HELP IN FIXING OUR THOUGHTS
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
Luke 2:14 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
These are the words sang by the angels to lowly shepherds watching their flocks in the fields outside of Bethlehem. To these shepherds came the official announcement of the birth of the Messiah. This announcement was a proclamation of peace.
Jesus would be called the Prince of Peace. His presence would bring peace into any circumstance.
In our culture, Christmas seems to be anything but a time of peace. Calendars get really full and we try to juggle time for family and friends. For some the season brings sad memories of those who will not be a part of this year’s celebration.
For parts of our world there are devastating wars that have lasted for extended periods of time. Daily people are losing their homes and lives.
God’s gift of peace is in a person. The person is Jesus. Jesus came to give us peace WITH God and the peace OF God. The peace WITH God was accomplished when Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for our sins and restore us to a righteous relationship.
The peace of God is an internal work that gives us peace with ourselves and others. This is the peace God wants us to live in daily.
Isaiah the prophet declared, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT) There is a connection between our thinking and our level of peace. When we choose to fix our thoughts on the work of Christ we begin to have peace in our lives.
Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8 we are think on things that are noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. That means we choose not to entertain thoughts of bitterness, anger, resentment, revenge, jealously, pride, lust, entitlement, greed, selfishness, or arrogance.
When our thoughts are fixed, we can experience the true peace that Jesus came to give. The Holy Spirit is always available to help us fix our thoughts.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit I need Your help in fixing my thoughts. I recognize I allow some of the wrong thoughts to enter my mind. I need Your help to correct my thinking so that I can live in peace.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
Lord I’m so thankful I’ve truly found peace with you.