat on the couch. I saw the angel put forth his hands the same way I would if I were trying to talk some sense into someone. I heard the angel say “Well, are you going to do what is right? ARE YOU FINALLY GOING TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT? Everything you do from now on- good or bad will be written down and recorded –EVEN THE very MOTIVES FOR THE THINGS YOU DO” I could sense the angel was a bit…..annoyed.

 

The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do. Isaiah 33:13-14

The Bible tells us :

1-The Lord watches us :  The LORD looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.The LORD looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race.God looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. Psalm 53:2  Psalm 14:2 Psalm 33:13 

 2- The Lord sees us : (everything)  :  Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.For the LORD sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.“For God watches how people live; he sees everything they do Job 34:21.Matthew 6:18 Matthew 6:6  Proverbs 5:21 

 3- He knows our motives :  But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”  He alone examines the motives of our hearts. So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due. But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me? The LORD’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives  Proverbs 16:2 Jeremiah 17:10 Matthew 22:18 1 Corinthians 4:5 Proverbs 20:27 1 Thessalonians 2:4

4- He hears us :  And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.For the LORD hears the cries of the needy; he does not despise his imprisoned people.Psalm 69:331 John 5:14Proverbs 15:29 
 

5-Our Works (and life) are recorded in the books (and tested) : I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books.  You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books Revelation 20:12 Psalm 56:8 Revelation 20:12  Psalm 139:16

 6- Our life is tested and purified  : These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.But we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-5  1 Peter 1:7  1 Corinthians 3:13 

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.  Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire .Matthew 5:22 Matthew 12:36 Romans 14:12

 Three men? ( I thought this verse was interesting on the three men in the dream I had, but I really have no other explanation other that what I’ve shared above)Genesis 18:2 The Lord appeared again to Abraham near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. One day Abraham was sitting at the entrance to his tent during the hottest part of the day. ² He looked up and noticed three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran to meet them and welcomed them, bowing low to the ground.³ “My lord,” he said, “if it pleases you, stop here for a while. ⁴ Rest in the shade of this tree while water is brought to wash your feet. ⁵ And since you’ve honored your servant with this visit, let me prepare some food to refresh you before you continue on your journey

  For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.¹¹ And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.² He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. Revelation 1:5    And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, 

       Hebrew 12:1:  Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us, So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won’t let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us.

          There are two important message in this verse.  First we know we are being watched, and second, we are warned to get rid of anything that could slow us in our walk. We also know from other scripture that we are accountable for all we do and every word we say. The things we do are written down and the bible says the Lord hears us, He see’s us and records our conversations.  I know that the Lord’s message today -to me -is that I have things in my life I need to eliminate. Things I need to crucify, things that slow my walk, and ways in my life where I could easily fall into the desires of the world making me lukewarm. What? You may ask…well a lot. My thoughts, my actions, my anger, my words, and things I do. I may have slacked a bit in protecting my heart, so it’s time to do some cleaning and get back on track. (getting 40 new free channels from directtv didn’t help- oh and an ipod4-with all kinds of fun apps- these things are new distractions

  A Cloud of  Witness?????(Hebrews 12)

          “You have not come to a place like Mount Sinai that can be seen and touched. There is no flaming fire or dark cloud or storm or trumpet sound. The people of Israel heard a voice speak. But they begged it to stop,  because they could not obey its commands. They were even told to kill any animal that touched the mountain.  The sight was so frightening that Moses said he shook with fear.
What does this verse mean?  It’s telling us to remember the Israelites in the Wilderness and how terrifying it was for them to come close to the Lord. His Holiness left them trembling-“The sight was so frightening that Moses shook with fear” It could not be seen or touched.

Read on……  “You have now come to Mount Zion and to the heavenly Jerusalem. This is the city of the living God, where thousands and thousands of angels have come to celebrate. Here you will find all of God’s dearest children, whose names are written in heaven. And you will find God himself, who judges everyone. Here also are the spirits of those good people who have been made perfect.  And Jesus is here! He is the one who makes God’s new agreement with us, and his sprinkled blood says much better things than the blood of Abel”
 What is the message here?  We are told that we go to Mount Zion in the heavens.  You see, when we pray, we enter His gates- we are there before His throne. Jesus has now made a way for us to enter this Holy Place, that was impossible to enter without our Lord Jesus. If you only knew where you where when you are praying and honoring and worshipping Him – you would fall to your knees before the His Holy Presence. Sin cannot stand before Him, It runs from His Presence. He has a place for each of us there before His throne – but so many of those spaces remain empty. Go before His throne and enter His gates with Thanksgiving.
 Who are the witnesses? There are many  theories, but I believe this scripture could answer this question for us. We are told that we are surrounded by witnesses. But where? And who? This verse tells us in the heavens- and when are we here? When we pray and worship. And who is there? God’s dearest children, God himself, spirits of those good people who have been made perfect, and Jesus.

      So let’s break this down– when we go and pray or worship  the Lord in the name of Jesus, we enter into His Holy Place. This holy place is in the heavens before His throne. The Mount Zion from where the Lord roars.(look it up-Joel and Amos) It is here where we bow down in reverent fear and bring our requests before him, where we praise His name and give Him the honor He deserves. In these heavens there is a great cloud of witnesses- even Jesus! What a wonderful gift and privilege to be able to enter His gates.

“Make sure that you obey the one who speaks to you. The people did not escape, when they refused to obey the one who spoke to them at Mount Sinai. Do you think you can possibly escape, if you refuse to obey the one who speaks to you from heaven?  When God spoke the first time, his voice shook only the earth. This time he has promised to shake the earth once again, and heaven too. The words “once again” mean that these created things will someday be shaken and removed. Then what cannot be shaken will last.  We should be grateful that we were given a kingdom that cannot be shaken. And in this kingdom we please God by worshiping him and by showing him great honor and respect.  Our God is like a destructive fire!

 Revelation 3:16 : But since you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of my mouth.

You are being prepared for God’s Holy Kingdom.  Our trials and tests here are preparing us and bettering us for the Kingdom of God. Remember to count it all joy when trials come our way. The Lord is preparing a place for us (I think it’s ready). He created us to be Holy like Him, but we have so much more learning to do. Let us keep running the race with all joy. Knowing that through all our tests and trials, the Lord is still with us. It’s like the song says “all I know is Im not home yet, this is not where I belong, Take this world, and give me Jesus, this is not where I belong”

 

      Lord,  Make me despise the things you despise.  Forgive me for my worldly ways and falling into a lukewarm state. How easily this happens- the current seems so strong. But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. Because of your unfailing love,  I can enter your house; I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe. Lead me in the right path, O Lord or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow. Let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love  your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord, you surround them with  your shield of love.   We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

  Pray for the lost (and salvation for my uncle)

Related articles

• (Revised Nov. 2012) End Times Witnessing: Three in One Combination for Watchman (kzlam36.wordpress.com)
• I WILL LIFT UP MY EYES – Psalm 121 (ptl2010.com)
• A Thanksgiving Message Hebrews 12 , Psalm 100 (prepareforthelamb.wordpress.com)

Power of Unity – Preparation for the revival- becoming One in Christ Jesus Amos 3:3 (Part 1 of 2)

Let there be no divisions among you.1 Cor 1:10

  
Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?
 Let me be united with all who fear you, with those who know your laws.
Our hostility toward each other was put to death by means of his death on the cross. Eph 2-13-18John 17:20-26Psalm 119:79  Amos 3:3
  

“I do not pray for those alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word’ That they all may be as one, as You, Father , are in Me and I in You. That they also may be one in Us, that the world May believe that you sent me”

 

 Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand

    The bible makes it very clear that we are to conduct ourselves in love- and love is the glue of this oneness!  Peace and Love keep us knit together. Why is it important to be one? Because it is a  testimony to the world- so that all would believe in Jesus and understand how much the Lord God loves them. 

 Jesus came to make us one, taking away the dividing line of jew and gentile. How can we be one body if we continue to fight? 

   Oneness is the work of the Holy Spirit– He gathers us together as one and filling us together with His Holy Power to do good works.  How can the toe go off by itself and what good is the mouth if it has no hands? And what good is the hand if it has no mind! 

 What does Christ want of us?  That we live pure and holy lives, gathering in the lost and preparing the way for the coming of the Lord. 

   Consider what the disciples did to those who caused much confusion and strife– these trouble makers were not of God’s spirit, even though they sat among them in the congregation.  They let them go back to Satan in hopes of them coming to their senses and repenting. That can’t be easy to do- arguing a biblical truth with someone who does not have the spirit of God in them is like arguing with a wall.  I have found that sometimes silence is best instead of flipping out, keeping calm and bringing it captive to the Lord.

     We need to gather in the lost and prepare ourselves and those around us for the coming of the Lamb of God. It is time to unite and be strong together with One Mind- the Mind of Christ and with One Spirit- the Holy Spirit. We can no longer be divided as the world falls into darkness. We must stay united as One for Christ- not wavering in any way, making sure we are not living lukewarm lives.  As we live accordingly, the World will see the Power of God in us. The works Jesus did will flow out from us like rivers of running waters. Stand together, warning others in love, spend time in the Word and pray in the Spirit at all times for all believers everywhere.

   As the days draw closer to the Lord’s return, we will see clearer than we did before- for the light shines out of darkness and woe to those who think their darkness is light. Seeking out those who have fallen off the path- now we will see it more clearly, and as you do, you must reach out and help them- do not hate them or become proud – but bring them back.

   Of course we have people who don’t agree with us, but with opposition, the Lord has taught me a good thing. – to be loving and compassionate with those who angrily disagree. As I prayed to the Lord about how to handle these situations, the Holy Spirit brought this prayer out of my heart : Dear Father,  I forgive the words of this person, fill me with love and compassion for them. Help me understand why they believe this and give me understanding as you understand each one of us because you made our hearts. ” Suddenly it disappeared from my thoughts and I continued on, amazed at the lesson the Lord just taught me-be considerate of others with love and compassion- even if we don’t agree on some things.

  He will not shout or cry out or raise his voice in the streets, a bruised reed he will not break. Isaiah 42:2 Matthew 12:19

 A bruised reed he will not break means that we are to consider the weakness in others. Sometimes we may get angry at someone and not realize that on the inside they are hurting badly. These are the bruised reeds we are not to break- consider their feelings even though it may not show on the outside

Guidelines for Biblical Oneness

1-      Love one another. Love binds us together Col 3:14, Col 2:2 (Love is Longsuffering & Patient)
2-      Agreeing wholeheartedly with each other with one mind and one purpose Phil 2:2
3-      One body in Communion. We are united when as we break the bread, sharing in the body of Christ. When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ?  And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body.  Think about the people of Israel. Weren’t they united by eating the sacrifices at the altar? 1 Corinthians 1;16 -18 
4-      Live holy lives as citizens of heaven Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News of Christ
5-      Being one in spirit and in purpose– fighting together for the faith, which is the good news (Phil 1:27)Be united in Christ – not in the World and the concerns of this world. Remember you must therefore endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ and “no soldier gets entangled with civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him”
6-      Put on your Shoes of peace.  Peace binds us together and it is also protection from demonic attacks (eph 4:3)
7-     Let each one do it’s special work so other parts may grow – in other words You are not the only one assigned to work- let each one do his part in the body of Christ.  One person can’t be the hand, the food, and the mouth. Let the Lord assign each man his place and work hard so that you will please the Lord. “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:28
8-    Be united in Christ – not in the World and the concerns of this world. Remember you must therefore endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ and “no soldier gets entangled with civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him”
9-      There is power in unity. Gen 11:6, Numbers 16:3, This is a powerful way we can fight the darkness that has come upon our land. There is power in oneness. Consider this verse: “The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them!” If the enemy uses this tactic against God’s holy one’s, how can we fight back unless, we, too, are united as one people. Remember Jesus said – – Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand Matt 12;25. (see matt 3;25)
10- United with Christ brings  spiritual blessings  : Ephesians 1:3  All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ11-  Be united with others to Fear the Lord and know His laws Ps 119;79
12–     It is a testimony to non believers : Oneness , unified as one people with one mind and one purpose is a testimony to the World of Jesus Christ and the love of the Father. Notice Jesus’ words after he prays that we be one together  “so that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me Father” John 17:6-26 and “And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me
13–   Christ holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it Col 2 :19, Jesus died for this reason -to bring together and unite all of God’s children  Mt 19:5  Jesus wants us to be unified and one as He and the Father are one- John 17:6-26 Jesus prays to the Father and 4x in one prayer He requests that we be one together and unified.
14- Be united in prayer with others Acts 1;14
15- Having the same mind and same judgment.  Now I plead with you brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. I Corinthians 1:10
16-  Jew and Gentile = One, Slave or Free= One, male and female = One! For we are all ONE in Christ Jesus Galatians 3:226-29 and Eph 2:13-18 “He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.  He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. 
17-    There is only ONE body! It’s not you alone against the world J    There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:4-6  
18-  Live for others – not ourselves – For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. II Corinthians 5:14,15 (This reminds me of a verse in Jeremiah when the Lord says to Baruch, the scribe “Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don’t do it!”- that lesson goes deeper, but just something to think about)
19–  That totally annoying person you’ve been arguing with is a fellow citizen with you, the saints and members of the household of God (hopefully) and you both are being fit together growing into a holy temple of the Lord. and you both also, are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.  Now therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22
20- Unity is sharing all you have. “ All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.  The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.  There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them  and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.”
21– We were joined with Christ in baptism and in His death:  (and remember peace and love keep us together) “have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death?  For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was…. Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.  Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.  Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. Romans 6:1-14 and Galatians 3;26
22–   We are united with Jesus and now we can produce a harvest of good deeds Romans 7:4  So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God
23–       Christ has not divided us into factions to quarrel over what teacher we do and do not follow. 1 Cor 1:10-17    Be of One mind, united in thought and purpose “My pastor is better than yours”=not unity. “ I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.  For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters.  Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter” or “I follow only Christ.” Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not!  I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius,  for now no one can say they were baptized in my name.  (Oh yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas, but I don’t remember baptizing anyone else.) For Christ didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News—and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power.
24–     God united us with Christ 1 Corinthians 1:30:God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin   
25- . We are all true children of Abraham through faith in Christ, united in baptism,  : For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.  And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you. Gal 3:26-29  
26-       Oneness is also a tactic of the enemy ; Psalm 2:2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one 
27–         Consider the power of unity and oneness when the Israelites gathered together to rebuild with Nehemiah, consider the power of oneness in the book of Ester when all the people fasted and prayed to the Lord, consider the power of Oneness when the apostles gathered on the day of Pentecost  Nehemiah 10:39The people and the Levites must bring these offerings of grain, new wine, and olive oil to the storerooms and place them in the sacred containers near the ministering priests, the gatekeepers, and the singers. “We promise together not to neglect the Temple of our God.”Esther 4:16“Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.”

BEWARE OF DIVISIONS:

Division brings chaos and confusion. Remember the Tower of Babel…. Their divided language caused division and confusion. If you search the scriptures you will find division and confusion go hand in hand with noise- too much talk!   This confusion is deadly and needs to be taken out of our churches.  WARNING: “Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught.  STAY AWAY FROM THEM. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 1 Corinthians 1:10 Romans 16:17-18

  Hear the Word of the Lord
                Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect. Agree wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.  You must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.  You must stand together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News  Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.  All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.  
                         Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you. But that does not mean we want to dominate you by telling you how to put your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm. We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.  Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity. They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups.
Colossians 3:14 Philippians 2:2 Philippians 1:27 Ephesians 4:3 Ephesians 4:16 Romans 8:17Acts 4:26 Acts 1:14Acts 2:1  Acts 2:44 Acts 2:462 Corinthians 1:24   2 Corinthians 4:14 1 Corinthians 3:8 1 Corinthians 3:16 1 Corinthians 14:261 Corinthians 12:27 Ephesians 2:21 Ephesians 2:20 Acts 1:14 Ephesians 2:16 Ephesians 2:14 Ephesians 5:32 Ephesians 4:4 Ephesians 2:15

Oneness used as Enemy tactic :  The kings of the earth prepared for battle; the rulers gathered together against the LORD and against his Messiah.’“Look!” he said. “The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them! They united against Moses and Aaron and said, “You have gone too far! The whole community of Israel has been set apart by the LORD, and he is with all of us. What right do you have to act as though you are greater than the rest of the LORD’s people?” “In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed. But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will.  Genesis 11:6  Numbers 16:3 Acts 4:27

 Oneness in Old Testament Prophecy:   But the LORD will have mercy on the descendants of Jacob. He will choose Israel as his special people once again. He will bring them back to settle once again in their own land. And people from many different nations will come and join them there and unite with the people of Israel .Then the people of Judah and Israel will unite together. They will choose one leader for themselves, and they will return from exile together. What a day that will be—the day of Jezreel —when God will again plant his people in his land Isaiah 14:1Hosea 1:11  
 

Spurgeon quote CHSpurgeon Sermon #668 “Unity in Christ Jan 7, 1866

“There are in the visisble churches a certain number of God’s elect, and these are of the body of Jesus Christ. But their fellow professors, if unconverted, are not in the mystical union. Christ’s body is not made up of denominations, nor of presbyteries , nor of Christan societies – it is made up of saints chosen of God from before the foundation of the world– redeemed by blood, called by His Spirit and made one with Jesus. …. They have all been quickened by the same Spirit and made to live by the same energy. And though they knew it not, they were still one. No, more. All true believers are supported by the same strength! The live which makes viatl the prayer of a Believer today is the same life which quickened the cry of a Believer two thousand years ago. And if this world shall last so long as another thousand years, the same Spirit which made the tear trickle from the eyes of a penitent then is that which this day makes us bows before God Most High.

Tell to sinners round

What a Savior you have found

Does God dwell in you, and do you dwell in Him? Then, my dear Brother give me your hand! Never mind about a thousand difference if you are in Christ and I am in Christ! We cannot be two, we must be one. Let us love each other fervently with a pure heart. Let us live on earth as those who are to live together a long eternity in Heaven. Let us help each other’s spiritual growth. Let us aid each other as far as possible in every holy, spiritual enterprise which is for the promotion of the kingdom  of the Lrod.

     And let us chase out of our hearts everything which would break the unity which God has established. Let us cast from us every false doctrine, every false thought of pride, enmity, envy, bitterness that we, whom God has made one, may be one before man as well as before the eyes of the heart searching God.

   May the Lord bless us, dear Friends as a Church. May He make us one and keep us so. It wil be the dead stuff among us that will make divisions. It is the living children of God that make the unity! It is the living ones that are bound together. There will be no fear about that – Christ’s prayer  takes care of us, that we shall be one. As for those of you who are joioned with us in visible fellowshop and are not one with Christ, may the Lord save you with His great salvation, and His shall be the praise.

 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

 

John 17:51- He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. ⁵² And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world

Jesus Prayed : “Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold. “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy.  I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.  I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do.  Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.  Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.  And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.  I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me.  I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” John 17:20-26

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Put on the Shoes of Peace. Ephesians 6:13 : Weapons of warfare

Put on your shoes of Peace –Your armor….And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.Eph 6:15

 Protect yourself against the schemes, traps and wiles of the enemy

    Before I show you what the Lord showed me about our armor, I have a message for some of you : You have been anointed, now act like it…if this speaks to you, here is more: The enemy is after you and has laid out many traps ahead.  Stay focused on the Lord and cling to Him, do not depart.

 Okay, on to the shoes of peace. To be honest, when I studied this armor stuff I didn’t quite understand it, okay the basic teaching maybe, but I had a lot of questions, and I asked..continually.and one by one the Lord began to teach me. I’d say–shoes? How does that relate to the preparation of the gospel? I thought this had something to do with this verse:

 Isaiah 52:7  How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace (amplified)

    So I kind of disregarded the shoes, I figured, I’m not on a mountain, and I’m not a missionary – so maybe it’s not for me…. until one day in church, the Holy Spirit spoke to me.  I was standing next to someone who really annoyed me. I remember standing there mad as those around me sang their praise, I stood and told the Lord how annoyed I was (and it was because I wasn’t getting my own way). I immediately heard “put on your shoes of peace”. I knew instantly that I was to make peace, control myself, change my attitude and be quiet. I just knew, however, I really didn’t want to do that, I would have much rather done something else.  I obeyed, and I regret that I didn’t obey with a good attitude. The Lord supernaturally blessed me that day with many blessings as I walked in obedience. I understood that the shoes of peace are so much more than we can imagine. 

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns”  Maybe I now understand that my life is my testimony and the way I behave sends out a message of the good news of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that wins souls is wise Prov 11:30

     I am so excited about this new key to protection I have discovered as I studied our armor and warfare… it seems so simple, yet it is so powerful. And this is what I have discovered: Peace is a protector, Peace protects us, (and this peace if from the Lord) it closes a door to the enemy. There is a supernatural link and key between peace and righteousness (right living) that protects those who fear the Lord.

  If you want protection from your enemy and his traps, you must live your life in obedience. Always searching and working hard to maintain a peaceful life in all circumstances and living a life of righteousness and right living. This peace is a gift and a blessing given to you from the Lord God and His Son Jesus.

     ( fyi: There are many messages with truth about the shoes- however, I am specifically focusing on the power and protection of the blessing of the shoes of Peace the Lord gives. AND there is a difference between the peace the world offers and peace the Lord gives us.  Living in peace that the Lord Jesus has given us doesn’t give us an excuse not to stand up for truth or fight for righteousness- this we must do. Speak up for justice and righteousness,  in love. Peace the Lord gives is real and true peace, it is our protection and much more.)

 Righteousness + Peace = Supernatural Protection
Right living in obedience + being a peacemaker = God’s supernatural protection  for us from enemy attacks

      Its true! Righteousness and Peace have kissed each other:   Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps. Ps 85:10-13

  Do you see the connection between peace and right living –and it’s all intertwined like a puzzle as we study our armor. Peace (shoes) and Righteousness (breastplate) need to be worn at all times, we can’t have one without the other. Notice the righteousness in the verse above goes before him AND SHALL SET US IN THE WAY OF HIS STEPS. Righteousness and peace protect us, keep us on God’s path and set us in the way of His steps. Okay, can you tell I’m so excited about this!  For right now, I want to dive deeper into peace and then righteousness another time because there is much to learn about this peace- our shoes we put on with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

What happens when we listen to His commands? We will have peace and righteousness!  Isaiah 48:18Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.

How can we reap a harvest of righteousness? By being peacemakers James 3:18And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness

What does righteousness bring?  Isaiah 32:17And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.

More on Peace and Righteousness:  For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, ² and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace.  He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever Heb 7:1-3

Am I making sense? You see, if we live right, obey God and work hard for peace- this gives us protection. Think about it this way. Imagine you are really upset or angry with someone. If you obey God’s word and work at peace and forgive as the Lord has told us to, the enemy has no open door to come in and bother you. However, if you lose control and say things you don’t want to – watch out because sin is waiting at the door for an opportunity to take over and master you.  Obedience pays off, the Lord’s words don’t fail, surely we reap what we sow.

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. Message version of Eph 6:13-18

Rewards of Peace:
Proof! Peace protects us.

1. Protection and Peace come from the Lord Jeremiah 16:5
2. Following God’s commands gives you the ability to endure the pressures and go in peace Exodus 18:23
3. God’s peace protects us on every side 1 Kings 5:4
4. Submit to God and you will have peace, then things will go well for you Job 22:21 (Submit to God and the enemy will flee)
5. He brings me to His rest, it is not on my own power Psalm 23:2
6. Want peace?  Search for it and work to maintain it. Keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Ps 29
7. Peace is a blessing from the Lord.The Lord watches over all who do right and he hears their cries  Psalm 29:11The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace. Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord. Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!
8.  Peace takes effort on your part- you have to search for it and maintain it . Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken! Calamity will surely overtake the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished.²² But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
9. A wonderful future awaits those who love Peace. Psalm 37:37 Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying,  for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,  so our land will be filled with his glory. Ps 85
10. Fear of the Lord + Right living + Peace = Supernatural protection Ps 85
11. Righteousness + Peace = staying on God’s path Ps 85
12. Unfailing love and truth have met together.  Righteousness and peace have kissed! Ps 85
13. Peace is given to those who love the Lord’s instructions and it will keep them from stumbling. Psalm 119:165
14. Planning peace fills a heart with joy, plotting evil fills a heart with deceit Pr 12:20
15. Peace brings health: Proverbs 14:30A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
16. You can have peace with your enemies when you live your life to please the Lord:Proverbs 16:7When people’s lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them.
17. The Lord’s teaching brings Peace upon our childrenIsaiah 54:13I will teach all your children, and they will enjoy great peace.
18. If you work for peace and do your best to maintain peace, the Lord will bless you and you will be called children of God.Matthew 5:9
19. Jesus has left us with this gift:John 14:27“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
20. Peace protects our mind and heart and keeps us from being troubled or afraid.
21. You can have peace in storms and sorrowsJohn 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
22. Peace with the Fear of the Lord is a powerful combinationActs 9:31 The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.
23. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace rom 8:6
24. We are to live a life of peace and Joy in the Holy spirit Romans 14:17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
25. Only God can fill us with peace because we trust in Him and this joy and peace will produce and overflow of confident hope the power of the Holy Spirit.Romans 15:13
26. Gal 5:22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
27. Discipline results in a peaceful harvest of right living Hebrews 12:11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
28. Peacemakers reap a harvest of righteousness!James 3:18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
29. His peace guards us: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus Phil 4:6-7
30. Being a peacemaker takes work and you have to maintain this peace. Search for it. 1 Peter3 10-13
31. Peace (grace and mercy) comes from God the Father and from Jesus the Son of the Father 1 J 1:3
32. The work of righteousness shall be peace and the effect of righteousness is -quietness and assurance forever! Is 32:17-20

  Shoes protect us and so does peace. When I don’t wear shoes and walk outside I’m always concerned about what I might step on-broken glass, hot asphalt, thorns, red ants, wasp stingers,etc… but if I wear my shoes I don’t have to worry about anything I might step on. I can walk on burning sidewalks, over broken glass and nothing will hurt me. So it is with the sh0es of peace- you can walk through stormy waters and burning coals, but nothing can touch you- because you are covered and protected by the Peace of the Lord Jesus.

 
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. “Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other”  But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep.  “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. Romans 14:17, Luke 12:51, Luke 19

What can I learn?

Peace protects us, fills us with joy, keeps us healthy, guarantees us a wonderful future, keeps us from stumbling, brings blessings, protects our mind and heart and keeps us from being troubled or afraid, brings righteousness, fills your heart with joy.

Peace is attained through the Lord by our obedience, our searching for it, Peace is given to those who love the Lord’s instructions and Fear Him.

So here’s the final question: What part of your life do you need to work on in order for God’s peace to reign? How can you be a peacemaker and please the Lord your God and Maker?

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil avoid it, do not travel on it;
Turn away from it and pass on Keep your heart with all diligence,For out of it spring the issues of life. 
Put away from you a deceitful mouth,
And put perverse lips far from you.
 Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.
 Do not turn to the right or the left;Remove your foot from evil.
May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.
Amen.

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