I will share about Christian books I have read or listened to.
I will be sharing about my life before and after Christ. I will include stories about my pet and other pets I have encountered.
Working for Peace
One look at the world around us and it’s clear: peace isn’t going to make itself.
Nations are warring and people are fighting and arguing. You may even have some personal relationships filled with bitterness and contempt. Thankfully, we can lean into Jesus’ wisdom in the seventh beatitude:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Matthew 5:9 NIV
Let's be clear: peacemaking is different from peacekeeping. In fact, Jesus assured us that as long as we’re on this earth, we will face trouble. There will be chaos, division, misunderstandings, and a need for making peace. And that is why…
Peacemaking requires action.
Yes, peacemaking compels us out of our comfortable bubbles. But for those who are willing to step into the tender space of making peace, here are some thoughts to help you lead the way:
Peacemakers lead the way with humility. None of us are perfect and we all need grace. None of us are God, but we all need Him. Leading with a posture of humility is key.
Peacemakers lead the way with empathy. Even when we disagree with someone, respectfully listening and seeking to understand their perspective is essential for making peace.
Peacemakers lead the way with truth and grace. Any time Jesus interacted with people, He did so with both truth and grace. We must have both to accurately represent Him.
Peacemakers lead the way to the feet of Jesus. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. Apart from Him, we are nothing. When we realize our mutual brokenness, as well as our mutual need for Christ, everything can change.
Seeking to be a mediator for those in disagreement doesn’t mean that every problem will be solved—immediately or ever. But when we invite God into those spaces and commit to the hard work of peacemaking, He can do more than we can imagine.
Peace That Stays
Everyone wants peace. In the world, in our homes, and in our hearts. In difficult times, we seek comfort. In heartbreaking moments, we want a peace that remains steady despite the circumstances.
The Bible teaches about this kind of peace. Philippians 4:7 describes the peace of God. No amount of self-talk or meditation can manufacture this kind of peace—it only can come from God Himself. Preacher and theologian Charles Spurgeon described this kind of peace as the perfect calm and happiness of God, who is always content.
This peace transcends all understanding. It's the idea that something goes beyond our normal way of thinking. That is a beautiful description of what God’s peace does. It exceeds our understanding and surpasses anything we could expect or imagine. It also guards and protects our hearts and minds.
How do we get this kind of peace? The surrounding verses in Philippians offer guidance. Philippians 4:6 tells us to take every anxious thought and turn it into a ...
