Monday - To Be Sought of God
Jeremiah 29:4-7
This passage of Scripture was written to the exiles from Jerusalem. In many ways we are exiles when we sin and have not yet repented. The Lord, in a rather direct way, tells the captives to continue with the plan He gave Adam and Eve when He told them to multiply and replenish the earth. They were to adhere to the practices of the homeland even in a foreign land. In addition to returning to the practices of God, they were to seek the peace of the city where they were held captive. We are held captive in cities that have abandoned God, in a country that has turned its back of its creator, but we are to seek peace for these places. Wherever we are, peace can flourish. We need to become peace magnets. Don’t worry about D.C.! God has that under control, just seek, pray and meditate.
Father, in all that I do, allow my prayers for peace to permeate the place where You reside. Even when the world is about to explode, You have the power to bring peace. In the name of Jesus, Amen
Tuesday - Peace Comes From God
Isaiah 45:5-7
America has come to a point where she believes that everything revolves around the decisions she makes! Our President has become so brazen that he feels he can decide who will, and who won’t. There are some things we must, as a nation, address, but the method for obtaining, and maintaining peace is actually out of our hands. I appreciate the power our country has, and I am proud to have worked to sustain it, but I realize that peace is a gift from God. He decides when, how much, and to what degree! Isaiah shows us in this verse the magnitude of God’s power. God states that he the Lord, and beside Him there is none other. God further informs the prophet, and us, that He forms the light, and creates darkness. He makes peace and creates evil. He basically lets us know that these elements are out of our hands. What shall we do then? Love the Lord, protect the orphan and the widow, and walk humbly with our God!
Father, when I realize the magnitude of Your power, and the depth of Your love for Your creation, I see that I must learn to submit and walk in step with the Most High. In the name of Jesus, Amen
Wednesday - Directive for Peace
Psalm 34:11-15
David is the author of this Psalm, and David had enough conflict in his life to truly understand the value of peace. This Psalm begins with David expounding on the nature of his relationship with God. He seems to slow in verse 11 and focus a little closer. His intent is to instruct those of us who will learn. His use of verbs leads us to know his purpose. He says come, and hear. Then keep and depart. Finally he says to seek. This is more a directive from God being repeated by the writer. We should not only seek peace, but pursue it as well. We know how elusive peace can be. In our homes, on the job, and especially around the world, but it can be had. David further reminds us that the Lord’s eyes are on us, while His ears listen. Ours is to be about the job of seeking and pursuing. You never know who will follow you!
Father, point the way as I seek and pursue. Empower me to come, and hear, to keep and depart as I follow You and Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen
Thursday - Peace Is A Gift!
Revelation 1:4-6
Peace, like mercy and grace, and salvation cannot be purchased. If that was the case, many of us would never experience a moments peace. As John addresses the churches of the world, he offers them peace. This offer is not from John, but is delivered by John. He states that this is sent, "from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come; ..." Not only is this a gift from God, Himself, but also from Jesus, the Christ. John expounds on the nature and characteristics of Jesus as he validates the quality of this peace. We must understand that God desires that we have peace, but the peace He desires most for us is internal and spiritual. Every since Cain slew Able, conflict has abounded. It seems that we are coming out of a conflict, in a conflict or headed for one, but we have a special assignment as it relates to peace. As we preach the Gospel, somebody is going to experience a peace, "that passeth understanding."
Father, during those times when I forget that You are the provider, remind me. When I forget that You are the sustainer, remind me. When I forget that peace is a gift re-inform me. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Friday - Even Gentiles Get Peace
Ephesians 2:14-17
Paul provides some very interesting insight on peace. We must remember that the Nation of Israel has a special place in God’s heart. They are the direct decedents of Abraham who received the promise that his seed would be plentiful. Israel went through a number of ups and downs, but God always restored them and will restore them again. Paul intimates that Jesus "is" our peace. He is the one who fulfilled the law that was given to Moses, He reconciled man with God, He carried that which would destroy our peace to the cross and insured we would always have access to it. Christ came to preach peace to the Jew, and to those who were afar off, the Gentile. God’s plan includes the Jew and those who have believed in Christ. Where do you stand? How much peace do you enjoy?
Father, I see how You have made provisions for all of creation to enjoy the benefits You have made. Allow me to be a spreader of those things You have for man when he believes. In the name of Jesus, Amen
Saturday - Peace Produced By the Spirit
Galatians 5:22
When Paul begins to list the products of the Spirit, peace is high on the list. The Spirit produces items that are the antithesis of the works of the flesh. We have become accustomed to the products of the flesh. These are things the world thrives on and the sinner is held by. Every now and then we need to stop and consider what where we gravitate. Are we normally caught up in the realm of the flesh, or do we regularly enjoy the products of the Spirit. I Corinthians 12:1-3 give us a hint of the function of the Spirit, but her e we have an inventory of those things He produces. Feel free to review this list and purpose to enjoy everything He has to offer, through Jesus.
Father, You seem to have covered all of the bases. Help me determine which area I function in the most, and either approve of that area, or cause a change for me. In the name of Jesus. Amen
Sunday - Peace Has Its Own Prince!
Isaiah 9:6
Peace is not an ordinary commodity. It is an element of this existence that is necessary at all levels. It has characteristics that make it fit for Kings and royalty, but our God has made it available to all mankind. He has even given it a Prince. A Prince named Jesus. Because of the value of Peace, it had to have a specific patron Saint. Moses wouldn’t do, Noah missed the mark, David didn’t understand, so God sent His only begotten Son to represent the tenants of Peace. The one who walked with us for thirty-three and one half years, who healed and gave sight. The man who called Lazarus from the grave, and nearly caused a couple of riots, is also the one who secured our peace, both temporal and eternal. His death on the cross, and subsequent resurrection paid the cost of peace for us. Since it has already been paid for. Why do we work so hard to destroy it. Jesus: the Prince of Peace.
Father, please accept my gratitude for Your supply of peace in my life. Teach how best to enjoy it. In Jesus’ name. Amen
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When studying Scripture, work to determine the History, Implications, Picture, Symbolism, Geography, and Location of the passage. This will help open that area up, and allow you to see the meaning in its fullest.
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