A RECIPE FOR PEACE

Philippians 4:4-7 is a recipe with three ingredients. The first one is “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Paul sat in prison when he wrote these words, and he had an almost certain death penalty before him. Still he said: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice.” Whatever problems and challenges you go through; there is always something to rejoice in. In the Lord. Paul suggests that we focus on the positive and rejoice in it. The second ingredient in the recipe is “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” In other words: Let it be apparent that you are a Christian and different, because you have been with Jesus. This is it urgent because “the Lord is near”, says Paul. It is no time to lose. A world is out there, in urgent need of salvation. What will ultimately convince them and lead them to accept Jesus is not what we say, but how we live. The third ingredient is “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” To be a Christian is more satisfying than not to be, but not always easy. Let us not be burdened down by worries and fear, says Paul. Come to Jesus with all that is on your heart. Place your petitions before him. As a friend you should not only turn do God with your requests. Also come with your “thanksgiving” Paul says. When we have these three ingredients in our life, 1) Always rejoicing in the Lord, or focusing on the positive no matter what we go through, 2) that is evident in our life and example that Jesus has influenced us for the better, and that we are living and longing for the return of Jesus, and 3) that we do not allow fears and worries to break us down, but leave our “petitions with thanksgiving” to God, the result will be “the peace of God”. It is a unique peace “that transcends all understanding”. It will permeate us and fill our hearts and minds. God’s peace be with you, KJELL AUNE

Philippians 4: 4 – 7

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.