This week one of my mom’s best friends passed away.  My mom is 91 and her friend was 92.  When you get that age, it is sad to watch your friends go before you.  At Ms. Dorothy’s funeral the pastor started by saying these three words, “A New Location.”

These 3 words really spoke to me.  A NEW LOCATION.  

 

As of today, just where is your location?

Last week we talked about the first advent candle HOPE and the second candle represents PEACE.  This candle celebrates peace, both the Prince of peace and the peace on earth.  The word peace is in the Bible 429 times.

When I venture back to the three little words my mind thinks to the new location.  When we pass we are in a new location.  A location with our savior with perfect peace.  How peaceful it must be.

But how do we have peace on earth?

I want you to think about these questions:

Where are you now?

Where are you mentally?

 Are you in a state of chaos and confusion?

Are you in a state of peace?

Peace is something we all want.  Peace of mind, body and soul.  We all want to be at rest, to not worry, to not be burdened with worries that rob life. We all know that when we live with a mindset that is not peaceful it takes a toll on us and impacts all of those around us.  A life not full of peace is chaotic and exhausting.

DIVE INTO SCRIPTURE: 

Isaiah 26:3 King James Version (KJV)

3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

This scripture tells us that you will stay in perfect peace when your mind stays on Christ.  What does that tell us about our mind?  We know that the first thing Satan tries to attack is our mind.

Are you in a location focusing your mind on Christ?

This led me to the scripture John 14.  In John 14 Jesus is speaking to the disciples.  He is explaining to them several things but the most important is how the Holy Spirit will be with them as He leaves this earth.

John 14 begins with “Do not let your hearts be troubled believe in God and trust in Him hold on to it rely on it keep going and believe also in me.”

 What does this tell us?  

*Do not let your hearts be troubled, do not worry

*God has gone to prepare a place for us

*I am the Way and the Truth and the Life, He is the one and only one

*He will give us another helper- comforter, advocate, intercessor, counselor, strengthener, standby- He gave us the Holy Spirit

*I will not leave you as orphans- He is always with us

God = Peace

Knowing all of these things should bring us peace, but even though we have knowledge of Christ the world still sends us in plenty of tailspins.  Let’s look at John 14:27:

John 14:27 New International Version (NIV)

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.

He doesn’t give as the world gives.  DO NOT BE TROUBLED AND DO NOT BE AFRAID.

There are many scriptures that discuss having peace.  Peace is something that Christ wants us to have and it is only through Him that we can have true peace.  God sent his son for many reasons and one of them was for us to have peace.  He wants us to shift our current location into a new location full of peace, earthly true peace.

What is true peace? 

Philippians 4:6-9 New International Version (NIV)

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 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. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Peace of God- will guard your heart

Having true peace is to be able to have peace no matter the circumstances you are in.  It is in the knowing that GOD IS IN CONTROL.

Don’t let the enemy steal your LOCATION OF PEACE. Don’t let the peace stealer in your location.  Turn over your stressful location for a new one of peace.

Begin today having a LOCATION OF PEACE.

CHALLENGES OF THE WEEK:

• Keep your daily appointment with Christ

• Stay in the word

• Ask yourself daily- Am I in the right location?  Am I in a location of peace?

• Fill your cup so that you can fill other cups

Extra reading:

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/3-truths-to-remember-when-you-can-t-find-peace.htmlTHREE TRUTHS TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU CAN’T FIND PEACE.

https://carm.org/sermon-philippians-46-9-true-peace-your-lifeTure Peace in Your Life