Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9
Things from childhood echo in my head. Mother imploring my three siblings and me to just get along is one resounding phrase. She did not desire to remain in a constant state of kangaroo court, sorting out who was right, wrong, the offended and the offender. It was an impossible, unpleasant task. Four young children needed take it upon themselves to become active participants in peace making and keeping.
Jesus begins His Galilean ministry with the opening comments we call the ‘B’ attitudes. With this teaching Jesus turns man’s common presumption of entitlement upside down and begins to paint a perfect likeness of God. The disciples considered this list to be as important as the Ten Commandments. The Bible equates peace with prosperity. If we want a part in a future of glorious hope, then we must invest in Godliness today.
God doesn’t play give and take, keeping score to appropriate favor/blessing. He has a standard and boundaries that protect His supreme creation, you and me, designed in love. Peace is not a destination, it is a life style. When our actions honor our Savior, others will follow.
Love,
Gretchen
August is the anniversary month for my blog. Two years ago I began writing and it’s been an exciting pleasure to share each day with you. Thank you for reading.
I have prayed and feel called to shift my direction slightly in the coming year. Monday, August 6, I will begin working my way through the Bible in chronological order. In ministry I have discovered a struggle to keep the Story of God in historical order and while this is not necessary to victorious Christian living, so many new insights fall into place when understood from an ordered perspective.
Daily writings will still be short and sweet with occasional suggestions for further study. I hope you will join me.