WITH THE busyness of the Christmas Holiday put away and all the wrappings being prepared for storage, we can sit back and reflect on what brought about this celebration in the first place. When God’s angels appeared to the shepherds, one of the things they said was; "PEACE among men in whom I am well pleased!" God’s message was not for the world when He said PEACE, He was speaking to those in whom He had found and will find favor in. I believe that is His CHURCH!
I’VE HEARD the expression "Peace on purpose!" When God gave us choice, He elevated mankind to a higher level than the animals. Although many of the human species think and act like animals, they chose their disruptive powers and evil ways, on purpose. To those who decide to live peaceably and to decide to become a peacemaker for God, is like being placed above the clouds, where they can look down into sunshine.
"ON THE day, when evening had come, He said to them; "Let us go across to the other side." Mark 4:35 We are familiar with this story on how Jesus took a nap in the bottom of the boat and a great storm, of hurricane proportion, arose and beat upon the craft, scaring the Apostles because they new they would die. They woke Jesus up and said; "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" Mark 4:38b
JESUS got up from His well deserved nap and calmed the storm with words of power; "Peace, be still!" Mark 4:39b Often times we just read the rest of the story and then go on. However, in chapter 5 is where we find the end of that story; "They came to the other side of the sea." Mark 5:1a They weathered the storm with the help of the Master! They came thru with flying colors! They were able to dust themselves off and start all over again!
STORMS come un-announced and invade our feeling of contentment and peace. Sometimes we can see them coming, and no matter how we prepare, they still come and wreck havoc. "Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it!" Psalms 34:14 We can walk through every storm because with God, we never walk alone. Always look for a blessing, when the storms come and the peace, that will come, will keep you calm.
MANY TIMES we want to make war with ourselves. We want to drown in our own tears; we love to tear ourselves apart. But when we think about it and remember; God doesn’t make junk! He created you in His image! WOW! He can take you from where you are and can remold and refine you into becoming the person He has created you to be!
WHATEVER the storm, remember it will pass! If you are mindful and look for the blessings, many things will happen. You will draw closer to God; have more compassion for hurting people; you will become more thankful and filled with appreciation; and you will become stronger in your soul!
I HEARD somewhere that God sends; God promotes, and when you live in Christ, God can cause magnificent growth to remain strong. Remember the story of Joseph and the coat of many colors. He taunted his brothers; they sold him into slavery. He finds a job of importance and lands in jail. From there God promotes him again and he becomes second in command of a very large and important country. Who said; when at first you don’t succeed, try, try again?
WHEN YOU walk with the Lord, choosing to live peaceably, He can take you to the top. To stay there, you must pursue peace. "When you walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey!" What a glorious old song to remind us of Who God is, and why He sent His Son as a babe in a manger. Where would the Church be without it’s Savior; where would I be without Jesus? Choose His peace! By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/27/14
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