17 May, Monday — He came in peace

Monday of the 7th Week of Eastertide

Acts 19:1-8
Jn 16:29-33

 ….in the world you will have troubles….  

Never doubt that the devil will stop at nothing to destroy you and me — because Jesus will stop at nothing to save you and me.

When I was going through a particularly difficult time in my life, I was reading Oswald Chambers little book, My Utmost for His Highest every day. These daily readings were part of the morning devotional practice that I maintained for over a decade, as this little book was God speaking truth to me. On 12 December 2005, this concept impressed itself on me (and one that I have memorized and shared often), and has given me a consoling perspective of truth.

If it is God’s will to bruise His own Son, why should He not bruise you?

Jesus had trouble in the world – just as we do. Jesus had trouble because of the choices and actions of others. We experience that as well, but we also experience significant trouble because of our own choices, our own actions. The deceit, lies and manipulations of the enemy abound in this world. Scripture is filled with verses to remind us that trouble is part of this world; but that there is more if we don’t despair, there is, in fact, the peace that Jesus gives us.

Ish 43:18 — Do not look to the past, can you not see that this is a new thing I am doing for you….

Rm 12:12 — Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, preserve in prayer.

1 Cor 10:13 — No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with trial He will also provide a way out, so that you will be able to bear it.

Jas 1:2 — Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials.

Lam 3:22-24 — The favours of the Lord are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent. They are renewed each morning, so great is His faithfulness. My portion is the Lord, says my soul. Therefore, I will hope in Him.

All that Jesus did was peaceful. He came in peace; lived in peace and left in peace. And Lucifer and his inane demonic minions did (and continue to do) whatever is necessary to create chaotic hate and fear. To create unrest, to create trouble on and in individuals worldwide; to create trouble in our minds, leading to words, leading to actions, leading to habits leading to character…

This world is so filled with trouble… and we react with unrest. Continually. Why are we such an UNpeaceful people? In America most of us have so much — much more than we need — yet it’s never enough. Are we not like the apostles griping about who will be at Christ’s right and left ? Nearly everyone is trying to get an edge over the other – over their own brothers. A slight edge, not much, so not really asking for much… never ending. What will it take to change us internally to be a peaceful, peace-filled people? And, what is my part? How can my little corner, even if I am able to make it peaceful, make a difference in the big trouble-filled world?  How can a ballgame, an A on a test, the tone of my words — a small act of kindness — matter when police brutality, when corruption and sexual abuse in our government and even our church, is ‘alive and well’?

So, what can we really do to support and bring about peace in this troubled world? Seek ye first the kingdom of God….be the saint we are called to be and we will change the world. Thomas Merton put it like this: People have no idea what one saint can do: for sanctity is stronger than the whole of hell.  The Saints are full of Christ in the plentitude of His Kingly and Divine power: and they are conscious of it, and they give themselves to Him, that He may exercise His power through their smallest and seemingly most insignificant acts, for the salvation of the world. 

Lord guide me LOUDLY in acting with peace to become the Saint you created me to be.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Gina Ulicny)

Prayer: Father God, I come to you at a time where it seems unrest and all that is the opposite of Jesus, is the norm.  Lord how I need you. Please help me to maintain my inner peace so that peace may flow from You through me. Lord, I want to be a saint.    

Thanksgiving: Thank you Father God, for the knowledge, the comfort and the joy of knowing that You are my peace – and that You love me completely – and that Your will for all is peace. That You gave me all that I need to be a saint.