Monday, December 20, 2010

HOPE - Peace with God Day 1

If there is ever a time that is void of peace, it seems like Christmas.  Even though peace surrounds this little baby boy born in Bethlehem, we find ourselves without peace.  With all the hustle and bustle to get things done, we feel exhausted and worn out.  Mornings come too soon and the day is over too quickly.

This week we are going to be talking about peace with God and with those around us.  We all need peace and we are going to find it in only one place, Jesus.

Read Isaiah 9:6-7 or click to view   http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A6-7&version=NIV  (Click back arrow on web browser to return)

Isaiah is a prophet of God.  Prophets would receive word from the Lord and share it with the people.  Sometimes these words were words of judgement.  Sometimes they were words of encouragement and sometimes these words were words about the future.  This is one of those futuristic passages, yet it should give them hope right then.

He will be called...Prince of Peace.  He will be the one to usher in peace like a royal leader.   Many times leadership brings peace.  Why?  Because people feel at peace when the leader is around. 

For instance, think of Bret Favre of the Minnesota Vikings.  If you don't have any idea what I'm talking about, google it.  Anyway, the team appears apprehensive and weak without Bret as Quarterback.  They don't score touchdowns, guys drop passes, and even the running game appears slow.  (I attended the rescheduled game against the Giants because of their collapsed roof and w/o Favre as QB, that is exactly what they did.)  But something happens to the team when he is in the game.  They calm down, they focus and they play very competitively. 

Jesus is that kind of leader and even more so.  What Isaiah was saying about Jesus is that when He comes, He will bring peace to the people.  They will find rest in their souls because of Him.  Think about it.  How many people describe the peaceful feeling they have when they surrender their lives to Him?  Many, if not all.  He brings peace.  Even when it is difficult in life, we can rest in His secure hands.

Do you need to be reminded of that security?  You are secure in His hands.  He can bring peace to your soul.  If you are anxious, pray.  Ask Him for His peace and then trust Him in the moments ahead.

As you close: What worries you?  Talk to the Lord about it and ask for His peace in those situations.  And then trust Him!

God Bless!

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