Personal Peace is Only Found in Jesus
OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, help us to see your peace in our daily lives. Not the peace of this world but your perfect peace through Jesus Christ. Amen
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
REFLECT:
In John 16:33 Jesus speaks of a peace that we struggle to comprehend. What is peace? How do we experience God’s peace? When will we see his peace? Knowing true peace, and experiencing it, are two different things. We have preconceived ideas of what peace looks and feels like, but have we truly experienced it? How often do we miss true peace because it doesn’t line up with our comprehension? Do we know the peace described in Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” God’s ways are so far above us that we don’t recognize his perfect peace.
APPLY:
In our world today we are in desperate need of peace. As we search the scriptures, we see a connection with Jesus and peace. All the needs of mankind can be fulfilled by one source: Jesus Christ. Read and reflect on these verses today: Jesus is our Prince of peace: Isaiah 9:6 “Unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” He is the bread of life and the living water: John 6:35 “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty”. He is the air that we breathe: Job 33:4 “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” He is the resurrection and life: John 11:25 “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” As we search for answers, remember Jesus is always the way, the truth, and the life! John 14:6
CLOSING PRAYER:
God of Peace, We ask that you fill us with a peace that passes understanding. Peace not as the world gives but as only you can give. May we strive to be peaceMAKERS rather than peaceKEEPERS, knowing that you have called us to an active faith. Help us keep our eyes focused on our similarities even as we work in different lanes to pursue your will. Teach us to rest in the true peace of our hope in you. Amen.
(Prayer from Weekend Service)
WORSHIP: