Spiritual Nuggets issued by the Middle East Union

1. A RECIPE FOR PEACE
Philippians 4: 4 – 7
Philippians 4:4-7 is a recipe with three ingredients. The first one
Rejoice in the Lord is “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Paul sat in prison when he wrote
always. I will say it these words, and he had an almost certain death penalty before
again: Rejoice! Let your him. Still he said: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say,
gentleness be evident to rejoice.” Whatever problems and challenges you go through;
there is always something to rejoice in. In the Lord. Paul
all. The Lord is near. Do
suggests that we focus on the positive and rejoice in it.
not be anxious about
anything, but in The second ingredient in the recipe is “Let your gentleness be
everything, by prayer evident to all.” In other words: Let it be apparent that you are a
and petition, with Christian and different, because you have been with Jesus. This
thanksgiving, present is it urgent because “the Lord is near”, says Paul. It is no time to
your requests to God. lose. A world is out there, in urgent need of salvation. What will
And the peace of God, ultimately convince them and lead them to accept Jesus is not
what we say, but how we live.
which transcends all
understanding will The third ingredient is “Do not be anxious about anything, but
guard your hearts and in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present
your minds in Christ your request to God.” To be a Christian is more satisfying than
Jesus. 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