October 2019
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
- John 14: 23-27 (KJV)
During a very busy time in which I've preached two funerals and visited hospitals, my car began acting up. There was a lot of noise in my head as to could I afford to fix it, why was this happening now of all times, what were my options and what I found is all that noise in my head took away my peace and left me with a headache and stressed.
There was a lot of noise surrounding Jesus' arrest and mock trial. His accusers must have been noisy, the Sanhedrin must have been nerve wracking and the people were noisy when they shouted to release Barabbas and crucify Jesus.
We are not exempt from noise today, just about every topic of discussion seems to bring out the noises of differences, opinions, beliefs or lack of them and the church isn't exempt from all the noise. The question is - what are we going to do about it? Submerse within its depths or rise above it?
The scriptures teach us to be still and know He is God, they teach us that Jesus has given to us His peace so God isn't in the midst of all the noise - He's found when we look within ourselves and rediscover the peace of Jesus Christ.
Love,
Pastor Paul
