peace

 Wednesday, December  4, 2024 (4:44 a.m.)

Holy God,

THANK YOU! Sleep happened! Easily. Uninterrupted. Peaceful. Thank You.

I look to You Dearest Father. Wanting very much to glorify and enJOY You today. In my thoughts, words and actions (Colossians 3:17).

Yes Lord. I want very much to be kind. Loving. Joyful. Peace…

Here’s a pause. Do I want most to be peaceFULL? Peace making? Peace bringing? 

♪Let There Be Peace on Earth And let it begin with me Let there be peace on earth The peace that was meant to be With God as our Father Brothers all are we Let me walk with my brother In perfect harmony Let peace begin with me Let this be the moment now With every step I take Let this be my solemn vow To take each moment and live Each moment in peace eternally Let there be peace on earth And let it begin with me♪

Indeed. I ask (Matthew 7:7) You to teach me more here Dear Lord. Let myself and others see me as You do. Whoever it is You know me to be.

Ben Campbell Johnson wrote this in his relational paraphrase, The Heart of Paul. “Let your whole style of life, words and deeds, portray your relationship to Christ and be a living expression of gratitude to God” (Colossians 3:17).

Oh! Look at this from The Passion Translation! “Let every activity of your lives and every word that comes from your lips be drenched with the beauty of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. And bring your constant praise to God the Father because of what Christ has done for you!”

Yes! Please! That!!!

Every activity and word drenched with Christ’s beauty? Oh yes please!

Taking it up a notch, to verse 15 again I ask that I will learn to represent You well. “Let your heart be always guided by the peace of the Anointed One, who called you to peace as part of His one body. And always be thankful.”

Mm…

Amplified Bible. Verse 12-16. Again, YES!

“So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper]; bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive. Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others]. Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]. Let the [spoken] words of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind - permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [ spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Yes. Yes! YES!

Go before, behind, beside, beneath, above and within all I think, say and do this day. Which You have made. Empower and embolden me in truly rejoicing and being glad in it (Psalm 118:24).

Yes Father. Make the Truth and promises of Your Living Word easily apparent in me. I want to live the apostle Paul’s words! “Always be happy because you belong to the Lord. I will say that again, ‘Be happy!’ Be kind and patient in a way that everyone can see. Remember that the Lord is near. Do not worry about anything. Instead, pray to God about everything. Ask Him to help you with the things that you need. And thank Him for His help. If you do that, God will give you peace in your minds. That peace is so great that nobody can completely understand it. You will not worry or be afraid, because you belong to Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7 EasyEnglish Bible).

Amen. Amen. Amen. Use me exactly as You know is best. I love, need, trust and want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen!

(739 words ~ 5:56 a.m.)