2024-11-06

Jesus' Peace in Us makes us Calm & Secured - John 14:27

John 14:27 Jesus' Peace in Us makes us Calm & Secured

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
  • 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.

    Jesus gave us His peace. We have Jesus' peace within.

    • We are just to believe, receive, and give thanks. We also need to spend time with Him to feel His presence and peace within us.
  • I do not give to you as the world gives.
    • ChatGPT the Difference:
      • 1. **Lasting Peace vs. Temporary Peace**:
        • - Jesus offers a peace that endures regardless of circumstances, rooted in His eternal presence and promises. In contrast, the world’s peace is often temporary, dependent on favorable conditions like success, stability, or security, and is easily disrupted by life’s challenges.
      • 2. **Inner Calm vs. External Calm**:
        • - The peace of Christ is an inner calm that persists even amid chaos. It is a peace that “surpasses understanding” (Philippians 4:7) and flows from a close relationship with God. Worldly peace, however, tends to focus on external factors like comfort, status, or a sense of control over situations, which can quickly fade when circumstances change.
      • 3. **Freedom from Fear vs. Anxiety from Uncertainty**:
        • - Jesus assures His followers they don’t need to be troubled or afraid. His peace liberates from fear because it is anchored in His unfailing presence, faithfulness, and sovereignty. The peace of the world is often tinged with underlying anxiety, as it depends on factors that can’t be fully controlled, leading to constant worry about potential loss or disruption.
      • 4. **Unconditional Gift vs. Conditional Peace**:
        • - Jesus offers His peace unconditionally, as an act of grace and love, without requiring us to prove our worthiness. Worldly peace often comes with strings attached—dependent on achievements, social approval, or circumstances that can be fleeting.
      • 5. **Reconciliation with God vs. Superficial Resolution**:
        • - Jesus’ peace is grounded in the reconciliation He brings between humanity and God. This reconciliation is deep, transforming the soul and giving eternal assurance. The world’s peace may offer temporary solutions to conflicts but lacks this deep-rooted, transformative power.
  • Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

    Since we have Jesus' peace, we need not be worry or afraid. His peace keeps us calm.

    2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

    • John 14:1-3 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
  • Summary:
    • In essence, Jesus gives us His peace as an enduring, internal gift that goes beyond worldly conditions, offering strength, stability, and freedom that only a relationship with Him can bring. This peace isn’t simply an absence of conflict but a steady presence of Jesus in our lives, which sustains us through any challenges. His peace is a priceless, transformative gift, unlike any worldly offering.
  • Prayer:
    • Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of Your perfect peace. Help me to rest in Your presence, trusting fully in Your love and sovereignty. When fear and worry arise, remind me of the lasting calm You offer. Fill my heart with Your peace and give me courage to face each day, knowing You are with me. Amen.


2024-11-05

The Way to Reprogram Your Brain (Renew Your Mind) Positive Thoughts for a Healthy & Joyful Life

Philippians 4:8
Positive Thoughts for a Healthy & Joyful Life - The way to renew your mind.
  • Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

  • Finally
    • brothers and sisters
      • whatever is true
        • Focus on what is real and grounded in truth, rather than being swayed by opinions, fears, or negativity. This means letting go of lies, unfounded worries, and exaggerations.
      • whatever is noble
        • Think about things that are honorable, dignified, and worthy of respect, aiming to uphold values that give life meaning and elevate our standards.
      • whatever is right
        • Consider what is fair and just, based on God’s moral standards. This isn’t about personal preference but aligning with what is universally good.
      • whatever is pure
        • Clean and wholesome, free from corruption, free from impurity,
        • Seek thoughts and actions free from corruption, pure in motive, and wholesome in nature. This involves a commitment to integrity and honesty.
      • whatever is lovely
        • Focus on what is beautiful, pleasing, friendly and promoting kindness and grace in our interactions and outlook.
      • whatever is admirable
        • Uplifting, commendable qualities and actions, worthy of respect and emulation. These can be examples of kindness, generosity, or humility that inspire us to live better.
      • —if anything is excellent
        • virtuous, superior quality, outstanding degree of reality, nobleness, rightness, purity, loveliness, admirableness...
      • or praiseworthy
        • approval, emulation, recognition & celebration guiding us toward thoughts that elicit gratitude and joy.
      • think about such things.
  • Neuroplasticity

    Science said Paul is right.

    • Neuroplasticity refers to the brains ability to change, reorganize, or grow neural networks.
    • Neuroplasticity shows that how we think and behave alters the structure of the brain and that every positive thought will reinforce a new neural pathway that will eventually become automatic.
    • For instance, every time we practice positive thinking or engage in a healthy habit, we reinforce the neural connections that support those patterns. Over time, these connections become stronger and more efficient, so the behavior or thought becomes second nature. This principle is at the core of building positive habits or even reshaping negative thinking patterns.
    • In practical terms, this means that we have the power to shape our brains for the better by intentionally choosing positive and constructive thoughts and actions. It’s a beautiful example of how our brains are wired for growth and change.
  • Take Away:
    • Focusing on these qualities initiates a powerful renewal in the mind. Neuroplasticity supports this, revealing that repeated positive thoughts reshape our brain’s pathways, making it easier to think positively and find joy.
    • Consistently aligning our thoughts with Paul’s guidance helps these become our natural patterns. This passage is both a spiritual command and a practical guide for mental health, building resilience, peace, and joy—beautifully aligning faith with science.
  • Prayer:
    • Lord, help me to focus my thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Fill my heart with peace and joy as I dwell on Your goodness. Renew my mind and guide me to think and act in ways that reflect Your love. Amen.