Peace in Trials

 Mark 9:50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

Salt has long been used for flavoring and for preserving food. It has also been used in canning, dyeing and bleaching, and the production of pottery, soap, and chlorine. Today, it is widely used in the chemical industry.

The Bible contains numerous references to salt. In various contexts, it is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, durability, fidelity, usefulness, value, and purification.

How do we as Christians be salted? We are salted when we go through trials. The trials we go through are tests that help refine us and purify us. 

So when we go through these things we need to look at them as nothing more than a purification process because the purification process preserves us. It helps us have peace. We learn and grow. 

The Bible says Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.. We are to pursue peace. We have to chase after it. We have to run for it. Run after it like it with everything we got. 

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong with wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

When you pursue Peace you are going to gain righteousness! 

For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.

11 They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.

Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.

 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Matthew 5:9 ~ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Mark 9:50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

Salt has long been used for flavoring and for preserving food. It has also been used in canning, dyeing and bleaching, and the production of pottery, soap, and chlorine. Today, it is widely used in the chemical industry.

The Bible contains numerous references to salt. In various contexts, it is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, durability, fidelity, usefulness, value, and purification.

How do we as Christians be salted? We are salted when we go through trials. The trials we go through are tests that help refine us and purify us.

So when we go through these things we need to look at them as nothing more than a purification process because the purification process preserves us. It helps us have peace. We learn and grow.

The Bible says Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.. We are to pursue peace. We have to chase after it. We have to run for it. Run after it like it with everything we got.

1 Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that you don't pay back evil with more evil, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Hebrews 12:14-15 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. You have to make an effort

******Romans 12:17-19 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.********

When you pursue Peace you are going to gain righteousness!

1 Peter 3:10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.

1 Peter 3:11 They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.

Psalm 37:37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.

Isaiah 23:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Matthew 5:9 ~ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God

She's there

 She's There

Cold, crumbled, leaves fall slowly

limbs blowing bristly

chills in the air

hollow calls calling

echoing like an emptiness

emotions departed

beautifully desolate shell

numb and unwilling

to care

hardened indifference

blossoming in warm spring air

By:Bernice Bowling

Woman, Know ye they worth.

 King James Bible

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after. Jeremiah 30:17

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time. Isaiah 60:22

The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. Exodus 14:14

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. Isaiah 49:6

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. Psalm 91:14

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. James 1:2-3

Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD. 2 Kings 20:5

Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? Psalm 56:8

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. Isaiah 43:1

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Ephesians 3:19

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. Psalm 91:11

7 Things that are an abomination to the Lord

 Proverbs 6:16-19

These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto Him : 

A proud look, A lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to Mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among the brethren. 

1. A proud look =

having haughty eyes, being arrogant, thinking of yourself as superior, being judgemental, condescending, and looking down on others. These people can not be taught and are unreachable. 

2. A lying tongue =

willingly lying, being deceitful, speaking falsehoods

3. Hands that Shed innocent blood =

committing murder, having hatred in our hearts

1st John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murder: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding within him

4. A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations =

Thinking up wicked things in your head. Devising wicked plans. Always thinking about doing something evil

5. Feet that be swift to running to mischief =

Purposely doing evil and doing it without a second thought. Always doing something that is not good in the eyes of the Lord and not caring that it's wrong, and being quick to do so without any remorse. 

If you are quick to do evil you are not going to have any remorse. 

6. A false witness that speaks lies =

Deliberately giving false testimony, Lying in court, spreading rumors about someone, creating false impressions of someone causing unfair doubt about someone's character, Not telling the whole truth, and only telling part of the truth. 

7. He that soweth discord among the brethren =

Stirring up conflict in the church, Gossiping, getting people fighting with each other, assassinating someone's character, and causing strife and division. 

The Fruits of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23

King James Version

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

There are nine fruits of the spirit that is talked about in Galatians 5:2-23

Love

The type of Love God is talking about here is Agape love. Agape love refers to a pure, wilful, sacrificial love that intentionally desires another highest good without expecting anything in return. The Bible tells us we are to love God with everything in us and that we are to love others as we do ourselves and to think more highly of others than we do ourselves.  We love one another because God first loved us. 1st John 4,  Mark 12:30-31, Philippians 2:3,

Joy

Biblical joy does not depend on our circumstances, but it comes from knowing God and what God has done for us and what He's going to do As we abide in Him, He will abide in us and we will produce much fruit. We don't have to struggle trying to make it happen. 

Side note: The joy of the Lord is our strength

Romans 5:3-5, John 15: 4-5, John 15:10-11, Proverbs 10:28 Nehemiah 8:10, John 15:9-11

Peace

Peace is the fulfillment of whatever is lacking. We need the Holy Spirit to be our peace because alone we are lacking. As long as we keep our minds on the lord we will stay in perfect peace and we don't have to worry about finances, our safety, or when trouble comes along or anything else. We are to take our worries to God in prayer and thanksgiving and he will give us peace.  John 16:33, Psalms 4:8, Isaiah 32:17, John 14:27, John 14:15-16,  John 14:26-27, Phillipians 4:4-7, Isaiah 26:3-4

Patience or Long Suffering 

We as Christians are to withstand challenges that come at us in life. We are to be imitators of God and God is a God of patience. He is slow to anger. So we are to be slow to anger as well.   The Holy Spirit is evident in our lives when we are slow to anger and persevere and show steadfastness. Ephesians 4:1-2, Romans 12:12, Pslams 37:7-9, Proverbs 15:18, Romans 15:5, Romans 2:1-4

Meekness 

Meekness is submitting yourself to God in all things. Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is power under control. Meekness is submitting all that you have to obedience to God. Meekness is knowing we are nothing without God and with God we are everything. Meekness is a humble demeanor. When we are meek that is when God can use us.  Meekness is not concerned with self-will. The Holy Spirit is powerful but the Bible describes Him as a dove. We don't have to make big shows of our strength or power. We don't have to push or shove. Moses was the meekest man of his time. Jesus was meek. Jesus could have brought all of Heaven down on the Roman soldiers but instead, he controlled his power and submitted Himself to God the Father for His will to be done. Philippians 2:7, Matthew 26: 53-54, Numbers 12:3, Matthew 5:5

.Goodness

God compares his goodness to be merciful and compassionate. Goodness is shown in our actions. We do good when we show compassion and mercy. We do good when we do things we know are right to do. We are to be good and Live life without selfishness. Matthew 5:16, Galatians 6:10, Romans 12:21, Luke 6:35, Amos 5:14-15, Micah 6:8, Pslams 37:3, Exodus 33:19

Faithfulness

Faithfulness is following through on a commitment regardless of the cost. We are to have faith in God and His word because anything that is not faith is sin. Without faith, it's impossible to please God. We are to be loyal, steadfast, dependable, and trustworthy. We are to be dedicated to God and not stray from his commandments. Romans 14:23, Hebrews 11:6, Deuteronomy 28: 1-68, Proverbs 3:3-4, Matthew 7:21-23, 

Gentleness

Gentleness is the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered. We are to not speak evil of people and to be courteous and not violent or harsh actions. We are to be quiet and humble, and not proud or haughty acting.  James 1:19-20, Titus 3:2, Proverbs 15:1, Pslams 5:9, James 3:13, 1 Peter 3:15, 1 Peter 3:4, Zephaniah 2:3

Self-Control 

We are to be able to control ourselves, both physically and mentally. We should be able to control our impulses and urges that are not of God. Proverbs 25:28, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 1 Peter 4:7, James 1:19,

The fruit of the spirit is a picture of Christ. We are to be Christ-like. The closer you get to God the more Christ-like you will be.  Once we get saved God begins to make changes in us, and as we begin to grow in the Lord spending time with Him and studying His word we begin to develop the fruits of the spirit. You can tell what type of tree a tree is by the fruit it produces. You can tell if someone is a Christian by the fruits they bear. 

The Parable of the Seed Sower

 Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, Luke 8:1-15

 The soil represents the human heart, and the word of God is the seed. There are four different types of soil that the seed falls on. These are the four different reactions the human heart has when they hear the word of God.

These are as follows:

The hard heart

The hard heart is people who hear God's word and don't understand it or the people who hear God's word but it goes in one ear and out the other. It never even penetrates their heart. When this happens the enemy comes and steals what is sown and is being sewn before it even hits the ground. A hard heart is a wall a rock. When someone has a hard heart there is no getting through to them. You have to pray and ask God to change their heart. Ask God to repair their heart to soften them and give them a heart of flesh

The shallow heart

People who hear God's word and receive it with joy are people who receive the seed in stony places. They receive it with joy but when trouble comes or persecution comes they get offended because God's word was sewn without much root so they wither. 

The Crowded heart

The person who receives seed among thorns is the one who hears God's word and becomes so busy with the cares of this world and its riches that God's word is choked out because of their distractions and they lose interest in the things of God and they become unfruitful. Don't let anyone or anything distract you. Lay your treasures up in Heaven and not on the things of this world. Trust God to take care of you. Don't let the love of money take root. 

The fruitful heart

The fruitful heart is the person who hears God's word and understands it, and they bear much fruit producing a rich harvest. They don't get distracted by the things of this world. They stay focused on God and don't let their hearts be troubled 

Summary of the Whole Armor of God

  The belt of truth is simple. People try to make it complicated and confusing but it's simple. You just live a life of truth and integrity. You make sure you are a person of integrity and that you are someone who's trustworthy. You always speak the truth even when it's hard but you do it in kindness and love. You do all things in love and kindness. 1 Peter 2:12 says Live such good lives that though they accuse you of doing wrong they may see your good deeds and glorify God. It also means knowing the Truth about Jesus being the son of God and being prepared to give reasons why you believe when asked.

The breastplate of righteousness is given to us when we get saved. Our righteousness isn't enough. This is Why Jesus had to die for us to be saved. Once we are saved then there's a second part to it often referred to as Sanctification. We go through a sanctification process when we put on the breastplate of righteousness daily and we do this when we seek God; delight ourselves in Him; study His word; make his ways our ways; making Him our dwelling place. We desire His will instead of our own. We obey God's commands. When we begin to grow as Christians seeking God and doing His will and all these things our hearts begin to become pure. We develop a pure heart. Putting on the breastplate of righteousness means putting into practice what we believe in our hearts. As we grow in Christ our choices become more righteous and this protects our hearts from the temptations of sin.

The gospel of peace. Having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. When you're worrying and being aggravated. You don't have peace. When you are angry at someone and hold grudges and unforgiveness you don't have peace. Putting on the gospel of peace from my understanding means giving your cares and worries to God and being quick to forgive. Every time I've fallen it's been because I didn't have my shoes on, spiritually speaking. The Lord gave me a dream one time. I was walking along the road and there was snow on the ground I had a warm coat on and gloves and a hat. I was dressed for the weather all except my feet. My feet were bare. Not long after that, I went back on the Lord because I was hurt or offended, embarrassed even. So if I had my shoes on and was able to forgive and let things go and walk-in peace I could have handled the snow on the ground. Also, preparation means to prepare ahead of time. So if you are living your life trusting God and forgiving and walking in Peace people are going to see that and that in itself is going to prepare the way for you ahead of time and will help you be able to share the Good News of Jesus when asked and they will ask.

The Sheild of Faith is an easy one. Faith is knowing God will do what He says He will do. We build our Faith by Studying God's word and finding scriptures that match our needs and then listening to them over and over. God's word says Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. along with doing that you ask God to help you have faith according to Mark 9:24. Once you do that when the devil comes at you with his lies they won't stick. The fires he tried to start won't even stick. You've got your shield and you Got it soaked in God's word. Ain't nothing shaking you.

The helmet of salvation:

Salvation comes the moment you know; believe and confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is the son of God and came to earth and died on the cross and rose again on the third day so we can be saved. That's the moment you put on the helmet of salvation, but it doesn't stop there. We go through a long-drawn-out journey called sanctification. I've talked about this before. Sanctification of our thoughts and minds. The mind is where the primary spiritual battle is fought. Anything that comes into your mind that doesn't line up with the word of God needs to be cast down. All your previous ideas or opinions beliefs and thoughts on issues all need to agree with what God's word says.

The enemy will come at every angle to attack your mind. He will attack your self-worth; He will tell you lies and tell you God doesn't love you. He'll try to confuse you. He'll try to tire you out so that you will give up. He will try to plaque you with fear. When this happens cast all of these things down and hold onto what God says in His Word, and Trust in God.

Key points to remember:

Know that Jesus Christ is the only way you can get to Heaven. There is no other way except through Him

Know that you are a new creature. Old things are passed away and all things are new.

Set your mind on things above not earthly things.

Renew your mind with the word of God according to Romans 12:2

Watch what you listen to, what you see, and what you think. Think about Good things, holy things.

The Sword of the spirit is the word of God. We use it by studying scripture; memorizing verses and getting God's word into our hearts so when Satan comes at us with his lies and temptations We can say not so Satan this is what God's word says. Jesus gives us an example of this in Matthew 4:1-11 when Jesus is being tempted by the devil in the wilderness. The devil even tries to twist Scripture on Him but it doesn't work because Jesus knew what God's word said and meant so Satan didn't fool Jesus. Just like Jesus knew the word we need to know the word so we can be ready when Satan comes. You can't do that if you have not been studying God's word and know what's in the Bible so get in your word. Study so you can be ready when the devil comes knocking.