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Embrace Peace

 Sunday, we lit the candle of peace. Romans 14:17-19 says, "for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another." Many try and push off peace as being detached or indifferent to the things around us. In God's world, peace embraces every moment with God, especially those moments when hate is trying to rule. When Jesus tells us He gives us peace, not as the world gives, He means that while the turmoil of life happens, our emotions will not rule our spirit.

It is imperative that you do not get confused and think "peace" at any cost. Evil and righteousness have nothing in common. A Christ-follower cannot have unity with sin because joining with sin is called conformity. Our focus today is seeking God for our emotional peace-of-mind. Representing God may open us up to hateful criticism. I find the disparagement now days does not involve a legitimate argument but instead an insult. It will focus on something that is your very being or personal. The purpose is to shut the speaker down due to embarrassment or shame. The trending world calls them shamers. Please take heed to God's word in Hebrews 10:38, "But My Righteous One Shall Live By Faith; And If He Shrinks Back, My Soul Has No Pleasure In Him."
One Sunday recently, I almost did not go to church because I was uncomfortable in my tight clothes and was afraid of the “looks.” I went, and while I was waiting for the service to start, God kind of chewed me out. Here is the gist. "In a third world country, Lori, people would call themselves blessed for being overweight." I am a fifty-six-year-old chubby wubby in menopause. Allow God to deal with your feelings, so you do not shrink back from the task at hand. Remember, evil will always give voice. We need to stop entertaining those evil moments in our minds that steal our peace. Seek God's peace by allowing Him to speak to you so He can remind you of His purpose for your life.
By the way, if you see someone being shamed, approach the situation by speaking life and encouragement to the victim. Don't become what you hate.



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