Not as the World Gives Peace…
The stock market tumbles another 500 points. Warnings of layoffs and unemployment fill the
news. Bailouts, defaults, deficits --
some days it seems there is no good news to be found. Many feel that a dark cloud is over our
country with no signs of (earthly) hope for those who love God and
righteousness. But, among all this bad
news there is good news to be found, good news to tell.
Recently an FLC member pointed out how these hard
times can be used by God to bring people to depend on Him, rather than on
themselves. People may be driven to
trust God, not their bank accounts, to trust God and not government leaders, to
trust God and not man or created things.
As related at the November 19 voters’ meeting, this could be a great
time for our church (and God’s Church), and we need to quickly build our
building so we can meet the demand of those seeking hope, comfort, and
strength.
Still, this bad news can weigh upon us if we lose
our focus. Let’s remember not to fear as
we keep the promises from God’s Word in our hearts and minds. We can remember the true peace of Christ and
not despair. We can show God’s peace in
our attitude and actions in the midst of troubled times. We can share that true peace with those who
so desperately need it.
This Advent and Christmas season may God’s true
peace overflow as you prepare for the One who was, and is, and is to come.
Praise
the LORD.
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who
finds great delight in his commands.
Even
in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for the gracious and compassionate and
righteous man.
He
will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the
LORD. (Psalm 112: 1, 4, 7)
The
people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land
of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
(Isaiah 9:2)
But the angel said to them,
"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all
the people. Today in the town of David a
Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)
Peace I leave with you, my
peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your
heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
(John 14:27)
Because He Lives,
The Evangelism Ministry Team