OVERCOMING OURSELVES - THE TRUE BATTLEGROUND

[Albert Finch]

Christ Jesus warns us that a time is coming when many will fall prey to fear and panic because of the things they see coming upon the earth. (see Luke 21:25-28)

LIVING IN PERFECT PEACE

True tranquility of soul, genuine godly peace, is only found in the person of Christ, not in some ritual or pagan practice. He alone is the Prince of Peace.
It is imperative that we maintain a deep walk in the Word of God--this will bring about the freedom we need to draw near to the Lord. Each day we must seek to draw ever nearer to Christ, seeking to yield, ever deeper, our will to His PURPOSE for our life. It is as we face Him in faith--open and trusting--that we are changed into His likeness (see 2 Corinthians 3:18).

THE SPIRIT OF FEAR

The "spirit of fear" is a form of bondage and spiritual slavery. It is a ruthless taskmaster attempting to steal the seeds of DESTINY and PURPOSE being awakened within the hearts of many of God's people. The Lord knew us before the foundation of the world and He deposited within us the divine seeds of kingdom design and DESTINY.

The only cure for fear and anxiety is abiding in the Word, the person of Christ Jesus. Paul declares in Philippians 4:6-7 (AMP):
"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

As we turn our inner focus, our will, to Christ and place our affections on Him, adjusting our thoughts to the Word - particularly the scriptures that have to do with our identity in Christ -- we will discover abiding peace. This is the Enoch walk of the overcomer!
Christ's presence within us is our assurance that we can live in peace, even in times of pressure and turmoil. The promise is much more than just merely getting through the tough times – He promises us perfect peace and constant contentment.

Does this sound too good to be true? -- This is the abundant life purchased for us by the broken body and spilled Blood of the Lamb of God at Calvary. He died and rose again to birth the Kingdom of God within us when we are born again.

Abraham believed God, even as he raised the knife over Isaac (see Genesis 22). Caleb and Joshua believed God's promises after 40 years in the desert (see Numbers 14:38). Mary believed God's Word, having never known a man – and her soul rejoiced (see Luke 1:26-38). Christ Himself believed His Father even as He was crucified. When He overcame sin, fear, and death at Calvary, we overcame them in Him. We were united with Him in death, and we are united with Him in His resurrection. The Cross stripped all power from fear and anxiety; they no longer have legal mastery over our souls – unless we let them rule.

MEDITATION VERSES:
Isaiah 26:3,4 - "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength."

"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him" (Nahum 1:7).

"The Lord's compassion and mercies are overwhelming. When I recall this, I have hope. I am not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness!" (Lamentations 3:20-24, paraphrased).

"Be anxious for nothing..." (Philippians 4:6).

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:8-9).

DESPITE THE STORMS
Despite the storms, however, God's plans and PURPOSE for your life are wonderful. Jeremiah 29:11 says: "'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,' says the Lord, 'thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.'"
We can begin to walk in our PURPOSE as we seek first the Kingdom of God. Paul states in 2 Corinthians 5:9, "Therefore we make it our aim, to be well pleasing to Him." We must desire to fully finish the course (our DESTINY in Christ) -- in such a manner as to hear the Lord say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

PROPER IDENTIFICATION OF THE BATTLEGROUND
Your battleground is not the circumstances of your life. The true battleground of the enemy is in your mind, will, and emotions. Keeping your thoughts and heart focused on Jesus and how you are able to meet the spiritual needs of others through Him, will prevent darkness from overtaking your soul.

We must stay focused on Christ and His unchangeable Kingdom if we are to have abiding peace during these days of chaos: "But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matthew 6:33-34).

There is no greater warfare than our abiding with the Prince of Peace. The God of peace will crush our foe under our feet (see Romans 16:20). The moment you feel the loss of peace -- "fix your thoughts on Jesus.." - Hebrews 3:1 -- repent and ask for the Forgiver Himself to flood you with His peace. Have no doubt – He will bring peace because He always keeps His promises.

Stay in HIM – stay at peace!

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
http://afministry.ning.com/