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Scripture for the day: Philippians 4:8-9 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Thought for the day: Yesterday we talked a bit about the idea of Jesus in the midst of our lives, at the hub of all we do, all we profess to be. Today I’d like to take that thought a bit further, if you don’t mind (or even if you do). There are particular benefits to keeping Jesus in the midst, of making sure He is intimately involved in every aspect of our journey. Let’s look at a couple of them. 
 First, Jesus in the midst will bring us peace. Isaiah promised, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed (focused) on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). Paul told the Romans, “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). And in his letter to the Philippians, he reminds us that, when we trust the Lord enough to let go of whatever we’re struggling with, “The peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). 
 I know what Paul is talking about. There have been more times than I want to recall when the Lord provided a sense of peace that I truly didn’t, and still don’t, understand. In the midst of turmoil that threatened to overwhelm my faith, there has come from somewhere outside myself, a deep settled peace that brought the assurance that, no matter the strength of the storm, my boat would not sink. This has happened too many times to be anything short of the presence of Jesus in the midst of the storm. God’s peace goes far beyond what we can handle. And it comes when we realize He’s in the boat with us; He’s not about to abandon His own. Peace comes when we realize the fact that He’s really in control of the outcome and we don’t have to try to handle everything ourselves. 
 The truth is, most of us assume a lot more responsibility for the future than God ever intended. We tend to be like the man who was talking with his friend about the hectic nature of the business world. As they reminded one another of the myriad challenges each faced, one noticed the look on the other’s face. “John, you look really worried; more so than usual.”
 “Man,” said his friend, “I’ve go so many troubles that if anything else happens today that is bad, it will be at least two weeks before I can get around to worrying about it.”
 Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Sufficient unto the day is its own trouble.” Instead, He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). In other words, with Jesus in the midst of it all, you can afford to focus on Him and His desire for your life, knowing beyond a doubt that He’s got the situation well in hand.
 As we go out to meet what will almost certainly be a hostile world, let’s keep Jesus in the midst of it all, remembering what He promised the disciples: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you: not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
Now go take on your world.  -  Bill