Examine individual changes

<p>Peace on Earth is a typical phrase at Christmas time. And it's nearly Christmas. Soon you will notice chubby old men in red suits, pine trees covered in fake snow and infrequently a manger scene when using the caption "Peace on Earth". Because we lead directly into winter holiday, I want to look at what this caption is actually speaking about, because most individuals would indicate that seeing Peace on earth for mankind can be something of an inaccurate hope. </p><p><br /> </p><p>Luke 2:10-15 (ESV Strong's) </p><p>And to discover the angel thought to them, "Fear not, for behold, I provide you with excellent news of valuable joy which will be for any people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who's Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you'll discover a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there is with the angel a great deal of the heavenly host praising God and saying, </p><p>"Glory to God in the highest, </p><p>and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" </p><p>As soon as the angels went avoid them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us give an overview of to Bethlehem and find out this thing that has happened, which is something Lord has made recognized by us." </p><p>WHAT PEACE? </p><p>As people at large, it appears we don't have a clue about peace at all! </p><p><br /> </p><p>During the last 3,400 numerous years of human history, there have only been a reported 268 a lot peace. Within the twentieth century alone more than 105 million many people have been killed in wars, and also as we speak today men, women and children are losing their lives in conflicts around the world, a lot of that are so mundane they don't rate a mention in your news. </p><p><br /> </p><p>Mankind loves conflict. Just have a look at families! When the Bible says Peace across the world, whatsoever might it be talking about? </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p>PIECES ON EARTH, NOT PEACE ON EARTH </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p>We are now living in a fallen world, where talking often about peace but rarely obtain it. We attempt for peace, but only ever grasp on the illusion of peace, as a mirage in which the closer we get to peace, the further away it genuinely seems. </p><p><br /> </p><p>Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain visited Munich in 1938 to meet with Hitler, who was continually posturing towards war by having land from surrounding countries like Czechoslovakia. He was presented with an assurance that eliminate demands could be made, and he returned to Britain holding aloft the written assurance and proclaiming "Peace within our time." A year later, the most important enjoyable devastating war in human history erupted… Peace has never been further away! </p><p><br /> </p><p>Even today Peace is illusive. I remember watching the wall come down in Berlin, watching the demise of Communism and thinking, "Now we will have peace." The Cold War was over, but enter militant Islam and to discover the war on terror replaces it. And here's the joke… Islam actually means peace, but I have never seen a less peace loving crowd than Islamists! </p><p><br /> </p><p>We don't have peace the world over, we've pieces! Let'looking at passage </p><p><br /> </p><p>Luke 2:14 (KJV Strong's) </p><p>Glory to God in the best, and on this planet peace, good will toward men. </p><p><br /> </p><p>The KJV, which some believe which happens to be the true translation, gets this very, confusingly wrong. It demonstrates that peace and good will is proclaimed to everyone men, but this is not the purport of the passage. </p><p><br /> </p><p>Luke 2:14 (ESV Strong's) </p><p>"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" </p><p><br /> </p><p>This passage is <a href="https://ignitechurch.org.au/peace-on-earth-pieces-earth/" class="external text" rel="nofollow">proclaiming peace</a> to individuals that have whom He (God) is certainly pleased. The peace that this angels offer isn't for everyone, it is only for people having whom God is please, anyone who has received Jesus Christ into their lives as Lord and Saviour. </p><p><br /> </p><p>We live in an evil world, controlled by evil people, so there cannot and are not going to be Peace across the world for those men until Jesus returns. </p><p><br /> </p><p>When these words were spoken via the angels beyond just the shepherds, Roman Peace (Pax Romana) appeared to be in effect since 27 BC. Prior to this, the Romans had invaded countries, slaughtered some individuals, enslaved the rest and declared peace <a href="http://www.abstractfonts.com/members/318775" class="external text" rel="nofollow">worship</a>&nbsp;! But the absence of war does not guarantee peace. </p><p><br /> </p><p>The Stoic philosopher Epictetus said, "Even though the emperor extends peace from war on land and sea, he has difficulty to present peace from passion, grief, and envy. He cannot give peace of heart for which man yearns more than even for outward peace." </p><p><br /> </p><p>The Jewish word <a href="https://ignitechurch.org.au/peace-on-earth-pieces-earth/" class="external text" rel="nofollow">shalom</a> (peace) means much more than what a truce in the battles of life. It means well-being, health, prosperity, security, soundness, and completeness. It needs to do more with character than circumstances, and it is discover inner peace than the lack of external conflict. Life at the moment was difficult, just as it's today. Taxes were high, unemployment was high, morals were slipping lower, and of course the military state was in control. Roman law, Greek philosophy, and even Jewish religion couldn't meet the needs of men's hearts. So, God sent His Son! </p><p><br /> </p><p>I WANT A PEACE OF IT! </p><p><br /> Take a look at our society today. There's war worldwide, but there is war here nowadays as well. </p><p><br /> </p><p>We are faced with a war against morality, where militant gay activists have just won a battle. It'could be a war against the sexes, it'can be a war against our children. There's no peace here. Those of us who hold to God's view of marriage plus the family are attacked constantly, but even among the many LGBT community, can there be peace? </p><p><br /> </p><p>According to their very own figures, and even with tv and internet totally on their side, gay children are five times more prone to attempt suicide, and transgenders are 11 times more likely. Almost 50&nbsp;% transgenders attempt suicide, whether or not they to get the transition or possibly not, so you can't have let me know that these kinds of folk have peace on earth. They proclaim their sexual freedom, but inside they are torn to pieces by conflict, guilt and shame. </p><p><br /> </p><p>Families are torn apart more than in the past… that's not Peace on earth can it be? Unions and employers bicker, husbands and wife's fight, kids and oldsters argue… there is no peace today, even at Christmas! </p><p><br /> </p><p>And Advertising screams at us on a regular basis, "Buy this, obtain this, do this," but none of it gives a way peace that lasts. You could have essentially the most wonderful holiday, and you ve kept to come home to reality, right? </p><p><br /> </p><p>The way to inner peace is not demanding and putting your own way! Considered one of life's great paradoxes is that further you fight, the better you claw and scratch, the more you demand, the less peace you get. </p><p><br /> </p><p>Isaiah 48:22 (ESV) </p><p>"There is no peace," says the Lord, "for your wicked." </p><p><br /> </p><p>Without any God, if you do not know Jesus, there isn't any peace! I didn't say it, God says it. If you look around at this planet this Christmas, you may ensure it's 100% true. </p><p><br /> </p><p>But Paul writes this… </p><p><br /> </p><p>Romans 5:1 (ESV) </p><p>Therefore, since we've actually been justified by faith, we have now peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. </p><p><br /> </p><p>True peace, peace with God, and peace within ourselves. That's what the angels proclaimed at the primary Christmas… Have the promised child and you can see true peace. Take a look at what was predicted regarding the birth of Jesus… </p><p><br /> </p><p>Isaiah 9:6 (KJV Strong's) </p><p><br /> </p><p>For unto us a baby has been born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: </p><p>amazing name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, </p><p>The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. </p><p><br /> </p><p>There's that word again… Peace! On a planet full of conflict, filled with fear for ourselves, our nation, our futures, our country's morals, our finances, our families, on a planet full of selfishness and sin and fear, we you'll find peace. This Christmas, you may experience true peace, inner peace, lasting peace. </p><p><br /> </p><p>PEACE FROM WHAT? </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> Life is filled with worries and anxieties. As Christmas approaches, do you feel anxious? Concerned with finances, worried about family interaction, worry about being alone this Christmas? </p><p><br /> </p><p>People fear numerous things. When this is focussed and irrational, we it is known as a phobia. And phobias come in bewildering variety… </p><p><br /> </p><p>Xanthophobia- fear of the colour yellow </p><p>Turophobia- fear of cheese </p><p>Omphalophobia- fear of bellybuttons </p><p>Pogonophobia- fear of beards </p><p>Frigatriskaideaphobia- fear of long words (ironic) </p><p>Papa phobia- fear no matter the pope </p><p>Hylophobia- fear of trees and woods </p><p>Coulrophobia- fear of clowns (I feel we can all relate to that), and here's a contemporary one… </p><p>Nomophobia- fear from being without mobile phone coverage, and according to experts, more than half the people in our country suffer from this! </p><p><br /> </p><p>Some of you here fear a great many items as Christmas approaches. Who among us does not come with financial fear, worried that we manage to pay for to enjoy Christmas and get presents for the children or grandkids. Many have anxiety about finding the family together plus the inevitable conflicts. </p><p><br /> </p><p>John 14:27 (ESV Strong's) </p><p>Peace I leave along with you; my peace I offer to you. Less the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts fret, neither let them be afraid. </p><p><br /> </p><p>HOW CAN YOU FIND REAL PEACE THIS CHRISTMAS? </p><p><br /> You won't find peace across the world on this world. Politicians cannot debate and provides us peace, lawmakers cannot legislate Peace. Pop stars can't rate it for your requirements by songs, actors cannot fool you in it, in addition to religion can't create peace in your situation (even if it calls itself peace although it's blowing you up!). </p><p><br /> </p><p>Only Jesus, only a possitive correlation with Him, only having His Holy Spirit living within you may give you peace. So let's consider looking at some of the anxieties you face this Christmas, and not what I refer to about peace, but precisely what Jesus gives you this morning… </p><p><br /> </p><p>1. PEACE IN LACK </p><p><br /> </p><p>In case you are concerned with finances this Christmas, and I number myself among these, then Jesus knows and understands. We worry so much about acquiring and experiencing the things of this planet, but worry is like a rocking horse… it keeps the mind occupied, but you don't actually get anywhere. </p><p><br /> </p><p>Matthew 6:25-27 (ESV Strong's) </p><p>"Therefore I tell you, don't be troubled of your life, whatever you will eat or the things you will drink, nor of your body, the things you will put on. Isn't life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Try to find the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, however your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you currently not of more value than they? And which of your by becoming anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? </p><p><br /> </p><p>Stop, research your life right now. Are you able to add even one single hour to it by worrying? Nope, no one can. But I have realized an excellent key towards stopping worry and anxiety about money and other things inside my life. And I'm not even that clever, since a few verses later, Jesus tells us the reply… </p><p><br /> </p><p>Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV Strong's) </p><p>Therefore don't be concerned, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What we could drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' Regarding the Gentiles seek after all these items, along with your heavenly Father knows that you want them all. But seek first the dominion of God and his righteousness, and all this stuff will be included in you. </p><p><br /> </p><p>This can be a Christian paradox that I have proven true many times… in the event you bother about, obsess about and push for money, things, clothes and food, they seem to elude you. Should you seek first His Kingdom, if you set one's mind on loving and coming near near to God, these items appear to come along almost miraculously. And in the event that they don't, you don't care because you are more focusing on God! </p><p><br /> </p><p>Paul wrote </p><p><br /> </p><p>Philippians 4:11-12 (ESV Strong's) </p><p>That I'm speaking of really are need, for I got to know in whatever situation I am to be content. I already know how to be brought low, and I have the ability to abound. In most any and every circumstance, I have learned the key of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. </p><p><br /> </p><p>You could have peace the world over, true peace the world over and contentment whether you have huge amounts or a little this Christmas! </p><p><br /> </p><p>2. PEACE IN CONFLICT </p><p><br /> </p><p>For all those worrying about family conflict, everything that is arrayed not in your favor, you will have peace in the midst of everything conflict. Don't fear this Christmas, but listen to what are the Lord says about conflict… </p><p><br /> </p><p>2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV Strong's) </p><p>for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power with a lot of love and self-control. </p><p><br /> </p><p>A sound thoughts are self control. How many of you be aware that, as soon as the family gets together, it just takes one misplaced word and things escalate from there. Listen, some of it's a must to get the power of shutting your mouth. The facility of holding your tongue, it doesn t matter how offended you could be! </p><p><br /> </p><p>It doesn't matter what some are saying around you, you can select to remain silent and never escalate the situation. This Christmas, if you are concerned about conflict, try being self controlled and remaining silent. Let them rant and rage… if your core mindset is Christ you can be an island of peace this is usually a a lot of stressed conflict! </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p>3. PEACE IN BEING OVERLOOKED </p><p><br /> </p><p>Every Christmas many of you feel overlooked. Overlooked by family, maybe kids who have their own family. Some of you are coping with broken families, separation, and some of your here just feel desperately, desperately lonely, especially at Christmas time. </p><p><br /> </p><p>Psalms 68:5-6 (NIV-WS) </p><p>A father as well as the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in her holy dwelling. </p><p>God sets the lonely in families, he leads to get prisoners with singing; however the rebellious reside in a sun-scorched land. </p><p><br /> </p><p>If you're feeling lonely and overlooked this Christmas, defenderless, fatherless, lonely, keep in mind that, whatever your loved ones situation, have the ear of a <a href="https://ignitechurch.org.au/shaped-for-the-future-potter/" class="external text" rel="nofollow">check it out</a> family who loves you, this situation at Ignite. </p><p><br /> </p><p>Please don't be consumed with worry and loneliness this Christmas. You are required, and you'll may not overlooked forever. God says, </p><p><br /> </p><p>1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV Strong's) </p><p>Humble yourselves, therefore, by the mighty hand of God in order that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. </p><p><br /> </p><p>So today, in case you are lonely or overlooked, don't have a look at those around you, look up at He who gave His life simpler for you! And cast your anxieties on Him. </p><p><br /> </p><p>4. PEACE IN PAIN </p><p><br /> </p><p>Hurt people hurt people, and in case you are in pain, or near any person who is, chances are you've been influenced to or have previously blamed God and attacked others around you. I've seen people fighting health conditions, or dealing with separation and broken relationships, blame God, when His expressed longing to prosper you, not to harm you, to offer a future plus a hope. </p><p><br /> </p><p>Pain, hurt, sickness and separation aren't God's fault. The devil and man's sinful nature are in charge of all of the evil and pain you know around you. Sometimes God allows this to occur, but He always it features a greater have plans to build your life and also your character. </p><p><br /> </p><p>However this Christmas, how are you going to find peace the world over, even just in physical or psychological pain? </p><p><br /> </p><p>Psalms 34:18-19 (ESV Strong's) </p><p>The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. </p><p>Some are the afflictions no matter the righteous, however the Lord delivers him out of them all. </p><p><br /> </p><p>Consider Jesus this Christmas and permit Him to avoid wasting your crushed spirit. Though you may have many afflictions, God might be relied upon to deliver protect you from these individuals, so you will have perfect peace even within pain and suffering this Christmas. Trust Him, and consider taking your eyes off the pain! </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p>5. PEACE IN UNEXPLAINED FEAR </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p>Us only ever feel fear after we think of Christmas, not peace on this planet! Sometimes we are overwhelmed by worry, and we're not even sure what it is that's causing it! </p><p><br /> </p><p>When Franklin D Roosevelt came down to power in 1933, he faced the depths no matter the Great Depression. During inaugural speech, he explained these words… "the single thing it is necessary to fear is fear itself," and this is now precisely the same nature no matter what the fears and anxiety that plagues us this and every Christmas. </p><p><br /> </p><p>Psalms 91:5-7 (ESV Strong's) </p><p>You won't fear the terror of the twighlight, nor the arrow that flies by day, </p><p>nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. </p><p>A lot of may fall at your side, ten thousand in your right hand, but it will certainly not come near you. </p><p><br /> </p><p>When you feel that you might be frightened of just about everything, perhaps you're not even sure why you fear, then you should come just before the Lord in prayer and order Him to beat the fears and anxieties and surround only the peace on this planet… </p><p><br /> </p><p>HOW TO FIND PEACE ON EARTH IN YOUR HEART AND MIND </p><p><br /> Peace on earth can be as elusive on our behalf to seek out right at heads as it is to find it out there in the world. It looks like chasing a rainbow… when you find there'could be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, the closer you've got, the further it appears to be away. </p><p><br /> </p><p>So this Christmas, how are you going to find perfect peace no matter what the christmas brings? </p><p><br /> </p><p>Picture this… it's after midnight, you're concerned with tomorrow's troubles, you possibly can't sleep. You are trying to still one's mind, however it races at 100 miles an hour. </p><p><br /> </p><p>Does that ever happen for your requirements? You think that 90% of the things you concern yourself with never even occurs, but you cannot tell your brain that, right? </p><p><br /> </p><p>1. PRAY </p><p><br /> </p><p>Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV Strong's) </p><p>do not be anxious about anything, however in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And of course the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts plus your minds in Christ Jesus. </p><p><br /> </p><p>So step 1 is to pray, when you're worried and anxious, take your eyes off the circumstances and place them firmly in Jesus. Praying is merely speaking with God, but at first to wish, once you confess your worries (because after all, they're sin), and when you hand the entire situation as much as God, you'll be able to experience perfect peace flooding your soul. </p><p><br /> </p><p>2. READ </p><p><br /> </p><p>A subsequent verse in Philippians demonstrates the steps to to acquire this perfect peace. It's not by watching TV, it's not by taking medication. The peace that actually guards your hearts and minds and protects you in opposition of worry and anxiety… </p><p><br /> </p><p>Philippians 4:8 (ESV Strong's) </p><p>Finally, brothers, whichever is true, anything that is honourable, anything that is just, whatever is pure, anything that is lovely, everything that is commendable, if there happen to be any excellence, in case there is anything deserving praise, take into consideration these things. </p><p><br /> </p><p>If you read His Word, when you meditate on some of those things. You begin to consider what it says. Then you definitely take your eyes off of the circumstances and place them out of view on Christ, and you may experience peace. Reading the Bible each day slowly but surely changes how you think, speak and behave. Having Scripture within your heart guards it against attack, and allows peace to settle. </p><p><br /> </p><p>It sets the brain on God, and when you turn your eyes upon Him, everything near your location grows strangely dim. </p><p><br /> </p><p>Isaiah 26:3 (ESV Strong's) </p><p>You retain him in perfect peace whose thoughts are stayed in your vehicle, because he trusts in you. </p><p><br /> </p><p>How are you going to trust someone you have no idea? If some guy on the street asks me for $50, I'm more likely to say no. If my other half asks me, I'm likely, indeed compelled to say yes. What's the distinction? One I know and trust, the other is unknown. </p><p><br /> </p><p>Read God's Word and spend time with Him, and peace will flow through you this Christmas. </p><p><br /> </p><p>3. FELLOWSHIP </p><p><br /> </p><p>When we join the heart together, there is a supernatural strength. That is what Church is about. It's not about singing, preaching or raising money, it is mostly about worshipping together and supporting one another. </p><p><br /> </p><p>People often tell me, "I love Jesus but hate Church." I understand this , but they also are forgetting on a rate of faith and peace you only cannot find by yourself. God made us to become His body, joined together. So this Christmas, don't hate Church, just find the right one because your peace will be increased when you do. </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> </p><p>People often think Church concerns a wonderful time spent, and huge churches have lights, smoke machines and world class entertainment. You goes to, sneak out afterwards and completely avoid having to do anything. However the status quo's Christian entertainment, folks, not Church. Church is focused on being connected, not being a buyer! </p><p><br /> </p><p>But precisely what nowadays most people really want isn't a lovely experience , they are in need of a variety of believers who stand with them. The believer is encouraged to placed on the full armour of God… </p><p><br /> </p><p>Ephesians 6:16 (ESV Strong's) </p><p>In all of the circumstances use up the shield of religion, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts no matter the evil one; </p><p><br /> </p><p>The shield Paul has in mind this can be a Roman shield, which has been not used singularly but with other soldiers, forming a wall of shields. Your faith can protect you slightly if you end up isolated its not good yourself, though when joined with other people in people you have serious protection against the enemies flaming darts. </p><p><br /> </p><p>PEACE, MAN, PEACE </p><p><br /> </p><p><br /> So this Christmas, the world cannot give you peace on this planet, but God can. You'll be able to tell the peace the world over which passes understanding guard your heart and your mind right now. </p><p><br /> </p><p>But you have to understand this… The peace of God is a present; it's not something we will manipulate and this's not something we will preorder from a listing or a website, because it's the fruit of could constitute one with Him. It is the results of withdrawing and letting God control and bother about what is occurring as part of your life. </p><p><br /> </p><p>When our relationship with Jesus is powerful and adversity strikes, we are not compelled to collapse or learn more to worry and anxiety. We can select, and find it's just one choice, we can choose to reside in the steadfast and rock solid confidence of His love, His wisdom, His power, and His provision. </p><p><br /> </p><p>Here is the basis of His unshakable peace on earth-not that we are capable of controlling circumstances, however the status quo His help is ever-present and perfect to provide us in each and every challenge we face. True peace is inner peace with God, regardless of the circumstances, and also in war we might be at peace. </p><p><br /> </p><p>So this Christmas, let not your heart be troubled. So be the peace of God flood your life. </p><p><br /> </p><p>If you are dreading something about this particular Christmas, when you've got fear, anxiety, worry or anything else, you moment to acquire us stand along with you and pray for peace across the world to people who have whom He is pleased. </p><p><br /> </p><p>But if you don't think God is content with you, when you don't know Him or if you have been running from Him, or ignoring a Him, then we need to solve that first. If you're removed from God, or have never asked Him into your life, this will be your moment </p>