"Peace that surpasses all understanding." This is a term many Christians have heard of and, on some level, comprehend what it means. That peace arises in the moments where a person somehow is not bothered or worried, despite the chaos brewing around them. That peace is evident when, for some inexplicable reason, a person can sing and dance even as things fall apart. Someone looking in from the outside would see such a person and think they were crazy. They'd wonder how and why the person with peace isn't freaking out.
The peace of mind that surpasses all understanding is a great gift to have and it is one each of us can receive from the Father, no matter what's going on. He's actually told us how in Philippians 4:6-7 - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. That unexplainable peace that sits in a person's heart makes them rest the way Jesus was able to sleep on a boat in a storm. And to get it, we have to meet the stated condition - we have to put our fears and anxieties to the side then place our requests before God with thanksgiving. Then, we shall receive the peace of God and it will guard our hearts and minds, helping us resist the devil and all the weapons it has formed against us.
This is one of the reasons why satan attacks people with the arrows of doubt and fear. It wants God's children to think that their Father can't show up in the tough moments. It wants those who believe in Jesus to think some problems are too big for the Almighty. And yet, here's what God said to Jeremiah in Jeremiah 32:27 - Jeremiah, I am the Lord God. I rule the world, and I can do anything (CEV). When satan attacks and it feels like all the walls are closing in, it hopes that we'll turn our attention away from the Lord and only see how large the challenges are. The devil does not want us to apply Philippians 4:6 because then, we'll have the peace of God and will no longer submit to its schemes to terrorize us and keep us anxious about...well, everything.
And we must remember that God is building us up - molding us - for His purpose. Part of the reason He allows us to face issues is to toughen us up and give us the necessary spiritual skills and muscle to not fall for the devil's wicked schemes. This means, God will take us through experiences where we learn how to put our anxiety and fears to the side, shifting them out of the way so we can present our petitions with a clear head and ample praises to Him. We've got to let the Lord take us through those valleys of life and trust that He will ultimately bring us up to the mountain peak. It's not easy and most people don't want to sign up for such an experience. However, when we remember that God did this with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph (in Egypt), Moses, Joshua, David, Naomi and Ruth, Daniel, Esther, Mary (mother of Jesus), Martha and her sister, Mary (the sisters of Lazarus) as well as so many other men and women of God, we've got to submit to God's plan and purpose. Even if it will hurt.
1 Peter 5:10 - But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That's why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm (CEV).
We must let God have His way with us so that we emerge as the well-trained children who when faced with anxieties can push them aside, get on our knees, and pray with thanksgiving to the Lord. Then, we will receive the peace that surpasses all understanding. This shall be our portion, IJMN, Amen.
FINAL MESSAGE
I pray you guys continue to turn your challenges into praise points as we learned on August 18, 2023. I continue to experience God's favor as I pronounce my thanks each day and even received an unexpected financial blessing yesterday.
Given today's message, I also want to encourage everyone to apply Philippians 4:6-7 in a practical way. Take that issue you are dealing with and ask the Lord to handle it. Then offer up thanksgiving. If you aren't sure what to say in praise, take a look at the praises shared by your fellow Peppers and borrow them. Also, there are great praise points in the Book of Psalms and all across the Bible available for us to use.
Whatever you do, apply the steps provided in Philippians 4:6 - set your worries aside, pray for what you are seeking God's help with, and give Him ample thanks. Then watch His peace from Philippians 4:7 come upon you.
And when the peace comes - in my case, I start singing worship songs but it could be different for you - write down what you prayed about and how the Lord gave you peace. Then read that note often so that when the devil tries to punk you with worry about the very issue God gave you peace on, you can focus on the Lord and not the problem. Remembering that the Lord who gave you peace is not a liar and has already taken care of the issue.
God bless you as you put this into practice and see you on Friday!
CLOSING PRAYER
God, You are He who is worthy of our continuous praises! Thank You for being the God who loves us and who has allowed us the privilege of knowing You and what You are capable of. Hallowed be Your Holy Name.
As we end fellowship today, I call on You to remember all who honored You by worshiping You as well as interceding for people. Bless them, good Lord.
I also lift up all those who heeded Your word in Philippians 4:6-7. As they apply Your conditions, please grant them the promised reward of a peace that surpasses all understanding. Your peace, Lord. And may it surround their hearts, minds and every aspect of their life. IJMN, Amen.
LAST 10 MINUTES
Did you take time to praise the Lord and pray for others?
If so, present your personal petitions to Him right now.
What do you need God to do for you? Ask Him and then thank Him for hearing and answering you.
God bless you.
PS: We've learned about detestable prayers. Please be aware of this important rule and avoid saying such prayers.
From BI - Lord, I lift into Your capable hands JO, MM, JI, RG and any peppers with a negative health report. Touch them with Your healing hands. I trust in Your goodness Oh Lord so I ask for complete restoration of their mind, body and spirit. Deliver them from all sickness and grant them perfect health and long life. I pray that they will not bury and they will not be buried. May they enjoy their daily lives in the joy of The Lord and His transcending peace IJMN Amen.
Hallelujah to the Lord Most High!
Almighty God, I come before You to lift up the needs of Ms. M, JS, and everyone you've used as a destiny helper for me and mine.
"My God wil provide all your needs according to His riches in glory".
Oh Lord, remember these people for their labors of love in my life. Let them come to know You in a deeper way, and so they can be sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13). Please have mercy on them. Remember that the blood of Jesus was shed on their behalf. Please lead them to repentance and pardon their transgresisons.
Let Your will be done on earth as in heaven. Let Your name be magnified, in Jesus name, amen.
Good God, You are the Almighty. Nobody compares to You. Father, thank You for hearing my prayer for people that they come to a knowledge of You as You promised in Jeremiah 24:7. Thank You for giving people a desire for You. Thank You for whetting their appetites for more of You. Thank You for letting hearts clamor for You. Thank You for kindly pouring out Your Spirit on all mankind in accordance with Your word in Joel 2:28. Be glorified, Lord our Redeemer.
Now and forever more, IJMN, Amen.
Praise be to You my King. You are the Lord of all creation. The Untouchable and Indefatigable God.
John 17:3 - Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Lord I lift up Your people to You and pray that they will receive eternal life by knowing You and Your son, Jesus Christ.
All by Your grace and to Your glory, IJMN Amen.
From BI - Lord, I approach Your throne of grace on behalf of those seeking employment. Help them to place all their trust in You mighty King. Lord, open the right doors and direct their paths. Lead them to positions where they feel valued and respected. Strengthen them while they wait. Help them to demonstrate their skills and talents to get the right job. Grant them this favour Oh Lord and place them in positions where they don’t just survive but thrive all to Your glory IJMN Amen.
Father, in Jesus' name, I thank you that you rule the world, you control our lives, and that you are able to work all things out for our good and for your glory.
Lord, in Jesus' name, I pray for all the people I've met in the last week. Lord, the Bible declares in Titus 2:11 that you are not willing that any should perish but rather that all should come to a knowledge of the truth.
Lord, the devil has blinded the hearts of these people to the Gospel, according to 2 Corinthians 4:4. He is trying to thwart your will in the lives of these people.
God, I pray therefore that you would do your will and have your way, and save these people. Cause their hearts to be enlightened to their need for you. May they find in you the fullness of life that you promised in John 10:10.
I thank you for your great love, which far exceeds mine, and I entrust these people into your hands. I thank you for the opportunity to pray for them, Lord, in Jesus' name, amen.
Also, Lord, we praise you for being the God of possibilities, the only One who is capable of doing all things, according to Jeremiah 32:27. I pray for those who are waiting on you for some breakthrough. Lord you are too faithful. You who called them are faithful. Lamentations 3:25 says that you are good to those who wait hopefully on you who wait expectantly. May this be their testimony as well. Perfect your work in them, Lord.
PRAYER TIME
Join me in praying for others. Think about your fellow Peppers. Do you recall a prayer request one of them mentioned? You should lift them up in prayer.
Or you could pray for your friends, neighbors, the businesses in your community.
There are so many people to pray for. God bless you as you do.
From BI - Thank You Lord for lighting my path. I may stumble but not fall all because of Your grace. Thank You for Your generosity and for leading me into a new season. Thank You Lord for making me a burning and shining light. You are too wonderful for words. All I can say is thank You.
Psalm 35:28 - May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.”
Thank You God for being He who delights in the well-being of His servants. Thank You for what You are doing for Your people all over the world. Thank You for all those in our group who've had recent birthdays and other wonderful reasons to rejoice in You. Thank You for giving them something to smile about. May they continue to be recipients of Your joy and happiness!
Psalm 105:1-3 - Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Father, I thank You for working miracles around me. Thank you for bringing healing and mercy to people around me. Thank You for allowing us to share of and witness Your might.
Glory be to You forever!!
Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Lord, You have called us to rejoice and so I take this opportunity to rejoice in You.
Thank You for being my God. Thank You for being gracious and kind to me and mine.
But You don't stop there. You are kind to all creation. You, the God who let's Your blessed rain fall on the just and unjust.
Thank You Mighty God.
From BI - Thank You Lord for Your presence in my life. Thank You for providing for me and for keeping me safe. Thank You Abba for Your love, forgiveness and mercy. There is not enough time to list all the things that You do. You alone are worthy of all praise. Thank You Baba God, my love and King.
PRAISE TIME
If you're reading this, then it's time to give God all the glory!!
Join me in praising the Lord for who He is, what He's done and what He'll do.
Hallelujah!
From CD - Hey Family, My birthday was the 26th and I am on vacation. But, even in doing so, I take time to get quiet before the Lord so He can replenish me. Please enjoy this word regarding protecting your joy :heart::heart:
From C - Thank You Lord for another day for another year of life, for being always present in my life. For your blessings in every sphere of my life. LORD You’ve been Good to me. Thank You for all the people you’ve brought into my life, for your forgiveness and grace, Lord whom shall I trust and rest upon if not in You? Thank You for the P&P group for every prayer and answers. We bless your name In Jesus name amen!
From EC - Amen and good morning ladies!
From M22 - Thank you so much for today's word sis @FFJ . I really enjoyed reading today's word. I love the scripture associated with today's message. Since you suggested it to me a while back it is a verse that I always refer back to when the devil wants to use anxiety as a scheme. I remind myself that God's peace surpasses all understanding and that everything I am going through is for him to strengthen my spiritual muscle so it doesn't atrophy. I bless God for his grace and forgiveness over this community and I pray we continue to experience his peace always IJMN amen.