Scripture: John 14:27
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.
Thought for the Day: Quick apology – my devotional from yesterday announced International Peace Day as today, but in further research, I discovered that my pronouncement was a bit premature. I guess I put it on my calendar incorrectly. It won’t happen until September 21. With every mistake, there is an opportunity. In this case, let me suggest that a premature announcement of peace is not a good thing. Peace is hard, complicated, messy and requires patience. We should never naively get ahead of ourselves and suggest that peace has arrived. There are pockets, beautiful moments and even dynamic expressions of peace, but too often they are short lived. As a follower of Jesus, I see my work as creating a lasting peace – or at least adding to the work of those who have come before me and building what others will be able to use in the future. Jesus poured out peace upon his disciples, and though they found comfort in that gift, it did not do away with all violence and suffering. Jesus build his team of peacemakers, recognizing that they needed to know peace before they could help in the creation of the peaceful kingdom.
Prayer: Thank you for giving me your peace, Loving God. May this gift provide me peace and assist me in living the life of peace. Amen.
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