At this time of year we often see the phrase, “Peace on earth goodwill toward men”. Anyone, preparing for the arrival of Christmas Day knows that it can often be overwhelming. Preparation in our day is not cheap. We are often drawn to over spend. There are many things to do and places to go. Peace is often sacrificed midst the preparation.
Peace and rest are one and the same to me. If there is peace in Momma’s house, then she has found rest. When Momma finds rest so does the family. Of all places that you desire peace and rest, home is ranked number one.
The question now is where and how do we find this peace and rest for our homes and families so close to this special day? We find it in the One who is no longer that Babe in the manger. He now sits at the right hand of the Father. He talks with us, He listens to us and He intercedes on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25). He delivers our prayers, sanctified by His blood to the Father for consideration and action (John 14:6).
The scriptures for today concern the peace and rest in bringing two together. The Jews and the Gentiles were brought together to worship the source of peace on earth and goodwill for all men. Where there is discord in families and among friends the bringing together as one with Christ at the center can also resolve unrest.
Thought For Today:
Our rest comes when we turn our anxiety, pressures, worries and needs over to Jesus. That one thing unburdens us mentally and physically of the things that attempt to take our rest and peace from us. We know that work in the heavenly realm begins once we make our requests known. As we run to and fro to bless our children, family and friends with gifts of love and fellowship, we do not have to do it alone. Calling the name of Jesus scatters the distractors and brings an army together to help us.
Try writing down what your needs are and what worries you as you prepare. You are in essence, writing your prayers. I know this will help you as I have been writing my thoughts and prayers for years. After the season is complete, reread your writings. You will see worries that never came to pass, needs that were met and blessings that came from unexpected sources. Jesus is our Shepherd. He desires that we hear His voice and follow close to Him. Our part is to let the Shepherd hear our voice. He desires good peace and rest on earth for His sheep.
Scripture For Today:
Ephesians 2:14-18
14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. (NKJV)
Colossians 3:15-16
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (NKJV)
Prayer For Today:
Hello Father! We thank You that are just a breath from us. Thank You for bringing Jesus into our world that we might have an intercessor that has Your full attention concerning what concerns us. Father, we often let the world dictate the speed at which we run and the limits that we should go financially. Make us aware that we cannot listen to both the voice of our Shepherd and the voice of the world, and find peace and rest. Forgive us our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.