Monday, June 23, 2014

Pastor's Pondering, June 23, 2014

Peace

During the 1960′s, many of us wore the peace sign on our clothing symbolizing love, service to humanity, and peace.  Perhaps not as apparent in today’s fashion, efforts to promote peace worldwide with the cessation of war are pervasive.  Although there is no harm in promoting peace in our world, the Bible says that as the world focuses on peace, there will be sudden destruction (1 Thessalonians 5:3).

When Jesus rose from the dead and met with His disciples, the first thing He said and repeated it was, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19, 21). Though at first they were terrified, (Luke 24:37) Jesus wanted them to not to be afraid but to receive His peace.

In a world full of paralyzing fear, constant worry, overwhelming anxiety, health scares, numbing uncertainty, devastating storms, and sudden calamity, Jesus gives us real peace.  The world’s peace is temporary and based on changing circumstances but God’s peace is unchanging.   Therefore we are not to allow ourselves to be agitated, disturbed, fearful, intimidated, cowardly, or unsettled (John 14:27). 

It is up to us to decide that we will not allow whatever is occurring in our world to rob us from the peace of God.  We are to let the peace of God rule us (Colossians 3:15) and we are to keep our minds upon Him who will keep us in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3)

Although the world is focusing on external signs of peace, let us first seek the Peace of God.

Please visit  below and share how you have looked for His peace and encouraged others to do the same.

1 Thessalonians 5:3
New International Version (NIV)
While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

John 20:19-21
New International Version (NIV)
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 
20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

Luke 24:37
King James Version (KJV)
37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

John 14:27
Amplified Bible (AMP)
27 Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]

Colossians 3:15
New International Version (NIV)
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Isaiah 26:3
New International Version (NIV)
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast, 
because they trust in you





No comments: