Peace RULES

Scripture:

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) 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 (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].

Observation:

Paul offers a strategy to help us live for God day by day is found in Colossians chapter 3: (1) Imitate Christ's compassionate, forgiving attitude (v. 12-13); (2) let love guide your life (v. 14); (3) let the peace of Christ rule in your heart (v. 15); (4) always be thankful (v. 15); (5) keep God's Word in you at all times (v. 16); (6) live as Jesus Christ's representative (v. 17).

The word rule
comes from the language of athletics: Paul tells us to let Christ's peace be umpire or referee in our heart. Our heart is the center of conflict because there our feelings and desires clash-our fears and hopes, distrust and trust, jealousy and love. How can we deal with these constant conflicts and live as God wants? Paul explains that we must decide between conflicting elements by using the rule of peace. Which choice will promote peace in our souls and in our churches?

God's peace is different from the world's peace. True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings. It comes from knowing that God is in control. Our citizenship in Christ's Kingdom is sure, our destiny is set, and we can have victory over sin. Let God's peace guard your heart against anxiety.

Application:

The "peace of God" in my life has been put to the test since this past Saturday night. My precious wife of 26 years (our anniversary is tomorrow!) passed out twice at home, and then five more times in the emergency room of the hospital. She has been in the hospital since then, with a battery of test being run on her. Yesterday while taking a thallium stress she passed out again. Her rate went from 148 to 28 in a matter of five seconds. The doctor has to massage her heart and give her medicine to get it started again. When I found this out, a panic tried to come over me. Fear, worry, doubt...emotions that attack our faith flared up in my spirit man. I got alone and said, "Lord I need a RHEMA Word from you today" and the Lord dropped Colossians into my mind. I felt God's peace begin to settle over me.

My wife was transferred to a hospital in Memphis last night, but I woke up this morning with that same peace, and have determined to allow that peace to "rule" my heart today. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for her. Please continue.

Jesus said in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heat be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

The end result of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives is deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance in any circumstance; with Christ's peace, we have no need to fear the present or the future. Sin, fear, uncertainty, doubt, and numerous other forces are at war within us. The peace of God moves into our hearts and lives to restrain these hostile forces and offer comfort in place of conflict. Jesus says he will give us that peace if we are willing to accept it from him. If your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ's peace

Prayer:

"Lord, I am so thankful for Your peace that truly is beyond understanding. I choose today to allow it to RULE my heart. What a deep and lasting peace that you have give me this morning. That doesn't mean there is an absence of a problem, it just means that YOU are with me in the midst of the problem. I love you Lord, and look forward to today's daily bread. In Jesus' name, amen."