“Unlocking A Spirit of Peace”

August 16, 2026

Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV): “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Be Glad In the Lord Always! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Be Considerate! Why? “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 (surpasses) all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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.”

Deplete Yourself of All Anxiety and Worry.

“Do Not Be Anxious About Anything.” What Constitutes “Anything?” Everything. God never intended for you to carry tomorrow’s problems with today’s strength. 103 times the Bible says “Do Not Be Afraid” and Over 500 passages deal with fear. Peace is the absence of fear and the presence of the Lord–He Is Near!!! Matthew 6:25 (NIV): “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” Worry = To Gnaw On, To Dwell On. Worry keeps rehearsing on what should have been released.

Develop Yourself in Prayer, Petition and Presentation to God.

“…but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Prayer: Communication With The Lord, Petition = To Make a Formal Request – Invoke A Power of Agreement. Matthew 18:20 (NIV): “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Bring Every Situation Into Prayer. Remember: You can’t keep carrying something that you put in God’s hands.

Devote Yourself to Carry Out God’s Word (Put Into Practice) Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV):

“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.” You cannot do the wrong things and think the right things are going to happen. Some thoughts need to be rejected. Some conversations need to be shut down. Some memories cannot be continually rehearsed. Some imaginary scenarios need to stop being entertained. Your mind cannot be a playground for fear and a dwelling place for peace at the same time.

Closing