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God's Words For US
by Cecelia Lester
“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.” John 14:27 (NIV)
Each day in our newspapers and our television news broadcasts we read and hear about war, terrorism, and unrest affecting innocent people.
Because of this, some of us don’t enjoy the news media. But can we ignore the reports? If we look away from these events we will be ‘sticking our heads in the sand’. The truth of this matter is we have to be informed about these atrocities and include the innocents of these events in our prayers.
These events happen worldwide. Yes, even in my own nation, we see unrest in larger cities. We see the aftermath of unrest where small businesses are burnt to the ground for no reason except that people are angry about a decision that was not to their liking.
People find ways to protect themselves from harm. But there are times when harm comes to school children and they have become the targets of hostile people. A close friend of mine shared with me that her husband said, “You are not going out alone at night.” He basically said this out of fear.
Jesus tells us He gives us peace. He continues and tells us it is His peace and that peace is different from that of the world.
How can we describe Jesus’ peace?
1. His peace is lasting. The world’s peace only lasts until one nation or group infringes on another people or nation.
2. His peace calms our hearts and souls. The world’s peace is uneasy. In my adolescence, I was made aware that our nation had an uneasy peace—the powers that be called it “The Cold War.”
3. His peace changes us. We view things through God’s eyes. No longer do we try to try to supplant our will onto God.
4. His peace makes us more humble. When we are aware of having His peace in our hearts, we are conscious of Who He is and who we are.
5. His peace satisfies. When we have Jesus’ peace, our wants are fewer. Those desires become very practical.
6. His peace allows us to withstand difficulties better. We know we can rely on James 1:2-4 to allow ourselves to grow in Christ.
7. His peace is a gift: The heavenly host of angels told the shepherds “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 (NIV)
8. His Peace enters our hearts. One of my favorite hymns tells me that peace begins with me.
Dear Lord God:
Thank You for giving us Jesus. Thank You for the peace that He gives us who belong to Him. Help us to be more like Christ as we go through our daily lives. Guide us through each day You give us. We will give You the praise and the glory. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen
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Cecelia Lester has been serious about her writing for over two decades..
She composes Christian essays and posts them to her blog quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/
She has served in a faith-based organization, Grace In Action by writing two newsletters and searching for possible grants.
In July 2017, she published her first book, 'Times of Trouble Bring Rays of Joy.'
She and her husband of 54 years live in central Indiana. They have one grown son.
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