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Got Peace?

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Jeff Foerster

I thought for a moment about simply leaving the title unto itself: “Got Peace?” I don’t know that I need say much more than what was communicated on Sunday. Jesus is Peace. Peace with the Father. Peace with ourselves. Peace with one another.

I think back (not too far for some examples) of times great and small lacking peace. I can honestly say they have been times where Jesus did not seem close by. They are times I had wandered far in thought and deed, not able to clearly hear His voice amidst the noise I had become accustomed to listening.

Do you hear noise? Are you pressed hard by duties or desires or fears or circumstances or memories? In this world you will have trouble.

Scripture tells us that peace is one of the hallmarks of a Christian and a result of an abiding relationship with Jesus. He wants you to have it. He wants to have you. And I do believe they go together.

Let’s look again at John 16:33:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (emphasis mine)

“In me.” United with Jesus, not only in mission, but in listening to Him, in following His ways, His heart for us, for others—in knowing Him. I believe that is a place of Peace—and I know of no other.

Got Peace?

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Caution

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 By Jeff Foerster

In recent days we’ve heard words of encouragement and hope, Pastor Steve having offered these as we prepare for entry to the next season of Elim. On Sunday, he spoke of caution. Caution is a well-timed admonition because there are no seasons of safety in the Christian experience.

There may be periods of time where tumult subsides and temporal peace seems to take its place. A time such as this invites us into complacency, to let our guard down. Yet we are at war. To be alive upon the earth is to have trouble. Our trouble comes from the world’s system, sin, and Satan.

The world’s system invites me to “go along to get along” and to make my home here and aim for my best life now. It encourages me to participate in Christianized versions of worldly activity and focus. Sin. It crouches at my door, waiting for an opportune moment to strike. For the Christian, sin need not have control, but it is a dangerous foe, nonetheless. Finally, Satan prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.

Know your foes, but know your Savior all the better. Know where the pitfalls lie and how to avoid them, but don’t stare deeply or you’ll risk falling in from disorientation. Instead, spend time with the One who redeemed you, who has conquered the world, has power over sin, and has made Satan a defeated foe. Then go, love others as He has first loved us.

“These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

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The Downside’s Upside

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By Jeff Foerster

Trouble in the news. Trouble in relationships. Trouble with work. Trouble with finances.  Trouble with bodies. Trouble with motivation. Trouble with the past. Trouble with the future. Trouble with ignorance. Trouble with vision. Trouble with planning. Trouble with sin. Trouble with a side order of trouble.

Looking left and looking right, there seems to be no end to the variety of troubles, nor to the manner in which they enter our lives. Truth be told, I could identify a number of these examples myself as unwelcome strays which linger near my door because I have fed them in the (sometimes recent) past.

Trouble, however, is not all bad news. Sure, it can cloud my mind and my vision. It can speak to me things untrue and, if allowed, manipulate my understanding of reality. It can make my present circumstances seem more important or overwhelming than they need be.

Yet there is no better place than down, no better position than low from which to gaze upward.  Upward is where a heart once emptied can be filled to the full. Upward is where hope pierces the veil of cloud to reveal starry night. Upward is where my life takes meaning and the mundane task bears significance. Upward is praying for those in positions of authority. Upward is submission. Upward is fighting for those without voice or power. Upward is a kind word to someone I don’t particularly like. Upward is giving when receiving seems a better idea. Upward is taking one step not knowing where the next footfall will land. Upward is repentance. Upward is forgiveness — both outward and inward. Upward is knowledge of God. Upward is seeing Jesus seated in Heaven. Upward is victory already won.

Looking around we will surely find trouble. Looking upward we will surely find Jesus. Fix your eyes upon the One who loves you with a love never known before and still not fully understood. Fix your heart on the hope that headlines can’t write. (Colossians 3)

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