EXPERIENCING MORE JOY & PEACE

“Living Peacefully in an Uptight World”
Pastor Doug Heisel – December 18, 2022

Philippians 4:9 — And the God of peace will be with you.

How to Protect the Peace God Wants to Produce

1. Let go of relational OFFENSES quickly.
   
   I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
   
   Romans 12:18 — If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
   
   Refuse to be the DIFFICULT person. Refuse to be easily OFFENDED. Refuse to hold onto REGRETS.
   

2. Use your MOUTH to fuel your faith, not feed your fears.
   
   Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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.
   
   Proverbs 18:21 — The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
   

3. Redirect your THOUGHTS to the ways of the Lord and the Word of God. Decide in advance what is going to DEFINE you.
   
   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. 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.