Hi GEMS!

We’ll be taking a look at this wonderful idea of “peace” in the next 2 weeks.

To walk in peace throughout every part of your life is an amazing thing. So much of what our culture throws at us may be “fun”, but it isn’t peaceful. Unfortunately, Satan does a good job of making our human hearts think that we need “fun” more than we need peace. God has wired us for peace – but that doesn’t mean we can’t also have “fun”. What we find is that when we live in such a way that we are pursuing peace, God opens our eyes to amazing “good, clean fun” that fills us up and truly replaces our desire for the worldly “fun” that only leads to fighting, pettiness and regrets.

I’ll be praying for peace in your life – but as you’ll see, peace doesn’t just “happen”…read on!!

Love ya~
Lisa

Thur/July 3: Psalm 34:11-14
The fear of the Lord means that we love Him and have reverence for Him. Notice in verses 13 and 14, the psalmist is telling us to do certain things that will lead to peace. We have to actively choose to live peaceful lives. If all you do is pray for peace but you do not exercise control over your tongue (meaning watch what you say), you are not going to get peaceful results from your relationships. The Holy Spirit in you will help you hold unkind words in – pray and ask for His help.

Fri/July 4: John 8:31-37
In celebration of Independence Day – read these verses and celebrate your freedom from sin and eternal death!!

Sat/July 5: Matthew 5:9
This verse is found in a sermon of Jesus’ known as “The Beatitudes”. He give practical advice on ways to live. Again, notice that he says the “peacemakers” are blessed, not the peaceful. It takes effort to live a peaceful existence.

Sun/July 6: Romans 12:17-21
Paul writes of more ways to live the peaceful, Christian life. Note that this section revolves around verse 18. The other verses just give good practical advice on how to live out your peace.

Mon/July 7: 2 Corinthians 1:2 and then 2 Corinthians 13:11
Notice how Paul opens his letter by wishing “grace and peace” to them (sound familiar? From Doug’s teaching on June 29). In the closing of his letter, Paul wishes them peace again, but here, he is telling them that they need to choose to live that way.

Tues/July 8: 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
The Greek word for “quiet” is the same root word from which “peaceful” also comes. Do you live your life by minding your own business and being productive? You can be a better witness for the love of Jesus in your life if others see you living a peaceful, “quiet” life.

Wed/July 9: Hebrews 12:14
Another verse that is to the point of why we should try to live peaceful lives.

Thur/July 10: James 3:13-18
I love the book of James. He just lays it out. Look how he ties wisdom to peace. Take an honest look at yourself: Do you live with envy, selfish ambition or disorder in your life? Do you want more wisdom and to live in a higher way? Read James 1:5-8.

Fri/July 11: Jeremiah 29:12-13
For those of you who wonder if God hears when you pray (like for wisdom that we read about yesterday) – read this as an assurance that God hears you when you come to Him with a sincere heart.

Sat/July 12: Galatians 5:22
This is the list of the “Fruit of the Spirit” that lots of Christians talk about. Take stock of where you are right now spiritually. Notice that it is not the fruits of the Spirit – it is the fruit (singular). If we are allowing the Spirit to run our lives, all of these characteristics should show up in our lives – not just the ones that are “easy” for us.

Sun/July 13: Ephesians 4:20-32
Another great writing from Paul about how to live a peaceful, Christian life. It is not easy to deny our nature – believe me I know that as much as you. The truth of the Bible shows us that when we choose to live how Jesus taught us, we have peace. When we do what we want and don’t care about Jesus’ way, it can lead to pain and separation from God and others.

Mon/July 14: Philippians 4:4-7
God’s peace is yours when you stay close to Him in prayer.

Tue/July 15: Psalm 85:8-13
God promises peace – but not if His people are going to act like fools. Peace is a benefit of living God’s way – we have to choose to live peacefully. Salvation is completely free – we don’t deserve it and we can do nothing to “get” it: We only have to accept it. Peace, on the other hand, is ours to choose once we have the Holy Spirit living in us.

Wed/July 16: Acts 10:34-36
Peter the apostle/disciple of Jesus is talking for the first time to a man who was not a Jew about the fact that Peter is finally understanding that Jesus came to save all people, not just the Jews. You are so fortunate to live in a time and country where it is easy for you to choose to listen to God and to love Christ. Following Jesus leads to peace.