Peace – PerfectFaith

Peace With God

Curt Klingerman — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Peace Begins and Ends with God

The main reason people are addicted to their drug of choice, chemical or otherwise, is they are without peace. They are trying to obtain it their way, and it is proven to be futile. The truth is it will ever be futile as long as they exclude God. The reason people exclude Him is they want to be their own god. They might deny it, but when you go to the heart of the matter, it is undeniable. Whoever, or whatever you hold in the highest esteem is either God, or it is a god.
Ironically, some believe if you’re not accountable for your actions, you will have a life of peace. One of the reasons people claim to be atheists is they don’t want to be accountable to anyone. Furthermore, the idea of not being accountable to Him is a form of self-deception.
Romans 14:11-12 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Here’s where the irony comes into play, if one believes he is not accountable to God, he will never have peace. Why? Because he is failing to acknowledge God, and His sovereignty. Without that acknowledgment, he will never find forgiveness for his sin, which means the weight of it will always be there. The consequence is an endless cycle chasing peace through ways that actually add more sin. Thus, adding more weight.
Why do people rationalize bad thoughts, words and behavior? They are looking to justify of their iniquities. Without owning up to one’s failure, one will never be rid of it. Did you ever have a guilty conscience over a wrongdoing that would not leave until you came clean? Once the confession is made, guilt vaporizes. Until a person confesses his sin to God, it will remain.
1 John 1:8-9 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
You will never earn peace! Think about that for a moment. Peace can only be received; you cannot earn it. After receiving forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus Christ, how can anyone expect to make up for a failure after becoming a Christian? Christianity 101 states we can only be saved by grace through faith, which means we cannot earn salvation, neither can we work it off (see Ephesians 2:8-9).
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By Whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
It’s the relationship with God that keeps us in the state of peace, regardless of circumstances. As long as we base peace on the conditions in which we find ourselves, it will come and go. If we base it on our communion with Him, it will remain steady.
Romans 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
One element of the fruit of the Spirit is peace (see Galatians 5:22-23), which means peace is a product of communion and submission to Him. We allow His peace to rule in our heart, which means exterior circumstances do not have any real bearing to walking in peace. Sure, things may happen to disrupt our peace, but we can jump right back into it by submitting to Holy Spirit. One might say, “It’s easier said than done,” but it can be done, and it gets easier as we continue to walk with Him, and renew our minds.

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What’s Possible for You?

Curt Klingerman — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Have you been feeling stuck?

Have you been feeling stuck, overwhelmed and defeated? You know, life is flat daunting, and the dreams and visions are lost in the back of your mind, because they look unrealistic. It’s not the road you’ve been wanting to travel, but there you are. Would you like to do a U-turn, and maybe change vehicles while you’re at it?

With God, All Things Are Possible

Here’s a crazy thought: with God, all things are possible, and because they’re possible for Him, they’re possible for you. “Look, I know God can do anything, but how do I know He wants to do those things in my life?” Are you dealing with a trust issue, or do you feel unworthy of Him working in your life? It’s easy to feel that way. In the church world, we hear it all the time: “I’m so unworthy!” Hogwash! That’s bad theology sold as humility, working overtime to look pious before others. Is Jesus worthy? Of course, and that makes you worthy (see 2 Corinthians 5:17,21). He is our Worthiness!

Trust Issue

If it’s a trust issue, consider this: Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation . . . (Hebrews 6:17-18). 2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself.
Because of God’s very nature, it is impossible for Him to lie, much less, deny Himself! Many have been proven unfaithful, but not God. Another reason you can trust Him is He loves you. He has you’re best interest at heart. It’s in the Bible!

Opposition to the Promises of God

The circumstances of life will often seem as if they’re in opposition to the vision or promises of God. Even though the main thrust of this blog is not the testing of our faith, it does still play a part in the scheme of things. 1 Peter 1:6-7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

The Reality of God is Often Mocked

God’s reality is often mocked, and passed off as fantasy. How often have we heard, “you need to face reality?” When all people know is the physical, carnal realm of the world, the spiritual seems far-fetched. Consider this: God spoke the physical realm into existence. So which is greater, the physical realm or His Word? This comes down to another question: to whom have you been listening? Whose report will you ultimately believe?

What Leads to the Promises of God?

Sometimes, the desires and visions appear to be self-generated because of their size. Hence, another reason these things get pushed to back of the mind: the fear of self-deception. It’s easy to latch onto that one, especially after seeing some people boast of what they’re going to do, only fall flat on their faces. We don’t want to be that person. This simplest way to avoid self-deception is humility. Submitting to the will of God leads us to the true promises of God, and keeps our focus on the right vision.
Psalm 34:4-5 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.
Two things to take home: one, when you delight yourself in Him, you will also align with His will. In the process, He will place His desires for you in your heart. And that simply means it was His desire first. He wants it for you more than you want it.
Secondly, by committing your way to Him, He is free to bring it to pass. People often get stuck in the how, and lose sight of God. They believe it’s their responsibility to bring it to pass. That can be very overwhelming. To be sure, they have a role in its fulfillment, but it’s connected to obedience. Our part is trusting Him, while listening and obeying His instructions. Sometimes that simply means waiting on Him. Other times, we will have some specific things to do. Be we do those things in concert with Him.
Finally, be patient. God’s timing is perfect, and if there’s waiting involved, it serves His purpose. And His purposes are always good!

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Legacy and the Last Days

Curt Klingerman — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Have you seriously considered the long term consequences or results of your lifestyle; more specifically, your walk with the Lord? In the Christian community we often talk about the ripple effect. Think about that concept in relation to legacy. Whether or not you’re aware of it, your way of life not only affects those currently around you, but also generations to come. What if our great grandchildren and those who follow would care less about Jesus Christ? That’s a terrible thought, but consider what the Bible has to say about the last days. It would behoove us to pay attention.
1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron (see also 2 Timothy 3:1-5).
We see these characteristics currently playing out in today’s society. How much of this is the result of the previous generations’ lifestyle? To be clear, everyone is ultimately responsible for his or her own actions; nevertheless, everyone’s life influences others in one shape or another. There was a period of time when much of the Church disengaged society, and lost influence as the result. What about us? Can we cause a young child to stumble? Of course. As a matter of fact, we can cause other adults to stumble as well (see Matthew 18:6; Romans 14:12-23). When parents compromise their walk, do you suppose it influences the children? Like it or not, children pay more attention to what you do than what you say. They learn more by the example than by what is said. One cannot get away with saying he is a Christian, but lives like the world. Children see right through that hypocrisy; in fact, everyone does. People become unfruitful when they get caught up in the world. What are your priorities?
If we want to see the following generations to make it into heaven, then we have to make it. If we want to see them walk with Jesus, then we have to walk with Him. When considering the consequences of our actions, why would we want to compromise? Young and old alike crave authenticity. It gives them hope.

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Truth and Freedom

Curt Klingerman — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 04:00:00 +0000

If you desire true freedom, then you must embrace truth. Not just any truth, God’s Truth! Those who believe only what they want to believe are on the path to self-deception. It does not lead to freedom. Many who are on it, feel as if they are free by choosing that route. They have a sense of being “in charge,” because it was their choice. Unbeknownst to them that pathway is filled with twists and turns, blind-spots and deep pits in which to fall. It leads to a vast desert in which hunger and thirst await its victim. The open expanse may look like a place of freedom, but it’s a mirage. Ultimately, it leads to destruction. Remember what Jesus said: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew7:13-14). It is important to examine what we believe and what seems right to us.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
There is no freedom without truth. As long as someone rejects it, he will always be in bondage. Some believers only experience partial freedom because they pick and choose what they want to believe. They are experiencing partial light, so their vision is dim, and thus, they cannot clearly see where they’re going. With partial belief comes partial peace. Because they are hanging on to false reasoning, they’re not enjoying the peace that surpasses understanding, which Jesus presents to them. Have you ever had that nagging deep-down feeling something was amiss, and since you glossed over it, peace eluded you? Wasn’t it until you stop ignoring it, and addressed the issue that peace came? The abundant life Jesus intended for individuals will not be fully realized until they fully open their heart to the Truth.
John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
There are many so-called truths, but none of them truly set people free. Truth is found in God’s Word, and His doctrine. There are myriads of teachings of men and demons, but there is only one Doctrine of Christ. Not to mention traditions of people that make the Word of God void in their lives (see Matthew 15:1-9; Mark 7:5-13). We are warned of such things in Colossians: Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ(Colossians 2:8). A lot of things sound good, especially if they incorporate elements of the Bible, but they never quite make the mark. As long one leans on man’s wisdom or even his own understanding, he will never really be settled in his heart. How many have found after hearing the wisdom of God, man’s seems rather foolish? And that’s because it is (see 1 Corinthians 1:18-25)!
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.
Freedom begins with Truth, it begins with Jesus!