Refuge In The Lord (Psa. 11)

Read Psalm 11.

1. I SEEK REFUGE IN THE LORD'S PRESENCE, NOT IN TROUBLE'S ABSENCE (11:1-3).
1. David's decision (1:1) > "In the Lord I take refuge."
2. Counselors' advice (11:2-3) > worldly, fleshly thinking (well-meaning, logical but bad advice)
• Flee somewhere else.
• Fear what's coming.
• Assume the foundations are destroyed.
2. I SEEK REFUGE IN THE LORD'S JUSTICE, NOT IN WHAT MY SENSES SUGGEST (11:4-6).
1. The Lord sits on the Throne (11:4).
• The Lord is in charge.  
• The wicked are not in charge.
• Circumstances are not in charge.
2. The Lord sees everything that happens (11:4).
• This is not a passive observation but an active assessment (11:5-6).
• Notice that there are only two categories:  righteous and wicked.  There is no in-between.  Decisions and actions have consequences, both temporal and eternal.
3. Conclusion:  WHY I WILL STAND BY MY DECISION TO TAKE REFUGE IN THE LORD (11:7)
1. You must decide your bottom line.
• From this you will speak.
• From this you will act.

My Prayer (10/7/15)

"Do not let your heart be troubled" (Jn. 14:27, MEV).

Please forgive me, Lord.  You know there is no possibility I can say, "What trouble?  I'm not troubled."  I chose, quickly as it was, to look at the problem or shortage or inadequacy instead of You.  I became ruled by pressure instead of peace.  You can have the pressure.  I release it to You right now.  May Your "peace that surpasses all comprehension" (Phil. 4:7, NASB) now guard my heart and my mind as I fix my eyes on You (Heb. 12:2a).  Holy Spirit, please remind me to exercise disciplined thinking (Phil. 4:8).

Peace Like A River

Furnace Brook, Kiski Twp., PA  11-14-13

"For thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I extend peace...like a river..." (Isa. 66:12)

How many remember this chorus from the seventies?

I've got peace like a river.

I've got peace like a river.

I've got peace like a river in my soul. 

Pleasant Path of Wisdom

Rock Furnace Trail, Kiski Twp., PA  11.14.13

"Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace." (Prov. 3:17)

Troubled Yet Peaceful (Jn. 16:33)

What a strange combination, yes?  That is the experience of every Christian. 

• You are in the world.  Because you breathe, trouble will find you even if you don't invite it.  Welcome to existence.  Read Job 2:10; 14:1.
• You are in Christ.  He has overcome the world!  There is more to life than accumulating trials and troubles.  There is joy and peace in the journey too.  Don't forget the good news.  Read 1 Jn. 4:4.  Be an overcomer today.

Christ's Peace (Jn. 14:27)

We're continuing to read through the Gospel of John. Today's reading is John 14:15-31.

Peace is not automatic. It is a gift from Jesus ("Peace give I to you."). It is a discipline of mind ("Let not your heart be troubled.").

Peace is more than the absence of conflict or trouble. This is Christ's peace we're discussing. It is superior (". . . not as the world gives . . ."). Christ's peace also means being in right relationship with God (Rom. 5:1, 9) and with people (Eph. 2:13-19) Peace is the pervading awareness of wholeness in every area of life.

The three starting points for this quality of peace are forgiveness of sins, promise of heaven (Jn. 14:1-3), and promise of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:16-17, 26).

You can experience Christ's peace. You are exhorted to "Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart" (Col. 3:15). Peace is part of the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).

Questions for Consideration:
1. In what area is Christ's peace lacking in your life?
2. Why is there this lack, knowing Christ's peace is available to you?
     > Have you lost hope or have you stopped worshiping? (Psa. 42:5, 11; 43:5)
     > Is your faith weak? (Jn. 14:1)
     > Are you only looking at what's obvious? (2 Cor. 4:18)
     > Are you thinking on the right things? (Phil. 4:8)
     > Have you stopped praying? (Phil. 4:6-7)
     > Did you stop walking in the Spirit? (Gal. 5:16-23)
     > Are you thankful? (Col. 3:15 – peace and thanksgiving are mentioned together.)