Long before Jesus was born the prophet Isaiah said that He would be called the “Prince of Peace” “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, PRINCE OF PEACE. Of THE INCREASE OF HIS government and PEACE THERE WILL BE NO END…The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” (Isa. 9:6-7) There will be NO END to the INCREASE OF HIS PEACE. The more peace WE NEED the more peace WILL BE PROVIDED for us, until we are fulfilled!!!
When the angels announced the birth of Christ they spoke of “peace on earth”. “…SUDDENLY there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And ON EARTH PEACE, GOODWILL (eudokia: what seems good or beneficial and brings pleasure and satisfaction) TOWARD MEN!” (Luke 2:13-14) Our world today desperately needs the peace that only Jesus can bring. Let us pray that God will use His truth, His Spirit and His people to bring MORE PEACE on earth in our day. Because it is God’s desire to bless us. This divine desire means for us that we can have a positive, expectant and receiving attitude, that God WILL DO WONDERS.
Jesus said, as He was giving His farewell talk to His disciples, “Peace I LEAVE WITH YOU, My peace I GIVE TO YOU; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither LET IT BE AFRAID.” (John 14:27) “We must refuse to give in to our fears. For God, you did not give us a spirit of fear, you have given us the SPIRIT of power and of love and of a SOUND MIND!” (2 Tim. 1:7 ) Then this is next, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience GOD’S PEACE, WHICH EXCEEDS ANYTHING WE CAN UNDERSTAND. HIS PEACE WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham