Peacemakers

Matthew 5:5-9 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”

Though I believed in God always, it wasn’t until the Lord woke me and opened my eyes to the truth, that the Bible revealed the true answers to living and peace. There are two aspects of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: First and foremost, Salvation to eternal life, Jesus rescues us from Hell. Secondly, Life abundant here & now; healthy, holy and wise. John 10:10b “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” The regenerated heart has an amazing desire to learn, grow and mature as a disciple (Follower & Student), which creates a thirst for the Word of God in Holy Scriptures for that godly knowledge and wisdom for life (physically, mentally and spiritually), and peace in life. Salvation in Christ does not eliminate or produce immunity from the sinful nature in this life, but brings them to light that they may be identified, targeted, and addressed to remedy, in the will and with the help of God, by kingdom of Heaven workers (aka - us).

Proverbs 12:20 & 28 “There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace. In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.”

One of the first verses that captured my heart was “blessed are the peacemakers”. I visualized both the narrow and wide gates & roads that the Lord explained in Matthew 7:13-14, and clearly saw that belief & righteousness produces “peacemakers” who bring the message of faith, hope and love in Christ to the world blindly traveling on the broad road to destruction. Oh, how I wanted to be a Peacemaker. God blesses a Peacemaker, not a Peacekeeper because one maintains only, while the other addresses the root problem and changes the condition to what is right, which is peace in heart, mind and soul. First and foremost, to the foot of the Cross for Salvation to eternal life, to rescue from Hell by being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Secondly, for Life abundant here & now, healthy, holy, wise and full of peace. Seeking the evidence and truth will not lead us to the “right answer", but to the “right person” ... the Prince of Peace, the Savior of the world. Glory Hallelujah!

James 3:13-18 “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”

Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Shalom, in Christ, Brian