Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 KJV
At times, we may be tempted to stray from Jesus, from The Prince of Peace. We may let something upset us that leads us away from Him. Thankfully, our need always brings us back to Him, to Who He is…The Prince of Peace. Back to the safe, and secure dwelling place of the Most High.
Wow, I was just sitting here doing some work while listening to some beautiful Christian harp music when I really sensed the Prince of Peace here in the room with me. I’m telling you, folks, Jesus really wants to heal us and give us Himself – deep in our souls. He wants to calm us down and bring all that He is to our deepest parts. That’s so loving, encouraging and reassuring. He hasn’t forgotten about our need for Him. Just the opposite. The fragrance of His being to our souls is so wonderful. So relaxing and soothing.
I’m seeing a number of Christian ministry workers getting burned out and letting their families suffer for it all in the name of “ministry.” I’m seeing signs of this in their messages. If they’re becoming angry, impatient, and weary, what are they really communicating to the world? So many are getting so worked up. Yes, I know it’s the end times, but Jesus is still The Prince of Peace. Let’s keep letting Him minister all that He is to us. I believe that’s what He meant in Matthew chapter 24 when He said to “look up” when they saw end times events “begin.” He doesn’t want us to lose Him, His precious work in our own lives. He wants us to continue setting our affection on those beautiful, matchless, abundant living things above.
He’s just sitting here with me letting me enjoy His wonderful Presence this morning. He’s incredible…
Early in life, I was taught a lot about Christian apologetics. We had apologists come to our church and impress us with their arguments and facts. I even relished the thought of knowing all about it and being able to debate others on that level. I was kind of led to believe I should be in some position in “the ministry.”
But, the Lord began to make me uncomfortable with wanting to do that. He showed me that I didn’t really have peace when I was getting into apologetics. In fact, it was producing pride and anger. All those facts swimming around in my head and spirit just didn’t give me rest – Yes, I know the Bible says we should be ready to give an answer regarding the faith we have (2 Timothy 2:15 above), but I also think God wants us telling people about how much He’s doing in their lives and hearts as well. I may have had a lot of Jesus facts in my head but I really needed Him in my heart and life. I needed to experience His love, peace, rest and joy in my life before I could tell others about the “hope” in my life.
And they overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Revelation 12:11
But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:15 AMP
Jesus was already at work in my heart wanting to give me His peace, Himself. My ability to debate and regurgitate a lot of facts, even though they were based on Christian truth, wasn’t nearly as important as the inward work He wanted to do in me. I mean what was I really communicating to others if not the work of God in my own life? God wants to heal us. He doesn’t want us to skip or overlook His healing work in us, our marriages, our families. He doesn’t want us to put the fire out in the city – so to speak – when we, and our own homes, so desperately need His loving, living water restoring our emotions, minds, hearts and souls. Isn’t that wonderful?
God bless,
Mark