WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2011
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
READ
The word for ‘peace’ referred to in this verse is not limited to meaning non-violence. Peace (shalom) indicates completeness, wholeness and balance in every area of life, including one’s relationship with God, neighbours, and nations. So the true peacemakers are those who work for peace in the wide variety of everyday situations. Jesus is called the ‘Prince of Peace,’ so as we live congruent with His desires for our lives, He can give us the ability to live peacefully in our relationships.
In Christ’s time, there were several ways that the people were trying to bring about peace in the world. For example, there were the zealots who were using guerrilla-like militarism to try and push the Roman empire out of their country. The Pharisees were trying to use strict, legalistic structures in order to create absolute conformity to the letters of the Law. But these systems are not what Jesus intended for His followers. Military might and legalism do not bring peace into people’s hearts. Only the Prince of Peace can do that.
PREPARE
- Praise God for who He is
- Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
- Allow His Spirit to draw you near
- Listen as He speaks to you
PRAY
- Pray that God will help us to become peacemakers in our own lives
- Pray that God will help us to become peacemakers for others
TRUST
- Thank God for hearing you
- Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will
FOLLOW
What’s happening around us?
World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. As followers of Jesus, they are motivated by God’s love for all people regardless of race, religion, gender or ethnicity.
You likely already know about World Vision’s child sponsorship program and gift catalogue, but they are also looking for people who will advocate on behalf of children affected by poverty in our own community (Life Change Network) and encourage others to sponsor children.
http://www.worldvision.ca/