TO BLOOM

My People,

Hello! It is the last day of the year and these are the things that I like to think. I thank God for my family and each one of you and of-course my Guardian Angel.

You know, I wonder how it must feel to hold snow. Whenever, a person is leaving for a place where there will be snowfall, I ask of them-to hold snow in their hand, so that they can recount their experience of what it felt like.

When a Christmas carol is sung what we like to watch is the enthusiasm from the choir. Believe me you can have a really good voice, but it aint nothing if you don’t have that spirit of Christmas with you.

The same thing goes for the snow effect. I can ask you how it feels like. And you can say 'oh it’s just like the ice in the freezer'. There was no enthusiasm or joy in the reply. While that may be the truth, you could make it sound interesting. Couldn’t you?

Or maybe add a little bit of mystery-or maybe a little bit of magic?

Love to me is like the snow. If I’d ask you to explain, I wonder what you would say. You know when it snows, how everything around looks so wonderful. Picture this, it’s Christmas, and its beginning to snow, and your standing in one of the alleys, waiting for some sort of means to travel. You have hardly been there for a minute or so. But all of a sudden-there is this horse carriage-that comes right where you’re standing-mind you, you love horses (I do and I love horse carriages too). And up there is a familiar person (the one you love) who asks you to hop in for a ride to your home. And as you seat yourself, he offers you some hot cocoa. And between the ride with the one you love, the sip of hot cocoa and the twinkling stars in the sky-you wonder if you’re dreaming. Could this be real?

People these days, want quick-fixes, magic-portions, magic-formulas anything and everything is welcome. Nobody wants to take trouble these days. Patience is a thing of the past. Nobody is willing to wait. But really all of Gods answers are in for the person who is willing to wait, believing in Him.

You need to believe for God to perform a miracle in your life. You can ask a person to pray for you. But wouldn’t you want to take a step yourself. I’m asking? Wouldn’t you want to give it a try?

All you need to do is

Step 1: Be thankful.

Step 2: Believe that God can and will.

Step 3: Endure through all the trials.

Step 4: Persevere to the end.

Step 5: And then finally wait. Patience-Gold is tested in fire.

The Lotus has the quality to bloom beautifully in muddy water. This flower blooms where it is planted by God. We should take a lesson from the lotus. We need to bloom where we are planted. We should make the best of where we are, in the situation we are. Because where we are is where we need to be.

The amazing thing about God is He will teach you how important you are. The one thing I know is that we all have been blessed with is grace and grace in abundance. What you have been gifted with will always be different from somebody else. Faith is God’s amazing grace on me. My birthday is the 11th of the first month and that coincides with Hebrews 11:1-which states that-Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Thank God for what you are. Always rejoice.

Never envy anybody. You never know what the other person goes through.

Love is the most important aspect of our lives. While Faith is essential-it shows our trust in God. Love from God to us and from us to the rest of humanity is what love really is.

See, we believed in what was promised by God to us for our redemption. Our belief-is what is credited to us as faith. But love it was-from Abba Father, to sent His only begotten Son-Jesus into the world. And it was love from Jesus-to the rest of humanity and to His Father-to have to lay down His life for us.

When you say, you believe in God, how can you not love? God is love–He will bring you to Himself-and He will teach you to love. And when, He draws you to Him-you will learn to love.

If you do not have love for your fellow brethren – If you do not have compassion, then what have you?

You cannot say you love God, and not love others. That would be a lie.

If I have been blunt and have hurt you, then that would never be my intention. I cannot hurt you and show my face to God. I am sorry, but this is the truth.

Also, I would like you to remember all the souls from the start of time if possible-do pray for them. This is what I do-when I participate in a celebration of the mass-I offer it for all the souls. Maybe you could make small sacrifices-for them. Purgatory is a hard place. The trials we go through now, are nothing in comparison to purgatory. Please pray for the souls.

It’s that time of the year when we sit back and look at the past year and wonder what is and what could have been. I have heard of many kinds of resolutions, and I have never heard of anyone stick to any resolution. When they fail to practise what they plan, then I hear people say-that resolutions are meant to be broken.

At this point you have almost made it home. How was the ride so far? I bet, it was beautiful, from my point of view spectacular, is the word. See, God is wonderful. When you walk, with God believing in Him and surrendering to His plans-He will move the entire universe for you. There is nothing that He won’t do. And what God intends-will not come-one minute early or 1 second later than the God appointed time. I know and I believe.

I believe that when you believe in something-you must practise it for 30 days. It becomes a habit.

I believe that when you set your heart to something-you’re almost there.

I believe our greatest desires should always be surrendering to God’s plan.

I believe that God’s best always will supersede our own expectations.

I believe in the Holy Mighty name of Jesus-that at the name of JESUS-every knee should bow and every tongue confess-that Jesus Christ is Lord. Amen.

 

I wish you Peace in the coming year 2013. Happy New Year!

With all my love,

For LOVE PREVAILS!
AnitA

PRAYER: Abba, Father, Your holy will be done. Keep me always obedient and faithful, I pray. And thank You, God Almighty for one of the best days in my life-29th December, 2012. I will never forget, Your love. I love You my mighty God. Praise God!

GOD is with us!

My People,

I wish you all, A  V e r y  M e r r y  C h r i s t m a s!

 

What I love the most, about Christmas, is when the whole family comes together. I love Santaclaus, I love listening to Christmas carols. I love putting up the Christams tree, I love decorating the home. I love everything about Christmas. I feel the spirit of Christmas the whole year round.

I will always remember, last Christmas. What I remember most especially, is a ‘Happy Birthday’ sung to Jesus, which was arranged by Fr. Byron. I will treasure that moment, always.

 

We often, miss out on God’s best because we give up too soon.  We don’t realize how close we are to victory. Your breakthrough could come at any given moment!  Things always seem to get worst before they actually get better. Stay in faith-hang on, because God won’t let you out of His sight ever-and you will see God’s promises come to pass.

Scripture is full of people who were closer than they thought...

• David faced impossible odds against Goliath, but he was moments away from victory. 1 Samuel 17.
• Elijah was surrounded by 400 false prophets, but the power of God was about to be revealed for everyone to see. 1 Kings 18.
• Joseph was forgotten and left in prison, but he was just a dream away from his royal position. Genesis 39–40.

Can you imagine if David dropped his slingshot and ran? What if Elijah had backed down? What if Joseph had stopped dreaming?
They didn’t give up, and God gave them victory!

Perhaps today you are facing impossible odds. Remember our God is a God of suddenlies, a God of impossibles. In a moment-everything can change for the better!

God will open doors on your behalf. He will do the impossible. Get ready!

Trust that God has you right where He wants you, God will take care of everything.

I’ve learned that God often changes us before He changes the circumstances around us. If you allow negative things to dominate your thoughts, they are going to keep you right where you are.

Don’t go through life thinking you’ve got too many disadvantages. If you put your hope in God, He’ll direct your steps.

 

Enjoy and grow in the place God has placed you in-for where you are-GOD-sows a seed of greatness into your future! Expect God to do big things in your life, right where you are.

Today, look past your circumstances and prepare yourself for all that God wants to do in your life. Psalm 37:23 states-The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

 

I want you to start believing that there are no limits to God’s rewards. Hebrews 11:6 states that-And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

You can look for and expect God’s rewards when you seek Him.... He’ll give you wisdom, favor, strength, direction and a greater measure of His peace. God wants you to expect Him to reward you.

God says that if you will seek Him, if you’ll look for Him with all your heart, He WILL REWARD YOU. God wants to reward you! BELIEVE!

You don’t have to be anything or do anything—you just need a heart that craves for more...more of His Word, more of the life He desires to give you.
I am blessed because I seek God, I find my heart wants more and more of Him.
In my own strength, I can do nothing-By myself, I am nothing—but the one thing I can do, is choose to seek Him every day.

Keep God first place. Seek God rejoice in Him and everything you need will eventually come. He’ll open the right doors, lead you to the right people and cause you to be at the right place at the right time. He’s going to reward you with favor and honor and everything you need to be blessed and fulfilled in life.

 

I love everything about Christmas. I feel the spirit of Christmas the whole year round. That is what I started with in my first paragraph. And that is the note I am ending on. No matter what happens, dont loose hope. Keep the spirit of Christmas alive.

Christmas, is a promise. A promise that was made-A promise that was delivered. This is Christmas-we rejoice in the Promise that was kept. This is our Hope-that what God promises-God delivers. God is called The OLD FAITHFUL.

 

I wish you an Ephesians 3:20-Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Merry Christmas!

With all my love,

For LOVE PREVAILS!

AnitA. 

In GOD's Time. . .

My People,

Hello! What a wonderful season to be in, it’s nearing Christmas, and we’re just three days away.

I love tradition; it keeps you connected to the roots. What it also does-is-it keeps you grounded. I think somewhere down the line-it means to be feeling what it felt for our forefathers.

Love is when two hearts connected with God beat together as one. When two people are in love, have you noticed them, they will always be the last to know how well they relate with each other. Everybody else knows it, but they don’t. And why is that?

We all wish to be understood. Often in this walk of life, we find ourselves most alone. We wish for someone who will know us inside out. We expect a heart to heart connection and we expect it instantly.

Have you ever watched a person when you’ve understood them perfectly? They have such a contented look. That’s a priceless moment.

In life we can choose to think small or we can choose to think big. In all, we limit ourselves. But God is not limited by our thoughts. God is limitless.

 
Stop focusing your time and energy dwelling on the past, or dwelling on disappointments. In order to fully experience God’s blessings, you have to let go of those past hurts.

What I have come to realize from my past, is that when hurtful moments come to present themselves, it is not for us to be humiliated, but rather that we may rise to glory in God. Too often we rely on our strength to make it through and we fall even more miserably. What we need to do is rely on the strength of God.

You matter to God. Everything that affects you matters to Him. Psalm 56:8 states “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”

Oftentimes, God will use our experiences to prepare us for what He has in store for us next.

We have to trust and submit ourselves to Him — especially when we don’t understand. Don’t try figuring things out. Let God do what God knows best. Everything will come about in God’s time. Not a minute earlier and not one second late. Proverbs 16:9 states “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

On the 18th of this month, after work, I was heading for church, and I was quiet late. Attended mass, felt relieved that I somehow made it.

On purchasing an item, at the store, looked through my bag and I could not find my wallet. Walked all the way back to church, I saw my cell ringing. Came out and my cousin asked me if I would want to go out for some work. I met this really loving family. From nearly 6-7 years my cousin has been speaking of them. Always, I wanted to meet them. And now I did.

If I did not loose my wallet, I would not go back to Church, and if I was not there I would not meet them. And the opportunity, would come next God knows when. After all that happened, I did not feel the pain that I lost my wallet. I felt good. Everything has a reason, which reason is best not known to us, till God’s good time. Amen to that.

People say that some prayers go unanswered. I don’t think so. If you had to believe that sentence even for the tiniest fraction of a millisecond, you have no idea of how loving God really is.  

God wastes no time in answering anyone’s prayers. He loves you so much that He would rather give you that, which you ask for, than to see you unhappy.

If ever you think that God never answered, maybe you were never listening.

I have never given up on anything in my life. I have always heard people say, that if they wanted something, but did not get it, then after the time had elapsed they did not want it anymore.

In my most recent conversation with a close friend of mine, I was telling him how I was looking for this song. It was a ‘Prince and the purple generation’ song-the title of which I did not know at that time was ‘All that glitters aint gold’

It took me more than four years and several attempts to finally find that song. I never quit. I never do. How can I? I have the God of IMPOSSIBLES backing me up.

You may say it’s just a song. And you are absolutely right. Life is filled with moments like these. I want you to believe with all your heart. I want you to know that God always listens.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Look at what it implies. Ask with all your heart, because God gives. That is a promise. And God always keeps His promises. Open your Bible to Mathew 7:7 and believe. As you walk with God, God will orchestrate everything to perfection.

I wish you PEACE!

 

With all my LOVE,

For LOVE PREVAILS!
AnitA.

“Being not weak in faith, (Abraham) considered not his own body now dead, when he was about a hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb” Romans 4:19

God had promised Abraham that he would have a son, one who would become the seed of many nations. Abraham didn’t flinch at this promise, even though he was well past the age of procreation. Instead, when Abraham received this word from the Lord, we’re told he “considered not his own body now dead (nor)…the deadness of Sarah’s womb.”

To the natural mind, it was impossible for this promise to be fulfilled. But Abraham didn’t dwell on any such impossibility. According to Paul, Abraham gave no thought to how God would keep His promise. He didn’t reason with God. Instead of entertaining any questions, Abraham simply did not consider any.

The fact is, when God is at work producing a faith that is tried and better than gold, He first puts a sentence of death on all human resources. He closes the door to all human reasoning, closing every means of a rational deliverance.

The faith that pleases God is born in a place of deadness-deadness of all human possibilities. It is a place where human hopes bring temporary relief but soon crash, adding to a sense of helplessness.

Has it seemed you have no options left? You can’t call someone to advise you.

This is God at work. His Spirit is working to get you to stop considering the impossibilities—to stop looking to human ways and means—to stop trying to think your way out of your situation. The Holy Spirit urges you to stop looking for help from some man. And quit focusing on how hopeless you think your situation is. Those are hindrances to your faith.

“ God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.” Psalm 46:1-7, 9.

What a marvellous word. God’s Word to us here is so powerful, so immovable, He tells us, “Never again do you need to fear. It doesn’t matter if the whole world is in turmoil. There may be earthquakes, the oceans may swell, and the mountains may crumble into the sea. Things may be in complete chaos, a total uproar all around you.

“But because of my Word, you’ll have peace like a river. While all the nations rage, powerful steams of joy will flow to my people. It will fill their hearts with gladness.”

The whole world is in a fearful time. Nations tremble over terrorism. Personal troubles and sufferings keep mounting up. Yet, in the midst of it all, Psalm 46 states to God’s people the world over: “I am in your midst. I am with you through it all. My people will not be destroyed or moved. I’m going to be an ever-present help to my church.”

God knows we all encounter turmoil, temptations in these times of confusion. God is saying that if we give in to fear, becoming downcast and full of despair, we’re living absolutely contrary to His reality in our lives.

It’s important that you understand what the Lord is telling us in this Psalm. Our God is available to us at any time, day or night. He’s continually willing to speak to us and to guide us. God’s made this possible by giving us His Holy Spirit to abide in us. The Bible tells us that Christ Himself is in us, and we are in Him.

PRAYER: Abba Father, keep me always faithful and obedient to You, I pray. Amen.

Thank you-12^th December, 2012.

Promise Date: 19^th Dec 2012  Judges 13:2–7    

        Date: 19^th Dec 2012  Luke 1:5–25
            Date: 20^th Dec 2012  Isaiah 7:10-14
        Date: 20^th Dec 2012  Luke 1:26–38   4^th time
              14^th Oct 2012  Mark 10:27     2^nd time
              28^th May 2012  Mark 10:27     1^st time
              5^th  Oct 2012  Luke 1:37     1^st Friday

PEACE with GOD!

My People,

Hello! I am sorry, for the delay. I had a terrible fall on Friday the 7^th of December hurt my right knee quiet bad. Took a minute, to get up, realized that if there was no one, I would sit there for quiet some time more.

A kind lady enquired if I had any pain. I said yes a little on my knee. Then I said thank you, and God bless you. She looked at me with amazement. But really I was grateful.

What I realized from the fall is that I carried a whole load of thoughts with me. I understood what it must have felt for Jesus. Jesus carried all of our sins on Himself. I wonder when Jesus fell carrying the cross, Would Jesus, have felt better that moment? Would the fall have given my sweet Jesus, some moment to rest and then get up?

Jesus liberated me with that fall.

Love – the most beautiful word in the English dictionary, and when translated to any other language, it never looses its essence.

Our deepest longing is always to be loved. To matter to the one person whom we love the most in the world. A world without love, would you imagine that? Love is like a hunger – until we understand the full meaning of it, we cannot be totally happy.

When two people really love each other, they never offend each other.
 

When you love somebody, you want to keep them safe. You want to give them the world, because nothing seems impossible. When you know that you are loved by the one you love, you become like the candle in the dark.

Today, the 4th December, 2012. I thank You God, for the gladness, only You know, when and how it comes to my heart.

Just saw a rerun on the TV, the program ‘American Idol Season 11’.  Watched Colton Dixon a 19 year old make his exit. The judges were not too good with their feedback. So later when he was asked for his comments, he just stated ‘I don’t care’. When the results were declared, he immediately apologized to the judges and told them that he would use their advice for his future in his singing career. If you think this is all, do I have news for you? I’m glad, that I watched this programme, I’m glad that our future is not bleak. I’m glad to hear Colton Dixon sing to God.

This is what Colton Dixon sang, You’re all I want: Below is just a part of the praise and worship song. This should move your heart.

Find me here, speak to me
I want to feel you, I need to hear you
You are the light that's leading me to the place
Where I find peace again
You are the strength that keeps me walking
You are the hope that keeps me trusting
You are the light to my soul
You are my purpose
You're everything
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this
You calm the storms and you give me rest
You hold me in your hands
You won't let me fall
You still my heart, and you take my breath away
Would you take me in take me deeper now
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this
And how can I stand here with you And not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this
Cause you're all I want,
You're all I need
You're everything... everything

This, coming from a 19 year old, its amazing and even more so, because when defeated and taking ones exit, the hardest thing to do is sing a song of praise to God. But what Colton, did was what the Bible tells us to do. We must praise especially when it is the hardest to praise. Because Real praise is not when there is the sunshine. But real praise is when everything is bleak.  Praise the LORD with all your heart.

People often do wrong to each other. And really what’s most astonishing is that there is no remorse felt. Revenge is never a good thing. The very thought of doing wrong to a person is an evil thought. And acting on it, has its own consequences.

I often watch people who have the capacity to make a difference absolutely always take the wrong turn. I watch them do wrong, just because they can. And I watch them go down too. I have never watched a man do wrong and never pay for the consequence. Sirach 7:1 states-‘Do no evil, and evil will not overtake you.’

Nearly two months back, I wanted so much to go for the Bible study. I kept asking God what should I do? Of-course I wanted to go. You got to know this, both the Bible study time and the Church time clash. So I looked for signs that God would give. It was a very good session. As I entered Church, after the study, to talk to Jesus, I felt all of Jesus pain in my heart.  I never want to ever miss going to church.

On All souls day, I just felt lazy, and I thought okay, I could easily go for the next mass, no sooner had I thought that, I heard Jesus calling me, ‘Come, I wait for you.’

When it came to the matter of our faith, there could be no questions. My mom, I think she must have been trained in the military. My mom was strict about prayers, and about God. There could be no seconds. The first of the TEN COMMANDMENTS State: I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD, YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME. I thank God for my mom.

Sometime back I overheard one of my colleagues say that parents are known by their children. I disagree. What a topsy-turvy world that would be? The fourth of the TEN COMMANDMENTS States: HONOUR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.   

Sirach 3:2 states-For the Lord sets a Father in honor over his children and confirms a mother’s authority over her sons.

Take a closer walk with God. This Christmas season, all I ask for you is to open your heart to God. Invite Jesus, into your heart and into your life. May the Peace of Jesus follow you.

With all my Love,

For LOVE PREVAILS!
AnitA.

“To fall in love with God is the greatest of all romances; to seek Him, the greatest adventure; to find Him, the greatest human achievement.” St. Augustine

Shalom is a Hebrew word that means peace.

Peace with GOD is the highest form of inward satisfaction that will reflect upon the outward person.
"Thou wilt keep him (her) in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee:because he (she) trusteth in thee. Trust in the Lord for ever: for in the
Lord GOD is everlasting strength".  Isaiah 26:3-4

WHY, aren't most people experiencing PEACE?
Because.....most people are not TRUSTING IN GOD.
"Trust in The LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths".    Proverbs 3:5-6

 

Peace of mind is something that we all want. We all want to be able to rest, to not have to worry, to feel free to enjoy life, family, friends, work, church, hobbies, entertainment, etc.

Sometimes when we can't find peace of mind, we get depressed.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7

GOD will not leave us nor forsake us, and this feeling of comfort is partly a manifestation of that. You are His and He has not forgotten about your troubles. Neither have they taken Him by surprise.

God gives us what is called the “Comforter”, The “Counselor” and we are promised that He will be with us forever in John 14:16. The Holy Spirit is the source for this peace that the world just doesn’t comprehend.

You ARE NOT ALONE in this life if you have Christ Jesus. You will be surprised sometimes by the peace that you are given over troubles. You have to trust Him. Sometimes things happen that we just don’t understand how or why. Everything happens according to His will and timing. Just know that you are in His hands and GOD WILL MAKE A WAY WHERE THERE SEEMS TO BE NO WAY.

God's promise of peace Is to every believer. This peace, however, doesn't come from what or who we are, but from what God has done—how He has justified us in response to our faith.

 

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14:27.

Peace is lost in the world without Christ. People worry, doubt, and long for things they want or need. They must have just one more thing, or one more fulfilled desire. Without direction from God, they are out of the will of God and then complain to God and doubt Him when their prayers go unanswered. The result is a lack of peace. So, to solve this problem people often try to create a false peace with alcohol, drugs and other addictions. Sometimes they deny their sin and push away the conviction of the Holy Spirit. They no longer feel the touch of God's correcting movement in their hearts. They are left to their own ways.

True peace can only be found in being in the will of God. True peace is a gift from God found only through Christ. If you knew you were in the will of God, and even though things were tough, your confidence and hope in life would not be based upon the situations around you, but upon God who lives in you. That way, true peace will always be yours.

Peace is rest in the heart. Though life may be hard, though our bodies be frail, though pain is our companion, to be in the will of God is to abide in the peace of God. Let me find the will of God and walk in it and let all other things be as they may.

 

A Christian with a troubled and fearful mind dishonours GOD. We need to understand that to be troubled, to be fearful means we do not trust God’s sovereignty, God’s wisdom, God’s faithfulness and God’s goodness. It is an indication that we have not yet completely turned our lives over to the Lord.
In Philippians 4:6 Paul states, “Be anxious for nothing.” We are not to have anxiety or worry or any kind of fear.

Paul tells us, in Philippians 4:7, that “the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The peace that comes from the Lord can banish all worry and distress from our hearts and minds and can keep it away.

The world cannot give you nor teach you how to experience peace. It comes from God alone.

Here are the four keys to receiving it -
Prayer. Paul says, in Philippians 4:6, “in everything by prayer and supplication…let your requests be made known to God.” Whatever we are facing that gives a cause for mental or emotional distress, we need to bring it to the Lord’s attention. If it brings concern to us, it is a matter of concern to Him because He wants us to be at peace.
Paul says, “let your requests be made known to God.” What would you like for God to do?
We need to be specific in our requests. We need to tell God exactly what we want changed. If it is not an unrighteous desire, we need not be shy in stating our requests.
We may ask whatever we wish of God. But, it is important that we believe that God can grant our request. We must believe that God can answer our prayer in bringing-about that which we desire.
We must remember what we are told, in James 1:6-7, “let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts…..let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord.” Perhaps, before we take our requests to the Lord, it may be good for us to look at Ephesians 3:20, where the Apostle Paul says of God that He “is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.” Once we have made our requests known in faith, we need to with faith wait patiently for Him to answer.

GOD will answer by delivering whatever is best for us. Matthew 5:7-11, "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened. Or what man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father Who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”
Did you notice that last phrase - “how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” The Lord will always answer by giving us, what is good for us. That means that sometimes He will answer our prayers precisely as we requested. That means that sometimes He will answer in a way different than we had envisioned.
Our basis for peace is that God hears and God answers us and He answers us by giving us what is best.
Once we take a matter to the Lord, we must leave it with Him. We let Him make the next move and rest in knowing that He will respond “at the proper time” by giving us that which is for our good.

 

Thanksgiving. Paul states in Philippians 4:6 that we are to submit our requests along “with thanksgiving.”

Too many times, when we are full of worry and fear, we fail to count our blessings. We fail to acknowledge how good God has been to us. We need to reflect upon how God has faithfully  brought us to the present moment and thank Him for His past care. Think of the many dangers, GOD has delivered us from and thank Him for it.
But, do not only thank the Lord for past blessings and deliverance. We need to thank Him for present blessings. No matter how distressing our current circumstances or situation, surely we can acknowledge that we are enjoying many blessings right now.
Psalms 118:29, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His loving-kindness is everlasting.”

Dwell on the Positive.
When it comes to our thinking, we must dwell on the positive. Paul states in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.” I tend to believe that this is the key to our having peace of mind where we fail most. Too often we allow our minds to dwell on the negatives in our lives than on the positives.
With God being with us, for us and working in our lives for our betterment, we should never have a care in the world.

Obedience to God’s Word. Philippians 4:9 states, “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.” There are three ways that obedience leads to peace.
** If we obey God’s Word, we will avoid many pitfalls in this life that bring unnecessary heartaches. We can stay away from so many problems if we would truly strive to apply the teachings of Christ to our lives. Psalms 119:165, “Those who love Thy law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble."

** True peace comes when you know in your heart and mind that you are doing all that you can to please God. If we are sincere in our religion, our conscience will be troubled as we know that we are not walking in obedience. A clear and clean conscience promotes peace of mind.

** The teachings of Christ emphasize looking beyond self and serving others. The more we take our focus off ourselves - our troubles, our difficulties - and focus on how we can make life brighter for someone else or how we can glorify God, our minds will be liberated. We need to put into practice Christ’s demand for selfless service. Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.”

The God of peace wants us to enjoy His peace. I close by quoting Paul, from 2 Thessalonians 3:16, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.”

 

 

REMEMBER: Love with all your heart. Love everybody. Love especially when it is the hardest to love.

CONCUSION: In this season, I hope for you to breathe in the spirit of peace. That you can touch others, as St. Paul said, with the holy kiss of peace, and that you in your own way can do the things that make for peace. That is the real gift of Christmas in fact. Amen.

PRAYER: Abba Father, I love you with all my heart. And this is my prayer, that Your will be done. Keep me obedient and always faithful to You, I pray.

PROMISE DATE: 3^rd December, 2012.   ISAIAH 55:11

so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.