10/22/2019
In the world there is such rancor, turmoil, hatred, and war, but in God, and Jesus Christ we find perfect peace. Though the world is frothing, and men are arguing, and striking out at one another in evil intent, our faith brings us the hope, calm, and love, of Christ’s peace. In Jesus we can find escape from the bitterness that we see and hear swirling around us each day, and by the grace of God we are provided His Son as an escape... are you ready to break away from the insanity?
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:3 ESV
In the morning when we turn on the television, radio, or logon to the internet, we are blasted with hatred, scenes of turmoil, riots, murder, pornography, and discord. The search for simple current events, regarding a world desiring peace, has been hijacked by the dark one, and what we once saw as objective news is now revealed to be an extension of Satan’s attack on our spiritual peace. The media has been unclothed, and found to be nothing more than an extension of the strife around us. Do you feel it? Are you tired, and seeking asylum? Come to the Lord of peace, and find rest.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27 ESV
The world will never be like what we find in the peaceful people of Christ until Jesus returns, and removes the forces of darkness, replacing them with His light, God’s grace, heavenly goodness, living water, and those other things that bring us the joy that comes from knowing God. Until then, our faith should be an island of calm amidst the storm that swirls around us throughout the world. In the previous scripture John spoke of peace, but he also spoke of what the world gives us. By this we see that the darkness we are experiencing is nothing new, and neither is the escape that God provides us through Jesus.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
Romans 5:1-2 ESV
Don’t be deceived into believing all hope is lost because it isn’t, and don’t be convinced that the world is the answer... it is not. As Christians we should remain focused on the peacefulness of our faith, and the good that exists there. Don’t bring the world into our sanctuary, onto our island haven of peace, the church, but instead reach out with the saving grace of God, and the gospel of Jesus into the dying world, and offer the souls there a lifeline. Don’t allow the sickness they carry to enter uncleaned into Christ’s peace filled churches, and take hold there. Provide healing, but don’t drink from its tainted cup, or allow its germ filled clothing to infect us.
“For "Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."”
1 Peter 3:10-12 ESV
There is hope, and there is peace, and the place where love rules supreme is real... We find it in our faith in God, and the redemption of Jesus Christ. We approach it in prayer, supplication, and by keeping our hearts, minds, and souls, focused on God, His loving desire for us, and His will that includes us. Are you ready to cast off from the world, and claim the peace and rest that awaits you in Jesus? Can you sell all you value in the world, purchase with its proceeds a ticket to a new life, and enter into an eternity of love, and peace?
“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you. "O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in antimony, and lay your foundations with sapphires. I will make your pinnacles of agate, your gates of carbuncles, and all your wall of precious stones. All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.”
Isaiah 54:10-13 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the peace and joy you extend to us in your outstretched hand, and the safe passage to that place which you have built for us. Thank you for the hope we find in you, and the escape from a bitter and dark world that is made possible through our faith in you, and Jesus Christ. Help us Holy Father to turn away from the darkness of the world, and find sanctuary in your Holy Church. We pray for the churches, that they remain faithful, and pure, standing firm against the attacks of Satan. Open our eyes Father to the subtle probing of the evil one, and his desire to destroy these islands of grace, and bastions of your Godly peace. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God whose peace will reign forever, and in whom we find perfect rest and comfort from the weariness of the world. Great is your comfort, and soft the pillow of Christ on which we lay our head. All glory is yours Father, and we will worship you now and forever by the grace we have found flowing through Jesus. Praised be your name in never ending joy!
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
Rich Forbes