Edition 306: April 6^th 2016

Oceans of peace in a world of violence:

Oceans of peace in a world of violence:

Introduction:

Today there are many major end-time pressures including stress, torment, anguish, misery, suffering, unhappiness, self righteous pride, rebellion against God and many other such things affecting people personally, and it’s getting worse fast!

On a wider level, violence, terrorism, mass murder, torture and the like are reaching shocking depths of depravity and it’s getting worse fast – all as prophesied in the Bible.

Of course there is the other side of the story all around us too. The outpouring of the Spirit of God is at work and on the go. Masses are getting saved especially in the Asian nations and the Middle East.

We must be aware of both. We need to take end-time pressures and make them work for us. We need to be conduits of the Holy Spirit in His work. We must be aware that our lives, when stable and full of God’s fruit are a living testimony to others around us, who are falling apart.

Oceans of internal peace are available and right before us, in this insane world, but there are conditions to be met.

Let’s identify the world of violence firstly:

There are many masses of people out there who love killing, and death. “War is in their hearts.” Islam is particularly a major problem today, because it combines the Qurans instructions to murder, kill and rape with its deceptive religion. It is all coming to its great end-time prophetic fulfilment and conclusion.

Violence and terrorism today:

Violence: Strong’s H 2555 = Chamac (Hamas –derivative). The meanings are: Violence, terrorism, cruelty, damaging, destruction, injustice.

Genesis 6:5-13 “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The earth was corrupt before God and the earth was filled with violence...and God said to Noah, ‘The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence...I will destroy them with the earth.”

That’s quite an amazing verse, which at that stage was prophetic. We know the story, it came to pass exactly. But, we are now in the “days of Noah,” version two! Do those verses above in Genesis describe our world today? They do exactly.

Today the word of God has been so universally rejected and cast down by governments, society, educational institutions, entertainment, religious institutions, even commerce and industry.

The effects of casting down God’s word on a national or even an international scale are extremely dramatic to say the least. The single big effect is the casting off of restraint.

Rather than give you my explanations, I’m presenting you now with a whole bunch of Bible verses on this exact subject. Don’t gloss over them, read them, study them and let them speak to you:

Hosea 4:1-3 “There is no truth, or mercy or knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, lying, killing and stealing and committing adultery, they break all restraint, with bloodshed after bloodshed. Therefore the land will mourn and everyone who dwells there will waste away with the beasts of the field, the birds of the air and the fish of the sea.”

Psalm11:5 “The Lord tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence, his soul He hates.”

Psalm 73:6 “Pride serves as their necklace; violence covers them like a garment.”

Obadiah 1:10 “For your violence against your brother Jacob (Israel), shame shall cover you and you shall be cut off forever.”

Proverbs 6:17 (Seven things that are an abomination to God.) “A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood.”

Proverbs 28:28 “When the wicked arise, men hide themselves; but when they perish the righteous increase.”

Psalm 9:17 “The wicked shall be turned into hell and all the nations that forget (forsake) God.”

Psalm 68:30 “...Scatter the people who delight in war.”

Psalm 140:1-2 “Deliver me O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their hearts; they continually gather together for war.”

Psalm 55:21 “The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, but they were drawn swords.”

Isaiah 60:12 “For the nation and kingdom that will not serve You shall perish, and those nations shall be utterly ruined.”

Note the central points of the verses above in bold. You tell me, do they relate to today?

“My glittering sword”

Deuteronomy 32:41-43 “If I sharpen My glittering sword, and My hand takes hold of judgement, I will render vengeance to My enemies, and repay those who hate Me. I will make My arrows drunk with blood, and My sword shall devour flesh...rejoice O Gentiles with His people; for He will avenge the blood of His servants...He will provide atonement for His land and His people.”

These three verses above are most profound and important. Firstly they are a slap in the face for the pacifists. Secondly, they imply spectacular judgement coming from God. Perhaps the full extent of this sort of judgement will only come about in the tribulation period, but there will be birth pangs and forerunners.

Now let’s examine the main message: God speaks here about His people (Jews) and His land (Israel). But note that there is also a group of Gentiles mentioned here who are rejoicing with His people the Jews.

Who is this group of Gentiles? It can only be those who stand with Israel and God’s end-time saving work with the Jews. It can only be true Gentile Christians with a heart for Israel. It can only be Christian Zionists.

Note who God’s enemies are! They are those who hate Him, but would most certainly include those that hate His people and His work with His people and the land! His “enemies” would be the anti-Semites of the world, including those within the church. His enemies would most certainly include those of replacement theology. (If you would like to see much more on the subject of replacement theology, just have a look in the “Index by Subject” link.)

If God has selected and chosen a “glittering sword” to be drenched in the blood of His and His people’s enemies, don’t you think it’s worth getting on the right side of God?

I say again: The vengeance and judgement of God, according to this verse above, is coming not only on His enemies, but on the enemies of His people and land!

If the living God has decided to bring severe judgement into a situation, that makes it an act of righteousness, and in fact holiness. His judgement is always upon sin, evil and wickedness. His judgement always has the end purpose of restoring or establishing holiness.

If you want to know what sin is from God’s perspective – and you should, just look at what God brings vengeance and judgement on.

What an incredible shock awaits so many people!

Isaiah 48:22 “There is no peace, says the Lord, for the wicked.”

Matthew 10:34 “Do not think I came to bring peace on earth, I came to bring a sword.”

Oceans of peace:

So now we see an end-time world of violence, terror and many evils, but in the midst of it all there is another wonderful world available. It’s hidden to most, but it’s there...its right here!

As we get closer to our Lord we encounter His character, His ways and fruits.

There is always something mysterious and majestic about knowing God deeply and intimately.

You can’t draw near to, and experience God without a dramatic encounter with deep peace and all the other fruits that are of Him and in Him. So even in world shaking, and about to be judged, peace can be your lot.

Now have a look at the verses below; they are so comforting and true. These verses must become more than words on a page – they can and must become your lot. Again don’t gloss over them, read and study them.

It’s a good idea to take these verses, and your own and make them regular prayers and proclamations:

Isaiah 48:18 “Oh that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would be like a river and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.”

Psalm 147:11-14 “The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy...He makes peace in your borders.”

John16:33 “These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Philippians 4:7-9 “The peace of God which surpasses understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Yeshua Messiah....the things which you leaned and received and heard and saw, these things do, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Romans 8:6 “To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”

1 Corinthians 14:33 “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”

Isaiah 66:12 “Behold I will extend peace to her (Israel) like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream.”

Psalm 4:8 “I will sleep and lie down in peace, for You alone O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Job 5:23 “You shall have a covenant with the stones of the field, and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you.”

Job 22:21 “Acquaint yourself with Him and be at peace. Thereby good (prosperity) will come to you.”

Proverbs 16:7 “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

I’ve called this edition “Oceans of peace” simply because oceans are so big and so deep. They have so much to them that is hidden and below the surface.

There is no limit to the experience of God. There are no limits to the depths of joy, peace and stability in Him.

A little known, or spoken of fruit of knowing Him is restraint in your life. Restraint then produces peace. This is the opposite of the fruit of the world. – The exact opposite!

Let me say it again. Knowing God produces restraint and restraint produces peace.

The only way to live in real deep peace is to know the word of the Lord inspired and led by the Spirit.

Looking in the wrong place:

Most people look in the wrong place for peace and relief from stress. They think that money and worldly goods will produce the spiritual goods. Remember that verse above? “In the world you will have tribulation, but in Me you will have peace.”

Too many think that if only they can be successful in the world and have lots of money they will be in peace. I know many who think that, but not one ever has ever encountered the deep peace of God, by looking for it in the world.

The more you fill your life with the ways and things of the world, the more of an idiot you are. You will never ever get free from stress and be in godly peace!

The funny thing is people in stress and torment try to pull us down who live in peace! They want us to become stressed out just like them. If that’s you – listen up. I’ve been there, just where you are. Do you think I don’t know what a lot of rubbish your worldly lives are? Sorry – been there, done that – you’re too late to try and bring me down into your heap of worldly cow dung!

Of course I’m not suggesting that we don’t need the things of the world. We are in the world but must beware of being trapped by it or consumed by it. We must see and know its spirit!

Your life is a testimony to many. With some, you are the only “Bible” they will ever read. Many times people don’t like or won’t believe the verses of the Bible, but they like the fruits they see in you. Often it’s the fruit of peace that they can’t get their heads around, but are attracted to.

Peace comes from fitting your life into the truth. It’s really frustrating trying to make a jigsaw puzzle piece fit that doesn’t. But when the right piece is in place, you rest and go ahh – that’s it. Now I see the picture!

Personally, I gave up looking for peace in this world ages ago. I live in peace and would not exchange it for anything, thank you very much.

Light, darkness, peace and torment:

The Bible talks of the “truth being cast down in the street,” in these last days!  (Isaiah 59:14) But what this really means is that the truth will be cast down in people’s hearts. They will reject the truth and its vital life-line and messages for today.

When you cast down the truth you have no direction finder or indicator. You are lost!

You don’t have to believe this, but it’s the truth. In these days very few people know the Bible adequately enough to give them vital direction.

My friends the time is coming soon where spiritual darkness and accompanying torment will be here. It just may come suddenly. You need to know our Lord now. You need to be deeply rooted in Him now, not when the shaking begins.

It’s too late to look for the light when the darkness is here.

Jeremiah 13:15-16 “Hear and give ear; do not be proud, for the Lord has spoken. Give glory to the Lord your God, before He causes darkness, and before your feet stumble on the dark mountains, and while you are looking for the light, He turns it into the shadow of death and makes it dense darkness.”

John 9:4 “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.”

Psalm 74:20-23 “Have respect to the covenant; for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitation of cruelty...The tumult of those who rise up against You increases continually.”

Romans 13:12 “The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.”

The peace of forgiveness:

Being unforgiven creates a force or weight of stress. Even if you are not aware of it, the pressure is there. You know that when you are out of favour with someone for some reason, it creates stress. But when forgiveness is spoken out or requested, the situation calms down and peace comes along.

The same is true with God. The unsaved are not right with God. They are unforgiven. There is an inner stress that they might not even be aware of. Coming into the experience of forgiveness produces peace with God.

The unforgiven have an inner fear in their lives whether they can identify it or not. Fear, especially enduring fear always produces stress.

Ecclesiastes 10:4 “...Conciliation pacifies great offences.”

Peace in this day of violence:

The world is not getting better and better. The world has shot itself in the foot by kicking God out. It will never be healed. But oceans of peace are available and will get better and better as we grow in His grace and die to the world.

Violence, terror and all manner of horrors will be the world’s adorning. Like that verse says above, “Violence will be the world’s necklace and garment.”  The story will be radically different in the Millennium. That will be because Satan will be bound and out of the picture. The world will then be a world of glorious peace.

The principle works now too. You can live in a “Millennium” of peace now, with Satan largely out of your personal picture. We can’t be rid of him now completely, but with the spiritual weapons and armour supplied through the gifts of the Spirit we can go a long way towards living in peace.

This day of violence will soon come to a bitter end, but this day of peace is endless.

Peaceful places:

Personally, I live in peace. Very little rocks that boat. I don’t allow it to, but what about living in a physical place of peace?

We all need to live somewhere. It’s really not so much about where in the world we live, but where we live with our experience of God. He can and will bring peace into our homes and dwelling places.

For me, I have a number of regular prayers as well other daily prayers as led. One regular prayer is over my home – to keep it safe and in peace. You can have a dwelling place of peace even in a place where war is on the go.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and the giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all in authority, that we might live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence .”

The verse above is actually the will of God for governments. It is their duty to set up and create an environment of peace. You can add Romans 13 to this, speaking of the powers of governmental authority, even the death penalty, to preserve a nation of peace under God.

Many world leaders will soon arrive at a destination with a big banner out front saying – “Welcome to hell.”

In the bigger picture there are some places where nothing but trouble is coming because they have capitulated to the enemy and kicked God out insulting His word. (Remember that “glittering sword”)

Europe has not paid yet for its modern-day anti-Semitism and pressure on Israel to capitulate to Islam. God has not turned a blind eye. Europe is about to pay a very heavy price. The “glittering sword” is coming your way Europe!

The current wave of Islamic terror is just the very beginning. Europe can do very little about it, because they have thrown down and thrown out God and His word. In Europe we see an expression of the wicked heart of man, now taking over in the form of violence.

The amazing, incredible thing is that Europe has kicked out the living God and His word and invited in the inherently violent with their evil word of death and destruction. Europe has kicked God out so who do they have as their defender? Only their enemy Satan, whom in their blindness, they have befriended.

Freedom is not freedom if it allows freedom to be destroyed. You can’t have freedom or peace, by welcoming in your worst nightmare!

Finally:

Colossians 1:20 “He has reconciled all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross.”

At the end of the day, the most violent act of torture, death and bloodshed, the cross of our Messiah was the actual instrument of life and peace. There is no alternative or other way to peace with God.

Without the cross you have the devil in numerous forms of disguise that you need special, supernatural glasses to even see, never mind deal with.

New birth in the desert! I took this picture in the magnificent Etosha Game Reserve, Namibia.

If you would like to see some more pictures of this giant place, click HERE

Shalom and grow in grace!