September 8, 2021
Dear Believers,
Thank you for praying this Wednesday for our prodigals and for revival among us. As we enter His presence, as we live in His presence, may our hearts be filled with His peace.
Prayer brings us into the realm of peace! Our Father is the God of peace. Our Savior is the Prince of Peace. The Holy Spirit is the source and giver of peace. Heaven is a place of peace, and as we spend time in His throne room, we will experience His peace in our hearts (Philippians 4:6-7).
Peacefulness is a wonderful reality that we all can enjoy. For some, it may be the sun slowly descending on the horizon of calm waters. It may be a home that has been cleaned, with the children in bed, and the fire burning quietly in the fireplace. It may be a group of believers gathered together, all focused on Christ, singing in harmony, exalting our worthy Savior. You could easily add your own ideas to what makes for a peaceful situation for you.
Far too often, the waters are rough and the sun is obscured by threatening clouds. Your heart is filled with worry rather than serenity. The believers may gather together, but despite the sound of voices in harmony, a feeling of unease is in the air. All is not well! Peace is missing.
What do we do when things are not as they should be? How do we react when conflict is pervasive? What is our responsibility in a society that is polarized over politics, vaccines, masks, distancing, and just about every other detail of life? More often than not, life can be disquieting, unsettling, and tempestuous.
The words of Jesus in Matthew five have great relevance to those of us in the kingdom of light. He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Are you a peacemaker? Making peace is a God-thing, whereas stirring up strife is a fleshly, evil thing. It originates from a heart of pride and is expressed in many unpleasant ways.
Criticism, judgmentalism, gossip, slander, divisiveness, coldness, along with many other sins, all come from a heart that lacks humility.
A peacemaker, on the other hand, has learned the heart of Jesus. True peacemaking can occur when God’s peace fills us. Some of the final words of Jesus to His disciple are these, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Later, Paul goes on to say, “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15 NLT).
An umpire keeps the score, calls the misplays, and ensures the game is being played by the rules. This is what it means to have the peace of Christ rule or govern our hearts. It means His peace is controlling our thoughts and emotions so that our behavior is characterized by the same.
It would be a nearly impossible task to be an intentional peacemaker if Christ’s peace was not controlling your heart. What’s inside will come out. The Life Application Bible says, “Peacemakers actively work for peace, to cause reconciliation, to end bitterness and strife. This peace is not appeasement but dealing with and solving problems to maintain peace.” This is the mind of Christ.
The great blessing of being a peacemaker is that we show the world who we belong to. Jesus said, “They shall be called the sons and daughters of God.” Peacemakers will be called or named the children of God because they reflect the character of their heavenly Father. What a huge honor this is!
In our homes, churches, and workplaces, may God help us all to be active in making peace!
Love in Christ,
Bryan and Rachel
Comments