Peace

Monday, May 6, 2024

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: Luke 1:68-70-“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David" (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago)

Memory verse: Psalm 90:14

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Today's reading: 2 KINGS 1-3 LUKE 24:1-35

Peace

Peace is a large topic in the scripture.

Luke 2:14-(on the night Christ was born, the heavenly hosts spoke),

"...peace on earth, good will toward men."

John 14:27 (Jesus said)

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.

Paul calls God the God of peace in places starting in Romans and uses the phrase 'peace of God' and 'peace from God'.

1 Corinthians 7:15...for God has called us to peace.

One of the fruits of the Spirit is peace in Galatians 5.

There may be an idea or word used more in scripture but one would be hard-pressed to find a spiritual fruit which comes under more attack than the peace that is ours in Christ.

The peace we are supposed to know...the peace that is His that He gives us. This peace is constantly battered to the point of our 'non-recognition'. God's peace is elusive due to following our own hearts and listening to the voices of the world.

But peace cannot be persued and caught. It can only be realized. It can only be realized when we are completely truthful with God. Truthful about what? About everything in our minds...

If we harbor sin, we must confess it. If we fear, we must tell God. If we hurt, we must tell Him.

Wait, preacher...that would mean we would have to pray nearly all the time...

1 Thessalonians 5:17--Pray without ceasing.

God is listening...

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Holy God I long for Your complete peace. Forgive me for walking away. Teach me to stay conscious of You.

God of all peace,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen