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Tag: Peace

  • Peace of Peter

    Imagine this: You’re in prison, not for doing something wrong, but for boldly standing up for your faith. You’re shackled, chained between two guards, and you know that in just a few hours, your fate is sealed, execution awaits. Most people would be terrified, pacing the floor, crying out in desperation, begging God for deliverance. But not Peter. Peter was sound asleep.

    Not just lightly dozing off, but sleeping so well that when an angel came to rescue him, the angel had to strike him, give him a good old-fashioned shake, to wake him up! (Acts 12:7) Now, what kind of peace must Peter have had to sleep so deeply in such a dire situation? The kind of peace that only Jesus gives. The kind of peace that surpasses all understanding.

    The Source of Peter’s Peace

    Peter wasn’t sleeping because he was in denial. He wasn’t ignorant of the fact that James, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, had just been executed (Acts 12:2). He knew that Herod was on a mission to wipe out the leaders of the early church. Yet, even with the weight of this reality pressing on him, Peter had a peace that let him rest.

    That peace didn’t come from the absence of trouble; it came from the presence of Jesus. Peter had walked with Jesus. He had seen Him calm storms, heal the sick, raise the dead, and most importantly, rise from the dead Himself. Peter knew that no matter what happened, he belonged to Christ, and nothing, not even death, could separate him from the love of God.

    Jesus, the Giver of Unshakable Peace

    Jesus told His disciples in John 14:27:
    “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

    The world’s peace is fragile. It depends on circumstances. When things are going well, you feel peaceful. But the moment trouble comes, that peace shatters. Jesus offers something entirely different, an unshakable, immovable peace that remains firm even in the face of trials.

    Peter had that peace because he had Jesus. And that same peace is available to you today.

    Resting in Christ in the Midst of Your Chains

    We may not be chained between two guards like Peter, but life often puts us in situations where we feel trapped. Anxiety, fear, financial burdens, illness, betrayal, uncertainty, these are the chains that try to keep us up at night. But if Peter could sleep in the face of death, then surely, in Christ, we can rest in the midst of our struggles too.

    That doesn’t mean the problems will always go away instantly. But it does mean that we don’t have to carry the weight of them. 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us:
    “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

    If Peter, the same man who once panicked and denied Jesus three times, could find this level of peace in Christ, then so can you. His peace is not reserved for the “super spiritual.” It’s for anyone who trusts in Him.

    How to Walk in the Peace of Jesus

    1. Remember Who God Is – Just like Peter, we need to remind ourselves of who God is and what He has already done. If He has been faithful before, He will be faithful again.
    2. Trust in His Sovereignty – Peter understood that whether he lived or died, he belonged to Christ. He rested in the truth that nothing could happen to him outside of God’s control.
    3. Stay in Prayer and Surrender – Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to bring everything to God in prayer, and His peace will guard our hearts and minds. That’s the key—taking everything to Him and leaving it there.
    4. Receive His Presence – Peace isn’t just a feeling; it’s a person. Jesus is our peace. The more we dwell in His presence through worship, prayer, and His Word, the more we’ll experience His unshakable peace.

    Wake Up to Your Deliverance

    The same angel that had to shake Peter awake was also the one who led him to freedom. Sometimes, we’re so deep in worry, fear, or just plain exhaustion from life’s battles that we don’t even realize our deliverance is already at the door. Just like Peter, we need to wake up to the fact that God is moving, even when we can’t see it yet.

    Whatever you’re facing today, let the peace of Jesus carry you. Rest in Him. Trust in Him. And when the time comes, wake up and walk in the freedom He has already secured for you.

    Because the same Jesus who gave Peter peace in chains is the same Jesus who gives you peace today.

  • Narrow Road

    The Narrow Road to Heaven: Many Will Be Shocked

    Many believe they are on the road to heaven, but Jesus warned us that it is narrow, and few will find it (Matthew 7:13-14). There will be thousands who feel they are secure in their salvation, only to discover they are not.

    One of the most overlooked truths in Scripture is that the way we treat others is a major indicator of whether we are truly walking with Christ. Many people call themselves Christians while harboring hate, stirring up division, and living in constant strife, all things that Jesus condemned.

    But here’s the reality: if we live in these sins, we may not be on the road to heaven at all.

    Many Ignore What Jesus Said About Hate and Strife

    Jesus did not only warn against obvious sins like adultery or drunkenness, He also spoke strongly against hatred, division, and discord.

    1. Hatred is equivalent to murder

    “Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.” (1 John 3:15)

    Many claim to be Christians but harbor unforgiveness, resentment, and hatred. But Scripture makes it clear: if you have hatred in your heart, you are not walking in eternal life.

    1. Sowing discord is an abomination

    “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: … a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)

    Many who claim to love Jesus are constantly stirring up division, gossiping, or creating conflict. But God hates this behavior. If we live like this, are we really following Him?

    1. Strife and envy reveal a worldly heart

    “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” (James 3:16)

    Many so-called Christians are filled with jealousy, competitiveness, and division, acting no differently than the world. But James warns that these things lead to evil.

    1. Unforgiveness will keep us from heaven

    “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:15)

    Many live in bitterness and unforgiveness, thinking they can still enter heaven. But Jesus Himself said that if we do not forgive others, we will not be forgiven.

    Many Will Be Shocked on Judgment Day

    Many believe they are saved simply because they attend church, read the Bible, or say they believe in Jesus. But Jesus warned that on Judgment Day, many will be shocked to hear:

    “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Matthew 7:23)

    Who are these people? They are those who claimed to follow Christ but did not obey Him. They may have looked religious, but their hearts were far from Him.

    They caused division instead of making peace.

    They harbored bitterness instead of showing mercy.

    They gossiped and slandered instead of speaking life.

    They refused to forgive while expecting God to forgive them.

    They thought they were saved, but their lives proved otherwise.

    True Salvation Brings Transformation

    The Bible is clear: if we are truly in Christ, we will be changed. We will no longer walk in hatred, strife, gossip, and division. Instead, we will be marked by love, peace, and humility.

    ✔️ “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.” (1 John 2:9)
    ✔️ “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
    ✔️ “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

    True faith in Christ produces love, not bitterness, strife, or division.

    Are We Truly on the Narrow Road?

    The Bible warns that many think they are on the road to heaven but are actually walking toward destruction.

    We must examine ourselves:

    1. Do we harbor hatred or unforgiveness?
    2. Do we stir up division through gossip or conflict?
    3. Do we live in jealousy, envy, or strife?
    4. Do we truly love others, or just tolerate them?

    If we find ourselves failing any of these tests, we must repent. It is not enough to simply believe in Jesus, we must obey Him and walk in love.

    Let us not be among those who assumed they were saved, only to hear “Depart from me” on Judgment Day. The road is narrow, but if we truly surrender to Christ, He will lead us safely home.

  • The Power of the Present

    The Power of Living in the Present: Freeing Yourself from Depression and Anxiety

    Life is a delicate balance between the past, present, and future. The past holds our memories, lessons, and regrets. The future is filled with hopes, dreams, and uncertainties. But the present? The present is the only moment we truly have control over, the only place where real life happens.

    Yet, so many of us get trapped in the past or the future, and in doing so, we invite suffering into our lives.

    Living in the Past: The Road to Depression

    When you dwell on the past, you anchor yourself to moments that no longer exist. You replay mistakes, relive traumas, or long for “the good old days” that are gone. You might find yourself saying:

    • “I should have done this differently.”
    • “If only things had turned out another way.”
    • “I miss how things used to be.”

    This constant reflection can lead to deep sadness and regret. It becomes a weight on your shoulders, dragging you down into depression. The truth is, you cannot change what has already happened. No amount of overthinking will rewrite history. And yet, the more you live in the past, the more you disconnect from the possibilities of the present moment.

    Living in the Future: The Source of Anxiety

    On the other hand, living in the future means constantly worrying about what might happen. You overanalyze every decision, fear the unknown, and anticipate worst-case scenarios. Thoughts like:

    • “What if I fail?”
    • “What if things don’t work out?”
    • “What if something bad happens?”

    This mindset breeds anxiety. The future is uncertain, no matter how much we plan for it. The more we try to predict or control it, the more we stress ourselves out. We rob ourselves of peace by fixating on things that haven’t even happened yet.

    Living in the Present: The Path to True Happiness

    The only place where life actually happens is now. When you live in the present, you free yourself from the regrets of the past and the worries of the future. You become fully engaged in what’s happening in front of you, whether it’s enjoying a good meal, having a conversation, or feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin.

    Living in the present doesn’t mean ignoring the past or neglecting the future. It means accepting what has happened, learning from it, and planning wisely without letting fear dictate your life. It means embracing this moment, because it’s the only moment that truly belongs to you.

    How to Stay Present

    • Practice mindfulness – Focus on your breathing, your senses, and the world around you.
    • Let go of what you can’t control – Accept that the past is unchangeable and the future is unpredictable.
    • Express gratitude – Find joy in the small things, and appreciate what you have right now.
    • Engage fully in what you’re doing – Whether you’re eating, working, or spending time with loved ones, be fully there.

    Happiness isn’t something you chase in the future or retrieve from the past, it’s something you create in the present. The past may shape you, and the future may guide you, but the present is where you truly live.

    Choose to be here, now. That’s where happiness is waiting for you.