Views From The Pews – February 19, 2023

Brothers & Sisters:

THE PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING

Peace of mind is one of the most valuable possessions you could ever have. Most people would think that in today’s world with the high cost of living, inflation, ever-increasing costs of food and healthcare that the only way to gain this precious peace of mind is by having $10 million in the bank.

God is the giver of peace; not as the world gives, nor as $10 million in the bank gives, but the peace that God gives can endure for the rest of your life regardless of the environment in which you live or your current status in life or your bank account.

But how would you lay your hand on this godly peace? Many of us wear masks today to protect the outside from coming into our bodies but so many more of us wear masks to hide the turmoil that exists deep in our hearts for which we long for or even desire peace.

God gives an answer to that question.

Gone are the days when one brings in a physical sacrifice for a peace offering to God; two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five male lambs. Thank God for this new dispensation of faith. We only have to offer the sacrifice of our own selves upon the altar; leaving behind conditions such as pride, anger, the lust for money, greed and take up instead, faith and trust in a God that sees all and knows all.

He knows more about each of us than we know ourselves. Isaiah 26 v 3 says ‘Thou dost keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee.

In today’s world, peace is in such great demand, in our communities more so, but it can only start in the hearts of each man and woman.

I close with this verse from John 14 v 27. Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

The word of the Lord for you today is ‘Trust me my child, just trust me.”

Jackie Samuda