Monday was the anniversary
of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in 1941.
That was 74 years ago. It was a
day that signaled the beginning of more than just a war on earth, but it was
part of our county, the United States of America, being in the war.
Yet war continues today in very different ways. Study the nations that have come and gone and
you will see how real bullets have been traded for chemicals, destroying data
and so much more. Bullets still fly, but
things seem to be much more complicated.
Some of the places that have never seen actual war are in the middle of
pain due to death.
Places like San Bernardino, California and beyond
have seen horrible happenings. Home
invasions and crime continue. Recently a
pastor’s wife was killed in Indianapolis, Indiana when men broke in her
home. What I am pointing to is the fact
that pain is rampant today.
We cannot point to the single issue of terrorism, yet
that is a grave problem today. We cannot
only look at crime, whether murder, shoplifting or other, things are happening
that show us the need for Jesus and His peace.
We need, our world needs, our families need, our schools need, our
neighbors need … all need the peace that Jesus offers.
I started a series Sunday called CHRISTMAS ARK’s
(acts of random kindness) and talked about the peace that Jesus gives. Here are a few verses that stick out in my
mind:
for God is not a
God of confusion but of peace…
Depart from
evil and do good; Seek peace and
pursue it.
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I
give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
This is not intended to be a political
statement. In no way do I want to make a
case for gun control or say that more people need to carry a gun. What I will say is that people need Jesus and
less of what leaves us in turmoil.
The peace that Jesus gives, the peace that we talk
about at Christmas, begins in our hearts and is seen in our words and
actions. This peace is not about the
lack of war or pain in the world. In
fact the peace of God allows us to deal with bad news or tough situations. I need and want to give that true peace!
Please understand and know well that if my family or
church family was under attack that I would do whatever is needed to protect
them. That could mean picking up and
using a gun or a number of other things.
It means even more that I must fall to my knees and beg for God’s
protection and for the salvation of those far from God.
Peace is a big deal.
It is time that you and I share with others the peace that God has given
to us. Others can be and will be changed
by God as His peace becomes a reality in their lives.
I will hear what God the Lord will say; For He will
speak peace to His people, to
His godly ones; But let them not turn back to folly.
The word
which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)—
May you and I be found speaking peace over those we
have influence over. There will be fewer
fights, more courage, stronger families, kids that go further and more abundant
life when we speak peace!
How lovely
on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace And brings good news of
happiness, Who announces salvation, And
says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
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