“Fruit Full” (Part 4) “Full Of Peace” (Galatians 5:22,23; Philippians 4:7; Exodus 18:19-23)

No matter where we live, there is weather to deal with whether good or bad. In Florida, it is tropical storms and hurricanes. In Tennessee, it may be the heat, the humidity, rain, wind, thunderstorms, tornadoes, sleet, ice, snow, etc. If you don’t like the weather in Tennessee, just wait 15 minutes and it will probably change. No matter who or where we are we deal with life - the good and the bad. Whatever it may be, life often robs us of our sense of peace.

In Christ, we can have that peace that passes all understanding. We need to be full of that kind of peace. We can obey the gospel of peace and we can serve the Prince of peace. How can we maintain that peace that Paul talks about in the Scripture?

In Exodus 18, the children of Israel are camped at Mt. Sinai. They had left Egypt just six weeks earlier. The Isaraelites have already crossed the Red Sea on dry ground. They have already drunk bitter water made sweet at Marah. They have eaten manna from Heaven and have drank water from a rock. But now the troubles of life are coming there way. In Exodus 18:13-18, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, notices his son-in- law in danger. Every day, from morning to evening, the people of Israel bring their questions, problems, and complaints to Moses. Jethro knew all of this would rob Israel of their peace. So Jethro offers Moses some words of wisdom:

I. Moses Must Rest In The Power Of God (Exodus 18:19).

II. Moses Must Seek Godly Counsel (Exodus 18:19,20).

III. Moses Must Surround Himself With Able Men (Exodus 18:21,22).

IV. Moses Must Follow The Leading Of God (Exodus 18:23).

Yes, life is full of storms. The country song is correct, “but every storm runs out of rain” (Gary Allan). We must continue to trust in God and His people and we can still have peace in the midst of conflict. We must continue to walk with God who gives us strength to lean on, hope to trust in, and faith to walk every day of our lives. We can have a life that is full of peace. Hope to see y’all tonight at 7 P.M. for our V.B.S. 2026. We have classes for all ages. Brother Will Norrid will be teaching our adults tonight. Love y’all and have a blessed day, Tim