"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23
As Christ-followers, we are intentional in pursuing the fruits of the Holy Spirit. We can and will be successful at bearing great fruit in partnership with God, who gives us His power to focus on His goals for us. One of Christ's desires for us is to be people of peace. I imagine Christ saying to me: "Yes, child, I am calling you to be a person of peace. I want you to achieve my peace deep within you and then spread my peace to all with whom you have contact. Lord, I fail in this area sometimes because I forget how greatly you value peace. Sometimes, I value results over peace and push to get things done that create a lack of peace in myself and others. I imagine Christ replying: "Child, I provide for you, fully and completely. There is nothing that you need other than me." Yes, Lord. You are right. I only need you and the "daily bread" of your presence in my life. Help me, please, to remember this. I forget that you are all that I need, and then start moving in my own strength to take care of myself and my needs. I need to remember that all my needs are met through you. I imagine Christ saying: "Perfect love casts out fear. Accept my love, embrace my joy, and you will have my peace." "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 Yes, Lord. Love, joy, and peace seem to all work together to minister to my soul. Thank you for your fruit that you bear through me. And I repent for the times that this is not the case. You are making me more consistent in bearing these fruits, and my relationships are thriving as a result. I am very grateful for this. I imagine Christ replying: "Remember the message of Proverbs 3: 'Trust in me with all your heart and do not rely or depend on your own limited understanding of me and how I am working in your life. In all your ways and things that you are trying to accomplish, defer to me, and I will lead you in paths of peace, joy, and love.'" "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15 Lord Jesus, you are so amazing. You have given me everything that I need to be happy, joyous, and free to love you with complete abandon. May I let go of my will, fully surrender to you, and be the person of peace you want me to be. Amen. Your aspiring servant, Daniel M. October 12, 2023 POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent "Conversations with Christ" blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ. P.S.S. Additional Scriptures that may be useful: 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. Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you. Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 29:11 The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. Comments are closed.
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