Today in the Word for Sept 8-15
Today in The Word
Tuesday September 8, 2020
How does peace help us? Welcome to The Word with Pastor David. Philippians 4:7 reads:
“…the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The passage claims that the peace of God guards us. The older King James translation uses the word “keep” in the place of ‘guard’. Other translations describe what peace can do, it:
“…shall garrison and mount guard over…” and it “shall be a garrison to guard.”
Peace is like a garrison of soldiers—a fortification of protection. Peace is an active force defending us. And what is peace a ‘peacekeeping force’ for? God’s peace is a garrison that protects our hearts and minds. What is more important than our heart and mind? And what appears to be under more attack than our heart and mind?
God’s kind of peace is the crucial protection that we need for our heart and mind. So, wouldn’t we agree that seeking God’s peace is worth the effort?
And that’s The Word from Pastor David of Deer Lodge Assembly on the corner of 5th and Montana.
Today in the Word
Wednesday September 9, 2020
What does it mean to be of the same mind? Welcome to The Word with Pastor David. Paul states in Philippians 4:2:
“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.”
Does this mean that these two women who have had a disagreement have to agree on everything? Does being of the same mind mean thinking in unison? Philippians 2:1-2 explains further:
“…if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit…then make my joy complete by being like-minded…being one in spirit and of one mind.”
Paul explains that being of the same mind is about being united with Christ and having common sharing in the Spirit. Being of the same mind is not necessarily about agreeing on everything, but rather remembering the common ground we share. We share our relationship with Jesus and the indwelling of the I plead Holy Spirit. We are one in spirit, even if we harbor different opinions.
Our relationships will naturally be more peaceful when we remember that what connects us is being in relationship with Jesus. We need to emphasize our common ground—particularly in times when we might disagree on lesser matters.
And that’s The Word from Pastor David of Deer Lodge Assembly. Join our Wednesday adult Bible Study at 6:30 for more of the Word.
Today in the Word
Thursday, September 10, 2020
What will lead to more peaceful relationships? Welcome to The Word with Pastor David. Philippians 4:5, 7 states:
“Let your gentleness be evident to all…And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Sometimes we think we are supposed to be tough and unmoved on the outside, yet somewhere hidden down deep we can be tender. But Paul goes on even further in Colossians 3:12:
“…clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Clothing is on the exterior. It is to be seen. Our gentleness and kindness is to show on the outside. It is to be evident. We need to let our inner kindness out. When we do, we make it much more likely for our relationships to be marked by peace. We are not wasting a bunch of energy on looking tough and hiding that we care. Instead there is a lining up of our heart and our exterior. When we clothe ourselves with compassion it leads to greater peace.
And that is the Word from Deer Lodge Assembly on the corner of 5th and Montana.
Today in the Word
Friday September 11, 2020
How much anxiety are you feeling? Welcome to The Word with Pastor David. The world around us seems to generate anxiousness. Yet Philippians 4:6-7:
“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.”
Sometimes we Just quote to ourselves the promise in the second sentence of this passage—God will give us peace. Yet the first sentence is a condition for the second. When we take every situation to God in prayer, we shrink anxiousness, and the peace of God grows strong to guard our hearts and minds.
Are you full of anxiety and stress these days? Perhaps you are carrying all the stress-producing situations by yourself. Take them to the Lord in prayer, and he can bestow his peace on your troubled mind. Prayer works best as a first resort, not a last one.
And that’s the Word. You can enjoy more of the Word this Sunday at 10:30 at Deer Lodge Assembly on the corner of 5th and Montana.
Today in The Word
Monday September 14, 2020
Are there important steps to take in prayer to gain peace in our minds? Welcome to The Word with Pastor David. Philippians 4:6-7 reads:
“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.”
Notice that prayer includes petition. We are to ask God for help. Many people include asking God when they pray. But Paul also says that prayer includes thanksgiving if it is to result in peace. When we remember to thank God for the good that has been evident in our lives, it reminds us that God has helped us in the past. It reminds us that all is not lost in present. It reminds us that God will still have the same character and love for us in the future.
If you want to live with less anxiety and more peace, don’t just ask God for help, take time to thank him.
And that’s The Word from Deer Lodge Assembly on the corner of 5th and Montana.
Today in The Word
Tuesday September 15, 2020
Can we influence how peaceful our minds are? Welcome to The Word with Pastor David. Paul says we definitely can in Philippians 4:8-9:
“…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things… And the God of peace will be with you.”
It is so easy to focus on the negative. And the media keeps us worked up about all that is wrong in the world. Paul states that we have to make a conscious choice to dwell on what is good and right. He does not ignore what is wrong in the world or in the churches that he cares for. But he advocates a discipline of emphasis.
If we want to have peace of mind, we must not feed steadily on the worst. After all, ‘garbage in, garbage out’. Think more on what is noble and admirable—in the world and in those closest to you. It will boost your peace of mind.
And that’s The Word from Pastor David of Deer Lodge Assembly on the corner of 5th and Montana.