How To Stay in Peace

February Teaching Letter from Rick Renner

Dear Friends,

Merry Christmas and greetings in Jesus’ precious name! Christ came into this world “in the fullness of time” to redeem mankind from sin and to reconcile us to the Heavenly Father (Galatians 4:4,5). And what a great salvation it was and is that God wrought for us in Christ (see Hebrews 2:3-18)! Denise and I and our family wish you a warm and wonderful Christmas season and the best new year of your life in 2022.

Today I want to talk to you about opportunities and adversaries, but first I want to say thank you for being such a faithful partner with our ministry. As I told you in my letter last month, our ministry is bursting at the seams, and I am so humbled that God would use Denise and me, our family, and our team to minister to the many people who are reaching out to us every day.

Every soul is precious, and it is our heartfelt desire to convey that truth to every person God brings to us — that they are precious to Him and to us. And your gifts are so vital to our ability to touch every one of these treasured souls! So today I want to say a special thank you for all you do with us to take the trusted teaching of the Word of God to people in Russia and all over the world. From the depths of our hearts, Denise and I THANK YOU!

This month is the last month of the year — and I know you are probably preparing for Christmas and many different kinds of gatherings. But in addition to Christmas, it’s also almost 2022. As we come to the end of this year and to the beginning of a brand-new year, the Holy Spirit keeps telling me to “stay on track” with the assignments He has given us. I hear Him saying that even if we hit bumps along the way, everything will be all right if we’ll just stay on track and maintain our God-assigned territory — the many opportunities and assignments He has given us to inspire, strengthen, and equip believers with the sound teaching of the Bible.

But I’ve learned over the years that opportunities and adversaries usually go together — and today I want to encourage you to undergird yourself so that you can stay on track with what God has asked you to do this month and in the coming year.

Over the course of our ministry, we’ve had many great, effectual doors open to us to do the work of the Gospel. I’ll never forget when I received an opportunity to minister on television in the former Soviet Union. It was as if a great door had suddenly swung open to an entire vast territory — a door that had never before been opened for anyone else — and I knew I was experiencing something miraculous. By faith, Denise and I stepped through that door and began to preach the Word of God on television in this spiritually starved corner of the world.

Given the former socialist-communist campaigns against the Gospel in this particular region, this opportunity was as miraculous as the Jordan River dividing for Joshua and the children of Israel. But with this great open door also came a slew of adversaries, specifically dispatched by Satan to instill fear and doubt into my heart. The devil desperately wanted to prevent me from touching the lives of spiritually oppressed people, so he positioned evil people with insidious plans to try to block my view of what God had in store for our ministry.

I’m telling you that it was like the children of Israel looking at the Promised Land from the far side of the Jordan River. From that perspective, they saw only the fruitful land of blessing that lay before them. But once they entered the Promised Land, they had to fight giants of every kind before they could possess that land and enjoy the blessing. In much the same way, if Denise and I had taken our eyes off the Lord during that tumultuous period — or if we had focused only on the problems and forgotten about the fruit we were pursuing for God’s Kingdom — I’m sure we would have backpedaled to get out of the situation!

But we knew this was a God-given opportunity and worth the fight, so we fixed our gaze squarely on the Lord. Girded with the armor of God and the power of the Spirit, we pushed through every obstacle and possessed the ground that God called us to take. As a result, millions of souls began to hear the Gospel for the first time. We knew that only God could have opened this door!

In First Corinthians 16:9, the apostle Paul wrote about the strategic doors of opportunity that open for the Gospel and the adversaries that usually accompany them. He said, “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.” Notice that Paul used the words “great,” “door,” “effectual,” and “is opened” to describe the opportunity that had been set before him.

The word “great” in this verse is translated from the Greek word megale, which means gigantic. The word “door” is the Greek word thura, which typically refers to a door, but in this context, denotes a rare opportunity. The word “effectual” is the Greek word energes, and it depicts something that is powerful and ready to be set into motion. Finally, the phrase “is opened” is the Greek word anoigo, which describes something standing wide open. In other words, the door in question couldn’t be any more open! Thus, an alternate translation of Paul’s words in First Corinthians 16:9 could be rendered, “A gigantic, powerful opportunity is already set in motion and standing wide open….”

Paul continued by saying, “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me….” You see, Paul knew that the particular door he was referring to had never been opened to anyone else, and he stood in awe of the unprecedented opportunity. Walking through these kinds of doors is impossible without divine assistance, and Paul was fully aware of God’s role in the matter. That is why he specified that this door had been opened “unto me.”

Paul’s prayer request in First Corinthians 16:9 was not for a door to open because it had already opened. His prayer request was to receive God’s wisdom to deal with the numerous adversaries who were trying to come against him. Paul used the Greek word antikeimenoi to describe the vast number of “adversaries” that were sent to attack him. This Greek word describes something that was piled high and lying all around him. In other words, he was dealing with more than a few minor opponents. On the contrary, it felt like opposition was stacked high on every side!

I’ve learned that the enemy will try his best to keep you from stepping through the gigantic doors of opportunity God desires to open for you. Satan is afraid of what will happen when “his” territory is invaded by someone fully equipped with a full arsenal of spiritual weapons. So know this: God will open doors for you — but He needs you to make a determined decision that you will walk through them, no matter the opposition, with the help of His Spirit.

By opening the door, God has already done His part, which would have been impossible without His assistance. Now He beckons you to come, dressed in the whole armor of God and in the power of His Word — and proceed through that effectual door into new territory. It may look like enemies are everywhere, but it is simply a fact that the devil and his forces flee and collapse when they are subjected to a show of strong faith!

As I mentioned earlier, many great and effectual doors have been opened to us over the years to do the work of the Gospel. In each case, we knew these doors were unique to us and had never before been opened for anyone else. And just as Paul experienced opposition, there were plenty of enemies that came against us with each opportunity. But because we obeyed God, the devil was forced to move out of the way, and we walked right into the virgin territory that God had opened for our ministry.

Even if you think your situation looks threatening right now, I want to tell you that God is with you. He wants to supernaturally open new doors for you — doors that have never before been opened for you. He is not beckoning you to walk through these doors so you can fail. He is with you every step of the way, and He will empower you to defeat every foe and bring Him glory in that new territory that is yours to possess in Jesus’ name!

Your open door may be an opportunity to shine the light of God’s Word and God’s love to your family or friends during this holiday season. It may be a door that will open to you in the new year. Regardless of when it is or what it is, the same God who opens doors will empower you to walk through them — and then He’ll be right with you to give you the wisdom and strength needed to overcome any giant that tries to meet you on the other side.

I know this is not a typical December, “Christmas-style” letter, but this is what was on my heart to share with you today. I want you to always know that if we can join you in prayer, we would be delighted to do so. To be honest, we are praying for you anyway, but when we are alerted to know exactly “how” to pray, it increases our effectiveness as we pray for you. So if you have a special need, please either call or write to let us know how we can get in agreement with you for God to show Himself mighty to you according to Jeremiah 33:3, which says, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”

And please pray for us as we continue marching forward by faith to push back darkness, to shine the light of God’s Word, and to take territory for the Kingdom of God. Together — as partners — we can make a difference in the lives of throngs of people who are crying out to God for help. They are waiting for God to respond to their prayers, and God wants to use us — you and us together — to bring them the answers they desperately need.

But before I close, I want to say we are specifically asking God to do something special for you this month and before the end of the year. I don’t know what it is, but that is what we are praying. We are asking God to do something special that will bless your life! And please, please pray for us as we continue pushing ahead to build our studio in Moscow, to finalize the purchase of our new headquarters in Tulsa, and to continue to minister effectually to every precious soul Jesus brings to us!

Merry Christmas!

We love you and thank God for you!

We are your brother and sister, friends, and partners in Jesus Christ,

Rick and Denise Renner
along with Paul, Philip, and Joel and their families|Dear Friends,

Greetings in Jesus’ powerful name!

As you receive this letter, Denise and I are doing meetings across the United States. In February we are speaking in Tennessee, New York, Arizona, Oklahoma, California, and Florida. It’s going to be a very busy month of ministry, and — if you live near any of these places, we would love it if you could attend one of our meetings. You can go to renner.org/speaking-schedule to find details about each event.

This is an important month for RENNER Ministries because we are also preparing for the big launch of our brand-new Russian channel (different from our international channel) that will start airing programs on March 4! Please pray for us as we press forward toward this date. This is God’s channel, and we are trusting Him to provide all the finances needed this month so that we will launch on time with no bumps. This new channel will have the ability to eventually reach every Russian home, and it is a huge development for God’s Word going into people’s lives who are so hungry to receive it!

I want to say thank you for the way you pray for us and support this God-ordained work. When I think of what you and all our God-called partners do, it nearly leaves me speechless. All of what we do is possible because of precious partners like you who have joined hands with God and with us to bring the trusted teaching of the Bible to people around the world. First Corinthians 3:6 tells us that one plants and another waters, but it is God who gives the increase. It takes all of us working together with the Lord for the transformative Truth to change people’s lives. And today I want to especially express how thankful I am for your part in this great Gospel work!

In last month’s letter, I wrote to you about the word the Holy Spirit gave to me for our partners for the year 2024. Here it is again:

The year 2024 will be visited with turbulent episodes across the entire globe, especially in the realms of finances and politics and in the nations. These episodes will be of a sort that they will potentially cause those who are not rooted in God’s Word to be deeply disturbed. But for those who stay in faith…stay in peace…stay in love…stay in fellowship…and keep sowing seed for the sake of eternity — they will experience a supernatural power that will cause them to be unmoved, unshaken, well provided for, and to walk in a much-needed divine assurance, divine peace, divine power, and divine and supernatural victory. Yes, those who stay in faith, in peace, in love, in fellowship, and keep sowing seed for the sake of eternity will be blessed, empowered, joy-filled, and sustained, and they will miraculously thrive even if the world around them is tossed with a tempest.

Last month I also wrote to you about what it means to stay in faith — but today I want to speak to you about what it means to stay in peace. Remember, the prophetic word says those who stay in faith…stay in peace…stay in love…stay in fellowship…and who keep sowing seed for the sake of eternity — they will experience a supernatural power that will cause them to be unmoved, unshaken, well provided for, and they will have a much-needed divine assurance, divine peace, divine power, and divine and supernatural victory.

One purpose of prophecy is to wage a good warfare using the sure words of God that you receive from Him. Paul told Timothy, “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare” (1 Timothy 1:18). So as Paul told Timothy, we need to pay attention to what the Holy Spirit has spoken and wage a good warfare with it.

What It Means To Stay in Peace

First of all, I want to draw your attention to John 16:33, where Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Notice that Jesus said we can have peace even if we are in the midst of tribulation. I want to go over both of these words so you’ll really understand what kind of peace is available to you when you experience tribulation or turbulence in life!

The word “peace” that Jesus used in this verse is interpreted from the Greek word eirene, which depicts the cessation of war and the putting away of conflict. This remarkably means that when “peace” is ruling a situation, it causes conflict, strife, and warring in relationships (or things that are waging a fight in the soul) to be put away.

But wait…the word “peace” that Jesus used in this verse also pictures a time of rebuilding and reconstruction after war has ceased. This means that when peace is ruling a situation, it becomes possible to start rebuilding instead of tearing down!

But hold on…the word “peace” that Jesus used in this verse also depicts a time when distractions are removed, prosperity is initiated, and a rule of order replaces chaos. This means that when peace is ruling a situation, it supernaturally eliminates what is a distraction, opens the door to prosperity, and is so strong that it brings order into the midst of chaotic situations!

There’s even more! The word “peace” that Jesus used in John 16:33 speaks of a calm inner stability that results in the ability to conduct oneself peacefully, even in the midst of circumstances that would usually be traumatic or upsetting. This means that when peace is ruling a situation, it doesn’t matter how big the turbulence you’re experiencing is, that divine peace enables you to conduct yourself peacefully, even in the midst of circumstances that would usually be traumatic or upsetting!

Finally, the word “peace” that Jesus used in this verse is from the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word shalom, which expresses the idea of wholeness, completeness, or tranquility in the soul that is unaffected by outward circumstances or pressures. This means that when peace is ruling a situation, it brings wholeness to those who would usually be negatively affected. It also brings a dominating and supernatural tranquility to the soul that is unaffected by the outward circumstances or pressures that are trying to shake you up!

Next, I want to bring your attention to the word “tribulation” in John 16:33, which is interpreted from the Greek word thlipsis. It depicts pressure so great it would usually be crushing, and it speaks of a horribly tight squeeze or a situation so difficult it would usually cause one to feel crushed, pressured, squeezed, or stressed.

You see, Jesus said when His peace is ruling your heart or any situation you are in, it supernaturally removes conflict, puts an end to strife, enables you to rebuild, removes distractions, initiates peace and prosperity, and brings order to whatever was chaotic. This peace is so supernatural that it produces a calm inner stability that results in your ability to conduct yourself peacefully, even in the midst of circumstances that would usually be traumatic or upsetting. Indeed, Jesus said this divine peace will fill you with shalom — with such supernatural completeness, wholeness, and tranquility that your soul will be unaffected by circumstances or pressures!

It’s no surprise that Jesus added the words “be of good cheer!”

The original text could be interpreted this way: “In light of this, it’s time for you to cheer yourself up!” This is Jesus’ instruction for times when we hit turbulence in life. Rather than be shaken up by it, we are to grab hold of God’s divine peace and cheer ourselves up because Jesus has “overcome the world.”

The word “overcome” in that phrase is interpreted from the word nikao, which describes a champion, conqueror, master, overcomer, or victor. It depicts an overwhelming, prevailing force! This word is so power-packed that it pictures Jesus and His power as being a phenomenal, walloping, conquering force. That is the kind of power Jesus possessed and the victory He has to offer to us even when we hit turbulence in life!

In fact, Jesus went on to say His power has overcome the “world.” This word is interpreted from the Greek word kosmos, which describes the earthly realm where Satan is the “god of this world” (see 2 Corinthians 4:4). But no matter how powerfully he tries to project himself, because of the resurrection of Jesus, Satan has been stripped bare of his authority to rule over you (see Colossians 2:15). Jesus has completely prevailed over him — and now Jesus gives you His divine peace to rule you, even in situations that would usually be upsetting!

But for that peace to rule your heart and situation, you must decide to yield to it. The apostle Paul referred to this “yielding to peace” in Colossians 3:15, which says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts….”

I especially want you to notice the word “rule” in this verse. It is from the Greek word brabeuo, which, in ancient times, was used to describe the umpire or referee who moderated and judged the athletic competitions that were so popular in the ancient world.

Paul uses this word to tell us that the peace of God can work like an umpire or referee in our hearts, minds, and emotions. When detrimental emotions attempt to exert control over us or try to throw us into an emotional frenzy, we can stop it from happening by making the choice to let God’s peace rise up from deep inside us and work like an umpire or referee to moderate our emotions. As we do this, we will be kept under the control of that divine peace as it rules in our hearts. When this divine umpire called “peace” steps into the game, it suddenly begins to call the shots and make all the decisions — rather than fretfulness, anxiety, and worry.

Colossians 3:15 could be translated:
“Let the peace of God call the shots in your life….”
“Let the peace of God be the umpire in your life and actions….”
“Let the peace of God act as referee in your emotions and decisions….”

Even though it’s true that everyone runs into turbulent moments from time to time, if you’ll stay in peace — as the Holy Spirit has urged us all to do — you won’t have to surrender to emotions that try to steal your joy, disturb your relationships, and rob you of your victory.

If you feel overwhelmed by problems or emotions that are hitting you from every direction, just stop a moment and deliberately set your heart and mind on Jesus and the Word of God. As you do this, the wonderful, conquering, dominating, supernatural peace of God will rise up from within your spirit and take control — enabling you to stay in peace in 2024!

Wow! I can hardly wait to share with you next month about what it means to “stay in love” as you walk through 2024. But right now, if you are dealing with any kind of turbulence in your life, Jesus’ peace can rule your heart and the situation! So if you would like us to pray with you, we are waiting to hear from you right now. You can call us any weekday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT at 1-800-742-5593 or send us your prayer need at prayer@renner.org. We will get into agreement with you in prayer for God’s divine peace to rise up and, like a mighty umpire, rule your heart and emotions, bringing shalom to you and your situation. So please let us know how to pray for you, and we’ll release our faith with yours for God to move mightily in your situation or in the lives of those you love!

Please pray for us too! We are giving our best to do what Jesus has asked us to do, and obeying Him is our top priority. Your partnership is such a vital part of everything RENNER Ministries is able to accomplish, and we are so thankful for you and our other amazing God-called partners!

We are your brother and sister, friends, and partners in Jesus Christ,

Rick and Denise Renner
along with Paul, Philip, and Joel Renner and our entire ministry team

P.S. Click here to view the new interactive Ministry Update page or click here to download the printable pdf flyer. Click here to read Denise’s February Teaching Letter.

|