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We should always do our best to be peacemakers and peacekeepers and
remember that no matter what is going on all around us, we still have the
ability to bring calm out of chaos and unity out of divisiveness. We have
the ability to bring and keep peace at the center of our lives because we
have control over our own thoughts, feelings and most importantly our
tongues. What most people don't realize until it is too late is that the
tongue can cause all kinds of mischief, heartache and pain and undoing the
harm that the tongue can bring is much easier said than done. That is why
we should always be conscious of what we are saying to others and keep a
mindset of only lifting others up and never bringing them down. Doing the
right and good thing isn't always easy, but nonetheless it should be done
for the sake of peace between our brothers and sisters.
Doing good to others even in spite of them doing harm to us is a testament
to the love of God that is in our hearts. We are not above our Master and
if He was ridiculed, mocked and made a shame of, then we shouldn't complain
if and when it happens to us. We should use that opportunity to show that
one that there is a better way and that arguments, quarrels and division
does nothing to unite us, but it does everything to divide us and keep us
from becoming one. The Lord Jesus declares in Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are
the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Being a
peacemaker means that we forgive quickly, love deeply, pray fervently and
trust that by doing the right thing, God will honor us and bring forth the
right results.
We must always remember and keep in mind that we don't have to attend the
arguments that we are invited to and that it will be very hard for that
one to have a one-sided argument. When we make a strong declaration for
peace, serenity and oneness, then nothing should be able to make us lose
what we have declared. I encourage you to hold peace at the center of your
heart. Don't give in to the temptations to return evil for evil, but
rather do contrariwise and be that example of love, hope and forgiveness
so that all may see the love of Christ through your life. It is a great
victory when we can bring someone from division and discord into unity and
oneness.
I pray that you will be that peacemaker and peacekeeper in every
circumstance and allow your life to be the catalyst in which the lives of
multitudes are changed for the better.
I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to do your best to
be a peacemaker and peacekeeper all the days of your life.
KEEPING THE PEACE
Do you remember the famous feud between the Hatfield's and the McCoy's? A
squabble started between these families in the states of Kentucky and West
Virginia during the American Civil War. After the war, the feud was kept
alive by disputes over a fiddle worth $1.75 and a stray razorback hog.
According to Stan Mooneyham, “Dancing on The Strait & Narrow,” by Election
Day 1882 the situation deteriorated to the point that three McCoy brothers
killed Ellison Hatfield because he had insulted them. “Devil Anse,” head
of the Hatfield clan, had the three McCoy's rounded up and tied to bushes
within sight of their family cabin; then he put fifty rifle bullets into
them. After that it was a life for a life -- sometimes two or three -- and
even the women became just part of the body count. Hostilities didn't
finally abate until the second decade of the twentieth century. The cost
to those two families was immense. Almost thirty deaths were recorded in
the most famous example of eye-for-an-eye revenge in U.S. history.
You've seen this scene in the movies: a rugged cowboy pats his pearl-
handled six-shooter in a holster hanging from his hip and drawls, “This
here is my peacemaker.” Peacemaker? Maybe widow-maker. Or orphan-maker.
The problem is, shooting people is not a good way to peace. It's a little
like the father who, while spanking his child, said, almost in cadence
with each slap, “How Many Times Have I Told You Not To Hit Your Sister!”
Gotta love the irony.
If force and violence can't bring peace out of chaos, what can? What does
it take to make peace? And to keep it?
The answer is clear. Peacemakers are not weapons -- peacemakers are
people. You and I. Peacemakers are people with hearts for reconciliation
and understanding. In our families; with our neighbors; around the world.
Level-headed and patient people have always been the best hope for a
lasting and just peace. That is the only way it has ever worked.
Perhaps that's why peacemakers are call blessed.
By Steve Goodier
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Matthew 5:11-12 Jesus declares “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you,
and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely,
for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in
heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
Romans 12:19-21 “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give
place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay,
saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst,
give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his
head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
1 Peter 3:8-11 “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of
another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil
for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that
ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that
will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil,
and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good;
let him seek peace, and ensue it.”
Philippians 2:2-3 “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the
same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through
strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better
than themselves.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: EIGHT GIFTS THAT DON'T COST
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem135.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: THE PINK BIRDS
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony155.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
