PEACE - Day 4

Weekly Prayer:

Prince of Peace, we long for the tranquility only you can bring. As we navigate the busyness of this season, help us find rest in your presence and be instruments of your peace to a world in need. In your name, we pray. Amen.

Thursday December 19th: John 5:1-5

“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Reflection: What would you pay for peace? Free from all your fears, hurts, and hate? To be complete, without any fault or mess? That is exactly what God offers us in Christ; Peace, wholeness, and rest. You are loved! You are a child of God, made in His image. If you believe that His son Jesus is the Savior, then you are whole and complete in your relationship with Him. You have bold access to Him at all times and you have his personal presence living in you. In light of these truths, what is the only reasonable response… It’s to obey! When we obey God we are telling Him and ourselves that we love Him and trust that He loves us and isn’t holding out on us. Does your obedience feel like an obligation? If so, you may have an inaccurate view of God. Ask Him to show you who He is and to teach you to trust Him. Confess your pride and stubbornness and ask Him to soften your heart and teach you to love Him, and in loving Him, to obey.

- written by Dustin Kleinschmidt, Minister of Worship