Peace is not anywhere more abundantly promised than in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Bible dictionary defines peace, in its most accurate meaning, as “a tranquil state of the soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is” (85).
And what does Truth tell Christ’s people about peace? Paul’s prayer is that “the Lord of peace Himself gives us peace at all times and in every way” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).
And when we have accepted Jesus Christ’s Spirit, His indwelling presence is one of peace at all times and in every way. 
I remember a time years ago at my cottage, gathered in the living room by the fireplace with my parents, sisters, and grandparents, a storm raging outside. There was a hurricane warning in effect, and I remember imagining a hurricane whipping through our little cottage and feeling terror for quite a while. I snuggled with my family on the couch, where my mom’s tender voice and Christ’s gift in my Opa of never-ceasing external calamity provided comfort.
I often think of that raging storm when the Lord helps me to identify the enemy’s attempts against His fortress so that they can be rebuked automatically. Surrender to Christ’s will and the castaway of spirits does not mean the enemy ceases to vie for our hearts. It also means that Cassie is more aware of how thirsty she is for more of Jesus alone– oh Jesus, teach me who you are again! I just wanna be with You. What it means is that we have reckoned him as dead, and know that we can forever and always access Jesus’ Spirit within uswho already defeated that enemy when He died for our sins. And, therefore, life through His Spirit puts to death righteousness defined by law, and He sets the recognition of that law in our hearts.

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Healed in places I couldn’t even recognize I needed healing because I’d gotten comfortable with the enemy’s place there, Christ has begun to fill those cavities and I recognize my entire self more in the process. Cassie in Christ– that’s all that matters about my life.

The “deceived heart,” the one led to idolatry and anxiety when not leaning on Christ’s perfection, is one Isaiah in his 57th chapter describes as a “tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves toss up mire and mud.” As soon as we latch onto our God’s always-loving-convictions and access His Spirit that invites and our rebuke of such deceit, we are cleared from this place of “peace in every way,” only through Christ, to want nothing to do with the mire and mud of a restless sea. He does not convict without reason, and oh how patient He is with humanity. Oh the grace He heaps! But peace comes with prayer over those convictions, because man, our good God also doesn’t convict without providing the Spirit who intercedes for us, who fills up the spaces that have been muddled with “Satan’s deep secrets.”
Indeed, we do nothing but rest and receive– and He acts on our behalf. We call upon His Spirit and He is a God that ANSWERS! And works against false prophets and demons. We must hear His voice and choose to proclaim the TRUTH HE IS.
Furthermore, we are not only invited into, but called into this peace for Christ’s sake– “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of Christ you were called into peace” (Colossians 3:15).
And Lord, oh Jesus, when I just ask you to remind me that you’re guarding me for your purposes, but also that You love me, little me, sinful me, I am overwhelmed with praise FOREVER my song that Lord Jesus– I. Trust. In. You. Alone. img_9014

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