Live in harmony.....

2 Corinthians 13:11 “Live in harmony and peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (NAB) “….be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” (NIV) “….agree with one another and live at peace….” (Phillips) “….think in harmony. Be agreeable…” (MSG) Heavenly Father, “Live in harmony”….”be of one mind”….”agree with one another”…..all of this tied together with peace. This is how we are meant to live. We can’t have peace without harmony. Peace is a result of “agreeing with one another”. We don’t always agree with everyone we meet and we all have a self-directed focus guiding us. Putting our differences aside in a peaceful manner can be difficult. We all want to voice our own opinion, give our own views, steer events in our favor, prove that our opinion is the right one. That isn’t godly love or peace. Jesus taught some hard lessons on getting along…”love your enemy”…”turn the other cheek”…”be reconciled to your brother”….”go the extra mile”….”give to the one who asks”….the lesson of the Good Samaritan…”be humble”….serve”….”lay down your life.” Jesus never teaches us to put ourselves first or look out for our own interests. If our life is secure in him, he will look after us and our life is safe no matter what the circumstances are. Our focus is to be outward in love towards others. Harmony and peace bring us into your presence….the God of love and peace. You are with us in an abiding relationship when we live in the harmony and peace that reflect your love and peace. This isn’t just a salutation or a greeting. We truly must desire peace at all times and it must grow from our own hearts planted there by the Holy Spirit. Oneness of the universe with our God and Creator is the perfect plan. Man messed this up and one perfect man has restored it. Now it is up to us to accept this and join in this peace. This is Life…harmony and peace with the God of love and peace. This is forever if we choose it! We can’t stop it, but we can choose to not be a part of it and be left behind forever. May we all choose your love and peace and live in harmony together! Amen.

Paths of peace.......

Proverbs 3:17 “Her (wisdom’s) ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.” (NIV) Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Heavenly Father, The CEV calls this section of Proverbs “the value of wisdom”. Wisdom originates in You. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” (Ps. 111:10) When we seek you, worship you, give reverence and praise to you, wisdom begins. The world is not wise. The world may be “street smart”, but not wise. This section of Proverbs compares wisdom’s value to silver and gold and rubies and tells us nothing we desire can compare with wisdom. I’ve seen these words applied to Jesus Christ in a song. Jesus Christ is your wisdom spoken into our lives. Your word incarnate and sent to save. Jesus is the Way, the path to you and righteousness. Everything said about wisdom in this passage applies to Jesus Christ. He is “a tree of life to those who embrace him (vs. 18) and “those who lay hold of him will be blessed.” “By wisdom (Jesus Christ) the LORD laid the earth’s foundations.” (vs. 19) Our “wisdom” which begins with “the fear of the LORD” comes to us through Christ. His “paths are peace”. He reconciles us to you. We can have no greater wisdom than to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, our Lord, our King, and allow him to lead us to you, the fountain of wisdom! Peace and peacemaking begin with our reverence for you, the Father, and our love of Jesus the Son who saves us, and the Holy Spirit who produces the character of wisdom within us. The paths of peace are pleasant because they lead our lives into harmony and oneness with you. Only wisdom chooses the paths of peace. Wisdom stems from a loving and peaceful God, not a god of chaos or discord. Thank you, O LORD of wisdom! Keep my feet on the path of peace through Jesus Christ. Amen.

God is Light shining out of the darkness!......

2 Corinthians 4:6 “For God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’ has shown in our hearts, that we in turn might make known the glory of God shining on the face of Christ.” (NAB) “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (NIV) “God who first ordered light to shine in darkness, has flooded our hearts with his light, so that we can enlighten men with the knowledge of the glory of God, as we see it in the face of Christ.” (Phillips) “…as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.” (MSG) Heavenly Father, “Let there be light!” You spoke those words in the beginning and now you have sent your Son to be that same Word, that same Light that shines in the darkness. The first light you spoke into being illuminated the new world you created. The second light you spoke into being became the Light of the World: In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” (John 1:4-5) “I am the Light of the Word. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Jesus’ light is “the light of life”. Jesus is a light that shines in our hearts so that we too can carry light in the darkness. Our light is the enlightenment of our knowledge of Jesus Christ who reflects your glory: “We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) the Message says, “…we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful”. If we desire to see you, we need only look at Jesus Christ. Your glory is in and on him. This light is full of grace and truth. This is the message of hope we take to the world! Your light carried in our humble “jars of clay” offered to all who want to share in it. You are not a God of darkness! You are a God who shines and radiates and illuminates and who is capable of creating Light by merely speaking! How could your Son be anything but light? Light begets light! You will always “speak” light into our darkness, if we don’t shut our eyes. Light shines all around us, but we must want to see it, find it, bask in it, welcome it. Light destroys sin and death! Light brings Life! Jesus brings this Light to our hearts…forever! Thank you, LORD of Light! Shine into our darkness! Light up my heart with your glory in Jesus Christ! Amen.

Watch for wanderers!.....

James 5:20 “Remember this: the person who brings a sinner back from his way will save his soul from death and cancel a multitude of sins.” (NAB) “Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.” (MSG)

Heavenly Father, Saving the “prodigal sons”. Saving those who “wander away” from the Truth. These are the seeds on rocky soil who have shallow roots and lose their first fervor and “wander away”. These are the seeds among the thorns that get choked out by the worldly distractions of their daily lives. These are the sons who hear the call of the world and its excitement but find themselves feeding the pigs and starving and longing for home and their Father. They are ashamed once they turn back. Wandering away is so easy if no one monitors your progress or holds you accountable. We need to keep an eye on those who begin to wander and bring them back before it is too late. Once the soil is hard like the path, the seed cannot take root. The Good Shepherd goes after the one lost sheep who was his and has “wandered”. We too, must bring back those who wander. We are in a position to rescue their lives, save their souls, cancel out a multitude of sins! Sin will always separate us from You. Even if we are “saved” we still sin. We have to stay aware of that fact and continue to call on our Good Shepherd to save us! If we allow sin to get the upper hand and wander further and further away, we will forget where “home” is, or who our Lord is. We need others helping us stay on the path, keep to the Way, acknowledge the Truth. We have a responsibility to all who are family in the church. We have a call to watch for those who are wandering away in sin, and get them back on track. The call to righteousness, to repentance is always part of our new life in Jesus Christ! It’s a “life and death” matter and deserves our watchfulness, so that no members of God’s family wander away and become lost forever. Help me guide and bring back “wandering” souls to your Truth. Thank you! Amen.

Words can wound.......

Ephesians 4:29 “Never let evil talk pass your lips; say only the good things men need to hear, things that will help them.” (NAB) “Do not let unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (NIV) “Let there be no more foul language, but good words instead, words suitable for the occasion, which God can use to help other people.” (Phillips) “Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.” (MSG) Heavenly Father, The Message sums it up--- “watch the way you talk.” Sometimes I think it might be helpful if we did just that. If every word we spoke showed up on a screen in front of us as proof of the things we say and how we say them. Too often we don’t “hear ourselves” and say very unkind, insensitive things. We don’t always mean them the way they end up sounding and we might be appalled at what our words actually were. We hear a different version in our heads…cleaned up and sanitized. We constantly wound others with words---often the very people we care about the most. I think this is why I like the written word---I have a chance to look over what I am saying and change the words or the tone or erase things that sound wrong once I read them again. We are to avoid speaking “evil” or foul language. Instead Paul tells us to say things that will “build up” or “really help” or that “men need to hear” or are “suitable for the occasion.” These are words that bring peace and hope and joy. These are words based in love. Holy Spirit words that flow from the fruit of the Spirit. Evil words flow from a very different spirit. If we only had time to test every word we said before we said it! Is it loving? Is it joyful? Is it peacemaking? Is it patient and understanding? Is it kind? Good? Faithful and loyal? Gentle? Is it full of self-control? Very few of our words pass this test! The Message ends this verse with the phrase “each word a gift”. How many of my words would I “gift wrap” and tie a bow on and offer as a gift? Forgive me, LORD, for my unkind words, my thoughtless words, my evil words, my impatient words, my uncontrolled words. Fill me with Spirit words that help and build up and provide a benefit to others. Let me “see” my words before I speak them. Slow down my tongue so that I may control it. Thank you. Amen.

The full nature of God....in Christ.....

Colossians 1:19 “It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in him and by means of him, to reconcile everything in his person, both on earth and in the heavens, making peace through the blood of his cross.” (NAB) “It was in him that the full nature of God chose to live, and through him God planned to reconcile to his own person everything on earth and everything in heaven, making peace by virtue of Christ’s death on the cross.” (Phillips) Heavenly Father, “In him the full nature of God chose to reside”. We cannot reject Jesus Christ because we would be rejecting you. You were and are fully “in Christ”. “Through him God planned to reconcile to his own person…”. Jesus Christ came for a specific purpose. This was your plan of reconciliation. Only through your holy presence in Christ, the Son of God, the son of Man, can it all be brought back together. We are not accepted because we are “nice people”. We are not accepted based on what we do for you. We are only accepted through Jesus Christ. It is he who makes us acceptable---not us. It is a clear choice---to come to you, the Father, we must accept that you are in the Son and that he is the “veil” we pass through---washing off all the sin, cleaning us up, making us holy and righteous and presentable. Only his holy blood---your blood----can cleanse us. We may not like it, we may not understand it, we may prefer a more independent plan---but there isn’t any! Our “peace” can only come through Jesus Christ and his death. Your plan is to reconcile everything on earth and in heaven through Jesus’ blood. We wouldn’t obey a God in Heaven we couldn’t see, so you gave us a Savior on earth who looked like us----a visible representation of your fullness. We must get to know him. We must seek him out and listen to him. We must ponder what he says and search it until we know the Truth. Everyone who came to Christ to be healed was healed. Those who came to seek him, found him. Those who listened to him learned and were changed. Even Thomas, who wanted to see the “proof” was not disappointed. The resurrected Christ who died our death is alive and waiting to reconcile each and every one of us! Making peace! Making sons and daughters of the King! Thank you! Amen.

Strive for peace....

Hebrews 12:14 “Strive for peace with all men, and for that holiness without which no one can see the Lord.” (NAB) “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (NIV)

Heavenly Father, “Strive for”…”make every effort”. This is how important these commands are. We are seeking to be at peace with all men and to be holy. Both are difficult! Starting with holiness----this appears impossible to us. We’ve strayed a long way from holiness and barely recognize what it is any more. We feel hopeless and helpless to even contemplate the possibility. Actually, that is a first step to achieving it! When we recognize that you are God and holy, and that we are not and sinful, we can than turn to you for forgiveness. When we ask your forgiveness and learn of your saving grace in Jesus Christ, we learn that we may achieve holiness through him. His holy obedience and sacrifice have bought us holiness when we abide in a relationship with him. The Son makes us sons. Previous verses tell us that we are disciplined because we are sons. The Father disciplines his children that they might grow in holiness. “God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.” (vs. 10) “….it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (vs. 11) This peace and holiness allows us to “see you”. Without the peace and holiness found in Jesus Christ, we cannot enter your presence. We are to “see to it no one misses the grace of God.” (vs. 15) Your grace gives us the peace and holiness we need and desire. We are to show it to others in all we do and lead others into your holy presence, also. This is an effort or striving on our part. Good things require discipline and persistence. We must keep our goal in mind always. If we seek “peace with all men” and “holiness”, which is peace with You, we will have our feet on the path that leads home where we may “see our Lord” forever! Thank you! Amen.

Finding peace......

John 16:33 “I tell you all this that in me you may find peace.” (NAB) “I have told you all this so that you may find your peace in me.” (Phillips) (vs. 33b) “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Heavenly Father, Jesus is trying to explain to the disciples what is to come. First they accuse him of not being clear but then they say they understand it all and believe in him. I’m sure Jesus must have smiled ironically at that. He tells them they believe now, but soon would desert him. However, his peace comes from you, who never deserted him and never will. He wants the disciples to understand that peace. Their peace must be found in him. He is the only answer. Nothing else brings lasting peace. He warns them that the world will continue to cause them trouble---persecution, rejection---but that because he has “overcome the world”, they too will overcome. Our peace in Jesus Christ is a lasting one. It is forever! No one can take it away. We may suffer here, but with our peace secure in him, we will not suffer long. Our end here is only a beginning for our new life! He is our life! He is our peace! He overcame and we now also can overcome-- through him. Peace isn’t the absence of suffering or trials. Peace is the knowledge of our salvation and our eternal home with you, despite any trials here on earth. He uses the word “find” in this verse. We must seek his peace and we will find it. It is there for us---waiting, available. His peace will sustain us in everything. His peace will fill us and remove all doubt, all fear. His peace is, himself, abiding within us. What we go through, he goes through with us. He’s been there already and knows the way. We follow footsteps to an assured destination, along a well-worn path taken by all who believe in him! He assures the disciples that he has told them “all this” so that they will find his peace. He isn’t hiding it in some mystery. it’s there in scripture and in his presence in our hearts. Our faith in him gives us his peace. Thank you! Amen.

Live in peace in all things.....

1 Corinthians 7:15 “God called you to live in peace.” (NAB)

Heavenly Father, This is part of Paul’s teaching to the church about marriage and faith. In particular it is about marriages with only one believer. If the unbeliever wants to stay in the marriage you must stay married, but if the unbeliever wants out, let them go. “God has called us to live in peace.” Peaceful relationships bring unity and harmony to your kingdom. But the relationships in question are only half under the control of your kingdom rule. We can’t force non-believers to believe or to act as believers----they have to choose. Trying to harmonize a marriage---a state of oneness--- with a non-believer is going to bring the believer into situations that will test their belief. If the non-believer wants to leave, trying to force them to stay will destroy all chances of peace. Your peace is most important. We are “called” to it. The Holy Spirit automatically begins to produce his fruit---peace is part of it---in a believer who abides with him. Your peace is more important than a lop-sided marriage. Your kingdom can’t be forced on unwilling people and our loyalty must remain with you. Trying to hold on to an unwilling non-believer is not peaceful for anyone. We will recognize that when your peace is within us. This applies to all relationships, not just marriage. We follow your call in all things. When we hear your call to believe and accept it, there will be changes in our worldly life. We will give up some things, we will change others, and we will accept new things of the Spirit, but always in line with the “call” and your will. You will show us peace---lasting inner peace--- that is our new Life. Show me your peace in all of my relationships. Teach me when to hold on and when to let go that I might stay in your peace. Thank you, in all things. Amen.

Reconciliation in Christ.....

Colossians 1:22 “But now Christ has achieved reconciliation for you in his mortal body by dying, so as to present you to God holy, free of reproach and blame.” (NAB) “…that he might welcome you to his presence, clean and pure, without blame or reproach.” (Phillips) “…to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” (NIV) Heavenly Father, The peace in this verse is “reconciliation”. It is brought about through Christ’s death. By Christ taking on a human body and living a human life, he was able to willingly sacrifice himself as a pure spotless “Lamb” for all of us. Love poured out and crucified for the whole world. Why? “…so as to present you to God holy, free of reproach and blame.” Jesus makes us holy if we remain in his presence in faith, never denying his role as our Savior. We don’t have this holiness, this reconciliation without him. This peace, this reconciliation, this chance to be holy, blame free and free of reproach is a result of Christ’s’ action and not of anything we can do on our own. Trying to live as a nice, good person doesn’t do it. We can’t totally succeed. We are still sinners. We still will be living unknowing and uncertain of our fate in disharmony with your will. Your will is for us to come through your Son, Jesus Christ….”This is my Son, listen to him!” You didn’t ask us if this is the way we want to do it…you tell us that it is your way, the only way! “I am the Way, the Truth, the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” If we know Jesus, we know you. If we follow Jesus, he makes us holy. Being holy isn’t just “doing right”. It is a character change that can only come about through your Holy Spirit. Your Holy Spirit only comes to us through our acceptance of your Son, Jesus Christ as our Savior. Being holy means being “free of reproach and blame” or “without blemish and free from accusation.” Sin and the accusation of sin in our lives cancelled out through Jesus’ death. It is freedom and peace! This peace of reconciliation is a deep inner peace that frees every part of our being and unites us in an abiding relationship with you. Thank you, Holy Father, Son and Savior, Holy Spirit! Amen.

Peace be with you....

John 20:21 “Peace be with you….as the Father has sent me, so I send you.” (NAB) Heavenly Father, Peace be with you”….beautiful words of hope and promise! This was a standard greeting of the time, but when Jesus appeared in the midst of disciples on Easter it took on new meaning. After greeting them, he showed them his hands and side, giving them great joy in recognition of the truth of his resurrection. Then he repeats this greeting….”Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” The resurrection has changed things. Jesus’ presence with them is true peace…the peace of a resurrected Lord, who has bought our peace by removing our punishment for sin and righting our relationship with our Father. His presence in that room “is” peace. Peace through resurrection and reconciliation and righteousness. The words “be” and “I am” are full of meaning when used by Christ. He is, he was, he will be! He embodies all of you, all of your presence, all of your peace. As you sent him, he now sends us. What does this mean? You sent him to save the world…can we save the world? Only Christ’s blood can save, but we become instruments that help spread his peace and bring others into your presence. Right after saying this, Christ breathes the Holy Spirit on his disciples. Our sending must be accompanied by his Holy Spirit, who produces his peace within us. The Holy Spirit is our evidence of Christ’s resurrection power and is our guide and teacher as we go forth. Peace is fruit of the Holy Spirit. To be peacemakers in this world we must have his peace within us to share. We don’t give away this peace, we envelope others into it with us. Peace and unity go hand in hand. As Christ is in us, we flow into others in an abiding loving relationship joined with you, our Father. All one…that is true peace! All joined in Jesus Christ. Jesus’ peace will “be” with us at all times. Thank you. Amen.

One master....

Mark 3:25 “If a household is divided according to loyalties, that household will not survive.” (NAB) “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (NIV) Heavenly Father, Jesus wasn’t really talking here about keeping peace in our households or families or even churches. This is about loyalty within us, inner peace based on one Master. The Pharisees accused Jesus of being a devil sent to cast out demons. Jesus says: “nonsense, does it make any sense to send Satan to cast out Satan?” Of course not! Even among demons there is loyalty to one master. If Jesus is casting out demons then he is their antithesis, their opposition. He follows a different Master, who has power over all! We too, must choose one Master. Who do we serve? If we serve Jesus Christ we can’t open our house to demons and their work. We can’t live like a devil, while worshiping like an angel! Our “household” will collapse if we try to live in two worlds with two masters. We will never fully experience all that the Holy Spirit can do while we try to hang on to the world and please its rulers. We have to constantly and consistently take a stand for the side of righteousness. Jesus had power over the evil spirits because he had God’s righteousness in him and was obedient to God’s will. He cleared his house of all that tried to stand between him and his father. Single-hearted, single devotion, single focus on your holy will. We can’t cast demons out of our household or anyone else’s if we are the ones who invited them in. Only Christ in us has the power to “clean house”. We must allow the Holy Spirit to focus his power through us in unity with your will and the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ. Our house must be built on this firm foundation….not half on sand and half on rock. The weakest area of the house will cause it all to crumble and fall. Strengthen my house! Shore up the weak spots with your power! Unite me internally to my one Master…Lord, Jesus Christ! Thank you! amen

God's blessing (benediction).......

Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace! (NAB)

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (NIV)

(from the NIV Live Application Bible) 1. bless and keep them (favor and protect) 2. make his face shine upon them (be pleased) 3. be gracious (merciful and compassionate) 4. turn his face toward them (give his approval) 5. give peace. Heavenly Father, I heard this blessing pronounced every Sunday for 20-30 years and never really paid attention to what it said. I didn’t even know where it was located in scripture. Forgive my ignorance. The NIV Life Application Bible gives a 5 part explanation, which I have printed above. This blessing was given by you for the priests to pronounce over the people.

These are your words. “The LORD bless you and keep you.” This is your promise of blessing and favor, or provision and protection. We are “kept”…cared for…by you when we accept your blessings. All of our blessings come from you. I see this as provision and protection. We have what we need in a safe place with you.

“The LORD let his face shine upon you.” The NIV calls this “be pleased”. You beam your approval upon us when we are obedient to your will. When we accept your provision and protection and recognize your authority, we please you.

“..and be gracious to you.” Grace…mercy, compassion shown on our sinful state, giving us grace instead of punishment. This is pardon.

“The LORD turn his face toward you”. The NIV says this means you give approval”. We are no longer too sinful to look at, but through Jesus we are pardoned and welcomed into your presence. Nothing frightens me more than the thought of you turning you face away from me, of losing your presence, being shut out. Your presence is all that I desire!

Finally ..”and give you peace”. Peace is the final promise, only to be found in your presence. This is wonderful blessing that I long to hear every day reminding me of your presence and your love. Peace…not as the world gives …but everlasting peace found in your presence through Jesus Christ. Pardoned, protected, provided for, pleasing rather then rejected. Washed clean by the blood of Jesus Christ! Thank you, O LORD, for this blessing filled with hope, love, and peace. Amen. (As I typed this today, I saw something new. “the LORD” is used in 3 phrases. We have a triune God. The LORD (the Father) blesses and keeps us…provides for and protects. The LORD (Jesus Christ) makes God’s face shine on us and is gracious to us….brings us into a pleasing relationship and pardon’s us through grace. The LORD (Holy Spirit) turns his face toward us and gives us peace…..by providing an abiding presence and the peace that comes from that relationship.)

The fruit of the Spirit.....

Galatians 5:22 “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Heavenly Father, A list we should all know and think about. This is the fruit that the Holy Spirit produces within us. Not many fruits, but one fruit of many characteristics. We need all of them and the Holy Spirit can produce them, if we abide in him and allow his guidance and teaching and power to change us. An awareness of the goal is helpful. Knowing what fruit should show in our lives helps us to see where we need more help from the Holy Spirit. In some ways it seems a progression: When we know your great love we rejoice, which then gives us your peace. Being thankful and secure in your love and peace allows us to have more patience with others and also in our relationship with you. All of the fruit flows in both directions…both as our reaction to you and your will and in our reactions towards others struggling along with us. Patience leads to kindness towards others, goodness in all we do, faithfulness based on your love, gentleness in our attitude toward all, and self-control in reacting to the words and actions of others, as well as in our own words and actions. Each fruit is only possible with the character found in the other parts. They are all linked together in harmony. We only possess these characteristics with the help of the Holy Spirit. Without a connection to our God of love, our own love is mere lust, our joy is just worldly happiness, our peace is uneasy and fleeting, our patience is mere tolerance, our kindness is just social habit, our goodness is based on our own definitions and choices, our faithfulness is turned towards our own interests, our gentleness is a temporary repression of emotion, and our self-control is on a hair-trigger waiting to explode. Inward transformation is necessary and that comes about through the Holy Spirit residing in us. We must pray for this fruit to be produced and turn our life over to the One who can produce it. Thank you, Father God, Precious Jesus, Holy Spirit! Change my heart. Amen.

"I will draw all men to myself"......

John 12:32 “And I…once I am lifted up from earth…will draw all men to myself.” (NAB) “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” (NIV) “And I, as I am lifted up from the earth, will attract everyone to me and gather them around me.” (MSG)

Heavenly Father, Every time I read this verse my heart soars in hope! I hear Jesus saying, “I will draw all men”….not “I might draw all”. I will…definite! , hopeful, a promise. I pray that I don’t read too much into this. You tell us to come as children and the child in me always cries out for all my family and friends to be included in your promises. I can’t bear the thought of anyone being left behind. You tell us to love everyone, and I do! I want the whole world to be saved. There may be much evil out there, but mostly there is uncertainty, confusion, weak faith, apathy, tiredness and hopelessness, spiritual blindness. The world needs you, but even with Jesus Christ just can’t seem to find you. They cease to seek or search. The world and the evil one throw clouds of confusion and veils of distraction over everyone and so few break through despite the Church’s attempts to spread your message of hope and salvation. Jesus Christ died to save everyone. When we find and accept that gift, the Truth is easy to see. But finding and accepting don’t come easily. I feel I’m making excuses, but I’m merely trying to understand a God who loves me enough to send his son to save me, but then would shut the door before all found their way home. There always seems to be a contradiction there to me. Does your love stop short? Do you cease to love the lost ones that just don’t understand yet? Can a God who loves that much, harden his heart against those who are still lost? Do you stop seeking the “one” that is lost and only take the 99 home? The Good Shepherd died so all could come home. He laid down his life for all to be saved. Is there no hope for those who are slow to understand that? Draw us all, O Lord, Jesus! Draw the lost into your loving arms! Draw the confused and uncertain! Draw the ones who have lost hope and faith and need you the most! Draw the ones distracted by the world! Draw us all home! Please, O Loving God and Savior, draw us all home. Amen.

Peace beyond our understanding.....

Philippians 4:7 “Then God’s own peace which is beyond all understanding, will stand guard over your hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus.” (NAB) “The peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NIV) “Don’t worry over anything whatever; whenever you pray tell God every detail of your needs in thankful prayer, and the peace of God, which surpasses human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus.” (Phillips) “…God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.” (MSG) Heavenly Father, God’s peace…”beyond all understanding”…..will keep guard over our minds and hearts….in Christ Jesus. This verse is incomplete without verse 6. Verse 6 tells us to not worry about anything. Our reaction is: “easier said than done!”. We tend to do the opposite and worry about everything. It has been proven that a large portion of things we worry about, never happen. Our minds waste times worrying about what “might” occur, rather than our real circumstances. Verse 6 says that instead of worrying, we need to tell you, our Father, everything…every detail, every need…in prayer with thanks. If we succeed in doing that we will receive your peace that is so complete we can’t even comprehend it. This perfect peace will guard our hearts and minds as we “rest” in Christ Jesus. Jesus is the key to our peace. He bought and paid for our peace. We are assured of our forgiveness and salvation through him. That lifts all of our real worries away immediately. Sin and death are conquered. We have that victory in Christ Jesus. This is a peace for eternity. There is a saying: “don’t sweat the small stuff”. These verses are telling us precisely that. The “big stuff” is all taken care of by Jesus Christ. The rest does not matter and isn’t worth worrying about. When we use our new relationship with you, that Jesus has given us, we can pray and talk to you about all the “small stuff” with complete assurance that you care and that you listen. We give you thanks in all things knowing that you are our God and you can handle anything, and you have a plan and a purpose for all that happens. No detail is left unaccounted for by you. This thankful attitude of trust in you, brings us your peace. Peace is part of you. Jesus had your peace in all things. We now have your peace, also. We don’t understand it, but it works! Thank you, O LORD, for your perfect peace. Guard my heart and mind at all times in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Jesus' gift of peace....

John 14:27 “Peace is my farewell to you, my peace is my gift to you; I do not give it to you as the world gives peace. Do not be distressed or fearful.” (NAB)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (NIV)

“I leave behind with you…peace; I give you my own peace and my gift is nothing like the peace of this world. You must not be distressed and you must not be daunted.” (Phillips) Heavenly Father, Jesus gave us a promise…he was leaving us a farewell gift of peace, his peace. We seem to forget this most of the time. Jesus had peace because he and the Father were one in an abiding relationship. This is what he left for us. He brought about peace between us and the Father with his death and made this same abiding relationship possible for us. This isn’t a worldly gift that comes and goes, but his gift of permanent peace that can’t be taken away from us. We can ignore it, treat it with apathy, forget about it, not use it, but it is still there. His peace remains for us. Our faith in him and his gift is necessary. Our childlike trust that says at all times, “I have Jesus’ peace, so everything is fine.” I like this list of words we are told not to allow our hearts to be: distressed, fearful, troubled, afraid, daunted. We are not to be these things! If we are, than we have not opened Jesus’ gift of peace and we are not abiding in a close relationship with you, our Father. If someone gives us a wonderful gift we should not tuck it away unused! We should not “save it” or forget about it. Jesus’ peace is unending and we cannot use it up and it won’t run out! We often waste it by neglect. It’s our choice. Jesus wanted us to have this gift and literally died to give it to us. We thank him by enjoying the peace he wanted us to have at all times. We should call upon our peace in him! We should trust our peace in him! We should stay close to his peace and stay close to him, who is that peace. “He is our peace” (Eph. 2:14) His farewell gift that the world can’t take away is himself abiding in us through the Holy Spirit as peace. “I and the Father are one”…”we will come and abide in you”. That’s peace! Heavenly Father, Precious Jesus, Holy Spirit abide in me! Fill me you’re your peace! Thank you! Amen.

Peacemakers....

Romans 5:1 “Now that we have been justified by faith, we are at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NAB) “Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” (NIV) Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ was a peacemaker. He made peace for us with God, by sacrificing himself for our sins. A peacemaker becomes the very peace that he is “making”. Peacemakers are involved, not just standing on the sidelines directing from afar. Jesus made it possible for us to be “justified”…to fix our relationship with you….so now there is peace between us and you because we appear righteous through Jesus Christ. His willingness to obey you and live in your will paved the way for him to become our peacemaker. Peacemaking begins with obedience to your will. You are a God of peace and love not a God of chaos. If we become obedient to your will, peace will follow. You are the Creator and we are the created. Your will is aimed at a peaceful harmonious righteousness between you and us. Man upset that balance by being disobedient and using our free will to walk away from your control and guidance. We broke your laws. Breaking laws always destroys peace. Seeking to satisfy “self” leads away from peace. As created beings we have a spirit that cries out to be in harmony with our Creator. The more we fight it, the less peace we have. We let the world draw our attention away from you and your commands that would bring peace and harmony. Just as we needed a peacemaker to fix our relationship with you, we need to be peacemakers and fix our relationships with others. This requires obedience to your will through Jesus Christ and becoming a peaceful bridge for others. We put our “right relationship” with you on the line of all strife and disharmony and turn it into peace. We are Jesus’ body, the Church, and must stand for and be peacemakers. Our justification through Jesus has to be part of this process. We remain at peace to make peace with others. Thank you, Prince of Peace! Amen.

Mind your own business.....

1 Thessalonians 4:11 “Make it a point of honor to remain at peace and attend to your own affairs.” (NAB) “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business.” (NIV) “Make it your ambition to have, in a sense, no ambition! Be busy with your own affairs….” (Phillips) “Stay calm. Mind your own business.” (MSG) Heavenly Father, Mind your own business. This is a very important part of peacemaking. If we are minding our own business rather than trying to judge and run the lives of others, we will have peace with everyone. This goes with Jesus’ teaching to take care of the log in our own eye rather than worrying about the mote in someone else’s eye. We need to concentrate on fixing our own lives and developing our own character. If we do that well, our guidance and help for others will flow in such a natural way and so full of love that we won’t offend or cause strife. Each one of us has a lifetime of work just to fix up our own sinful life! Saying “Jesus saves me” is only a beginning. Now we have to follow Jesus and allow him to change our character from within. It does not happen overnight. We still inhabit a body with a sinful nature. Now is the time to explore scripture and learn its lessons and apply them…to ourselves. It isn’t our job to “fix” others. We are to “make disciples, teaching them”. Our teaching is about Jesus Christ…not our own judgment of other’s lifestyle. Paul speaks these words to the early churches. He knew even then what a muddle we can make of our relationships even in the church. Paul’s words help guide us along the Way that Jesus established. Paul says to “make a point” or “make it your ambition”. We are to concentrate daily on minding our own business in a peaceful, godly manner. He goes on to say to do our own work, so our lives will win the respect of others and not be dependent on anyone. The church should be helping others rather than expecting help while we sit around “running“ other people’s lives. God will provide! We are not to burden anyone, but be independent. Help me to better mind my own business while teaching others your words. Thank you! Amen.

Speak the truth in love..grow to full maturity.....

Ephesians 4:15 “Rather, let us profess the truth in love and grow to the full maturity of Christ the head.” (NAB) “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him, who is the head, that is Christ.” (NIV) “We are meant to speak the truth in love, and to grow up in every way into Christ, the head.” (Phillips) Heavenly Father, There are two things here to do….”profess the truth in love” in order to “grow to maturity in Christ”. The previous verse indicates that we are not meant to remain children in our faith or be swayed by different teachings or lies. We must profess the truth as we learned it in Christ. He is the Truth. He is the Way. He is Life. Nothing changes this and we must learn to stand up clearly for this truth. We are to do this “in love”. We are meant to be peacemakers, not aggressive, argumentative, pushy people. Christ taught “in love” all that he taught and did. We do not waver in our beliefs, we hold firm to Christ our head, but always in love with the desire to lead others to Christ’s love. Peace and love and unity are Christian characteristics. I see another meaning to speaking the truth “in love”. We are “in love” with our Savior, Jesus Christ. Because he loved us, we love him and this makes speaking his truth part of a loving relationship. We are madly in love and ready to shout this Truth to all! This “in love” state is called joy! Love, joy, peace…the first three in the list of spiritual fruit. They all go together wrapped up in our Lord and Savior. We profess this love, this joy, this peace. “Rejoice in the Lord, always! Again I say rejoice!” Why? Because he loves us and we love him! Why? Because I was lost, but now I’m found! Why? Because my God is with me always and has prepared a place for me through his love! I’m at peace! I’m over-joyed! I’m in love! This spirit of love, joy, peace is a mature Christians’ every day state of being and should flow through, our every thought, word, and deed! Grow up…in love! Join as one, praising our Savior and professing his truth. Thank you, O LORD for your Son, Jesus Christ…for love, for joy, for peace. Amen.

Christ's peace must reign in our hearts.....

Colossians 3:15 “Christ’s peace must reign in our hearts, since as members of the one body you have been called to that peace. Dedicate yourselves to thankfulness.” (NAB)

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (NIV)

“Let the peace of Christ guide all decisions, for you were called to live as one united body; and always be thankful.” (Phillips)

Heavenly Father, Christ’s peace must “reign in our hearts”. This is to be the rule not the exception. Christ is the Prince of Peace. As his church we too must be united in peace. We are “called” to this peaceful unity. No matter how many churches or how many denominations there are, we should still show a unified front to the world. The world should see the same characteristics in all of your people….love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control. This is our fruit. This is what we are destined to produce, because it is our nature as followers of Christ to do so. The tree doesn’t choose what type of fruit to produce. That “decision” is in the seed. Christ is the seed. Christ’s trees produce Christ’s fruit. This is the life we inherit as your children…a life of peace and unity. “Let the peace of Christ guide all decisions.” What is this peace of Christ? Christ’s peace was a result of his obedience to his Father’s will in all things. There was no friction, no sin, no lack of harmony. Christ was at peace because he and his Father were one. Christ died to bring that same harmony to us. His obedience freed us from the sin and death that separate us from our Father. When Christ arose from the grave, we arose with him…..free once more to know peace and love and joy in your presence. Christ’s victory bought us the peace we need! As “the way, the truth, and the life” he brings us into peaceful harmony and unites us as one. One way, one truth, one life. All who are in Christ are also in the Father. This is peace. This is “home”. This is where we are called to be. “Always be thankful”. How can we not thank the One who brings peace and salvation? Thank you, Father, thank you, Prince of Peace, thank you, Holy Spirit! Amen.

Light shining in darkness....

Luke 1:78-79 “All this is the work of the kindness of our God; he, the Dayspring, shall visit us in his mercy….to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (NAB) “Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Rising Sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (NIV) “….the First Light of Heaven shall come to visit us…to shine on those who lie in darkness and under the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Phillips) Heavenly Father, “The Dayspring”…”the Rising Sun”…”the First Light of Heaven”…..what wonderful names to describe our Savior, the Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus came to “shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Shining and guiding…that’s what a light or sun does. Jesus is the great Light, the Light of the World. He shines on us all. He gives guidance to us all. Darkness (sin) and death have no terror for us, if we walk in his light. Our feet will be on the path of peace. Jesus is not only “Light of the World” but also “Way, Truth and Life”! His Way is the path of peace. Peace that brings us reconciliation with our Father. Peace that removes all barriers. Peace that brings the Father’s harmony of creation back into being. All of his happens because of “the kindness of our God”(NAB)…”the tender mercy of our God”(NIV)…”because the heart of our God is full of tender mercy towards us.” (Phillips) It all begins in your heart. Your love is so great for us! A favorite poem just came to my mind: “Could we with ink the ocean fill, were every blade of grass a quill, Were the world of parchment made, and every man a scribe by trade, To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry Nor could the scroll, contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky!” (Fredrick M. Lehmann) This is how big your love is! Jesus Christ, the Son, the Dayspring, the Rising Sun, the First Light of Heaven is your love spoken to all mankind. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life!” (John 3:16) The Good News in one verse! The Light shines in our darkness and leads us out of the shadow of death into the path of peace! Peace born of unity with our Father. Peace born of a Father’s love. Peace that says: “Welcome home!” Thank you, O Father God for your love and mercy and for Jesus Christ the Light of the World. Amen.

Who has God's peace?.....

Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the high heaven, peace on earth to those on whom his favor rests.” (NAB) “Glory to God in the highest heaven! Peace upon earth among men of goodwill.” (Phillips) “….peace on earth to everyone who pleases God.” (CEV) “….on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (NIV) “…..peace to all men and women on earth who please him.” (MSG) “….peace on earth, good will to men.” (KJV) Heavenly Father, Who has your peace?….”those on whom his favor rests”…”all on earth who please him”. This song of the angels follows the announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus, our Prince of peace, has come to earth for all who choose to ”please” you. Obeying your words and commands, seeking a right relationship with you, welcoming your Son are all things that please you. Those who praise you…”glory to God in the highest!”…are ready to receive your “peace”. Peace comes through Jesus Christ. Everything he said and did was designed to change hearts, change character, right relationships, show love for others, show love for God the Father. Your peace is meant to be all encompassing. You want all mankind to turn to you, to return “home” where we belong. The Father will move towards the prodigal sons who seek to return home. We will be welcomed when we recognize where we belong. Peace is restored harmony, love flowing in all directions. We find your peace, when we seek a relationship in the heart of your love for us. We find peace when our will submits to your will in obedience. We find peace when we honor our Father. We find peace when we recognize who Jesus Christ is and allow him to cleanse our lives for us. Peace is a place of contentment, a secure shelter in your presence, an anchor at the center of our being that holds fast to your love. “Peace on earth”….sometimes it doesn’t seem possible. Peace seems like something we must wait for until we die and go to heaven. The world doesn’t welcome peace, but we can have it now as long as we stay in an abiding relationship with you at all times. Jesus is our peace…now. Thank you, amen.

He is our peace....

Ephesians 2:14 “It is he (Jesus) who is our peace.” (NAB) “For he himself is our peace.” (NIV) “For Christ is our living peace.” (Phillips) (vs.13) “But now in Christ Jesus, you who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” Heavenly Father, Tearing down walls. Jesus doesn’t just give us peace, he is our peace. Jesus made it possible for all mankind to be united in one Body of believers to honor and glorify his Father and live as brothers. No one is meant to be excluded who believes in the Son of God. Those who were “once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” All are sinners. Just as we share a common sin heritage, we are meant to share a common peace brought about through Jesus Christ. I keep hearing the song that is based on these verses: “He is our peace, he has broken down every wall, he is our peace, he is our peace.” This should echo through every member of Christ’s body. “He is our peace, he is our peace.” If we have Jesus Christ, we have peace. Once his blood pours over us and we receive atonement and redemption, peace settles in. We don’t feel anger, resentments, disharmony, petty quarrels rising up in us. We love our brothers. We want peace with them at all costs! We see how Christ would act, what Christ would say. If we can be forgiven by the grace of God, who are we to not forgive others? If we can receive peace, how can we not seek to show others that peace? Loving and understanding others leads to peace. Looking at our own lives and motives leads us to be more loving when we see how others live. A desire for God’s harmony in everything leads us to solve our differences with others. Peace flows from the love and forgiveness of God. Righting relationships, just as ours has been righted by Christ. Grace is not just something to receive, it is ours to give to others. Grace, love, peace should flow outward from every Christian. Pour out your love through me by the grace of Jesus Christ. Thank you, amen.

Perfect unity and harmony in Christ.....

Romans 15:5-6 “May God, the source of all patience and encouragement enable you to live in perfect harmony with one another according to the spirit of Jesus Christ.” (NAB) “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement, give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NIV) “May the God who inspires men to endure and gives them constant encouragement, give you a mind united with one another in your common loyalty to Jesus Christ, and then as one man you will sing from the heart the promises of God the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Phillips) “….get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we will be a choir…not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus.” (MSG) Heavenly Father, This is a prayer from Paul for unity and peace as we follow Jesus Christ. He begins by crediting you, God the Father, as the source of the patience, endurance, encouragement that is needed for this unity and peace. We have one God…one Father…one Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The more “oneness” we have among ourselves, the more oneness we will show to the world. Jesus came to unite all of us into one family that would glorify his Father. Paul prays for a “spirit of unity”. The Holy Spirit is our source for love, joy, peace, patience and the rest of the fruit that will make up the character of a true Christ follower. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to teach us and remind us of all that he had taught. Jesus spoke the Father’s words, so the Holy Spirit also speaks the Father’s words. There is perfect unity in the Trinity. Our God is not divided. Even as 3 persons, he is One God! We too must display this unity. If Jesus lives and abides in us, we must show unity as evidence of his abiding. How does God feel about the different denominations we Christians have created? I wish I knew! Each denomination sprang up in an attempt to “right” something they saw as wrong in some other denomination. Seeking purity of our worship and beliefs is not a bad thing. But how much real important difference exists between our denominations? How much do we weaken the unity of the Body of Christ with our denominational difference? How often do we compete, rather than help one another? The purpose of unity and peace is to glorify God, our Father! The Message says: “Then we will be a choir…not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to our God and Father of our Master Jesus.” Hallelujah! How often does the entire Body of Christ sing our harmonic anthem of praise to you? Not often enough. Create unity within the Body, O Holy Spirit of peace! Thank you! Amen.

Turn, do, seek, pursue.....

Psalm 34:14 “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and follow after it.” (NAB) “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (NIV) “Turn your back on sin; do something good. Embrace peace…don’t let it get away.” (MSG)

Heavenly Father, There are 4 action words here…turn, do, seek, pursue. We need to do these in a progressive manner. First we “turn your back on sin”. This is conversion…we repent our past and through Christ step into a new life. We have to truly renounce sin and want to rid our life of it. Sin leads to disharmony, a lack of peace. Proof that we have turned our backs on sin comes in the next step….do good. Doing good can be just a social habit, but if we have left sin behind it will become a characteristic of all that we do. We will want to do the right thing at all times because Jesus Christ is now in us. We are a new righteous creation who is developing spiritual fruit and godly character. Step three is our focus for this month…”seek peace” or “embrace peace.” Peace becomes our goal in all our relationships. Peace flows from the love you give us. Peace and love are somewhat synonymous. I don’t think you can have real peace without love, or real love without peace. The final step is part of the third…follow or pursue peace…”don’t let it get away!” This isn’t a casual thing. It is important enough to run after and hang on to. The minute we allow peace to get out of sight, our love relationships begin to crumble. Without peace as a goal, we begin to notice every irritable characteristic of others. We let anger and resentment get a foothold. We seek retaliation for “wrongs”. We take small offenses and blow them out of proportion. Peace happens when we set “self” aside to see others. Lack of peace brings everything into a “me-me-me” perspective. No matter how “right “ some of those “me” things are they will stop peace and love. Peace does not focus on self. If we embrace and pursue peace we will be “self-less” people. That is a Christ-like way to be. It’s hard, but we must do it. It begins from the inside out…get rid of sin, do good, seek peace. Thank you! Amen.

Work for peace....

Romans 14:19 “Let us then make it our aim to work for peace and to strengthen one another.” (NAB) “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (NIV) “So let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of our fellowship together.” (Phillips) “We should try to live at peace and help each other have a strong faith.” (CEV) Heavenly Father, “Concentrate”….”make every effort”…make it our aim”…”try to live”. All of these translations show us the importance of peace. We aren’t to try sometimes, but to try always for peace. Peace comes from an out-pouring of love and love is what you and your kingdom are all about. The first “crime” in the Bible is a jealousy inspired murder….a lack of love for another individual and a lack of peace or understanding. That is what sin leads to. Until man sinned there was no lack of love or peace. The Garden of Eden is a picture of the peace mankind enjoyed when we were in perfect harmony with our Father, our Creator, our God. Disobedience destroyed that peace. Peace has to come from loving and obeying your authority. If we truly love you, we will be incapable of causing disharmony intentionally. If everyone loves you, there will be peace. We can’t turn back the clock, but Jesus has given us a clean slate and a re-birth to try again. Knowing that we are forgiven, that by your grace we are free from the condemnation we deserve, we are able to share that same love and forgiveness with others. If we truly feel the weight of our own sins fall away, than we will have too much joy to want to hurt and cause strife with others. Peace is a result of his grace for both ourselves and all whom we come in contact with! When we make peace we “strengthen one another” or “grow in fellowship together”. We help each other through your love, which now abides in us. This is peace for all concerned. Peace is a result of taking the initiative to show love at all times and at all personal cost. We don’t cry “but that’s not fair!”….we just try to show your love at all times. Peacemaking isn’t always easy! We have to know your love and peace to show it to others. Concentrate on peace! Concentrate on love! Concentrate on the life of Jesus Christ and your grace! Thank you, amen.

Great peace......

Psalm 119:165 “Those who love your law have a great peace.” (NAB) “Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” (NIV) “For those who love what you reveal, everything fits…no stumbling around in the dark for them.” (MSG) “You give peace of mind to all who love your law. Nothing can make them fall.” (CEV) Heavenly Father, Why should loving your law give us “great peace”? Your law…what you will for us or command of us or speak to us….is structured to bring us into harmony with the One who created us. Who else but you, would know what is best for us? The Message calls your law….”what you reveal”. A perfect description! When something is revealed it is made known, made clear, set in front of us in a manner we can understand. It is both an “unveiling” and an explanation of what is shown. When we love what you reveal to us, “everything fits”. That is what peace is…everything fitting perfectly. No arguments, no disagreement, no misunderstanding, no left over pieces. You “revealed” your Son, Jesus Christ to us. Jesus is “the Word”. Jesus is the incarnation of your law. With Jesus, everything “fits”. Jesus reestablishes the harmonic relationship we were meant to have with you. Through him, peace once more is possible. This is “great peace”….mega-peace, all-encompassing peace, peace that “surpasses all understanding”. As humans we can’t even dream up how perfect this peace is. This is the peace of abiding completely with our Father. We are “home”….we are one…we are complete. Only by loving your law…your Word, Jesus Christ…can we find this peace. But once we have it “nothing can make us stumble”….”no stumbling around in the dark”. We now have an abiding inner source, to light up our path at all times. The more we love your “law”, the more his light shines for us. Darkness robs us of peace and causes confusion and fear and immobilizes us. Light….through your law….brings “great peace”, assurance, clarity, discernment, confidence, peace of mind. The word “law” in scripture always refers to your “word” and can usually be substituted with Jesus Christ. “Those who love (Jesus Christ) have great peace.” “For those who love (Jesus Christ) everything fits.” “You give peace of mind to those who love (Jesus Christ).” How wonderfully true! Thank you! Amen.

Prince of Wholeness....

Isaiah 9:6-7 “They name him….Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful.” (NAB) “He will be called….Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.” (NIV) “His name will be ….Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there will be no limits to the wholeness he brings.” (MSG) Heavenly Father, Prince of Peace…Jesus Christ, the Son who has all of the Father within him…Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father. Every Christian knows and loves this passage from Isaiah that is often read at Christmas time. “To us a child is born, to us a son is given.” We celebrate Christmas to honor this birth, this gift of the Prince of Peace. This name was important because Jesus would bring peace to the world by redeeming our relationship with you, our Father. Peacemakers bring an end to war, to disharmony, to hatred, to violence. Peacemakers reunite those who are separated. Peacemakers remove the causes of separation. This was Jesus’ role as our Prince of Peace. He removed the sin that stood in the way of our relationship with you. He removed the death sentence that we live under and replaced it with grace, pardon, mercy, forgiveness, new life that is eternal! “His dominion is vast” or his “government” or “ruling authority” will increase or grow. There is no stopping the Prince of Peace! He is here to stay and in control of the ultimate fate of mankind. He burst out of the grave in victory! His kingdom of peace is forever! “There will be no limits to the wholeness he brings” (MSG) I like the use of the word “wholeness” for peace. Jesus is the Prince of Wholeness”! This is the state we were destined to have at creation. Our brokenness is healed! Our sinful lives patched up with love! Our confused, disjointed, lack of purpose on our own is given rebirth as a life filled with your purpose and obedient to your will! Jesus makes us whole again. What was missing is now found…rejoice! The Prince of Peace grows always stronger and reigns forever with his Father on high and in our hearts! Welcome the Prince of peace! To us a child is born, to us a Son is given!” He is a gift beyond all gifts! He is a peacemaker supreme! Thank you! Amen.

Blessed are the peacemakers.....

September theme: Called to be peacemakers

Matthew 5:9 “Blest too the peacemakers, they shall be called sons of God.” (NAB) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.” (NIV) “Happy are those who make peace, for they will be known as sons of God.” (Phillips) “You’re blessed when you can show peace, how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and take your place in God’s family.” (MSG) “God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children.” (CEV) Heavenly Father, Peacemakers….we certainly need them in this world! Wars and strife are rampant in some parts of the world. Why do our attempts at helping to bring about peace in other countries always involve war, killing, and bloodshed of the innocent? Can peace come from warlike methods? Never a lasting peace, it seems. Peace is needed in our country, too and in every city, every home, every church. There should never be disharmony in the church…and yet there is! How do we find real peace? How do we “make” peace with others? It should be easy among Christians because the Holy Spirit is producing Christ-like character within us. Peace is part of your presence within our hearts. Colossians 3:15 speaks about “the peace of Christ” and says we are “called to peace”. We are constantly told to forgive others. Christians cannot harbor hatred and resentment and exhibit Christ’s peace. Being “called” to peace means it is not an option…it is a command from you. When we say that peacemakers are “blessed” it works both ways. We give a blessing by making peace with others, and we receive a blessing in our own life from this peace that we make. Being “blessed” is almost like a title or reward. This is a deep spiritual well-being and happiness. We have this deep happiness when we bring about peace with others. To make peace you have to have the other spiritual fruit also….love joy, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control in particular. It all works together. If we exhibit each of those characteristics, how can we possibly not make peace? Peace will become as natural as breathing! You don’t make war with those you love. You aren’t gentle or kind or patient with those you feel hatred toward or can’t forgive. You can’t be self-controlled in the presence of disharmony. “They will be called sons of God!” This ability to make peace will stand out in a way others will come to see as the very likeness of our Father! We will be obvious sons of a loving, forgiving Father and enjoy great blessings now and forever! Amen.