Good Morning Peace Followers and Bringers! Amen! We are moving to lighting the second candle on our advent wreath. It's the peace candle as we think about the Prince of Peace, Jesus and we follow peace as we bring peace to the world around us. Shalom shalom--perfect peace can be ours as we choose it and bring it. What's God's plan for you in that in this season of hope, peace joy and love? Talk to Him about it and dwell in His peace as you follow it and bring it alive. Amen! Peace like a river can flow over and through you as living water to many. I'm praying for you and us to be a people and a place of shalom shalom. Amen!
Stop. Turn off the noise and dwell in His peace as you reload to go bring peace, hope, love and joy alive. God is with you and for you and working all things together for good. That should lead to peace and joyfully pursuing it. Who needs some peace . Bring it!
Upper Room: Stop and breathe
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” - John 14:27 (NRSVUE)
A flat tire? Not ! I had a critical appointment that morning, 90 miles away. I had only one hour to get the tire fixed and still leave on time.
The only tire shop in town was likely to be crowded, so I prayed for quick service. As I waited, my anxiety rose with every loud tick of the giant clock on the wall. Finally, I conceded, “Lord, there’s nothing I can do. It’s in your hands. Please give me peace.” Waiting there, I heard this verse: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” Suddenly I understood what that meant. God has already given us peace. We don’t have to keep asking for it, but we do have to take it in. So there in that shop that smelled of tires and popcorn, I breathed in God’s peace. My shoulders relaxed, and my anxiety lifted. With a few minutes to spare, my car was ready, and I made it to my appointment.
Circumstances still threaten to overwhelm me at times, until I remember that verse. Then I stop, breathe in God’s peace, and say to myself, “Relax, God’s got this.”
's Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us not to lose focus but to remember that you have already given us your peace. In every situation, help us to walk in your peace, trusting in your power to calm our hearts. Amen.
