When the angels came to proclaim Jesus' birth , they sang. "Glory to God in the highest and on earth PEACE, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14 NKJV) *
Peace on earth ? After 2,000 years, I don't see it , do you ?
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We turn on the TV news every morning to hear about the lack of peace encircling our globe. We have computers and internet that link every part of the world with every other part - there is no place to hide! Wars and rumours of war so commonplace they barely raise an eyebrow. Violence is the repetative ingredient in TV shows, movies, video games.
Even our streets are not safe -- our homes , our vehicles , our possessions need to be guarded. Thieves lurk. We go for a walk in our local park... our lives are at risk. We watch over our children - it is not safe for them to walk home alone from school. Even school is not safe for them - we have bullies and school shootings.
Our families are shattered - divorce leaves children hurt and vulnerable. Suicides are at all time high.
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So where is this peace that was promised ?
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Is the desire for peace not the longing of every heart ? I believe that it is... but man has forgotten how to find it.
Peace will never be found in the world around us. It can only be found where Jesus promised it. In HIS Kingdom.
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And where is His kingdom ?
It is a kingdom of hearts. Jesus came not to bring a superficial peace that the world looks for but a peace that permeates the hearts of His followers and flows out through them. It is a peace that cannot be touched by the turbulent events of a world tossed to and fro. It is a peace that fills our hearts birthed of trust in a God who is in control. We have a God whose promises are true - a God whose Word stills every storm and quiets every heart.
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Real Peace comes from knowing God ( I Peter 1:2)
Jesus is our King of peace. Peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit dwelling in our hearts - a deep peace that man cannot steal or destroy.
How often did Jesus say to His disciples, "Peace to unto you... "
The same words He still speaks to your heart and to mine!
That is why Jesus came - to bring us peace. Listen to the words of Zacharias prophecy about the Messiah in Luke 1:79.
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"Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."
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In a dark and troubled world may our feet be guided in the way of peace -- in our own hearts -- and may the Light of Peace shine through us.
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"Dear Father, I pray this morning, that you would speak 'Peace' to every person whose eyes fall upon these words. May their hearts be stilled knowing that you are God - the same yesterday , today and forever.
May we all hide in you, and be blessed in your kingdom where Peace rules! Amen"
4 comments:
Praying for God's peace amongst brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers this Christmas season. Blessings Julie!
Amen Julie. . thank you!
Peace in our hearts and homes is the best gift we can ask for... and it is not an illusive gift out there. Jesus gives us peace. Thank you, Julie for this reminder.
A Holiday Thought...
Aren't humans amazing? They kill wildlife - birds, deer, all kinds of cats, coyotes, beavers, groundhogs, mice and foxes by the million in order to protect their domestic animals and their feed.
Then they kill domestic animals by the billion and eat them. This in turn kills people by the million, because eating all those animals leads to degenerative - and fatal - health conditions like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and cancer.
So then humans spend billions of dollars torturing and killing millions more animals to look for cures for these diseases.
Elsewhere, millions of other human beings are being killed by hunger and malnutrition because food they could eat is being used to fatten domestic animals.
Meanwhile, few people recognize the absurdity of humans, who kill so easily and violently, and once a year send out cards praying for "Peace on Earth."
~Revised Preface to Old MacDonald's Factory Farm by C. David Coates~
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Anyone can break this cycle of violence! Everyone has the power to choose compassion! Please visit these websites to align your core values with life affirming choices: veganvideo.org & tryveg.com
"Any great change must expect opposition because it shakes the very foundation of privilege."
Lucretia Coffin Mott, 1793-1880, minister, women's rights leader, abolitionist, peace activist, humanitarian
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