11-06-23-ENG.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. "

Colossians 3:15 
YOUR UMPIRE

Read It: Colossians 3:15-16
If you are walking in obedience to God, one of the benefits He gives you .is peace. Now I don't mean circumstantial peace. You are never going to have 100 percent circumstantial peace. I'm talking about inner contentment tentment and calm despite circumstances. If you don't have that peace, something is wrong in your walk with the Lord. It's a red flag. See, the mind of Christ is one in which His peace rules. He says, "Peace should rule." The word for rule means umpire. What does an umpire do in a baseball game? He calls the game. He tells you whether you are safe or out. He calls the shots. Let the peace of God call the shots in your life. Let His peace be your umpire. Sounds great, doesn't it? But how do you keep the peace of God ruling ing in your heart? The answer is in verse 16: "Let [an act of the will] the word of Christ [the Word of God, the Bible] richly [abundantly] dwell within you." The key word is dwell. It means to be at home. See, some of us have this kind of relationship with the Word: "Word of God, you can visit me on Sunday at church. You can visit me on Monday evening in my family life. But in my work life, Word of God, the door is locked. And, Word of God, don't start telling me how to think. I keep my mind to myself. 

After all, as long as I only think it, I'm not hurting anyone." But God is saying, "I want access to the whole house, including your mind. I want to make My Word at home in your heart. I want My Word to dwell in you abundantly. I want it to rule. Don't shut out My Word." Notice how the daily operation of God's Word involves the mind: "With all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another." The Psalms contain those life situations we need to think about. "Hymns and spiritual songs" are directed toward God and toward one another in His name. If you want God's peace to rule you, get His mind by letting His Word rule you. Think About It Do you have a private room in your heart where you say, "Word of God, I don't let anyone in that room"? If so, don't expect God's peace.