PEACE? Be Blameless.

 The Bible offers a rich perspective on "peace of mind," portraying it as a deep and abiding state of heart and soul that comes from trusting in God and aligning with His will. Here are some key insights from Scripture:

1. Peace Through Trusting in God
   Isaiah 26:3 says, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you." This verse reveals that peace of mind is a result of unwavering trust in God. It speaks to the idea that God's presence, protection, and promises are sufficient to bring stability, regardless of external circumstances.

2. Jesus, the Source of Peace
   Jesus offers His peace to His followers, a peace that transcends worldly understanding. In John 14:27, He says, "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." This peace is unique—it’s internal and eternal, rooted in the assurance of His love, presence, and eternal purpose.

3. Guarding Your Heart and Mind
   Philippians 4:6-7 provides a pathway to peace: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Here, peace of mind is linked to surrendering anxieties to God through prayer and gratitude. It’s a protective peace that "guards" our inner being, maintaining calm in the midst of life's storms.

4. Setting Your Mind on Spiritual Things
   In Romans 8:6, Paul explains, "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." This verse highlights that peace comes from focusing on God’s Spirit rather than on worldly concerns. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and priorities, we experience life and peace.

5. Jesus as Our Peace with God
   Peace of mind is also rooted in our restored relationship with God. Through Jesus, we have peace with God, as described in Romans 5:1: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace is foundational—it means we are no longer separated from God because of sin, but are reconciled, and that relationship provides a deep, abiding peace.

6. Casting Your Cares
   1 Peter 5:7 encourages believers to "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." This verse reminds us that God’s care allows us to release our worries, entrusting them to His faithful provision and compassionate oversight, which brings peace of mind.

The Bible teaches that peace of mind is a gift from God, available through trusting Him, aligning with His Spirit, and accepting Jesus' offer of peace. It is not a fleeting or superficial peace but one that surpasses understanding, sustaining us through challenges and drawing us closer to God’s heart and purpose.

The "Peace of God":

Guards our hearts and minds by acting as a spiritual protection over our thoughts and emotions, helping us to stay anchored in God’s truth, love, and faithfulness. In Philippians 4:7, Paul explains that "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This peace is beyond human comprehension and is both powerful and purposeful, offering a few distinct ways of "guarding" us:

1. Guarding Against Anxiety and Fear
   God's peace counters anxiety, fear, and worry by grounding us in His sovereignty and provision. When we fully surrender our worries to God, believing that He is in control, His peace settles our hearts. Rather than allowing fearful thoughts to dominate, this peace helps us to focus on God’s promises, trusting Him even when circumstances are uncertain.

2. Strengthening Confidence in God’s Presence
   Knowing that God's presence is with us creates an assurance that goes beyond the visible. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God." This divine presence provides security, reinforcing our hearts and minds against doubts or insecurities. It’s the realization that we are never alone and that God’s peace surrounds us like a shield.

3. Creating Clarity Amid Chaos
   When life's situations become overwhelming, God’s peace enables us to think clearly and make sound decisions. In James 1:5, we’re told that God provides wisdom to those who ask without doubting. His peace provides a calm center, helping us approach challenges from a place of faith rather than from the turmoil of worry. By staying in His peace, we can discern His guidance more easily, moving forward with clarity and purpose.

4. Guarding Us from Negative Influences
   The peace of God helps filter out influences that can lead our minds away from God’s truth. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul speaks about "taking captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." With God's peace, we’re less vulnerable to thoughts of despair, doubt, or temptation that seek to pull us from His presence. This peace strengthens our resolve to dwell on what is pure, noble, and praiseworthy, as encouraged in Philippians 4:8.

5. Deepening Trust and Dependence
   When we experience God's peace, it reminds us of our dependence on Him rather than on our own strength or solutions. This cultivates a mindset of humility, drawing us into a deeper trust and radical dependence on His wisdom and power. In Proverbs 3:5-6, we’re called to "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." His peace affirms that, as we acknowledge Him, He will direct our paths, guarding us from self-reliance and the turmoil it can bring.

6. Healing from Wounds of the Past
   God's peace can heal emotional wounds and guard us against reopening them by constantly reminding us of His forgiveness and grace. Psalm 147:3 says, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." With this peace, we are reminded of our new identity in Christ, protected from self-condemnation, and freed to move forward without being weighed down by past hurts.

7. Allowing Joy and Gratitude to Flourish
   When our hearts and minds are guarded by God’s peace, we can experience and express gratitude and joy, even amid difficulties. As Paul wrote in Philippians 4:4-6, rejoicing and presenting our needs to God with thanksgiving are linked to the peace that follows. God’s peace allows us to stay joyful, knowing our lives are in His hands.

In summary, God’s peace acts as a divine fortress over our hearts and minds, keeping us rooted in faith, protecting us from harmful thoughts and emotions, and allowing us to live in the freedom and assurance of His love. This peace empowers us to live confidently, despite challenges, by continually turning our focus to God and His promises.

God’s Strategic Will:

God’s Strategic Will for all born-again believers is to walk in the fullness of His guidance, provision, and care, rooted in trust and dependence on Him. This reflects the purpose of our relationship with God: to live in a way that reveals His Kingdom by being fully aligned with His will.

1. His Guidance
   God's guidance is available as we seek His wisdom and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." In this trust, God makes our paths straight, guiding us in the steps we should take. He desires us to live in constant communion with Him, allowing Him to lead us in decisions, actions, and perspectives that align with His heart and purpose.

2. His Provision
   God’s provision includes not only material needs but also spiritual resources, such as strength, wisdom, and peace. Philippians 4:19 reminds us that "God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Walking in His provision means we don’t strive out of fear or self-sufficiency but instead rely on His guidance and faithfulness, knowing that He cares for us and is able to supply everything we need to accomplish His will.

3. His Care
   God’s care is His constant, attentive, and compassionate presence with us. 1 Peter 5:7 invites believers to "cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." This care is both gentle and strong, assuring us that we are never alone or neglected. Living in His care enables us to face life’s challenges with a heart at rest, knowing that our Heavenly Father is actively involved in our lives.

By trusting in God, we learn to radically depend on Him, which allows us to experience His fullness in every area of our lives. Through this relationship, we become a living testament of His Kingdom—demonstrating that life in Christ is transformative, peaceful, and joy-filled, drawing others to see His love and grace.

Faith that "Saves, Transforms, and Actuates” us:

This journey into the fullness of God’s guidance, provision, and care happens by faith—a faith that not only saves us but also transforms and actuates us to live out our identity in Christ:

1. Faith that Saves
   Saving faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." This faith reconciles us to God through Jesus, restoring our broken relationship with Him and giving us new life. It’s the starting point, the gift that brings us from death to life in Christ.

2. Faith that Transforms
   This faith goes beyond salvation to become a transforming power in our lives. Romans 12:2 calls us to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Through this faith, God works in us by the Holy Spirit to reshape our thoughts, desires, and behaviors to reflect Christ’s character. It’s a daily process where we learn to surrender our will and trust God’s Spirit to cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, and all the fruits of His Spirit within us. This transformation enables us to think, act, and love as Christ did, reflecting His heart and mind.

3. Faith that Actuates
   Faith that actuates is faith that empowers us to live out God’s purpose with boldness and obedience. James 2:17 tells us, "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." This faith moves us to take steps of obedience, to act on what God has called us to, and to serve others as His representatives. Actuating faith is the driving force that allows us to live as overcomers, facing challenges with courage, carrying out His will, and manifesting His Kingdom on earth.

Together, these aspects of faith—saving, transforming, and actuating—create a holistic journey of walking with God. We are not merely saved to wait passively but saved to grow, to be transformed, and to walk actively in the fullness of His guidance, provision, and care. By living out this faith, we become the "Fully Actualized Kingdom Saints" He calls us to be, rooted in trust and empowered to reveal His love and truth to the world.

Be Blameless:

When Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery. " Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”  She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” (John 8:10-11)

This profound statement, "Neither do I condemn you; now go sin no more" encapsulates God's Strategic Will for all who receive His forgiveness. It is a call to walk uprightly in righteousness, a transformation that can only be achieved through God's empowering grace. Jesus' words to the woman caught in adultery aptly capture the essence of God's grace and truth. His forgiveness restores us, simultaneously presenting a compelling call to a new and transformed way of living.

When Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” , He extended grace to her, releasing her from condemnation while calling her to leave her old ways behind. 

This exchange illustrates a few critical elements of God’s will for every believer:

1. Grace That Forgives and Releases
   Jesus’ statement, “Neither do I condemn you,” embodies the grace that forgives all who come to Him with a repentant heart. It reminds us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). This forgiveness isn’t based on our worthiness but on God’s mercy, and it frees us from the guilt and penalty of sin. Forgiveness is foundational, but it’s also an invitation to begin a new, empowered life.

2. A Call to Righteousness
   “Go and sin no more” reflects God’s will for us to live in righteousness. This call to holiness is impossible in our own strength, but God’s grace empowers us to break free from the bondage of sin and walk in His ways. Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.” Grace, then, isn’t merely a covering but a transforming power that teaches and enables us to pursue a life of righteousness.

3. Dependence on God’s Transformative Power
   Just as the woman caught in adultery could not walk in righteousness on her own, we too, require God’s guidance, provision, and care to live blamelessly. This new life requires transformation—a process of heart and mind renewal through the Holy Spirit, who convicts, guides, and empowers us. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 explains, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Transformation is not instant perfection but a journey of yielding to the Spirit’s work within us.

4. Living in Grace That Sustains and Empowers
   Walking in God’s righteousness requires not only a moment of forgiveness but a continual reliance on His grace. This grace sustains us daily, helping us to resist sin and live in the freedom of God’s Spirit. As Paul shared in 2 Corinthians 12:9, God’s grace is “sufficient,” meaning it supplies all we need for life and godliness. It’s His ongoing provision and strength, not our own efforts, that enable us to fulfill His will.

In summary, Jesus’ words to the woman caught in adultery capture God’s heart for each of us: forgiveness and freedom to walk blamelessly. He calls us to holiness, and through His grace, He provides the transformation, guidance, and strength needed to live out that calling. This is the essence of a life lived in God’s Kingdom—saved, transformed, and empowered by His grace to reveal His love and righteousness to the world.

How often do you give God the opportunity to share His heart and mind with you, what He thinks, and how He feels about the things going on in and around you?

Godliness? Holiness? Righteousness? All wrapped up in the word "Blameless"!

Godliness - “a proper response to the things of God, which produces obedience and righteous living.”

"Put simply, godliness is living a fruitful, obedient Christian life" Dr. David Jeremiah

The Oxford definition of righteousness is “the quality of being morally right or justifiable,”  So, righteousness is the condition of being proven or declared morally excellent, while holiness is the condition of being consecrated or dedicated to moral excellence.

Christ-followers should focus their effort on pursuing holiness in conduct, attitude, and thought.

Go and sin no more! A call to be "Blameless"

Where are your accusers? Neither do I condemn you. Now go, and sin no more.

Blameless? God's ultimate call to Righteousness.

Definition of Blameless: innocent of wrongdoing.

Proverbs 15:9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness.

"The quality of blamelessness is both a positional benefit of salvation and a moral character to be achieved."  William E. Brown (Bakers Evangelical Dictionary) 

The Righteousness of God Through Faith: Has 2 forms. The word “Believe” is essential for both.

 Gen. 15:6 "Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him Righteousness.

1. Imputed Righteousness called Justification: by Grace
Righteousness as a “status”, not a quality of religious/moral perfection.

This righteousness “is a righteousness that we receive from God.” it means we are in a right relationship with God when we simply receive the imputed obedience of Christ and the forgiveness of sins through faith.

Romans 5:18-19 “Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”

2. Applied Righteousness called Sanctification: by Faith
Righteousness as an “Act of Faith” (Trust and Obey).

This righteousness is an act of trust and obedience that, by faith (See Faith Session), is put forth in our day-to-day relationship with the Holy Spirit. To live Coram Deo is to live one’s entire life being aware of the presence of God, submitting to His guidance, all for the glory of God and His Kingdom…

2 Thessalonians 2:13 “But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work* of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.” *present, future continuous tense

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” –

Titus 2:14 “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” –

Phil. 1:6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

These two forms of Righteousness are reflected in the “Complete Gospel” by the words “Savior” and “Lord”.

The Gospel of “Salvation” and the Gospel of the "Kingdom", which Jesus preached and demonstrated, make up the Complete Gospel. Gospel means "Good News".

“You are saved (2Timothy 1:9). You are being Saved (1Corinthians 1:18). You will be saved (Romans 5:9-10)”*

STRENGTH & POWER = Blameless?

The Strength of Being Blameless. 

BLAMELESS:  /ˈblāmlis/

adjective:    innocent of wrongdoing.

Knowing no accusation is true. Being free of guilt. Allows the possibility of being regret-free.

Caution

Guilt is a function of the spirit. You can "reason" away your sin (the mind), but guilt remains.

2 Chronicles 16:9 (RSV)   For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show his might on behalf of those whose heart is blameless toward him.

2 Samuel:23-25 (RSV)      For all his ordinances were before me, and from his statutes, I did not turn aside. 24 I was blameless before him, and I kept myself from guilt. 25 Therefore the Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight.

Psalm 119:2–3.  Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, 3. who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! 

WE CAN ONLY BE BLAMELESS IF AND WHEN WE ARE 

WALKING BY FAITH AND BEING SPIRIT-LED

The Power of Repentance.

metanoia (repentance)

Original Word: μετάνοια, ας, ἡ

Part of Speech: Noun,

Transliteration: metanoia

Phonetic Spelling: (met-an’-oy-ah)

Short Definition: repentance, a change of mind

Definition: repentance, a change of mind, change in the inner man.

Here is the verb form:

metanoeó: to change one’s mind or purpose

Original Word: μετανοέω

Part of Speech: Verb

Transliteration: metanoeó

Phonetic Spelling: (met-an-o-eh’-o)

• Short Definition: I repent, change my mind, change my ways
• Definition: I repent, change my mind, change the inner man (particularly with reference to acceptance of the will of God), repent.

REPENTANCE: Acknowledging the accusation and accepting responsibility, with (Godly) sorrow that leads to a desire for forgiveness and reconciliation/restoration of relationship.

accusation. [ak-yoo-zey-shuh n] noun.  1. a charge of wrongdoing; imputation of guilt or blame.

2 Corinthians 7:9 (ASV)   I now rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye were made sorry unto repentance; for ye were made sorry after a godly sort, that ye might suffer loss by us in nothing. 10. For godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, a repentance which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Adam and Eve in the garden

1 John 1: 5-6 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in Him, there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.  8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

potential

1. The inherent ability or capacity for growth, development, or coming into being.
2. Something possessing the capacity for growth or development.

WHEN WE THINK ABOUT OUR IDENTITY it is important to understand that God sees us from a perspective of our potential. He knows who He created us to be.

It is this potential that is the foundation of His love, commitment, long-suffering and hope for us.

With insight and understanding of our God-given potential, He rebukes, chastises, encourages and disciplines us with exhortations of humility, honesty, and demonstrations of unconditional love.

He calls us to be over-comers, blameless, willing to admit our mistakes, dependant on His guidance. Willing to serve His purposes. In this light, we should make our decisions! When seeking God’s Will we shouldn’t be asking what does God wants me to do. We should be asking who God wants me to be. It is then He will show us who we are.

Happiness vs Joy

Happiness is reaping the fruit of your labour. Joy is knowing you stand blameless before the Lord of Eternity even when there is no fruit.

"Now" is the time for Joy and happiness. It can also be the time of regret and dread.

It all depends on who you trust and obey.

Blameless?

What does that mean?

When I first became a "christian" it was one of the first words that God spoke into my life that I was aware of.

"Be blameless"! It was in context to the current situation then. At the time, my first wife had left with my two kids and was pursuing another relationship. I was convicted of my own complicity in the situation and God said stop giving her reasons to justify her actions. Regret was the overwhelming emotion at the time. It was one of the reasons I "called on the Lord" in the first place.

This "regret" was the result of living a life as I saw fit and God was telling me that to be free of regret I needed to be blameless in all my relationships. It seemed simple enough. At least in concept. Just trust God to guide me in what I say and do and no one will be able to blame me for how things turn out. Yeah, right.

The issues...

• You have to really seek out and pay attention to the Holy Spirit's guidance. There are a lot of reasons we don't do that.
• People tend to blame others for their predicament. Mostly because we give them a reason.
• The enemy is constantly running around making accusations in our minds and in the minds of those around us.

I have come to realize "I am to Blame". But in that realization God's love covers my complicity and by the Blood of Christ I am forgiven. In the same realization I am called to "Trust in Him with all my heart and not trust in my own understanding. To recognize His presence in everything I do, and he will guide me on the path that leads to no regrets" Proverbs 3:5-6.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/blameless.html

You are Becoming?

There's no getting around it. Change happens. Mostly deterministic. Everything is becoming something other than what it was. What it is, is not what it will be.

You are swept along by the interaction of mass and energy. But choice affords an alternative to determinism.  The truth for you and me, Christ died for us.

Now will you choose the Lover of your Soul? Because of what He did, you have a choice.

Humble & Dependant

Dependant, Blameless and Repentant

Now is not a time to prepare for the future. To equip our youth with biblical principles of leadership and strategies to evangelize the nations. Now is the time to call our youth to a humble, dependant, day to day, walk with God. Where Proverbs 3:5-6 is the operative state and the goal is to be blameless and live repentantly. (Power & Strength is needed)

Tarry until and Occupy (A.B. Simpson)

WHAT DOES IT TAKE?

Not great skill or knowledge or learning. Not position or riches...

The Beatitudes!

Adam & Eve walked with God.
Enoch walked with God and God took him.
Elijah walked with God.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV) 16.These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

Question: "What does the Bible say about repentance? What does it mean to repent?"

Answer: The word repentance in the Bible literally means “the act of changing one’s mind.” True biblical repentance goes beyond remorse, regret, or feeling bad about one’s sin. It involves more than merely turning away from sin. Eerdmans Bible Dictionary includes this definition of repentance: “In its fullest sense it is a term for a complete change of orientation involving a judgment upon the past and a deliberate redirection for the future.” https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-repentance.html

Cause and Effect (As in "Swept along in the Now")

Cause and effect creates a flow within an inertial frame. Have you ever felt like you were in a rut? This flow tends to take the same path if free will does not exert a choice. The choice is hidden by a lie that presents unworthiness and concludes condemnation. And rightly so if we accept the flow.

Hope presents a promise and says, “you choose” 1 Corinthians 10:13 The choice is simple but most difficult. We can stay in the flow and trust in our own understanding or we can choose to trust the Lover of our soul and begin to see who He created us to be. The truth sets us free as we trust in the Lord with all our hearts.

Cause and effect appeals to self-interest. There the tension is manifest. The enemy clouds the truth that self-interest is ultimately fulfilled in giving.

Cause and effect if left alone ultimately will result in degradation, the second law. Life can overcome that degradation by accepting the truth that Hope offers. Choose the author of life and be an overcomer.

Have you ever thought, I just wish someone would tell me what to do? Have you ever wished someone would show you the way you should go?

“I am the way, the truth, and the light”
Jesus Christ

Most likely you’ve believed, as I did, that you have it within you to succeed. The problem is what you define as success.

Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement: and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. 

~ George Santayana ~ 

Remember the past? Each of us has a history. We reminisce with those we shared the past with. Remember when we say. Progress is not found there.

Our history viewed with clarity reveals the struggle. A struggle that gives us insight. The insight brings us to the realization that it is not within us to progress.

Come to an end of yourself. Humility is the fertile ground of a teachable heart. Allow the Lover of your soul to blast the light of truth into the darkness of your history to reveal the plan He has had for you from the beginning. He has one goal, to share himself with you.