Peace, Not as the World Gives

Luke 2:10,11, "Don't be afraid, because I am bringing you some good news. It will be a joy to all the people. Today your Savior was born in David's town. He is Christ, the Lord."

Luke 2:13,14, "Then a very large group of angels from heaven joined the first angel. All the angels were praising God, saying: 'Give glory to God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace to the people who please God.'"

Isaiah 9:6, "A child will be born to us. God will give a son to us. He will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace."

John 14:27, (Jesus answered,) "I leave you peace. My peace I give to you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don't let your hearts be troubled. Don't be afraid."

Satan offers a counterfeit peace to the world, and many times Christians are deceived into accepting this idea as Truth from the Lord. However, let us not believe the lie that our cunning enemy forces upon us. The Bible tells us that there will always be wars and rumors of war (Matt. 24:6), and that we are not to be afraid. No, peace between nations is not the peace the Lord came to give.

The source of "Peace on Earth Goodwill Toward Men" that the Bible talks about is none other than Jesus Christ, Who is the Prince of Peace. God sent Jesus to us in order to reconcile the people of the world to the Father. As we are reconciled, we receive the peace that the holy angels announced on that hillside so long ago. True peace in this world only exists through Christ Jesus, the Son of God.

Be a reconciler. Take every opportunity during this Christmas season to share your peace with others. Be ready to give account of the hope that lies within you. Our hope is only through Jesus, Whose birth we are celebrating, and our expectation is eternal life.

Love, Karen

A Brief Reminder: We Are in a Battle

I would like to review again the central theme of this study. Eve was deceived in the Garden of Eden and as women we, too, are susceptible to the lies of Satan. The same enemy offers the same luring technics to us as He did in that garden so long ago.

As we are well aware, Satan will drop a subtle idea into the mind of even the most thriving Christian woman. Be sure to note that the idea is not from the Lord if it produces doubt and fear. You must recognize it for what it is -- a lie -- and you must deal with it the way in which we have been learning in this study. The following is a simplified version of the steps we must take every time as we do battle for the Truth:

1. Pray to the Lord.
Ask the Lord to protect you from the Lies of this world. Humble yourself before Him and acknowledge that you need God's grace in order to walk in Truth.

2. Learn to Recognize the Truth versus the Lie.
Anytime we receive input that is not consistent with the Word of God, we can be certain that Satan is trying to deceive us.

3. Go to the Word of God.
The Bible is God's Truth and as we read, meditate, and memorize, we actually are able to push out the Lies. It's vital that we go to the Word daily and continually fill ourselves with His Holy Scriptures.

4. Apply the Recently-Learned Truth.
Accept God's grace and choose to take action on the Truth you have learned.

Pray This Prayer.
Lord Jesus, as I continue to study and apply myself to wisdom, give me the strength to do what you want me to do. I don't want to make excuses, or blame others for my behavior; instead, I confess that I am to blame for my iniquities. I am asking you to fill me with your Spirit and produce in me a deep desire to walk in your ways. Forgive me, Lord, for my pride and selfishness and cleanse me of my sin. I need you, Jesus. I cannot walk in Your Truth if I don't know it, and I cannot know it if I don't read Your Word. By Your grace, help me to break loose of the lies and live in freedom, for apart for You, I can do nothing. I love You, Lord. Amen.

Love, Karen