07/03/2013 Superfruit Study: Peace
Galatians 5:22 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives HE will produce this kind of fruit in
us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. [Living Bible]
Summary
PEACE is anotherSuperfruit of the HOLY SPIRIT.
According to Paul, without the PEACE of the HOLY SPIRIT, we are in a natural state of conflict and war.
There are the "battles within" and then there are the battles and conflicts around us.
The Battles Within
In Roman 7: 15-25, Paul describes with great accuracy the "battles within." In Roman 5:15, Paul
states: "I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't. I do what I don't want to---what I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong...But I can't help myself...." Paul says: "No matter which way I turn I can't
make myself do right...." Some have described this problem as a "control" issue. Paul simply cannot control his "lower nature"—that
part of himself that "wants what it wants" and "wants it NOW." This lower nature demands immediate gratification.
It is similar to a promise that individuals make at the beginning of the year to "eat healthy" only to find themselves in February picking up a few
candy bars at the check-out line to eat on the way home. Or instead of food, a person promises to reduce credit card spending, stop drinking, stop being so sedentary or to discontinue some other damaging habit or behavior only to find themselves doing exactly what they said they wouldn't do.
Showing frustration with his own "battle within," Paul declares in Romans 7:24: "What a wretched man I am!"
Wars and Conflicts Around Us
In addition to the "battles within," our peace of mind is also disrupted and disturbed by the strife, disharmony and actual wars around
us. Tension in the home, discord and dissatisfaction at work, conflict at school, lack of unity at church, governmental discord and
nations raging against nations can all contribute to "disturbing the peace."
THE SOLUTION
The solution to achieving peace, according to Paul, is to submit or surrender to CHRIST and the HOLY SPIRIT. The solution is not to "gain or try to take control" but to "surrender control." CHRIST is called THE PRINCE OF PEACE. The fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT is PEACE. In Col.3:15, Paul states: "Let the peace of heart which comes from CHRIST be always present in your hearts and lives..." Paul says: "Remember what Christ
taught and let HIS WORDS enrich your lives and make you wise; teach them to each other, sing them in psalms and songs." (Col 3:16.) So, according to Paul, we should find a scripture, find a song, find a prayer and use the WORD to attain peace.
SUPERFOOD
Plums
Www.Health.com lists plums as one of the superfruits everyone needs now. According to Health:
Plums contain an antioxidant called chlorogenic acid, which, according to French researchers, is linked to decreases in
anxiety-related behaviors in mice.
See, "23 Superfruit You Need Now!" www.health.com
Prunes v Plums
Although there is no difference between plums and dried plums or prunes, prunes tend to be higher in nutrients.
PRUNES PLUMS
(0.25 cup or 43.50 grams) (1 each (66.00 grams)
vitamin K 32.3% 5.2%
fiber 12.3% 3.6%
potassium 9% 2.9%
3alories (104) 5% 30 %
See,www.whfoods.com.
According to www.livestong.com, prunes and fresh plums also contain a high amount of copper. Plums also contain water-soluble vitamins
such as vitamin C, which is lost when prunes are dehydrated. Prunes are also famous for their ability to relieve constipation.
Prunes and plums can be cut up and added to fruit and vegetable salads, mixed with nuts to create your own trail mix, added to
granola and used in other ways.
PEACE & HEALTH
Today, ask the HOLY SPIRIT for PEACE within and worldwide. Declare yourself a PEACEMAKER in your family, your neighborhood, your job, your church or wherever you have ministry. Surrender control to the PRINCE OF PEACE, get a good night's sleep and Be Blessed!